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Semi-Analytical Methods for Different Problems of Diffraction-Radiation by Vertical Circular Cylinders

  • Malenica, Sime
    • International Journal of Ocean System Engineering
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    • v.2 no.2
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    • pp.116-138
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    • 2012
  • As in the other fields of mechanics, analytical methods represent an important analysis tool in marine hydrodynamics. The analytical approach is interesting for different reasons : it gives reference results for numerical codes verification, it gives physical insight into some complicated problems, it can be used as a simplified predesign tool, etc. This approach is of course limited to some simplified geometries (cylinders, spheres, ...), and only the case of one or more cylinders, truncated or not, will be considered here. Presented methods are basically eigenfunction expansions whose complexity depends on the boundary conditions. The hydrodynamic boundary value problem (BVP) is formulated within the usual assumptions of potential flow and is additionally simplified by the perturbation method. By using this approach, the highly nonlinear problem decomposes into its linear part and the higher order (second, third, ...) corrections. Also, periodicity is assumed so that the time dependence can be factorized i.e. the frequency domain formulation is adopted. As far as free surface flows are concerned, only cases without or with small forward speed are sufficiently simple to be solved semi-analytically. The problem of the floating body advancing in waves with arbitrary forward speed is far more complicated. These remarks are also valid for the general numerical methods where the case of arbitrary forward speed, even linearized, is still too difficult from numerical point of view, and "it is fair to say that there exists at present no general practical numerical method for the wave resistance problem" [9], and even less for the general seakeeping problem. We note also that, in the case of bluff bodies like cylinders, the assumptions of the potential flow are justified only if the forward speed is less than the product of wave amplitude with wave frequency.

Removing Lipemia in Serum/Plasma Samples: A Multicenter Study

  • Castro-Castro, Maria-Jose;Candas-Estebanez, Beatriz;Esteban-Salan, Margarita;Calmarza, Pilar;Arrobas-Velilla, Teresa;Romero-Roman, Carlos;Pocovi-Mieras, Miguel;Aguilar-Doreste, Jose-Angel;Commission on Lipoprotein and Vascular Diseases, Sociedad Espanola de Quimica Clinica
    • Annals of Laboratory Medicine
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    • v.38 no.6
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    • pp.518-523
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    • 2018
  • Background: Lipemia, a significant source of analytical errors in clinical laboratory settings, should be removed prior to measuring biochemical parameters. We investigated whether lipemia in serum/plasma samples can be removed using a method that is easier and more practicable than ultracentrifugation, the current reference method. Methods: Seven hospital laboratories in Spain participated in this study. We first compared the effectiveness of ultracentrifugation ($108,200{\times}g$) and high-speed centrifugation ($10,000{\times}g$ for 15 minutes) in removing lipemia. Second, we compared high-speed centrifugation with two liquid-liquid extraction methods-LipoClear (StatSpin, Norwood, USA), and 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany). We assessed 14 biochemical parameters: serum/plasma concentrations of sodium ion, potassium ion, chloride ion, glucose, total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate-aminotransferase, calcium, and bilirubin. We analyzed whether the differences between lipemia removal methods exceeded the limit for clinically significant interference (LCSI). Results: When ultracentrifugation and high-speed centrifugation were compared, no parameter had a difference that exceeded the LCSI. When high-speed centrifugation was compared with the two liquid-liquid extraction methods, we found differences exceeding the LCSI in protein, calcium, and aspartate aminotransferase in the comparison with 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane, and in protein, albumin, and calcium in the comparison with LipoClear. Differences in other parameters did not exceed the LCSI. Conclusions: High-speed centrifugation ($10,000{\times}g$ for 15 minutes) can be used instead of ultracentrifugation to remove lipemia in serum/plasma samples. LipoClear and 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane are unsuitable as they interfere with the measurement of certain parameters.

