• Title/Summary/Keyword: Biological systems

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Using Artificial Neural Networks for Forecasting Algae Counts in a Surface Water System

  • Coppola, Emery A. Jr.;Jacinto, Adorable B.;Atherholt, Tom;Poulton, Mary;Pasquarello, Linda;Szidarvoszky, Ferenc;Lohbauer, Scott
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.46 no.1
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    • pp.1-9
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    • 2013
  • Algal blooms in potable water supplies are becoming an increasingly prevalent and serious water quality problem around the world. In addition to precipitating taste and odor problems, blooms damage the environment, and some classes like cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) release toxins that can threaten human health, even causing death. There is a recognized need in the water industry for models that can accurately forecast in real-time algal bloom events for planning and mitigation purposes. In this study, using data for an interconnected system of rivers and reservoirs operated by a New Jersey water utility, various ANN models, including both discrete prediction and classification models, were developed and tested for forecasting counts of three different algal classes for one-week and two-weeks ahead periods. Predictor model inputs included physical, meteorological, chemical, and biological variables, and two different temporal schemes for processing inputs relative to the prediction event were used. Despite relatively limited historical data, the discrete prediction ANN models generally performed well during validation, achieving relatively high correlation coefficients, and often predicting the formation and dissipation of high algae count periods. The ANN classification models also performed well, with average classification percentages averaging 94 percent accuracy. Despite relatively limited data events, this study demonstrates that with adequate data collection, both in terms of the number of historical events and availability of important predictor variables, ANNs can provide accurate real-time forecasts of algal population counts, as well as foster increased understanding of important cause and effect relationships, which can be used to both improve monitoring programs and forecasting efforts.

Development and Application of SATEEC L Module for Slope Length Adjustment Based on Topography Change

  • Kang, Hyun-Woo;Kim, Ki-Sung;Park, Youn-Shik;Kim, Nam-Won;Ok, Yong-Sik;Kim, Jong-Gun;Choi, Yun-Ho;Lim, Kyoung-Jae
    • Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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    • v.28 no.2
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    • pp.113-124
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    • 2009
  • Severe sediment-laden problem has been the hot issue in Korea. It was assumed that agricultural activities and landslides were the primary causes of these problems in watersheds. The USLE-based systems have been widely used in soil erosion studies. However the GIS-based USLE modeling system has limitation in USLE L factors. In this study, the SATEEC L module was developed to reflect the slope length segmentations in the fields. The SATEEC L module was applied to the study watershed to analyze the effects of using the SATEEC L module on estimated sediment. As shown in the comparisons between SATEEC estimated sediment with SWAT values, the SATEEC GA-SDR module derives the SDR with reasonably acceptable accuracies. However, it is worthy to note that the soil erosion using the SATEEC L module for the study watershed was lower than that without using the SATEEC L module by 25%, although the SATEEC estimated sediment values with and without using L module match the SWAT sediment values with similar accuracies. This is because the SATEEC GA-SDR module estimates lower SDR in case of greater soil erosion estimation without the L module and greater SDR in case of lower soil erosion estimation with the L module. This indicates that the SATEEC input parameters, especially L factor, need to be prepared with care for accurate estimation of SDR at a watershed scale and for accurate evaluation of BMPs in the watershed.

Bio-inspired Node Selection and Multi-channel Transmission Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks (무선 센서망에서 생체시스템 기반의 전송노드 선택 및 다중 채널 전송 알고리즘)

  • Son, Jae Hyun;Yang, Yoon-Gi;Byun, Hee-Jung
    • Journal of Internet Computing and Services
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    • v.15 no.5
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    • pp.1-7
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    • 2014
  • WireWireless sensor networks(WSNs) are generally comprised of densely deployed sensor nodes, which causes highly redundant sensor data transmission and energy waste. Many studies have focused on energy saving in WSNs. However, delay problem also should be taken into consideration for mission-critical applications. In this paper, we propose a BISA (Bio-Inspired Scheduling Algorithm) to reduce the energy consumption and delay for WSNs inspired by biological systems. BISA investigates energy-efficient routing path and minimizes the energy consumption and delay using multi-channel for data transmission. Through simulations, we observe that the BISA archives energy efficiency and delay guarantees.

