• Title/Summary/Keyword: Agent-based Model

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Application of Statistical Experimental Design to Improve the Quality of Fresh-Cut Apple Cubes by Edible Coating with Alginate

  • Zuo, Li;Lee, Jun-Ho
    • Food Science and Biotechnology
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    • v.15 no.6
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    • pp.825-832
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    • 2006
  • The effect of alginate coating in combination with an anti-browning agent on increasing the post-cutting shelf life and improving the quality of minimally processed apple cubes was studied during storage at room temperature for 5 days. A simple coating technique involving the chemical cross-linkage of alginate by calcium was used. Statistical-based experimental designs were applied to improve the quality of the alginate-coated apple cubes (ACAC). Plackett-Burman design was first used to determine the main factors influencing the preservation of the original weight, color, and texture of ACAC. Among these variables, alginate concentration ($X_1$), dipping time ($X_2$), and dipping temperature ($X_3$) significantly influenced the ACAC weight and color (confidence levels above 90%). Subsequently, the effects of the 3 main factors were further investigated by a central composite design. The polynomial models developed by response surface methodology were adequate to describe the relationships between the studied factors and the responses. Overall optimization conducted by superimposing the curves of the responses enabled the determination of an optimal range of the independent variables in which the five responses were simultaneously optimized. The point chosen as representative of this optimal area corresponded to $X_1=2.98%$, $X_2=0.85\;min$, and $X_3=55^{\circ}C$ and under these conditions the model predicted weight loss=0.522%, relative hardness=1.517, ${\Delta}E=1.423$, browning inhibition=93.403%, and ${\Delta}L=0.158$.

Chitosan Based Silver Nanocomposites (CAgNCs) Display Antibacterial Effects against Vibrio ichthyoenteri

  • Beom, Seo Seung;Shin, Sang Yeop;Dananjaya, S.H.S.;De Silva, A.B.K.H.;Nikapitiya, Chamilani;Cho, Jongki;Park, Gun-Hoo;Oh, Chulhong;Kang, Do-Hyung;De Zoysa, Mahanama
    • Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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    • v.34 no.4
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    • pp.261-267
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    • 2017
  • The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial properties of chitosan silver nanocomposites (CAgNCs) using pathogenic Vibrio ichthyoenteri as a bacterial model. Results of agar disc diffusion and turbidimetric assays showed that CAgNCs could inhibit the growth of V. ichthyoenteri in concentration dependent manner. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of CAgNCs were 75 and $125{\mu}g/mL$, respectively. Furthermore, CAgNCs treatment induced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in V. ichthyoenteri cells in concentration and time dependent manner, suggesting that it generates oxidative stress, leading to bacterial cell death. The field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) images of CAgNCs treated V. ichthyoenteri exhibited strong cell membrane damage than un-treated control bacteria. MTT assay results showed the highest cell viability (22%) at $75{\mu}g/mL$ of CAgNCs treated bacteria samples. The results from this study suggest that CAgNCs is a potential antibacterial agent to control fish pathogenic bacteria.

Effects of Change Agent\`s Positive Self Image and Risk Tolerance on Change Acceptance and Work Adaptation (변화대응 및 업무적응에 대한 긍정적 자기관과 모험 수용성의 영향)

  • 이주일;이경옥
    • Proceedings of the Korean Association for Survey Research Conference
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    • 2000.06a
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    • pp.59-87
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    • 2000
  • The hypothesis of this study is that change acceptance and work adaptation of change agents are influenced by positive self-image and risk tolerance. In order to examine the hypothesis, this study was performed with 305 change agents from six branches of a conglomerate company. Specifically, self-image was measured by locus of control, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and positive affectivity; risk tolerance was measured by tolerance for ambiguity, risk aversion, and openness to experience. The result of this study indicated that self-image and risk tolerance significantly predicted change acceptance and work adaptation. Especially, the results of structural model revealed that change acceptance mediated the relationship between characteristic variables (such as self image and risk tolerance in this study) and work adaptation. Based on the results, we suggest that change agents keep developing positive self-image and risk tolerance in order to play the key role in leading organizational change.

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Effects of Poly-N-acetyl Glucosamine(pGlcNAc) Patch on Wound Healing in db/db Mouse (Poly-N-acetyl-glucosamine이 당뇨병 쥐에서 창상치료에 미치는 영향)