Noise Band Extraction of Hyperion Image using Quadtree Structure and Fractal Characteristic (Quadtree 구조 및 프랙탈 특성을 이용한 Hyperion 영상의 노이즈 밴드 추출)

  • Chang, An-Jin;Kim, Yong-Il
    • Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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    • v.26 no.5
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    • pp.489-495
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    • 2010
  • Hyperspectral imaging obtains information with a wider wavelength range a large number of bands. However, a high correlation between each band, computation cost, and noise causes inaccurate results in cases of no pre-processing. The noises of band extraction and elimination positively necessary in hyperspectral imaging. Since the previous studies have used a characteristic the whole image, a local characteristic of the image is considered for the noise band extraction. In this study, the Quadtree, which is a data structure algorithm. and the fractal dimension are adopted for noise band extraction in Hyperion images. The fractal dimensions of the segments divided by the Quadtree structure are calculated, and variation is used. We focused on the extraction of random noise bands in Hyperion images and compared them with the reference data made by visual decisions. The proposed algorithm extracts the most bands, including random noises. It is possible to eliminate more than 30 noise bands, regardless of images.

Tests on composite slabs and evaluation of relevant Eurocode 4 provisions

  • Salonikios, Thomas N.;Sextos, Anastasios G.;Kappos, Andreas J.
    • Steel and Composite Structures
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    • v.13 no.6
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    • pp.571-586
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    • 2012
  • The paper addresses some key issues related to the design of composite slabs with cold-formed profiled steel sheets. An experimental programme is first presented, involving six composite slab specimens tested with a view to evaluating Eurocode 4 (EC4) provisions on testing of composite slabs. In four specimens, the EC4-prescribed 5000 load cycles were applied using different load ranges resulting from alternative interpretations of the reference load $W_t$. Although the rationale of the application of cyclic loading is to induce loss of chemical bond between the concrete plate and the steel sheet, no such loss was noted in the tests for either interpretation of the range of load cycles. Using the recorded response of the specimens the values of factors m and k (related to interface shear transfer in the composite slab) were determined for the specific steel sheet used in the tests, on the basis of three alternative interpretations of the related EC4 provisions. The test results confirmed the need for a more unambiguous description of the m-k test and its interpretation in a future edition of the Code, as well as for an increase in the load amplitude range to be used in the cyclic loading tests, to make sure that the intended loss of bond between the concrete slab and the steel sheet is actually reached. The study also included the development of a special-purpose software that facilitates design of composite slabs; a parametric investigation of the importance of m-k values in slab design is presented in the last part of the paper.

Wheelchair martial arts practitioners have similar bone strength, sitting balance and self-esteem to healthy individuals

  • Fong, Shirley S.M.;Ng, Shamay S.M.;Li, Anthony O.T.;Guo, X.
    • Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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    • v.3 no.1
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    • pp.27-32
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    • 2014
  • Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the radial bone strength, sitting balance ability and global self-esteem of wheelchair martial arts practitioners and healthy control participants. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Nine wheelchair martial art practitioners with physical disabilities and 28 able-bodied healthy individuals participated in the study. The bone strength of the distal radius was assessed using the Sunlight Mini-Omni Ultrasound Bone Sonometer; sitting balance was quantified using the modified functional reach test (with reference to a scale marked on the wall); and the self-administered Rosenberg self-esteem (RSE) scale was used to measure the global self-esteem of the participants. The velocity of the ultrasound wave (speed of sound, m/s) traveling through the outer surface of the radial bone was measured and was then converted into a T-score and a Z-score. These ultrasound T-score and Z-score that represent bone strength; the maximum forward reaching distance in sitting (cm) that represents sitting balance; and the RSE total self-esteem score that indicates global self-esteem were used for analysis. Results: The results revealed that there were no statistically significant between-group differences for radial bone-strength, maximum forward reaching distance, or self-esteem outcomes. Conclusions: The wheelchair martial arts practitioners had similar radial bone strength, sitting balance performance and self-esteem to able-bodied healthy persons. Our results imply that wheelchair martial arts might improve bone strength, postural control and self-esteem in adult wheelchair users. This new sport-wheelchair martial arts-might be an exercise option for people with physical disabilities.

