• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.28 no.5
• /
• pp.703-715
• /
• 2015

One of the challenges to increase milk production in a large pasture-based herd with an automatic milking system (AMS) is to grow forages within a 1- km radius, as increases in walking distance increases milking interval and reduces yield. The main objective of this study was to explore sustainable forage option technologies that can supply high amount of grazeable forages for AMS herds using the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model. Three different basic simulation scenarios (with irrigation) were carried out using forage crops (namely maize, soybean and sorghum) for the spring-summer period. Subsequent crops in the three scenarios were forage rape over-sown with ryegrass. Each individual simulation was run using actual climatic records for the period from 1900 to 2010. Simulated highest forage yields in maize, soybean and sorghum- (each followed by forage rape-ryegrass) based rotations were 28.2, 22.9, and 19.3 t dry matter/ha, respectively. The simulations suggested that the irrigation requirement could increase by up to 18%, 16%, and 17% respectively in those rotations in El-Nino years compared to neutral years. On the other hand, irrigation requirement could increase by up to 25%, 23%, and 32% in maize, soybean and sorghum based rotations in El-Nino years compared to La-Nina years. However, irrigation requirement could decrease by up to 8%, 7%, and 13% in maize, soybean and sorghum based rotations in La-Nina years compared to neutral years. The major implication of this study is that APSIM models have potentials in devising preferred forage options to maximise grazeable forage yield which may create the opportunity to grow more forage in small areas around the AMS which in turn will minimise walking distance and milking interval and thus increase milk production. Our analyses also suggest that simulation analysis may provide decision support during climatic uncertainty.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
• /
• v.7 no.4
• /
• pp.209-216
• /
• 2013

This study focused on a comprehensive and detailed interpretation for the springtime air quality influenced by both artificial (particulate matter (PM) and asbestos) and biological (pollen) sources in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. An intensive measurement of PM was conducted at four characteristic sites (i.e., a heavy traffic area, a residential area, an industrial area, and a desolate area) in the Fukuoka Prefecture during spring of 2007. Analysis of major ionic species in $PM_{2.5}$ was performed by an Ion Chromatography, and asbestos and pollen were identified by Scanning Electron Microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX). $PM_{2.5}$ concentration ($65.3{\mu}gm^{-3}$) measured in an industrial area (site C) was extraordinarily high compared to those monitored in other areas; it greatly exceeded the Japan's $PM_{2.5}$ criteria (a daily average of $35{\mu}gm^{-3}$). NOAA's HYSPLIT dispersion model suggests that this high level of $PM_{2.5}$ monitored at site C is unlikely to affect the Asian continent. The ambient concentrations of $PM_{2.5}$-related anions ($NH_4{^+}$, $NO_3{^-}$, and $SO_4{^{2-}}$) and their relative contributions to $PM_{2.5}$ were also investigated in four study areas. The concentrations of these major water-soluble ions exhibit not only strong spatial dependence but also different ratios to each other. Asbestos fiber (crocidolite and amosite) concentration values changed in the range of 2.5 to 14.4 f per liter of air. The number of pollen grains showed that Cedar ranked higher in concentration than other types of pollen, with the maximum concentration at site A.

• Progress in Superconductivity
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.18-23
• /
• 2011

We developed a four-channel first order gradiometer system to measure magnetoencephalogram for mice. We used double relaxation oscillation SQUID (DROS). The diameter of the pickup coil is 4 mm and the distance between the coils is 5 mm. Coil distance was designed to have good spatial resolution for a small mouse brain. We evaluated the current dipole localization confidence region for a mouse brain, using the spherical conductor model. The white noise of the measurement system was about 30 fT/$Hz^{1/2}$/cm when measured in a magnetically shielded room. We measured magnetic signal from a phantom having the same size of a mouse brain, which was filled with 0.9% saline solution. The results suggest that the developed system has a feasibility to study the functions of brain of small animals.

• 한국해양학회지
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.108-116
• /
• 1991

A production model was constructed by combining the production rate and biomass of Sargassum confusum measured at monthly intervals on the coast of Ohori, Korea, to estimate the algal production for a given period. The production for a certain period, e.g., for a year (P/SUB yr/), was calculated from the equation: P/SUB yr/ = .int.P/SUB t/$.$B/SUB t/dt, where pl and Bl are the production rate and biomass at time t. P/SUB l/ was considered as a function of temperature and light. Photosynthesis-Irradiance curves obtained from the in situ experiments were applied for P/SUB l/ Temperature and light intensity can be expressed as periodic functions of time (T, L=f(t)). Diurnal values of water temperature and light intensity at 3 m depth where S. confusum mainly found were substituted into the equation of P/SUB l/. Simulations using our models show that temperature was one of the most sensitive factors operating on the primary production. Thirty percent decrease of light intensity by cloud cover was estimated to decrease the annual production by 5%.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.29 no.3
• /
• pp.647-655
• /
• 2008

Microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase (mPGES-1) is a potent target for pain and inflammation. Various QSAR (quantitative structure activity relationship) analyses used to understand the factors affecting inhibitory potency for a series of MK886 analogues. We derived four QSAR models utilizing various quantum mechanical (QM) descriptors. These QM models indicate that steric, electrostatic and hydrophobic interaction can be important factors. Common pharmacophore hypotheses (CPHs) also have studied. The QSAR model derived by best-fitted CPHs considering hydrophobic, negative group and ring effect gave a reasonable result (q2 = 0.77, r2 = 0.97 and Rtestset = 0.90). The pharmacophore-derived molecular alignment subsequently used for 3D-QSAR. The CoMFA (Comparative Molecular Field Analysis) and CoMSIA (Comparative Molecular Similarity Indices Analysis) techniques employed on same series of mPGES-1 inhibitors which gives a statistically reasonable result (CoMFA; q2 = 0.90, r2 = 0.99. CoMSIA; q2 = 0.93, r2 = 1.00). All modeling results (QM-based QSAR, pharmacophore modeling and 3D-QSAR) imply steric, electrostatic and hydrophobic contribution to the inhibitory activity. CoMFA and CoMSIA models suggest the introduction of bulky group around ring B may enhance the inhibitory activity.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.43 no.8
• /
• pp.749-762
• /
• 2020

The migration, dedifferentiation, and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are responsible for intimal hyperplasia, but the mechanism of this process has not been elucidated. WD repeat domain 1 (WDR1) promotes actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin-mediated depolymerization of actin filaments (F-actin). The role of WDR1 in neointima formation and progression is still unknown. A model of intimal thickening was constructed by ligating the left common carotid artery in Wdr1 deletion mice, and H&E staining showed that Wdr1 deficiency significantly inhibits neointima formation. We also report that STAT3 promotes the proliferation and migration of VSMCs by directly promoting WDR1 transcription. Mechanistically, we clarified that WDR1 promotes the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and neointima formation is regulated by the activation of the JAK2/STAT3/WDR1 axis.

• Computational Structural Engineering
• /
• v.10 no.4
• /
• pp.217-228
• /
• 1997

The high precision analysis by the p-version of the finite element method are fairly well established as highly efficient method for linear elastic problems, especially in the presence of stress singularity. It has been noted that the merits of the p-version are accuracy, modeling simplicity, robustness, and savings in user's and CPU time. However, little has been done to exploit their benefits in elasto-plastic analysis. In this paper, the p-version finite element model is proposed for the materially nonlinear analysis that is based on the incremental theory of plasticity using the constitutive equation for work-hardening materials, and the associated flow rule. To obtain the solution of nonlinear equation, the Newton-Raphson method and initial stiffness method, etc are used. Several numerical examples are tested with the help of the square plates with cutout, the thick-walled cylinder under internal pressure, and the circular plate with uniformly distributed load. Those results are compared with the theoretical solutions and the numerical solutions of ADINA

• Journal of the Society of Naval Architects of Korea
• /
• v.45 no.6
• /
• pp.710-718
• /
• 2008

This paper presents a simple and fast approach to plan the arrangement of supports and to do a ship docking analysis. The unpredicted structural damages often happen from a docking works as the size of ships are getting larger and larger. In docking a ship, excessive reaction forces from supports are primary causes of the structural damage. The grillage analysis method is employed to simply calculate only the reaction forces at supports. The grillage modeling strategies are proposed to improve the accuracy. In this paper, the results obtained by the proposed approach are compared with those of the current whole-ship FEA for typical types of ships. Comparison shows that the results from the present grillage approaches are reasonably in a good agreement with the 3-D full F.E one. Finally, an integrated program developed for the ship docking analysis is described.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.43-50
• /
• 2008

The analysis and results of flexural behavior for steel composite beam with built-up cross-section considering bolt deformation are presented in this paper. The bolt deformation and the restrict effect due to bolt-connection and friction are considered to investigate the flexural behavior of steel composite beam. Nonlinear spring element in ABAQUS is used to consider bolt deformation, also the results are compared with those in case bolt deformations are ignored. The displacement, bending stresses and shear stresses are calculated by F.E. model, and these results are compared with the analytical value of no interaction beam, partial interaction beam and full interaction beam. As a result of analysis, the behavior of composite beam is more dependant on the composite rate than the friction of the steel. When the composite rate is more than 50%, the behavior of composite beam considering the effects of bolt deformation is similar to that of fully composite beam.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.267-278
• /
• 2003

Artificial neural networks are efficient computing techniques that are widely used to solve complex problems in many fields. In this study, in order to predict tunnel-induced ground movements, Tunnel Behavior Prediction System (TBPS) was developed by using these artificial neural networks model, based on a Held instrumentation database (i.e. crown settlement, convergence, axial force of rock bolt, compressive and shear stress of shotcrete, stress of concrete lining etc.) obtained from 193 location data of 31 different tunnel sites where works are completed. The study and test of the network were performed by Back Propagation Algorithm which is known as a systematic technique for studying the multi-layer artificial neural network. The tunnel behaviors predicted by TBPS were compared with monitored data in the tunnel sites and numerical analysis results. This study showed that the values obtained from TBPS were within allowable limits. It is concluded that this system can effectively estimate the tunnel ground movements and can also be used f3r tunneling feasibility study, and basic and detailed design and construction of tunnel.