• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.296-306
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• 2022

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of peripheral neuropathy symptoms, self-care ability, and disturbances to daily life on quality of life (QoL) among gynecological cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: The participants included 144 patients with gynecological cancer undergoing anticancer chemotherapy at a tertiary hospital in Seoul, South Korea, from December 1, 2021 to January 28, 2022. Convenience sampling was used to recruit patients who had received 4 or more cycles of chemotherapy using a paclitaxel-platinum regimen, and a self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, the t-test, analysis of variance, Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis were performed. Results: Most of the participants had ovarian cancer (70.1%) or endometrial cancer (14.6%), and the most common number of treatment cycles was 6 to 10 (29.2%). The mean QoL (60.83±19.89) was greater than the midpoint. The regression model analyzing the patients' QoL was statistically significant (F=15.38, p<.001) with an explanatory power of 56.7%. Self-care ability (β=.39, p<.001), disturbances to daily life (β=-.38, p<.001), the duration of peripheral neuropathy symptoms (β=2.14, p=.034), and regular exercise (β=-2.12, p=.036) were found to significantly affect QoL. Conclusion: Efforts to improve the self-care ability of gynecological cancer patients who have experienced peripheral neuropathy after receiving chemotherapy and mitigate disturbances to their daily life can improve their QoL. Healthcare professionals should identify peripheral neuropathy symptoms and examine the effects of the symptoms on patients' daily lives. Improving the self-care ability of patients and alleviating their limitations in daily life may improve QoL.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.5-17
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• 2023

The advancement in large-scale underground excavation in urban areas necessitates monitoring and predicting technologies that can pre-emptively mitigate risk factors at construction sites. Traditionally, two methods predict the deformation of retaining walls induced by excavation: empirical and numerical analysis. Recent progress in artificial intelligence technology has led to the development of a predictive model using machine learning techniques. This study developed a model for predicting the deformation of a retaining wall under construction using a boosting-based algorithm and an ensemble model with outstanding predictive power and efficiency. A database was established using the data from the design-construction-maintenance process of the underground retaining wall project in a manifold manner. Based on these data, a learning model was created, and the performance was evaluated. The boosting and ensemble models demonstrated that wall deformation could be accurately predicted. In addition, it was confirmed that prediction results with the characteristics of the actual construction process can be presented using data collected from ground measurements. The predictive model developed in this study is expected to be used to evaluate and monitor the stability of retaining walls under construction.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.25 no.12
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• pp.589-600
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• 2022

Longline fishery targeting tunas and tuna-like species is known to produce a significant amount of catch not only for the target species, but also for ecologically related species like sharks, marine turtles, sea birds and marine mammals. Recognizing this seriousness, tuna related regional fisheries management organizations (t-RFMOs) have established conservation and management measures (CMMs) to reduce bycatch and/or interaction with ecosystem vulnerable species including sea turtles and are obliged to implement bycatch mitigation measures and guidelines on safe release to their member countries. Along with development and strengthening of those measures, various case studies have been conducting to verify the effectiveness of bycatch mitigation for ecologically related species. This study examines the background and progress on developing CMMs of t-RFMOs and regulation programs of the United States related to sea turtles, which have recently become one of the main issues, and reviews case studies on sea turtle bycatch mitigation measures to find out the effectiveness of reducing bycatch rate and impacts to the fisheries. In order to respond the consultation process on certification determination with the United States, it was confirmed the current status of implementation on related measures conducted by Korean tuna longline fishery based on scientific observer data and survey for captains. Even though all Korean tuna longline fleets belong to the deep-set longline fishery (100-300m), which is not subject to the obligation of those mitigation measures, they are voluntarily implementing both measures, use of circle hook and whole finfish bait, regardless of which RFMO's Convention area they operate. And the national regulatory and management programs for sea turtle bycatch prevention adopted by Republic of Korea seems to be comparable in effectiveness to that of the United Stated. However, Korea needs to take preemptive measures in establishing sustainable fisheries, including the protection of the marine ecosystem and environment, as stronger requests are anticipated to be made by the international community on this matter.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.285-293
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• 2023

