• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.307-315
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• 2019

Condition monitoring has been recognized as an effective and low-cost method to enhance the reliability and improve the maintainability of power electronic converters. In power electronic converters, high-frequency oscillation occurs during the switching transients of power transistors, which is known as ringing. The ringing frequency mainly depends on the values of the parasitic capacitance and stray inductance in the oscillation loop. Although circuit stray inductance is an important factor that leads to the ringing, it does not change with transistor aging. A shift in either the inside inductance or junction capacitance is an important failure precursor for power transistors. Therefore, ringing frequency can be used to monitor the health of power transistors. However, the switching actions of power transistors usually result in a dynamic behavior that can generate oscillation signals mixed with background noise, which makes it hard to directly extract the ringing frequency. A frequency extraction method based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and Fast Fourier transformation (FFT) is proposed in this paper. The proposed method is simple and has a high precision. Simulation results are given to verify the ringing analysis and experimental results are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.322-328
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• 2021

In this paper, a pretreatment method for a matrix in convex optimization is proposed to optimize the spectral reconstruction process of a disordered dispersion spectrometer. Unlike the reconstruction process of traditional spectrometers using Fourier transforms, the reconstruction process of disordered dispersion spectrometers involves solving a large-scale matrix equation. However, since the matrices in the matrix equation are obtained through measurement, they contain uncertainties due to out of band signals, background noise, rounding errors, temperature variations and so on. It is difficult to solve such a matrix equation by using ordinary nonstationary iterative methods, owing to instability problems. Although the smoothing Tikhonov regularization approach has the ability to approximatively solve the matrix equation and reconstruct most simple spectral shapes, it still suffers the limitations of reconstructing complex and irregular spectral shapes that are commonly used to distinguish different elements of detected targets with mixed substances by characteristic spectral peaks. Therefore, we propose a special pretreatment method for a matrix in convex optimization, which has been proved to be useful for reducing the condition number of matrices in the equation. In comparison with the reconstructed spectra gotten by the previous ordinary iterative method, the spectra obtained by the pretreatment method show obvious accuracy.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.40.1-40.6
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• 2021

Acid-base disorder is a common problem in veterinary emergency and critical care. Traditional methods, as well as the Stewart method based on strong ion difference concepts and the Fencl-Stewart method, can be used to analyze the underlying causes. On the other hand, there are insufficient comparative study data on these methods in cats. From 2018 to 2020, 327 acid-base analysis data were collected from 69 sick and 18 healthy cats. The three most well-known methods (traditional method, Stewart method, and Fencl-Stewart method) were used to analyze the acid-base status. The frequency of acid-base imbalances and the degree of variation according to the disease were also evaluated. In the traditional acid-base analysis, 5/69 (7.2%) cats showed a normal acid-base status, and 23.2% and 40.6% of the simple and mixed disorders, respectively. The Fencl-Stewart method showed changes in both the acidotic and alkalotic processes in 64/69 (92.8%), whereas all cats showed an abnormal status in the Fencl-Stewart method (semiquantitative approach). The frequencies of the different acid-base imbalances were identified according to the analysis method. These findings can assist in analyzing the underlying causes of acid-base imbalance and developing the appropriate treatment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Process Engineers
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• v.20 no.11
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• pp.24-29
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• 2021

In this study, the electrical and mechanical properties of carbon polymer composites, which have been gradually increasing in use in various fields, were investigated, and environment-friendly carbon nanofiber/waterborne polyurethane composites were prepared. Carbon nanofibers (diameter = approximately 100-300 mm) were synthesized using a relatively simple CVD process, obtaining a carbon material for application in ultrathin planar heating films and EMP shielding films in the future. The carbon nanofiber was dispersed, and mixed with water-dispersible polyurethane using a dispersing aid. According to the carbon nanofiber mass ratio, 20%-60% polyurethane/carbon nanofiber composites were manufactured. At a concentration of approximately 20%, the percolation threshold was determined, and at a concentration of approximately 50%, an electrical conductivity greater than 0.1 S/cm was determined. Moreover, a sample having a concentration of up to 60% was evaluated to further understand the mechanical properties. It was observed that as the concentration of the carbon nanofibers increased, the elongation decreased.

• Membrane and Water Treatment
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.107-114
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• 2023

Graphene oxide (GO) membranes have attracted extensive attention in water treatment and related fields. However, GO films are unstable and have low permeability, which have hindered their further development. In this paper, a simple and effective method was used in which GO and single-layer graphene (GN) were mixed, and the layer spacing was effectively controlled by accurately controlling the ratio of GO to GN. GO-GN composite membranes have excellent stability, salt rejection (95.4%), and water flux (26 L m^-2 h^-1 bar^-1). This unique design structure can be used for precise and effective regulation of the layer spacing in GO, improving the rejection rate, and increasing water flux via the enhancement of low-friction capillary action. The rational development and use of this unique composite membrane provides a reference for the water treatment field.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.279-284
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• 2023

