• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.293-315
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• 2016

Seismic isolation is often used in protecting mission-critical structures including hospitals, data centers, telecommunication buildings, etc. Such structures typically house vibration-sensitive equipment which has to provide continued service but may fail in case sustained accelerations during earthquakes exceed threshold limit values. Thus, peak floor acceleration is one of the two main parameters that control the design of such structures while the other one is peak base displacement since the overall safety of the structure depends on the safety of the isolation system. And in case peak base displacement exceeds the design base displacement during an earthquake, rupture and/or buckling of isolators as well as bumping against stops around the seismic gap may occur. Therefore, obtaining accurate peak floor accelerations and peak base displacement is vital. However, although nominal design values for isolation system and superstructure parameters are calculated in order to meet target peak design base displacement and peak floor accelerations, their actual values may potentially deviate from these nominal design values. In this study, the sensitivity of the seismic performance of structures equipped with linear and nonlinear seismic isolation systems to the aforementioned potential deviations is assessed in the context of a benchmark shear building under different earthquake records with near-fault and far-fault characteristics. The results put forth the degree of sensitivity of peak top floor acceleration and peak base displacement to superstructure parameters including mass, stiffness, and damping and isolation system parameters including stiffness, damping, yield strength, yield displacement, and post-yield to pre-yield stiffness ratio.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.209-219
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• 2019

Unbonded Post-Tensioned (UPT) precast concrete systems have been shown to provide excellent seismic resistance. In order to improve understanding of the dynamic response of UPT systems, a series of snap back tests on four UPT systems was undertaken consisting of one Single Rocking Wall (SRW) and three Precast Wall with End Columns (PreWEC) systems. The snap back tests provided both a static pushover and a nonlinear free vibration response of a system. As expected the SRW exhibited an approximate bi-linear inertia force-drift response during the free vibration decay and the PreWEC walls showed an inertia force-drift response with increased strength and energy dissipation due to the addition of steel O-connectors. All walls exhibited negligible residual drifts regardless of the number of O-connectors or the post-tensioning force. When PreWEC systems of the same strength were compared the inclusion of further energy dissipating O-connectors was found to decrease the measured peak wall acceleration. Both the local and global wall parameters measured at pseudo-static and dynamic loading rates showed similar behaviour, which demonstrates that the dynamic behaviour of UPT walls is well represented by pseudo-static tests. The SRW was found to have Equivalent Viscous Damping (EVD) between 0.9-3.8% and the three PreWEC walls were found to have maximum EVD of between 14.7-25.8%.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.489-499
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• 2024

Infill masonry walls are vulnerable to lateral loads, including seismic, wind, and concentrated push loads. Various strengthening metal fittings have been proposed to improve lateral load resistance, particularly against seismic loads. This study introduces the use of post-compressed wedges as a novel reinforcement method for infill masonry walls to enhance lateral load resistance. The resistance of the infill masonry wall against lateral-concentrated push loads was assessed using an out-of-plane push-over test on specimens sized 2,300×2,410×190 mm³. The presence or absence of wedges and wedge spacing were set as variables. The push-over test results showed that both the unreinforced specimen and the specimen reinforced with 300 mm spaced wedges toppled, while the specimen reinforced with 100 mm spaced wedges remained upright. Peak loads were measured to be 0.74, 29.77, and 5.88 kN for unreinforced specimens and specimens reinforced with 100 mm and 300 mm spaced wedges, respectively. Notably, a tighter reinforcement spacing yielded a similar strength, as expected, which was attributed to the increased friction force between the masonry wall and steel frame. The W-series specimens exhibited a trend comparable to that of the displacement ductility ratio. Overall, the findings validate that post-compressed wedges improve the out-of-plane strength of infill masonry walls.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.399-406
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• 2014

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of respiratory muscle training on respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, and cough capacity in stroke patients. METHODS: This study used a nonequivalent control group pre-post test design. We recruited thirty-four stroke patients(16male, 18female), who were assigned to intervention (n=17), or control (n=17) groups. Both groups participated in a conventional stroke rehabilitation program, with the intervention groups also receiving respiratory muscle training 20 minutes a day, three times a week, for 4 weeks. Respiratory function (forced vital capacity) and respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure) were assessed by spirometry. Cough capacity (peak expiratory flow) was assessed using a peak flow meter. The collected data were analyzed by independent and paired t-tests. RESULTS: The intervention group showed a significant increase in the forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) at the end of the program, while the control group showed no significant changes. CONCLUSION: This study showed that respiratory muscle training increased respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, and cough capacity in stroke patients and prevented a decrease in cough capacity. These findings suggest that respiratory muscle training effect on respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength and cough capacity for rehabilitation in patients with stroke.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.147-153
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• 2018

