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Abstract Existing concrete creep coefficient prediction models have the limitation of not considering the structural characteristics of CFT. For this reason, these models tend to overestimate the creep deformation of CFT. Therefore, in order to overcome the limitations of existing CFT creep experiments, this study proposes a creep-experiment method involving the use of CFT that passively changes the load applied to a single concrete specimen by calculating the stress redistribution between the concrete and a steel tube in CFT based on a step-by-step method. Furthermore, by actually applying the proposed experimental method, a creep experiment of CFT lasting for approximately 163 days was performed and a superficial creep coefficient model of CFT was proposed based on long-term strain data from the experiment. In order to verify the proposed superficial creep coefficient model, it was compared with two design criteria (CEB-FIP and ACI) based on the experimental results of this study and references. As a result, compared to the existing design criteria, the value predicted by the proposed superficial creep coefficient model showed good agreement with the experimental results of this study and the references, proving that the proposed creep-experiment method of CFT and superficial creep coefficient model are reasonable.

Abstract This study investigates the strain softening behavior of high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCCs) under uniaxial compression. HPFRCC mixtures with different compressive strengths ranged from 120 to 170 MPa were prepared. The measurement method of feedback control on loading rate based transverse displacement was applied. Stress–strain and stress−inelastic displacement curves were plotted and analyzed with the results in the literature. It was found that the post-peak energy absorption of HPFRCC considering inelastic deformation was about 3–7 times higher than conventional concrete. Based on the experimental results in the present work, fitting models on post-peak stress–strain/−displacement curves were considering for different aspect ratios proposed.

A case study was conducted to explore a more rational and robust process for determining the characteristic in-situ compressive strength of concrete structures from core samples. Slabs and girders were obtained from a total of seven bridges, earmarked for demolition due to social and performance considerations. Approximately 600 concrete core samples were extracted from various locations on these bridges. Statistical simulations were carried out using both conventional protocols and a newly proposed method to ascertain the characteristic strength from the cores. This led to a comprehensive discussion on the appropriate sample size, as well as the probabilistic robustness and reliability of the protocols. The proposed method demonstrated the ability to minimize over- or under-estimation of the characteristic strength, providing stable values less affected by fluctuations in core strengths.

This article presents an efficient method for isolating cellulose nanocrystals (CNcs) from seaweed waste using a combination of electron beam (E-beam) irradiation and acid hydrolysis. This approach not only reduces the chemical consumption and processing time, but also improves the crystallinity and yield of the CNcs. The isolated CNcs were then thermally annealed at 800 and 1000 °C to produce porous nanocarbon materials, which were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to assess their structural and chemical properties. Electrochemical testing of electrical double-layer capacitors demonstrated that nanocarbon materials derived from seaweed waste-derived CNcs annealed at 1000 exhibited superior capacitance and stability. This performance is attributed to the formation of a highly ordered graphitic structure with a mesoporous architecture, which facilitates efficient ion transport and enhanced electrolyte accessibility. These findings underscore the potential of seaweed waste-derived nanocarbon as a sustainable and high-performance material for energy storage applications, offering a promising alternative to conventional carbon sources.

This study explored the development of hierarchical graphitic carbon structures (HGCs) from harmful inedible seaweed waste harvested in the summer. Elevated sea temperatures during the summer increase the cellulose content of seaweeds, making them unsuitable for consumption. By utilizing seaweed biomass, this study addresses critical marine environmental issues and provides a sustainable solution for promising electrode materials for energy storage devices. The fabrication process involved impregnating seaweed with Ni ions, followed by annealing to create a highly crystalline carbon structure. Subsequent etching produced numerous nano-sized pores and a large surface area (806 m2/g), significantly enhancing the number of electrically active sites. The resulting HGCs exhibited a high capacitance and maintained their capacity even after 10,000 cycles in fast-current systems. This innovative approach not only mitigates the environmental burden of seaweed waste but also offers a sustainable method for converting it into efficient energy storage materials.

Abstract The extra-articular distal humerus plate (EADHP) has been widely used for surgical treatment of distal humerus shaft fracture (DHSF). However, the surgical approach, fixation methods, and implant positions of the EADHP remain controversial owing to iatrogenic radial nerve injury and complaints such as skin irritation related to the plate. Anterior plating with a modified (upside-down application) proximal humerus locking plate (PHILOS) has been proposed as an alternative, However, research on its biomechanical performance remain insufficient and were mostly based on retrospective studies. This study quantitatively compared and evaluated the biomechanical performance between posterior plating with the EADHP and anterior plating with a modified PHILOS using finite element analysis (FEA). The FEA simulation results that both the EADHP and PHILOS had adequate biomechanical performance and stability under axial, bending, and varus force load conditions. The PHILOS has a fixed stability comparable to that of the EADHP, and fixation was achieved using only four locking screws within a fixed range of 30 mm just above the olecranon fossa. The results show that the PHILOS could be an option for the fixation of a DHSF when considering the dissection range and complaints (e.g. skin irritation) associated with the EADHP.

