• Computers and Concrete
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.93-122
• /
• 2024

One well-known reason for using Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites is to improve concrete strength and strain capacity via external confinement. Hence, various studies have been undertaken to offer a good illustration of the response of FRP-wrapped concrete for practical design intents. However, in such studies, the strength and strain of the confined concrete were predicted using regression analysis based on a limited number of test data. This study presents an approach based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) to develop models to predict the strength and strain at maximum stress enhancement of circular concrete cross-sections confined with different FRP types (Carbone, Glass, Aramid). To achieve this goal, a large test database comprising 493 axial compression experiments on FRP-confined concrete samples was compiled based on an extensive review of the published literature and used to validate the predicted artificial intelligence techniques. The ANN approach is currently thought to be the preferred learning technique because of its strong prediction effectiveness, interpretability, adaptability, and generalization. The accuracy of the developed ANN model for predicting the behavior of FRP-confined concrete is commensurate with the experimental database compiled from published literature. Statistical measures values, which indicate a better fit, were observed in all of the ANN models. Therefore, compared to existing models, it should be highlighted that the newly developed models based on FRP type are remarkably accurate.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.385-390
• /
• 2023

The uterus, one of women's reproductive organs, is also closely related to women's health. Among them, hemorrhagic luteal cysts, one of the causes of pelvic pain that women often experience, were observed through CT and ultrasound, and the quality of images was evaluated through quantitative and qualitative evaluations. This study sought to find out whether the test method is more helpful to patients during CT and ultrasound. This study was conducted on 15 adolescent women and 15 adult women(21.31±3.45 average age). The equipment used for filming used EC3-10X (3~10 MHZ) and Philips Mx8000 iCT 256 among Endocavity Probes among Ecube Platinum. After setting a constant ROI on the cyst and the interface as a quantitative analysis method, SNR and CNR values were measured on a 5-point scale based on image quality, lesion clarity, image distortion, clarity of the interface, and motion artifacts (p<0.05). Independent t-test and Mann Whiteny U were performed, and the statistical program used was noted when SPSS (Version 22.0 for windows software package, Chicago, IL, USA) was statistically less than 0.05. Comparing the SNR and CNR values for this experiment, it can be seen that the SNR value was higher in the case of CT images(p<0.05). As a result of the qualitative evaluation, the quality of the image, the clarity of the lesion, the distortion of the image, the clarity of the interface, and the clarity of the boundary were measured on a 5-point scale based on the movement artifact. Comparing each score, CT images scored higher with a finer difference than ultrasound images(p<0.05). In conclusion, both test methods showed excellent results in finding the patient's lesions. However, in quantitative and qualitative evaluations, CT produced higher results in detecting lesions than ultrasound. However, for cyst tests that require continuous observation, ultrasonography, a non-invasive method that is advantageous for patients, will be clinically useful. Therefore, observing the patient's lesions by appropriately distributing these two test methods will provide optimal diagnostic information. These results will be useful for providing clinical basic data and educational materials to CT and US users in the future.

• Journal of Advanced Technology Convergence
• /
• v.3 no.3
• /
• pp.89-95
• /
• 2024

In this study, we analyzed the Hair by Night works submitted to beauty contests from 2014 to 2017, and surveyed beauty majors, beauty industry workers, and beauty contest hair-related participants in the Daejeon and Chungcheong regions to investigate the usability and satisfaction of salons regarding beauty contest hair works through a questionnaire. The collected data were processed and analyzed using SPSS 24.0, one of the statistical analysis software. In addition, we produced the Hair by Night work that won first place at the 2019 OMC Hair World Contest. The work that won first place at the 2019 OMC Hair World Contest has become a trend and has continued to influence subsequent beauty skill contests. In addition, the technology for producing such works contributes to the training of professional craftsmen, increases interest and participation in beauty skill contests, promotes them, and promotes them with pride, while also being essential for improving the skills of hairdressers.

• Hip & pelvis
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.10-17
• /
• 2022

