Implementation of the Land Surface Processes into a Vector Vorticity Equation Model (VVM) to Study its Impact on Afternoon Thunderstorms over Complex Topography in Taiwan

Chien-Ming Wu,Hsiao-Chun Lin,Fang-Yi Cheng,Mu-Hua Chien 한국기상학회 2019 Asia-Pacific Journal of Atmospheric Sciences Vol.55 No.4

In this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of fast land-atmosphere interactions on the afternoon thunderstorm in Taiwan through high-resolution meteorological simulations. For this purpose, the Noah land surface model (LSM) is implemented into the vector vorticity equation cloud-resolving model (VVM) with corresponding realistic land surface data of Taiwan into the coupling system, called TaiwanVVM. Two idealized experiments are conducted by giving the same surface forcing but one with direct land-atmosphere coupling from Noah LSM (called Coupled experiment) and the other with prescribed surface fluxes (called Prescribed experiment). Our results show that the fast land-atmosphere interaction over complex topography has a significant influence on rainfall intensity, especially in the heavy precipitating region where the interaction is strong.Without direct coupling between the land surface and the atmosphere in the Prescribed experiment, the diurnal intensity is suppressed by 50%over whole Taiwan and 70% for East Taiwan. Our findings demonstrate that the intensity of the afternoon thunderstorm is sensitive to fast land-atmosphere interactions by modifying local circulation in the mountainous region of Taiwan.

Predictors of Positive Bone Metastasis in Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer Patients

Chien, Tsu-Ming,Lu, Yen-Man,Geng, Jiun-Hung,Huang, Tsung-Yi,Ke, Hung-Lung,Huang, Chun-Nung,Li, Ching-Chia,Chou, Yii-Her,Wu, Wen-Jeng,Huang, Shu-Pin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.3

Background: The prevalence of prostate cancer (PCa) has been increasing in recent years. Treatment strategies are largely based on the results of bone scan screening. Therefore, our aim was to investigate predictors of positive bone metastasis in newly diagnosed PCa patients. Materials and Methods: After extensive review, 336 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with PCa between April 2010 and November 2013 at our institution were enlisted in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to bone scan results. Univariate analyses (Chi-square test for discrete variables and independent t-test for continuous variables) were applied to determine the potentially significant risk factors associated with distant bone metastasis. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to further investigate the influence of these factors on bone metastasis. Results: The patient mean age was $71.9{\pm}8.6years$ (range: 48 to 94 years). The mean prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and biopsy Gleason score were $260.2{\pm}1107.8ng/mL$ and $7.4{\pm}1.5$, respectively. The body mass index (BMI) for the series was $24.5{\pm}3.4kg/m^2$. Sixty-four patients (19.0%) had a positive bone scan result. Patients with positive bone scan results had a significantly lower BMI ($23.3{\pm}3.5$ vs. $24.8{\pm}3.3$; p=0.003), a higher Gleason score ($8.5{\pm}1.1$ vs. $7.1{\pm}1.5$; p < 0.001), and a higher PSA level ($1071.3{\pm}2337.1$ vs. $69.4{\pm}235.5$; p < 0.001) than those without bone metastasis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis employing the above independent predictors demonstrated that a Gleason score of ${\geq}7$, clinical stage ${\geq}T3$, $BMI{\leq}22kg/m^2$, and an initial PSA level of ${\geq}20ng/mL$ were all independent predictors of bone metastasis. Conclusions: A bone scan might be necessary in newly diagnosed PCa patients with any of the following criteria: clinical stage T3 or higher, a Gleason score of 7 or higher, BMI equal to or less than 22, and a PSA level of 20 or higher.

