Showing papers by "Fu Jen Catholic University published in 2005"

Intelligent control battery equalization for series connected lithium-ion battery strings

Abstract: An intelligent battery equalization scheme based on fuzzy logic control is presented to adaptively control the equalizing process of series-connected lithium-ion batteries. The proposed battery equalization scheme is a bidirectional dc-dc converter with energy transferring capacitor that can be used to design the bidirectional nondissipative equalizer for a battery balancing system. Furthermore, it can be designed as a ripple-free converter for improving the input current distortion of the battery charge supply power system. A fuzzy-logic-controlled strategy is constructed with a set of membership functions to prescribe the cells equalizing behavior within a safe equalizing region for rapid cell voltage balancing. The simulation and experimental results show the advantage of the predicted equalizing performance of the lithium-ion battery stacks. The proposed fuzzy logic control battery equalization controller can abridge the equalization time about 32%. The proposed method maintains safe operation during the charge/discharge state in each lithium-ion cell of the battery strings.

A two-stage hybrid credit scoring model using artificial neural networks and multivariate adaptive regression splines

Abstract: The objective of the proposed study is to explore the performance of credit scoring using a two-stage hybrid modeling procedure with artificial neural networks and multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS). The rationale under the analyses is firstly to use MARS in building the credit scoring model, the obtained significant variables are then served as the input nodes of the neural networks model. To demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed modeling procedure, credit scoring tasks are performed on one bank housing loan dataset using cross-validation approach. As the results reveal, the proposed hybrid approach outperforms the results using discriminant analysis, logistic regression, artificial neural networks and MARS and hence provides an alternative in handling credit scoring tasks.

Observer-based direct adaptive fuzzy-neural control for nonaffine nonlinear systems

Abstract: In this paper, an observer-based direct adaptive fuzzy-neural control scheme is presented for nonaffine nonlinear systems in the presence of unknown structure of nonlinearities. A direct adaptive fuzzy-neural controller and a class of generalized nonlinear systems, which are called nonaffine nonlinear systems, are instead of the indirect one and affine nonlinear systems given by Leu et al. By using implicit function theorem and Taylor series expansion, the observer-based control law and the weight update law of the fuzzy-neural controller are derived for the nonaffine nonlinear systems. Based on strictly-positive-real (SPR) Lyapunov theory, the stability of the closed-loop system can be verified. Moreover, the overall adaptive scheme guarantees that all signals involved are bounded and the output of the closed-loop system will asymptotically track the desired output trajectory. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, simulation results are illustrated in this paper.

Characterization of Excess Electrons in Water-Cluster Anions by Quantum Simulations

Abstract: Water-cluster anions can serve as a bridge to understand the transition from gaseous species to the bulk hydrated electron. However, debate continues regarding how the excess electron is bound in \((\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O})_{n}^{-}\) , as an interior, bulklike, or surface electronic state. To address the uncertainty, the properties of \((\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O})_{n}^{-}\) clusters with 20 to 200 water molecules have been evaluated by mixed quantum-classical simulations. The theory reproduces every observed energetic, spectral, and structural trend with cluster size that is seen in experimental photoelectron and optical absorption spectra. More important, surface states and interior states each manifest a characteristic signature in the simulation data. The results strongly support assignment of surface-bound electronic states to the water-cluster anions in published experimental studies thus far.

