• Smart Structures and Systems
• /
• v.16 no.6
• /
• pp.1133-1145
• /
• 2015

A new neural network (NN) predictive controller (NNPC) algorithm has been developed and tested in the computer simulation of active control of a nonlinear structure. In the present method an NN is used as a predictor. This NN has been trained to predict the future response of the structure to determine the control forces. These control forces are calculated by minimizing the difference between the predicted and desired responses via a numerical minimization algorithm. Since the NNPC is very time consuming and not suitable for real-time control, it is then used to train an NN controller. To consider the effectiveness of the controller on probability of damage, fragility curves are generated. The approach is validated by using simulated response of a 3 story nonlinear benchmark building excited by several historical earthquake records. The simulation results are then compared with a linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) active controller. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm is completely effective in relative displacement reduction.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Toocicology Conference
• /
• 1997.12a
• /
• pp.101-101
• /
• 1997

Comet assay, single cell gel electrophoresis has been known as useful, rapid, simple, visual, and sensitive technique for measuring the DNA breakage in mammalian ce1ls. For evaluation of DNA damage using comet assay, early studies reported a change in comet length and intensity with DNA damage using simple visual technique, such as fluorescence microscopy with eyespiece. In recent, some workers are observing and analyzing nucleotide of comets using quantitative fluorescence image analysis system to estimate 'tail moment', which is defined as the product of the tail length and the fraction of total DNA in tail. Our laboratory also adopted the image analysis software for qualification. In addition, many of the practical features of comet assay render it potentially attractive as useful tool for molecular toxicology and carcinogenesis, because the system is already showing considerable promise as rapid predictor in both in vitro and in vivo experimental designs. Recently, the comet assay becomes a attractive technique to study of apoptosis, because apoptotic fragmentation of nuclear DNA into nucleosomal sizes can be evaluated by the comet assay. So, we attempted to apply the comet assay to studying the effect of various stress on the apoptosis-sensitive cell lines. Particularly, focusing on the hyperthermic apoptosis, we could find that heat shock(44˚C for 60 minutes) was sufficient to induced apoptosis in these cell lines. But using the highly sensitive comet assay, we could not detect DNA breaks immediately after heat shock.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.46 no.1
• /
• pp.1-9
• /
• 2013

Algal blooms in potable water supplies are becoming an increasingly prevalent and serious water quality problem around the world. In addition to precipitating taste and odor problems, blooms damage the environment, and some classes like cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) release toxins that can threaten human health, even causing death. There is a recognized need in the water industry for models that can accurately forecast in real-time algal bloom events for planning and mitigation purposes. In this study, using data for an interconnected system of rivers and reservoirs operated by a New Jersey water utility, various ANN models, including both discrete prediction and classification models, were developed and tested for forecasting counts of three different algal classes for one-week and two-weeks ahead periods. Predictor model inputs included physical, meteorological, chemical, and biological variables, and two different temporal schemes for processing inputs relative to the prediction event were used. Despite relatively limited historical data, the discrete prediction ANN models generally performed well during validation, achieving relatively high correlation coefficients, and often predicting the formation and dissipation of high algae count periods. The ANN classification models also performed well, with average classification percentages averaging 94 percent accuracy. Despite relatively limited data events, this study demonstrates that with adequate data collection, both in terms of the number of historical events and availability of important predictor variables, ANNs can provide accurate real-time forecasts of algal population counts, as well as foster increased understanding of important cause and effect relationships, which can be used to both improve monitoring programs and forecasting efforts.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.101-105
• /
• 2015

Objective: Several publications have established a relationship between sperm DNA damage and male factor infertility, based on data from America, Europe, and Asia. This study aimed to compare the extent of sperm DNA damage in sperm samples from Nigerian men with unexplained infertility and in sperm samples from a fertile group composed of sperm donors who had successfully impregnated a female partner naturally or through assisted conception. Methods: A total of 404 men underwent male fertility evaluation at Androcare Laboratories and Cryobank participated in this study. Semen analysis and a sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) were performed on all subjects. Results: The men in the unexplained infertility group were slightly older than the men in the fertile sperm group ($36{\pm}10$ years vs. $32{\pm}6$ years, p=0.051). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in semen analysis parameters ($p{\geq}0.05$). Men in the unexplained infertility group with normal semen parameters had a significantly higher DNA fragmentation index (DFI) than men in the fertile sperm group ($27.5%{\pm}7.0%$ vs. $14.1%{\pm}5.3%$, p<0.05). In the unexplained infertility group, 63% of the men had a DFI greater than 20%, compared to 4% in the fertile sperm group. In the unexplained infertility group, 15.2% of the subjects had a DFI greater than 30%, compared to 1% in the fertile sperm group. Conclusion: Our study showed that the SCSA may be a more reliable predictor of fertility potential than traditional semen analysis in cases of unexplained infertility.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.60 no.5
• /
• pp.567-576
• /
• 2017