In this research, we embarked on a meticulous analysis of the challenges inherent in real-world scenarios relating to the durability design standards of engineered concrete structures and the assessment of carbonation durability in concrete guidelines. Our investigation brought to light substantial issues concerning constructability and quality assurance. The genesis of these problems is the exclusive application of prescribed strength to exterior walls, neglecting other elements to facilitate smoother licensing procedures. While this methodology aims to mitigate financial constraints in alignment with enhanced standards, it invariably invites complications. Furthermore, it is imperative to resolve the uncertainty surrounding durability evaluations by establishing a clear and definitive objective. Alongside this, actionable steps must be formulated to forestall the emergence of fissures between the floors of residential buildings, particularly apartment complexes. It is equally essential to tackle issues connected to application by devising a comprehensive management strategy for potential cracking during the phase of maintenance.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.11
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• pp.4111-4124
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• 2022

The control rod drive system is critical to the reactor's reliable operation. The performance of its control system and mechanical system will gradually deteriorate because of operational and environmental stresses, thus increasing the reactor's operational risk. Currently there are few researches on the aging-related degradation of the entire control rod drive system. Because it is difficult to quantify the effect of various environmental stresses and establish an accurate physical model when multiple mechanisms superimposed in the degradation process. Therefore, this paper investigates the aging-related degradation of a control rod drive system by integrating Dynamic Object-Oriented Bayesian Network and Hidden Markov Model. Uncertainties in the degradation of the control system and mechanical system are addressed by using fuzzy theory and the Hidden Markov Model respectively. A system which consists of eight control rod drive mechanisms divided into two groups is used to demonstrate the method. The aging-related degradation of the control rod drive system is analyzed by the Bayesian inference algorithm based on the accelerated life test data, and the impact of different operating schemes on the system performance is also investigated. Meanwhile, the components or units that have major impact on the system's performance are identified at different operational phases. Finally, several essential safety measures are suggested to mitigate the risk caused by the system degradation.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.221-230
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• 2023

The liquefaction of soil occurs when a soil loses strength and stiffness because of applied stress, such as an earthquake or other changes in stress conditions that result in a loss of cohesion. Hence, a method for improving the strength of liquefiable soil needs to be developed. Many techniques have been presented for their possible applications to mitigate liquefiable soil. Recently, alternative methods using biopolymers (such as xanthan gum, guar gum, and gellan gum), nontraditional additives, have been introduced to stabilize fine-grained soils. However, no studies have been done on the use of carrageenan as a biopolymer for soil improvement. Due to of its rheological and chemical structure, carrageenan may have the potential for use as a biopolymer for soil improvement. This research aims to investigate the effect of adding carrageenan on the soil strength of treated liquefiable soil. The biopolymers used for comparison are carrageenan (as a novel biopolymer), xanthan gum, and guar gum. Then, sand samples were made in cylindrical molds (5 cm × 10 cm) by the dry mixing method. The amount of each biopolymer was 1%, 3%, and 5% of the total sample volume with a moisture content of 20%, and the samples were cured for seven days. In terms of observing the effect of temperature on the carrageenan-treated soil, several samples were prepared with dry sand that was heated in an oven at various temperatures (i.e., 20℃ to 75℃) before mixing. The samples were tested with the direct shear test, UCS test, and SEM test. It can increase the cohesion value of liquefiable soil by 22% to 60% compared to untreated soil. It also made the characteristics of the liquefiable increase by 60% to 92% from very loose sandy soil (i.e., ϕ=29°) to very dense sandy soil. Carrageenan was also shown to have a significant effect on the compressive strength and to exceed the liquefaction limit. Based on the results, carrageenan was found to have the potential for use as an alternative biopolymer.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.231-237
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• 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality in pre-elderly and elderly individuals in Jakarta, Indonesia. Methods: We employed a case-control study design, utilizing secondary data from the Epidemiology Surveillance, Immunization Prevention, and Disease Control Sections of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Health Office, collected from December 2020 to January 2021. The study included 188 cases and an equal number of controls. Cases were COVID-19 patients confirmed to have died, as reported by hospitals and communities and subsequently verified by healthcare workers. Control subjects were patients who completed a 14-day isolation period and had been officially declared recovered by healthcare professionals. The dependent variable was the mortality of COVID-19 patients in the January 2021 period. The independent variables consisted of demographic data (age and sex), clinical symptoms (cough, runny nose, anosmia, diarrhea, headaches, abdominal pain, muscle pain, and nausea/vomiting), and comorbidities (hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes). Multivariate analysis was conducted using multiple logistic regression. Results: The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed several factors associated with COVID-19 fatalities in Jakarta: age of 60 years or older (odds ratio [OR], 4.84; 95% CI, 3.00 to 7.80), male (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 2.41 to 3.68), dyspnea (OR, 3.93; 95% CI, 2.04 to 7.55), anosmia (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.46), and heart disease (OR, 4.38; 95% CI, 1.04 to 18.46). Conclusions: The control and prevention of COVID-19 among elderly individuals require particular vigilance. When a COVID-19 case is detected within this demographic, prompt treatment and medication administration are crucial to mitigate the presenting symptoms.

