• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-16
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• 2022

Despite recent breakthroughs in deep learning and computer vision fields, the pixel-wise identification of tiny objects in high-resolution images with complex disturbances remains challenging. This study proposes a modified U-net for tiny crack segmentation in real-world steel-box-girder bridges. The modified U-net adopts the common U-net framework and a novel Self-Attention-Self-Adaption (SASA) neuron as the fundamental computing element. The Self-Attention module applies softmax and gate operations to obtain the attention vector. It enables the neuron to focus on the most significant receptive fields when processing large-scale feature maps. The Self-Adaption module consists of a multiplayer perceptron subnet and achieves deeper feature extraction inside a single neuron. For data augmentation, a grid-based crack random elastic deformation (CRED) algorithm is designed to enrich the diversities and irregular shapes of distributed cracks. Grid-based uniform control nodes are first set on both input images and binary labels, random offsets are then employed on these control nodes, and bilinear interpolation is performed for the rest pixels. The proposed SASA neuron and CRED algorithm are simultaneously deployed to train the modified U-net. 200 raw images with a high resolution of 4928 × 3264 are collected, 160 for training and the rest 40 for the test. 512 × 512 patches are generated from the original images by a sliding window with an overlap of 256 as inputs. Results show that the average IoU between the recognized and ground-truth cracks reaches 0.409, which is 29.8% higher than the regular U-net. A five-fold cross-validation study is performed to verify that the proposed method is robust to different training and test images. Ablation experiments further demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed SASA neuron and CRED algorithm. Promotions of the average IoU individually utilizing the SASA and CRED module add up to the final promotion of the full model, indicating that the SASA and CRED modules contribute to the different stages of model and data in the training process.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.603-609
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• 2022

Passivation quality is mainly governed by epitaxial growth of crystalline silicon wafer surface. Void-rich intrinsic a-Si:H interfacial layer could offer higher resistivity of the c-Si surface and hence a better device efficiency as well. To reduce the resistivity of the contact area, a modification of void-rich intrinsic layer of a-Si:H towards more ordered state with a higher density is adopted by adapting its thickness and reducing its series resistance significantly, but it slightly decreases passivation quality. Higher resistance is not dominated by asymmetric effects like different band offsets for electrons or holes. In this study, multilayer of intrinsic a-Si:H layers were used. The first one with a void-rich was a-Si:H(I₁) and the next one a-SiO_x:H(I₂) were used, where a-SiO_x:H(I₂) had relatively larger band gap of ~2.07 eV than that of a-Si:H (I₁). Using a-SiO_x:H as I₂ layer was expected to increase transparency, which could lead to an easy carrier transport. Also, higher implied voltage than the conventional structure was expected. This means that the a-SiO_x:H could be a promising material for a high-quality passivation of c-Si. In addition, the i-a-SiO_x:H microstructure can help the carrier transportation through tunneling and thermal emission.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.26 no.5D
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• pp.831-838
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• 2006

An experimental/analytic study has been conducted to understand the adverse effects of low vehicle speed, high axle load and high tire pressure on the performance of asphalt pavements. Of 33 asphalt sections at KHC test road, two sections having different base layer thickness (180 mm versus 280 mm) are adopted for rollover tests. During the test, a standard three-axle dump truck maintains a steady state condition as moving along the wheel path of a passing lane, and lateral offsets and real travel speed are measured with a laser-based wandering system. Test results suggest that vehicle speed affects both longitudinal and transverse strains at the bottom of asphalt layer (290 mm and 390 mm below the surface), and even slightly influences the measured vertical stresses at the top of subbase and subgrade due to the dynamic effect of rolling vehicle. Since the anisotropic nature of asphalt-aggregate mixtures, the difference between longitudinal and transverse strains appears prominent throughout the measurements. As the thickness of asphalt pavement increases, the measured lateral strains become larger than its corresponding longitudinal strains. Over the limited testing conditions, it is concluded that higher axle weight and higher tire pressures induce more strains and vertical stresses, leading to a premature deterioration of pavements. Finally, a layered elastic analysis overestimates the maximum strains measured under the 1st axle load, while underestimating the maximum vertical stress in both pavement sections.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2010

