• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.375-386
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• 2021

In this paper, a study of stability and health of a newly-built railway tunnel is presented. The field test was implemented to monitor the secondary lining due to the significant cracking behaviors influenced the stability and health of the tunnel structure. Surface strain gauges were installed for monitoring the status of crack openings, and the monitoring outputs demonstrated that the cracks were still in the developing stage. Additionally, adjacent tunnel and poor condition of surrounding rock were identified as the causes of the lining cracking by systematically characterizing the crack spatial distribution, tunnel site and surrounding rock conditions. Reconstruction of partial lining and reconstruction of the whole secondary lining were designed as the maintenance projects for different cracking regions based on the construction feasibility. For assessing the health conditions of the reinforced lining, embedded strain gauges were set up to continuously measure the strain and the internal force of the reconstructed structures. For the partially reconstructed lining, the outputs show the maximum tensile elongation is 0.018 mm during 227 days, which means the structure has no obvious deformation after maintenance. The one-year monitoring of full-section was implemented in the other two completely reconstructed cross-sections by embedded strain gauge. The outputs show the reconstructed secondary lining has undertaken the pressure of surrounding rock with the time passing. According to the calculated compressive and tensile safety factors, the completely reconstructed lining has been in reliable and safe condition during the past year after reinforcement. It can conclude that the aforementioned maintenance projects can effectively ensure the stability and health of this tunnel.

• Journal of Korea Trade
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.34-48
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• 2020

Purpose - The rapid rise of e-commerce enterprises has led to the development of the logistics industry. At the same time, some enterprises are motivated by the interests to start reducing costs and inputs, which on the contrary leads to low quality of service, thus reducing customer satisfaction. In recent years, vicious competition, violent express delivery and lack of professionalism in the logistics market have led to high annual customer complaint rate, which has resulted in the company losing many loyal customers, but also unable to obtain new customers. Therefore, to pay attention to and understand the psychological needs of customers and improve the quality of logistics distribution service has become a pressing problem for Every express company. Design/methodology - By analyzing the problems existing in logistics distribution of express companies, this paper explores various factors affecting customer satisfaction and takes consumer sentiment as a mediating variable. Through questionnaires to collect relevant data, put forward hypotheses for empirical analysis, use two different software including SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 21.0 to analyze the information, draw conclusions and make recommendations. Findings - According to the above research results, the reliability, convenience, efficiency, professional can have a positive impact on customer satisfaction through the mediating effect of their sentiment, convenience and professional on consumer sentiment and satisfaction are more significant. Originality/value - This paper the establishment of distribution service indicators related to customer satisfaction and empirical analysis can not only enrich and supplement the distribution service quality indicator system studied by the former, but also provide a theoretical basis for future research.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.327-337
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• 2023

Concrete is the most widely used building material, with various types including high- and ultra-high-strength, reinforced, normal, and lightweight concretes. However, accurately predicting concrete properties is challenging due to the geotechnical design code's requirement for specific characteristics. To overcome this issue, researchers have turned to new technologies like machine learning to develop proper methodologies for concrete specification. In this study, we propose a highly accurate deep learning-based predictive model to investigate the compressive strength (UCS) of lightweight concrete with natural aggregates (pumice). Our model was implemented on a database containing 249 experimental records and revealed that water, cement, water-cement ratio, fine-coarse aggregate, aggregate substitution rate, fine aggregate replacement, and superplasticizer are the most influential covariates on UCS. To validate our model, we trained and tested it on random subsets of the database, and its performance was evaluated using a confusion matrix and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) overall accuracy. The proposed model was compared with widely known machine learning methods such as MLP, SVM, and DT classifiers to assess its capability. In addition, the model was tested on 25 laboratory UCS tests to evaluate its predictability. Our findings showed that the proposed model achieved the highest accuracy (accuracy=0.97, precision=0.97) and the lowest error rate with a high learning rate (R2=0.914), as confirmed by ROC (AUC=0.971), which is higher than other classifiers. Therefore, the proposed method demonstrates a high level of performance and capability for UCS predictions.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.273-286
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• 2018