• Composites Research
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.1-8
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• 2008

In recent years, the reversed L-shaped perforated shear connector has been developed to mitigate the problem associated with headed stud and Perforbond shear connector and to simulate the simultaneous failure of concrete and shear connector. And FRP perforated shear connector has been applied to composite concrete and FRP module in the FRP-concrete composite bridge deck. The design criterion of the reversed L-shaped and FRP perforated shear connector has not been established yet since the lack of experimental and analytical study results. In this paper, the existing design equations for the Perforated were briefly discussed and the equation fur the prediction of shear resisting capacity of the reversed L-shaped and FRP perforated shear connector was suggested based on the experimental test, FEM analysis. and the existing equation for the Perfobond. The predict results obtained by the suggested equation arc compared with the experimental results, the applicability and effectiveness of suggested equation was verified.

• Composites Research
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.24-30
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• 2008

Durability problems may arise in the concrete, which is one of the major construction materials, used in the construction field. Bridge piers and foundation piles are usually made with concrete and they are exposed to the moisture and hence the durability of the concrete reduced significantly due to oxidization of re-bar and icing of concrete. To mitigate such problems, FRP tube has been developed and the concrete filled FRP tube (CFFT) has been investigated to find the confinement effect which is provided additionally. It was reported that if the concrete is wrapped with FRP, strength and chemical resistance are improved significantly. In order to apply such a member in the construction field, structural behavior and applicable design guideline or design criteria must be thoroughly investigated. In the experimental investigation, the results are compared with the previous research results and the relationship which can predict the ultimate strength and strain is suggested. In addition, some comments found at the compression tests are given briefly.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Heat Treatment
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.74-81
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• 2022

This study aims to mitigate the microstructural heterogeneity arising from the manufacture of magnesium alloy plates using the twin roll casting (TRC) process. Homogenization was introduced through hot rolling and heat treatment, followed by confirmation of observed changes in the microstructure. Following the TRC process, the hot rolled 2mm plate exhibited a dendritic cast structure tilted in the roll rotation direction, while central segregation were developed. This nonuniform structure and central segregation disappeared upon heat treatment, followed by recrystallization to form uniform and fine grains. Abnormal grain growth (AGG) was observed over the course of heat treatment; grains exhibiting AGG occupied up to 75% of the total area after having held the sample at 400℃ for 64 h. The formation of coarse grains was also observed during heat treatment at 340℃ over a relatively long duration, though the maximum grain size was significantly smaller than that corresponding to the heat treatment at 400℃. AGG in the 400℃ heat treatment occurred because of movement of the grain boundary, which had been fixed prior as a result of the grain boundary fixing effect of the precipitation phase. The re-dissolution of the Ca₂Mg₅Zn₅ precipitated phase over the long duration of the high-temperature annealing process caused the surrounding grains to disappear and regrow.