Digital Archive in the Reservation for Hakka Regions in Taiwan

Kuo,Shiunn-Der,Chen,Hui-Ping,Chen,Chia-Yon,Sungi,Hsuan-Chih 세계문화관광학회 2009 International Journal of Culture and tourism Resea Vol.2 No.1

The methods to preserve data are improving with every passing day. Paper is mostly used for preserving information in the past. However, paper documentation easily gets damage while time goes by. The information technology helps conserve image data for a longer period of time and restore data in a small r form which is easily disseminated and recyclable. Consequently, the purposes to share resources with and to spread tourism to other audiences are achieved by applying the advanced information technology. This study seeks to establish a digital collection website of Hakka cultural scenery specifically in Jutian, Neipu regions in Taiwan by applying Dreamweaver with PHP and MySQL database. A field study is designed for data collections that include irmge photographs and archive. Data then are classified to be the basis of the interface design. After the completion of the digital archive, the purpose of this study can be fulfilled. That is, to take advantage of the far-reaching web-network, audiences around the world can appreciate the beauty of the Hakka culture.

Isolation of a Natural Antioxidant, Dehydrozingerone from Zingiber officinale and Synthesis of lts Analogues for Recognition of Effective Antioxidant and Antityrosinase Agents

Kuo, Ping-Chung,Damu, Amooru G.,Cherng, Ching-Yuh,Jeng, Jye-Fu,Teng, Che-Ming,Lee, E-Jian,Wu, Tian-Shung The Pharmaceutical Society of Korea 2005 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.28 No.5

In the present study, the antioxidative and inhibitory activity of Zingiber officinale Rosc. Rhizomes-derived materials (on mushroom tyrosinase) were evaluated. The bioactive co mponents of Z. officinale rhizomes were characterized by spectroscopic analysis as zingerone and dehydrozingerone, which exhibited potent antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition activities. A series of substituted dehydrozingerones [(E)-4-phenyl-3-buten-2-ones] were prepared in admirable yields by the reaction of appropriate benzaldehydes with acetone and the products were evaluated in terms of variation in the dehydrozingerone structure. The synthetic analogues were examined for their antioxidant and antityrosinase activities to probe the most potent analogue. Compound 26 inhibited Fe$^{2+}$-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenate with an IC$_{50}$ = 6.3${\pm}$0.4 ${\mu}$M. In the 1,1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical quencher assay, compounds 2, 7, 17, 26, 28, and 29 showed radical scavenging activity equal to or higher than those of the standard antioxidants, like ${\alpha}$-tocopherol and ascorbic acid. Compound 27 displayed superior inhibition of tyrosinase activity relative to other examined analogues. Compounds 2, 17, and 26 exhibited non-competitive inhibition against oxidation of 3,4- dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA). From the present study, it was observed that both number and position of hydroxyl groups on aromatic ring and a double bond between C-3 and C-4 played a critical role in exerting the antioxidant and antityrosinase activity.

THE CONTRIBUTION TO THE EXTRAGALACTIC γ-RAY BACKGROUND BY HADRONIC INTERACTIONS OF COSMIC RAYS PRODUCING EUV EMISSION IN CLUSTERS OF GALAXIES

KUO PING-HUNG,BOWYER STUART,HWANG CHORNG- YUAN The Korean Astronomical Society 2004 Journal of The Korean Astronomical Society Vol.37 No.5

A substantial number of processes have been suggested as possible contributors to the extragalactic $\gamma$-ray background (EGRB). Yet another contribution to this background will be emission produced in hadronic interactions of cosmic-ray protons with the cluster thermal gas; this class of cosmic rays (CRs) has been shown to be responsible for the EUV emission in the Coma Cluster of galaxies. In this paper we assume the CRs in the Coma Cluster is prototypic of all clusters and derive the contribution to the EGRB from all clusters over time. We examine two different possibilities for the scaling of the CR flux with cluster size: the number density of the CRs scale with the number density of the thermal plasma, and alternatively, the energy density of the CRs scale with the energy density of the plasma. We find that in all scenarios the EGRB produced by this process is sufficiently low that it will not be observable in comparison with other mechanisms that are likely to produce an EGRB.

Chemical Constituents from Lobelia chinensis and Their Anti-virus and Anti-inflammatory Bioactivities

Ping-Chung Kuo,Yann-Lii Leu,Tsong-Long Hwang,Ying-Ting Lin,Yuh-Chi Kuo 대한약학회 2011 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.34 No.5

In total, forty six compounds, including the novel compound lobechine (1), were characterized from the methanol extracts of Lobelia chinensis. The chemical structures of known metabolites were identified by comparing their spectroscopic and physical data with compounds reported in the literature. The structure of lobechine (1) was comprehensively established with the aid of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses. In addition, selected isolates were screened for their inhibition of HSV-1 replication, superoxide anion generation, and elastase release. Among the tested compounds, scoparone (10) exhibited significant inhibition of superoxide anion generation with IC_50 of 6.14 ± 1.97 μM and lobechine (1) exhibited moderate inhibition of elastase release with IC_50 of 25.01 ± 6.95 μM, respectively.

