• Title/Summary/Keyword: Tropical conditions

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Wind velocity field during thunderstorms

  • Ponte, Jacinto Jr.;Riera, Jorge D.
    • Wind and Structures
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    • v.10 no.3
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    • pp.287-300
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    • 2007
  • Wind action is a factor of fundamental importance in the structural design of light or slender constructions. Codes for structural design usually assume that the incident mean wind velocity is parallel to the ground, which constitutes a valid simplification for frequent winds caused by meteorological phenomena such as Extratropical Storms (EPS) or Tropical Storms. Wind effects due to other phenomena, such as thunderstorms, and its combination with EPS winds in so-called squall lines, are simply neglected. In this paper a model that describes the three-dimensional wind velocity field originated from a downburst in a thunderstorm (TS) is proposed. The model is based on a semi empirical representation of an axially-symmetrical flow line pattern that describes a stationary field, modulated by a function that accounts for the evolution of the wind velocity with time. The model allows the generation of a spatially and temporally variable velocity field, which also includes a fluctuating component of the velocity. All parameters employed in the model are related to meteorological variables, which are susceptible of statistical assessment. A background wind is also considered, in order to account for the translational velocity of the thunderstorm, normally due to local wind conditions. When the translation of the TS is caused by an EPS, a squall line is produced, causing the highest wind velocities associated with TS events. The resulting vertical velocity profiles were also studied and compared with existing models, such as the profiles proposed by Vicroy, et al. (1992) and Wood and Kwok (1998). The present model predicts horizontal velocity profiles that depend on the distance to the storm center, effect not considered by previous models, although the various proposals are globally compatible. The model can be applied in any region of interest, once the relevant meteorological variables are known, to simulate the excitation due to TS winds in the design of transmission lines, long-span crossings, cable-stayed bridges, towers or similar structures.

Economical Sweating Function in Africans: Quantitative Sudomotor Axon Reflex Test

  • Lee, Jeong-Beom;Bae, Jun-Sang;Choi, Jeong-Hwan;Ham, Joo-Hyun;Min, Young-Ki;Yang, Hun-Mo;Kazuhiro, Shimizu;Matsumoto, Takaaki
    • The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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    • v.8 no.1
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    • pp.21-25
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    • 2004
  • People in tropics have the ability to tolerate heat by residential permanence in the tropics. Previously, we have shown that African and Thai subjects who lived for whole their lives in only their respective countries sweat less under hot conditions than South Koreans who also lived whole their lives in Korea. The difference in sweating responses was attributed to the dissimilar central and peripheral sweating mechanisms operating in people from both groups. In the present study, acetylcholine (ACh), the primary transmitter for the sudomotor functions, was iontophoretically administered to South Koreans and Africans to determine the characteristic sudorific responses of their acclimatized biologic make-up to their respective environments. Using quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART), direct (DIR) and axon reflex (AXR) responses were evaluated. The findings revealed that the sweat onset-time among South Koreans was 0.91 min earlier than among Africans (P<0.01). The axon reflex sweat volume of nicotine receptor activity AXR(1) and sweat volume of muscarinic receptor activity DIR(2) among South Koreans were 79% and 53% greater (P<0.01), respectively. These results indicate that the reduced thermal sweating among Africans is at least in part attributed to the diminished sensitivity of sweat glands to ACh.

Estimation of High-Resolution Soil Moisture Using Sentinel-1A/B SAR and Soil Moisture Data Assimilation Scheme (Sentinel-1A/B SAR와 토양수분자료동화기법을 이용한 고해상도 토양수분 산정)