This study evaluates land cover classification accuracy through adjustments to the deep learning model (DLM) training process, including variations in loss function, the learning rate scheduler, and the optimizer, along with diverse input dataset compositions. DLM datasets were created by integrating surface reflectance (SR) spectral data from satellite imagery with textural information derived from the gray-level co-occurrence matrix, yielding four distinct datasets. The U-Net model served as the baseline, with models A and B configured by adjusting the training parameters. Eight land cover classifications were generated from four datasets and two deep learning training conditions. Model B, utilizing a dataset comprising spectral, textural, and terrain information, achieved the highest overall accuracy of 90.3% and a kappa coefficient of 0.78. Comparing different dataset compositions, incorporating textural and terrain data alongside SR from satellite imagery significantly enhanced classification accuracy. Furthermore, using a combination of multiple loss functions or dynamically adjusting the learning rate effectively mitigated overfitting issues, enhancing land cover classification accuracy compared to using a single loss function.

Nanocellulose (NC) has emerged as a promising biodegradable material with applications in various industrial fields owing to its high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and eco-friendly properties. Traditional methods for isolating NC from wood-based biomass (WB) involve high energy consumption and extensive chemical usage, leading to environmental and sustainability concerns. This study explored an alternative approach to isolate NC from seaweed-based biomass (SB) (SNC), which contains fewer non-cellulosic components and a higher cellulose content than WB, thereby yielding a more efficient e-isolation process. We employed a combination of modified-acid solution and electron beam (E-beam) technology to isolate NC from SB. The E-beam process enhanced the crystallinity while reducing the particle size, thus facilitating NC isolation with reduced environmental impact and processing time. Moreover, our method significantly reduced the need for harsh chemical reagents and energy-intensive processes, which are typically associated with traditional NC isolation methods. We fabricated biodegradable films with improved mechanical properties using NC as a reinforcing agent in polymer composites, thereby demonstrating the potential of NC-based materials for various applications. Therefore, our proposed approach offers a sustainable and efficient method for NC isolation and serves as a guide for the development of eco-friendly industrial processes. Our findings contribute to ongoing efforts to create sustainable materials and reduce the environmental footprint of the manufacturing industry.

A smart thinning operation refers to an advanced method of selecting and cutting trees to be thinned based on digitally captured forest information. In smart thinning operations, workers use the coordinates of individual trees to navigate to the target trees for thinning. However, it is difficult to accurately locate individual trees in a forest stand covered with a canopy, necessitating a precise real-time positioning system that can be used in the forest. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the global navigation satellite system real-time kinematic (GNSS-RTK) device in a forest stand through analysis of its positioning accuracy within the forest environment and evaluation of the operational range of the single-baseline RTK based on analysis of the positioning precision and radio signal strength index (RSSI) change with increasing distance from the base station. The results showed that the root mean square error (RMSE) of the horizontal positioning error was highly accurate, with an average of 0.26 m in Larix kaempferi stands and 0.48 m in Pinus koraiensis stands. The RSSI decreased to a minimum of −103.3 dBm within 1 km of distance from the base station; however, this had no significant impact on the horizontal positioning precision. The conclusion is that the GNSS-RTK is suitable for use in smart thinning operations.

Abstract Background We investigated the efficacy of a maxillary Jackson-Pratt (J-P) suction drain for preventing maxillary sinus hematoma and facial swelling after maxillary Le Fort I osteotomy (LF1). Methods We retrospectively evaluated 66 patients who underwent LF1 at a single institution. Of these, 41 had a J-P suction tube inserted in the mandible and maxilla (maxillary insertion), and 25 had a J-P drain inserted in the mandible only (no maxillary insertion). Facial CT was obtained before and 4 days after surgery. We compared mean midfacial swelling and maxillary sinus haziness by t test and examined correlations between bleeding amount and body mass index (BMI). Results For the maxillary-insertion group, the ratio of total maxillary sinus volume to haziness (57.5 ± 24.2%) was significantly lower than in the group without maxillary drain insertion (65.5% ± 20.3; P = .043). This latter group, however, did not have a significantly greater midfacial soft tissue volume (7575 mm3) than the maxillary-insertion group (7250 mm3; P = .728). BMI did not correlate significantly with bleeding amount or facial swelling. Conclusions Suction drainage in the maxilla reduced maxillary sinus haziness after orthognathic surgery but did not significantly reduce midfacial swelling.

