• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.7 no.4
• /
• pp.119-130
• /
• 2019

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the meta-analysis on the effects of action observation training on stroke patients' walking. Methods : Domestic databases (DBpia, KISS, NDSL, and RISS) were searched for studies that conducted randomized controlled trials (RCTs) associated with action observation training in adults after stroke. The search outcomes were items associated with the walking function. The 18 studies that were included in the study were analyzed using R meta-analysis. A random-effect model was used for the analysis of the effect size because of the significant heterogeneity among the studies. Sub-group and meta-regression analysis were also used. Egger's regression test was conducted to analyze the publishing bias. Cumulative meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis were also done to analyze a data error. Results : The mean effect size was 2.77. The sub-group analysis showed a statistical difference in the number of training sessions per week. No statistically significant difference was found in the meta-regression analysis. Publishing bias was found in the data, but the results of the trim-and-fill method showed that such bias did not affect the obtained data. Also, the cumulative meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis showed no data errors. Conclusion : The meta-analysis of the studies that conducted randomized clinical trials revealed that action observation training effectively improved walking of the chronic stroke patients.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.130-138
• /
• 2024

Numerous studies have indicated that low levels of serum adiponectin are linked with the development of various chronic diseases. While some recent research has suggested that soy has a positive impact on serum adiponectin levels, the results are inconsistent. Therefore, we aim to conduct a thorough systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigate the effects of soy on serum adiponectin levels in adults. The search was conducted until March 2024 on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify RCTs that studied the effects of soy supplementation on serum adiponectin levels. A random-effects model was used to pool the weighted mean differences (WMDs). Ten and nine RCTs were selected for the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. After analyzing data from 9 eligible RCTs, it was found that soy supplementation did not significantly impact the concentrations of adiponectin (WMD = -0.24㎍/mL; 95% confidence interval, -1.56 to 1.09; p = 0.72). However, there was significant heterogeneity between the studies (I² = 89.8%, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis showed that overall estimates were not affected by the elimination of any study. We did not observe any evidence regarding publication bias. In conclusion, soy supplementation did not have a significant effect on adiponectin levels in adults. However, further RCTs are needed with longer intervention duration, higher doses, and studies conducted in different countries.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
• /
• v.21 no.5
• /
• pp.397-411
• /
• 2021

This systematic review aimed to assess the effect of premedication on postoperative pain after root canal treatment in vital teeth. Five electronic databases were searched for randomized clinical trials, and two independent reviewers selected eligible studies, extracted data, and assessed the quality of studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model, and the pooled effect estimate of the standardized mean difference (SMD) between premedication and placebo was calculated. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on the class and route of the drug. Studies with a high risk of bias were excluded from the sensitivity analysis. Ten trials satisfied the inclusion criteria, of which eight were included in the meta-analysis. Premedication was more effective in reducing postoperative pain than placebo at 6 hours (SMD = -1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.33 to -0.66), 12 hours (SMD = -0.80; 95% CI = -1.05 to -0.56), and 24 hours (SMD = -0.72; 95% CI = -1.02 to -0.43). The results of the sensitivity analysis confirmed the findings of the primary analysis. Based on these results, it can be concluded that premedication is effective in reducing postoperative pain in teeth with irreversible pulpitis. However, additional quality studies are required for further validation.

• Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning
• /
• v.7 no.1 s.13
• /
• pp.37-48
• /
• 2001

