Payment for ecosystem services (PES): a holistic tool for sustainable forest management-a case study from Pakistan

Economic valuation of ecosystem services is a new concept in forest management. Economic valuation provides basis for payment for ecosystem services (PES). Therefore, objective of this study was to evaluate eco-tourism and carbon stock services of the Maindam valley, District Swat, Pakistan. For the carbon stock calculation, a sample size of 155 plots of 0.1 hectare (Ha) was taken using preliminary survey at 95% confidence interval and 10% allowable error. The data for tourism services was collected from owners of all the hotels, 100 tourists and key informants of the area at 10% sampling intensity on pretested questionnaire for twenty years period (1997-2017). Results showed that Miandam valley has carbon stock worth US$ 16,306,000 while the value of eco-tourism was US$ 1,578,458 on annual basis. The results also showed that trend of tourism has drastically declined after the 9/11 incident for foreigners and locals and the situation was further deteriorated during the era of Talibanization or militancy from 2008-2011. This study recommends implementation of PES strategy at the rate of 5%, thus a total of US$ 78,922 can be earned from eco-tourism and carbon crediting in the study area annually, which could play important role in sustainable forest management.

Pop Music Trend and Image Analysis Based on Big Data Technology

With people’s pursuit of music art, a large number of singers began to analyze the trend of music in the future and create music works. Firstly, this study introduces the theory of music pop trend analysis, big data mining technology, and related algorithms. Then, the autoregressive integrated moving (ARIM), random forest, and long-term and short-term memory (LSTM) algorithms are used to establish the image analysis and prediction model, analyze the music data, and predict the music trend. The test results of the three models show that when the singer’s songs are analyzed from three aspects: collection, download, and playback times, the LSTM model can predict well the playback times. However, the LSTM model also has some defects. For example, the model cannot accurately predict some songs with large data fluctuations. At the same time, there is no big data gap between the playback times predicted by the ARIM model image analysis and the actual playback times, showing the allowable error fluctuation range. A comprehensive analysis shows that compared with the ARIM algorithm and random forest algorithm, the LSTM algorithm can predict the music trend more accurately. The research results will help many singers create songs according to the current and future music trends and will also make traditional music creation more information-based and modern.

Analysis of Coaxiality-Transmission Efficiency Vector Model of RV Reducer Based on ADAMS

Aiming at the influence of the coaxiality error of the transmission system on the detection accuracy of the RV reducer performance test device, taking RV-20E reducer is used as the research object, combined with the ADAMS dynamic simulation software, the RV reducer dynamic transmission coaxiality and transmission efficiency vector model is established, and the coaxiality of the transmission system of this model is simulated under different error ranges and no load. The transmission efficiency is 32.94% when coaxiality is within the allowable error range. The results verify the accuracy of the model. At the same time, when the concentricity exceeds the allowable range of error, it will have a great impact on the transmission efficiency. The design of the coaxiality adjustment mechanism of the RV reducer performance detection device has certain theoretical significance and practical value.

Analytical Performance of the Sysmex HISCL HBsAg Assay and Comparison with the Roche Elecsys HBsAg II Quant Assay in the Quantification of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

Background and Objectives: This study aims to estimate the analytical performance of the Sysmex HISCL HBsAg assay and to assess the analytical correlation with the Roche Elecsys HBsAg II quant assay with clinical samples and the WHO International Standard (IS). Materials and Methods: The intra-assay precision, linearity, assay limitation, accuracy, and comparative evaluation of the HISCL HBsAg assay were estimated. Results: Extrapolating from the plot of the average total allowable error versus the reference value, an accuracy goal of 20% would be achieved around a limit of quantification (LoQ) of 0.014867 IU/mL. The percentage of biases for each level of the WHO IS measured by the two assays were less than 15%, except for the WHO 3rd IS, for which the HISCL HBsAg assay achieved a percentage of bias of 33%. In the comparative evaluation, Passing–Bablok regression analysis did not reveal any significant deviation from linearity between the two assays (y = −48.6998 + 1.9206x; p = 0.79 by the CUSUM test for linearity). The mean difference of the quantitative HBsAg level between the two assays was 1762.5 IU/mL in the Bland–Altman plot. Conclusions: The HISCL HBsAg assay, with a highly sensitive LoQ of 0.03 IU/mL, showed similar analytical performance in HBsAg quantification to the Elecsys HBsAg II quant assay and may be helpful in obtaining better diagnoses and therapeutic strategies for treating HBV infections.

