• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제35권2호
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• pp.61-68
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• 2018

Background: This study was performed to review the efficacy of national and international randomized controlled trials (RCT) investigating Chuna manipulative treatment for ankle sprains. Methods: Online databases (PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, CNKI, NDSL, OASIS), were searched for studies where Chuna treatment was performed for ankle sprains up to October 12th, 2017. Only RCT were selected that fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data were analyzed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results: There were 676 studies retrieved from the databases, resulting in analysis of 24 RCT. There was an average of 7 treatment visits over a 7 day period and the most frequent evaluation tool used was efficacy rate, with drug therapy being the most common control used in the trials. In 15 RCT, several Chuna methods were used in combination, amongst which, the osteopathic technique was most common. Statistically significant improvement in evaluation indices was reported in 19 RCT, and in 3 RCT, statistically significant improvement was reported, but not for all indices. In the remaining 2 RCT, there were no significant differences in any of the evaluation indices. No adverse reactions were reported in any of the RCT, although it was unknown whether all the trial protocols indicated that adverse reactions should be monitored, and for this reason, the risk of bias was unclear. Conclusion: The review of 24 studies suggest that Chuna manipulative treatment for ankle sprains was effective in most cases, although, potential bias in these studies was difficult to evaluate.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권1호
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• pp.603-606
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• 2013

Background: Ovarian cancer is the second most common malignancy in Pakistani women, accounting for 4% of all cancers in the female population. The aim of this study was to determine sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and 95% confidence intervals for ultrasound in characterization of ovarian masses in patients presenting at public and private tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: We adopted a cross-sectional analytical study design to retrospectively collect data from January 2009-11 from medical records of two tertiary care hospitals. Using a non-probability purposive sampling technique, we recruited a sample of 86 women aged between 15 and 85 years fulfilling inclusion criteria with histopathologically proven ovarian masses presenting for an ultrasound examination in our radiology departments. Results: Our retrospective data depicted sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound to be 90.7%, 95%CI (0.77, 0.97) and 91.4%, 95%CI (0.76, 0.98) respectively. Positive predictive value was 93%, 95%CI (0.79, 0.98) and negative predictive value was 89%, 95%CI (0.73, 0.96). A total of 78 ovarian masses were detected, out of which 42 were malignant and 36 were benign. Conclusions: Results of our study further reinforce the conclusion that ultrasound should be used as an initial modality of choice in the workup of every woman suspected of having an ovarian mass. It not only results in decreasing the mortality but also avoids unnecessary surgical interventions.

• 대한소아치과학회지
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.761-771
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• 1998

In this study, attempt has been made to evaluate the effect of $CO_2$ laser irradiation on enamel surface structure and the bond strength of sealant material. Conventional acid etching was used as a control technic for comparison. The results obtained from this experiment were as follows; 1. The highest mean shear bond strength value was observed in samples of Group I (acid-etching) with the statistical significance(p<.05) between all the other groups. 2. The shear bond strength in Group IV was the lowest among laser etching groups. but there were no significant difference between them(p>.05). 3. Scanning electron microscopic observation showed that the rough and irregular surface was created by $CO_2$ laser treatment with the formation of numerous pores, micro-cracks, and small bubble-like inclusion. Increasing the energy density induced localized surface melt with a thin smooth glaze-like appearance. 4. In acid-etched control specimen cohesive failure predominated, whereas adhesive failure was the main mode in laser-treated group. Based upon the above-mentioned results, it can be assumed that the $CO_2$ laser is not an adequate substitute for the acid-etch technique in enamel preconditioning. More studies are required to explore the effective condition of laser irradiation which could attain the better bond strength of restorative materials.

• 한국정보시스템학회지:정보시스템연구
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.1-15
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• 2017