Abstract Mung bean starch (MBS)-based edible films with incorporation of guar gum (GG) and sunflower seed oil (SSO) were developed in this study. MBS, GG, and SSO were used as the main filmogenic biopolymer, thickener, and hydrophobicity-imparting substance, respectively. To investigate the effect of SSO content on the physicochemical, mechanical, and optical properties of the films, they were supplemented with various concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, and 2%, w/w) of SSO. Increasing SSO content tended to decrease tensile strength, elongation at break, crystallinity, water solubility, and the water vapor permeability; in contrast, it increased the oxygen transmission rate and water contact angle. Consequently, the incorporation of SSO into the matrix of MBS-based films decreased their mechanical strength but effectively enhanced their water-resistance properties. Therefore, the MBS-based film developed here can be properly used as an edible film in settings that require high water-resistance properties but do not call for robust mechanical strength.

Objectives Heavy metals caused by industrialization have affected human society for several decades. Because of their toxicity for humans, lots of heavy metal treatments have been developed. However, many of those treatments have economic considerations and environmental disadvantages. This work explored an experimental assessment of adsorption of heavy metals using starfish (SF) biochar through quantitative and qualitative characterization and batch-tests. Methods Biochar (NACSF) was produced at 300℃ for 2 h in anaerobic conditions. The NACSF was characterized with XRD, XRF, FT-IR, SEM-EDX and elemental analyses. Moreover, batch-tests for each heavy metal using NACSF were conducted with ICP-OES analyses in order to evaluate the adsorption characteristics. Results and Discussion Based on the characterization results, the NACSF consisted of carbon and CaCO3 mainly. The adsorption rates of Pb, Cu, Zn and Cd decreased in the following order: Pb≫Cu>Zn≥Cd. Moreover, the Langmuir equation fit all adsorption data better than the Freundlich equation. Also, due to the alkalinity of NACSF, the measured pH values of all experimental groups were approximately 7~8. Conclusions The NACSF treatment was the most effective for Pb removal and it was determined that precipitation and surface adsorption were the most likely mechanisms for Pb removal. Thus, NACSF derived from starfish could be an cost-effective and eco-friendly treatment for heavy metal contaminated wastewater.

Poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) are used in many electrochemical energy storage/conversion devices owing to their favorable physical properties. Therefore, PIL binders have been examined as polymeric binders for electrodes in energy storage systems (ESSs) and have shown superior performance. Several innovative technologies have been developed to improve the properties of polymers, with cross-linking being the most effective and easy strategy to achieve this. In this study, we designed a breakthrough complex cross-linking and composite technique that could successfully develop the physical properties of a polymer in a simple one-step process. Additionally, the technique could improve the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the polymer. The proposed polymeric binder showed better adhesion, higher capacitance, and good energy density with improved cyclic stability compared to that shown by conventional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). This study revealed that cross-linked networks in polymeric binders are long-cycle-life features for electrochemical redox capacitors.

The design of a novel binder is required for high-capacity silicon anodes, which typically undergo significant changes during charge/discharge cycling. Hence, in this study, a stable network structure was formed by combining tannic acid (TAc), which can be cross-linked, and poly(acrylic acid)(PAA) as an effective binder for a silicon (Si) anode. TAc is a phenolic compound and representative substance with antioxidant properties. Owing to the antioxidant ability of the C-PAA/TAc binder, side reactions during the cycling were suppressed during the formation of an appropriate solid–electrolyte interface layer. The results showed that the expansion of a silicon anode was suppressed compared with that of a conventional PAA binder. This study demonstrates that cross-linking and antioxidant capability facilitate binding and provides insights into the behavior of binders for silicon anodes. The Si anode with the C-PAA/TAc binder exhibited significantly improved cycle stability and higher Coulombic efficiency in comparison to the Si anode with well-established PAA binders. The C-PAA/TAc binder demonstrated a capacity of 1833 mA h g−1Si for 100 cycles, which is higher than that of electrodes fabricated using the conventional PAA binder. Therefore, the C-PAA/TAc binder offers better electrochemical performance.

The effects of different nutrient solution quantities on growth, physicochemical, nutritional, and postharvest qualities of lettuce were investigated. Two differently pigmented Korean leaf lettuce cultivars “Geockchima” and “Cheongchima” were grown in soilless perlite culture supplied with 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mL·d−1·plant−1 nutrient solutions. Several growth parameters (plant height, leaf number, fresh weight, dry matter) were evaluated. The highest lettuce growth was observed when plants were supplied with 1000 mL·d−1·plant−1. Cultivating lettuces in the lowest nutrient solution quantity showed higher dry matter, crude fiber, osmolality, chlorophyll, and anthocyanin contents. Upon increasing the nutrient solution, the crispiness, greenness, and levels of ascorbic acid, nitrogen, and potassium, increased, while phosphorus and magnesium were unaffected, and calcium content declined. Postharvest qualities were better maintained in lettuces irrigated with the least amount of nutrient solution, extending their shelf life. We conclude that lettuce can be grown with 1000 mL·d−1·plant−1 for higher yield, and short-term storage and/or transportation. However, when lettuces need to be stored for a certain period, such as long-distance shipment, they should be cultivated with a limited nutrient solution, which requires further detailed investigation. The results of this study can be applied for distributing, storing, transporting, and marketing lettuce.

