• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.87 no.3
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• pp.221-229
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• 2023

Urbanization and industrialization have significantly increased the amount of solid waste produced in recent decades, posing considerable disposal problems and environmental burdens. The practice of waste utilization in concrete has gained popularity among construction practitioners and researchers for the efficient use of resources and the transition to the circular economy in construction. This study employed Lytag aggregate, an environmentally friendly pulverized fuel ash-based lightweight aggregate, as a substitute for natural coarse aggregate. At the same time, fly ash, an industrial by-product, was used as a partial substitute for cement. Concrete mix M20 was experimented with using fly ash and Lytag lightweight aggregate. The percentages of fly ash that make up the replacements were 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%. The Compressive Strength (CS), Split Tensile Strength (STS), and deflection were discovered at these percentages after 56 days of testing. The concrete cube, cylinder, and beam specimens were examined in the explorations, as mentioned earlier. The results indicate that a 10% substitution of cement with fly ash and a replacement of coarse aggregate with Lytag lightweight aggregate produced concrete that performed well in terms of mechanical properties and deflection. The cementitious composites have varying characteristics as the environment changes. Therefore, understanding their mechanical properties are crucial for safety reasons. CS, STS, and deflection are the essential property of concrete. Machine learning (ML) approaches have been necessary to predict the CS of concrete. The Artificial Fish Swarm Optimization (AFSO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Harmony Search (HS) algorithms were investigated for the prediction of outcomes. This work deftly explains the tremendous AFSO technique, which achieves the precise ideal values of the weights in the model to crown the mathematical modeling technique. This has been proved by the minimum, maximum, and sample median, and the first and third quartiles were used as the basis for a boxplot through the standardized method of showing the dataset. It graphically displays the quantitative value distribution of a field. The correlation matrix and confidence interval were represented graphically using the corrupt method.

• Asia Marketing Journal
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.103-118
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• 2012

Although music is one of the most important attributes of broadcasting communications, few studies have examined the relationship between background music and the behavior of audiences, particularly in the context of TV home shopping programs, where purchase decisions are made while watching the show. The objective of this study is to examine whether certain characteristics of music in broadcasting communications can affect the audiences' purchase intentions or behaviors. Unlike previous studies on this issue, this study considers the impulse-inducing capability (IIC) of music as an important variable affecting consumers' purchase intension. A 2×3 (high/low involvement and high/low/no IIC music) between subjects design was used for the experiments in the study. The TV home shopping programs in the high or low involvement condition were identical except for the type of background music: high IIC music, low IIC music, and no music. A total of 188 undergraduate students at a college in Seoul, South Korea participated in the study. Their ages range from 20 to 25 (median age = 22), and nearly 60% were male. Our analysis showed that in the low involvement condition, high IIC music was more likely to have a positive effect on purchase intentions than low IIC (common) music or no music did. Meanwhile, there was not any significant relationship between music and purchase intentions in the high involvement condition. Given that previous studies have provided no clear evidence of the effects of music on consumers' purchase intentions or behaviors, this study makes an important contribution to the literature in this field. The result of this study provides implications to the practitioners in the market, too. Marketers need to reevaluate the value of music used in broadcasting communications and pay more attention to find the right music for their campaigns. Limitations of this study as well as directions for future studies are also discussed.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.6-16
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• 2013

Recent estimates for colon cancer incidence in Korea have been increased and continue to rank as the second most common in male and the third in female. Although colonoscopy has been known as the best screening tool for colon cancer, 20-25% of patients with colon cancer was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. During the past 10 years, intensive clinical studies helped to establish the value of palliative treatment for colon cancer with metastasis. The introduction of new chemotherapeutic agents such as irinotecan and oxaliplatin has led to a significant increase in tumor response and median survival. In advanced colon cancer, impressive prolongation or overall survival can be achieved through sequential application of combined systemic chemotherapy. In addition, targeted manipulation of molecular tumor mechanisms with new substances such as monoclonal antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor or vascular endothelial growth factor shows promising effects. Progress in the systemic treatment of colon cancer is evident, not only because of the significant increase in life expectancy in advanced colon cancer.

