• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제31권9호
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• pp.1387-1392
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• 2018

Objective: In a nucleus breeding scheme, the sire of dam's pathway plays an important role in producing genetic improvement. Selection proportion is the key parameter for predicting selection intensity, through truncating the normal distribution. Semen sexing using flow cytometry reduces the number of vials of sperm that can be obtained from a proved bull. In addition, a lower fertility of this kind of sperm is expected because of the lower sperm dosage in sex sorted semen. Both of these factors could affect the selection proportion in the sire of dam's pathway ($p_{SD}$). Methods: In the current study, through a deterministic simulation, effect of utilizing sex sorted semen on selection ($p_{SD}$) was investigated in three different strategies including 1: continuous use of sex sorted semen in heifers (CS), 2: the use of sex sorted semen for the first two (S2) and 3: the first (S1) inseminations followed by conventional semen. Results: Results indicated that the use of sex sorted semen has a negative impact on the sire of dams (SD) pathway due to increase in selection proportion. Consequently selection intensity was decreased by 10.24 to 20.57, 6.38 to 8.87 and 3.76 to 6.25 percent in the CS, S2, and S1 strategies, respectively. Conclusion: Considering the low effect of sexed semen on genetic improvement in dam pathways, it is necessary to consider the joint effect of using sex sorted semen on the sire and dams pathway to estimate about the real effect of sexed semen on genetic improvement in a nucleus breeding scheme.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권8호
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• pp.4647-4650
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• 2013

Background: Breast illumination was suggested as a simple method for breast cancer screening. BreastLight is a simple apparatus for this purpose. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of BreastLight as a screening tool of breast cancer in comparison to mammography and histopathology. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross sectional study was conducted in the mammography unit of the radiodiagnosis department at National Cancer Institute, Cairo University. All participants were subjected to breast examination with the BreastLight tool, mammography and ultrasonography. Suspicious cases were biopsied for histopathological examination which is considered as a gold standard. Results: The mean age of the participants was $46.3{\pm}12.4$ years. Breast illumination method had sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and total accuracy of 93.0%, 73.7%, 91.4%, 77.8% and 88.2%, respectively in detection of breast cancer. Conclusions: Breast illumination method with BreastLight apparatus is a promising easy-to-use tool to screen for breast cancer suitable for primary health care physician or at-home use. It needs further evaluation especially in asymptomatic women.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.695-701
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• 2014

The main objective of palliative treatment for cancer patients has been to maintain, if not improve, the quality of life (QoL). There is a lack of local data on satisfaction and QoL among cancer patients receiving palliative treatment in Malaysia. This study covers patients with incurable, progressive cancer disease receiving palliative treatment in a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, comparing the different components of QoL and correlations with patient satisfaction. A cross-sectional survey using Malay validated SF36 QoL and PSQ-18 (Short Form) tools was carried out between July 2012 -January 2013 with 120 cancer patients receiving palliative treatment, recruited into the study after informed consent using convenient sampling. Results showed that highest satisfaction were observed in Communication Aspect ($50.6{\pm}9.07$) and the least in General Satisfaction ($26.4{\pm}5.90$). The Mental Component Summary ($44.9{\pm}6.84$) scored higher when compared with the Physical Component Summary ($42.2{\pm}7.91$). In this study, we found that patient satisfaction was strongly associated with good quality of life among cancer patients from a general satisfaction aspect (r=0.232). A poor significant negative correlation was found in Physical Component (technical quality, r=-0.312). The Mental Component showed there was a poor negative correlation between time spent with doctor (r=-0.192) and accessibility, (r=-0.279). We found that feeling at peace and having a sense of meaning in life were more important to patients than being active or achieving good physical comfort. More studyis needed to investigate patients who score poorly on physical and mental component aspects to understand their needs in order to achieve better cancer care.

