• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.291-304
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• 2022

Maximum shear modulus (G_max or G₀) is an important soil property useful for many engineering applications, such as the analysis of soil-structure interactions, soil stability, liquefaction evaluation, ground deformation and performance of seismic design. In the current study, bender element (BE) tests are used to evaluate the effect of the void ratio, effective confining pressure, grading characteristics (D₅₀, C_u and C_c), anisotropic consolidation and initial fabric anisotropy produced during specimen preparation on the G_max of sand-gravel mixtures. Based on the tests results, an empirical equation is proposed to predict G_max in granular soils, evaluated by the experimental data. The artificial neural network (ANN) and Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) models were also applied. Coefficient of determination (R²) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) between predicted and measured values of G_max were calculated for the empirical equation, ANN and ANFIS. The results indicate that all methods accuracy is high; however, ANFIS achieves the highest accuracy amongst the presented methods.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.275-284
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• 2024

This work presents a comprehensive investigation of buckling behavior of bidirectional functionally graded imperfect beams exposed to several thermal loading with general boundary conditions. The nonlinear governing equations are derived based on 2D shear deformation theory together with Von Karman strain-displacement relation. The beams are composed of two different materials. Its properties are porosity-dependent and are continuously distributed over the length and thickness of the beams following a defined law. The resulting equations are solved analytically in order to determine the thermal buckling characteristics of BDFG porous beams. The precision of the current solution and its accuracy have been proven by comparison with works previously published. Numerical examples are presented to explore the effects of the thermal loading, the elastic foundation parameters, the porosity distribution, the grading indexes and others factors on the nonlinear thermal buckling of bidirectional FG beam rested on elastic foundation.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.19-32
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• 2024

Functionally graded-carbon nanotube (FG-CNT) is expected to be a new generation of materials with a wide range of potential applications in technological fields such as aerospace, defense, energy, and structural industries. In this paper, an exact finite strip method for functionally graded-carbon nanotube sandwich plates is developed using first-order shear deformation theory to get the exact natural frequencies of the plates. The face sheets of the plates are made of FG-CNT with continuous and smooth grading based on the power law index. The equations of motion have been generated based on the Hamilton principle. By extracting the exact stiffness matrix for any strip of the sandwich plate as a non-algebraic function of natural frequencies, it is possible to calculate the exact free vibration frequencies. The accuracy and efficiency of the current method is established by comparing its findings to the results of the literature works. Examples are presented to prove the efficiency of the generated method to deal with various problems, such as the influence of the length-to-height ratio, the power law index, and a core-to-face sheet thickness of the single and multi-span sandwich plates with various boundary conditions on the natural frequencies. The exact results obtained from this analysis can check the validity and accuracy of other numerical methods.

• Coupled systems mechanics
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.359-373
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• 2024

The present study aims to investigate the free vibration of bi-directional functionally graded (BDFG) beams using a refined shear deformation (RSD) theory. Power law variation of material composition was considered along thickness and longitudinal directions. The beams are considered simply supported. The methodology adopted is the Hamilton principle and the governing equation was solved using Navier's method for simply supported boundary conditions. A metal-ceramic combination of materials was used to provide gradation as per power law variation. The equivalent elasticity modulus and density of BDFG were computed using the rule of mixture. The results of the study were related to published works and found to be a good match. The effect of grading parameters in the thickness and longitudinal direction was studied to investigate its impact on the natural frequency.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.9
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• pp.4079-4083
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• 2014

Background: Previous studies have showed that argonaute 2 is a potential factor related to genesis of several cancers, however, there have been no reports concerning gliomas. Methods: Paraffin specimens of 129 brain glioma cases were collected from a hospital affiliated to Binzhou Medical University from January 2008 to July 2013. We examined both argonaute 2 mRNA and protein expression by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The survival curves of the patients were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression, and the log-rank test was used for statistical evaluations. Results: Both argonaute 2 mRNA and protein were upregulated in high-grade when compared to low-grade tumor tissues. Multivariate analysis revealed that argonaute 2 protein expression was independently associated with the overall survival (HR=4.587, 95% CI: 3.001-6.993; P=0.002), and that argonaute 2 protein expression and WHO grading were independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival (HR=4.792, 95% CI: 3.993-5.672; P<0.001, and HR=2.109, 95% CI: 1.278-8.229; P=0.039, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test indicated that high argonaute 2 protein expression had a significant impact on overall survival (P=0.0169) and progression-free survival (P=0.0324). Conclusions: The present study showed that argonaute 2 expression is up-regulated in gliomas. Argonaute 2 might also serve as a novel prognostic marker.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.323-341
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• 2019