DEVS/CS ( Discrete Event Specification System/continuous System) Combined Modeling of Cardiovascular Continuous System Model (심혈관 연속 시스템 모델의 DEVS/CS혼합 모델링)

  • 전계록
    • Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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    • v.16 no.4
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    • pp.415-424
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    • 1995
  • Combined models, specified by two or more modeling formalisms, can represent a wide variety of complex systems. This paper describes a methodology for the development of combined models in two model types of discrete event and continuous process. The methodology is based on transformation of continuous state space into discrete one to homomorphically represent dynamics of continuous processes in discrete events. This paper proposes a formal structure which can combine model of the DES and the CS within a framework. The structure employs the DEVS formalism for the DES models and differential or polynomial equations for the CS models. To employ the proposed structure to specify a DEVS/CS combined model, a modeler needs to take the following steps. First, a modeler should identify events in the CS and transform the states of the CS into the DES. Second, a modular employs the formalism to specify the system as the DES. Finally, a moduler developes sub-models for the CS and continguos states of the DES and establishs one-to-one correspondence between the sub-models and such states. The proposed formal structre has been applied to develop a DEVS/CS combined model for the human cardiovascular system. For this, the cardiac cycle is partitioned into a set of phases based on events identified through observation. For each phase, a CS model has been developed and associated with the phase. To validate the DEVS/CS combined model developed, then simulate the model in the DEVSIM + + environment, which is a model simulation results with the results obtained from the CS model simulation using SPICE. The comparison shows that the DEVS/CS combined model adequately represents dynamics of the human heart system at each phase of cardiac cycle.

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Development of O-Ring Measurement Systems of Muscular Meridians for objectification of Constitutional Diagnosis (체질 진단의 객관화를 위한 O-Ring 경근 계측시스템의 개발)

  • 정동명
    • Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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    • v.16 no.4
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    • pp.555-561
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    • 1995
  • In this paper, the O-Ring Measurement System (O-R MS) has been designed to supplement such subectivity and apply to the diagnosis by constitution. A single chip microprocessor of Intel MCS-51 family has been used to control the O-R MS and process data with real time, and the O-R MS could measure the minute muscular strength, expanded width between fingers, and time of the measurement. Therefore the objective constitutional diagnosis is possible by the O-R MS. As a clinical testing for estimating credibility of O-R MS, the acupuncture points representing the constitution has been stimulated using a semiconductor laser stimulator and measure the muscular strength by the O-R MS. The result of clinical testing has been shown that the constitutional diagnosis with the O-R MS is proved highly precision of 96% and it is expected that the O-R MS can be used practically for the objective constitutional diagnosis.

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Effects of Indirect Wastewater Reuse on Water Quality and Soil Environment in Paddy Fields (간접하수재이용에 따른 논에서의 수질 및 토양환경 영향 분석)

  • Jeong, Han Seok;Park, Ji Hoon;Seong, Choung Hyun;Jang, Tae Il;Kang, Moon Seong;Park, Seung Woo
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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    • v.55 no.3
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    • pp.91-104
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    • 2013
  • The objectives of this study were to monitor and assess the environmental impacts of indirect wastewater reuse on water quality and soil in paddy fields. Yongin monitoring site (YI) irrigated from agricultural reservoir and Osan monitoring site (OS) irrigated with treated wastewater diluted with stream water were selected as control and treatment, respectively. Monitoring results for irrigation water quality showed a significant statistical difference in salinity, exchangeable cation and nutrients. Pond water quality showed a similar tendency with irrigation water except for the decreased difference in nutrients due to the fertilization impact. Soil chemical properties mainly influenced by fertilization activity such as T-N, T-P, and $P_2O_5$ were changed similarly in soil profiles of both monitoring sites, while the properties, EC, Ca, Mg, and Na, mainly effected by irrigation water quality showed a considerable change with time and soil depth in treatment plots. Heavy metal contents in paddy soil of both control and treatment did not exceed the soil contamination warning standards. This study could contribute to suggest the irrigation water quality standards and proper agricultural practices including fertilization for indirect wastewater reuse, although long-term monitoring is needed to get more scientific results.