Seismic reflection surveying is one of the most widely used and effective techniques for coal seam structure delineation and risk mitigation for underground longwall mining. However, the ability of the method can be compromised by the presence of volcanic cover. This problem arises within parts of the Bowen and Sydney Basins of Australia and seismic surveying can be unsuccessful. As a consequence, such areas are less attractive for coal mining. Techniques to improve the success of seismic surveying over basalt flows are needed. In this paper, we use elastic wave-equation-based forward modelling techniques to investigate the effects and characteristics of seismic wave propagation under different settings involving changes in basalt properties, its thickness, lateral extent, relative position to the shot position and various forms of inhomogeneity. The modelling results suggests that: 1) basalts with high impedance contrasts and multiple flows generate strong multiples and weak reflectors; 2) thin basalts have less effect than thick basalts; 3) partial basalt cover has less effect than full basalt cover; 4) low frequency seismic waves (especially at large offsets) have better penetration through the basalt than high frequency waves; and 5) the deeper the coal seams are below basalts of limited extent, the less influence the basalts will have on the wave propagation. In addition to providing insights into the issues that arise when seismic surveying under basalts, these observations suggest that careful management of seismic noise and the acquisition of long-offset seismic data with low-frequency geophones have the potential to improve the seismic results.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.345-354
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• 2014

Purpose : We evaluated the usefulness of $Fraxion^{(R)}$ system and s-thermoplastic mask by analyzing setup error when stereotactic radiousurgery (SRS) was treated for brain metastasis. Materials and Methods : 6 patients who received definite diagnosis as brain metastasis between May 2014 and October 2014 were selected. 3 patients were immobilized s-thermoplastic mask and mouthpiece (group1), while $Fraxion^{(R)}$ system was used for the other 3 patients (group2). Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) scan was acquired to register planning CT scan. The registration offset was compared for each group. We compared and reported the errors using maximum, minimum, mean, and standard deviation of registration offsets. Furthermore, We used the same method as patient specific quality assurance to verify absorbed dose of PTV. Results : The setup error which is registration offset was reduced 83% in x, 40% in y, and 92% in z-direction when $Fraxion^{(R)}$ system was used compared to the case of using s-thermoplastic mask and mouthpiece. In addition, using $Fraxion^{(R)}$ system showed improved results in rotational components, pitch (rotation along x-axis), roll (y), and yaw (z) which were reduced 64, 88, and 87% respectively compared to the case of using s-thermoplastic mask and mouthpiece. In dosimetry results, when s-thermoplastic mask and mouthpiece used, absorbed dose was reduce 83% compared to before and after registration. However, using $Fraxion^{(R)}$ system showed only 1.9%. All percentage were calculated with respect to average value. Conclusion : Using $Fraxion^{(R)}$ system including mouthpiece, Fraxion frame, frontpiece, and thermoplastic mask, showed better repeatability and precision compared to using s-thermoplastic mask and mouthpiece, which is consequently considered as more improved immobilization system.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.30 no.5 s.82
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• pp.613-623
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to amount of the frictional forces with the brackets and wires, ligation methods, dry/wet, offsets, interbracket distances, velocity and to compare them each other by different conditions. This study tested 0.018'x0.025' slot sized 8 types of orthodontic bracket systems and 0.016', 0.016'x0.022' sized stainless steel, NiTi, Cu-NiTi orthodontic wires. One cuspid bracket were positioned on the slide glass and archwire was engaged into bracket and ligated with elastomeric modules. The values of frictional forces were measured with the instron universal testing machine. The results were as follows; 1. Polycrystalline ceramic bracket had the highest mean frictional forces and followed and by ceramic reinforced plastic bracket, metal bracket, plastic bracket with metal slot, monocrystalline ceramic bracket, single bracket, self-ligating bracket, friction free bracket in descending order. The self-ligating bracket showed low frictional forces in the round wires and high frictional forces in the rectangular wires. 2. Stainless steel wires had the least frictional forces and followed by NiTi, Cu-NiTi wires in descending order. Round wires had lower frictional forces then that of rectangular wires. 3. The stainless steel ligation method had significantly greater mean frictional forces them the elastomeric module ligation method. 4. Artificial saliva statistically increased the frictional forces in stainless steel wire, NiTi wire and Cu-NiTi wire. 5. There was a statistically significant difference with offset change 6. There was no statistically significant difference with interbracket distance in stainless steel wires but a significant difference in NiTi wires as the interbracket was decreased. 7 There was no statistically significant difference with velocity change. From the above findings, self-ligating bracket, stainless steel wires and the elastomeric module ligation method might be effective than any other materials to reduce the frictional forces in the orthodontic treatment and can be correlated to clinical situations seen in orthodontic patient care.

