Feasibility study on using crowdsourced smartphones to estimate buildings’ natural frequencies during earthquakes

Ting Yu Hsu,Yi-Wen Ke,Yo-Ming Hsieh,Chi-Ting Weng 국제구조공학회 2023 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.31 No.2

After an earthquake, information regarding potential damage to buildings close to the epicenter is very important during the initial emergency response. This study proposes the use of crowdsourced measured acceleration response data collected from smartphones located within buildings to perform system identification of building structures during earthquake excitations, and the feasibility of the proposed approach is studied. The principal advantage of using crowdsourced smartphone data is the potential to determine the condition of millions of buildings without incurring hardware, installation, and long-term maintenance costs. This study's goal is to assess the feasibility of identifying the lowest fundamental natural frequencies of buildings without knowing the orientations and precise locations of the crowds' smartphones in advance. Both input-output and output-only identification methods are used to identify the lowest fundamental natural frequencies of numerical finite element models of a real building structure. The effects of time synchronization and the orientation alignment between nearby smartphones on the identification results are discussed, and the proposed approach's performance is verified using large-scale shake table tests of a scaled steel building. The presented results illustrate the potential of using crowdsourced smartphone data with the proposed approach to identify the lowest fundamental natural frequencies of building structures, information that should be valuable in making emergency response decisions.

Taiwan Report on Quitline Activities

Hsu, Pei-Ting,Chang, Chia-Wen,Chang, Te-Chung Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.no.sup2

Aiming at reducing smoking population, Taiwan government adopted a successful smoking cessation quitline model from California Smokers' Helpline, commissioned a private non-profit organization-Teacher Chang Foundation, which was well-known for its quality telephone counseling service-to set up Asia's first quitline, Taiwan Smokers' Helpline (TSH) in 2003. The establishment of the quitline is a significant progress for tobacco control in Taiwan, as it built up a cooperative model with smoking cessation clinics to increase the quit rate through assisting smokers to overcome their psychological obstacles while quitting smoking.

Damage detection for beam structures based on local flexibility method and macro-strain measurement

Ting Yu Hsu,Wen I Liao,Shen Yau Hsiao 국제구조공학회 2017 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.19 No.4

Many vibration-based global damage detection methods attempt to extract modal parameters from vibration signals as the main structural features to detect damage. The local flexibility method is one promising method that requires only the first few fundamental modes to detect not only the location but also the extent of damage. Generally, the mode shapes in the lateral degree of freedom are extracted from lateral vibration signals and then used to detect damage for a beam structure. In this study, a new approach which employs the mode shapes in the rotary degree of freedom obtained from the macro-strain vibration signals to detect damage of a beam structure is proposed. In order to facilitate the application of mode shapes in the rotary degree of freedom for beam structures, the local flexibility method is modified and utilized. The proposed rotary approach is verified by numerical and experimental studies of simply supported beams. The results illustrate potential feasibility of the proposed new idea. Compared to the method that uses lateral measurements, the proposed rotary approach seems more robust to noise in the numerical cases considered. The sensor configuration could also be more flexible and customized for a beam structure. Primarily, the proposed approach seems more sensitive to damage when the damage is close to the supports of simply supported beams.

Colloidal processing of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3, Part I-Pb dissolution

Wen-Cheng J. Wei,Wen-Ting Hsu,Bang-Ying Yu 한양대학교 세라믹연구소 2006 Journal of Ceramic Processing Research Vol.7 No.3