The effects of CO2 pretreatment before cold storage on tomato quality were investigated using physicochemical and transcriptome changes. Harvested tomatoes were treated with 30% or 60% CO2 for 3 h before storage at 4 °C for 14 d (cold storage), followed by transfer to 20 °C for 8 d (ambient conditions). The CO2-treated fruits were firmer with a better appearance than untreated fruits, even after being transferred from 4 °C storage to 20 °C for 8 d. CO2 pretreatment coupled with cold storage synergistically delayed tomato ripening by reducing respiration and lowering lycopene production. The tomatoes treated with 30% and 60% CO2 had fewer pits than untreated fruits after cold storage, even after being transferred to ambient conditions. Moreover, the 60% CO2 treatment significantly suppressed the decay rate. Transcriptome and metabolome functional enrichment analyses commonly showed the involvement of CO2-responsive genes or metabolites in sucrose and starch metabolism, as well as biosynthesis of secondary metabolites—in particular, glycolysis reduction. The most frequently detected domain was the ethylene-responsive factor. These results indicate that altered ethylene biosynthesis and ethylene signaling, via ethylene-responsive transcription factors and respiration-related pathways, appear to control CO2-induced fruit quality.

Chilling injury (CI), which causes seed browning in pepper, may arise following long-term cold storage, and is a major cause of postharvest losses. To explore potential strategies of minimizing the associated postharvest losses, the present study investigated the optimal pepper harvest time that could reduce levels of seed browning, in addition to the relationship between fruit maturity and seed browning. Fruits harvested 15 days after flowering (DAF) were sensitive to cold storage at 4 °C and exhibited 100% seed browning (CI index, 4.0); in contrast, the seed browning rate of fruits harvested 35 DAF was 10% (CI index, 0.4) within 7 days of cold storage. Seed antioxidant activity was higher in seeds harvested at early stages (15 DAF to 20 DAF) than in seeds harvested at later stages (40 DAF to 50 DAF) at the beginning of storage. Pericarps of fruit harvested at 50 DAF exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Lipoxygenase, catalase, and peroxidase activity, and the expression levels of cell wall-related genes, pectin methylesterase-like protein, and endo-β-1,4-glucanase were higher in seeds of immature fruit harvested 15 DAF than in seeds of mature fruit harvested 35 DAF. The seeds of the fruit harvested 35 DAF were fully developed with the seed coat separated from the endosperm and did not turn brown under low-temperature storage. The lack of seed browning observed in mature fruit under low-temperature storage could be attributed to physical protection provided by the seed coat rather than cold stress resistance conferred by antioxidants.

Concrete-filled tubular (CFT) columns have been widely used as structural members because CFT columns synergize the advantages of steel and concrete resulting in high strength, high ductility, and large energy dissipation capacity. Numerous studies have been performed to understand the behavior of CFT columns. However, the behavior of CFT columns remains uncertain due to their inelastic behavior and uncertain confinement effects, especially when failure occurs. In addition, diaphragms, which are generally installed, make it more complicated to understand the behavior of CFT columns. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the diaphragms on the failure behavior of the CFT columns. To this end, eighteen rectangular CFT columns were tested with five different loading cases. The experimental results suggest that the size of the diaphragm has significant effects on the compressive strength and toughness of the CFT columns. In order to facilitate the proper composite actions of steel and concrete, the size of a diaphragm has to be at least three-quarters of the cross-sectional area.

Oriental melons have a relatively short shelf life as they are harvested during the summer season and susceptible to cold-induced injuries. Typical chilling injury when stored at 4 °C is expressed as browning of the fruit suture. To prolong the shelf life and reduce browning of the fruit, the effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), X-tend modified atmosphere (MA)/modified humidity (MH) bulk packaging (XF), and polyethylene (PE) packaging, on oriental melons were investigated during storage at 4 °C and 10 °C for 14 days and under retail display conditions at 20 °C. The O2 concentrations in PE packages stored at 4 °C and 10 °C ranged from 17.4 to 18.5%, whereas those in XF packages were reduced to 16.3–16.6%. The CO2 content of XF package (4.2–4.6%) was higher than that of PE package (1.4–1.9%) stored at 4 °C or 10 °C. Relative humidity (RH) saturated in the PE packages but not in the XF packages after seven days of storage. Furthermore, PE packages performed better at maintaining melon weight and firmness than XF packages during storage at 10 °C for 14 days and under retail display conditions at 20 °C. PE and XF packages effectively reduced the browning index of the peel and white linear sutures of oriental melons compared with the unpackaged control during cold storage at 4 °C, and this observation was maintained at the retail display condition at 20 °C. The enhanced CO2 levels, reduced O2 levels, and optimal RH values that were provided by the MAP, prevented the browning symptoms, and improved the marketability and shelf life of oriental melons.

