Cross-border R&D alliance networks: an empirical study of the umbilical cord blood banking industry in emerging markets

Hsien-Tang Tsai,Shi-Zheng Huang,Chun-Hsien Wang 기술경영경제학회 2015 ASIAN JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION Vol.23 No.3

The concept of the cross-border collaboration network has been recognised as a useful way toobtain external R&D knowledge resources in the biotechnology industry. Drawing on socialcapital theory, this study explores how two types of network position (centrality andstructural holes) and cross-border collaborative ties affect the cross-border R&Dcollaborative alliance of the biotechnology firms and how these effects are contingent onexploratory collaboration with their collaboration partners. Analysis of the data collectedfrom 174 cross-border collaboration partners in the emerging biotechnology sector indicatesthat the two types of network position differ in the extent to which they contribute to thecross-border R&D collaborative alliance. By investigating the contingent role of exploratorycollaboration, we find that exploratory collaboration weakens the impact of networkcentrality on the cross-border R&D collaborative alliance but strengthens the effect ofstructural holes on the establishment of cross-border R&D collaborative alliance. Resultsconfirm that biotechnology firms’ cross-border R&D knowledge resources need to extendbeyond their industry and regional boundaries. More specifically, this study contributes tothe debate on whether network centrality and structural holes are complementary and thusenrich contextual cross-border alliance literature

Behavior-Based Manipulator Programming Based on Extensible Agent Behavior Specification Language

Hsien-I Lin,Chia-Hsien Cheng 제어로봇시스템학회 2014 제어로봇시스템학회 국제학술대회 논문집 Vol.2014 No.10

Endowing a robot with skills to perform manipulative tasks has an important role in developing an intelligent robot. To manipulate objects, a robot needs perception and action skills. However, designing the programming framework to integrate a variety of skills in a robot system is a challenging task and significantly influences the robot performance. In this paper, we present a behavior-based manipulator programming framework which is based on Extensible Agent Behavior Specification Language (XABSL) to manage behaviors in a robot system. To achieve the flexibility and reusability of robot behaviors required for practice applications, the proposed concept is to implement a programming framework for robot manipulation into two steps: first, perception and action behaviors are created to endow a robot with fundamental skills to perform manipulative tasks; second, using the XABSL framework, the created behaviors are simply planned by an option graph. Because behaviors are planned to be activated by certain stimuli and respond accordingly, programming robot manipulative tasks becomes simpler. Moreover, by the programming framework for robot manipulative tasks, the programming effort is reduced considerably. In our experiments, we provide an extensive validation of the proposed behavior-based programming framework on the manipulative tasks such as stacking cubes and solving rubik’s cube.

The Use of a Multiple Risk Level Model to Tackle the Duration of Risk for Construction Activity

Hsien-Kuan Chang,Wen-der Yu,Shao-Tsai Cheng,Tao-Ming Cheng 대한토목학회 2019 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.23 No.6

The project evaluation and review technique (PERT) is the most well-known method to handle the risk due to uncertain activity durations, previous studies show that the β-distribution-based PERT estimation tends to be over-optimistic and it offers no control of the project in terms of risk duration. This study proposes a multiple risk-level (MRL) model that uses a site spatial constraint, environmental effects and the “5 Ms” of construction management to tackle the duration of risk during a construction project. A Risk-based Critical Path Scheduling Method (R-CPSM) that uses MRL is developed to calculate the duration of the project. A case study using a project selected from a previous study is used to compare the four estimation methods: two traditional PERT methods (3.2σs and 6σs), a Monte Carlo Simulation and the proposed MRL model. The results show that, compared with traditional approaches to estimate durations of uncertain activity, the proposed R-CPSM method is more systematic that can be combined with a cost estimation process and offers a rectification mechanism that dynamically monitors and adjusts the important factors that affect the risk duration. This method gives a more realistic estimate that is in agreement with the results of previous studies.

Efficacy and safety of a novel partially absorbable mesh in totally extraperitoneal hernia repair

Hsien Wen Yang,Sang Hee Kang,Sung Yeop Jung,Byung Wook Min,Sun Il Lee 대한외과학회 2017 Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research(ASRT) Vol.93 No.6

Purpose: Partially absorbable mesh has been introduced and used for inguinal hernia repair for the purpose of minimizing pain and improving abdominal wall compliance. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of ProFlex mesh, a partially absorbed mesh with new structural architecture. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 64 cases of totally extraperitoneal herniorrhapy (TEP) from January 2013 to December 2014 for their clinical features, including operation time, pain, postoperative complications, and recurrence. Results: There were no significant differences in operation time, hospital stay, postoperative pain, or complications between the 28 patients who received the ProFlex mesh and the 36 who received nonabsorbable lightweight mesh, although one patient who received the nonabsorbable had a recurrence during follow-up. There were differences in operation time, complications, and hospital stay according to the surgeon’s previous operation volume. Conclusion: This study showed that there were significant differences in the fixation strength of different polypropylene meshes in combination with various fibrin glues. ProFlex, a partially absorbable mesh with new architecture, was feasible and safe in TEP.

Hedging processes for catastrophe options

Hsien-Jen Lin 한국통계학회 2012 Journal of the Korean Statistical Society Vol.41 No.4

This paper considers the problem of pricing and hedging of certain catastrophe (CAT)options. In particular, a self-financing hedging strategy that minimizes the risk in the loss period and replicates the option in the development period is proposed.