Advanced Process Control of the Critical Dimension in Photolithography

Chien-Feng Wu,Chih-Ming Hung,Juhn-Horng Chen,An-Chen Lee 한국정밀공학회 2008 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.9 No.1

This paper describes two run-to-run controllers, a nonlinear multiple exponential-weight moving-average (NMEWMA) controller and a dynamic model-tuning minimum-variance (DMTMV) controller, for photolithography processes. The relationships between the input recipes (exposure dose and focus) and output variables (critical dimensions) were formed using an experimental design method, and the photolithography process model was built using a multiple regression analysis, Both the NMEWMA and DMTMV controllers could update the process model and obtain the optimal recipes for the next run Quantified improvements were obtained from simulations and real photolithography processes.

Advanced Process Control of the Critical Dimension in Photolithography

Wu, Chien-Feng,Hung, Chih-Ming,Chen, Juhn-Horng,Lee, An-Chen Korean Society for Precision Engineering 2008 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.9 No.1

This paper describes two run-to-run controllers, a nonlinear multiple exponential-weight moving-average (NMEWMA) controller and a dynamic model-tuning minimum-variance (DMTMV) controller, for photolithography processes. The relationships between the input recipes (exposure dose and focus) and output variables (critical dimensions) were formed using an experimental design method, and the photolithography process model was built using a multiple regression analysis. Both the NMEWMA and DMTMV controllers could update the process model and obtain the optimal recipes for the next run. Quantified improvements were obtained from simulations and real photolithography processes.

Assessment of environmental effects in scour monitoring of a cable-stayed bridge simply based on pier vibration measurements

Wu, Wen-Hwa,Chen, Chien-Chou,Shi, Wei-Sheng,Huang, Chun-Ming Techno-Press 2017 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.20 No.2

A recent work by the authors has demonstrated the feasibility of scour evaluation for Kao-Ping-Hsi Cable-Stayed Bridge simply based on ambient vibration measurements. To further attain the goal of scour monitoring, a key challenge comes from the interference of several environmental factors that may also significantly alter the pier frequencies without the change of scour depth. Consequently, this study attempts to investigate the variation in certain modal frequencies of this bridge induced by several environmental factors. Four sets of pier vibration measurements were taken either during the season of plum rains, under regular summer days without rain, or in a period of typhoon. These signals are analyzed with the stochastic subspace identification and empirical mode decomposition techniques. The variations of the identified modal frequencies are then compared with those of the corresponding traffic load, air temperature, and water level. Comparison of the analyzed results elucidates that both the traffic load and the environmental temperature are negatively correlated with the bridge frequencies. However, the traffic load is clearly a more dominant factor to alternate the identified bridge deck frequency than the environmental temperature. The pier modes are also influenced by the passing traffic on the bridge deck, even though with a weaker correlation. In addition, the variation of air temperature follows a similar tendency as that of the passing traffic, but its effect on changing the bridge frequencies is obviously not as significant. As for the effect from the alternation of water level, it is observed that the frequency baselines of the pier modes may positively correlate with the water level during the seasons of plum rains and typhoon.

Surgical Outcomes and Predictive Factors in Patients With Detrusor Underactivity Undergoing Bladder Outlet Obstruction Surgery

Ming-Syun Chuang,Yin-Chien Ou,Yu-Sheng Cheng,Kuan-Yu Wu,Chang-Te Wang,Yuan-Chi Huang,Yao-Lin Kao 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2024 International Neurourology Journal Vol.28 No.1

