Analyses of celestial pole offsets with VLBI, LLR, and optical observations

This work aims to explore the possibilities of determining the long-period part of the precession-nutation of the Earth with techniques other than very long baseline interferometry (VLBI). Lunar laser ranging (LLR) is chosen for its relatively high accuracy and long period. Results of previous studies could be updated using the latest data with generally higher quality, which would also add ten years to the total time span. Historical optical data are also analyzed for their rather long time-coverage to determine whether it is possible to improve the current Earth precession-nutation model

The Experience of Adopting MES by Taiwan IC Foundry Operators

MES (Manufacturing Execution System) is a computer application system that integrates all relevant real-time information along every step in a manufacturing process. MES functions include data collection, WIP (Work in Process) tracking, material management, inventory management, exception management, and quality management etc. IC manufacturing has over 300 fabrication processes, prohibitively expensive equipment, a large variety of products, and short product life cycle. MES, therefore, is essential for IC foundry manufacturers for gathering real-time production line information, supporting manufacturing decision making, and increasing manufacturing efficiency. Taiwan IC manufacturers have invested in MES over the past few years. For this study we interviewed managers from Taiwan’s leading IC manufacturers responsible for implementing MES systems. Their MES adoption experiences and suggestions could benefit other IC manufacturers as well as manufacturers of other industry sectors

Improved Antireflection Properties of an Optical Film Surface with Mixing Conical Subwavelength Structures

Based on finite difference time domain method, an optical film surface with mixing conical subwavelength structures is numerically investigated to improve antireflection property. The mixing conical subwavelength structure is combined with the pure periodic conical subwavelength structures and the added small conical structures in the gap between the pure periodic conical subwavelength structures. The antireflection properties of two types of subwavelength structures with different aspect ratios in spectral range of 400–800 nm are analyzed and compared. It is shown that, for the mixing type, the average reflectance is decreased and the variances of the reflectance are evidently smaller. When the added structure with a better aspect ratio exists, the average reflectance of the surface can be below 0.30%. Obviously, the antireflection properties of the optical film surface with mixing conical subwavelength structures can be improved

INVESTIGATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES DURING PULMONARY AND EXERCISE STRESS TESTS AND VALIDITY OF THE WHEEL PERCEIVED EXERTION SCALE AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS WITH SPINA BIFIDA

People with spina bifida have hypoactive lifestyles that are the consequence of lower extremity functional limitations. However, several secondary conditions, such as scoliosis, pneumonia, and obesity may affect activity performance. Even socio-demographic factors, such as lack of accessible transportation to fitness facilities or having low income may affect activity performance as well. Few studies have investigated pulmonary function in people with spina bifida. In the present study, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and graded arm ergometry exercise stress tests were conducted among adolescents and adults with spina bifida (n = 29). The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pulmonary function and exercise capacity among people with spina bifida. Another aim of this study was to develop and to validate a newly developed perceived exertion scale (the WHEEL Scale) for regulating exercise intensity for people with spina bifida. Socio-demographic information, body composition measurements, and medical record information were collected in this study and were used as predictors for PFTs and peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2). The results showed that more than 65% of participants met the criteria of pulmonary restriction and 90% of the people who were not able to achieve a maximal exercise test had pulmonary restriction. Significant models for predicting PFTs and peak VO2 were found and established in this study. The concurrent validity and construct validity of the newly developed WHEEL Scale were established by using relative heart rate (HR) and relative peak VO2 from the graded arm ergometry exercise stress test. Concurrent validity of the WHEEL Scale was established by the finding that the WHEEL scale significantly correlated with relative VO2 and relative HR. Construct validity of the WHEEL Scale was established by the finding that the WHEEL scale significantly correlated with the Borg Scale. Future studies in a large cohort of individuals with spina bifida are needed to confirm the results and establish the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the WHEEL Scale