  • Yang, Ho Jik;Yoon, Chi Sun
    • Archives of Plastic Surgery
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    • v.35 no.2
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    • pp.121-126
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    • 2008
  • Purpose: Poly-N-acetyl glucosamine(PGlcNAc) nanofiber-based materials, produced by a marine microalga, have been characterized as effective hemostatic and angiogenic agents. The similarity between PGlcNAc patch and the natural extracellular matrix allows it to support new healthy tissue growth in an injured area and to encourage fluid absorption. In this study, we hypothesized that a poly-N-acetyl glucosamine fiber patch(PGlcNAc patch) may enhance wound healing in the db/db mouse. Methods: PGlcNAc patches were applied on one square centimeter, full-thickness, skin wounds in the db/db mouse model. Wounds(n=15 per group) were dressed with a PGlcNAc nanofiber patch for 1 hour(1 h), 24 hours(24 h) or left untreated(NT). After the application time, patches were removed and wounds were allowed to heal spontaneously. The rate of wound closure was evaluated by digital analysis of unclosed wound area in course of time. At day 10, wounds(n=7 per group) were harvested and quantified with immunohistochemical markers of proliferation(Ki-67) and vascularization (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, PECAM-1). Results: Wounds dressed with PGlcNAc patches for 1 hour closed faster than control wounds, reaching 90% closure in 16.6 days, nine days faster than untreated wounds. Granulation tissue showed higher levels of proliferation and vascularization following 1 h treatment than the 24 h and NT groups. In addition to its hemostatic properties, the PGlcNAc material also appears to accelerate wound closure in healing-impaired genetically diabetic mice. Conclusion: This material, with its combination of hemostatic and wound healing properties, has the potential to be effective agent for the treatment of complicated wounds.

멀티미디어 서비스의 환경변화 및 COSMOS 멀티미디어 운영체제

  • 송동호;임영환
    • Information and Communications Magazine
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    • v.11 no.6
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    • pp.37-54
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    • 1994
  • Technical innovation on multimedia data processing brings us new multimedia services. Multimedia services are classified into five groups : TVs, computers, telecommunications, periperals, and softwares. This paper surveys on the services in various aspects and, in particular, computer areas are discussed in detail. To provide the services, major subsystems such as highspeed networks, operating systems, intelligent agent based user interfaces are discussed. In particular, multimedia operating systems are the most actively investigating research area as an infrastructure of multimedia computer systems to provide integrated multimedia services. So, the trends of new multimedia operating systems are analyzed and COSMOS (Collaborative Object Sharing for Multimedia Operating System) multimedia group presentation is discussed. The characteristics, model and abstract data structure of COSMOS is described. The performance analysis of 3 person conference system using audio, video and shared graphic editor on COSMOS shows that taking integrated multimedia operating system approach leads changing of new multimedia service environments.

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Current Application of Embryo Cryopreservation for Farm Animals (가축 수정란 동결보존의 최근 이용방법)

  • 석호봉
    • Journal of Embryo Transfer
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    • v.4 no.1
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    • pp.1-13
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    • 1989
  • This paper reviews the most important steps that have generated consistent progress in principles and developmental progress of embryo cryopreservation, and also study on freezing procedure and its application by conventional method and current improved method for freezing procedure and its appilcation of embryo cryopreservation in farm animals. Four were of particular interest: 1.The transport of water across the ccli membrane (zona pellucida) during freezing and thawing accordinglyplays a role in determing whether the celi survives. This movement of water is controlied mainly by extracellular phase changes and by the nature and concentration of any cryoprotective agent present. Therates of cooling, freezing and warming, and the intervals over which they are applied are further decisi've factors in determining whether a cryopreservation procedure allows survival after thawing. 2.The first successful deep freezing experiments with sheep morula and blastocysts during the seventies were based on the early procedures used for mouse embryos.Current research during the eighties is developed with the aim of simplifying and improving current procedures such as one-step dilution and rapid or ultra-rapid cooling by using the model of laboratory animals. 3.The conventional method for the embryo cryopreservation is described. An alternative to this method which may result in high survival and also in reducing of the freezing and thawing time is done by combing a permeable cryoprotectant such as glycerol, DMSO or propanediol and a non-permeable compound such as sucrose, trehalose, raffinose or lactose. 4.Finally a different approach to the preservation of embryos, named vitrification, is introduced. This procedure depends upon the ability of concentrated solutions of cryoprotective agents such as glycerol and propanediol to supercool to very low temperature (-196$^{\circ}C$) during rapid cooling before solidifying without formation of ice. However, more complete data are necessary for successful vitrification of blastocysts.

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Cache Replacement and Coherence Policies Depending on Data Significance in Mobile Computing Environments (모바일 컴퓨팅 환경에서 데이터의 중요도에 기반한 캐시 교체와 일관성 유지)

  • Kim, Sam-Geun;Kim, Hyung-Ho;Ahn, Jae-Geun
    • The Journal of Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences
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    • v.36 no.2A
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    • pp.149-159
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    • 2011
  • Recently, mobile computing environments are becoming rapidly common. This trend emphasizes the necessity of accessing database systems on fixed networks from mobile platforms via wireless networks. However, it is not an appropriate way that applies the database access methods for traditional computing environments to mobile computing environments because of their essential restrictions. This paper suggests a new agent-based mobile database access model and also two functions calculating data significance scores to choose suitable data items for cache replacement and coherence policies. These functions synthetically reflect access term, access frequency and tendency, update frequency and tendency, and data item size distribution. As the result of simulation experiment, our policies outperform LRU, LIX, and SAIU policies in aspects of decrement of access latency, improvement of cache byte hit ratio, and decrease of cache byte pollution ratio.