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of bladder outlet surgery in patients with detrusor underactivity (DU) and to identify factors associated with successful outcomes.Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of men diagnosed with DU in urodynamic studies who underwent bladder outlet surgery for lower urinary tract symptoms between May 2018 and April 2023. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, uroflowmetry (UFM), and multichannel urodynamic studies were administered. Successful treatment outcomes were defined as either an IPSS improvement of at least 50% or the regaining of spontaneous voiding in patients urethral catheterization prior to surgery.Results: The study included 93 male patients. Men diagnosed with significant or equivocal bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) experienced significant postoperative improvements in IPSS (from 20.6 to 6.0 and from 17.4 to 6.5, respectively), maximum urine flow rate (from 5.0 mL/sec to 14.4 mL/sec and from 8.8 mL/sec to 12.2 mL/sec, respectively) and voiding efficiency (from 48.8% to 86.0% and from 61.2% to 85.1%, respectively). However, in the group without obstruction, the improvements in IPSS and UFM results were not significant. The presence of detrusor overactivity (odds ratio [OR], 3.152; P=0.025) and preoperative urinary catheterization (OR, 2.756; P=0.040) were associated with favorable treatment outcomes. Conversely, an unobstructed bladder outlet was identified as a negative prognostic factor.Conclusions: In men with DU accompanied by equivocal or significant BOO, surgical intervention to alleviate the obstruction may enhance the IPSS, quality of life, and UFM results. However, those with DU and an unobstructed bladder outlet face a comparatively high risk of treatment failure. Preoperative detrusor overactivity and urinary catheterization are associated with more favorable surgical outcomes. Consequently, active deobstructive surgery should be considered for patients with DU who are experiencing urinary retention. Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of bladder outlet surgery in patients with detrusor underactivity (DU) and to identify factors associated with successful outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of men diagnosed with DU in urodynamic studies who underwent bladder outlet surgery for lower urinary tract symptoms between May 2018 and April 2023. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, uroflowmetry (UFM), and multichannel urodynamic studies were administered. Successful treatment outcomes were defined as either an IPSS improvement of at least 50% or the regaining of spontaneous voiding in patients urethral catheterization prior to surgery. Results: The study included 93 male patients. Men diagnosed with significant or equivocal bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) experienced significant postoperative improvements in IPSS (from 20.6 to 6.0 and from 17.4 to 6.5, respectively), maximum urine flow rate (from 5.0 mL/sec to 14.4 mL/sec and from 8.8 mL/sec to 12.2 mL/sec, respectively) and voiding efficiency (from 48.8% to 86.0% and from 61.2% to 85.1%, respectively). However, in the group without obstruction, the improvements in IPSS and UFM results were not significant. The presence of detrusor overactivity (odds ratio [OR], 3.152; P=0.025) and preoperative urinary catheterization (OR, 2.756; P=0.040) were associated with favorable treatment outcomes. Conversely, an unobstructed bladder outlet was identified as a negative prognostic factor. Conclusions: In men with DU accompanied by equivocal or significant BOO, surgical intervention to alleviate the obstruction may enhance the IPSS, quality of life, and UFM results. However, those with DU and an unobstructed bladder outlet face a comparatively high risk of treatment failure. Preoperative detrusor overactivity and urinary catheterization are associated with more favorable surgical outcomes. Consequently, active deobstructive surgery should be considered for patients with DU who are experiencing urinary retention.

A High Performance Soft-Switching AC/DC Converter

Chien-Ming Wang,Chang-Hua Lin,Chi-Hsiang Cheng,Bo-Han Wu 전력전자학회 2019 ICPE(ISPE)논문집 Vol.2019 No.5

This paper introduced a high performance single stage soft-switching AC/DC converter. The introduced soft-switching AC/DC converter uses four switches fullbridge circuit construct to achieve the input power factor correction and the output DC voltage regulation. The introduced soft-switching AC/DC converter adopts interleaved operation mode in ac input side to reduce the input current harmonic and increase the supply power level. Moreover, the introduced soft-switching AC/DC converter can get soft-switching function on its main power switches without soft-switching auxiliary circuit. Thus, the cost of circuit in low. A simple phase-shift control strategy is used to synthesize a suitable low harmonics sinusoidal waveform for the ac input current and achieve well dynamic regulation. A design example of 1000W high performance DC power supply system is examined to assess its performance.