To investigate the effects of packaging on the quality aspects of radish, Korean radish roots (Raphanus sativus L. var. Kwandong) were stored at 0°C after different packaging treatments such as keeping in paper cartoon box (control), keeping in plastic crates (PC), packaging with micro perforated HDPE film in PC (HDPE + PC), curing followed by keeping in PC (Curing + PC), and curing followed by packaging with micro perforated HDPE film in PC (Curing + HDPE + PC). Weight losses of radish roots were remarkably lower (

Abstract Although increased sedentary behavior is associated with poor health outcomes among breast cancer survivors, the factors associated with high sedentary time in community-dwelling breast cancer survivors are unknown. This study aimed to identify factors associated with sedentary behavior in Korean community-dwelling breast cancer survivors aged ≥ 50 years. We included 205 breast cancer survivors from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Total daily sedentary time was evaluated using questions from the Korean version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. We used complex-sample multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses to analyze the associations between sociodemographic factors, medical factors, and health-related quality of life and high sedentary time (≥ 420 min/day). Among the Korean community-dwelling breast cancer survivors, 48.2% had a high daily sedentary time. Insufficient aerobic exercise (OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.12–4.69), diabetes (OR 3.37; 95% CI 1.22–9.33), and unemployed status (OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.05–5.02) were independently associated with high sedentary time after the adjustment for multiple sociodemographic and medical confounders. Participants with a low sedentary time (

Study Design Retrospective case–control study. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the preventive effect of thrombin-containing local hemostatics (TCLH) on postoperative spinal epidural hematoma (POSEH) in biportal endoscopic spinal surgery (BESS). This study compared the incidence of morphometric and symptomatic POSEH with or without TCLH in BESS. Overview of Literature POSEH is reported not uncommon in BESS when compared with conventional spine surgery (CSS). TCLH achieves hemostasis with a high success rate in CSS. However, few studies have examined the effect of TCLH on BESS. Methods Patients with and without TCLH were assigned to groups A and B, respectively. POSEH between the two groups was compared morphometrically and symptomatically. The risk factors for symptomatic and morphometric POSEH in BESS were identified. Results The morphometric POSEH was greater in group B, and the difference was significant (p=0.019). The incidence of symptomatic POSEH was lower in group A with 4.6% (5/109) than in group B with 9.5% (9/95); however, the rate was not significantly different (p=0.136). The morphometric POSEH was classified into two small (hG1 and hG2) and large (hG3 and hG4) and were compared between groups A and B, and the difference was significant (p=0.02). In the multivariable logistic regression, nonuse of TCLH (p=0.004) and preoperative diagnosis of stenosis (p=0.016) were variables found to be significant risk factors of morphometric POSEH. Conclusions Severe compression of the thecal sac by POSEH is more common in patients without TCLH. The risk of hematoma formation was higher when bilateral decompression was needed and the cut bone surface was more exposed.

Abstract Background We investigated the sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with health checkup participation in community-dwelling stroke survivors. Methods Among participants of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 642 stroke survivors were included. We investigated the sociodemographic, medical, and health-related quality of life factors—evaluated by the EuroQol 5-Dimension Questionnaire (EQ-5D)—associated with participation in any type of health checkup. To explore the associations between multiple variables and health checkup participation, a multivariable complex-sample logistic regression model was used. Results One-third of the community-dwelling stroke survivors did not receive a health checkup in the past two years. Insufficient physical activity (OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.9), current smoking (OR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.8), low education level (OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.9), living alone (OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.998), and no occupation (OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.9) showed independent negative associations with health checkup participation. Among the five EQ-5D dimensions, mobility, self-care, usual activities, and pain/discomfort dimensions were associated with health checkup participation rate. Conclusion Policies and further research are needed to promote health checkups for stroke survivors who are physically inactive, currently smoking, living alone, unemployed, less educated, or having extreme problems in their daily lives.

Abstract We aimed to examine the association between physical activity (PA) level and dynapenia in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and whether it varied with sex and obesity status. The current cross-sectional study included total of 1033 community-dwelling participants with COPD aged 65–79 from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In the multivariable model, high and moderate PA levels were significantly associated with lower odds of dynapenia than low PA levels (high PA level: odds ratio [OR] = 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.09–0.74; moderate PA level: OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.35–0.87). This inverse association was observed only in males with COPD (high PA level: OR = 0.17, CI = 0.04–0.65; moderate PA level: OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.27–0.88) and the normal-weight group (18.5 ≤ body mass index (BMI)