• Clinical Pain
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.70-75
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• 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of infrared thermography in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome by comparing with electrodiagnostic and ultrasonographic findings. Method: From January 2014 to October 2017, electrodiagnosis, ultrasound, and digital infrared thermal image (DITI) of unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed in a single hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The subjects with bilateral symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, fibromyalgia, rheumatic disease, systemic infection, inflammation, malignant tumor, and other musculoskeletal disorders such as finger osteoarthritis, peripheral neuropathy, cervical radiculopathy, and the previous history of surgery were excluded. Results: Of 53 patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, 11 were male and 42 were female. The visual analogue scale was 4.9 ± 1.9, and the duration of symptom was 11.8 ± 12.5 months. There was no statistically significant difference in the body surface temperature between the unaffected and affected sides. The severity of symptoms, electrodiagnostic findings, and cross-sectional area of the median nerve significantly correlates to each other. The temperature difference between the second fingers of the affected and unaffected sides showed a weak correlation with the amplitude of sensory nerve action potential and onset latency of compound muscle action potential, when there was no significant correlation with the other parameters. Conclusion: The difference in temperature on the surface of the body, which can be confirmed by DITI, is little diagnostic value when DITI is performed in unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome patients, especially when compared with ultrasonography.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.735-741
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• 2021

Objective: To evaluate circularity as a quantitative shape factor of small renal tumor on computed tomography (CT) in differentiating fat-poor angiomyolipoma (AML) from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and Methods: In 257 consecutive patients, 257 pathologically confirmed renal tumors (either AML or RCC less than 4 cm), which did not include visible fat on unenhanced CT, were retrospectively evaluated. A radiologist drew the tumor margin to measure the perimeter and area in all the contrast-enhanced axial CT images. In each image, a quantitative shape factor, circularity, was calculated using the following equation: 4 x π x (area ÷ perimeter²). The median circularity (circularity index) was adopted as a representative value in each tumor. The circularity index was compared between fat-poor AML and RCC, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictor of fat-poor AML. Results: Of the 257 tumors, 26 were AMLs and 231 were RCCs (184 clear cell RCCs, 25 papillary RCCs, and 22 chromophobe RCCs). The mean circularity index of AML was significantly lower than that of RCC (0.86 ± 0.04 vs. 0.93 ± 0.02, p < 0.001). The mean circularity index was not different between the subtypes of RCCs (0.93 ± 0.02, 0.92 ± 0.02, and 0.92 ± 0.02 for clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe RCCs, respectively, p = 0.210). The area under the ROC curve of circularity index was 0.924 for differentiating fat-poor AML from RCC. The sensitivity and specificity were 88.5% and 90.9%, respectively (cut-off, 0.90). Lower circularity index (≤ 0.9) was an independent predictor (odds ratio, 41.0; p < 0.001) for predicting fat-poor AML on multivariable logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Circularity is a useful quantitative shape factor of small renal tumor for differentiating fat-poor AML from RCC.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.9
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• pp.1481-1489
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• 2021

Objective: To construct a CT-based Fagotti scoring system by analyzing the correlations between laparoscopic findings and CT features in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with stage III/IV ovarian cancer who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and debulking surgery between January 2010 and June 2018. Two radiologists independently reviewed preoperative CT scans and assessed ten CT features known as predictors of suboptimal cytoreduction. Correlation analysis between ten CT features and seven laparoscopic parameters based on the Fagotti scoring system was performed using Spearman's correlation. Variable selection and model construction were performed by logistic regression with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method using a predictive index value (PIV) ≥ 8 as an indicator of suboptimal cytoreduction. The final CT-based scoring system was internally validated using 5-fold cross-validation. Results: A total of 157 patients (median age, 56 years; range, 27-79 years) were evaluated. Among 120 (76.4%) patients with a PIV ≥ 8, 105 patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery, and the optimal cytoreduction rate was 90.5% (95 of 105). Among 37 (23.6%) patients with PIV < 8, 29 patients underwent primary debulking surgery, and the optimal cytoreduction rate was 93.1% (27 of 29). CT features showing significant correlations with PIV ≥ 8 were mesenteric involvement, gastro-transverse mesocolon-splenic space involvement, diaphragmatic involvement, and para-aortic lymphadenopathy. The area under the receiver operating curve of the final model for prediction of PIV ≥ 8 was 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.62-0.82). Conclusion: Central tumor burden and upper abdominal spread features on preoperative CT were identified as distinct predictive factors for high PIV on diagnostic laparoscopy. The CT-based PIV prediction model might be useful for patient stratification before cytoreduction surgery for advanced ovarian cancer.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.23-36
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• 2024

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the quality of case reports published in the Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine from May 2018 to December 2023 and compare them with case reports from January 2015 to April 2018. Methods Case reports were searched on the Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine website, and the selected reports were evaluated for CARE (CAse REport) guideline. Results There were a total of nine case reports selected for evaluation. The median value evaluated as 'sufficiently' increased compared to the case reports from January 2015 to April 2018 (61.5%→70.37%). The 'Not reported' rates of item 7 'Timeline of case' and item 10d 'Adverse and unanticipated events' decreased the most. However, since the 'Not reported' rate still exceeds 50%, continuous improvement is needed. Both item 11a 'Strengths and limitations of discussion', item 1 'The word "case report" and item 10a 'Clinician and patient-assessed outcomes' were reported 100% 'sufficiently,' and the quality of reports improved. Conclusions Case reports published in the Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine are generally improving in quality of reporting.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.114-123
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• 2024

