Comparison of Dynamic Vibration Control Techniques by the GFRPU and/or LTMD System.

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures with non-seismic reinforcement details are vulnerable to earthquakes. This experimental study evaluates the efficiency of three techniques to alleviate the dynamic responses of existing structures: glass fiber-reinforced polyurea (GFRPU) reinforcement, a lever-typed tuned mass damper (LTMD) system, and a hybrid system of GFRPU and LTMD reinforcements. The lateral-resisting capacity and ductility of the GFRPU reinforcement specimen were enhanced by the material characteristics, and the dynamic responses were alleviated. The LTMD control specimen controlled the dynamic responses by the passive control system of the tuned mass damper (TMD), and the control forces to sustain its geometric motion were exerted on the specimen. The hybrid system was designed to control the dynamic responses by the GFRPU reinforcement and the LTMD control system. Four specimens, including an unreinforced specimen, were tested under external excitations, including the El Centro earthquake. The vibrations were more controlled in the order of the GFRPU reinforcement specimen, the LTMD control specimen, and the hybrid control specimen. The hybrid system was evaluated as excellent for seismic reinforcement, such as preventing abrupt failure with the lateral-resisting capacity and ductility of GFRPU and improving the dynamic control capacity by LTMD.

Menstrual cycle and Yin-Yang in healthy nursing college students.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between several menstrual characteristics and Yin-Yang, using the traditional Korean Sasang typology in 565 female college students. Using the questionnaire for the Sasang Constitution Classification, which consists of 121 forced-choice items, subjects were classified into three groups: So-Yang (small Yang, n=194), Tae-Eum (large Yin, n=164) and So-Eum (small Yin, n=207). Tae-Eum-type subjects showed significantly higher body mass index (BMI) values than other types. There was also a significant difference in menstrual duration between the Tae-Eum and So-Eum groups. However, there were no differences in the cycle or pattern of menstruation, or in the amount of menstrual blood among the groups. There were also no significant differences in the menstrual variables between Yin and Yang subjects. In conclusion, our results regarding the relationship between menstrual cycle and Yin-Yang types are inconsistent with traditional theory. However, this study shows that menstrual duration and BMI differ significantly among Sasang types.

Perceptions, knowledge and misuse of an oriental herbal drug: a survey of 608 Korean female nursing college students.

This study was designed to survey college students about their knowledge and use of Uwhangchungsimwon (UC), a Traditional Oriental herbal remedy for emergency and acute treatment of stroke, numbness, hypertension, epilepsy and arteriosclerosis. Students at three female nursing colleges in Korea completed a questionnaire containing 29 questions about the students' demographics, knowledge and use of UC, and the placebo effect. Of 608 respondents, 217 (36%) had taken UC. Eighty-three per cent reported that UC alleviated examination tension and 28% knew that it is used as an emergency drug for stroke. Forty-two per cent believed that UC has a "placebo effect" and 20% considered its effects were more than that of a placebo. Fifty-eight per cent of those using UC felt that it was effective in inducing psychological relaxation, 4% considered that it increased their energy levels, and 6% felt it was effective in "clearing the head"; 33% reported no effects. Users also reported adverse effects: 30% reported drowsiness, 17% reported a "heavy head" and 15% experienced indigestion. Most respondents (73%) obtained information about UC from family members and friends and 33% from newspapers or the media. These results confirm health practitioner should recognize that UC is used widely for purposes other than its intended purpose (i.e., to treat stroke and hypertension) and that such use can cause adverse effects. More systematic research is needed to increase the safety of consumers when using herbs and herbal supplements.

Two case reports of the acute effects of Qi therapy (external Qigong) on symptoms of cancer: short report.

This paper reports upon two case studies addressing the short-term effects of Qi therapy on symptoms of cancer in two terminally ill oncology patients. Changes in anxiety state, pain, discomfort, depression, mood, alertness, and fatigue in two cancer patients were assessed. Treatment involved four therapy sessions on alternate days over a 7-day period. After 20 min of Qi therapy, both patients experienced improvements in mood and alertness, and a reduction in pain, anxiety, depression, discomfort, and fatigue, on both the first and last days of the interventions. Furthermore, the scores recorded on the last day for most symptoms were improved than those recorded on the first day. Although the results of these two case studies do not constitute conclusive evidence, the data suggest that Qi therapy may have some beneficial effects on some symptoms of cancer.

Effects of Qi-therapy on premenstrual syndrome.

This study investigated the effects of Qi-therapy (nine sessions over two menstrual cycles) on pain and other symptoms in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Forty-six women who were attending college were randomly allocated to receive Qi-therapy (Qi-therapy group: n = 23) or placed on a waiting list as controls (n = 22: 1 dropped out). Qi-therapy had a significant effect on pain and water retention. In addition, there were significant short-term effects on pain, mental depression, and anxiety. These results suggested that Qi-therapy might be useful as a nursing intervention for women who suffer from PMS to maintain or restore a balance of Qi.

Effects of qi therapy (external qigong ) on premenstrual syndrome: a randomized placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of qi therapy on premenstrual symptoms in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). DESIGN: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. SUBJECTS: Thirty-six (36) college women with symptoms of PMS. INTERVENTION: After 2 months of screening, subjects with PMS were randomized to receive real qi therapy (18 subjects) or placebo (18 subjects). The subjects were informed that they would receive one of two types of treatment. They did not know which treatment they received. Each intervention was performed eight times during the second and third cycles with subjects completing a PMS diary. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in the symptoms of negative feeling, pain, water retention, and total PMS symptoms in subjects receiving qi therapy compared to placebo controls. CONCLUSION: Qi therapy may be an effective complementary therapy for managing the symptoms of PMS.

Effects of in vitro and in vivo Qi-therapy on neutrophil superoxide generation in healthy male subjects.

The present study investigated the effects of in vitro and in vivo Korean ChunSoo Qi-Energy Healing on neutrophil superoxide generation. Neutrophil superoxide generation was measured by a chemiluminescence assay. Superoxide generation was significantly increased in vitro by emitted Qi-therapy (QT) of 60-second duration and 150-second duration compared to control (1.59-fold for 60 seconds, p < 0.05; 1.50-fold for 150 seconds, p < 0.05). Neutrophil superoxide generation increased significantly immediately after 5 minutes of QT in vivo (1.42-fold, p < 0.05). These results show that QT in vivo and in vitro has an acute stimulatory effect on neutrophil superoxide generation. This study provides direct scientific support that Qi as such may positively affect human innate immunity.