• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.151-155
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• 2017

Purpose: Reducing tenderness or pain on the ankle joint and improving the range of motion are thought to be possible using hyaluronate-based anti-adhesive agents. On the other hand, there are more aspects to be studied regarding the incidence of complications, such as resting pain, tenderness, and stiffness, after surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to prove the effectiveness of the agents after ankle fracture surgery. Materials and Methods: Patients, who underwent open reduction and internal fixation surgery due to ankle joint fractures from June 2015 to May 2016, were studied prospectively. Thirty patients of them received a $Guardix^{(R)}$ injection during their surgeries and were included in the injection group. The other 30 patients were included in the control group. Postoperatively, tenderness on the scar, a delay in wound healing, and the active range of motion were evaluated at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after surgery. Results: A significant difference in tenderness on the scar was observed 2 weeks after surgery. On the other hand, there was no significant difference at 6 and 12 weeks after the surgery. The agent-using group showed a 6.7% delay in wound healing and a 93.3% nondelaying. In the non-using group, the delay was 63.3%, while non-delay was 36.7% (p<0.001). The group that underwent $Guardix^{(R)}$ usage showed an effective result in the visual analogue scale, which was statistically significant (p<0.001). The result at 6 and 12 weeks after surgery showed a significant difference. Conclusion: Improvement was observed in the patients who underwent a $Guardix^{(R)}$ injection, regarding the range of motion, visual analog scale, and healing of the wound postoperatively.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.83-94
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• 2019

Passive negative stiffness dampers (NSDs) that possess superior energy dissipation abilities, have been proved to be more efficient than commonly adopted passive viscous dampers in controlling stay cable vibrations. Recently, inertial mass dampers (IMDs) have attracted extensive attentions since their properties are similar to NSDs. It has been theoretically predicted that superior supplemental damping can be generated for a taut cable with an IMD. This paper aims to theoretically investigate the impact of the cable sag on the efficiency of an IMD in controlling stay cable vibrations, and experimentally validate superior vibration mitigation performance of the IMD. Both the numerical and asymptotic solutions were obtained for an inclined sag cable with an IMD installed close to the cable end. Based on the asymptotic solution, the cable attainable maximum modal damping ratio and the corresponding optimal damping coefficient of the IMD were derived for a given inertial mass. An electromagnetic IMD (EIMD) with adjustable inertial mass was developed to investigate the effects of inertial mass and cable sag on the vibration mitigation performance of two model cables with different sags through series of first modal free vibration tests. The results show that the sag generally reduces the attainable first modal damping ratio of the cable with a passive viscous damper, while tends to increase the cable maximum attainable modal damping ratio provided by the IMD. The cable sag also decreases the optimum damping coefficient of the IMD when the inertial mass is less than its optimal value. The theoretically predicted first modal damping ratio of the cable with an IMD, taking into account the sag generally, agrees well with that identified from experimental results, while it will be significantly overestimated with a taut-cable model, especially for the cable with large sag.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.771-782
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• 2017

This paper describes the development of a wearable robot to assist ankle power for the elderly. Previously developed wearable robots have generally used motors and gears to assist muscle power during walking. However, the combination of motor and reduction gear is heavy and has limitations on the simultaneous control of stiffness and torque due to the friction of the gear reducer unlike human muscles. Therefore, in this study, Mckibben pneumatic muscle, which is lighter, safer, and more powerful than an electric motor with gear, was used to assist ankle joint. Antagonistic actuation using a pair of pneumatic muscles assisted the power of the soleus muscles and tibialis anterior muscles used for the pitching motion of the ankle joint, and the model parameters of the antagonistic actuator were experimentally derived using a muscle test platform. To recognize the wearer's walking intention, foot load and ankle torque were calculated by measuring the pressure and the center of pressure of the foot using force and linear displacement sensors, and the stiffness and the torque of the pneumatic muscle joint were then controlled by the calculated ankle torque and foot load. Finally, the performance of the developed ankle power assistive robot was experimentally verified by measuring EMG signals during walking experiments on a treadmill.

• Journal of Drive and Control
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.26-33
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• 2016

This paper describes of a mathematical and real experimental analysis for a walking robot which uses servo valve driven hydraulic actuator. Recently, many researchers are developing a walking robot based on hydraulic systems for the difficult and dangerous missions such as walking in the rough terrain and carrying a heavy load. In order to design and control a walking robot, the characteristics of the hydraulic actuators in the joint through the view point of walking such as controllability and backdrivability must be analyzed. A general mathematical model was used for analysis and proceeds to position and pressure changes characteristic of the input and backdrivability experiment. The result shows the actuator is a velocity source, had a high impedance, the output stiffness is high in contact with the rigid external force. So stand above the controller and instruments that complement the design characteristics can be seen the need to apply a hydraulic actuator in walking robot.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.402-410
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• 2017

The effect of the steel pipe member joint on the design performance of a plastic multi-span greenhouse was analysed through the comparing full-scale experiment and numerical analysis. The design performance of the greenhouse is generally evaluated through numerical analysis, but it is rare to consider the characteristics of the connections or joints of the members. In this study, the effect of the column-gutter beam-rafter-wind break wall joint on the design performance of the whole structure of a plastic multi-span greenhouse was analysed. The numerical results with assuming that the member joint are rigid condition were compared with the full-scale load test results using member joints used in the field. The stiffness of the entire structure was compared using the load-displacement relationship and the change of the load sharing ratio that the main members such as column, rafters, and wind break wall was analysed. The results of the load test were about 40% larger than the numerical result and the member stress was more than twice as large as those of the loaded columns. In order to increase the reliability of the design performance of the greenhouse, it is necessary to develop a numerical analysis model which can consider the characteristics of various joints.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.32-42
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• 2005

