• Title/Summary/Keyword: Weak Parameter

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Relationship between saliva and blood cortisol in handled cows

  • Dzviti, Melody;Mapfumo, Lizwell;Muchenje, Voster
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.32 no.5
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    • pp.734-741
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    • 2019
  • Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between plasma and salivary cortisol concentrations in beef cattle that were subjected to handling prior to sampling. Methods: Twenty-one Nguni cows of three age categories; 5 to 7 yr (n = 7), 8 to 10 yr (n = 6), and 11 to 13 yr (n = 8) were handled for five consecutive weeks. In the pen, a human avoidance test was performed and cattle responses to restraint in the chute and crush were observed. In addition, rectal temperature readings were taken and, faecal samples were collected and analysed for glucocorticoid metabolites. Through the handling and restraint process, excretory and vocalisation behaviour, as a sign of stress were observed and recorded. Thereafter, six cows were randomly selected and subjected to an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge. Blood and saliva samples were extracted to determine cortisol concentrations. Results: Repeated handling affected (p<0.05) faecal glucocorticoid metabolites, rectal temperatures, avoidance distance, crush scores as well as urination and defaecation behaviour. Acclimation to handling was variable based on each respective parameter. Saliva cortisol concentrations increased and decreased significantly (p<0.001). A peak value of $136.78{\pm}15.869nmol/L$ was observed 30min after administration of ACTH, from a baseline value of $8.75{\pm}15.869nmol/L$. Plasma cortisol concentrations did not differ (p>0.05) across the time of sampling. A low and insignificant correlation (r = 0.0131, p>0.05) between plasma and saliva cortisol was therefore observed. Conclusion: We conclude that if beef cows are subjected to handling prior to sampling, a weak relationship exists between plasma and salivary cortisol levels.

Gadolinium- and lead-containing functional terpolymers for low energy X-ray protection

  • Zhang, Yu-Juan;Guo, Xin-Tao;Wang, Chun-Hong;Lu, Xiang An;Wu, De-Feng;Zhang, Ming
    • Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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    • v.53 no.12
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    • pp.4130-4136
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    • 2021
  • By polymerization of gadolinium methacrylate (Gd (MAA)3), lead methacrylate (Pb(MAA)2) and methyl methacrylate (MMA), Gd and Pb were chemically bonded into polymers. The X-ray shielding performance was evaluated by Monte Carlo simulation method, and the results showed that the more metal functional organic monomer, the better the shielding performance of terpolymers. When the X-ray energy is 65 keV, Gd (MAA)3-containing polymers have better shielding performance than Pb(MAA)2-containing polymers. Gd could compensate for the weak absorption region of Pb. Therefore, polymers containing both Gd and Pb enhanced shielding efficiency against X-ray in various low-energy ranges. For obtaining terpolymers with uniform monomer compositions, the relationship between the monomer composition of the terpolymers and the conversion level was optimized by calculating the reactivity ratios. The value of reactivity ratios of r (Gd (MAA)3/Pb(MAA)2), r (Pb(MAA)2/Gd (MAA)3), r (Gd (MAA)3/MMA), r (MMA/Gd (MAA)3), r (Pb(MAA)2/MMA) and r (MMA/Pb(MAA)2) was 0.483, 0.004, 0.338, 2.508, 0.255, 0.029. The terpolymers with uniform monomer composition could be obtained by controlling the monomer compositions or conversion levels. The results can provide new radiation protection materials and contribute to the improvement in nuclear safety.

Enhancing streamflow prediction skill of WRF-Hydro-CROCUS with DDS calibration over the mountainous basin.

  • Mehboob, Muhammad Shafqat;Lee, Jaehyeong;Kim, Yeonjoo
    • Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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    • 2021.06a
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    • pp.137-137
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    • 2021
  • In this study we aimed to enhance streamflow prediction skill of a land-surface hydrological model, WRF-Hydro, over one of the snow dominated catchments lies in Himalayan mountainous range, Astore. To assess the response of the Himalayan river flows to climate change is complex due to multiple contributors: precipitation, snow, and glacier melt. WRF-Hydro model with default glacier module lacks generating streamflow in summer period but recently developed WRF-Hydro-CROCUS model overcomes this issue by melting snow/ice from the glaciers. We showed that by implementing WRF-Hydro-CROCUS model over Astore the results were significantly improved in comparison to WRF-Hydro with default glacier module. To constraint the model with the observed streamflow we chose 17 sensitive parameters of WRF-Hydro, which include groundwater parameters, surface runoff parameters, channel parameters, soil parameters, vegetation parameters and snowmelt parameters. We used Dynamically Dimensioned Search (DDS) method to calibrate the daily streamflow with the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) being greater than 0.7 both in calibration (2009-2010) and validation (2011-2013) period. Based on the number of iterations per parameter, we found that the parameters related to channel and runoff process are most sensitive to streamflow. The attempts to address the responses of the streamflows to climate change are still very weak and vague especially northwest Himalayan Part of Pakistan and this study is one of a few successful applications of process-based land-surface hydrologic model over this mountainous region of UIB that can be utilized to have an in-depth understanding of hydrological responses of climate change.