Factors associated with future commitment and past history of human papilloma virus vaccination among female college students in northern Taiwan

Ping-Fen Kuo,Ying-Tse Yeh,Shuh-Jen Sheu,Tze-Fang Wang 대한부인종양학회 2014 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.25 No.3

Objective: To investigate factors influencing commitment to human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination and prior vaccination among female college students in northern Taiwan. Methods: A quota sample of 400 female college students was recruited from nine colleges in northern Taiwan during March 2013. Of these, 398 completed the self administered questionnaire which was designed based on the health promotion model. Results: The results showed that factors associated with prior vaccination behavior were family history of gynecologic malignancy, ever being advised to get HPV vaccination, perceived barriers of action and perceived self-efficacy. Predictors for commitment to HPV vaccination in the next 6 months were the cost of vaccination, ever being advised to get HPV vaccination, perceived self-efficacy and situational influences. Perceived self-efficacy was significantly influenced by relationship status, past receipt of a recommendation for HPV vaccination and level of knowledge about HPV. Conclusion: When formulating vaccination policies, governmental or medical institutions should include these factors to promote vaccination Objective: To investigate factors influencing commitment to human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination and prior vaccination among female college students in northern Taiwan. Methods: A quota sample of 400 female college students was recruited from nine colleges in northern Taiwan during March 2013. Of these, 398 completed the self administered questionnaire which was designed based on the health promotion model. Results: The results showed that factors associated with prior vaccination behavior were family history of gynecologic malignancy, ever being advised to get HPV vaccination, perceived barriers of action and perceived self-efficacy. Predictors for commitment to HPV vaccination in the next 6 months were the cost of vaccination, ever being advised to get HPV vaccination, perceived self-efficacy and situational influences. Perceived self-efficacy was significantly influenced by relationship status, past receipt of a recommendation for HPV vaccination and level of knowledge about HPV. Conclusion: When formulating vaccination policies, governmental or medical institutions should include these factors to promote vaccination.

Isolation of a Natural Antioxidant, Dehydrozingerone from Zingiber officinale and Synthesis of Its Analogues for Recognition of Effective Antioxidant and Antityrosinase Agents

Ping-Chung Kuo,Amooru G. Damu,Ching-Yuh Cherng,Jye-Fu Jeng,Che-Ming Teng,E-Jian Lee,Tian-Shung Wu 대한약학회 2005 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.28 No.5

In the present study, the antioxidative and inhibitory activity of Zingiber officinale Rosc. rhizomes- derived materials (on mushroom tyrosinase) were evaluated. The bioactive components of Z. officinale rhizomes were characterized by spectroscopic analysis as zingerone and dehydrozingerone, which exhibited potent antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition activities. A series of substituted dehydrozingerones [(E)-4-phenyl-3-buten-2-ones] were prepared in admirable yields by the reaction of appropriate benzaldehydes with acetone and the products were evaluated in terms of variation in the dehydrozingerone structure. The synthetic analogues were examined for their antioxidant and antityrosinase activities to probe the most potent analogue. Compound 26 inhibited Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenate with an IC50 = 6.3±0.4 µM. In the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical quencher assay, compounds 2, 7, 17, 26, 28, and 29 showed radical scavenging activity equal to or higher than those of the standard antioxidants, like α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid. Compound 27 displayed superior inhibition of tyrosinase activity relative to other examined analogues. Compounds 2, 17, and 26 exhibited non-competitive inhibition against oxidation of 3,4- dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA). From the present study, it was observed that both number and position of hydroxyl groups on aromatic ring and a double bond between C-3 and C-4 played a critical role in exerting the antioxidant and antityrosinase activity.

Antipsychotic Medication in Schizophrenic Patients is Associated with Higher Risks of Developing Bone Fractures and Refractures

Ching-Min Kuo,Wei-Jen Liao,Chun-Che Huang,Tsuo-Hung Lan,Ching-Heng Lin,Shun-Ping Wang,Cheng-Hung Lee,Ping-Wing Lui 대한정신약물학회 2020 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.18 No.4