Creative teachers and creative teaching strategies

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the factors that influence creative teaching and to find out what effective strategies are used by three award-winning teachers in the learning area of Integrated Activities. As creative thinking is crucial for the knowledge economy, it is essential that education serves its purpose in improving this important aspect. The methods used for data collection include in-depth interview, focus group interview, classroom observation and content analysis. Three teachers with a GreaTeach Creative Instruction Award for creative teaching in the Integrated Activities field were selected as subjects. Results were acquired by analysing the interview content, the teaching plans, teachers’ reflection and the classroom observation videotapes. The study found that: the factors influencing creative teaching in Integrative Activities are (a) personality traits: persistence, willingness to develop, acceptance of new experiences, self-confidence, sense of humour, curiosity, depth of ideas, imagination, etc.; (b) family factors: open and tolerant ways of teaching children, creative performance of parents, etc.; (c) experiences of growth and education: self-created games and stories, brainstorming between classmates, etc.; (d) beliefs in teaching, hard work, motivation and (e) the administrative side of school organization. Among these factors, beliefs in teaching, hard work and motivation are the main aspects. The effective teaching strategies used by the awarded teachers are: student-centred activities, a connection between teaching contents and real life, management of skills in class, open-ended questions, an encouragement of creative thinking and use of technology and multimedia. Integrated Activities are closely connected to life experience and a basis for the development of creative thinking within education.

An international comparative study of work-family stress and occupational strain

Abstract: Contents: J.N. Cleveland, E.A. Fleishman, Series Foreword. V.E. Schein, Foreword. S. Poelmans, Editorial Introduction. Part I:Individual-International Perspective. S. Poelmans, M. O'Driscoll, B. Beham, An Overview of International Research on the Work-Family Interface. E.E. Kossek, D. Meece, M.E. Barratt, B.E. Prince, U.S. Latino Migrant Farm Workers: Managing Acculturative Stress and Conserving Work-Family Resources. P.E. Spector, T.D. Allen, S. Poelmans, C.L. Cooper, P. Bernin, P. Hart, L. Lu, K. Miller, L.R. de Moraes, G.M. Ostrognay, H. Pitariu, V. Salamatov, J. Salgado, J.I. Sanchez, O.L. Siu, M. Teichmann, T. Theorell, P. Vlerick, M. Widerszal-Bazyl, S. Yu, An International Comparative Study of Work-Family Stress and Occupational Strain. Part II:Organizational-International Perspective. U. Kinnunen, S. Mauno, S. Geurts, J. Dikkers, Work-Family Culture in Organizations: Theoretical and Empirical Approaches. P. Caligiuri, M. Lazarova, Work-Life Balance and the Effective Management of Global Assignees. J.S.E. Dikkers, L. den Dulk, S.A.E. Geurts, B. Peper, Work-Nonwork Culture, Utilization of Work-Nonwork Arrangements, and Employee-Related Outcomes in Two Dutch Organizations. W.R. Poster, Organizational Change, Globalization, and Work-Family Programs: Case Studies From India and the United States. L. den Dulk, Workplace Work-Family Arrangements: A Study and Explanatory Framework of Differences Between Organizational Provisions in Different Welfare States. Part III:Cross-Cultural Perspective. M. Westman, Cross-Cultural Differences in Crossover Research. S. Aryee, The Work-Family Interface in Urban Sub-Saharan Africa: A Theoretical Analysis. N. Yang, Individualism--Collectivism and Work-Family Interfaces: A Sino-U.S. Comparison. M.A. Shaffer, J.R.W. Joplin, A.M. Francesco, T. Lau, Easing the Pain: A Cross-Cultural Study of Support Resources and Their Influence on Work-Family Conflict. Part IV:Case Studies. N. Chinchilla, S. Poelmans, Case Study 1: Emigration to Mexico: Promotion and the Dual-Career Couple. B. Beham, S. Poelmans, Instructor's Manual for Case Study 1. S. Poelmans, W. de Waal-Andrews, Case Study 2: Launching Flexible Work Arrangements within Procter & Gamble EMEA. B. Beham, S. Poelmans, Instructor's Manual for Case Study 2. Part V:Conclusions and Recommendations for Future Research. R.S. Bhagat, B.C. Krishnan, Methodological Issues in Work-Family Research in an Era of Globalization. M.J. Gelfand, A.P. Knight, Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Work-Family Conflict. J.M. Bowes, Emphasizing the Family in Work-Family Research: A Review of Current Research and Recommendations for Future Directions. S. Poelmans, Organizational Research on Work and Family: Recommendations for Future Research. R. Rapoport, S. Lewis, L. Bailyn, R. Gambles, Epilogue: Globalization and the Integration of Work With Personal Life.