Anti-Aging Effect of Nigella Sativa Fixed Oil on D-Galactose-Induced Aging in Mice

  • Shahroudi, Mahdieh Jafari;Mehri, Soghra;Hosseinzadeh, Hossein
    • Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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    • v.20 no.1
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    • pp.29-35
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    • 2017
  • Objectives: Aging is an unconscious and gradual process that can lead to changes in biological systems. Induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis, hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity are involved in the aging process. Regarding the antioxidant property of black seed oil, the aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-aging effect of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) oil on d-galactose-induced aging in mice. Methods: For induction of aging, D-galactose (500 mg/kg, subcoutaneously SC) was administrated to male mice for 42 days. Animals were treated with D-galactose alone or with b lack seed oil (0.1, 0.2, 0.5 mL/kg, intraperitoneally (ip)). Additionally, vitamin E (200 mg/kg) was used as a positive control. At the end of treatment, the malondialdehyde (MDA) and the glutathione (GSH) contents in brain and liver tissues were measured. Also, enzymes in serum, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT), were determined. The levels of the proteins Bax, Bcl2, caspase-3 (pro and cleaved) in brain and liver tissues were evaluated. Results: Administration of D-galactose (500 mg/kg, SC) for 42 days increased serum levels of ALT and AST, as well as the MDA content, in brain and liver tissues, but decreased the GSH content. Additionally, the levels of apoptotic proteins, including Bax, procaspase-3 and caspase-3 cleaved, were markedly increased. N. sativa oil (0.1 and 0.2 mL/kg) diminished the levels of the biochemical markers ALT and AST. Administration of black seed oil (0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 mL/kg) reduced lipid peroxidation and at doses 0.1 and 0.2 mL/kg significantly recovered the GSH content. The oil decreased Bax/Bcl2 levels and at 0.1 mL/kg down-regulated the expressions of caspase-3 (pro and cleaved) proteins in brain and liver tissues. Conclusion: Through its antioxidant and anti-apoptosis properties, black seed oil exhibited an anti-aging effect in a model of aging induced with D-galactose.

Review of Red Ginseng in terms of Mechanisms for Pharmacodynamics and Toxicity (홍삼의 약리와 독성 기전에 대한 고찰)

  • Park, Yeong-Chul;Lim, Jung-Dae;Kim, Jong-Bong;Lee, Sundong
    • The Journal of Korean Medicine
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    • v.33 no.3
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    • pp.200-230
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    • 2012
  • Objectives: Ginseng, Panax ginseng C. A., white ginseng, has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Korean Medicine. Red ginseng can be made by a steaming process of white ginseng changing a variety of ginsenosides and ingredients such as dencichine. This article reviews red ginseng for mechanisms for pharmacodynamics and toxicity based on the content of ginseng's active ingredients, ginsenoside changed by steaming. Methods: The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Science Direct and Chinese Scientific Journals full text database (CQVIP), and KSI (Korean Studies Information) from their respective inceptions to June 2012. Results: Compared with unsteamed ginseng, the content of ginsenosides Rg2, Rg3, Rg5, Rh1, Rh2 and Rk1 called red ginseng-specific ginsenosides increased after the steaming process. Different ginsenosides have shown a wide variety of effects such as lowering or raising blood sugar and blood pressure or stimulating or sedating the nervous system. Especially, the levels of Rg2, Rg3, Rg5, Rh1, Rh2 and Rk1 were increased by the steaming process, showing a variety of pharmacodynamics in biological systems. Also, various processing methods such as puffing and fermentation have been developed in processing crude ginseng or red ginseng, affecting the content of ginseng's ingredients. The safety issue could be the most critical, specifically, on changed ginseng's ingredients such as dencichine. The level of dencichine was significantly reduced in red ginseng by the steaming process. In addition, the possible toxicity for red ginseng was affected by cytochrome P450, a herbal-drug interaction. Conclusions: The variety of pharmacological and toxicological properties should be changed by steaming process of Panax ginseng C. A., white ginseng. Even if it is not sure whether the steaming process of white ginseng would be better pharmacologically, it is sure that steaming reduces the level of dencichine causing a lower toxicity to the nervous system.