An exact solution for free vibrations of a non-uniform beam carrying multiple elastic-supported rigid bars

Hsien-Yuan Lin 국제구조공학회 2010 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.34 No.4

The purpose of this paper is to utilize the numerical assembly method (NAM) to determine the exact natural frequencies and mode shapes of a multi-step beam carrying multiple rigid bars, with each of the rigid bars possessing its own mass and rotary inertia, fixed to the beam at one point and supported by a translational spring and/or a rotational spring at another point. Where the fixed point of each rigid bar with the beam does not coincide with the center of gravity the rigid bar or the supporting point of the springs. The effects of the distance between the "fixed point" of each rigid bar and its center of gravity (i.e., eccentricity), and the distance between the "fixed point" and each linear spring (i.e., offset) are studied. For a beam carrying multiple various concentrated elements, the magnitude of each lumped mass and stiffness of each linear spring are the well-known key parameters affecting the free vibration characteristics of the (loaded) beam in the existing literature, however, the numerical results of this paper reveal that the eccentricity of each rigid bar and the offset of each linear spring are also the predominant parameters.

Robotic Arm Path Planning Based on Three-Dimensional Artificial Potential Field

Hsien-I Lin,Ming-Feng Hsieh 제어로봇시스템학회 2018 제어로봇시스템학회 국제학술대회 논문집 Vol.2018 No.10

This paper focuses on the problem of collision avoidance by an three-dimensional artificial potential field (APF) for a robotic arm. In this paper, a force sensor is adopted to estimate obstacle positions on a reference trajectory to a target. This helps a robotic arm move in a safe path in an unknown 3D environment. Compared to traditional APF methods, the major contribution of our proposed algorithm is the implementation of rotational repulsive force fields that provide a robotic arm a feasible direction to avoid obstacles in a 3D space. The experimental results validated that the robotic arm could avoid unknown obstacles on the reference trajectory until the target was reached. Also, the robotic arm learned to improve the trajectory according to the previous trials in a short-term run.

Vapor Deposition to Construct Reactive Polymer Coatings, Devices, and 3D Bulk Materials

Hsien-Yeh CHEN 한국생물공학회 2019 한국생물공학회 학술대회 Vol.2019 No.10

Incorporating a continuous suction system as a preventive measure against fistula-related complications in head and neck reconstructive surgery

Hsien Pin Chang,홍종원,이원재,김영석,Yoon Woo Koh,Se-Heon Kim,유대현,노태석 대한성형외과학회 2018 Archives of Plastic Surgery Vol.45 No.5

Background Although previous studies have focused on determining prognostic and causative variables associated with fistula-related complications after head and neck reconstructive surgery, only a few studies have addressed preventive measures. Noting that pooled saliva complicates wound healing and precipitates fistula-related complications, we devised a continuous suction system to remove saliva during early postoperative recovery. Methods A continuous suction system was implemented in 20 patients after head and neck reconstructive surgery between January 2012 and October 2017. This group was compared to a control group of 16 patients at the same institution. The system was placed orally when the lesion was on the anterior side of the retromolar trigone area, and when glossectomy or resection of the mouth floor was performed. When the orohypopharynx and/or larynx were eradicated, the irrigation system was placed in the pharyngeal area. Results The mean follow-up period was 9.2±2.4 months. The Hemovac system was applied for an average of 7.5 days. On average, 6.5 days were needed for the net drain output to fall below 10 mL. Complications were analyzed according to their causes and rates. A fistula occurred in two cases in the suction group. Compared to the control group, a significant difference was noted in the surgical site infection rate (P<0.031). Conclusions Clinical observations showed reduced saliva pooling and a reduction in the infection rate. This resulted in improved wound healing through the application of a continuous suction system.

Development of an easy-to-handle murine model for the characterization of radiation-induced gross and molecular changes in skin

Hsien Pin Chang,조재호,이원재,노현,이동원 대한성형외과학회 2018 Archives of Plastic Surgery Vol.45 No.5

Background Radiation-induced skin injury is a dose-limiting complication of radiotherapy. To investigate this problem and to develop a framework for making decisions on treatment and dose prescription, a murine model of radiation-induced skin injury was developed. Methods The dorsal skin of the mice was isolated, and irradiation was applied at single doses of 15, 30, and 50 Gy. The mice were followed for 12 weeks with serial photography and laser Doppler analysis. Sequential skin biopsy samples were obtained and subjected to a histological analysis, immunostaining against transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and Western blotting with Wnt-3 and β-catenin. Increases in the levels of TGF-β, Wnt, and β-catenin were detected after irradiation. Results All tested radiation doses caused progressive dermal thickening and fibrosis. The cause of this process, however, may not be radiation alone, as the natural course of wound healing may elicit a similar response. The latent appearance of molecular and histological markers that induce fibrosis in the 15 Gy group without causing apparent gross skin injuries indicates that 15 Gy is an appropriate dose for characterizing the effects of chronic irradiation alone. Thus, this model best mimics the patterns of injury that occur in human subjects. Conclusions This animal model can be used to elucidate the gross and molecular changes that occur in radiation-induced skin injury and provides an effective platform for studying this adverse effect without complicating the process of wound healing.