Antiinflammatory Flavonoids from Artocarpus heterophyllus and Artocarpus communis

Abstract: The antiinflammatory activities of the isolated flavonoids, including cycloartomunin (1), cyclomorusin (2), dihydrocycloartomunin (3), dihydroisocycloartomunin (4), cudraflavone A (5), cyclocommunin (6), and artomunoxanthone (7), and cycloheterohyllin (8), artonins A (9) and B (10), artocarpanone (11), artocarpanone A (12), and heteroflavanones A (13), B (14), and C (15) from Artocarpus communis and A. heterophyllus, were assessed in vitro by determining their inhibitory effects on the chemical mediators released from mast cells, neutrophils, and macrophages. Compound 4 significantly inhibited the release of beta-glucuronidase and histamine from rat peritoneal mast cells stimulated with P-methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine (compound 48/80). Compound 11 significantly inhibited the release of lysozyme from rat neutrophils stimulated with formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP). Compounds 8, 10, and 11 significantly inhibited superoxide anion formation in fMLP-stimulated rat neutrophils while compounds 2, 3, 5, and 6 evoked the stimulation of superoxide anion generation. Compound 11 exhibited significant inhibitory effect on NO production and iNOS protein expression in RAW 264.7 cells. The potent inhibitory effect of compound 11 on NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages, probably through the suppression of iNOS protein expression.

Increase in the Vagal Modulation by Acupuncture at Neiguan Point in the Healthy Subjects

Abstract: Acupuncture at the Neiguan (P6) point has been shown to lessen nausea and vomiting which are related to vagal modulation. This study investigated whether acupuncture at the P6 point could improve vagal modulation by using heart rate variability analysis. We compared the heart rate variability measures of 39 subjects receiving acupuncture at the P6 point, 38 subjects receiving sham acupuncture, and 34 subjects receiving no treatment at all. The normalized high-frequency power was used as the index of vagal modulation, and the low-/high-frequency power ratio was used as the index of sympathovagal balance. The normalized high-frequency power after acupuncture increased significantly from 28.1 +/- 12.6 nu (mean +/- SD) to 30.7 +/- 14.1 nu in the P6 acupuncture group, but not in the sham acupuncture (30.6 +/- 13.7 nu versus 31.8 +/- 13.8 nu) or no-treatment group (30.1 +/- 15.0 nu versus 30.1 +/- 15.7 nu). In both the P6 and sham acupuncture groups, the mean RR interval (the intervals between consecutive R waves in the electrocardiogram) increased significantly after acupuncture. In the no-treatment group, there was no statistical difference in all heart rate variability measures in the initial and later sessions. In conclusion, acupuncture at the P6 point can increase vagal modulation of the subjects. This result may be helpful in the understanding of the mechanism underlying the effect of acupuncture or acupressure at P6 on the lessening of nausea and vomiting in clinic.

Do Controlling Shareholders Enhance Corporate Value

Abstract: In this study we contribute to the literature by re-examining the effect of control and ownership of controlling shareholder on corporate valuation, and determining which particular mechanism for enhancing voting rights would achieve the negative entrenchment effect. We take Taiwan listed companies, where the ownership concentration structure is similar to that in East Asian countries, as our sample. We find the corporate value is higher when the largest shareholder owns more cash flow rights (ownership), supporting the positive incentive effect. The negative entrenchment effect becomes evident when the largest shareholder's cash flow rights are less than the median. Therefore, if the cash flow rights owned by the largest shareholder are greater than the median, the positive incentive effect will restrain the negative entrenchment effect. In family-controlled companies, the corporate value will conspicuously decrease if the largest shareholder enhances their voting rights through cross-shareholding, deeply participates in management or controls most board of directors.