Objective: This study investigated the effects of air stacking training (AST) on pulmonary function, respiratory strength, and peak cough flow (PCF) in persons with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 24 persons with CSCI were randomly allocated to the AST group (n=12) or the incentive spirometry training (IST) group (n=12). Patients with CSCI received AST or IST for 15 minutes, with 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks, and all groups performed basic exercises for 15 minutes. In the AST group, after the subject inhaled the maximal amount of air as best as possible, the therapist insufflated additional air into the patient's lung using an oral nasal mask about 2-3 times. In the IST group, patients were allowed to hold for three seconds at the maximum inspiration and then to breathe. The pre and post-tests measured forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume one at second (FEV1), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and PCF. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in FVC, FEV1, MEP, MIP and PCF values after training (p<0.05). The FVC in the post-test and the mean change of FVC, FEV1, MIP were significantly higher in the AST group than the IST group (p<0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggested that AST significantly improved pulmonary function, respiratory strength, and PCF in persons with CSCI. Therefore, AST should be included in respiratory rehabilitation programs to improve coughing ability, pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.183-193
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of performing Pilates exercises for eight weeks on the isokinetic trunk strength and balance of female middle school students with lumbago. Methods: Twenty-four female students who met the test requirements were recruited and randomly divided into a control group (CG, n = 16) and a Pilates exercise group (Pilates group; PG, n = 8). The PG performed a Pilates program, which consisted of lumbar muscle strengthening exercises, for 60 minutes three times a week for eight weeks. Data analysis was conducted by two-way repeated ANOVA, and a Bonferroni test was carried out when significant differences appeared. The alpha level was set at 0.05. Results: Following the experimental treatment, the PG showed an increased trunk flexion peak torque of 17% and 13% at angular velocities of 180°/sec and 300°/sec, respectively. The intergroup comparison showed no significant difference at pre-measurement, while the PG increased about 31% (180°/sec) and 15% (300°/sec) higher than the control group at post-measurement. Following the experimental treatment, the PG showed an increased trunk extensor peak torque of approximately 29% and 21% at angular velocities of 180°/sec and 300°/sec, respectively. The intergroup comparison showed no significant difference at pre-measurement, while the PG increased approximately 27% (180°/sec) and 15% (300°/sec) higher than the control group at post-measurement. Both the CG and the PG showed a 20% and 50% decrease in pain index after the experimental treatment, respectively. After the experimental treatment, the PG had about 50% lower pain than the CG. The average error rate of static balance in the PG reduced by 19% from 3.28±0.45 to 2.65±0.36, confirming a significant improvement. Conclusion: Regular Pilates exercise for eight weeks improved the isokinetic trunk muscle strength of female middle school students with lumbago and relieved their pain. Pilates was also shown to be effective in improving balance.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers Conference
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• 1998.10a
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• pp.461-466
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• 1998

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the properties of unconfined compressive strength(UCS) of dry soil which was reinforced with short polypropylene fiber(SPPF). And the results were summarized as follows: 1. As water content was increased, unconfined compressive strength and strain of dry soil with no fiber added were decreased 2. As mixing ratio of fiber was increased, unconfined compressive strength and strain at failure of dry soil reinforced with SPPF were increased. 3. When mixing ratio was larger than 0.5％, unconfined compressive strength was gradually increased. 4. The longer fiber was, the larger post peak strength was obtained and the larger strain was reached.

• Magazine of the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.162-171
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• 2003

Traditional methods of earth reinforcement consist of introducing strips, fabrics, or grids into an earth mass. Recently, discrete fibers are simply added and mixed with the soil, much the same as cement, lime or other additives. The advantages of randomly distributed fibers is the maintenance of strength isotropy, low decrease in post-peak shear strength and high stability at failure. In this study, new composite reinforcement structures which consist of geotextile and randomly distributed discrete fibers were examined their engineering properties, such as shear strength of the composite reinforced soil and permeability of short fiber reinforced soil. The increments of shear strength of composite reinforced soils were the sum of increments by fiber and woven geotextile, respectively. The permeability of short fiber reinforced soil was increased with fiber mixing ratio.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.9-16
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• 2011

Background : Smoking reduces the ability of the lungs to function. In particular, smoking reduces the vital capacity of the lungs, which is the amount of air the lungs can take in. This reduction in vital capacity has several important health effects. Purpose : The purpose of this study, therefore was to examine the effects of the respiratory muscle exercise on peak expiratory flow and respiratory muscle strength. Methods : For an experimental research design, it was employed 20 young healthy subjects and these subjects were assigned into two groups; a smoking group(n=10) and an non-smoking group(n=10). All groups were participated in respiratory muscle exercises twice a week for 5 weeks in same condition. For comparison between before and after for post treatment, it was analysed as paired t-test and ANCOVA. Results : The result of this study were as follows; In the case of smoking group, there were significant differences, from $427.77{\pm}76.61$ l/min to $526.66{\pm}58.52$ l/min of peak respiratory flow, from $94.33{\pm}22.07$ kg to $102.16{\pm}21.60$ kg of abdominal muscle strength between the before and the after of respiratory muscle strength exercises. In the case of nonsmoking group, there were significant differences, from $449.54{\pm}77.47$ l/min to $553.18{\pm}61.32$ l/min of peak respiratory flow, from $93.41{\pm}19.21$ kg to $101.58{\pm}18.92$ kg of abdominal muscle strength between the before and the after of respiratory muscle strength exercises. Conclusion : These results were suggested that the peak respiratory flow and muscle strength were improved after respiratory muscle strength exercises.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.333-336
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• 2002

Traditional methods of earth reinforcement consist of introducing strips, fabrics, or grids into an earth mass. Recently, discrete fibers are simply added and mixed with the soil, much the same as cement, lime or other additives. The advantages of randomly distributed fibers is the maintenance of strength isotropy, low decrease in post-peak shear strength and high stability at failure. In this study, new composite reinforcement structures which consist of geotextile and randomly distributed discrete fibers were examined their engineering properties, such as shear strength of the composite reinforced soil. The increments of shear strength of composite reinforced soils were the sum of increments by fiber and woven geotextile respectively.