In recent years, significant progress has been made in developing design rules for stainless steel members, while the investigation on bolted connections is relatively limited, in particular at elevated temperatures. In this paper, experimental and numerical investigations on stainless steel bolted connections at ambient and elevated temperatures from the literature were reviewed. Firstly, the research program that focused on structural behavior of cold-formed stainless steel (CFSS) bolted connections at elevated temperatures carried out by the authors were summarized. Over 400 CFSS single shear and double shear bolted connection specimens were tested. The tests were conducted in the temperature ranged from 22 to $950^{\circ}C$ using both steady state and transient state test methods. It is shown that the connection strengths decrease as the temperature increases in the similar manner for the steady state test results and the transient state test results. Generally, the deterioration of the connection strengths showed a similar tendency of reduction to those of the material properties for the same type of stainless steel regardless of different connection types and different configurations. It is also found that the austenitic stainless steel EN 1.4571 generally has better resistance than the stainless steel EN 1.4301 and EN 1.4162 for bolted connections at elevated temperatures. Secondly, extensive parametric studies that included 450 specimens were performed using the verified finite element models. Based on both the experimental and numerical results, bearing factors are proposed for bearing resistances of CFSS single shear and double shear bolted connections that subjected to bearing failure in the temperature ranged from 22 to $950^{\circ}C$. The bearing resistances of bolted connections obtained from the tests and numerical analyses were compared with the nominal strengths calculated from the current international stainless steel specifications, and also compared with the predicted strengths calculated using the proposed design equations. It is shown that the proposed design equations are generally more accurate and reliable than the current design rules in predicting the bearing resistances of CFSS (EN 1.4301, EN 1.4571 and EN 1.4162) bolted connections at elevated temperatures. Lastly, the proposed design rules were further assessed by the available 58 results of stainless steel bolted connections subjected to bearing failure in the literature. It is found that the proposed design rules are also applicable to the bearing resistance design of other stainless steel grades, including austenitic stainless steel (EN 1.4306), ferritic stainless steel (EN 1.4016) and duplex stainless steel (EN 1.4462).

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.1101-1121
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• 2016

Base isolation, one of the popular seismic protection approaches proven to be effective in practical applications, has been widely applied worldwide during the past few decades. As the techniques mature, it has been recognised that, the biggest issue faced in base isolation technique is the challenge of great base displacement demand, which leads to the potential of overturning of the structure, instability and permanent damage of the isolators. Meanwhile, drain, ventilation and regular maintenance at the base isolation level are quite difficult and rather time- and fund- consuming, especially in the highly populated areas. To address these challenges, a number of efforts have been dedicated to propose new isolation systems, including segmental building, additional storey isolation (ASI) and mid-storey isolation system, etc. However, such techniques have their own flaws, among which whipping effect is the most obvious one. Moreover, due to their inherent passive nature, all these techniques, including traditional base isolation system, show incapability to cope with the unpredictable and diverse nature of earthquakes. The solution for the aforementioned challenge is to develop an innovative vibration isolation system to realise variable structural stiffness to maximise the adaptability and controllability of the system. Recently, advances on the development of an adaptive magneto-rheological elastomer (MRE) vibration isolator has enlightened the development of adaptive base isolation systems due to its ability to alter stiffness by changing applied electrical current. In this study, an innovative semi-active storey isolation system inserting such novel MRE isolators between each floor is proposed. The stiffness of each level in the proposed isolation system can thus be changed according to characteristics of the MRE isolators. Non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm type II (NSGA-II) with dynamic crowding distance (DCD) is utilised for the optimisation of the parameters at isolation level in the system. Extensive comparative simulation studies have been conducted using 5-storey benchmark model to evaluate the performance of the proposed isolation system under different earthquake excitations. Simulation results compare the seismic responses of bare building, building with passive controlled MRE base isolation system, building with passive-controlled MRE storey isolation system and building with optimised storey isolation system.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.551-565
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• 2019

A total of 36 carbon steel and stainless steel bolted connections subjected to shear loading at different strain rates was experimentally investigated. The connection specimens were fabricated from carbon steel grades 1.20 mm G500 and 1.90 mm G450, as well as cold-formed stainless steel types EN 1.4301 and EN 1.4162 with nominal thickness 1.50 mm. The connection tests were conducted by displacement control test method. The strain rates of 10 mm/min and 20 mm/min were used. Structural behaviour of the connection specimens tested at different strain rates was investigated in terms of ultimate load, elongation corresponding to ultimate load and failure mode. Generally, it is shown that the higher strain rate on the bolted connection specimens, the higher ultimate load was obtained. The ultimate loads were averagely 2-6% higher, while the corresponding elongations were averagely 8-9% higher for the test results obtained from the strain rate of 20 mm/min compared with those obtained from the lower strain rates (1.0 mm/min for carbon steel and 1.5 mm/min for stainless steel). The connection specimens were generally failed in plate bearing of the carbon steel and stainless steel. It is shown that increasing the strain rate up to 20 mm/min generally has no effect on the bearing failure mode of the carbon steel and stainless steel bolted connections. The test strengths and failure modes were compared with the results predicted by the bolted connection design rules in international design specifications, including the Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS4600 2018), Eurocode 3 - Part 1.3 (EC3-1.3 2006) and North American Specification (AISI S100 2016) for cold-formed carbon steel structures as well as the American Specification (ASCE 2002), AS/NZS4673 (2001) and Eurocode 3 - Part 1.4 (EC3-1.4 2015) for stainless steel structures. It is shown that the AS/NZS4600 (2018), EC3-1.3 (2006) and AISI S100 (2016) generally provide conservative predictions for the carbon steel bolted connections. Both the ASCE (2002) and the EC3-1.4 (2015) provide conservative predictions for the stainless steel bolted connections. The EC3-1.3 (2006) generally provided more accurate predictions of failure mode for carbon steel bolted connections than the AS/NZS4600 (2018) and the AISI S100 (2016). The failure modes of stainless steel bolted connections predicted by the EC3-1.4 (2015) are more consistent with the test results compared with those predicted by the ASCE (2002).