The dissolution behavior of aqueous Pb(Zr,Ti) O3(PZT) suspensions were studied by Atomic Adsorption (AA) and Inductively Coupling Plasma (ICP) spectroscopies, specially emphasizing the change of solution acidity within pH 2 to 12, the effects of polymeric dispersant, and comparing with the dissolution behavior of PbO. The iso-electric-point (IEP) of a 2.0 wt % PZT solution was measured and compared to the minimal dissolution case (less than 10 ppm) to be in the range of pH 7 to 10. The effects of one dispersants, poly (α-N,N-dimethyl-N-acryloxyethyl) ammonium ethnate acrylamide (PMAA/DAAE) was investigated in comparison with a commercial anionic dispersant, an ammonium salt of polymethylacrylic acid (PMAAN). A possible dissolution model and the thickness of the Pb depletion zone on PZT particles are proposed based on the experimental observation. The dissolution behavior of aqueous Pb(Zr,Ti) O3(PZT) suspensions were studied by Atomic Adsorption (AA) and Inductively Coupling Plasma (ICP) spectroscopies, specially emphasizing the change of solution acidity within pH 2 to 12, the effects of polymeric dispersant, and comparing with the dissolution behavior of PbO. The iso-electric-point (IEP) of a 2.0 wt % PZT solution was measured and compared to the minimal dissolution case (less than 10 ppm) to be in the range of pH 7 to 10. The effects of one dispersants, poly (α-N,N-dimethyl-N-acryloxyethyl) ammonium ethnate acrylamide (PMAA/DAAE) was investigated in comparison with a commercial anionic dispersant, an ammonium salt of polymethylacrylic acid (PMAAN). A possible dissolution model and the thickness of the Pb depletion zone on PZT particles are proposed based on the experimental observation.

High Performance Spatial and Temporal Error-Concealment Algorithms for Block-Based Video Coding Techniques

Ching-Ting Hsu,Mei-Juan Chen,Wen-Wei Liao,Shen-Yi Lo 한국전자통신연구원 2005 ETRI Journal Vol.27 No.1

A compressed video bitstream is sensitive to errors that may severely degrade the reconstructed images even when the bit error rate is small. One approach to combat the impact of such errors is the use of error concealment at the decoder without increasing the bit rate or changing the encoder. For spatial-error concealment, we propose a method featuring edge continuity and texture preservation as well as low computation to reconstruct more visually acceptable images. Aiming at temporal error concealment, we propose a two-step algorithm based on block matching principles in which the assumption of smooth and uniform motion for some adjacent blocks is adopted. As simulation results show, the proposed spatial and temporal methods provide better reconstruction quality for damaged images than other methods.

A novel regression prediction model for structural engineering applications

Jeng-Wen Lin,Cheng-Wu Chen,Ting-Chang Hsu 국제구조공학회 2013 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.45 No.5

Recently, artificial intelligence tools are most used for structural engineering and mechanics. In order to predict reserve prices and prices of awards, this study proposed a novel regression prediction model by the intelligent Kalman filtering method. An artificial intelligent multiple regression model was established using categorized data and then a prediction model using intelligent Kalman filtering. The rather precise construction bid price model was selected for the purpose of increasing the probability to win bids in the simulation example.

Comedications and potential drug-drug interactions with direct-acting antivirals in hepatitis C patients on hemodialysis

( Po-yao Hsu ),( Yu-ju Wei ),( Jia-jung Lee ),( Sheng-wen Niu ),( Jiun-chi Huang ),( Cheng-ting Hsu ),( Tyng-yuan Jang ),( Ming-lun Yeh ),( Ching-i Huang ),( Po-cheng Liang ),( Yi-hung Lin ),( Ming-ye 대한간학회 2021 Clinical and Molecular Hepatology(대한간학회지) Vol.27 No.1

Background/Aims: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have been approved for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis. Nevertheless, the complicated comedications and their potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with DAAs might limit clinical practice in this special population. Methods: The number, class, and characteristics of comedications and their potential DDIs with five DAA regimens were analyzed among HCV-viremic patients from 23 hemodialysis centers in Taiwan. Results: Of 2,015 hemodialysis patients screened in 2019, 169 patients seropositive for HCV RNA were enrolled (mean age, 65.6 years; median duration of hemodialysis, 5.8 years). All patients received at least one comedication (median number, 6; mean class number, 3.4). The most common comedication classes were ESRD-associated medications (94.1%), cardiovascular drugs (69.8%) and antidiabetic drugs (43.2%). ESRD-associated medications were excluded from DDI analysis. Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir had the highest frequency of potential contraindicated DDIs (red, 5.6%), followed by glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (4.0%), sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (1.3%), sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (1.3%), and elbasvir/grazoprevir (0.3%). For potentially significant DDIs (orange, requiring close monitoring or dose adjustments), sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir had the highest frequency (19.9%), followed by sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (18.2%), glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (12.6%), sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (12.6%), and elbasvir/grazoprevir (7.3%). Overall, lipid-lowering agents were the most common comedication class with red-category DDIs to all DAA regimens (n=62), followed by cardiovascular agents (n=15), and central nervous system agents (n=10). Conclusions: HCV-viremic patients on hemodialysis had a very high prevalence of comedications with a broad spectrum, which had varied DDIs with currently available DAA regimens. Elbasvir/grazoprevir had the fewest potential DDIs, and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir had the most potential DDIs. (Clin Mol Hepatol 2021;27:186-196)

