• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.175-193
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• 2024

Researchers have embarked on an active investigation into the feasibility of adopting alternative materials as a solution to the mounting environmental and economic challenges associated with traditional concrete-based construction materials, such as reinforced concrete. The examination of concrete's mechanical properties using laboratory methods is a complex, time-consuming, and costly endeavor. Consequently, the need for models that can overcome these drawbacks is urgent. Fortunately, the ever-increasing availability of data has paved the way for the utilization of machine learning methods, which can provide powerful, efficient, and cost-effective models. This study aims to explore the potential of twelve machine learning algorithms in predicting the tensile strength of geopolymer concrete (GPC) under various curing conditions. To fulfill this objective, 221 datasets, comprising tensile strength test results of GPC with diverse mix ratios and curing conditions, were employed. Additionally, a number of unseen datasets were used to assess the overall performance of the machine learning models. Through a comprehensive analysis of statistical indices and a comparison of the models' behavior with laboratory tests, it was determined that nearly all the models exhibited satisfactory potential in estimating the tensile strength of GPC. Nevertheless, the artificial neural networks and support vector regression models demonstrated the highest robustness. Both the laboratory tests and machine learning outcomes revealed that GPC composed of 30% fly ash and 70% ground granulated blast slag, mixed with 14 mol of NaOH, and cured in an oven at 300°F for 28 days exhibited superior tensile strength.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.216-228
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to apply the handheld Raman spectrometer to identify the coloring materials used in a large Buddhist painting (of Maitreya Buddha) at Janggoksa Temple through cross-validation with HH-XRF. An in situ investigation was performed together with use of a digital microscope and HH-XRF analysis to verify the properties of pigments used in the gwaebul ("large Buddhist painting") via a non-destructive method. However, the identification of coloring materials composed of light elements and mixed or overlaid pigments is difficult using only non-destructive analysis data. Unlike in situ investigation, laboratory analysis often required samples yet the sampling is restricted to a small quantity due to the cultural heritage characteristic. Thus, it is necessary to develop a non-destructive in situ method to supplement the HH-XRF data. The large Buddhist painting at Janggoksa Temple was painted mainly using white, red, yellow, green, and blue colors. The Raman spectroscopy provides molecular information, while XRF spectroscopy provides information about elemental composition of the pigments. Analysis results identified various coloring materials: inorganic pigment, such as lead white, minium, cinnabar, and orpiment, as well as organic pigment such as gamboge and indigo. Therefore, it is possible to obtain more information for the identification of pigments; organic pigment and mixed or overlaid pigments, while at the same time minimizing the collection sample and simplifying the analysis procedure compared to previously used methods. The results of this study will be used as basic data for the analysis of painting cultural heritage through a non-destructive in situ method in the future.

• Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.935-943
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• 2015

Permanent magnetic actuators (P.M.A.s) are widely used to drive medium-voltage-class vacuum circuit breakers (V.C.B.s). In this paper, a method for design optimization of a P.M.A. for V.C.B.s is discussed. An optimal design process employing the response surface method (R.S.M.) is proposed. In order to calculate electromagnetic and mechanical dynamic characteristics, an initial P.M.A. model is subjected to numerical analysis using finite element analysis (F.E.A.), which is validated by comparing the calculated dynamic characteristics of the initial P.M.A. model with no-load test results. Using tables of mixed orthogonal arrays and the R.S.M., the initial P.M.A. model is optimized to minimize the weight of the permanent magnet (P.M.) and to improve the dynamic characteristics. Finally, the dynamic characteristics of the optimally designed P.M.A. are compared to those of the initially designed P.M.A.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.34-37
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• 2013

Objective : The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prevalence, types, and locations of Modic changes (MCs) in the thoracic spine in a large number of subjects, and to investigate the relation between the distributions of MCs and disc herniations (DHs) in the thoracic spine. Methods : Two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists assessed the presence of MCs and DHs by consensus in the thoracic MRIs of 144 patients with non-specific back pain. Patient ages ranged from 22 to 88 years (mean=$53.3{\pm}14.66$ years), and 72 were female (50%). The prevalence, distribution, relation of MCs and DHs was recorded. Results : MC was observed in 8 of the 144 patients (5.6%) and 10 of 1728 segments (0.58%). The most common MC was type II. Of the 8 patients exhibiting MC, 6 had type II (75.0%), and 2 had mixed MCs (type I/II or type II/III). MCs were distributed mainly at the mid-thoracic level (from T5/6 to T9/10). DH was detected in 18 patients (12.5%), 36 of 1728 segments (2.1%). Of the 10 segments exhibiting MC, 5 had DHs at the same level (50.0%). Accordingly, DH was strongly associated with MC (p=0.000). Conclusion : A low prevalence of MC was observed in the thoracic spine, and type II MC predominated. The low prevalence of MC in the thoracic spine suggests that it was caused by a relative lack of mobility as compared with the cervical and lumbar spines. And DHs were found to be strongly associated with MCs even in the thoracic spine.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.90-96
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• 2015

Garlic generally becomes coinfected with several types of viruses belonging to the Potyvirus, Carlavirus, and Allexivirus genera. These viruses produce characteristically similar symptoms, they cannot be easily identified by electron microscopy (EM) or immunological detection methods, and they are currently widespread around the world, thereby affecting crop yields and crop quality adversely. For the early and reliable detection of garlic viruses, virus-specific sets of primers, including species-specific and genus-specific primers were designed. To effectively detect the twelve different types of garlic viruses, primer mixtures were tested and divided into two independent sets for multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The multiplex PCR assays were able to detect specific targets up to the similar dilution series with monoplex reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Seventy-two field samples collected by the Gyeongbuk Agricultural Technology Administration were analyzed by multiplex RT-PCR. All seventy two samples were infected with at least one virus, and the coinfection rate was 78%. We conclude that the simultaneous detection system developed in this study can effectively detect and differentiate mixed viral infections in garlic.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.420-425
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• 2007