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A novel adaptive unscented Kalman Filter with forgetting factor for the identification of the time-variant structural parameters

  • Yanzhe Zhang ;Yong Ding ;Jianqing Bu;Lina Guo
    • Smart Structures and Systems
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    • v.32 no.1
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    • pp.9-21
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    • 2023
  • The parameters of civil engineering structures have time-variant characteristics during their service. When extremely large external excitations, such as earthquake excitation to buildings or overweight vehicles to bridges, apply to structures, sudden or gradual damage may be caused. It is crucially necessary to detect the occurrence time and severity of the damage. The unscented Kalman filter (UKF), as one efficient estimator, is usually used to conduct the recursive identification of parameters. However, the conventional UKF algorithm has a weak tracking ability for time-variant structural parameters. To improve the identification ability of time-variant parameters, an adaptive UKF with forgetting factor (AUKF-FF) algorithm, in which the state covariance, innovation covariance and cross covariance are updated simultaneously with the help of the forgetting factor, is proposed. To verify the effectiveness of the method, this paper conducted two case studies as follows: the identification of time-variant parameters of a simply supported bridge when the vehicle passing, and the model updating of a six-story concrete frame structure with field test during the Yangbi earthquake excitation in Yunnan Province, China. The comparison results of the numerical studies show that the proposed method is superior to the conventional UKF algorithm for the time-variant parameter identification in convergence speed, accuracy and adaptability to the sampling frequency. The field test studies demonstrate that the proposed method can provide suggestions for solving practical problems.

Correlation Between Flexural Toughness and Cracking Characteristics of Micro-fiber Reinforced Mortar According to Fiber Contents (마이크로 섬유보강 모르타르의 휨 인성과 균열 특성의 상관관계)

  • Shin, Kyung-Joon;Jang, Kyu-Hyou;Kim, Eui Sung
    • KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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    • v.28 no.2A
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    • pp.249-257
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    • 2008
  • Various methods have been used to reinforce the cementitious material such as mortar and concrete that have weak tensile strength. Major reinforcing method is to mix matrix with fibers which have strong tensile strength. Recently, micro-fiber reinforced mortar has been studied which removes coarse aggregate and uses micro-fiber with small diameter in order to homogenize the matrix properties and maximize the performance of fiber. Performance of micro-fiber reinforced mortar showing multiple cracking behavior is hardly represented only by the flexural toughness. Therefore, This paper reports the cracking behavior as well as mechanical behavior for various mixtures which have different fiber type and mixture proportions to find the proper parameter representing the cracking characteristic. Correlations between flexural toughness and various cracking characteristics such as cracking area, width and number are explored. As a result, it is found that flexural toughness, volume of fiber and number of cracks are suitable for representing the characteristics of micro-fiber reinforced mortar.

The extension of a continuous beliefs system and analyzing herd behavior in stock markets (연속신념시스템의 확장모형을 이용한 주식시장의 군집행동 분석)

  • Park, Beum-Jo
    • Economic Analysis
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    • v.17 no.2
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    • pp.27-55
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    • 2011
  • Although many theoretical studies have tried to explain the volatility in financial markets using models of herd behavior, there have been few empirical studies on dynamic herding due to the technical difficulty of detecting herd behavior with time-series data. Thus, this paper theoretically extends a continuous beliefs system belonging to an agent based economic model by introducing a term representing agents'mutual dependence into each agent's utility function and derives a SV(stochastic volatility)-type econometric model. From this model the time-varying herding parameters are efficiently estimated by a Markov chain Monte Carlo method. Using monthly data of KOSPI and DOW, this paper provides some empirical evidences for stronger herding in the Korean stock market than in the U.S. stock market, and further stronger herding after the global financial crisis than before it. More interesting finding is that time-varying herd behavior has weak autocorrelation and the global financial crisis may increase its volatility significantly.