Purpose Through the provision of real time performance information about who is contributing and who is not in Electronic Brainstorming, prior studies evidenced a significant performance gain. However, it has been observed that the quantity-based performance feedback alone does not have enough restrictiveness to guide the performance behavior throughout the idea generation session. We included the notion of goal setting into the process performance feedback mechanism in an effort to regulate performance behavior and to better understand why individuals in Electronic Brainstorming are not obtaining enough stimulation benefits in the group interaction process. Design/methodology/approach We had developed real-time visual process performance feedback and modified to include goal setting. This mechanism visually displays individuals' performances two-dimensionally (quality for each idea vertically and quantity of ideas horizontally along with their goals). As individuals' contributions accumulate, the mechanism reveals performance histories by connecting the sequence of ideas in a time-series format, telling stories of individuals' performances. Then, we compared the performance outcome from this study with the outcomes from two prior studies (i.e., Jung et al., 2010 and Jung, 2014). Findings The results showed that the inclusion of goal setting into the process performance feedback solved the issue in the previous study. That was the lower than expected magnitude of performance enhancement of process performance feedback when compared to that of quantity-based feedback. It appears that goals as a motivational technique provide standards for systematic self-evaluation, serving as a cue to regulate performance behavior by strengthening the linkage between effort and performance. Thus, goals seem to set up a self-fulfilling prophecy, preconditioning better performance. However, the outcome still showed that its performance magnitude is unsatisfactory because the outcome of this study turned out to be close to the outcome of just quantity-based performance feedback in Jung et al.'s (2010) study.

• Composites Research
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• 제31권5호
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• pp.251-259
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• 2018

본 논문에서는 섬유강화복합재의 멀티스케일 해석을 위해 필요한 대규모/소규모 통계적 체적요소 모델을 개발하였다. 미시영역모델의 크기효과를 최소화하기 위해서 섬유를 최대한 포함한 거대모델을 구성하였다. 이를 위해 국부 영역의 요소 절단법을 이용하여 전체 유한요소 크기에 상관없이 신속한 격자 섬유/기지의 모델링이 가능한 요소생성기를 구성하였다. 이를 통해 대규모 통계 체적 모델을 도출하여 체적모델의 크기에 따른 국부하중 공유의 차이를 고찰하고, 섬유방향의 연속체손상역학모델을 BSVEs 모델 해석으로부터 도출 하였다. BSVEs 모델을 보편적인 RVE모델과 비교 검증하였다.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.91-96
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• 2013

Background A thinned anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is often harvested to achieve optimal skin resurfacing. Several techniques have been described to thin an ALT flap including an adipocutaneous flap, an adipofascial flap and delayed debulking. Methods By systematically reviewing all of the available literature in English and French, the present manuscript attempts to identify the common surgical indications, complications and donor site morbidity of the adipofascial variant of the ALT flap. The studies were identified by performing a systematic search on Medline, Ovid, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Current Contents, PubMed, Google, and Google Scholar. Results The study selection process was adapted from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, and 15 articles were identified using the study inclusion criteria. These articles were then reviewed for author name(s), year of publication, flap dimensions and thickness following defatting, perforator type, type of transfer, complications, thinning technique, number of cases with a particular area of application and donor site morbidity. Conclusions The adipofascial variant of the ALT flap provides tissue to fill large defects and improve pliability. Its strong and safe blood supply permits adequate immediate or delayed debulking without vascular complications. The presence of the deep fascia makes it possible to prevent sagging by suspending and fixing the flap for functional reconstructive purposes (e.g., the intraoral cavity). Donor site morbidity is minimal, and thigh deformities can be reduced through immediate direct closure or liposuction and direct closure. A safe blood supply was confirmed by the rate of secondary flap debulking.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제55권5호
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• pp.533-540
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• 2017

Schistosoma mansoni is highly endemic in Tanzania and affects all age groups at different degrees. However, its control approach does not include adult individuals who are equally at risk and infected. To justify the inclusion of adult individuals in MDA programs in Tanzania, the present study focused on determining the prevalence of S. mansoni infection and its related morbidities among adult individuals. This was a cross sectional study conducted among 412 adult individuals aged 18-89 years living in selected villages of Rorya and Butiama districts located along the shoreline of the Lake Victoria. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and socio-economic information of participants. Ultrasonographic examinations were conducted for all study participants using the Niamey protocol. A single stool sample was obtained from all study participants and examined for S. mansoni using the Kato-Katz technique. The study revealed a high prevalence of S. mansoni (56.3%), and the majority of infected individuals had a light intensity of infection. Ultrasonographic findings revealed that 22.4% of adult individuals had periportal fibrosis (PPF) (grade C-F), with 18.4% having grade C and D and 4% having grade E and F. Males had the highest prevalence of PPF (31.7% vs 10.8%, P<0.001). Organomegaly was common with 28.5% and 29.6% having splenomegaly and hepatomegaly, respectively. S. mansoni infection and its related morbidities included PPF, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly were common among adult individuals. To reduce the level of transmission of S. mansoni infection, planned mass drug administration campaigns should include adult individuals living in these villages.