L-carnitine vs Extracorporeal Elimination for Acute Valproic acid Intoxication: A Systematic Review (급성 Valproic acid 중독에서 L-carnitine과 체외 제거방법: 체계적 고찰)

  • Yang, Byung Keun;Ku, Jae Eun;Joo, Young Seon;You, Je Sung;Chung, Sung Phil;Lee, Hahn Shick
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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    • v.12 no.2
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    • pp.39-45
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    • 2014
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study is to review the evidence comparing the efficacy and safety between L-carnitine and extracorporeal elimination therapy in the management of acute valproic acid L-carnitine vs Extracorporeal Elimination for Acute Valproic acid Intoxication Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, KoreaMed, KMbase, and KISS were searched, using the terms carnitine and valproic acid. All studies, regardless of design, reporting efficacy or safety endpoints were included. Reference citations from identified publications were reviewed. Both English and Korean languages were included. Two authors extracted primary data elements including poisoning severity, presenting features, clinical management, and outcomes. Results: Thirty two articles including 33 cases were identified. Poisoning severity was classified as 3 mild, 11 moderate, and 19 severe cases. Nine cases were treated with L-carnitine while 24 cases received extracorporeal therapy without L-carnitine. All patients except one expired patient treated with hemodialysis recovered clinically and no adverse effects were noted. A case report comparing two patients who ingested the same amount of valproic acid showed increased ICU stay (3 vs 11 days) in case of delayed extracorporeal therapy. Conclusion: Published evidence comparing L-carnitine with extracorporeal therapy is limited. Based on the available evidence, it is reasonable to consider L-carnitine for patients with acute valproic acid overdose. In case of severe poisoning, extracorporeal therapy would also be considered in the early phase of treatment.

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A practical approach to nasal reconstruction in Asian patients

  • Koh, In Suk;Sun, Hook
    • Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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    • v.22 no.5
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    • pp.268-275
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    • 2021
  • Background: The study aimed to evaluate nasal reconstruction techniques customized for Asians. The currently available nasal reconstruction guidelines are based on Caucasian patients, and their applicability is limited in Asian patients due to differences in anatomical and structural features. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of the medical records of 76 patients who underwent nasal reconstruction at a single center between January 2010 and June 2020. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted of patients' baseline demographics and clinical characteristics, including age, sex, medical history, defect size and location, reconstructive procedure, pathological diagnosis, postoperative complications, and recurrence. Results: In 59 cases (77%), nasal defects resulted from tumor ablation, and the remaining 17 cases involved post-traumatic (20%) and infection-induced (3%) tissue damage. The most common defect location was the alae, followed by the sidewalls, tip, and dorsum. Forehead flaps were the most commonly used reconstructive technique, followed by nasolabial advancement flaps, rotation flaps, and skin grafts. Each procedure was applied considering aspects of structural anatomy and healing physiology specific to Asians. Complications included nasal deformity, hypertrophic scarring, secondary infection, and partial flap necrosis, but no cases required additional surgical procedures. Tumors recurred in two cases, but tumor recurrence did not significantly affect flap integrity. Conclusion: Nasal reconstruction techniques applied considering Asians' facial features resulted in fewer postoperative complications and higher patient satisfaction than the approaches that are currently in widespread use. Therefore, this study is expected to serve as an essential reference for establishing treatment guidelines for nasal reconstruction in Asians.

Radiation Dose from Computed Tomography Scans for Korean Pediatric and Adult Patients