The purpose of this study is to suggest the landscape potential index for visualizing landscape information in the conservation of hilly landscape in urban fringe. For the visual and quantitative approach to topological landscape assessment, numerical entity data of DEM(digital elevation model) were processed with CAD-based utilities that we developed and were mainly focused on analysis of visibility and visual sensitivity. Some results, with reference in assessing greenbelt area of Eodeung Mt. in Gwangju, proved to be considerable in the landscape assessment of suburban hilly landscapes. 1) Since the viewpoints and viewpoint fields were critical to landscape structure, randomized 194 points(spatially 500m interval) were applied to assessing the generalized visual sensitivity, we called. Because there were similar patterns of distribution comparing to those by 56 points and 18 Points given appropriately, it could be more efficient by a few viewpoints which located widely. 2) Regressional function was derived to represent the relationships between probabilities of visibility frequency and the topological factors(topological dominance, landform complexity and relational aspect) of target field. 3) Visibility scores of each viewpoint were be calculated by summing the visual sensitivity indices within a scene. The scores to the upper part including ridge line have been more representative to overall distributions of visual sensitivities. Also, with sum of deviations of sensitivity indices from each single point's specific index to the weighting values of view points could be estimated rotationally. 4) The deviational distributions of visual sensitivity classes in the topological unit of target field were proved to represent the visual vulnerability of the landform. 5) Landscape potential indices combined with the visual sensitivity and the DGN(degree of green naturality) were proposed as visualized landscape information distributed by topological unit.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.55-63
• /
• 2022

Objectives This review was conducted to evaluate effectiveness and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) with meridian and acupoint theory for adhesive capsulitis. Methods By December 2021, 11 electronic databases were reviewed with the key words 'extracorporeal shock wave' and '(acupuncture OR acupoint OR meridian)'. This key words was set up to increase the sensitivity of the search. After the search, adhesive capsulitis study was selected based on the title and abstract and then included after full-texts were read. Results Five randomized controlled trials were eligible in our inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis of 3 studies showed positive results for the using ESWT with meridian and acupoint theory for adhesive capsulitis compared with the control group on efficancy rate and range of shoulder flexion. Conclusions Some studies showed ESWT with meridian and acupoint theory were statistically effective to adhesive capsulitis. But the evidence is limited due to the defective design of the included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). So use of ESWT with meridian and acupoint theory for adhesive capsulitis has limited evidence. More well-designed RCTs are required to provide clearer evidence for this claim.

• Computers and Concrete
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.137-145
• /
• 2024

The technique of experimentally determining concrete's compressive strength for a given mix design is time-consuming and difficult. The goal of the current work is to propose a best working predictive model based on different machine learning algorithms such as Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), Stacked Ensemble (SE), Distributed Random Forest (DRF), Extremely Randomized Trees (XRT), Generalized Linear Model (GLM), and Deep Learning (DL) that can forecast the compressive strength of ternary geopolymer concrete mix without carrying out any experimental procedure. A geopolymer mix uses supplementary cementitious materials obtained as industrial by-products instead of cement. The input variables used for assessing the best machine learning algorithm not only include individual ingredient quantities, but molarity of the alkali activator and age of testing as well. Myriad statistical parameters used to measure the effectiveness of the models in forecasting the compressive strength of ternary geopolymer concrete mix, it has been found that GBM performs better than all other algorithms. A sensitivity analysis carried out towards the end of the study suggests that GBM model predicts results close to the experimental conditions with an accuracy between 95.6 % to 98.2 % for testing and training datasets.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.121-133
• /
• 2023

The demand for cement and limestone crushed materials has increased many folds due to the tremendous increase in construction activities in Pakistan during the past few decades. The number of cement production industries has increased correspondingly, and so the rock-blasting operations at the limestone quarry sites. However, the safety procedures warranted at these sites for the blast-induced ground vibrations (BIGV) have not been adequately developed and/or implemented. Proper prediction and monitoring of BIGV are necessary to ensure the safety of structures in the vicinity of these quarry sites. In this paper, an attempt has been made to predict BIGV using artificial neural network (ANN) at three selected limestone quarries of Pakistan. The ANN has been developed in Python using Keras with sequential model and dense layers. The hyper parameters and neurons in each of the activation layers has been optimized using randomized and grid search method. The input parameters for the model include distance, a maximum charge per delay (MCPD), depth of hole, burden, spacing, and number of blast holes, whereas, peak particle velocity (PPV) is taken as the only output parameter. A total of 110 blast vibrations datasets were recorded from three different limestone quarries. The dataset has been divided into 85% for neural network training, and 15% for testing of the network. A five-layer ANN is trained with Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU) activation function, Adam optimization algorithm with a learning rate of 0.001, and batch size of 32 with the topology of 6-32-32-256-1. The blast datasets were utilized to compare the performance of ANN, multivariate regression analysis (MVRA), and empirical predictors. The performance was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R²), mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and root mean squared error (RMSE)for predicted and measured PPV. To determine the relative influence of each parameter on the PPV, sensitivity analyses were performed for all input parameters. The analyses reveal that ANN performs superior than MVRA and other empirical predictors, andthat83% PPV is affected by distance and MCPD while hole depth, number of blast holes, burden and spacing contribute for the remaining 17%. This research provides valuable insights into improving safety measures and ensuring the structural integrity of buildings near limestone quarry sites.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.484-492
• /
• 2011

