• Computational Structural Engineering : An International Journal
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.31-37
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• 2003

A typical marine platform in the Bay of Campeche is studied from the standpoint of structural reliability, and several characteristics of its deck such as slenderness and diameter/thickness ratios of the legs and actual degree of correlation between some variables are taken into account. The global and local buckling capacities of the deck legs are compared and the correlation coefficient between the critical axial load and the critical moment is assessed in order to validate its influence on the structural reliability. In addition, the influence of the vertical load, and its uncertainty, on the variance of the decks capacity, and latter on, on the platform's failure probability is assessed. The results presented may be used in future studies to further extend and upgrade the first version of the Reference Norm (PEMEX, 2000) and, in the longer term, to improve the current practice in the Design and Requalification of Offshore Marine Platforms in the Bay of Campeche.

• 제어로봇시스템학회:학술대회논문집
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• 1998.10a
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• pp.221-225
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• 1998

This paper is to present a method for recognizing an image of a tracking object by processing the image from a camera, whose attitude is controlled in inertial space with inertial co-ordinate system. In order to recognize an object, a pseudo-random M-array is attached on the object and it is observed by the camera which is controlled on inertial coordinate basis by inertial stabilization unit. When the attitude of the camera is changed, the observed image of M-array is transformed by use of affine transformation to the image in inertial coordinate system. Taking the cross-correlation function between the affine-transformed image and the original image, we can recognize the object. As parameters of the attitude of the camera, we used the azimuth angle of camera, which is de-fected by gyroscope of an inertial sensor, and elevation an91e of camera which is calculated from the gravitational acceleration detected by servo accelerometer.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.227-244
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• 2020

Earthen structures have an excellent bioclimatic performance, but they are vulnerable against earthquakes. In order to investigate the edification process and costs, a full-scale rammed soil house was constructed in 2004. In 2016-2019, it was studied its seismic damage, durability and degradation process. During 2004-2016, the house presented a relatively good seismic performance (M_w=5.6-6.4). The damaged cover contributed in the fast deterioration of walls. In 2018 it was observed a partial collapse of one wall due to recent seismicity (M_w=5.6-6.1). The 15-year-old samples presented a reduced compressive strength (0.040 MPa) and a minimum moisture (1.38%). It is estimated that the existing house has approximately a remaining 20% of compressive strength with a degradation of about 5.4% (0.0109 MPa) per year (considering a time frame of 15 years) if compared to the new soil samples (0.2028 MPa, 3.52% of moisture). This correlation between moisture and compressive strength degradation was compared with the study of new soil samples at the same construction site and compared against the extracted samples from the 15-year-old house. At 7-14-days, the specimens presented a similar compressive strength as the degraded ones, but different moisture. Conversely, the 60-days specimens shown almost five times more strength as the existing samples for a similar moisture. It was observed in new rammed soil that the lower the water content, the higher the compressive/shear strength.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.8-16
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of in vitro study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy to detect non-cavitated enamel caries on smooth surface by using four kinds of the QLF devices. Materials and Methods: A total of 52 human permanent premolars and molars were used. Fluorescence images were captured by the QLF devices (Inspektor Pro, QLF-D, Qraycam, and Qraypen). Fluorescence loss of the QLF was calculated. The severity of lesions was categorized into the following 3 scores using polarized light microscopy: normal (S), enamel demineralization to outer half of enamel (D1), and inner half of the enamel up to the dentin-enamel junction (D2). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the fluorescence loss among the QLF devices. Spearman rank correlation coefficient between histological scores and fluorescence loss of the devices was calculated. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) were calculated to compare their diagnostic accuracies. Results: The correlation coefficients between histological scores and the fluorescence loss of the devices showed 0.77 to 0.81 (P < 0.001). All histological scores, the fluorescence loss among the devices showed no statistical difference. Among the devices, sensitivity, specificity, and AUC values of the fluorescence loss showed 0.84 to 0.94, 0.76 to 0.90, and 0.90 to 0.92, respectively. Conclusions: All QLF devices had no difference with excellent diagnostic accuracies to detect non-cavitated enamel caries on smooth surface.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.379-385
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• 2004