Background: Local anesthetics alone or in combination with adjuncts, such as oral medications, have routinely been used for pain control during endodontic treatment. The best clinical choice amongst the vast numbers of agents and techniques available for pain control for irreversible pulpitis is unclear. This network meta-analysis combined the available evidence on agents and techniques for pulpal anesthesia in the maxilla and mandible, in order to identify the best amongst these approaches statistically, as a basis for future clinical trials. Methods: Randomized trials in MEDLINE, DARE, and COCHRANE databases were screened based on inclusion criteria and data were extracted. Heterogeneity was assessed and odds ratios were used to estimate effects. Inconsistencies between direct and indirect pooled estimates were evaluated by H-statistics. The Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation working group approach was used to assess evidence quality. Results: Sixty-two studies (nine studies in the maxilla and 53 studies in the mandible) were included in the meta-analysis. Increased mandibular pulpal anesthesia success was observed on premedication with aceclofenac + paracetamol or supplemental 4% articaine buccal infiltration or ibuprofen+paracetamol premedication, all the above mentioned with 2% lignocaine inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). No significant difference was noted for any of the agents investigated in terms of the success rate of maxillary pulpal anesthesia. Conclusion: Direct and indirect comparisons indicated that some combinations of IANB with premedication and/or supplemental infiltration had a greater chance of producing successful mandibular pulpal anesthesia. No ideal technique for maxillary anesthesia emerged. Randomized clinical trials with increased sample size may be needed to provide more conclusive data. Our findings suggest that further high-quality studies are required in order to provide definitive direction to clinicians regarding the best agents and techniques to use for mandibular and maxillary anesthesia for irreversible pulpitis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7497-7500
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• 2013

Background: This study concerns clinical characteristics and survival of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients in University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), as well as the prognostic significance of presenting symptoms. Materials and Methods: The clinical characteristics, presenting symptoms and survival of RCC patients (n=151) treated at UMMC from 2003-2012 were analysed. Symptoms evaluated were macrohaematuria, flank pain, palpable abdominal mass, fever, lethargy, loss of weight, anaemia, elevated ALP, hypoalbuminemia and thrombocytosis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the prognostic significance of these presenting symptoms. Kaplan Meier and log rank tests were employed for survival analysis. Results: The 2002 TNM staging was a prognostic factor (p<0.001) but Fuhrman grading was not significantly correlated with survival (p=0.088). At presentation, 76.8% of the patients were symptomatic. Generally, symptomatic tumours had a worse survival prognosis compared to asymptomatic cases (p=0.009; HR 4.74). All symptoms significantly affect disease specific survival except frank haematuria and loin pain on univariate Cox regression analysis. On multivariate analysis adjusted for stage, only clinically palpable abdominal mass remained statistically significant (p=0.027). The mean tumour size of palpable abdominal masses, $9.5{\pm}4.3cm$, was larger than non palpable masses, $5.3{\pm}2.7cm$ (p<0.001). Conclusions: This is the first report which includes survival information of RCC patients from Malaysia. Here the TNM stage and a palpable abdominal mass were independent predictors for survival. Further investigations using a multicentre cohort to analyse mortality and survival rates may aid in improving management of these patients.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.447-461
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• 2015

The purpose of this study is to develop a torso pattern that is highly representative for the proper body shape of women in their thirties. Size data of the women with age of 30 through 39 from the database of Size Korea 2004 were used for the study. In order to develop a master pattern which will be used as the benchmark for grading of research group, 4 existing torso block drafting methods were compared based on the data gathered and the block with the highest evaluation score was utilized as a reference point. For the analysis, data was divided into four types, only the data of 138 subjects which were evaluated at least by four or more experts as valid were used for the study. The major results can be summarized as follow. The women of bust girth of 91cm and height of 160cm which was turned out to be representative type of research group were used as standard measurement for the purpose of reflecting not only curve length of the 3D analysis measurement but also the difference between front and back thickness to the pattern. Dart locations were set based on front and back torso ease, shoulder area revisions, front sagging length 1.5cm and cross section crevice length analysis. According to the experts' appearance evaluation of the pattern was found to be better than the control pattern which was regarded as the best among 4 patterns created based on existing torso block drafting methods.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.404-410
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• 2009

In this study, research for physical and chemical characteristics were conducted through analysis of sediments, grading and heavy metals (e.g., Mn, Cu, Cd, Zn and Pb ) in sewers which are classified by drainage types. After that, cement solidification and yellow soil calcinations made heavy metals stabilized and then, ways of recycling it were examined. The grain size distribution of all sediments was relative graded. When evaluating heavy metal pollution through index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), Cu showed moderately pollution or strong pollution in forest and street site and Zn was assessed by moderately pollution in military, residential, and street site. Analysis of Pearson Correlation coefficient of heavy metal indicated that all items in street site have tight relationship respectively. Especially, Cd-Zn, Cu-Pb, Cu-Mn, and Pb-Mn have relationship at 99% confidence intervals in statistical analysis. Recycling it with cement solidification was satisfied with compressive strength standard under 55% deposit contents and Zn, Pb, Mn were stabilized effectively. If time and temperature plasticity and compressive strength would be standard, it is revealed that yellow soil calcinations is valuable aggregate when it has 50-60 Wt% contents. When considering economic feasibility and stabilization of heavy metals, cement solidification would be more appropriate than yellow soil calcinations as solution to recycling.

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
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• v.9 no.9
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• pp.1131-1138
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• 2006

This paper proposes a novel method for grading of underground communication conduits by laser projection image analysis. The equipment thrust into conduit consists of a laser diode, a light emitting diode and a camera, the laser diode is utilized for generating projection image onto pipe wall, the light emitting diode for lighting environment and the image of conduit is acquired by the camera. In order to segment profile region, we used a novel color difference model and multiple thresholds method. The shape of profile ring is represented as a minimum diameter and the Fourier descriptor, and then the pipe status is graded by the rule-based method. Both local and global features of the segmented ring shaped, the minimum diameter and the Fourier descriptor, are utilized, therefore injured and distorted pipes can be correctly graded. From the experimental results, the classification is measured with accuracy such that false alarms are less than 2% under the various conditions.