Purpose:The mechanism of scar formation is not fully understood. Fibroblast is an important cell in wound healing process. We experienced a patient who was taking progesterone orally. Upper blepharoplasty was performed on her but, wound healing was delayed. We hypothesized that progesterone was the cause of delayed wound healing and fibroblast proliferation inhibition. We investigated the effect of progesterone in vitro on human dermal fibroblasts to study the effects on fibroblast proliferation. Methods: Human dermal fibroblasts from four persons were cultured initially. Progesterone is mixed to them at various concentrations, and fibroblast cell count was measured by MTT assay method at 570 nm. We confirmed that progesterone has some inhibitory effect on fibroblast proliferation and maximal inhibitory concentration of progesterone was determined. Then fibroblasts from a total of nineteen persons were cultured and the effects of progesterone were studied. Results: The initial study showed the maximal inhibitory concentration of progesterone to be $50{\mu}g/ml$. The main study showed that progesterone had 70.9% inhibitory effect on human dermal fibroblast in vitro. Conclusion: Progesterone has inhibitory effect on cultured human dermal fibroblast proliferation in vitro.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.344-350
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• 2020

PURPOSE. Recently introduced hybrid and reinforced glass ceramic computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) materials have been used for full-coverage restorations. However; the effect of adjustment and type of materials on internal and marginal adaptation are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the marginal and internal adaptations of crowns made of three different CAD/CAM materials before and after adjustment. MATERIALS AND METHODS. One acrylic resin maxillary first molar was prepared and served as the master die. Thirty-six restorations were fabricated using CAD/CAM system (CEREC Omnicam, MCXL) with three materials including lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD), zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (Suprinity), and hybrid ceramic (Enamic). Internal and marginal adaptations were evaluated with the reference point matching technique before and after adjustment. The data were analyzed using mixed ANOVA considering α=.05 as the significance level. RESULTS. The effect of adjustment and its interaction with the restoration material were significant for marginal, absolute marginal, and occlusal discrepancies (P<.05). Before adjustment, Suprinity had lower marginal discrepancies than IPS e.max CAD (P=.18) and Enamic (P=.021); though no significant differences existed after adjustment. CONCLUSION. Within the limitations of this study, crowns fabricated from IPS e.max CAD and Suprinity resulted in slightly better adaptation compared with Enamic crowns before adjustment. However, marginal, axial, and occlusal discrepancies were similar among all materials after the adjustment.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.453-467
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• 2022

This study aims to conduct a content analysis of research on workplace counseling with a focus on workplace counselors. This study analyzed a total of 22 research papers on workplace counselors published until January 2021 including thesis, dissertation and journal articles, focusing on year of publication, research topics, subjects, and methodologies. The results are as follows. The number of publications in this area has been increasing continuously since 2008. The most frequently studied topics were roles and competencies of workplace counselors and workplace counselors' adjustment to the job. Workplace counselors(77%) were the most commonly studied research subjects and all three parties of workplace counseling(18%) followed. The qualitative method was employed way more (63%) than mixed methods(27%) and quantitative method(9%). The implications of the findings and recommendations for future research on the basis of the results of this study are provided.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.296-303
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• 2022

Background: Skin microbiota is important for maintenance of skin homeostasis; however, its disturbance may cause an increase in pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, we aimed to develop a red ginseng formulation that can selectively promote beneficial bacteria. Methods: The effects of red ginseng formulation on microorganism growth were analyzed by comparing the growth rates of Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, and Cutibacterium acnes. Various preservatives mixed with red ginseng formulation were evaluated to determine the ideal composition for selective growth promotion of S. epidermidis. Red ginseng formulation with selected preservative was loaded into a biocompatible polymer mixture and applied to the faces of 20 female subjects in the clinical trial to observe changes in the skin microbiome. Results: Red ginseng formulation promoted the growth of S. aureus and S. epidermidis compared to fructooligosaccharide. When 1,2-hexanediol was applied with red ginseng formulation, only S. epidermidis showed selective growth. The analysis of the release rates of ginsenoside-Rg1 and -Re revealed that the exact content of Pluronic F-127 was around 11%. The application of hydrogel resulted in a decrease in C. acnes in all subjects. In subjects with low levels of S. epidermidis, the distribution of S. epidermidis was significantly increased with the application of hydrogel formulation and total microbial species of subjects decreased by 50% during the clinical trial. Conclusion: We confirmed that red ginseng formulation with 1,2-hexanediol can help maintain skin homeostasis through improvement of skin microbiome.

• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.7 no.1 s.23
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• pp.1-9
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• 2005

This is a basic research for producing hot-mix recycled asphalt mixtures and suggesting methods for solving quality problems, if any. Various mixing methods are introduced to mate aging evenly between old and virgin aggregates and to improve aging conditions. Gel-permeation chromatography(GPC) analysis was performed to evaluate aging of binders coated on coarse aggregates and a matrix separately. Round-shaped aggregates(13m gravel) were used in manufacturing mixtures for analysis of aging levels in recycled mixtures. It was found out that there was significant difference in aging levels between the binder coated on RAP's coarse aggregates and on virgin aggregates in a recycled mixture. The difference in the aging level was reduced by modifying mixing method(RAP and virgin binders were mixed first and then virgin aggregates were introduced). Among A to E mixing methods studied, the D was turned out to be the best.