Braking angle control of loom spindle based on neuron-adaptive PID algorithm

The intelligent control strategy of electromagnetic clutch actuator is analyzed in detail in this paper. The start - stop control of the loom is realized by an electromagnetic clutch. The existing control method of electromagnetic clutch of loom is high and low pressure control strategy. The operator sets the braking advance angle according to experience, to realize the accurate braking of the spindle, but it is difficult to realize the fast and accurate control. In order to achieve good performance, it is very important to develop a fast and accurate loom braking system. Aiming at the fabric defects caused by the elongation of the warp when the loom is stopped, a method of stabilizing the excitation current of the electromagnetic clutch by using the neural adaptive PID (proportional integral differential) controller is proposed to improve the control precision of the actuator. The experimental results show that the proposed control algorithm is feasible and can effectively realize the adaptive control of the spindle braking Angle within the allowable error range.

Applying Best Practice to Converting Blood Collection Tube Suppliers: Overcoming Laboratory Supply Shortages

Introduction/Objective Changing blood tube suppliers is a complex process that requires systematic validation. It can serve to expand a laboratory’s options during a supply shortage, and can lead to cost savings. Just prior to the pandemic, our laboratory underwent a large-scale conversion of blood tube suppliers after successful validation of serum, plasma, and whole blood tubes for blood bank, chemistry, immunology, hematology, coagulation, molecular diagnostics, and flow cytometry. Methods/Case Report First, we designed a patient consent form for collecting extra blood samples. Per CLSI standards, validation of blood tubes is needed for each testing methodology but not for each analyte. Hence, we selected high-impact assays to represent each testing methodology used by our instrument platforms. We designed comparison studies to test the new blood tubes for result accuracy, precision and specimen stability that covered an assay’s reportable range. Allowable error limits were set based on Westgard and CAP guidelines. Spiked specimens were used when positive patient samples were not feasible. We also took the opportunity to optimize the blood tube sizes, e.g., converting the lavender-top tubes from 2 ml (vendor A) to 3 ml (vendor B). We then confirmed with our reference labs the acceptability of the new vendor’s products, and administered an electronic survey to solicit staff feedback. Finally, we coordinated supply chain, formulary changes and test catalog updates. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Data analyses showed 100% acceptable performance of the new supplier’s blood tubes. The survey showed that our phlebotomists supported the new products, citing their ease of use and good vacuum. Our hematology technologists provided favorable feedback on the larger lavender-top tubes that reduced the number of insufficient samples. On the economic front, this supplier conversion has yielded a 26% cost savings. Conclusion To our knowledge, our study is the most comprehensive of all blood collection device comparison analyses published. Our validation strategies that were designed to comply with best practice standards have led to our confidence in the interchangeability of the new and old blood tube products. This initiative serves to elucidate a protocol to add vendor options that can be replicated by other laboratories to mitigate blood tube supply shortages and backorders. It has helped us control supply costs without compromising quality.

AWARENESS OF EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF STROKE IN RURAL AND URBAN POPULATION

The objectives of our study are: 1. To find out the awareness of early warning signs of stroke in rural population. 2. To find out the awareness of early warning signs of stroke in urban population. 3. To find out the difference between the level of awareness in rural and urban population. It was a survey - based study in which the population fulfilling the criteria were given the stroke questionnaire with Prior consent. Based on the responses, the percentage of awareness among the population was calculated. The difference between the level of awareness in rural and urban population was calculated. The total Sample was 162 including rural (81) and urban (81). The sample size was derived using formula . Were, p=44.3%, q=100 - p, L= 12% (p= prevalence rate, q= 100 - p, L= allowable error). Based on stroke questionnaire it was seen that the rural population had more prevalence rate of stroke and were familiar with the term stroke or paralysis whereas urban population (12%) was unaware of the warning signs of the stroke. Awareness was quiet high in Rural Population (19%). The level of awareness was less in both the population but was less in urban population as compared to rural population.