Production Increase of Milk in Dairy Cow by Metabolic Profile Test (대사판정시험을 이용한 젖소의 우유증산)

  • Lee Chang-Woo;Kim Bonn-Won;Ra Jeong-Chan;Shin Sang-Tae;Kim Doo;Kim Jong-Taik;Hong Soon-Il
    • Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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    • v.10 no.1
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    • pp.65-94
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    • 1993
  • This study examined metabolic profiles of 1349 Holstein cows from 91 commercial herds. Thirteen parameters which are consisted of twelve blood components and body condition score were examined and their mean values. standard deviations and standard limits, which are 80% confidential limits, in each lactational stage were reported. The variations of each parameter affected by season, individual milk yield, adjusted corrected milk yield of herd. and lactation number were also reported. A model of metabolic profile test applicable to this country where the average number of cows in a herd is small as to be fifteen is designed. Metabolic profiles as reflected in each parameter were discussed in relation to adequacy of dietary intake for production, milk production, reproductive performance, and diseases, and the possible measure to improve productivity of dairy cows were proposed. Much of the variation in parameters was due to differences between herds, and less to differences between seasons, differences between individual milk yield, and differences between lactational stages. As the average herd size in this country is small, it is believed that all the cows in a herd must be sampled, and the individual result of each parameter was compared with the standard limit for each lactational stage, and the percentage of cows which are outside the standard limits in a herd was calculated to use as a criteria for evaluation of the herd. Data outside the 99% confidential limits were to be deleted at first, but when the trends of the data outside the 99% confidential limits are same as the trends of the data within 99% confidential limits, the deleted data must be reviewed again, otherwise some important informations would be missed. The mean concentration of blood urea nitrogen in this study was much higher than that was reported in England, U.S.A. and Japan, and it was similar to the upper limits reported in England, U.S.A. and Japan. So it was thought that the concentration of blood urea nitrogen is improper as a criteria for protein intake. The increase of serum total protein cocentration beyond standard limits was due to increase of serum globulin concentration in most of the cows. The correlation coefficient between serum and protein and serum globulin concentration was 0.83. Serum globulin concentration was negatively related to adjusted corrected milk of herd. Serum albumin, calcium and magnessium concentrations were negatively related to adjusted corrected milk of herd, which indicate that high-producing individual or high-producing herd have not taken sufficient protein/amino acids, calcium and magnessium. Packed cell volume was negatively related to adjusted corrected milk of the herd, and the trend was same In each lactational stage. The correlation coefficient between serum and packed cell volume was 0.16 and the correlation was very weak. Blood glucose concentration was lowest in early lactational stage, which indicates negative energy balance in early lactational stage. Blood glucose concentration was negatively related to adjusted corrected milk of herd from peak to late lactational stage, which indicates negative energy balance during the period in high-producing individuals or high-producing herds. Correlation coefficient between serum aspartate aminotransferase activity and serum ${\gamma}$-glutamyltransferase activity was 0.41, and this indicates that serum ${\gamma}$-glutamyltransferase should be included as a parameter of metabolic profile test to evaluate liver function. Body condition score of dairy cows in this country was lower than that of Japan in every lactational stages, and the magnitude of increase in body condition score during middle and late lactational stages was small. Metabolic profile can not be evaluated with solely nutritional intake. When an individual or large percentage of cows in a herd have adnormal values In parameters of metabolic profile test, veterinary clinician and nutritionist should cooperate so as to diagnose diseases and to calculate the e of no운ents simultaneously.

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The Factors Influencing Intention to Use Bit Coin of Domestic Consumers (국내 소비자들의 비트코인 사용 의도에 영향을 미치는 요인 연구)

  • Shin, Dong-Hee;Kim, Yong-Moon
    • The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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    • v.16 no.1
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    • pp.24-41
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    • 2016
  • Study is about Bit Coin that is electronic cash that is received attention globally in recent. It is increasing domestically that uses bit coin for convenience of micro payment, and also bit coin is possible to exchange each countries' currency. In this point, we searched understanding degree and acceptance of bit coin. Also we applied transformed TAM(Technology Acceptance Model) to search factors that have an effect on consumers' intention to use it. In advance, we analyze features of bit coin, and extract factors through preceding researches for existing electronic cash, because studies for intention to use bit coin are weak in internal and external. First of results is that 'economic efficiency' which is a characteristic variable of bit coin influences 'intention to use,' a dependent variable through 'perceived usefulness,' a parameter. It was investigated that monetary and mental costs that was costed when we use bit coin were less than using other cash. Secondly, 'payment convenience' that is a characteristic variable affects 'intention to use', a dependent variable through 'perceived usefulness,' a parameter. It was measured that problems of inconvenience that include transaction process, cash management time shortage and exchange changes will be solved by using bit coin. Thirdly, 'reliability' that is a perceived risk variable of bit coin has a direct effect on 'intention to use,' a dependent variable. It was investigated that we could achieve purpose of payment because we weren't influenced by breakdown on system by processing distributed database in some computers. Fourthly, 'perceived usefulness,' a parameter of bit coin directly affects 'intention to use,' a dependent variable. Then consumers who want to use bit coin are fascinated bit coin for various usability. Moreover, we want to provide implications to all of finance corporations, companies related electronic cash and bit coin users based on these results.