Design of Educational Training System for Contents Specialist for development of cultural contents in Asia (아시아 문화콘텐츠 시장개척을 위한 교육지원시스템 설계 및 구현)

  • Lee, Eun-Ryoung;Kim, Kio-Chung
    • Journal of Digital Contents Society
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    • v.11 no.1
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    • pp.47-55
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    • 2010
  • Cultural Content Industry, a core industry based on knowledge, is becoming an economic model making new benefits by adding human creativity, imagination, sensitivity and style in to information technology. Cultural Contents Industry representing cultures of each countries is facing major changes towards a new competitive industry of each nation. Cultural content of a country is upbringing new contents power developing into a new industry by flattening the barriers within nations. But cooperations face difficulties in launching the industry because of limited information about the current market and lack of understanding in cultural differences. In order to solve this problem, this paper aims to create global network leading to increase of export and creation of new market with cultural contents and train local specialists. In order to search for the ways to maintain Korean contents in other nations and expand exportation. cooperations invite leading cultural contents groups to South Korea, let the groups experience Korea's contents. Cooperations initiated invite training, dispatch training by Korean companies and international students training. The purpose of this paper is to support education system, ETS-CS(Educational Training System for Contents Specialist) and analyse practices applied in the field to develop a better cultural contents industry.

Homology Modeling and Molecular Docking Study of Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein and Artemisinin

  • Chae, Jin-Sun;Choi, In-Hee;Kim, Choon-Mi
    • Archives of Pharmacal Research
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    • v.29 no.1
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    • pp.50-58
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    • 2006
  • Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP), also known as histamine releasing factor (HRF), is found abundantly in different eukaryotic cell types. The sequence homology of TCTP between different species is very high, belonging to the MSS4/DSS4 superfamily of proteins. TCTP is involved in both cell growth and human late allergy reaction, as well as having a calcium binding property; however, its primary biological functions remain to be clearly elucidated. In regard to many possible functions, the TCTP of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) is known to bind with an antimalarial agent, artemisinin, which is activated by heme. It is assumed that the endoperoxide-bridge of artemisinin is opened up by heme to form a free radical, which then eventually alkylates, probably to the Cys14 of PfTCTP. Study of the docking of artemisinin with heme, and subsequently with PfTCTP, was carried out to verify the above hypothesis on the basis of structural interactions. The three dimensional (3D) structure of PfTCTP was built by homology modeling, using the NMR structure of the TCTP of Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a template. The quality of the model was examined based on its secondary structure and biological function, as well as with the use of structure evaluating programs. The interactions between artemisinin, heme and PfTCTP were then studied using the docking program, FlexiDock. The center of the peroxide bond of artemisinin and the Fe of heme were docked within a short distance of $2.6{\AA}$, implying the strong possibility of an interaction between the two molecules, as proposed. When the activated form of artemisinin was docked on the PfTCTP, the C4-radical of the drug faced towards the sulfur of Cys14 within a distance of $2.48{\AA}$, again suggesting the possibility of alkylation having occurred. These results confirm the proposed mechanism of the antimalarial effect of artemisinin, which will provide a reliable method for establishing the mechanism of its biological activity using a molecular modeling study.

Impacts of Automated Vehicles on Freeway Traffic-flow - Focused on Seoul-Singal Basic Sections of GyeongBu Freeway - (자율주행차량 도입에 따른 고속도로 교통류 영향분석 - 경부고속도로 서울-신갈 기본구간을 중심으로)

  • Park, In-seon;Lee, Jong-deok;Lee, Jae-yong;Hwang, Kee-yeon
    • The Journal of The Korea Institute of Intelligent Transport Systems
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    • v.14 no.6
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    • pp.21-36
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    • 2015
  • These days Automated Vehicle(AV) has been receiving attention as a fundamental solution to resolve the various transportation problems and various researches related to the benefits of AV have been done. However, previous researches mainly analyzed the effects in the virtual network. The purpose of this research is to predict and to find out the benefits by introducing the Automated Vehicle to present road traffic system. Thus, the study analyzes the traffic-flow changes of Gyeongbu freeway Seoul-Singal basic section which is planned for setting the test-bed. The results show that Automated Vehicle can have negative effects on the traffic-flow in low volume of LOS A and B. However, the average speed increases and the traffic density decreases in more than LOS C, the traffic volume increase. Therefore, the introduction of Automated Vehicle achieves positive effect on various transportation problems such as the traffic congestion.