Two trials in vivo and in vitro were conducted, in vivo to determine the apparent digestibility of gross energy, crude protein, dry matter, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber and apparent digestible energy in 10 corn by-products. In vivo the diets included one basal corn diet, four corn gluten meal diets, four corn distillers dried grains with solubles diets and two corn distillers dried grains diets using the different methods, 12 crossbred barrows weigh $40{\pm}$1.6 kg were allocated into individual metabolic crate, according to a $6{\times}6$ Latin square design. In vitro using flask technique, filter bag technique and dialysis tubing technique, the digestibilities of gross energy, crude protein and dry matter in corn gluten meal and corn distillers dried grains with solubles were investigated. Pepsin, pancreatin, intestinal fluid, rumen fluid and cellulase were used in incubation. The results showed that correlation coefficient was 0.73 in corn distillers dried grains with solubles between the digestibility of crude protein and acid detergent fiber in vivo (p<0.01); and correlation coefficient was 0.68 in corn distillers dried grains with solubles between the digestibility of gross energy and neutral detergent fiber in vivo (p<0.01). Apparent digestible energy (DE) of corn by-products in pig total tract was predicted by the percentage of crude protein (CP) and the content of gross energy (GE) in feedstuff. The equation: DE=5,601.09+26.69$\times$CP %-0.5904$\times$GE, ($R^2=0.72$). In vitro, filter bag technique was more convenient; furthermore, the digestibility for the treatments (pepsin+pancreatin+rumen fluid and pepsin+pancreatin+cellulase) was better.

• Ocean Science Journal
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.127-143
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• 2005

The taxonomic sufficiency approach has been proposed as a surrogate for the typical analysis of species-abundance data, especially in conditions involving prominent pollution gradients. Here, we evaluate the use of taxonomic sufficiency with infralittoral macrobenthic data derived from samples taken in a moderate polluted subtropical environment in southeastern Brazil, analysing five taxonomic levels and including two functional levels throughout polychaete feeding guilds and trophic groups. The data were collected seasonally at nine stations and studied for two abundance data series (0.5 and 1.0 mm sieve mesh-size). The results showed a similar ordination pattern between the two sieve mesh-size, but with the 0.5 mm sieve data a different pattern was observed during austral summer. A slight loss of information was detected using genus, family, polychaete species and their feeding guilds as taxonomic/functional units. These results together with those of the cost! benefit ratio, suggested that the family level seemed to be sufficient to detect the impact caused by moderate pollution in this shallow-water, subtropical environment. In additional, through the use of feeding guilds, similar patterns are obtained. Correlation analysis showed that chlorophyll a, total organic matter, zinc, and chromium sediment content were the variables that best explained the biological pattern observed and not always the best correlation coefficient occurring at the species level. The feeding guild approach seems to be useful and generates interpretable results similar to those obtained with the species level of the whole macroinfauna. The results showed an important cost reduction in the sample processing, suggesting that it is possible to adopt a coarser taxonomic level monitoring program even in species-rich communities.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.457-464
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• 2016

PURPOSE. The aim of this study was to determine whether two methods of documentation, print and electronic forms, for the assessment of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in complete denture wearers provide comparable results. The study also quantified the time needed for filling the forms by each method. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Thirty participants enrolled in a university clinic answered two forms (a questionnaire for denture satisfaction and OHIP-EDENT). They provided answers with two application methods in a random order, with a one-month interval between them: (1) electronic forms on a tablet computer; and (2) print forms. The methods were compared in terms of mean results, correlation/agreement, internal consistency, and spent time. RESULTS. Mean results for both methods were similar for each denture satisfaction item (100-mm VAS) and OHIP-EDENT summary score. Both questionnaires presented good internal consistency regardless of the application method (Cronbach's ${\alpha}=0.86$ or higher). Correlation and agreement between the methods regarding specific items was at least moderate for the majority of cases. Mean time for the electronic and print forms were 9.2 and 8.5 minutes, respectively (paired t test, P=.06, non-significant). CONCLUSION. The electronic method is comparable to print forms for the assessment of important PRO of prosthetic treatment for edentulism, considering the results and time needed. Findings suggest the viability of replacing print forms with a tablet for applying the tested inventories in clinical trials.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.12-20
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• 2017

