Effects of Mold Growth on Building Materials by Different Environments in Taiwan

An Cheng,Yu Hsin,Wei-Ting Lin 대한토목학회 2014 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.18 No.4

The main of study is to investigate the effect of moisture variation and micro-structure on the growth mold at surface of buildingmaterials. The two different water-cement ratio of mortars (w/c = 0.4, 0.6), brick and tiles were used in this study. The mercuryIntrusion Porosity-Meter (MIP) was used to determine the pore distribution of building materials. The moisture variation of materialswas recorded in constant climate chamber (25oC, relative humidity 80%), general indoor environment (28oC, relative humidity 55%)and water damage simulation environment. The results indicated that the pore size and distribution will affect the surface water ratioand moisture content of materials. The surface water ratio of specimen was affected by different environment seriously. The surfacewater ratio was an important factor in mold growth.

Thermal Stability, Adhesion and Electrical Studies on (Ti,Zr)Nx Thin Films as Low Resistive Diffusion Barriers between Cu and Si

Cheng-Lin Huang,Chih-Huang Lai,Po-Hao Tsai,Yu-Lin Kuo,Jing-Cheng Lin,Chiapyng Lee 대한금속·재료학회 2014 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.10 No.3

In this study, we investigated the thermal stability, wettability, adhesion and reliability of (Ti,Zr)Nx films used as the diffusion barrier between Cu and Si. (Ti,Zr)Nx films were prepared by DC reactive magnetron sputtering from a Ti-5 at. % Zr alloy target in N2/Ar gas mixtures. A minimum film resistivity of 59.3 μΩ cm was obtained at an N2/Ar flow ratio of 2.75, which corresponds to the near stoichiometric composition (N/(Ti,Zr) ratio ~0.95). The sheet resistance of Cu/(Ti,Zr)N0.95/Si was not significantly increased until annealing above 750°C, indicating good thermal stability. On the other hand, the adhesion energy between Cu and the (Ti,Zr)Nx film was reduced as the N/Ti ratio was increased. To obtain reliable performance on stress-induced-voiding (SIV) and electromigration (EM) tests, we proposed to use (Ti,Zr)/(Ti,Zr)Nx/(Ti,Zr) tri-layers. We suggest that the interfacial adhesion between barrier and Cu plays an important role in reliability. The proposed tri-layer structure may be a promising candidate for a barrier, as it exhibits excellent reliability without increasing resistance.

Hydration of DCPD over sulfonic acid-functionalized SBA-15 catalyst

Yu-Cheng Lin,Yu-Wei Huang,Ku-Hsiang Sung,Tsung-Han Lin,Soofin Cheng 한국공업화학회 2016 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.44 No.-

Sulfonic acid-functionalized SBA-15 materials (SA-SBA-15) with ordered channeling pores weresynthesized by one-pot co-condensation and used to catalyze the hydration of dicyclopentadiene(DCPD). The target product, cydecanol (DCPD-OH) has been used as a modifier for polyester or alkydresin. Propylsulfonic acid functionalized SBA-15 was found to be more efficient than the silica gelcounterpart or arylsulfonic acid functionalized material in catalyzing DCPD hydration to yield DCPD-OH. The DCPD conversion and DCPD-OH yield increased with the decrease in H2O/DCPD ratio. Optimal DCPDconversion and DCPD-OH selectivity were obtained with the molar composition of DCPD:H2O:H+[1TD$DIF]-catalyst = 1:30:0.1.

The Study of the Cycle Time Improvement by Work-In-Process Statistical Process Control Method for IC Foundry Manufacturing

Lin, Yu-Cheng,Tsai, Chih-Hung,Li, Rong-Kwei,Chen, Ching-Piao,Chen, Hsien-Ching The Korean Society for Quality Management 2008 The Asian Journal on Quality Vol.9 No.3

The definition of cycle time is the time from the wafer start to the wafer output. It usually takes one or two months to get the product since customer decides to produce it. The cycle time is a critical factor for customer satisfaction because it represents the response time to the market. Long cycle time reflects the ineffective investment for the capital. The cycle time is very important for foundry because long cycle time will cause customer unsatisfied and the order loss. Consequently, all of the foundries put lots of human source in the cycle time improvement. Usually, we make decisions based on the experience in the cycle time management. We have no mechanism or theory for cycle time management. We do work-in-process (WIP) management based on turn rate and standard WIP (STD WIP) set by experiences. But the experience didn't mean the optimal solution, when the situation changed, the cycle time or the standard WIP will also be changed. The experience will not always be applicable. If we only have the experience and no mechanism, management will not be work out. After interview several foundry fab managers, all of the fab can't reflect the situation. That is, all of them will have an impact period after product mix or utilization varied. In this study, we want to develop a formula for standard WIP and use statistical process control (SPC) concept to set WIP upper/lower limit level. When WIP exceed the limit level, it will trigger action plans to compensate WIP Profile. If WIP Profile balances, we don't need too much WIP. So WIP level could be reduced and cycle time also could be reduced.

