• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.289-303
• /
• 2015

This study presents a strategy so-called Subspace Search Mechanism (SSM) for reducing the computational time for convergence of population based metaheusristic algorithms. The selected metaheuristic for this study is the Cuckoo Search algorithm (CS) dealing with size optimization of trusses. The complexity of structural optimization problems can be partially due to the presence of high-dimensional design variables. SSM approach aims to reduce dimension of the problem. Design variables are categorized to predefined groups (subspaces). SSM focuses on the multiple use of the metaheuristic at hand for each subspace. Optimizer updates the design variables for each subspace independently. Updating rules require candidate designs evaluation. Each candidate design is the assemblage of responsible set of design variables that define the subspace of interest. SSM is incorporated to the Cuckoo Search algorithm for size optimizing of three small, moderate and large space trusses. Optimization results indicate that SSM enables the CS to work with less number of population (42%), as a result reducing the time of convergence, in exchange for some accuracy (1.5%). It is shown that the loss of accuracy can be lessened with increasing the order of complexity. This suggests its applicability to other algorithms and other complex finite element-based engineering design problems.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.54 no.4
• /
• pp.265-274
• /
• 2021

Objectives: Given the importance of social determinants of health in promoting the health of slum residents, this study was conducted with the aim of identifying the main dimensions and components of these determinants. Methods: This scoping review study was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews). A comprehensive search was performed of PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles conducted from 2010 to the end of 2019. Studies were selected based on inclusion criteria, with a special focus on studies dealing with the social determinants of physical and mental health or illness. Results: Thirty-three articles were selected to extract information on the social determinants of health. After reviewing the articles, 7 main dimensions (housing, socioeconomic status of the family, nutrition, neighborhood characteristics, social support and social capital, occupational factors, and health behaviors) and 87 components were extracted as social determinants of health among slum dwellers. Conclusions: This framework could be used by planners, managers, and policy-makers when making decisions affecting the health of these settlements' residents due to the common characteristics of slums around the world, especially in developing countries.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.151-165
• /
• 2019

Objectives : To analyze the latest study trend on effect of herbal medicine treatment for Colorectal Cancer in South Korea. Methods : The theses about colorectal cancer(from 1th January 2000 to 6th August 2016) were searched from National Assembly Library, KIOM OASIS, and National Digital Science Library. Results : 54 theses were analyzed from 87 studies. They were classified by the type of research; experimental theses and case report. The number of experimental theses is 48 and case report is 6. And, they were classified by the topic of research; Single herb, Herbal decoction, oriental foods and Pharmacopuncture, the number of theses about single herb is 29, herbal decoction is 14, oriental foods is 8 and Pharmacopuncture is 3. Rhus Verniciflua(乾漆), Beakduong-tang(白頭翁湯), Wild Ginseng Pharmacopuncture is the most commonly used herb in our research. Conclusion : There were many attempts to develop the way to cure colorectal cancer using korean herbs, and some meaningful results were reported. However, more clinical researches based on human body and more scientifically designed clinical studies are required to prove the effect on colorectal cancer.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.30-39
• /
• 2018

Introduction: The aim of this study protocol is to share and disclose the methodology used to develop an evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) of therapeutic interventions used in Korean medicine for patients with stroke. Methods: The CPG development process will consist of two phases. In phase I, a development committee will be established, and they will decide the key questions to be answered. A systematic review and meta-analysis will be performed to answer these key questions by searching relevant randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Draft recommendations will be developed according to the evidence level and recommendation grades primarily determined using the GRADE methodology. Panels comprised of external experts will be formed, and surveys and a face-to-face meeting will be conducted to reach a consensus on the recommendations. A preliminary guideline will be created after final review by the development committee. In phase II, we will conduct clinical trials and economic analysis to supplement the lack of evidence found in the phase I. Conclusion: The CPG is expected to help doctors practicing Korean medicine in clinics or hospitals with making decisions based on the most reliable evidence, ultimately leading to the provision of optimal care for patients with stroke.

• Journal of Distribution Science
• /
• v.19 no.11
• /
• pp.69-80
• /
• 2021

Purpose: Consumers have unique behaviors that are classified based on their interests and considerations before buying. They are predicted will change due to the pandemic of COVID-19. This study provides insights for retailers about the dynamic of consumer behavior before and during the pandemic, including future predictions. Research design, data and methodology: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement was applied in this study. Seven studies that were selected from five databases meet the criteria for cohort and cross-sectional analyses of gender, age, store types, and environmental concerns. Results: Consumer's gender and age contribute to consumer behavior change. Both offline and online stores can be integrated as omnichannel rather than substitute each other. Product distribution and consumer budget need to be reevaluated by retailers, while internet security is the most essential factor when developing their online transactions. Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on changing consumer behavior in most countries. Retailers are encouraged to adapt to the changes by modifying their business model with technology. However, it is still speculated and cannot be generalized due to different cultural and contextual factors. Future studies are always needed to synchronize along with the transition of consumers' behavior.