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to assess changes in hip muscles by comparing results of preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) in older patients who underwent surgery for treatment of hip fracture. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients (aged ≥65 years) who underwent surgery for treatment of intertrochanteric fractures (25 patients) and femoral neck fractures (25 patients) between February 2013 and February 2019 and underwent preoperative and postoperative pelvic CT were enrolled in the study. The cross-sectional area, attenuation and estimates of muscle mass of the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, iliopsoas, and rectus femoris on the uninjured side were measured. Basic patient data (sex, age, height, weight, body mass index [BMI], bone mineral density [BMD], Harris hip score [HHS], and length of follow-up) were collected from medical records. Results: No significant differences in sex, age, height, weight, BMI, BMD, HHS, and length of follow-up were observed between the two groups. No significant difference in the cross-sectional areas and attenuations of gluteus medius and gluteus minimus was observed after surgery; however, a statistically significant decrease was observed in those of iliopsoas and rectus femoris after surgery. Lower estimates with statistical significance of muscle mass of the iliopsoas and rectus femoris were observed on postoperative CT. Conclusion: Muscle mass of the hip flexor (iliopsoas, rectus femoris) showed significant decreases on postoperative CT compared with preoperative CT. Based on these findings, selective strengthening exercise for hip flexor should be beneficial in rehabilitation of hip fractures.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.117-125
• /
• 2022

Background and Purpose: Medication adherence is essential for effective medical treatment. However, it is challenging for cognitively impaired patients. We investigated whether an automated telephone reminder service improves medication adherence and reduces the decline of cognitive function in isolated patients with cognitive impairment. Methods: This was a single-center, randomized clinical trial. We enrolled mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients who lived alone or with a cognitively impaired spouse. We provided an automated telephone reminder service for taking medication to the intervention group for 6 months. The control group was provided with general guidelines for taking the medication every month. The participants underwent neuropsychological assessment at the beginning and end of the study. Statistical significance was tested using nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests. Results: Thirty participants were allocated randomly to groups, and data for 29 participants were analyzed. The mean age was 79.6 (standard deviation, 6.0) years and 79.3% of the participants were female. There was no significant difference in medication adherence between the 2 groups. However, a subgroup analysis among participants with more than 70% response rates showed better medication adherence compared to the control group (intervention: 94.6%; control: 90.2%, p=0.0478). There was no significant difference in the change in cognitive function between the 2 groups. Conclusions: If a patient's compliance is good, telephone reminders might be effective in improving medication adherence. It is necessary to develop reminder tools that can improve compliance for cognitively impaired patients.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.57 no.4
• /
• pp.370-378
• /
• 2024

Objectives: Comorbidities increase susceptibility to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections, but limited information has been published regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and COVID-19 co-infections. This study explored the relationships among socioeconomic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and COVID-19 infection rates among Korean men who have sex with men (MSM) who are also living with HIV. Methods: Data were collected through a web survey aimed at members of the largest gay portal site in Korea, supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (n=1005). The primary independent variables included COVID-19-related vaccinations and sexual behaviors. The dependent variable was the incidence of COVID-19 infection among respondents during the pandemic. For statistical analysis, hierarchical multiple logistic regression was performed, controlling for potential confounding variables. Results: Model I indicated that older MSM were less likely to contract COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96 to 0.99). Model II demonstrated that HIV-positive MSM were nearly twice as likely to be infected with COVID-19 compared to their HIV-negative counterparts (aOR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.14 to 3.41). Furthermore, even after accounting for COVID-19 vaccination status in model III, HIV-positive MSM continued to show a higher risk of infection (aOR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.12 to 3.35). Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that HIV-positive MSM are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19, even when their vaccination status is considered. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the prevention of COVID-19 infections in HIV-positive individuals by administering appropriate antiretroviral therapy and ensuring adherence to public health guidelines.

• CELLMED
• /
• v.14 no.10
• /
• pp.10.1-10.6
• /
• 2024

Background and Objectives: As per the available data, 75% peri and postmenopausal women experience hot flashes having negative effect on their quality of life. Using herbal medicines are stepping forward to alleviate hot flashes as the available hormonal medications have been reported the presence of side effects. This study was planned with the intention to investigate the effect of Asparagus racemosus root in the treatment of postmenopausal hot flashes in comparison to the placebo. Methods: This prospective patient blinded clinical trial randomly assigned 40 postmenopausal women with symptoms of hot flashes to receive either test drug (n=20) comprising Asparagus racemosus tablet of 1g in the dosage of 2 tablet thrice in a day for the duration of 60 days continuously or to receive placebo tablet prepared from roasted wheat flour in the same dosage and duration as test drug. The efficacy was determined by reduction in the frequency and intensity of hot flashes assessed by daily diary along with the improvement in quality of life assessed through Hot Flash-Related Daily Interference Scale. Statistical analysis was accomplished by student t test and Chi-square/Fisher Exact test. Results: Test drug significantly (p <0.001) reduced the intensity and frequency of hot flashes as well as improved the quality of life without showing any side effect. Discussion & Conclusion: According to Unani scriptures, the treatment is to treat the underlying cause, such as aberrant temperament and psychological and environmental issues. Unani drugs have emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective qualities that can help alleviate premenstrual symptoms. Unani herbs such as C. sativus, Vitex, agnus castus, P. vulgare, N. Jatamansi, M. officinalis, and Z. officinalis have been clinically demonstrated to be effective in PMS. Thus, traditional knowledge authentication and conservation are vital for future research and appreciated for application in the modern day. Furthermore, randomised controlled trials, comprehensive reviews, and meta-analyses are suggested.