Securing reliable data on forest areas is necessary for the establishment of various policies and decision-making for forest administration. In this study, the definition of forest, minimum partitioning criteria, purpose of production, production method, and period of update were analyzed, which were prescribed for the statistics (Forest Basic Statistics [FBS] and Cadastral Statistical Annual Report [CSAR]) and spatial data (digital forest type map, sub-divided land cover map, continuous cadastral map). Forested area was calculated according to the statistics and spatial data for Wonju, Gangwon-do, and the forest area between statistics and spatial data was quantitatively compared. In terms of the definition of forest and minimum partitioning criteria, the FBS and digital forest type maps were similar, and the land cover map, CSAR, and continuous cadastral maps were different in these aspects. About forest area, there was a difference in each forestry data. The highest was CSAR(61,406 ha) and the lowest was Sub-divided Land Cover Map(57,818 ha). This is thought to be because there were some types of spatial areas that were classified as forest in the digital forest type map but classified as cropland, grassland, settlement, and bare land in the sub-divided land cover map and continuous cadastral map. Moreover, in the case of the continuous cadastral map, it is thought that there was an error in the area calculation due to differences between the land category in the map and the actual land use status, which led to differences in the calculated area between different types of spatial data. For future statistics and spatial data, appropriate measures should be established to address the issue of the differences between the calculated area due to misclassification during visual reading, and the difference between the land category in the map and the actual land use status. The calculated forest area should be used for research on the definition of forest, the purposes of map production, and production methods for each type of information and data

This study aimed to investigate the contemporary characteristics of sedentary behavior and physical activity levels in breast cancer survivors. The cross-sectional data of 10,073 community-dwelling Korean women aged ≥50 years in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. The differences in sedentary behavior, walking activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels between breast cancer survivors, other cancer survivors, and women with no history of cancer were compared by complex-sample general linear models. Breast cancer survivors spent significantly less mean time in sedentary behavior than other cancer survivors and women with no history of cancer; however, among them, 48.34% spent a long sedentary time of ≥420 min/day. Breast cancer survivors had a significantly higher level of walking activity and similar total MVPA levels compared to women with no history of cancer. When comparing domain-specific MVPA levels, breast cancer survivors showed significantly lower work-related MVPA levels than women with no history of cancer. In recent years, community-dwelling Korean breast cancer survivors were less sedentary, walked more, and had equivalent MVPA levels compared with women with no history of cancer. Considering the growing emphasis on healthy lifestyles, our results may reflect more contemporary behavior trends of breast cancer survivors.

Abstract Background Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly proliferative, rapidly growing tumor with a poor prognosis, even in cases of limited disease (LD). Timely and accurate high-intensity therapy is necessary. For concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), etoposide/platinum (EP)-based regimens are recommended, although irinotecan/platinum (IP)-based regimens are also effective with radiotherapy. This large-scale, retrospective, nationwide cohort study aimed to analyze the efficacy of CCRT in patients with LD-SCLC. Methods Population data registered between January 2008 and December 2018 was extracted from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of Korea database. Survival outcomes of 4446 LD-SCLC patients who received CCRT were analyzed. Results Patients who received EP-CCRT (n = 4187) showed better time to first subsequent therapy (TFST: 11.2 months) and overall survival (OS: 22.2 months) than those who received IP-CCRT (n = 259; TFST: 9.6 months, P = 0.0477; OS: 16.4 months, P

Objective To investigate longitudinal changes in language function in left-hemispheric ischemic stroke patients as well as factors that influence language recovery until 1 year after stroke onset. Methods We analyzed data from 235 patients with first-ever left-hemispheric ischemic stroke. All patients completed the Korean version of the Frenchay Aphasia Screening Test (K-FAST) at 7 days (T1), 3 months (T2), 6 months (T3), and 1 year (T4) after stroke onset. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to investigate changes in language function between time points. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the K-FAST scores at T1. Stroke lesion volume was assessed using diffusion tensor images, and involvement of language-related brain regions was examined. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze factors influencing improvement of K-FAST score. Results The K-FAST scores at T1, T2, T3, and T4 differed significantly (p

A new second nearest-neighbor modified embedded-atom model-based PtTi binary interatomic potential was developed by improving the pure Pt unary descriptions of the pre-existing interatomic potential. Specifically, the interatomic potential was developed focusing on the shape memory-associated phenomena and the properties of equiatomic PtTi, which has potential applications as a high-temperature shape memory alloy. The simulations using the developed interatomic potential reproduced the physical properties of the equiatomic PtTi and various intermetallic compound/alloy compositions and structures. Large-scale molecular dynamic simulations of single crystalline and nanocrystalline configurations were performed to examine the temperature- and stress-induced martensitic transformations. The results show good consistency with the experiments and demonstrate the reversible phase transformation of PtTi SMA between the cubic B2 austenite and the orthorhombic B19 martensite phases. In addition, the importance of anisotropy, constraint and the orientation of grains on the transformation temperature, mechanical response, and microstructure of SMA are presented.