Development of Biofugicide for Control of Gray Mole Rot of Eggplant Caused by Botrytis cinerea, and Bioassay in the Greenhouse Condition (가지 잿빛공팜이병 방제용 생물농약 개발 및 방제효과)

  • 김철승;이재필;송주희;임은경;정순재;하상영;문병주
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.11 no.3
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    • pp.235-241
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    • 2001
  • To select the sntagonistic bacteria against B. cinerea, isolates were screened from the eggplant leaves and rhizosphere soils in the eggplnat fields in the greenhouse. W1 and P99 isolates were selected by the inhibition of mycelial growth of B. cinerea E12 in vitro test. These isolates, W1 and P99, were identified as Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas putida, respectively, by the Bergeys manual and API systems, For the formulation of the antagonistic bacteria, the media for the mass production were prepared with biji(soybean curd residues) or soybean flour. B. subtilis W1 or P. putida P99 was mass cultured in biji broth or soybean flour extrect broth and then soybean flour, corn starch flour, rice glutinous flour and biji flour as high molecular substrates were added. These mixtures were dried, grinded and formulated as brofungicides of wettable powder type. The assess the control effect of biofungicides against the infection of B. cinerea, six types of formulations were assayed at the pot culturing with eggplant in the greenhouse. According to the results, there were no significant differences among the formulation methods. However, P99S or PppB formulated with P. putida P99 showed the highest control values as 90.4% and 96.1%, respectively. Then. BSB or BSD formulated whit B. subtilis W1 were 80.8% and 83.0%, respectively. There afforementioned values were more effective than that of chemical fungicide. Ipro W.P which showed as 72.6%.

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Inducible spy Transcription Acts as a Sensor for Envelope Stress of Salmonella typhimurium

  • Jeong, Seon Mi;Lee, Hwa Jeong;Park, Yoon Mee;Kim, Jin Seok;Lee, Sang Dae;Bang, Iel Soo
    • Food Science of Animal Resources
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    • v.37 no.1
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    • pp.134-138
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    • 2017
  • Salmonella enterica infects a broad range of host animals, and zoonostic infection threatens both public health and the livestock and meat processing industries. Many antimicrobials have been developed to target Salmonella envelope that performs essential bacterial functions; however, there are very few analytical methods that can be used to validate the efficacy of these antimicrobials. In this study, to develop a potential biosensor for Salmonella envelope stress, we examined the transcription of the S. enterica serovar typhimurium spy gene, the ortholog of which in Escherichia coli encodes Spy (${\underline{s}}pheroplast$ ${\underline{p}}rotein$ ${\underline{y}}$). Spy is a chaperone protein expressed and localized in the periplasm of E. coli during spheroplast formation, or by exposure to protein denaturing conditions. spy expression in S. typhimurium was examined by constructing a spy-gfp transcriptional fusion. S. typhimurium spy transcription was strongly induced during spheroplast formation, and also when exposed to membrane-disrupting agents, including ethanol and the antimicrobial peptide polymyxin B. Moreover, spy induction required the activity of regulator proteins BaeR and CpxR, which are part of the major envelope stress response systems BaeS/BaeR and CpxA/CpxR, respectively. Results suggest that monitoring spy transcription may be useful to determine whether a molecule particularly cause envelope stress in Salmonella.