• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.1615-1624
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• 2023

Microcystis blooms threaten ecosystem function and cause substantial economic losses. Microorganismbased methods, mainly using cyanobactericidal bacteria, are considered one of the most ecologically sound methods to control Microcystis blooms. This study focused on gaining genomic insights into Paucibacter aquatile DH15 that exhibited excellent cyanobactericidal effects against Microcystis. Additionally, a pan-genome analysis of the genus Paucibacter was conducted to enhance our understanding of the ecophysiological significance of this genus. Based on phylogenomic analyses, strain DH15 was classified as a member of the species Paucibacter aquatile. The genome analysis supported that strain DH15 can effectively destroy Microcystis, possibly due to the specific genes involved in the flagellar synthesis, cell wall degradation, and the production of cyanobactericidal compounds. The pan-genome analysis revealed the diversity and adaptability of the genus Paucibacter, highlighting its potential to absorb external genetic elements. Paucibacter species were anticipated to play a vital role in the ecosystem by potentially providing essential nutrients, such as vitamins B₇, B₁₂, and heme, to auxotrophic microbial groups. Overall, our findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of cyanobactericidal bacteria against Microcystis and shed light on the ecological significance of the genus Paucibacter.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.209-217
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• 2012

The objective of this study was to assess the external and internal quality traits of eggs in wholesale egg market in Colombo, Sri Lanka and the effect of storage period in egg quality traits in the same market after receiving the eggs. First, a total of 482 fresh eggs were randomly collected from the above market and external egg quality traits were determined and recorded according to the definitions given in the Specification for Chicken Egg SLS 959:1992. After that, a total of 288 fresh eggs were randomly collected and various external and internal egg quality traits were measured and recorded according to the standard procedures over a storage period of 1, 3 and 5 d after receiving the fresh eggs to the wholesale market. Information about the shops was also collected using a pretested questionnaire. Using the recorded data, shape index, Haugh unit, albumen index and yolk index were calculated for each egg. Average weight, width, length and shape index of the eggs in the sample was 59.96 g, 4.33 cm, 5.78 cm and 75.03, respectively. Average shape index value was much closer to the standard value of 74. From the total sample 80.5% eggs had a normal and sound shape. However only 60.37% of the eggs are in the desirable quality range specified in SLS 959:1992, when the overall shell quality of the sample is considered based on shell cleanliness, defects and shape. The results of the current study indicated that eggs had significant (p<0.05) deterioration of all internal quality parameters tested with increasing storage time. However the effect was not significant (p>0.05) between the storage periods of 3 and 5 d after receiving eggs except for yolk color and yolk height. Desirable category of eggs had reduced and rejections had increased with the storage period. Main problems associated with the particular market were less space availability, higher percentages of dirty eggs, unavailability of proper packaging materials, no standard packaging system for eggs, and not implementing a standard grading system for eggs. Therefore the results of this study suggest that proper egg handling and storage conditions such as low temperature storage may be implemented to increase the proportion of desirable quality eggs in the above market.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.549-558
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• 2012

A topology optimization method for phononic crystals is developed for the design of sound barriers, using the level set approach. Given a frequency and an incident wave to the phononic crystals, an optimal shape of periodic inclusions is found by minimizing the norm of transmittance. In a sound field including scattering bodies, an acoustic wave can be refracted on the obstacle boundaries, which enables to control acoustic performance by taking the shape of inclusions as the design variables. In this research, we consider a layered structure which is composed of inclusions arranged periodically in horizontal direction while finite inclusions are distributed in vertical direction. Due to the periodicity of inclusions, a unit cell can be considered to analyze the wave propagation together with proper boundary conditions which are imposed on the left and right edges of the unit cell using the Bloch theorem. The boundary conditions for the lower and the upper boundaries of unit cell are described by impedance matrices, which represent the transmission of waves between the layered structure and the semi-infinite external media. A level set method is employed to describe the topology and the shape of inclusions. In the level set method, the initial domain is kept fixed and its boundary is represented by an implicit moving boundary embedded in the level set function, which facilitates to handle complicated topological shape changes. Through several numerical examples, the applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated.

• The Transactions of The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers
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• v.60 no.8
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• pp.1606-1616
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• 2011