• Journal of Engineering Education Research
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.33-45
• /
• 2022

This study aims to investigate effects of scaffolding on writing apprehension and media literacy in engineering freshmen's synchronous online writing course, and the relationships between the two variables. 'Scaffolding' is in-time support provided by a teacher/tutor or competent peer that enables students to meaningfully gain skills at problem solving process. Also, it is one of the most frequently mentioned concepts in education as well as one of the more necessary teaching strategies in an online writing course. In this study, provided treatments for the experiment were supportive scaffolding for domain-specific knowledge and reflective scaffolding for meta-cognitive knowledge. Participants were 102 engineering undergraduate students, who were assigned to two experimental groups by scaffolding types. A process-based writing course in online learning environment was conducted for 8 weeks. The writing tasks were given according to writing process. The findings were that, firstly, there were statistically significant writing apprehension's reduction and self-expression's improvement through the scaffolding provided in writing class. Secondly, writing apprehension's reduction and self-expression's improvement were significant in supportive scaffolding group. Thirdly, media literacy predicted writing apprehension. The practical implications of these findings are discussed herein, with particular attention on ways for writing apprehension's reduction as well as media literacy's enhancement.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.355-365
• /
• 2023

This study examined the relationship between corporate governance and risk disclosure via a systematic literature review and bibliometric visualization analysis. The study aimed to present evidence of risk disclosure intellectual structure, volume, and development knowledge trends. Data was extracted from Scopus and analyzed with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and RTools. In turn, 64 articles were extracted from the Scopus database. The results demonstrated that the number of corporate governance and risk disclosure publications increased significantly from 2015 to 2019 compared to before 2015. RTools revealed the most prominent journals, authors, and interests in the field. The co-occurrences map was constructed based on 208 keywords from 64 articles, where the keywords were required to appear once in the research. Interestingly, the keyword search yielded new concepts relatively unexplored in the risk disclosure field. The 13 clusters were generated, which contained 1987 total links and 1567 direct citations. Based on the scientific analysis discussion, corporate governance and risk disclosure is an interesting topic that has produced many publications. Applying research keywords arguably aided in producing and publishing papers in top journals. Despite the number of publications decreasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pandemic also presented new opportunities for future research.

• East Asian Journal of Business Economics (EAJBE)
• /
• v.10 no.3
• /
• pp.115-125
• /
• 2022

Purpose - Sports leadership is frequently used as a useful comparison for understanding traits like teamwork and motivation in the business world. Based on the results of numerous studies, this research provides a critical assessment of the current state of knowledge in sport leadership research using methodological advances from other disciplines such as business and economics Research design, Data, and methodology - This research selected the systematic review analysis as its research design. The review analysis is a minimal set of elements for reporting in reviews by evidence. The present author included numerical data with confidence ranges for the most crucial outcomes if the review contained meta-analyses. Result - According to a study in sports, transformational leadership has a positive effect on company success. Communication and commitment, two possible mediators, may strengthen the impact of transformational leadership on cohesiveness. Prior researchers found that intrinsic drive serves as a bridge between transformational leadership and performance. Conclusion - This research concludes that the articles used for data analysis in this study examined the value of sports leadership for business leaders in a number of sports, including athletics and handball, among others. There is a good chance that different sports will provide different insights on the value of sports leadership for CEOs.

• Journal of Distribution Science
• /
• v.21 no.10
• /
• pp.85-95
• /
• 2023

Purpose: Virtual reality's impact on fashion distribution extends beyond singular transactions, facilitating the emergence of novel collaborations. As investigating the characteristics of fashion distribution channels in virtual reality, this study explores how the fashion industry can utilize virtual reality distribution channels to their maximum capacity while minimizing potential disadvantages. Research design, data, and methodology: The approach used to gather previous studies for this study adheres to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. This method is widely acknowledged and recommended for its systematic and transparent approach to selecting relevant literature. This kind of literature search plays a vital role in a systematic evaluation as it informs the results. Results: The finding indicates consistently a total of eight kinds of characteristics of fashion distribution channels in virtual reality. The result means that the attributes of fashion distribution channels in virtual reality are causing significant changes in the fashion industry, revolutionizing the consumer experience, and redefining the parameters of creativity and collaboration. Conclusions: In sum, the global reach and accessibility of modern technology enhance the capacity of fashion companies to expand their market presence. This facilitates their participation in intercultural interactions and allows them to serve a wide range of customers.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
• /
• 2013.01a
• /
• pp.444-450
• /
• 2013

Public private partnership (PPP) procurement was introduced into Singapore in 2003, and 10 PPP projects was successfully completed and have been in operation. The objective of this study is to identify the critical risk factors and risk allocation preferences for PPP projects in Singapore. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive literature review was carried out and 42 risks were identified and grouped into three meta levels, i.e. macro, meso and micro levels. The questionnaire survey produced 48 completed questionnaires from 48 different contractors. The survey results indicated that 23 risk factors had significantly high criticalities and that four macro-level risks, four meso-level risks and two micro-level risks were among the top 10 risk ranking. "Lack of support from government", "availability of finance" and "construction time delay" were perceived as the top three critical risks. Also, the result implied that micro-level risks had a higher criticality mean score than macro-level and meso-level risks. The findings of this study help both public and private sectors to better understand the risks and their allocation in PPP projects, providing valuable information for organizations that intend to participate in PPP projects in Singapore.