  • Kim, Sangwoo;Lee, Taehwa;Chun, Beomseok;Jung, Younghun;Jang, Won Seok;Sur, Chanyang;Shin, Yongchul
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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    • v.62 no.6
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    • pp.11-20
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    • 2020
  • We estimated the spatio-temporally distributed soil moisture using Sentinel-1A/B SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) sensor images and soil moisture data assimilation technique in South Korea. Soil moisture data assimilation technique can extract the hydraulic parameters of soils using observed soil moisture and GA (Genetic Algorithm). The SWAP (Soil Water Atmosphere Plant) model associated with a soil moisture assimilation technique simulates the soil moisture using the soil hydraulic parameters and meteorological data as input data. The soil moisture based on Sentinel-1A/B was validated and evaluated using the pearson correlation and RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) analysis between estimated soil moisture and TDR soil moisture. The soil moisture data assimilation technique derived the soil hydraulic parameters using Sentinel-1A/B based soil moisture images, ASOS (Automated Synoptic Observing System) weather data and TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission)/GPM (Global Precipitation Measurement) rainfall data. The derived soil hydrological parameters as the input data to SWAP were used to simulate the daily soil moisture values at the spatial domain from 2001 to 2018 using the TRMM/GPM satellite rainfall data. Overall, the simulated soil moisture estimates matched well with the TDR measurements and Sentinel-1A/B based soil moisture under various land surface conditions (bare soil, crop, forest, and urban).

Development and Clinical Evaluation of a Rapid Serodiagnostic Test for Toxoplasmosis of Cats Using Recombinant SAG1 Antigen

  • Chong, Chom-Kyu;Jeong, Woo-Seog;Kim, Hak-Yong;An, Dong-Jun;Jeoung, Hye-Young;Ryu, Jeong-Eun;Ko, A-Ra;Kim, Yong-Joo;Hong, Sung-Jong;Yang, Zhaoshou;Nam, Ho-Woo
    • Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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    • v.49 no.3
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    • pp.207-212
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    • 2011
  • Rapid serodiagnostic methods for Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats are urgently needed for effective control of transmission routes toward human infections. In this work, 4 recombinant T. gondii antigens (SAG1, SAG2, GRA3, and GRA6) were produced and tested for the development of rapid diagnostic test (RDT). The proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli, affinity-purified, and applied onto the nitrocellulose membrane of the test strip. The recombinant SAG1 (rSAG1) showed the strongest antigenic activity and highest specificity among them. We also performed clinical evaluation of the rSAG1-loaded RDT in 182 cat sera (55 household and 127 stray cats). The kit showed 0.88 of kappa value comparing with a commercialized ELISA kit, which indicated a significant correlation between rSAG1-loaded RDT and the ELISA kit. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the RDT were 100% (23/23) and 99.4% (158/159), respectively. The rSAG1-loaded RDT is rapid, easy to use, and highly accurate. Thus, it would be a suitable diagnostic tool for rapid detection of antibodies in T. gondii-infected cats under field conditions.

Lactobacillus acidophilus Contributes to a Healthy Environment for Vaginal Epithelial Cells

  • Pi, Woo-Jin;Ryu, Jae-Sook;Roh, Jae-Sook
    • Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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    • v.49 no.3
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    • pp.295-298
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    • 2011
  • Lactobacillus species in the female genital tract are thought to act as a barrier to infection. Several studies have demonstrated that lactobacilli can adhere to vaginal epithelial cells. However, little is known about how the adherence of lactobacilli to vaginal epithelial cells affects the acidity, cell viability, or proliferation of the lactobacilli themselves or those of vaginal epithelial cells. Lactobacillus acidophilus was co-cultured with immortalized human vaginal epithelial cells (MS74 cell line), and the growth of L. acidophilus and the acidity of the culture medium were measured. MS74 cell density and viability were also assessed by counting cell numbers and observing the cell attachment state. L. acidophilus showed exponential growth for the first 6 hr until 9 hr, and the pH was maintained close to 4.0-5.0 at 24 hr after culture, consistent with previous studies. The growth curve of L. acidophilus or the pH values were relatively unaffected by co-culture with MS74 cells, confirming that L. acidophilus maintains a low pH in the presence of MS74 cells. This co-culture model could therefore potentially be used to mimic vaginal conditions for future in vitro studies. On the other hand, MS74 cells co-cultured with L. acidophilus more firmly attached to the culture plate, and a higher number of cells were present compared to cells cultured in the absence of L. acidophilus. These results indicate that L. acidophilus increases MS74 cell proliferation and viability, suggesting that lactobacilli may contribute to the healthy environment for vaginal epithelial cells.