• Wind and Structures
• /
• v.39 no.2
• /
• pp.85-100
• /
• 2024

In light of extreme value distribution probability, an improved prediction method of the Recurrence Period Wind Speed (RPWS) is constructed considering wind direction, with the Equivalent Independent Wind Direction Number (EIWDN) introduced as a parameter variable. Firstly, taking the RPWS prediction of Beijing city as an example, the traditional Cook method is used to predict the RPWS of each wind direction based on the measured wind speed data in Beijing area. On basis of the results, the empirical formulae to determine the parameter variables are fitted to construct an improved expression of the non-exceedance probability of the RPWS. In this process, the statistical model of the optimal threshold is established, and thus the independent wind speed samples exceeding the threshold are extracted and fitted to follow the Generalized Pareto Distribution (GPD) model for analysis. In addition, the Extreme Value Type I (EVT I) distribution model is used to predict and analyze the RPWS. To verify its wide applicability, the improved method is further used in cities like Jinan, Nanjing, Wuxi, Shanghai and Shenzhen to predict and analyze the RPWS of each wind direction, and the prediction results are compared against those gained via the traditional Cook method and the whole direction. Results show that the 50-year RPWS results predicted by the improved method are basically consistent with those predicted by the traditional method, and the RPWS prediction values of most wind directions are within the envelope range of the whole wind direction prediction value. Compared with the traditional method, the improved method can readily predict the RPWS under different return periods through empirical formulae, and avoid the repeated operation process and some assumptions in the traditional Cook method, and then improve the efficiency of prediction. In addition, the improved RPWS prediction results corresponding to the GPD model are slightly larger than those of the EVT I distribution model.

• The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.499 -508
• /
• 2024

In this paper, we investigate hierarchical time series forecasting that adhere to a hierarchical structure when deriving predicted values by analyzing segmented data as well as aggregated datasets. The occurrences of food poisoning by a specific pathogen are analyzed using zero-inflated Poisson regression models and negative binomial regression models. The occurrences of major, miscellaneous, and overall food poisoning are analyzed using Poisson regression models and negative binomial regression models. For hierarchical time series forecasting, the MinT estimation proposed by Wickramasuriya et al. (2019) is employed. Negative predicted values resulting from hierarchical adjustments are adjusted to zero, and weights are multiplied to the remaining lowest-level variables to satisfy the hierarchical structure. Empirical analysis revealed that there is little difference between hierarchical and non-hierarchical adjustments in predictions based on pathogens. However, hierarchical adjustments generally yield superior results for predictions concerning major, miscellaneous, and overall occurrences. Without hierarchical adjustment, instances may occur where the predicted frequencies of the lowest-level variables exceed that of major or miscellaneous occurrences. However, the proposed method enables the acquisition of predictions that adhere to the hierarchical structure.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.27 no.8
• /
• pp.501-514
• /
• 2024

Fishes are found in different lentic and lotic aquatic ecosystems. Determining the composition of fish communities is a crucial component of water quality evaluations and conservation strategies in flowing rivers. The present study is carried out to investigate fish species diversity, richness, and abundance in two second-order streams: Gereb Tsedo (GTS) and Elala in the Tekeze sub-basin. We collected fish with backpack electrofishing during August and December 2013 and March 2014. Fish species richness and the total number of species per stream and per microhabitat were calculated for each stream. Species diversity for each site was calculated using the Shannon index of diversity using the standard formula H' = -Σpi ln (pi). Diversity data among habitats and streams were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc comparisons, using the statistical software package STATISTICA 11. A total of 6,554 specimens representing four species: Garra blanfordii, Grra ignestii, Garra dembecha and Garra aethiopica, were caught. They are all indigenous riverine fish species of the family Cyprinidae. Fish abundance was significantly higher in GTS than Elala stream (t-test, t = 1.444, df = 3, p < 0.05). Across the two streams, the overall relative fish abundance was higher in pools, with 53%, followed by runs and riffles with 35% and 12%, respectively. Garra blanfordii was dominant in pools while G. aethiopica was the least dominant. Stream and habitat types were likely the more important driving factors behind the observed patterns of diversity, although the impact of other, not evaluated variables cannot be excluded. Most likely, the observed patterns do not represent a signature of fish dispersal limitation given that almost all species were widely distributed across the study area.