Objective : Preoperative parameters including the T1 slope (T1S) and C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) have been recognized as predictors of kyphosis after laminoplasty, which is accompanied by posterior neck muscle damage. The importance of preoperative parameters has been under-estimated in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) because there is no posterior neck muscle damage. We aimed to determine whether postoperative subsidence and pseudarthrosis could be predicted according to specific parameters on preoperative plain radiographs. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed 41 consecutive patients (male : female, 22 : 19; mean age, $51.15{\pm}9.25years$) who underwent ACDF with a stand-alone polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) cage (>1 year follow-up). Parameters including SVA, T1S, segmental angle and range of motion (ROM), C2-C7 cervical angle and ROM, and segmental inter-spinous distance were measured on preoperative plain radiographs. Risk factors of subsidence and pseudarthrosis were determined using multivariate logistic regression. Results : Fifty-five segments (27 single-segment and 14 two-segment fusions) were included. The subsidence and pseudarthrosis rates based on the number of segments were 36.4% and 29.1%, respectively. Demographic data and fusion level were unrelated to subsidence. A greater T1S was associated with a lower risk of subsidence (p=0.017, odds ratio=0.206). A cutoff value of T1S<$28^{\circ}$ significantly predicted subsidence (sensitivity : 70%, specificity : 68.6%). There were no preoperative predictors of pseudarthrosis except old age. Conclusion : A lower T1S (T1S<$28^{\circ}$) could be a risk factor of subsidence following ACDF. Surgeons need to be aware of this risk factor and should consider various supportive procedures to reduce the subsidence rates for such cases.

• The Korean Journal of Franchise Management
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.35-49
• /
• 2021

Purpose: The major objective of this study is to develop a model for the impact of franchisors' Gapjil (verbal·nonverbal Gapjil, abusing bargaining position, refusing transaction, false or exaggerated information, restrictive practices, unfair damage compensation) on franchisee's recontract intention. We also examine the mediating role of economic satisfaction and social satisfaction in the relationship between franchisors' Gapjil and franchisee's contract intention. Research design, data, and methodology: Data were collected from franchisee owners located nationwide in Korea. Out of 256 questionaires distributed, a total of 256 questionnaires were returned. After excluding 10 invalid respondent questionnaires, we coded and analyzed 246 valid questionnaires (effective response rate of 96.09%) using frequency, confirmatory factor analysis, correlations analysis, and structural equation modeling with SPSS 22.O and SmartPLS 3.0. Results: The findings of this study are summarized as follows: First, among the Gapjil of the franchisors, restrictive practices and unfair damage compensation had negative effects on economic and social satisfaction, but verbal and nonverbal Gapjil for economic and social satisfaction was not significant. Second, abusing bargaining positions and false or exaggerated information had negative effects on social satisfaction, but for economic satisfaction, found to be insignificant. Third, economic and social satisfaction had positive effects on the franchisee's recontract intention to the franchisor. Conclusion: The following implications of this study are as follows. First, the construct of Gapjil that occurs between the franchisors and the franchisees was first presented, and the franchisors' Gapjil is divided into interpersonal Gapjil and structural Gapjil. Second, the Gapjil of the franchisors can be an important predictor variable in maintaining and developing a long-term relationship between the franchisors and the franchisees. Third, solving conflict due to the Gapjil problem between franchisors and franchisees can be an important factor for franchisors and franchisees to co-survive and thrive in Korean franchise system. Fourth, this study suggest that managing the Gapjil of the franchisors was a important antecedent factor in maintaining long-term relationship between the franchisors and the franchisees. Therefore, this study will help franchisors formulate effective symbiotic marketing strategies to satisfy relationships with franchisees and consequently enhance long-term orientation.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.520-528
• /
• 2011