An Index to Assess Overwork-Related Adverse Effects on Employees Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act in Taiwan

Lin Yu-Cheng,Lin Yu-Wen 한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원 2022 Safety and health at work Vol.13 No.4

Background: The present study aimed to digitally evaluate the risk of overwork-related adverse effects (OrAEs) among employees from various occupational categories in Taiwan. Methods: Anonymous data of employees from seven companies/factories providing occupational health services were analyzed. The studied population comprised 5505 employees, and the data analyzed included employment duration, working hours, shift work schedules, and health checkup results. The risk for OrAEs was assessed by an index, Karo index (0-4, the larger the value, the higher the risk for OrAEs) obtained using a risk matrix made up of cardiocerebral and occupational risk factors. Karo index values of 3 and 4 were categorized as at high risk for OrAEs (h-OrAEs). Results: The 5505 employees had an average employment duration of 8.5 years and a mean age of 39.4 years. The prevalence rates for h-OrAEs of the seven companies/factories ranged from 3.9% to 34.2%. There were significant differences in prevalence rates for h-OrAEs between employees of retail stores and high-tech manufacturing factories. Multivariate analysis results indicated that workers of high-tech manufacturing factories had significantly higher risk for h-OrAEs compared with retail store workers. Conclusion: In terms of satisfying health risk management and legal requirements in Taiwan, the newly issued Karo index, which covers a wide range of occupational risk factors, can serve as an assessment and a warning tool for managing the risk of OrAEs in workplaces. To reduce risks for h-OrAEs, active and prudent control of cerebrocardiovascular risks and working hours is recommended.

Effects of Ginsenosides Rg1 on Osteoblasts Cultured with Ti Particles

( Yu Lin ),( Yin Sheng Wu ),( Jia Cheng He ),( Yun Mei Huang ),( Yan Ping Lin ) 한국응용약물학회 2012 Biomolecules & Therapeutics(구 응용약물학회지) Vol.20 No.1

The aim of this study was to explore the role and effect of ginsenosides Rg1 on osteoblasts cultured with Ti particles. Osteoblasts from neonatal rats were cultured with particles and different doses of Rg1, the main active ingredient in ginsenosides Rg1. We found that the COX-2, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1, and IL -6 concentrations in the medium of cells cultured with Ti particles significantly increased as compared with that of the control cells (p<0.05 or p<0.01). In addition, cells cultured with Ti particles alone exhibited the highest concentrations of these molecules. The PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 levels in the medium of cells cultured with Rg1 were in between those of the control cells and the cells cultured with Ti particles alone. The IL-1ra level in the group cultured with Ti and medium-dose Rg1 was the highest followed by the cells cultured with Ti and high-dose Rg1 and those cultured with Ti and low-dose Rg1 (p<0.05). In conclusion, ginsenosides can reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines produced by osteoblasts on induction with Ti particles and can prevent prosthesis loosening.

Professionals’ experiences and attitudes toward use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in hospice palliative inpatient care units: A multicenter survey in Taiwan

Yu-Jia Lin,Hsiao-Ting Chang,Ming-Hwai Lin,Ru-Yih Chen,Ping-Jen Chen,Wen-Yuan Lin,Jyh-Gang Hsieh,Ying-Wei Wang,Chung-Chieh Hu,Yi-Sheng Liou,Tai-Yuan Chiu,Chun-Yi Tu,Yi-Jen Wang,Bo-Ren Cheng,Tzeng-Ji Ch 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.2

Background: Medical staff may have difficulties in using conventional medicine to manage symptoms among terminally ill patients, including adverse effects of the treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is regarded as a complementary or alternative medicine, and has been increasingly used in the field of palliative medicine in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of and attitudes toward using TCM among palliative care professionals, and to provide preliminary information about its use in palliative care. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey study conducted in eight inpatient hospice wards in Taiwan between December 2014 and February 2016. The questionnaire was self-administered, and was analyzed with descriptive statistics including Pearson’s Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: A total of 251 palliative care professionals responded to the questionnaire, of whom 89.7% and 88.9% believed that the use of TCM could improve the physical symptoms and quality of life in terminally ill patients, respectively. Overall, 59.8%, of respondents suggested that TCM had rare side effects, and 58.2% were worried that TCM could affect the liver and kidney function of patients. In total, 89.7% and 88.0% of professionals agreed there were no suitable clinical practice guidelines and educational programs, respectively, for TCM use in palliative care. Conclusions: Most of the respondents agreed there was insufficient knowledge, skills-training, and continuing education on the use of TCM in terminally ill patients in Taiwan. These results show that to address patient safety considerations, guidelines about use of TCM in palliative care should be established.