• KDI Journal of Economic Policy
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.147-165
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• 1992

This paper analyzes the macroeconomic effects of elections on the Korean economy and their future ramifications. It measures the shocks to the Korean economy caused by elections by taking the average of sample forecast errors from four major elections held in the 1980s. The seven variables' Bayesian Vector Autoregression Model which includes the Monetary Base, Industrial Production, Consumption, Consumer Price, Exports, and Investment is based on the quarterly time series data starting from 1970 and is updated every quarter before forecasts are made for the next quarter. Because of this updating of coefficients, which reflects in part the rapid structural changes of the Korean economy, this study can capture the shock effect of elections, which is not possible when using election dummies with a fixed coefficient model. In past elections, especially the elections held in the 1980s, $M_2$ did not show any particular movement, but the currency and base money increased during the quarter of the election was held and the increment was partly recalled in the next quarter. The liquidity of interest rates as measured by corporate bond yields fell during the quarter the election and then rose in the following quarter, which is somewhat contrary to the general concern that interest rates will increase during election periods. Manufacturing employment fell in the quarter of the election because workers turned into campaigners. This decline in employment combined with voting holiday produce a sizeable decline in industrial production during the quarter in which elections are held, but production catches up in the next quarter and sometimes more than offsets the disruption caused during the election quarter. The major shocks to price occur in the previous quarter, reflecting the expectational effect and the relaxation of government price control before the election when we simulate the impulse responses of the VAR model, imposing the same shocks that was measured in the past elections for each election to be held in 1992 and assuming that the elections in 1992 will affect the economy in the same manner as in the 1980s elections, 1992 is expected to see a sizeable increase in monetary base due to election and prices increase pressure will be amplified substantially. On the other hand, the consumption increase due to election is expected to be relatively small and the production will not decrease. Despite increased liquidity, a large portion of liquidity in circulation being used as election funds will distort the flow of funds and aggravate the fund shortage causing investments in plant and equipment and construction activities to stagnate. These effects will be greatly amplified if elections for the head of local government are going to be held this year. If mayoral and gubernatorial elections are held after National Assembly elections, their effect on prices and investment will be approximately double what they normally will have been have only congressional and presidential elections been held. Even when mayoral and gubernatorial elections are held at the same time as congressional elections, the elections of local government heads are shown to add substantial effects to the economy for the year. The above results are based on the assumption that this year's elections will shock the economy in the same manner as in past elections. However, elections in consecutive quarters do not give the economy a chance to pause and recuperate from past elections. This year's elections may have greater effects on prices and production than shown in the model's simulations because campaigners' return to industry may be delayed. Therefore, we may not see a rapid recall of money after elections. In view of the surge in the monetary base and price escalation in the periods before and after elections, economic management in 1992 should place its first priority on controlling the monetary aggregate, in particular, stabilizing the growth of the monetary base.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.469-477
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• 2008