Purpose: The aims of study were; (1) to evaluate the validity and sensitivity of a fall-risk assessment tool, and (2) to establish continuous quality improvement (CQI) methods to monitor the effective use of the risk assessment tool. Methods: A retrospective case-control cohort design was used. Analysis was conducted for 90 admissions as cases and 3,716 as controls during the 2006 and 2007 calendar years was conducted. Fallers were identified from the hospital’s Accident Reporting System, and non-fallers were selected by randomized selection. Accuracy estimates, sensitivity analysis and logistic regression were used. Results: At the lower cutoff score of one, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 82.2%, 19.3%, 0.03%, and 96.9%, respectively. The area under the ROC was 0.60 implying poor prediction. Logistic regression analysis showed that five out of nine constitutional items; age, history of falls, gait problems, and confusion were significantly associated with falls. Based on these results, we suggested a tailored falls CQI process with specific indexes. Conclusion: The fall-risk assessment tool was found to need considerable reviews for its validity and usage problems in practice. It is also necessary to develop protocols for use and identify strategies that reflect changes in patient conditions during hospital stay.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
• /
• v.11 no.3
• /
• pp.228-239
• /
• 2022

Studies examining the effect of artichoke on liver enzymes have reported inconsistent results. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of artichoke administration on the liver enzymes. PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched for articles published up to January 2022. Standardized mean difference (Hedges' g) were analyzed using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis were assessed for the liver enzymes. Pooled analysis of seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggested that the artichoke administration has an effect on both alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (Hedges' g, -1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.76 to -0.40; p = 0.002), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (Hedges' g, -1.02; 95% CI, -1.76 to -0.28; p = 0.007). Greater effects on ALT were detected in trials that lasted ≤8 weeks. Also, greater effects on AST were detected in trials using > 500 mg artichoke. Overall, this meta-analysis demonstrated artichoke supplementation decreased ALT and AST.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.38 no.4
• /
• pp.312-319
• /
• 2021

Background: Lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (LHIVD) is a frequently presented condition/disease in Korean medical institutions. In this study, the economics of thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial comparing TEA with sham TEA (STEA). Methods: This economic evaluation was analyzed from a limited social perspective, and the per-protocol set was from a basic analysis perspective. The cost-effectiveness analysis was based on the change in visual analog scale score, and the cost-utility analysis was based on the quality-adjusted life years. The final results were expressed as the average cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, and furthermore sensitivity analysis was performed to confirm the robustness of the results observed. Results: The cost-effectiveness analysis showed that TEA was 9,908 won lower than STEA, while the decrease in 100 mm visual analog scale score was 8.5 mm greater in the TEA group compared with the STEA group (p > 0.05). The cost-utility analysis showed that TEA was 9,908 won lower than STEA, while the quality-adjusted life years of TEA was 0.0026 years higher than STEA (p > 0.05). These results were robust in the sensitivity analysis, but were not statistically significant. Conclusion: In treating LHIVD, TEA appeared to have cost-effectiveness and cost-utility compared with STEA. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of cost, effectiveness, and utility indicators. Therefore, results must be interpreted prudently; this study was the 1^st to conduct an economic evaluation of TEA for LHIVD.