Zero-current-switching switched-capacitor bidirectional DC-DC converter

Abstract: The proposed zero-current-switching switched-capacitor quasi-resonant DC-DC converter is a new type of bidirectional power flow control conversion scheme. It possesses the conventional features of resonant switched-capacitor converters: low weight, small volume, high efficiency, low EMI emission and current stress. A zero-current-switching switched-capacitor step-up/step-down bidirectional converter is presented that can improve the current stress problem during bidirectional power flow control processing. It can provide a high voltage conversion ratio using four power MOSFET main switches, a set of switched capacitors and a small resonant inductor. The converter operating principle of the proposed bidirectional power conversion scheme is described in detail with circuit model analysis. Simulation and experiment are carried out to verify the concept and performance of the proposed bidirectional DC-DC converter.

Do Controlling Shareholders Enhance Corporate Value

Abstract: In this study we contribute to the literature by re-examining the effect of control and ownership of controlling shareholder on corporate valuation, and determining which particular mechanism for enhancing voting rights would achieve the negative entrenchment effect. We take Taiwan listed companies, where the ownership concentration structure is similar to that in East Asian countries, as our sample. We find the corporate value is higher when the largest shareholder owns more cash flow rights (ownership), supporting the positive incentive effect. The negative entrenchment effect becomes evident when the largest shareholder's cash flow rights are less than the median. Therefore, if the cash flow rights owned by the largest shareholder are greater than the median, the positive incentive effect will restrain the negative entrenchment effect. In family-controlled companies, the corporate value will conspicuously decrease if the largest shareholder enhances their voting rights through cross-shareholding, deeply participates in management or controls most board of directors.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 mediates stretch-induced upregulation of myostatin expression in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes

Abstract: Objectives: Myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle growth, is increased in hypertrophied and infarcted heart. However, the mechanism of regulation is not known. Mechanical stress is an important regulatory factor for cardiomyocyte growth. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of cyclic stretch on the expression of myostatin gene in cardiomyocytes. Methods: Neonatal Wistar rat cardiomyocytes grown on a flexible membrane base were stretched by vacuum to 20% of maximum elongation at 60 cycles/min. An in vivo model of aorta-caval shunt in adult rats was used to investigate the myostatin expression. Results: Cyclic stretch significantly increased myostatin protein and mRNA expression after 6 to 18 h of stretch. Addition of the p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor SB203580, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) monoclonal antibody, and p38 siRNA 30 min before stretch inhibited the induction of myostatin protein. Cyclic stretch increased, while SB203580, IGF-1, and IGF-1 receptor antibody abolished, the phosphorylated p38 protein. Gel shift assays showed significant increase of DNA-protein binding activity of myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) after stretch, and transfection with p38 siRNA abolished the DNA-protein binding activity induced by cyclic stretch. Cyclic stretch significantly increased the IGF-1 secretion from myocytes. Both conditioned media from stretched myocytes and exogenous administration of IGF-1 recombinant protein to the non-stretched myocytes increased myostatin protein expression similar to that seen after cyclic stretch. An in vivo model of aorta-caval shunt in adult rats also demonstrated the increased myostatin expression in the myocardium. Conclusions: Cyclic mechanical stretch enhances myostatin expression in cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes. The stretch-induced myostatin is mediated by IGF-1 at least in part through a p38 MAP kinase and MEF2 pathway.

Analysis of the multimodulus blind equalization algorithm in QAM communication systems

Abstract: The constant modulus algorithm (CMA) for blind equalization requires a separate carrier-recovery system for phase recovery. This letter mathematically analyzes a modified CMA, called the multimodulus algorithm (MMA), which may perform joint blind equalization and carrier recovery without the need for a separate carrier-recovery system for quadrature amplitude modulation signal constellations. The analyses focus on five aspects of the MMA: 1) derivation of the general formulation of the MMA cost function; 2) stationary points of the MMA; 3) desired global minima of the MMA; 4) unstable equilibria (saddle points) of the MMA; and 5) analytic verification of a discrete-time first-order phase-locked loop hidden inside the MMA, which is absent from the conventional CMA. Analysis results indicate that the MMA alone may be able to remove intersymbol interference and simultaneously correct the phase error, because it implicitly incorporates a phase-tracking loop, which automatically recovers carrier phase.