The blood pressure measuring equipment, which is being supplied and used most widely by being recognized convenience and accuracy now generally, is oscillometric blood pressure monitor. However, a change in blood pressure is basically influenced by diverse elements such as each individual's physiological status and physical condition. Thus, the measurement of blood pressure, which used single element called oscillation in blood pressure of being conveyed to cuff, is not considered on physiological elements such as cardiovascular system status and blood vessel stiffness index, and on external elements, thereby being quite in error. Accordingly, this study detected diverse bio-signals and body informations in each individual as the measurement subject such as ECG, PPG, and Korotkoff Sound in order to enhance convenience and accuracy of measuring blood pressure in the complex measurement equipment, thereby having extracted regression method for compensation in error of oscillometric blood pressure measurement on the wrist, and having improved accuracy of measuring blood pressure. To verify a method of improving accuracy, the blood pressure value in each of SBP, DBP, MAP was acquired through 4-stage experimental procedure targeting totally 51 subjects. Prior to experiment, the subjects were divided into two groups such as the experimental group for extracting regression method and the control group for verifying regression method. Its error was analyzed by comparing the reference blood pressure value, which was obtained through the auscultatory method, and the oscillometric blood pressure value on the wrist. To reduce the detected error, the blood pressure compensation regression method was calculated through multiple linear regression analysis on elements of blood pressure, individual body information, PTT, HR, K-Sound PSD change. Verification was carried out on improving significance and accuracy by applying the regression method to the data of control group. In the experimental results, as a result of confirming error on the reference blood pressure value in SBP, DBP, and MAP, which were acquired through applying regression method, the results of $-0.47{\pm}7.45$ mmHg, $-0.23{\pm}7.13$ mmHg, $0.06{\pm}6.39$ mmHg could be obtained. This is not only the numerical value of satisfying the sphygmomanometer reference of AAMI, but also shows the lower result than the numerical value in SBP : $-2.5{\pm}12.2$ mmHg, DBP : $-7.5{\pm}8.4$ mmHg, which is the mean error in the experimental results of Brram's research for verifying accuracy of Omron RX-M, which shows relatively high accuracy among wrist sphygmomanometers. Thus, the blood pressure compensation could be confirmed to be made within significant level.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.133-141
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• 2017

The hybrid acoustic sensor for implantable hearing aid has the structure in which a sound pressure based acoustic sensor (ECM) and a vibration based acceleration sensor are combined. This sensor combines the low frequency sensitivity of an acoustic sensor with the high frequency sensitivity of an acceleration sensor, allowing the acquisition of a wide range of sound from low to high frequency. In this paper, an acceleration sensor for use in a hybrid acoustic sensor has been proposed. The acceleration sensor captures the vibration of the tympanic membrane generated by the acoustic signal. The size of the proposed acceleration sensor was determined to diameter of 3.2 mm considering the anatomical structure of the tympanic membrane and the standard of ECM. In order to make the hybrid acoustic sensor have high sensitivity and wide bandwidth characteristics, the aim of the resonance frequency of the acceleration sensor is to be generated at about 3.5 kHz. The membrane of the acceleration sensor derives geometric structure through mathematical model and finite element analysis. Based on the analysis results, the membrane was implemented through a chemical etching process. In order to verify the frequency characteristics of the implemented membrane, vibration measurement experiment using external force was performed. The experiment results showed mechanical resonance of the membrane occurred at 3.4 kHz. Therefore, it is considered that the proposed acceleration sensor can be utilized for a hybrid acoustic sensor.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.453-464
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• 1999

The non-vital bleaching technique has been used widely as a very effective treatment method on discolored non-vital teeth. But periodontal tissue deterioration and cervical external root resorption have been reported because of the high toxicity of hydrogen peroxide in bleaching agents. So in previous studies, placement of base over the root canal obturation prior to bleaching has been suggested in order to prevent microleakage of bleaching agents, however, the effectiveness of base is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of base and root canal sealer on prevention of leakage of bleaching agents in non-vital bleaching. Fifty-two extracted sound teeth with single root were used. For root canal obturation, Tubuli seal$^{(R)}$(Kerr Co., USA) was used in 39 teeth and in others, AH-26$^{(R)}$(De Trey Dentsply, Inc., Switzerland) was used as a root canal sealer. 26 teeth among the teeth obturated with Tubuli seal$^{(R)}$ were divided into two groups, and Dentin cement$^{(R)}$(GC corp., Japan) and JRM$^{(R)}$(De Trey Dentsply, Inc. Germany) were used in each group as a intracanal base. In all teeth, non-vital bleaching using bleaching agent mixed with methylene blue dye was performed and all specimens were stored in $37^{\circ}C$ water bath for 72 hours. After sectioning longitudinally, the depth of dye leakage was measured with digital vernier calipers under the stereobinocular microscope using ${\times}40$ magnification. It can be concluded as follows: 1. The microleakage of bleaching agent was observed ill all groups regardless of type of the base and the sealer. 2. The microleakage in the groups using AH-26$^{(R)}$ as a sealer was significantly reduced (p<0.05). 3. In the groups with intracanal base, micro leakage was observed through almost the whole depth of the base and there was no significant difference between Dentin cement$^{(R)}$ and IRM$^{(R)}$ group(p>0.05). In conclusion, all the basing materials and the sealers in this study did not prevent the microleakage of bleaching agent. Therefore further studies and attempts to seal off the pulp chamber will be necessary.

• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.33-39
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• 2013

PURPOSES : This research investigates traffic noise characteristics as change the transverse rumble strips shape from rectangular to cylinder at toll plaza of highway. METHODS : The traffic noise was investigated at two different places at toll plaza of highway. One is modified grooving, another is employed cylinder shape of TRS instead of rectangular shape of TRS. A measurement of traffic noise was conducted at same location and time period. The traffic volume information was gotten from office of highway office and vehicle speed was measured by speed measuring device. The traffic noise measurement was conducted from 13:00 to 23:00 and by pass-by method. Also, the traffic noise was measured behind noise barrier. Various distance from noise barrier(7.5m, 30m, 50m) and different heights(1.2m, 3m, and 5m) were parameter for measurement of traffic noise in this study. RESULTS : The class 1 vehicle was contributed from traffic volume which was increased 1,500. However, the distribution of traffic speed didn't change compare to previous investigated period. From this study, It was found that the external traffic noise was changed as function of geometric shape of TRS. The external noise from modified grooving was less than 1.2dB(A) of the current TRS. A difference of traffic noise was 20dB(A) before and after barrier. It came from a noise barrier effect as reduction of traffic noise. According to investigate a traffic noise distribution near barrier, there is similar noise characteristic as function of height at 7.5m distance from noise barrier. Also, There is no different traffic noise between 30m and 50m from source of the noise of sound barrier. CONCLUSIONS : Based on this traffic noise investigation result, there is a clear characteristic difference as changed TRS shape. The traffic noise was reduced by changed TRS shape. Specially, traffic noise was decreased although the traffic volume was increase for same investigation time and period. It is implied that cylinder type of TRS significantly reduces the traffic noise. The specification of various TRS will be studied in the future.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.403-413
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• 2021

Background and objective: There is growing concern about the effects of modern society on mental health, coming with Covid-19-related caveats on depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS). This can be a subject to provide alternative methods which alleviate DAS. In line with this context, sensory gardens are widely acknowledged to stimulate the five major senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell) and can have a significant (positive) impact on mental health. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the effect of these gardens with regard to alleviating DAS - particularly with respect to urban society This is a gab in knowledge how such limits can be addressed. Accordingly, this present study is clearly needed in order to verify if there are any correlations between sensory gardens and (positive) effects on DAS. The aim of this study was therefore to understand current levels of DAS in a high density building with a sensory garden in a courtyard and determine correlations between experiences in the sensory courtyard and levels of DAS. Methods: The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was employed to test the level of DAS. Results: Additionally, 13 different factors associated with experiences in the building, including the stimulation of the five major senses in the sensory courtyard, were measured to reveal their contribution to mitigating depression, anxiety, and stress. It is noted that the average levels of DAS were 7.91, 7.77 and 9.01 respectively indicating that the mental health of participants requires mental health management. However, results show that factors associated with the sensory courtyard could improve mental health. For example, new social relationships, walking with colleagues, and the stimulation of each of the five major senses in the sensory garden could improve DAS. Conclusion: This illustrates that external experiences are more effective at mitigating depression, anxiety, and stress than internal ones. Factor analysis revealed four components: stimulating the five senses; internal and external facilities; internet-based device use; and new social relationships. There was a strong positive correlation between new social relationships and walking with colleagues. There were also strong positive correlations among the stimulation of each of the five senses. In conclusion, there are strong indications that sensory courtyards can help alleviate DAS and should therefore be promoted, particularly in the current Covid-19 situation wherein the physical and mental health of the public at large are threatened. Accordingly, courtyard design should be rethought in light of the relationship between the positive impact of sensory gardens and mental health.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.63-71
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• 2017

In this paper, a signal processing circuit for semi-implantable middle ear hearing device is designed using the TCBT which is recently proposed for a new middle ear transducer that can be implanted at round window of cochlea. The designed semi-implantable hearing device transmits digital sound signal from external device located at behind the ear to the internal device implanted under the skin using inductive coupling link methods with high efficiency. The coils and signal processing circuits are designed and implemented considering the total transmission and reception distance including skin thickness of temporal bone for the semi-implantable hearing device. And also, to improve the data transmission efficiency, the output circuits which can supply sufficient signal power is designed. In order to confirm operation of semi-implantable hearing device using inductive coupling link, the circuit analysis was performed using PSpice, and the performance was verified by implementing a signal processing board of an available size.

• Journal of Internet of Things and Convergence
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.97-102
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• 2020

Multi-Channel Switch ICs for IoT have integrated several solid state structure low ON-resistance bi-directional relay MOS switches with level shifter to drive high voltage and they should be independently controlled by external serialized logic control. These devices are designed for using in applications requiring high-voltage switching control by low-voltage control signals, such as medical ultra-sound imaging, ink-jet printer control, bare board open/short and leakage test system using Kelvin 4-terminal measurement method. This paper describes implementation of analog switch control block and its verification using Field programmable Gate Array (FPGA) test pattern generation. Each block has been implemented using Verilog hardware description language then simulated by Modelsim and prototyped in a FPGA board. Compare to conventional IC, The proposed architecture can be applied to fields where multiple entities need to be controlled simultaneously in the IoT environment and the proposed pattern generation method can be applied to test similar types of ICs.