Effect of Temperature on the Killing of Opisthorchis viverrini Eggs In Vitro

  • Boueroy, Parichart;Duenngai, Kunyarat;Eamudomkarn, Chatanun;Sripan, Panupan;Boonmars, Thidarut;Pumhirunroj, Benjamabhorn;Artchayasawat, Atchara;Songsri, Jiraporn;Chomphumee, Kanpicha;Rattanasuwan, Panaratana;Laummaunwai, Porntip;Khueangchiangkhwang, Sukhonthip;Boonjaraspinyo, Sirintip
    • Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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    • v.57 no.1
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    • pp.49-53
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    • 2019
  • Contaminated liver fluke egg in the environment has led to the high prevalence of human opisthorchiasis associated with cholangiocarcinoma in Southeast Asia. To find the effective lessening methods of Opisthorchis viverrini eggs in the contaminated environment, we investigated the temperature conditions for killing of these trematode eggs in vitro. Numerous O. viverrini eggs were obtained in the proximal part of uteri of adult worms from experimental hamsters. Mature eggs with miracidium were allocated by experimental groups (2 control: positive and negative and 4 treatment: 50, 60, 70, and $80^{\circ}C$) with 0.85% saline, and treated by the experimental plan. Eggs in each experimental groups were observed under the confocal microscope after stain with Propidium Iodide (PI) to evaluate the effect of temperatures. Eggs in 70 and $80^{\circ}C$ groups were all killed after over 10 min heated. Majority of eggs in $60^{\circ}C$ (10, 15, and 30 min heated), 70 and $80^{\circ}C$ (5 min heated) groups were inactivated. However in $50^{\circ}C$ group, below half of eggs were to be killed in all time lapse (10, 15 and 30 min). In order to prevent O. viverrini infection and cholangiocarcinoma, direct treatment of sewage by heating at 70 or $80^{\circ}C$ at least 10 min is essential. Therefore, treatment of O. viverrini eggs at a high temperature is a potential method for controlling egg contamination in sewage.

Development and Clinical Evaluation of a Rapid Diagnostic Test for Yellow Fever Non-Structural Protein 1

  • Kim, Yeong Hoon;Kim, Tae-Yun;Park, Ji-Seon;Park, Jin Suk;Lee, Jihoo;Moon, Joungdae;Chong, Chom-Kyu;Neves, Ivan Junior;Ferry, Fernando Raphael;Ahn, Hye-Jin;Bhatt, Lokraj;Nam, Ho-Woo
    • Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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    • v.57 no.3
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    • pp.283-290
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    • 2019
  • A rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit was developed to detect non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of yellow fever virus (YFV) using monoclonal antibody. NS1 protein was purified from the cultured YFV and used to immunize mice. Monoclonal antibody to NS1 was selected and conjugated with colloidal gold to produce the YFV NS1 RDT kit. The YFV RDTs were evaluated for sensitivity and specificity using positive and negative samples of monkeys from Brazil and negative human blood samples from Korea. Among monoclonal antibodies, clones 3A11 and 3B7 proved most sensitive, and used for YFV RDT kit. Diagnostic accuracy of YFV RDT was fairly high; Sensitivity was 0.0% and specificity was 100% against Dengue viruses type 2 and 3, Zika, Chikungunya and Mayaro viruses. This YFV RDT kit could be employed as a test of choice for point-of-care diagnosis and large scale surveys of YFV infection under clinical or field conditions in endemic areas and on the globe.

Comparing the impacts of four ENSO events on giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) in the northeast Pacific Ocean