Development of Double-Sided Multipoint Press CNC and Operational Technology for Producing Freeform Molds

Many studies concerning the precision manufacturing of freeform concrete panels have been conducted, however, this process remains labor intensive taking significant amounts of time and cost. In particular, the precision in the shape of the panels produced tends to be low because of the manual work involved in producing the curves of those panels. This study documents the development of mold production technologies that can be used to produce precise curved surfaces on the upper and lower parts of a mold for freeform concrete panels. A double-sided multipoint press CNC (computer numerical control) produces curved upper and lower surfaces of a mold without the need for manual work, while the operational technology we developed to control this tool enhances the precision of the curves created. The precision of these technologies was verified through experiments. The difference between the shapes designed and those produced were found using 3D scans and quality inspections. Unpredictable errors can occur due to the size of certain curvatures, the elasticity of the silicone plate, and the rotational angle of the joints of the rods supporting the surfaces. To minimize errors, shape compensation was carried out through reverse engineering, leading to a maximum error of 2.887 mm, which is within the allowable error. The results achieved in this study are a significant step toward technologies that will produce increasingly precise freeform concrete panels.

Level Detection Equipment for Measuring the Influence of Different Leveling Accuracies on Linear Error

This study developed a level detection equipment which is used in computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool to determine the impact of leveling accuracy on rectilinear motion accuracy. When the CNC precision machine tool has accuracy deterioration under external load or internal stress, mainly caused error is leveling error, this research and development equipment can immediate to analyze and measurement. The allowable error of leveling accuracy can be obtained after experimental validation. The kinematic error relatively increases with leveling error. When the leveling accuracy is within the allowable error, the kinematic error relatively decreases. The main kinematic error items measured in this study include EXX, EBY, EAX, and EYY. The level detection equipment is developed in this study, and the fuzzy regression analysis is used for modeling. The model that has high accuracy in the test of the X -axis is R 2 = 0.9764 and P = 0.0506 , and Y -axis is R 2 = 0.9756 and P = 0.0524 . In terms of filtering, Kalman filtering is used for signal processing, the measured values and X -axis and Y -axis after filtering are improved by 94.1% and 86.2%, respectively, the repeatability of this system is about A grade capability of precision (Cp), resolution is ±0.0001°, and the stability is at least B grade capability of accuracy (Ca). This equipment has the advantages of low cost, high precision, and 2-axis measurement. This machine tool which has the straightness increases with X and Y axes’ leveling accuracy errors, when the X / Y leveling accuracy is within ±0.01 mm/m, and there is the best straightness and conforms to the ISO230 standard (Lee et al., 2020).

The effect of drone transport on the stability of biochemical, coagulation and hematological parameters in healthy individuals

Objectives Transport of blood tubes is mainly by car or pneumatic transport. The transportation of blood tubes by drones is a novel approach for rapid transportation of blood tubes over long distances. However, limited data on the stability of biochemical, coagulation and hematological parameters is available after transport of blood tubes by drone. Methods To investigate the effect of drone transport on the stability of blood parameters, four test flights were performed. Blood was drawn from 20 healthy individuals and 39 of the most frequently measured blood parameters were compared between 4 groups; immediate measurement (control), late measurement, transport by car and transport by drone. Total Allowable Error (TAE) of the EFLM Biological Variation Database was used to determine the clinical relevance of significant differences. Results The majority of blood parameters were not affected by drone transport. Eight of the measured parameters showed significant differences between all the groups; glucose, phosphate, potassium, chloride, hemoglobin, platelet count, APTT and Lactate dehydrogenase (LD). A clinically relevant increase for LD after transport and a decrease for glucose values in time and after transport compared with the control group was shown. Conclusions Transportation of blood tubes from healthy individuals by drones has a limited clinically relevant effect. From the 39 investigated blood parameters only LD and glucose showed a clinically relevant effect.