Purpose : To evaluate the incidence of arm morbidity following breast cancer surgery including axillary dissection and to identify related factors. Materials and Methods : One hundred and fifty nine patients were studied using a self-report questionnaire and a clinical examination. Lymphedema, reduction of range of motion in shoulder joint and subjective symptoms (pain, impaired arm movement, numbness, stiffness) were evaluated. As related factors, demographic, oncologic characteristics and types of treatment were analysed. Results : The incidence of lymphedema ($\geqq$2 cm difference comparing to unaffected arm) was $6.3\%$, $10.7\%$, $22.5\%$ and $23.3\%$ at each 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, and 40 cm from wrist. Reduction of range of motion in shoulder joint ($\geqq$ 20 degree difference comparing to unaffected arm) was noted In more than 1/3 patients for flexion, abduction and internal rotation. Especially the reduction of range of motion in internal rotation was severe ($>50\%$ reduction) in 1/3 patients. Approximately 50 to $60\%$ of patients complained impaired arm movement, numbness, stiffness and pain. Body mass index (BMI) was the significant risk factor for lymphedema. Conclusion : Lymphedema was present in 1/3 of patients and the common sites of edema were 30 cm 40 cm proximal from the wrist. Also most severe reduction of range of motion in shoulder joint was with internal rotation. There needs weight control for lymphedema because BMI was the significant risk factor for lymphedema. Also rehabilitation program for range of motion especially internal rotation In shoulder joint should be developed.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.3A
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• pp.287-295
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• 2010

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the static behavior of spliced prestressed concrete girder with bending moment connector and lateral prestressing. Four (4) spliced girders and one (1) monolithic girder had been fabricated and tested to compare their static behaviors. Same geometry and materials are used to fabricate these spliced and monolithic girders. A monolithic girder and one (1) spliced girder without lateral bending connector are used as control specimens to estimate the performance of three (3) spliced girders with lateral bending connector. Deflections at the middle of girders have been measured for evaluation. Also, strains of the concrete at the middle of span and connection points have been measured. It was found from the result that laterally strengthened spliced girders showed improved ultimate strength but less stiffness compared to the monolithic girder at the ultimate state. Laterally strengthened spliced girder also showed improved strength as well as improved stiffness compared to the spliced girder without lateral strengthening.

• The Journal of the Institute of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.109-116
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of gender and load carriage difference on the lower extremity kinetics during stair descent. Ten healthy males and 10 healthy females were recruited (n=20). In the Maximum resultant velocity, it showed more velocity was decreased with difference by the change of gender (males>females) and load carriage (30%, 20%, 10%> 10%). And, resultant velocity showed interaction between gender and a load (load>gender). Main effect by gender during stair descent showed leg length was decreased in females than that of males at initial contact phase. Also, main effect by gender during stair descent showed more hip, knee flexed and plantar flexion of ankle joint in females than that of males. In the kinetics variables, main effect by gender during stair descent showed more higher reaction force of medial-lateral direction, and leg stiffness in males than that of females. We found that females successfully accommodated a load during stair descent by decreasing the range of motion of the hip joint angle and resultant velocity of movement. Males, on the other hand, require greater medial-lateral, vertical reaction force, and leg stiffness to accommodate a load, and control of momentum.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.127-132
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• 2003

In this paper. the pneumatic service robot with a hybrid type is developed. A pneumatic has the advantages of good compliance , high Payload-to-weight and payload-to-volume ratios. high speed and force capabilities. Using pneumatic actuators. which have low stiffness. the service robot can guarantee safety. By suggesting a new serial-parallel hybrid type for the service robot which separates into Positioning motion and orienting motion, we can achieve large workspace and high strength-to-moving-weight ratio at the same time. A sliding mode controller can be designed for tracking the desired output using the Lyapunov stability theory and structural properties of pneumatic servo systems. Through many experiments of circular trajectory. the Pneumatic service robot is evaluated and verified.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.625-633
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• 2003

For the construction of open-topped steel box girder bridges, prefabricated concrete slab could offer several advantages over cast-in-situ deck including good quality control, fast construction, and elimination of the formwork for concrete slab casting. However, precast decks without reinforcements at transverse joints between precast slabs should be designed to prevent the initiation of cracking at the joints, because the performance of the joint is especially crucial for the integrity of a structural system. Several prestressing methods are available to introduce proper compression at the joints, such as internal tendons, external tendons and support lowering after shear connection. In this paper, experimental results from a continuous composite bridge model with precast decks are presented. Internal tendons and external tendons were used to prevent cracking at the joints. Judging from the tests, precast decks in negative moment regions have the whole contribution to the flexural stiffness of composite section under service loads if appropriate prestressing is introduced. The validity of the calculation of a cracking load fur serviceability was presented by comparing an observed cracking load and the calculated value. Flexural behavior of the continuous composite beam with external prestressing before and after cracking was discussed by using the deflection and strain data.