Purpose: The goal of this paper is to present the design and performance of a position encoding circuit for $16{\times}16$ array of position sensitive multi-anode photomultiplier tube for small animal PET scanners. This circuit which reduces the number of readout channels from 256 to 4 channels is based on a charge division method utilizing a resistor array. Materials and Methods: The position encoding circuit was simulated with PSpice before fabrication. The position encoding circuit reads out the signals from H9500 flat panel PMTs (Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Japan) on which $1.5{\times}1.5{\times}7.0\;mm^3$ $L_{0.9}GSO$ ($Lu_{1.8}Gd_{0.2}SiO_{5}:Ce$) crystals were mounted. For coincidence detection, two different PET modules were used. One PET module consisted of a $29{\times}29\;L_{0.9}GSO$ crystal layer, and the other PET module two $28{\times}28$ and $29{\times}29\;L_{0.9}GSO$ crystal layers which have relative offsets by half a crystal pitch in x- and y-directions. The crystal mapping algorithm was also developed to identify crystals. Results: Each crystal was clearly visible in flood images. The crystal identification capability was enhanced further by changing the values of resistors near the edge of the resistor array. Energy resolutions of individual crystal were about 11.6%(SD 1.6). The flood images were segmented well with the proposed crystal mapping algorithm. Conclusion: The position encoding circuit resulted in a clear separation of crystals and sufficient energy resolutions with H9500 flat-panel PMT and $L_{0.9}GSO$ crystals. This circuit is good enough for use in small animal PET scanners.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.23-30
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• 2003

This pot experiment was conducted to find out the effects of slaked lime($L_{0}$ ; 0.00, $L_1$; 3.75, $L_2$; 7.50, $L_3$; 11.25ｇ/pot) and silicate fertilizers($S_1$; 3.75, $S_2$; 7.50, $S_3$; 11.25ｇ/pot) on the seedling growth and yield of grass/clover mired swards on newly reclaimed hilly soil, and it's differences between both the soil improvers. The results obtained are summarized as fellows: Comparing with the $L_{0}$ treatment without soil improver, the seedling vigour and yields of both forages were markedly enhanced by the application of soil improver. The positive offsets of soil improvers tended to be relative higher on ladino clover than orchardgrass in mixed swards. The seeding vigour, botanical composition, and yield of ladino clover were more markedly influenced by the application of silicate fertilizer than slaked line. The yields of ladino clover were increased 75.8% by the 51 over $L_1$, and 32.0% by the $S_2$ over $L_2$, respectively.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2009

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare patient's body posture and its position at the time of simulation with one at the treatment room using On-board Imaging (OBI) and CT (CBCT). The detected offsets are compared with position errors of Rando Phantom that are practically applied. After that, Rando Phantom's position is selected by moving couch based on detected deviations. In addition, the errors between real measured values of Rando Phantom position and theoretical ones is compared. And we will evaluate target position's accuracy of KV X-ray imaging's 2D and CBCT's 3D one. Materials and Methods: Using the Rando Phantom (Alderson Research Laboratories Inc. Stanford. CT, USA) which simulated human body's internal structure, we will set up Rando Phantom on the treatment couch after implementing simulation and RTP according to the same ways as the real radioactive treatment. We tested Rando Phantom that are assumed to have accurate position with different 3 methods. We measured setup errors on the axis of X, Y and Z, and got mean standard deviation errors by repeating tests 10 times on each tests. Results: The difference between mean detection error and standard deviation are as follows; lateral 0.4+/-0.3 mm, longitudinal 0.6+/-0.5 mm, vertical 0.4+/-0.2 mm which all within 0~10 mm. The couch shift variable after positioning that are comparable to residual errors are 0.3+/-0.1, 0.5+/-0.1, and 0.3+/-0.1 mm. The mean detection errors by longitudinal shift between 20~40 mm are 0.4+/-0.3 in lateral, 0.6+/-0.5 in longitudinal, 0.5+/-0.3 in vertical direction. The detection errors are all within range of 0.3~0.5 mm. Residual errors are within 0.2~0.5 mm. Each values are mean values based on 3 tests. Conclusion: Phantom is based on treatment couch shift and error within the average 5mm can be gained by the diminution detected by image registration based on OBI and CBCT. Therefore, the selection of target position which depends on OBI and CBCT could be considered as useful.