Purpose: Patients with chronic hepatitis B need lifelong health care because of progressive liver damage. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with self-management compliance among patients with chronic hepatitis B. Methods: The research was a cross-sectional, descriptive design using questionnaires. The participants were 118 patients with chronic hepatitis B from outpatient department in a tertiary hospital. Their ages ranged from 20 to 64. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression with PASW statistics 19.0 program. Results: There were statistically significant differences in self management compliance by gender, age, job, alcohol consumption, and smoking. A positive correlation existed between self-management compliance, awareness of the importance of management, and self efficacy. Stepwise multiple regression analysis for self-management compliance revealed that the most powerful predictor was self efficacy. Self efficacy, age, and alcohol consumption explained 37.5% of the variance. Conclusion: The results indicate a need to promote self-management compliance with these participants. The findings also suggest that consideration be given to characteristics of age and alcohol consumption in developing strategies for enhancing self efficacy and developing programs to promote self-management for patients with chronic hepatitis B.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.27-35
• /
• 2020

Purpose: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common and serious bacterial infections in children. Therefore, early diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) for treatment planning and the identification of noninvasive markers that can predict renal injury are important in patients with UTIs. We analyzed the clinical features of pediatric UTIs commonly encountered by general practitioners and reinterpreted the blood tests and imaging findings to identify the important clinical predictive markers of VUR in order to selectively perform VCUG. Methods: This retrospective study was performed among 183 children diagnosed with a UTI or acute pyelonephritis. Results: The most significant predictor of high grade and bilateral VUR identified using area under the curve analyses was hydronephrosis on kidney ultrasound images with renal cortical defects on dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) kidney scan simultaneously, followed by hydronephrosis only on kidney ultrasound. Conclusion: The presence of hydronephrosis on kidney ultrasound images or cortical defects or asymmetric kidneys on the DMSA kidney scans can be predictive markers of VUR, reducing the need for VCUG. Our study can thus help minimize the exposure to radiation among patients through selective VCUG.

• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
• /
• v.39 no.8
• /
• pp.81-92
• /
• 2001

The purpose of this study was to find out the factors of Knowledge and attitudes related to sun safety and to determine the factors affecting sun protection behavior. The subjects were 167 adults in their twenties living in Busan. The results were as follows. 1. Four factors of knowledge about sun safety were identified: ultraviolet ray risk, sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and nil protective color. 2. Four factors of attitudes toward sun exposure were identified: attractiveness, emotion, conformity, and health concern. 3. Four factors of sun protection behavior were identified: sunscreen/parasol, shade, hat/sunglasses, and sun protective clothing. 4. Compared to women, men were relatively more risk to skin damage due to less proportion that used sunscreen and a parasol. 5. Factors of sun protective behavior, such as sunscreen/parasol, shade, hat/sunglasses, and sun protective clothing, were associated with the Knowledge related to ultraviolet ray risk. 6. Wearing a hat and sunglasses was predicted by the attractiveness, which defined as positive attitudes toward tanned appearance. 7. Shade use was affected by the perception of sun exposure as happiness and relaxing. 8. Health concern was the strongest predictor of sunscreen/parasol use.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
• /
• v.49 no.3
• /
• pp.213-218
• /
• 2019

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the mandibular canal and impacted mandibular third molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to compare the CBCT findings with signs on panoramic radiographs(PRs). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study consisted of 200 mandibular third molars from 200 patients who showed a close relationship between the mandibular canal and impacted third molars on PRs and were referred for a CBCT examination of the position of the mandibular canal. The sample consisted of 124 females and 76 males, with ages ranging from 18 to 47 years (mean, $25.75{\pm}6.15$ years). PRs were evaluated for interruption of the mandibular canal wall, darkening of the roots, diversion of the mandibular canal, and narrowing of the mandibular canal. Correlations between the PR and CBCT findings were statistically analyzed. Results: In total, 146 cases(73%) showed an absence of canal cortication between the mandibular canal and impacted third molar on CBCT images. A statistically significant relationship was found between CBCT and PR findings (P<0.05). The absence of canal cortication on CBCT images was most frequently accompanied by the PR sign of diversion of the mandibular canal(96%) and least frequently by interruption of the mandibular canal wall(65%). Conclusion: CBCT examinations are highly recommended when diversion of the mandibular canal is observed on PR images to reduce the risk of mandibular nerve injury, and this sign appears to be more relevant than other PR signs.