• 멤브레인
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.236-246
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• 2011

본 연구에서는 기공의 크기가 $0.4{\mu}m$의 소수성 막인 폴리에틸렌 100가닥으로 모듈을 제작하여 직접접촉식과 동반기체식 막증류 과정에서 막의 양단의 온도차, 공급수의 염분농도, 그리고 냉각수/동반기체의 유량에 대해서 투과수의 플럭스를 측정하였다. 이론적으로는, 동반기체식 막증류는 직접접촉식 막증류 공정의 막의 투과측 표면과 냉각수 사이에 동반 기체층이 추가된 것으로 간주하였다. 이 동반기체층은 새로운 저항층과과 동반기체의 이동중 상변화된 수증기가 손실되는 것이 투과유속을 30% 정도 감소시키게 된다. 물질수지식을 이용하여, 기존의 식과는 다르게 보정계수(${\omega}$)를 넣어 직접접촉식 막증류와 동반기체식 막증류의 이론값을 실험값과 비교 분석하였다.

• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• 제10권7호
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• pp.3066-3079
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• 2016

Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in topology research of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) where both energy consumption and survivability need careful consideration. To balance energy consumption and ensure survivability against both random failures and deliberate attacks, we resort to complex network theory and propose an energy-aware preferential attachment (EPA) model to generate a robust topology for WSNs. In the proposed model, by taking the transmission range and energy consumption of the sensor nodes into account, we combine the characters of Erdős -Rényi (ER) model and Barabasi-Albert (BA) model in this new model and introduce tunable coefficients for balancing connectivity, energy consumption, and survivability. The correctness of our theoretic analysis is verified by simulation results. We find that the topology of WSNs built by EPA model is asymptotically power-law and can have different characters in connectivity, energy consumption, and survivability by using different coefficients. This model can significantly improve energy efficiency as well as enhance network survivability by changing coefficients according to the requirement of the real environment where WSNs deployed and therefore lead to a crucial improvement of network performance.

• Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology
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• 제19권5호
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• pp.1072-1079
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• 2005

Conceptual design is the first step in the overall process of product design. Its intrinsic uncertainty, imprecision, and lack of information lead to the fact that current conceptual design activities in engineering have not been computerized and very few CAD systems are available to support conceptual design. In most of the current intelligent design systems, approach of principle synthesis, such as morphology matrix, bond graphic, or design catalogues, is usually adopted to deal with the concept generation, in which optional concepts are generally combined and enumerated through function analysis. However, as a large number of concepts are generated, it is difficult to evaluate and optimize these design candidates using regular algorithm. It is necessary to develop a new approach or a tool to solve the concept generation. Generally speaking, concept generation is a problem of concept synthesis. In substance, this process of developing design candidate is a combinatorial optimization process, viz., the process of concept generation can be regarded as a solution for a state-place composed of multi-concepts. In this paper, genetic algorithm is utilized as a feasible tool to solve the problem of combinatorial optimization in concept generation, in which the encoding method of morphology matrix based on function analysis is applied, and a sequence of optimal concepts are generated through the search and iterative process which is controlled by genetic operators, including selection, crossover, mutation, and reproduction in GA. Several crucial problems on GA are discussed in this paper, such as the calculation of fitness value and the criteria for heredity termination, which have a heavy effect on selection of better concepts. The feasibility and intellectualization of the proposed approach are demonstrated with an engineering case. In this work concept generation is implemented using GA, which can facilitate not only generating several better concepts, but also selecting the best concept. Thus optimal concepts can be conveniently developed and design efficiency can be greatly improved.