• 대한기계학회논문집B
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• 제25권11호
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• pp.1594-1605
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• 2001

In this study, a numerical simulation was developed which was capable of predicting the characteristics of NO formation in pilot scale combustor adopting the air-staged burner flame. The numerical calculation was constructed by means of establishing the mathematical models fur turbulence, turbulent combustion, radiation and turbulent nitric oxide chemistry. Turbulence was solved with standard k-$\xi$ model and the turbulent combustion model was incorporated using a two step reaction scheme together with an eddy dissipation model. The radiative transfer equation was calculated by means of the discrete ordinates method with the weighted sum of gray gases model for CO$_2$and H$_2$O. In the NO chemistry model, the chemical reaction rates for thermal and prompt NO were statistically averaged using the $\beta$ probability density function. The results were validated by comparison with measurements. For the experiment, a 0.2 MW pilot multi-air staged burner has been designed and fabricated. Only when the radiation was taken into account, the predicted gas temperature was in good agreement with the experimental one, which meant that the inclusion of radiation was indispensable for modeling multi-air staged gas flame. This was also true of the prediction of the NO formation, since it heavily depended on temperature. Subsequently, it was found that the multi-air staged combustion technique might be used as a practical tool in reducing the NO formation by controlling the peak flame temperature.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.153-160
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• 2009

Purpose: The heterodigital or homodigital artery island flap is a popular method of reconstruction for finger defects. Sometimes, digital artery island flap has some disadvantages such as postoperative flap edema, congestion, and partial necrosis of the flap margin. However, we could decrease these disadvantages by means of venous superdrainage. The aim of this study is to report usefulness and postoperative results of venous supercharging digital artery island flaps for finger reconstruction. Methods: From March of 2005 to March of 2008, a total of eight patients with soft tissue defects of the finger underwent venous supercharging digital island flap transfer. Briefly, the flap is harvested along with dorsal vein that is then anastomosed to a recipient vein in an end - to - end fashion, after flap transfer and insetting. Using this technique, eight patients were operated on, ranging in age 23 to 52 years. Results: All the flaps survived with a success rate of 100 percent, thus fully satisfying the reconstructive requirements. No postoperative flap congestion was recognized, obviating the need to take any measures for venous engorgement, such as suture removal. Among 8 cases, it was possible to make an long - term and follow - up observation more than 6 months. In these cases, the fact that light touches and temperature sensations can be detected in all the flaps. Cold intolerance and hyperesthesia were not seen in our series. Conclusion: Providing good harmony with conventional methods and microsurgery, inclusion of a vein with the heterodigital and homodigital artery island flap allows a more reliable and safer reconstructive choice for finger defects. The venous supercharged island flap is a reliable flap with a consistent arterial structure, and with its augmented venous drainage, it is more reliable, providing single - stage reconstruction of adjacent finger defects, including the fingertip.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• 제14권4호
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• pp.345-354
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• 2018

Currently, layered geogrid method (LGM) is the commonly practiced technique for reinforcement of slopes. In this paper the geogrid-box method (GBM) is introduced as a new approach for reinforcement of rock-soil slopes. To achieve the objectives of this study, a laboratory setup was designed and the slopes without reinforcements and reinforced with LGM and GBM were tested under the loading of a circular footing. The effect of vertical spacing between geogrid layers and box thickness on normalized bearing capacity and failure mechanism of slopes was investigated. A series of 3D finite element analysis were also performed using ABAQUS software to supplement the results of the model tests. The results indicated that the load-settlement behavior and the ultimate bearing capacity of footing can be significantly improved by the inclusion of reinforcing geogrid in the soil. It was found that for the slopes reinforced with GBM, the displacement contours are widely distributed in the rock-soil mass underneath the footing in greater width and depth than that in the reinforced slope with LGM, which in turn results in higher bearing capacity. It was also established that by reducing the thickness of geogrid-boxes, the distribution and depth of displacement contours increases and a longer failure surface is developed, which suggests the enhanced bearing capacity of the slope. Based on the studied designs, the ultimate bearing capacity of the GBM-reinforced slope was found to be 11.16% higher than that of the slope reinforced with LGM. The results also indicated that, reinforcement of rock-soil slopes using GBM causes an improvement in the ultimate bearing capacity as high as 24.8 times more than that of the unreinforced slope.