Estimation of the Convective Boundary Layer Height Using a UHF Radar (UHF 레이더를 이용한 대류 경계층 고도의 추정)

  • 허복행;김경익
    • Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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    • v.17 no.1
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    • pp.1-14
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    • 2001
  • The enhancement of the refractive index structure parameter $C_n^2$ often occurs where vertical gradients of virtual potential temperature ${\theta}_v$ and mixing ratio q have their maximum values. The $C_n^2$ can be a very useful parameter for estimating the convective boundary layer(CBL) height. The behavior of $C_n^2$ peaks, often used to locate the height of mixed layer, was investigated in the present study. In addition, a new method to determine the CBL height objectively using both $C_n^2$ and vertical air velocity variance ${\sigma}_w$ data of UHF radar was also suggested. The present analysis showed that the $C_n^2$ peaks in the backscatter intensity profiles often occurred not only at the top of the CBL but also at the top of a residual layer or at a cloud layer. The $C_n^2$ peaks corresponding to the CBL heights were slightly lower than the CBL heights derived from rawinsonde sounding data when vertical mixing owing to weak solar heating was not significant and the height of strong vertical ${\theta}_v$ gradients were not consistent with that of strong vertical q gradients. However, the $C_n^2$ peaks corresponding to the CBL heights were in good agreement with the rawinsonde-estimated CBL hegiths when vertical mixing owing to solar heating was significant and the vertical gradient of both ${\theta}_v$ and q in the entrainment zone was very strong. The maximum backscatter intensity method, which determines the height of $C_n^2$ peak as the CBL height, correctly estimated the CBL height when the $C_n^2$ profile had single peak, but this method erroneously estimated the CBL height when there was a residual layer or a cloud layer over the top of the CBL. The new method distinguished when there the CBL height from the peak due a cloud layer or a residual layer using both $C_n^2$ and ${\sigma}_w$ data, and correctly estimated the CBL height. As for estimation of diurnal variation of the CBL height, the new method backscatter intensity method even if the vertical profile of backscatter intensity had two peaks from the CBL height and a residual layer or a cloud layer.

Rheological Properties of Antiphlamine-S® Lotion (안티푸라민-에스® 로션의 레올로지 특성 연구)

  • Kuk, Hoa-Youn;Song, Ki-Won
    • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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    • v.39 no.3
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    • pp.185-199
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    • 2009
  • Using a strain-controlled rheometer [Advanced Rheometric Expansion System (ARES)], the steady shear flow properties and the dynamic viscoelastic properties of $Antiphlamine-S^{(R)}$ lotion have been measured at $20^{\circ}C$ (storage temperature) and $37^{\circ}C$ (body temperature). In this article, the temperature dependence of the linear viscoelastic behavior was firstly reported from the experimental data obtained from a temperature-sweep test. The steady shear flow behavior was secondly reported and then the effect of shear rate on this behavior was discussed in detail. In addition, several inelastic-viscoplastic flow models including a yield stress parameter were employed to make a quantitative evaluation of the steady shear flow behavior, and then the applicability of these models was examined by calculating the various material parameters. The angular frequency dependence of the linear viscoelastic behavior was nextly explained and quantitatively predicted using a fractional derivative model. Finally, the strain amplitude dependence of the dynamic viscoelastic behavior was discussed in full to elucidate a nonlinear rheological behavior in large amplitude oscillatory shear flow fields. Main findings obtained from this study can be summarized as follows : (1) The linear viscoelastic behavior is almostly independent of temperature over a temperature range of $15{\sim}40^{circ}C$. (2) The steady shear viscosity is sharply decreased as an increase in shear rate, demonstrating a pronounced Non-Newtonian shear-thinning flow behavior. (3) The shear stress tends to approach a limiting constant value as a decrease in shear rate, exhibiting an existence of a yield stress. (4) The Herschel-Bulkley, Mizrahi-Berk and Heinz-Casson models are all applicable and have an equivalent validity to quantitatively describe the steady shear flow behavior of $Antiphlamine-S^{(R)}$ lotion whereas both the Bingham and Casson models do not give a good applicability. (5) In small amplitude oscillatory shear flow fields, the storage modulus is always greater than the loss modulus over an entire range of angular frequencies tested and both moduli show a slight dependence on angular frequency. This means that the linear viscoelastic behavior of $Antiphlamine-S^{(R)}$ lotion is dominated by an elastic nature rather than a viscous feature and that a gel-like structure is present in this system. (6) In large amplitude oscillatory shear flow fields, the storage modulus shows a nonlinear strain-thinning behavior at strain amplitude range larger than 10 % while the loss modulus exhibits a weak strain-overshoot behavior up to a strain amplitude of 50 % beyond which followed by a decrease in loss modulus with an increase in strain amplitude. (7) At sufficiently large strain amplitude range (${\gamma}_0$>100 %), the loss modulus is found to be greater than the storage modulus, indicating that a viscous property becomes superior to an elastic character in large shear deformations.