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.213-219
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• 2023

The wetland ecosystem has a key role in climate change and can capture and store carbon long-term as blue carbon. Currently, the Republic of Korea and People's Republic of China are preparing for the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Phase II inscription, and cross-border cooperation among the two Koreas and the People's Republic of China is expected in term of the coastal wetland in the Yellow Sea region. However, there is a lack of research on the importance of coastal wetland in the Yellow Sea region for migratory bird habitats, roosting sites, feeding grounds, and stop-over sites. Thus, this study focused on the coastal wetland of the Yellow Sea region, including the southwestern coastal wetlands in the Republic of Korea, the Yancheng National Nature Reserve in the People's Republic of China designated as UNESCO World Natural Heritage, and the Mundok Migratory Bird Reserve in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which is listed on the Tentative List. The cooperation for ecosystem conservation between the two Koreas and China was analyzed. The importance of coastal wetlands in the Yellow Sea region as habitats for migratory birds, roosting sites, feeding grounds, and stop-over sites, significant characteristics of Yellow Sea coastal wetlands, and conditions for cooperation among three countries, were analyzed. The direction of ecosystem conservation cooperation for coastal wetlands in the Yellow Sea region in this study will be developed into Pan-Yellow Sea conservation.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.539-554
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• 2023

This article is dedicated to the pursuit of establishing a robust empirical relationship that allows for the estimation of in-situ modulus of deformations (E_m and G_m) within sedimentary rock slope masses through the utilization of Q_slope values. To achieve this significant objective, an expansive and thorough methodology is employed, encompassing a comprehensive field survey, meticulous sample collection, and rigorous laboratory testing. The study sources a total of 26 specimens from five distinct locations within the South Pars (known as Assalouyeh) region, ensuring a representative dataset for robust correlations. The results of this extensive analysis reveal compelling empirical connections between E_m, geomechanical characteristics of the rock mass, and the calculated Q_slope values. Specifically, these relationships are expressed as follows: E_m = 2.859 Q_slope + 4.628 (R² = 0.554), and G_m = 1.856 Q_slope + 3.008 (R² = 0.524). Moreover, the study unravels intriguing insights into the interplay between in-situ deformation moduli and the widely utilized Rock Mass Rating (RMR) computations, leading to the formulation of equations that facilitate predictions: RMR = 18.12 E_m0.460 (R² = 0.798) and RMR = 22.09 G_m0.460 (R² = 0.766). Beyond these correlations, the study delves into the intricate relationship between RMR and Rock Quality Designation (RQD) with Qslope values. The findings elucidate the following relationships: RMR = 34.05e^0.33Qslope (R² = 0.712) and RQD = 31.42e^0.549Qslope (R² = 0.902). Furthermore, leveraging the insights garnered from this comprehensive analysis, the study offers an empirically derived support system tailored to the distinct characteristics of discontinuous rock slopes, grounded firmly within the framework of the Q_slope methodology. This holistic approach contributes significantly to advancing the understanding of sedimentary rock slope stability and provides valuable tools for informed engineering decisions.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.81-95
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• 2024

This study empirically analyzed the effectiveness of government financial support policies for venture enterprises in the Daejeon region, using raw data obtained from the Small and Medium Venture Business Administration's survey results from 2016 to 2021. Daejeon, considering its economic significance, has a significant proportion of venture enterprises in its economy compared to the national average, with a focus on technological development. Conducting regression analysis yielded several key findings. Firstly, loan and guarantee support is effective for improving sales and market share, while R&D support is effective for technological development. Second, R&D and loan support have the most significant impact on sales in the fourth stage (maturity), while guarantee support is most influential in the third stage. Third, in industry analysis, the coefficients representing the effects of financial support were larger across all performance indicators compared to firm level data analysis. Based on these empirical analysis results, the study proposes several policy implications as follows. First, the government should actively provide funding support to venture companies rather than leaving investments to the capital market. Second, the methods and targets of funding support should vary according to the purpose of the support. Third, it is necessary to establish a platform that connects venture companies with private investors to commercialize developed technologies. Fourth, the funding support of venture capital for technology-intensive venture companies should be expanded.