  • Edwards, Matthew S.
    • ALGAE
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    • v.34 no.2
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    • pp.141-151
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    • 2019
  • The 1982-83, 1986-87, 1991-92, and 1997-98 El $Ni{\tilde{n}}o$-Southern Oscillations (ENSOs) were compared with regards to their strength and timing in the tropical Pacific Ocean, changes in ocean temperature and wave intensity, and their impacts to giant kelp populations in the Northeast Pacific. The Multivariate ENSO Index, oceanographic data, and kelp abundance data all show that the 1982-83 and 1997-98 ENSOs were stronger and resulted in greater losses of giant kelp than the 1986-87 and 1991-92 ENSOs, but that the 1982-83 and 1997-98 ENSOs differed with regard to the arrival of destructive waves relative to when the ocean waters warmed and cooled. The 1982-83 ENSO was more destructive to the giant kelp populations in central California, USA than the 1997-98 ENSO, but the 1997-98 ENSO was more destructive to the giant kelp in southern California. These events appeared similarly destructive to the populations in Baja California, Mexico. Recovery of the kelp populations also varied among the two strong ENSOs due to the ocean conditions following each ENSO. In southern and Baja California, recovery was slow following the 1982-83 ENSO, while recovery was more rapid following the 1997-98 ENSO. Unfortunately, the monitoring programs used to evaluate the kelp populations stopped shortly after the 1997-98 ENSO, resulting in a lack of data for comparisons with the more recent weak ENSOs that occurred between 2002 and 2010, or with the strong ENSO that occurred in 2014-2016. This supports the need for continued long-term monitoring programs to better understand how climate anomalies impact coastal ecosystems.

Analysis on the fishing conditions of tuna purse seiner belonging to the Korea-Ghana joint venture in the Atlantic Ocean (대서양 한-가나 합작법인 소속 다랑어 선망어선의 조업실태 분석)

  • KWON, Ki-Jun;LEE, Chun-Woo;KIM, Hyung-seok;RYU, Kyung-Jin;LEE, Yoo-Won
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Fisheries and Ocean Technology
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    • v.57 no.3
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    • pp.194-204
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    • 2021
  • The research was analyzed the catch data of the five years (2016-2020) for six joint venture company tuna purse seiners in the Atlantic Ocean, with the aim of suggesting improvement measures for responsible and sustainable fishing according to changes of recommendation by International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) on the tropical tunas. In the last five years, the average catch of six tuna purse seiner gradually increased to 7,745 tons, 8,364 tons and 9,053 tons from 2016 to 2018, but decreased to 7,761 tons in 2019 and 6,214 tons in 2020. The reason for the decrease in fishing volume in 2019 and 2020 was the fluctuation of the formation of the cold water zone (22-23℃), and the total ICCAT convention area of FAD closure in January and February due to the expansion of the FAD closure area and poor free school catching during two months period, respectively. The analysis on fishing area showed that the percentage of fishing in the high sea was about 85% although the FAD closure area included the EEZ zone in coastal countries; the rise of the fishing license in coastal countries is also believed to be a factor. In order to overcome such situations and improve catching volume, it will be possible if excellent manpower is secured, school fishing is expanded, and the production of high value-added catch (purse seine special: PS).

Features and Interpretation of Olfactory and Gustatory Disorders in the Corona Virus Disease-19 (코로나바이러스감염증-19에서 나타나는 후미각손상의 특성과 한의학적 분석)

  • Chi, Gyoo-yong
    • Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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    • v.34 no.6
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    • pp.309-318
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    • 2020
  • Besides respiratory infection, COVID-19 has many neurological symptoms not only loss of smell and taste but also fatigue and brain fog. But it is a challenge to treat the neurological symptoms especially of anosmia and ageusia. In order to search for the therapeutic methods, the geographical diversity and pathological mechanisms of the COVID-19 and two symptoms were investigated from the latest clinical studies. Because the environmental conditions of the monsoon climate zone of East Asia and the Mediterranean and Oceanic climate zone of Italy, Britain, United States and tropical Brazil are different, each of diverse etiology and internal milieu should be considered differently in the treatment. SARS-CoV-2 exhibits the dampness-like characteristics and the olfactory and gustatory disorders are particularly more common than other flu or cold. and it tends to show features of damaging the lung qi of olfaction and heart-spleen qi of gustation. The mechanisms of olfactory and gustatory loss are various according to precursory, inflammatory, non-inflammatory and sequelar forms, so the therapeutic method should be designed for each period and pathology. If the process of inflammation arises from nasal and respiratory, olfactory epithelium to the central nervous structure by way of blood brain barrier, the treatment should be corresponded with the stage and depth of pathogen place. And if the olfactory loss is asymptomatic or in the initial stage, it can be applied intranasal topical scent therapy to relieve temporary locking of qi movement, but maybe also used in parallel together with herbs of relieving dampness toxin latent in the lung parenchyma.