Construction of Z-scheme W18O49/NiAl-LDH heterojunction with photothermal effect for photocatalytic reduction of CO2

Cheng Xia,Rui-Tang Guo,Zhen-rui Zhang,Chen-yuan Fan,Yu-zhe Liu,Yu-cheng Lin,Chu-fan Li,Wei-Guo Pan 한국공업화학회 2023 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.128 No.-

Recently, the photocatalytic CO2 reduction technology is an effective solution to remit the energy crisis. Inorder to improve the photocatalytic performance, Z-scheme W18O49/NiAl-LDH composite catalysts wereprepared by hydrothermal method. Fortunately, the prepared catalysts revealed excellent photocatalyticperformance under the simulated sunlight, and CO and CH4 could be detected in the reduction products. WO/LDH-0.5 catalyst possessed the optimal activity, with CO and CH4 yield of 37.09 and 8.01 lmol g-1h1separately, which were 7.9 and 3.6 times that of NiAl-LDH monomer. In addition, W18O49 endowedW18O49/NiAl-LDH catalysts with photothermal effect, which raised the surface temperature andfacilitated the catalytic reaction. Meanwhile, the Z-scheme heterojunction composed of flower-likeNiAl-LDH and urchin-like W18O49 accelerated the separation of photoexcited carriers and enhanced theredox ability. Through a series of characterizations and investigations, this work is promising to breaknew ground for the design of photocatalysts with photothermal effect.

Application of physical vapor deposition process to modify activated carbon fibers for ozone reduction

Yu-Chih Lin,Chung-Liang Chang,Tser-Sheng Lin,Hsunling Bai,Ming-Gu Yan,Fu-Hsiang Ko,Chia-Tien Wu,Cheng-Hsiung Huang 한국화학공학회 2008 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.25 No.3

This study utilized the activated carbon fiber (ACF) modified with metal catalyst via physical vapor deposition (PVD) process (ACF/PVD) to diminish ozone. Furthermore, the ozone removal efficiency of ACF/PVD was compared with that of original ACF and ACF modified with metal catalyst via impregnation process (ACF/impregnation). In addition to the kinds of coated metal and the inlet ozone concentrations, the effects of the coating thickness and the reaction temperature on ACF/PVD for ozone removal were also examined. The results indicate that the ozone removal efficiency of ACF/PVD is better than that of original ACF and ACF/impregnation. The ozone removal efficiency of different metal-coated ACF/PVD in the superior order is gold (Au), and manganese (Mn). The increase of Au-coated thickness (3 nm to 80 nm) on ACF/PVD will enhance the ozone removal. However, when the Mn-coated thickness on ACF/PVD is larger than 15 nm, the ozone removal efficiency displays a declining trend. Furthermore, a higher reaction temperature will result in a better ozone removal of ACF/PVD and the original ACF.

An Imaging System for Monitoring the Feeding Behavior of Dairy Cows

( Cheng-yu Kuan ),( Yu-chi Tsai ),( Chen-yu Cheng ),( Jih-tay Hsu ),( Shih-torng Dnig ),( Ta-te Lin ) 한국농업기계학회 2018 한국농업기계학회 학술발표논문집 Vol.23 No.1

In sub-tropical countries, dairy cows tend to experience heat stress problems. This phenomenon may lead to declines in feed intake, milk production, and fertility. Under normal conditions, the dairy cows have a regular feeding and drinking time. For this reason, changes in feeding behavior can be a possible indicator to detect heat stress phenomena that can help farm owners monitor dairy cow health. In order to monitor and record the feeding behavior of dairy cows, an imaging system is proposed herein. The imaging system uses Raspberry Pi 3, as the embedded system, and a camera module to acquire images for dairy cow face detection in front of the feeding area to confirm if the dairy cow is eating. The dairy cow faces are detected through cascade-AdaBoost algorithms which can automatically select weak classifiers to form a strong classifier with fast processing speed in an embedded system. The factors affecting the performance of the dairy cow face detection algorithm have been tested and optimized. The system has been tested in a feeding area in National Taiwan University’s dairy farm, which has 25 dairy cows in total. By converting the frequency of dairy cow face detection into feeding time, the feeding behavior of grouped dairy cows can be analyzed. Furthermore, combining the temperature humidity index (THI) and feeding behavior can provide the farm owners with an index to evaluate the level heat stress of dairy cows.