A novel regression prediction model for structural engineering applications

Lin, Jeng-Wen,Chen, Cheng-Wu,Hsu, Ting-Chang Techno-Press 2013 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.45 No.5

Recently, artificial intelligence tools are most used for structural engineering and mechanics. In order to predict reserve prices and prices of awards, this study proposed a novel regression prediction model by the intelligent Kalman filtering method. An artificial intelligent multiple regression model was established using categorized data and then a prediction model using intelligent Kalman filtering. The rather precise construction bid price model was selected for the purpose of increasing the probability to win bids in the simulation example.

Management of ulcerative colitis in Taiwan: consensus guideline of the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

( Shu-Chen Wei ),( Ting-An Chang ),( Te-Hsin Chao ),( Jinn-Shiun Chen ),( Jen-Wei Chou ),( Yenn-Hwei Chou ),( Chiao-Hsiung Chuang ),( Wen-Hung Hsu ),( Tien-Yu Huang ),( Tzu-Chi Hsu ),( Chun-Chi Lin ) 대한장연구학회 2017 Intestinal Research Vol.15 No.3

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic mucosal inflammation of the colon, and the prevalence and incidence of UC have been steadily increasing in Taiwan. A steering committee was established by the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease to formulate statements on the diagnosis and management of UC taking into account currently available evidence and the expert opinion of the committee. Accurate diagnosis of UC requires thorough clinical, endoscopic, and histological assessment and careful exclusion of differential diagnoses, particularly infectious colitis. The goals of UC therapy are to induce and maintain remission, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life. As outlined in the recommended treatment algorithm, choice of treatment is dictated by severity, extent, and course of disease. Patients should be evaluated for hepatitis B virus and tuberculosis infection prior to immunosuppressive treatment, especially with steroids and biologic agents, and should be regularly monitored for reactivation of latent infection. These consensus statements are also based on current local evidence with consideration of factors, and could be serve as concise and practical guidelines for supporting clinicians in the management of UC in Taiwan. (Intest Res 2017;15:266-284)

Management of Crohn`s disease in Taiwan: consensus guideline of the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

( Shu-Chen Wei ),( Ting-An Chang ),( Te-Hsin Chao ),( Jinn-Shiun Chen ),( Jen-Wei Chou ),( Yenn-Hwei Chou ),( Chiao-Hsiung Chuang ),( Wen-Hung Hsu ),( Tien-Yu Huang ),( Tzu-Chi Hsu ),( Chun-Chi Lin ) 대한장연구학회 2017 Intestinal Research Vol.15 No.3

Crohn`s disease (CD) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. CD is rare in Taiwan and other Asian countries, but its prevalence and incidence have been steadily increasing. A steering committee was established by the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease to formulate statements on the diagnosis and management of CD taking into account currently available evidence and the expert opinion of the committee. Thorough clinical, endoscopic, and histological assessments are required for accurate diagnosis of CD. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are complementary to endoscopic evaluation for disease staging and detecting complications. The goals of CD management are to induce and maintain remission, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life. Corticosteroids are the mainstay for inducing re-mission. Immunomodulating and biologic therapies should be used to maintain remission. Patients should be evaluated for hepatitis B virus and tuberculosis infection prior to treatment and receive regular surveillance for cancer. These consensus statements are based on current local evidence with consideration of factors, and could be serve as concise and practical guidelines for supporting clinicians in the management of patients with CD in Taiwan. (Intest Res 2017;15:285-310)