• 천문학회보
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.147.2-147.2
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• 2011

We have initiated a long-term identification campaign of supernova remnant candidates in X-ray regime. In the short-listed unidentified sources from the ROSAT All Sky Survey, we have chosen the brightest candidate, G308.3-1.4, as our pilot target for a dedicated investigation with Chandra X-ray Observatory. Our observation has revealed an incomplete shell-like X-ray structure which well-correlated with the radio feature. Together with the spectral properties of a shocked heated plasma, we confirm that G308.3-1.4 is indeed a supernova remnant. A bright X-ray point source which locates close to the remnant center is also uncovered in this observation. Its spectral behavior conform with those observed in a rare class of neutron stars. The properties of its optical/infrared counterpart suggests the evidence for a late-type companion star. Interestingly, possible excesses in B-band and H-alpha have been found which indicate this can be an accretion-powered system. With the further support from the putative periodicity of ~1.4 hrs, this source can possibly provide the direct evidence of a binary system survived in a supernova explosion for the first time.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제9권5호
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• pp.393-410
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• 2012

Conventional geotechnical instrumentation techniques available for monitoring of slopes, especially soil-nailed slopes have limitations such as electromagnetic interference, low accuracy, poor longterm reliability and difficulty in mounting a series of strain sensors on a soil nail bar with a small-diameter. This paper presents a slope monitoring system based on fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensing technology. This monitoring system is designed to perform long-term monitoring of slope movements, strains along soil nails, and other slope reinforcement elements. All these FBG sensors are fabricated and calibrated in laboratory and a trial of this monitoring system has been successfully conducted on a roadside slope in Hong Kong. As part of the slope stability improvement works, soil nails and a toe support soldier-pile wall were constructed. During the slope works, more than 100 FBG sensors were installed on a soil nail, a soldier pile, and an in- place inclinometer. The paper presents the layout and arrangement of the instruments as well as the installation procedures adopted. Monitoring data have been collected since March 2008. This trial has demonstrated the great potential of the optical fibre monitoring system for long-term monitoring of slope performance. The advantages of the slope monitoring system and experience gained in the field implementation are also discussed in the paper.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.116-125
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• 2018

Modified 9Cr-1Mo ferritic steel is a preferred material for steam generators in nuclear power plants for their creep strength and good corrosion resistance. Austenitic stainless steels, such as type 316LN, are used in the high temperature segments such as reactor pressure vessels and primary piping systems. So, the dissimilar joints between these materials are inevitable. In this investigation, dissimilar joints were fabricated by the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process with Inconel 82/182 filler metals. The notch tensile properties and Charpy V-notch impact toughness properties of various regions of dissimilar metal weld joints (DMWJs) were evaluated as per the standards. The microhardness distribution across the DMWJs was recorded. Microstructural features of different regions were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Inhomogeneous notch tensile properties were observed across the DMWJs. Impact toughness values of various regions of the DMWJs were slightly higher than the prescribed value. Formation of a carbon-enriched hard zone at the interface between the ferritic steel and the buttering material enhanced the notch tensile properties of the heat-affected-zone (HAZ) of P91. The complex microstructure developed at the interfaces of the DMWJs was the reason for inhomogeneous mechanical properties.

• Membrane and Water Treatment
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• 제7권3호
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• pp.175-191
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• 2016

In this work, oil-in-water emulsions (O/W) were prepared successfully by membrane emulsification with $0.5{\mu}m$ pore size membrane. Sunflower oil was emulsified in aqueous Tween80 solution with a simple crossflow apparatus equipped with ceramic tube membrane. In order to increase the shear-stress near the membrane wall, a helical-shaped reducer was installed within the lumen side of the tube membrane. This method allows the reduction of continuous phase flow and the increase of dispersed phase flux, for cost effective production. Results were compared with the conventional cross-flow membrane emulsification method. Monodisperse O/W emulsions were obtained using tubular membrane with droplet size in the range $3.3-4.6{\mu}m$ corresponded to the membrane pore diameter of $0.5{\mu}m$. The final aim of this study is to obtain O/W emulsions by simple membrane emulsification method without reducer and compare the results obtained by membrane equipped with helix shaped reducer. To indicate the results statistical methods, $3^p$ type full factorial experimental designs were evaluated, using software called STATISTICA. For prediction of the flux, droplet size and PDI a mathematical model was set up which can describe well the dependent variables in the studied range, namely the run of the flux and the mean droplet diameter and the effects of operating parameters. The results suggested that polynomial model is adequate for representation of selected responses.