Myeloperoxidase serves as a marker of oxidative stress during single haemodialysis session using two different biocompatible dialysis membranes

Abstract: Background There is increased oxidative stress in patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD); however, little is known of how different dialysis membranes contribute to the oxidative stress induced by the dialysis procedure per se. We therefore studied the influence of two different dialysis membranes on oxidative stress during HD. Methods Eight patients undergoing HD three times per week were enrolled in this cross-controlled study. Patients sequentially received HD using polysulphone (PS) and regenerated cellulose (RC) dialysis membranes for 1 week each. Blood samples were collected in the last section of each hollow fibre 0, 15, 120 and 240 min after starting HD. We determined superoxide anion production derived from neutrophils, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) derived from washed red cells, plasma myeloperoxidase (MPO), plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), plasma advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Results Leukocyte numbers, including neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes, decreased significantly after 15 min of dialysis, more so with RC than with PS membrane. For both membranes, superoxide anion production transiently increased during the first 15 min whereas the post-dialysis production was decreased. Plasma MPO levels persistently increased during dialysis with the two membranes. Moreover, the increase was more marked with RC than with PS membrane. AOPP and 8-OHdG levels increased progressively when using RC membranes. There were no significant differences in SOD, GPx, TBARS, AOPP and 8-OHdG levels between the two membranes. Conclusions The biocompatibility of the dialyser affects oxidative stress production during a single dialysis session. The measurement of MPO may serve as a reliable marker of the degree of oxidative stress induced using dialysis membranes of different biocompatibilities.

Physicochemical Characteristics and In Vivo Deposition of Liposome-encapsulated Tea Catechins by Topical and Intratumor Administrations

Abstract: Tea polyphenols, including (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, and (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), have been shown to possess potent antioxidant and anticancer activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using liposomes for the local delivery, including skin and tumor deposition, of these polyphenols. Liposomes containing egg phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, or anionic species were prepared by a solvent evaporation method and then were subjected to a probe sonicator. The size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency of these liposomal formulations were determined to provide correlations with results from a subsequent in vivo study. The release rate study showed that inclusion of an anionic species, such as deoxycholic acid (DA) or dicetyl phosphate (DP), increased the permeability of the lipid bilayers, leading to the rapid release of these formulations. No significant increase in skin deposition of catechins was observed after topical application of liposomes. On the other ha...

Case analysis of purple urine-bag syndrome at a long-term care service in a community hospital.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Purple urine-bag syndrome (PUBS) is a rare phenomenon in which the contents of urine bags turn purple or blue following patient catheterization. The condition often causes care givers tremendous distress. We investigated the prevalence and possible causes of PUBS for a group of elderly patients. METHODS A total of 157 patients featuring urine catheterization, 13 of whom exhibiting PUBS were analyzed with regards to age, functional status, duration of catheterization, number of daily medications, living location, feeding route, bowel habits, and the pattern of use of a urinary catheter. Urine samples were cultured from all the PUBS patients participating. RESULTS Two men who underwent cystostomy and 11 women who underwent urethral catheterization who exhibited PUBS were observed for this study. The age, duration of catheterization, number of daily medications feeding pattern and functional status between the group exhibiting PUBS and the group of patients without PUBS demonstrated no significant differences. A total of 69.2% of the PUBS-affected patients, as compared to 43.1% of the non-PUBS patients, lived in nursing homes, and 84.6% of the PUBS-affected patients were constipated, as were 66% of the non-PUBD subjects. In total, 72.7% of PUBS patients were reported to be using a laxative suppository, compared with 41% of the non-PUBS group, whereas 92.3% of PUBS patients were catheterized using a plastic (PVC) foley, as compared to 70.8% of the non-PUBS patients. The pH for 12 out of 13 PUBS patients' urine was > or = 7. Escherichia coli, Provendicia var. spp., Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae were the common pathogens isolated from the urine samples provided by our PUBS patients. CONCLUSION We found that PUBS was more likely associated with the female gender, alkaline urine, constipation, institutionalization, the use of a plastic (PVC) urinary catheter, and certain bacteria such as Provendicia var. spp., Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Lycopene supplementation attenuated xanthine oxidase and myeloperoxidase activities in skeletal muscle tissues of rats after exhaustive exercise