Objective: The relationship of antipsychotics and the risk of refracture in treated patients is unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between prolonged antipsychotic and the incidences of bone fractures and refractures in schizophrenia. Methods: This is a retrospective nested case-control study using Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database recorded from 2000 to 2005, with cases followed up to end of 2011. Total of 7,842 schizophrenic patients, 3,955 had developed bone fractures were compared with 3,887 control subjects matched in age, sex, and index date. Antipsychotic drug exposure was classified based on the drug type and medication duration. Conditional logistic regression analyses were performed. Odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Results: We found (after adjustments) higher risks of developing fractures under continued use of typical (OR = 1.70; 95% CI, 1.51−1.91) or atypical antipsychotics (OR = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.28−1.60) were found. Additionally, continued use typical (OR = 1.84; 95% CI, 1.35−2.50) or atypical antipsychotics (OR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.06−1.95) was positively associated with refracture risks. Moreover, refractures were associated with continuous use of chlorpromazine (one typical antipsychotics, OR = 2.45; 95% CI, 1.14−5.25), and risperidone (OR = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.01−2.16) or zotepine (OR = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.06−4.36) (two atypical antipsychotics). Conclusion: Higher risks of bone fracture and refracture were found in schizophrenia under prolonged medication with typical or atypical antipsychotics. We therefore recommend that clinicians should pay more attention on bone density monitoring for patients using long-term antipsychotics.

A Correlation between the Severity of Lung Lesions on Radiographs and Clinical Findings in Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

Yung-Liang Wan,Pei-Kwei Tsay,Yun-Chung Cheung,Ping-Cherng Chiang,Chun-Hua Wang,Ying-Huang Tsai,Han-Ping Kuo,Kuo-Chien Tsao,Tzou-Yien Lin 대한영상의학회 2007 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.8 No.6

Objective: The purpose of this study was to quantify lesions on chest radiographs in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and analyze the severity of the lesions with clinical parameters. Materials and Methods: Two experienced radiologists reviewed chest radiographs of 28 patients with SARS. Each lung was divided into upper, middle, and lower zones. A SARS-related lesion in each zone was scored using a four-point scale: zero to three. The mean and maximal radiographic scores were analyzed statistically to determine if the scorings were related to the laboratory data and clinical course. Results: Forward stepwise multiple linear regression showed that the mean radiographic score correlated most significantly with the number of hospitalized days (p < 0.001). The second most significant factor was the absolute lymphocyte count (p < 0.001) and the third most significant factor was the number of days of intubation (p = 0.025). The maximal radiographic score correlated best with the percentage of lymphocytes in a leukocyte count (p < 0.001), while the second most significant factor was the number of hospitalized days (p < 0.001) and the third most significant factor was the absolute lymphocyte count (p = 0.013). The mean radiographic scores of the patients who died, with comorbidities and without a comorbidity were 11.1, 6.3 and 2.9, respectively (p = 0.032). The corresponding value for maximal radiographic scores were 17.7, 9.7 and 6.0, respectively (p = 0.033). Conclusion: The severity of abnormalities quantified on chest radiographs in patients with SARS correlates with the clinical parameters.

Analysis and Construction of a Quality Prediction System for Needle-Punched Non-woven Fabrics

Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey,Su Te-Li,Chiu Chin-Hsun,Tsai Cheng-Ping The Korean Fiber Society 2007 Fibers and polymers Vol.8 No.1

In this study, polyester and polypropylene staple fibers were selected as the raw material, and then processed through roller-carder, cross-lapper and needle-punching machine to produce needle-punched non-woven fabrics. First, the experiment was planned using the Taguchi method to select processing parameters that affect the quality of the needle-punched non-woven fabric to act as the control factors for this experiment. The quality characteristics were the longitudinal and transverse tensile strength of the non-woven fabric as well as longitudinal and transverse tear strength. The $L_{18}(2^1{\times}3^7)$ orthogonal array was selected for the experiment as it offered an improvement on the traditional method that wastes a lot of time, effort and cost. By using the analysis of variance(ANOVA) technique at the same time, the effect of significant factors on the production process of needle-punched non-woven fabrics could be determined. Finally, the processing parameters were set as the input parameters of a back-propagation neural network(BPNN). The BPNN consists of an input layer, a hidden layer and an output layer where the longitudinal/transverse tensile and tear strength of the non-woven fabric were set as the output parameters. This was used to construct a quality prediction system for needle-punched non-woven fabrics. The experimental results indicated that the prediction system implemented in this study provided accurate predictions.

Near-Field Interactions Between Light and Surface Plasmons of a Metal Slab

Kuo-Pin Chiu,Din-Ping Tsai 한국물리학회 2005 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.47 No.1

In this paper, we calculate the attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectra of Au, Ag and Sb thin metal slabs with different thicknesses on nanometer scale by using the transfer matrix method. The metal slab is surrounded by thin dielectric films, such as ZnS . SiO2 or glass. The resonance absorption of the incident light, i.e. when the ATR spectrum has a minimum value, in the metal slab is studied. The resonance is due to the excitation of surface plasmons (SPs) at the interfaces between the metal slab and its surrounding dielectrics. It is found that both the thickness of the metal slab and the surrounding dielectric will change the surface plasmon (SP) resonant position and strength.