To investigate the efficacy of irinotecan-based (IP) and etoposide-based (EP) platinum combinations, and of single-agent chemotherapy, for treatment of extensive-disease small cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC), we performed a large-scale, retrospective, nationwide, cohort study. The population data were extracted from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of Korea database from January 1, 2008, to November 30, 2016. A total of 9,994 patients were allocated to ED-SCLC and analyzed in this study. The primary objectives were to evaluate the survival outcomes of systemic first-line treatments for ED-SCLC. For first-line treatment, patients who received IP showed a better time to first subsequent therapy (TFST) of 8.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.50–9.40) than those who received EP, who had a TFST of 6.8 months (95% CI, 6.77–6.97, P

Background/Aims This study aimed to assess adherence to physical activity guidelines in cancer survivors and to investigate related factors. Methods The cross-sectional data of 39,845 community-dwelling participants aged ≥ 20 years (1,254 cancer survivors) in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. The age- and sex-stratified prevalence for meeting exercise guidelines was obtained. The correlates of meeting exercise recommendations were evaluated by using complex-sample logistic regression models. Results Overall, 36.2% and 20.5% of cancer survivors met the recommendations for aerobic and resistance exercises, respectively. Cancer survivors and noncancer controls had similar low adherence to exercise recommendations in most age and sex groups, except young female cancer survivors (20 to 49 years old) who showed higher engagement in aerobic exercise than female noncancer controls in the same age group. Old cancer survivors (≥ 65 years) were less likely to engage in recommended levels of aerobic exercise than young cancer survivors (odds ratio [OR], 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24 to 0.79). Female cancer survivors were less likely to meet resistance exercise guidelines than male cancer survivors (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.50). In addition, cancer survivors with current smoking status and cardiovascular disease were less likely to meet aerobic exercise recommendations. Conclusions The prevalence of meeting exercise guidelines are low in Korean cancer survivors and varied by age and sex. Old age is associated with an insufficient level of aerobic exercise, and female sex is associated with low participation in resistance exercise.

Study Design Retrospective study. Purpose To determine prognostic factors of neurological complications (NCs) of posterior thoracolumbar surgeries. Overview of Literature There have been few reports on the prognosis of NCs according to the causes and treatment methods. Methods The subjects were 65 patients who had NCs for 19 years (1995–2013) after posterior thoracolumbar surgeries in Seoul Sacred Heart General Hospital. The degree of neurological injury was assessed using numeric scales as follows: G1, increased leg pain or sensory loss; G2, hemiparesis; G3, paraparesis; G4, cauda equine syndrome; and G5, complete paraplegia. The relative degree of neurological recovery was evaluated using four numeric scales as follows: Gr1, complete recovery; Gr2, almost complete recovery with residual sensory loss or numbness; Gr3, partial recovery with apparent neurological deficit; and Gr4, no recovery. The prognostic factors were investigated in terms of demographic and surgical variables that were available in a retrospective review. Results The causes were as follows: epidural hematoma (EH), 25 patients (38.5%); insufficient decompression and fusion, 14 patients (21.5%); mechanical injury, 11 patients (16.9%); insufficient discectomy, four patients (6.2%); and unknown, 11 patients (23.1%). The grade of neurological injury was as follows: G1, 11 patients (16.9%); G2, 34 patients (52.3%); G3, 15 patients (23.1%); G4, three patients (4.6%); and G5, two patients (3.1%). Thirteen patients received conservative treatment, and 52 underwent revision surgeries. Neurological recovery was as follows: Gr1, 21 patients (32.3%); Gr2, 17 patients (26.2%); Gr3, 20 patients (30.8%); and Gr4, seven patients (10.8%). The prognosis depended on the causes (p =0.041). The subgroup analysis of the revision group revealed a significant correlation between the degree of neurological recovery and the timing of revision, irrespective of causes (r =0.413, p =0.002). Conclusions The prognosis of NC depended on the causes. EH was the best and unknown was the worst prognostic factor. Revision should be performed as soon as possible for a better prognosis.

Abstract Background To evaluate and analyse the factors associated with health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in the Korean population aged 50 years and older. Methods We used data obtained from the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV-V) 2007–2012, a national, cross-sectional health examination and survey, for which representative data on the health, nutritional status, and physical activities of the Korean general population are collected by the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). The sampling protocol for the KNHANES was designed to involve a complex, stratified, multistage probability cluster survey of a representative sample of the noninstitutionalized civilian population in South Korea using a cross-sectional design. The association between HR-QoL and socio-economic factors and medical comorbidities in adults aged 50 years and older was investigated using data from the KNHANES IV-V from 2007 to 2012 (n = 17,937). The EuroQol 5-Dimension Questionnaire (EQ-5D) was used to evaluate HR-QoL, and the factors associated with HR-QoL were analysed after adjusting for socio-economic and demographic factors, anthropometric measurements and clinical comorbidities. Results Health status declined with ageing, and low socio-economic status had negative associations with health status. Gender had no association with health status. Among chronic medical conditions, arthritis and depression had significant associations with health status in older people when stratified by age and gender (P < 0.05). Conclusions These findings suggest that older people may value the ability to perform daily activities, which may mean that it is necessary to pay more attention to the factors associated with musculoskeletal pain and emotional distress, as well as socio-economic status or chronic diseases. Trial registration The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES) is not a clinical trial registry, but the national health survey conducted by the Government of the Republic of Korea, to gather information on health and nutritional status of Korean population, to plan public health services and health education programs, and to do statistical studies of the efficiency of public health services required for setting up welfare and healthcare policies.