The ablation characteristics of graphite nozzle throat insert was analyzed for the use in solid rocket propulsion system. The propulsion system was composed of three types of conventional nozzles, such as De-Laval type, blast tube type, and submerged type. Various kinds of propellants were used in ten kinds of propulsion system that had different shapes with each other. Total forty eight tests were performed. From the results of the analysis, it was found that the ablation rate was increased for the higher average chamber pressure and the higher oxidizer mole fraction. A useful correlation for nozzle throat ablation rate was developed in terms of the chamber pressure, oxidizer mole fraction, and throat size. The calculated ablation rates from the correlation showed agreement within ${\pm}0.10mm/s$ with the experimentally determined values.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.867-872
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• 2012

Background: $FOXP3^+$ regulatory T cells (Tregs) inhibit effector T cell functions and are implicated in tumour progression. However, together with microvessel density (MVD) they remain controversial prognostic predictors for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and potential associations have yet to be determined. The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of Tregs and MVD and their potential relationship in RCCs. Design: Paraffin-embedded tissues from 62 RCC patients were analysed using immunohistochemistry to detect $FOXP3^+$ lymphocytes, and double immunohistochemistry to detect different microvessel types in the tumour interior, rim and normal kidney tissue, and their correlation with clinicopathological characteristics. Survival analysis was also performed. Results: The presence of $FOXP3^+$ cells in the tumour interior or the rim showed no correlation with death from RCC and other pathological characteristics. Negative correlations were noted between the immature MVD in the tumour interior or the rim and tumour size, tumour stage and overall survival; however, there was no correlation with the nuclear grade or pathological type. A positive correlation between $FOXP3^+$ Tregs and immature MVD (r=0.363, P=0.014) and mature MVD (r=0.383, P=0.009) was confirmed in the tumour interior. However, there was no correlation between $FOXP3^+$ Tregs and mature MVD (r=0.281, P=0.076) or immature MVD (r=0.064, P=0.692) in the tumour rim. Conclusions: In this study, a positive correlation between the presence of $FOXP3^+$ Tregs and immature and mature MVD in RCC was confirmed, which suggests a link between suppression of immunity, tumour angiogenesis and poor prognosis.

• Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.125-134
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• 2022

BACKGROUND: To assess the interventricular septum (IVS) volume of fetuses from pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (DM) pregnant women by 3-dimensional ultrasound using spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) and virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) methods. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of 45 fetuses from pre-gestational DM and 45 fetuses from healthy pregnant women (controls). Only singleton pregnancies between 20 and 34 + 6 weeks of gestation were included. The fetal IVS volumes were obtained off-line using STIC and VOCAL methods. To analyze differences among variables, the Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used. The correlation among continuous variables was determine using Spearman's correlation test (r). RESULTS: The median of fetal IVS volume was significantly higher in pre-gestational DM than in healthy pregnant women (0.3 cm³ vs. 0.2 cm³, p = 0.032). A strong positive correlation was observed between fetal IVS volume and gestational age at the time of ultrasound examination (r = 0.75, R² = 0.48, p < 0.0001) and between fetal IVS volume and estimated fetal weight (r = 0.63, R² = 0.37, p < 0.0001). No significant correlation was noted between fetal IVS volume and glycated hemoglobin levels (r = -0.16, R² = 0.01, p = 0.540) in the pre-gestational DM pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences were observed in fetal IVS volumes between pre-gestational and healthy mothers, with higher values in the fetuses of pre-gestational DM pregnant women.