Human-Oriented Recognition for Intelligent Interactive Office Robot

Chia-Ming Wang,Shin-Huan Tseng,Pei-Wen Wu,Yuan-Han Xu,Chien-Ke Liao,Yu-Chi Lin,Yi-Shiu Chiang,Chung-Dial Lim,Ting-Sheng Chu,Li-Chen Fu 제어로봇시스템학회 2013 제어로봇시스템학회 국제학술대회 논문집 Vol.2013 No.10

This paper presents our new intelligent interactive robot, which is constructed to eagerly provide multi-functional services in an office environment. In order to endow a full interactive capability of our robots for realizing so-called human-robot interaction (HRI), we propose sensor fusion based human detection and tracking system and human pose estimation to deal with a number of situations which may take place in the office environment. Not only by these perceptions, human interact with the robot also by some natural way, such as touching the interface screen and talking with the robot through microphone. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed work is tested and validated by some of experiments.

Robust Tracking Design Based on Adaptive Fuzzy Control of Uncertain Nonlinear MIMO Systems with Time Delayed States

Tzu-Sung Wu,Mansour Karkoub,Chien-Ting Chen,Wen-Shyong Yu,Ming-Guo Her,Jui-Yiao Su 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2013 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.11 No.6

It is proposed here to use a robust tracking design based on adaptive fuzzy control technique to control a class of multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) nonlinear systems with time delayed uncertainty in which each uncertainty is assumed to be bounded by an unknown gain. This technique will overcome modeling inaccuracies, such as drag and friction losses, effect of time delayed uncertainty, as well as parameter uncertainties. The proposed control law is based on indirect adaptive fuzzy control. A fuzzy model is used to approximate the dynamics of the nonlinear MIMO system; then, two on-line estimation schemes are developed to overcome the nonlinearities and identify the gains of the delayed state uncertainties, simultaneously. The advantage of employing an adaptive fuzzy system is the use of linear analytical results instead of estimating nonlinear system functions with an online update law. The adaptive fuzzy scheme uses a Variable Structure (VS) scheme to resolve the system uncertainties, time delayed uncertainty and the external disturbances such that H∞ tracking performance is achieved. The control laws are derived based on a Lyapunov criterion and the Riccati-inequality such that all states of the system are uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB). Therefore, the effect can be reduced to any prescribed level to achieve H∞ tracking performance. A two-connected inverted pendulums system on carts and a two-degree-of-freedom mass-spring-damper system are used to validate the performance of the proposed fuzzy technique for the control of MIMO nonlinear systems.

Dietary Ziziphus jujuba Fruit Influence on Aberrant Crypt Formation and Blood Cells in Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer Mice

Periasamy, Srinivasan,Liu, Chung-Teng,Wu, Wang-Hung,Chien, Se-Ping,Liu, Ming-Yie Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.17

Ziziphus jujuba (ZJ) fruit is rich in bioactive functional components such as polysaccharides, triterpenoid acid, flavonoids and oleamide. It has been commonly used in the treatment of various diseases including diabetes, digestive disorders, diarrhea, skin infections, liver and urinary diseases. However, its dietary effect on chemoprevention of colon cancer has never been studied. The present study was to evaluate the protective effects of dietary ZJ on colitis-associated colon carcinogenesis in azoxymethane (AOM)-dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-treated mice. AOM was injected (10 mg/kg b.wt., i.p.) and three cycles of 2% DSS in drinking water for 7 days with 14 days of normal drinking water in-between was administered to induce colitis-associated colon cancer. ZJ fruit was supplemented in feed as 5 and 10%. Dietary ZJ significantly attenuated aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation thereby decreasing the progression of hyperplasia to dysplasia. In addition, it significantly reduced circulating white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and platelets compared to colon cancer mice. We conclude that ZJ supplementation delayed the progression of colon cancer from hyperplasia to dysplasia and ultimately adenocarcinoma and cancer. In addition, it decreased circulating tumor-related leucocytes, main regulators of cancer inflammation. Therefore, dietary consumption of ZJ fruit attenuated the formation of ACF and delayed the progression of colon cancer.