For soft grippers to be applied in atypical industrial environments, they must conform to an object’s exterior shape and momentarily change their stiffness. However, many of the existing grippers have limitations with respect to these functions: they grasp an object with only a single curvature and a fixed stiffness. Consequently, those constraints limit the stability of grasping and the applications. This paper introduces a new multicurvature, variable-stiffness soft gripper. Inspired by the human phalanx and combining the phalanx structure and particle jamming, this work guarantees the required grasping functions. Unlike the existing soft pneumatic grippers with one curvature and one stiffness, this work tries to divide the pressurized actuating region into three parts to generate multiple curvatures for a gripper finger, enabling the gripper to increase its degrees of freedom. Furthermore, to prevent stiffness loss at an unpressurized segment, this work combines divided actuation and the variable-stiffness capability, which guarantee successful grasping actions. In summary, this gripper generates multiple grasping curvatures with the proper stiffness, enhancing its dexterity. This work introduces the new soft gripper’s design, analytical modeling, and fabrication method and verifies the analytic model by comparing it with FEM simulations and experimental results.

The reduction malarplasty is becoming prevalent among Asians due to their characteristics of protruding cheekbones. As the cheekbone protrusion is known among the Asians as a feature which gives strong and perhaps a negative impression, people nowadays are relying more on the revisional reduction malarplasty for a symmetrical facial line. At Youtiful Vom Plastic Surgery, eleven cases of malar reduction were performed using the endoscopic zygomatic arch infracture technique (EZ technique) from January to May of 2013. Then, eight patients of the eleven completed a survey based on their level of satisfaction of the surgical process. When performing the surgery, we made a temporal incision and used the endoscopic application to open up the area malar prominence and the previously osteotomy line. We then made a complete osteotomy on the zygomatic arch after making the incomplete osteotomy on the zygomatic body. The surgery was completed after finally infracturing the fragmented segment with a mallet in a greenstick fracture. After the surgical performance, we surveyed the patients regarding their level of satisfaction of the surgery, the anesthesia used during surgery, the recovery period, and the postoperative pain all out of a scale from 1 to 5. Based on our results, the level of satisfaction in terms of the patients' surgical results accounted for 4 out of 5 and a 4.3 out of 5 for the level of satisfaction of patients in terms of the anesthesia used during surgery. Thus, the patients achieved a high level of satisfaction. Like so, the EZ technique is an effective and simple revisional method that can be used to correct the protrusion of the zygomatic arch with also a relatively quick recovery period.

Augmentation mammoplasty with anatomical breast implant, which was first introduced in Korea in February 2012, is expected to increase along with the round implant. This study reports the early experience of a single surgeon with this implant to Korean female patients. A total of one hundred patients who performed augmentation mammoplasty with Replicon® (POLYTECH Health & Aesthetics, Dieburg, Germany), a kind of anatomical breast implant, from February 2012 to August 2012 were studied. Patient's satisfaction with breast shape and touch was assessed using linear analogue scales with a maximum score of 5. All of the patients received augmentation mammoplasty for cosmetic purpose. Ninety-one patients were satisfied with their results. Neither implant malrotation nor capsular contracture was checked during the average follow up period of 7.9 months. Even though it is a preliminary report of early studies, we can see that anatomical implant is suitable for Korean female patients who have small breast, mild ptotic breast and constricted lower pole, given that anatomical implant proved excellent results in this studies.

People with ordinary faces want their faces more attractive, and thus various attempts have been made to reduce the size of the upper and lower face. We therefore have designed the shortening foreheadplasty, in which an excision was made on the part of the upper face skin using a trichophytic incision and the defect was widely avulsed and pulled forward down to be sutured. Participants included 115 patients who had visited our hospitals from January 2006 to June 2012. As a preoperative evaluation, we performed a gliding test to decide the size of the forehead skin laxity. As an operation method, a zigzag incision was designed and the skin was excised using a trichophytic incision, and the scalp flap was fixed using Endotine®. Of a total of 115 patients, the shortening of forehead was in the range of 7mm to 20mm with the average 14.19mm. In order to help patients have small faces that meet the condition for the beauty, we performed a shortening foreheadplasty. In this surgery, the forehead skin was excised using a trichophytic incision and the scalp flap was dissected in the subgaleal plane, we could obtain favorable outcomes by minimizing the tension by sufficiently avulsing the scalp flap after the incision and fixing the flap with Endotine®, and minimizing the formation of postoperative scar.