  • Won, Tristan;Lee, Ae-Kyoung;Choi, Hyung-do;Lee, Choonsik
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.46 no.3
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    • pp.98-105
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    • 2021
  • Background: In recent events of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, computed tomography (CT) scans are being globally used as a complement to the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests. It will be important to be aware of major organ dose levels, which are more relevant quantity to derive potential long-term adverse effect, for Korean pediatric and adult patients undergoing CT for COVID-19. Materials and Methods: We calculated organ dose conversion coefficients for Korean pediatric and adult CT patients directly from Korean pediatric and adult computational phantoms combined with Monte Carlo radiation transport techniques. We then estimated major organ doses delivered to the Korean child and adult patients undergoing CT for COVID-19 combining the dose conversion coefficients and the international survey data. We also compared our Korean dose conversion coefficients with those from Caucasian reference pediatric and adult phantoms. Results and Discussion: Based on the dose conversion coefficients we established in this study and the international survey data of COVID-19-related CT scans, we found that Korean 7-year-old child and adult males may receive about 4-32 mGy and 3-21 mGy of lung dose, respectively. We learned that the lung dose conversion coefficient for the Korean child phantom was up to 1.5-fold greater than that for the Korean adult phantom. We also found no substantial difference in dose conversion coefficients between Korean and Caucasian phantoms. Conclusion: We estimated radiation dose delivered to the Korean child and adult phantoms undergoing COVID-19-related CT examinations. The dose conversion coefficients derived for different CT scan types can be also used universally for other dosimetry studies concerning Korean CT scans. We also confirmed that the Caucasian-based CT organ dose calculation tools may be used for the Korean population with reasonable accuracy.

Correlation between contraction ratio, endurance, and muscle tone of cervical muscles

  • Hong, Ji-Hee;Lee, Dong-Hyeon;Kim, Seong-Eun;Seo, Dong-kwon
    • Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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    • v.9 no.4
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    • pp.302-308
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    • 2020
  • Objective: The endurance and strength of deep neck flexor (DNF) muscles have a major role on the function and stability of the cervical spine. In recent years, there has been a lack of research that have investigated the muscle tone of the superficial neck muscles. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of between contraction ratio of the DNF and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles, DNF endurance, and muscle tension of the neck muscles. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Forty-seven subjects (male=20, female=27) participated in this study. The muscle tone of the upper trapezius (UT), SCM, and suboccipital (SO) muscle was measured using a contact soft tissue tone-measuring instrument. For the contraction ratio of the SCM and longus colli muscle, the thickness of the relaxation and maximum contraction state of the SCM and longus colli muscles were assessed using a diagnostic ultrasound measuring instrument and a pressure biofeedback unit. The deep neck flexor endurance test (DNFET) was performed in a cranio-cervical flexion posture. The correlations between the measured variables were investigated. Results: The relationship between the DNFET and SO tone showed a significant negative correlation (p<0.05). The relationship between the DNFET and contraction ratio showed a significant positive correlation (p<0.01). There was no significant correlation between the DNFET and SCM and UT tone. Conclusions: This study confirmed that there is a relationship between DNF endurance, DNF activation, and SO tone. The information on the results of this study may be used as a reference that can be actively applied in the clinical environment.

Country Image and Product Attitude: An Estimation of Switching Costs for the Korean Wave

  • Shen, Yan;Kwak, Ro-Sung
    • Journal of Korea Trade
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    • v.23 no.8
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    • pp.45-72
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    • 2019
  • Purpose - This study examines the mediating effect of switching costs (economic risk costs and setup costs) on the relationships of country image with product attitude and product attachment. Switching-cost effects for the Korean Wave, which are insufficiently addressed in the literature, were investigated using the country image of Korea as a proxy for the Korean Wave. Moreover, this study examined the economic effects of the Korean Wave and the negative effect of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) deployment on these economic effects. Design/methodology - A total of 302 Chinese consumers were surveyed using a questionnaire. Because this was an exploratory study and was not based on a classical model, the PLS-SEM method was employed to test the stability of the model and its hypotheses. Findings - Switching costs had mediating effects on the relationships of country image with product attitude and product attachment. The switching-cost effects for the Korean Wave were verified. However, neither the economic image nor cultural image of Korea had significant effects on the economic risk costs. Moreover, the economic image of Korea had no significant effect on the set-up costs. Originality/value - This study broadened the understanding of the relationships among country image, switching costs, product attitude, and product attachment and advanced the knowledge of relevant theories. The results contribute theoretically to the literature on switching-cost effects for the Korean Wave. The results confirmed the negative effect of THAAD deployment on the economic effects of the Korean Wave. In the rapidly developing international environment, these research results could serve as theoretical reference guidelines for suppliers when developing marketing strategies.