Purpose: Appropriate scoring systems can help classify and treat polytrauma patients. This study aimed to validate chest trauma scoring systems in polytrauma patients. Methods: Data from 1,038 polytrauma patients were analyzed. The primary outcomes were one or more complications: pneumonia, chest complications requiring surgery, and mortality. The Thoracic Trauma Severity Score (TTSS), Chest Trauma Score, Rib Fracture Score, and RibScore were compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis in patients with or without head trauma. Results: In total, 1,038 patients were divided into two groups: those with complications (822 patients, 79.2%) and those with no complications (216 patients, 20.8%). Sex and body mass index did not significantly differ between the groups. However, age was higher in the complications group (64.1±17.5 years vs. 54.9±17.6 years, P<0.001). The proportion of head trauma patients was higher (58.3% vs. 24.6%, P<0.001) and the Glasgow Coma Scale score was worse (median [interquartile range], 12 [6.5-15] vs. 15 [14-15]; P<0.001) in the complications group. The number of rib fractures, the degree of rib fracture displacement, and the severity of pulmonary contusions were also higher in the complications group. In the area under the ROC curve analysis, the TTSS showed the highest predictive value for the entire group (0.731), head trauma group (0.715), and no head trauma group (0.730), while RibScore had the poorest performance (0.643, 0.622, and 0.622, respectively) Conclusions: Early injury severity detection and grading are crucial for patients with blunt chest trauma. The chest trauma scoring systems introduced to date, including the TTSS, are not acceptable for clinical use, especially in polytrauma patients with traumatic brain injury. Therefore, further revisions and analyses of chest trauma scoring systems are recommended.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.512-521
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• 2023

Objective: There is increasing recognition that left atrial (LA) strain can be a prognostic marker of various cardiac diseases. However, its prognostic value in acute myocarditis remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived parameters of LA strain can predict outcomes in patients with acute myocarditis. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 47 consecutive patients (44.2 ± 18.3 years; 29 males) with acute myocarditis who underwent CMR in 13.5 ± 9.7 days (range, 0-31 days) of symptom onset. Various parameters, including feature-tracked CMR-derived LA strain, were measured using CMR. The composite endpoints included cardiac death, heart transplantation, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or pacemaker implantation, rehospitalization following a cardiac event, atrial fibrillation, or embolic stroke. The Cox regression analysis was performed to identify associations between the variables derived from CMR and the composite endpoints. Results: After a median follow-up of 37 months, 20 of the 47 (42.6%) patients experienced the composite events. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, LA reservoir and conduit strains were independent predictors of the composite endpoints, with an adjusted hazard ratio per 1% increase of 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-0.96; P = 0.002) and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.84-0.98; P = 0.013), respectively. Conclusion: LA reservoir and conduit strains derived from CMR are independent predictors of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocarditis.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.128-134
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• 2023

Purpose: The Prescott nomogram has been utilized to forecast hepatotoxicity from acute acetaminophen poisoning. In developing countries, emergency medical centers lack the resources to report acetaminophen concentrations; thus, the commencement and cessation of treatment are based on the reported dose. This study investigated risk factors that can predict acetaminophen detection after 15 hours for safe treatment termination. Methods: Data were collected from an urban emergency medical center from 2010 to 2020. The study included patients ≥14 years of age with acute acetaminophen poisoning within 15 hours. The correlation between risk factors and detection of acetaminophen 15 hours after ingestion was evaluated using logistic regression, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Results: In total, 181 patients were included in the primary analysis; the median dose was 150.9 mg/kg and 35 patients (19.3%) had acetaminophen detected 15 hours after ingestion. The dose per weight and the time to visit were significant predictors for acetaminophen detection after 15 hours (odds ratio, 1.020 and 1.030, respectively). The AUCs were 0.628 for a 135 mg/kg cut-off value and 0.658 for a cut-off 450 minutes, and that of the combined model was 0.714 (sensitivity: 45.7%, specificity: 91.8%). Conclusion: Where acetaminophen concentrations are not reported during treatment following the UK guidelines, it is safe to start N-acetylcysteine immediately for patients who are ≥14 years old, visit within 15 hours after acute poisoning, and report having ingested ≥135 mg/kg. Additional N-acetylcysteine doses should be considered for patients visiting after 8 hours.