Abstract: Strenuous exercise is known to induce oxidative stress leading to the generation of free radicals. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of lycopene, an antioxidant nutrient, at a relatively low dose (2.6 mg/kg per d) and a relatively high dose (7.8 mg/kg per d) on the antioxidant status of blood and skeletal muscle tissues in rats after exhaustive exercise. Rats were divided into six groups: sedentary control (C); sedentary control with low-dose lycopene (CLL); sedentary control with high-dose lycopene (CHL); exhaustive exercise (E); exhaustive exercise with low-dose lycopene (ELL); exhaustive exercise with high-dose lycopene (EHL). After 30 d, the rats in the three C groups were killed without exercise, but the rats in the three E groups were killed immediately after an exhaustive running test on a motorised treadmill. The results showed that xanthine oxidase (XO) activities of plasma and muscle, and muscular myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in group E were significantly increased compared with group C. Compared with group E, the elevations of XO and MPO activities of muscle were significantly decreased in group EHL. The malondialdehyde concentrations of plasma and tissues in group E were significantly increased by 72 and 114 %, respectively, compared with those in group C. However, this phenomenon was prevented in rats of the ELL and EHL groups. There was no significant difference in the GSH concentrations of erythrocytes in each group; however, exhaustive exercise resulted in a significant decrease in the GSH content of muscle. In conclusion, these results suggested that lycopene protected muscle tissue from oxidative stress after exhaustive exercise.

Are Taiwanese individual investors reluctant to realize their losses

Abstract: Taiwanese investors exhibit a stronger disposition effect than US investors. On average, the proportion for realizing gains is 2.5 times that for realizing losses. The corresponding multiple for the US investors is 1.5 [Odean, T., 1998. Are investors reluctant to realize their losses? Journal of Finance 53, 1775–1798.]. The cultural difference between the Ease and the West could partly explain this phenomenon, i.e., Taiwanese investors have stronger beliefs in mean reversion than US investors. However, investors' belief formation is not obviously reinforced by their experiences from the stock market. Analysis at the stock characteristic level finds that investors trading stocks in high-return/low-price categories and in low-return/high-price categories exhibit the reverse disposition effect. The disposition effect at the individual level shows that aged female investors are more inclined to asymmetrically deal with their gains than losses. By contrast, the investors with margin trading are less likely to exhibit the disposition effect.

The correlation between epistemological beliefs and preferences toward Internet-based learning environments

Abstract: Chin-Chung Tsai is a Professor at the Institute of Education and Centre for Teacher Education, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan. Shih-Chyueh Chuang is a graduate student in the Graduate School of Mass Communication, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan. Address for correspondence: Professor Chin-Chung Tsai, Institute of Education and Centre for Teacher Education, National Chiao Tung University, 1001 Ta Hsueh Road, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan. Email: cctsai@mail.nctu.edu.tw

Further cryptanalysis of fingerprint-based remote user authentication scheme using smartcards

Abstract: In 2002, Lee, Ryu and Yoo proposed an improved password authentication scheme without using a password table by employing a fingerprint verification mechanism in the user's smartcard and two servers' secret keys. It is shown that their scheme is vulnerable to a simple and effective forgery attack. In addition, it is demonstrated that their scheme is not easily repairable.