One-dimensional MgO nanostructures with various morphologies were synthesized by a thermal evaporation method. The synthesis process was carried out in air at atmospheric pressure, which made the process very simple. A mixed powder of magnesium and active carbon was used as the source powder. The morphologies of the MgO nanostructures were changed by varying the growth temperature. When the growth temperature was 700 ℃, untapered nanowires with smooth surfaces were grown. As the temperature increased to 850 ℃, 1,000 ℃ and 1,100 ℃, tapered nanobelts, tapered nanowires and then knotted nanowires were sequentially observed. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the MgO nanostructures had a cubic crystallographic structure. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis showed that the nanostructures were composed of Mg and O elements, indicating high purity MgO nanostructures. Fourier transform infrared spectra peaks showed the characteristic absorption of MgO. No catalyst particles were observed at the tips of the one-dimensional nanostructures, which suggested that the one-dimensional nanostructures were grown in a vapor-solid growth mechanism.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.283-295
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• 2022

Seismic design codes permit the use of Equivalent Static Analysis of buildings considering torsional eccentricity e with dynamic amplification factors on structural eccentricity and some accidental eccentricity. Estimation of e in buildings is not addressed in codes. This paper presents a simple approximate method to estimate e in RC Moment Frame and RC Structural Wall buildings, which required no detailed structural analysis. The method is validated by 3D analysis (using commercial structural analysis software) of a spectrum of building. Results show that dynamic amplification factor should be applied on torsional eccentricity when performing Response Spectrum Analysis also. Also, irregular or mixed modes of oscillation arise in torsionally unsymmetrical buildings owing to poor geometric distribution of mass and stiffness in plan, which is captured by the mass participation ratio. These irregular modes can be avoided in buildings of any plan geometry by limiting the two critical parameters (normalised torsional eccentricity e/B and Natural Period Ratio 𝜏 =T_𝜃/T, where B is building lateral dimension, T_𝜃 uncoupled torsional natural period and T uncoupled translational natural period). Suggestions are made for new building code provisions.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.601-617
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• 2024

This work aims to explore the static behaviour of a tapered functionally graded porous plate (FGPP) with even and uneven porosity distributions resting on two parametric elastic foundations. The plate under investigation is subjected to bi-sinusoidal loading and the edges of the plate are exposed to different combinations of edge restrictions. In order to examin the static behaviour, bending factors (BF) related to bending and normal stresses have been evaluated using classical plate theory. To achieve this, the governing equations have been derived employing the energy concept. And to solve it, the Rayleigh-Ritz method with an algebraic function has been utilised; it is simple, precise, and computationally intensive. After convergence and validation analyses, new findings are made available. The BF of the plate have been exhaustively examined to explain the influence of aspect ratios, material property index, porosity factor, taper factor, and Winkler and Pasternak stiffness. It is observed that the BF of an elastically supported FGPP are influenced by the index of material propery and the aspect ratio. Findings also indicate that the impact of porosity is more when it is spread evenly, as opposed to when it is unevenly distributed. Further, the deformed plate's structure is significantly influenced by the different thickness variations. Examination of bending characteristics of FGPP having different new cases of thickness variations with different types of porosity distribution under fifteen different mixed edge constraints is the prime novality of this work. Results presented are reliable enough to be taken into account for future studies.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.175-190
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• 2024

Aerodynamic shape optimization is very useful for enhancing the performance of wind-sensitive structures. However, shape parameterization, as the first step in the pipeline of aerodynamic shape optimization, still heavily depends on empirical judgment. If not done properly, the resulting small design space may fail to cover many promising shapes, and hence hinder realizing the full potential of aerodynamic shape optimization. To this end, developing a novel shape parameterization scheme that can reflect real-world complexities while being simple enough for the subsequent optimization process is important. This study proposes a machine learning-based scheme that can automatically learn a low-dimensional latent representation of complex aerodynamic shapes for bluff-body wind-sensitive structures. The resulting latent representation (as design variables for aerodynamic shape optimization) is composed of both discrete and continuous variables, which are embedded in a hierarchy structure. In addition to being intuitive and interpretable, the mixed discrete and continuous variables with the hierarchy structure allow stakeholders to narrow the search space selectively based on their interests. As a proof-of-concept study, shape parameterization examples of tall building cross sections are used to demonstrate the promising features of the proposed scheme and guide future investigations on data-driven parameterization for aerodynamic shape optimization of wind-sensitive structures.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.190-198
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• 2024

Background: Biopuncture is a described technique that consists in subcutaneous injection of antihomotoxic drugs (homeopathic compounds) mixed with other substances such as local anesthetics or dextrose; This has been proposed as a treatment option to reduce musculoskeletal pain in various locations, including knee osteoarthritis. Objectives: The objective of this manuscript was to carry out a comprehensive review of the published information on the use of Biopuncture in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A scientific search was performed using online databases following the terms (Biopuncture) and (Knee Osteoarthritis) to identify scientific manuscripts that were related to the use of Biopuncture in the treatment of individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Results: With the information found, a theoretical framework was integrated that describes the components of Biopuncture, its mechanism of action and practical topics for the application of the technique. Conclusion: Biopuncture appears to be a potential, simple and low-risk therapeutic strategy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, which is applied through periarticular subcutaneous injections, with multitarget mechanisms of action at various physiopathological levels such as the modulation of the inflammatory process, decreased peripheral sensitization, and stimulation of antidegenerative and trophic mechanisms. Perhaps it can be part of the integrative treatments for knee osteoarthritis.