scholarly journals Approach to Improve Edible Bird Nest Quality & Establishing Better Bird Nest Cleaning Process Facility through Best Value Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-50
Author(s):  
Tan Kok Hong ◽  
Choy Chia Fah ◽  
Alan Kiat Ong Han
Keyword(s):  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Current Method ◽  
Experimental Methodology ◽  
Improved Method ◽  
Bird Nest ◽  
Human Labor ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Nest Cleaning ◽  
Cleaning Methods ◽  
Nest Quality

Edible bird nest industries have existed for more than a century; however, it has been going through a few revolution cycles. As harvesting EBN from the natural habitat in the dark and dim limestone caves to the modern purpose-built swiftlet farms, the quality and quantity of the bird nests have risen to a new level. This success of changing the habitat of swiftlet colonies is revolutionary because the ease of rescuing bird nests from life-threatening experiences to a safe environment has improved. Furthermore, with a synthetic environment, the quality of bird nests has improved with decreased levels of pollution and the colony`s population increased due to better growth along with protection from predators. On the downside, edible bird nest cleaning processes experienced very few changes since the discovery of edible bird nests. The method of cleaning remains unchanged. Several machines have been introduced to replace human labor and the results are either ineffective or undesirable. In this study, existing practices were observed and analyzed by identifying the area of opportunity for improvement. A new proposed method has been implemented to enhance the quality and nutrients of the bird nests. The experimental methodology has been employed to analyzes a set of samples obtained from both cleaning methods. The results show a smaller expansion rate under the current method in processing edible bird nest; hence, the possibility of nutrients preserved has increased by 30% under the new method. The percentage of crude protein concentration in the newly improved method was 50.25% whereas in the traditional method, it was only 31.16%. This clearly indicates the difference of 19.09% nutrient lost between the new improved method and traditional cleaning method.

Movement of nutrients in fungi. I. The Mycelium

1968 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 71 ◽  
Author(s):  
LB Thrower ◽  
SL Thrower
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Medium ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Taxonomic Position ◽  
Deficient Medium ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Hyphal Apex

Thirty-one species of fungi (representing 13 orders) were examined for their ability to grow from a nutrient medium onto a non-nutrient medium; 17 were capable of colonizing the deficient medium, 10 were not, and 4 were indeterminate. The ability to grow onto deficient medium appeared to be related to the natural habitat of the fungus rather than to taxonomic position. Experiments with isotopically labelled nutrients showed that both colonizing fungi and non-colonizing fungi were capable of some transport of nutrients, the difference between the two groups being one of degree. In transporting fungi, labelled nutrients were moved more rapidly when the fungus colonized a deficient medium than when it colonized a nutrient medium; this suggested that movement of nutrients is adaptive to some extent. The importance of the growing hyphal apex as a sink for nutrients was demonstrated.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the performance of three advisory methods for nitrogen fertilization of sugar beet and potatoes.

1989 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.J. Neeteson
Keyword(s):  
Crop Yields ◽  
Current Method ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
The Other ◽  
Fertilizer N ◽  
Potato Tubers ◽  
Current Recommendation ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Fertilizer Recommendation ◽  
The Difference

The performances of 3 different N fertilizer recommendation methods were retrospectively tested with data obtained from 150 trials with sugarbeet and 98 trials with potatoes in the Netherlands in 1973-82. The recommendations consisted of applying a fixed N rate in all situations (126 kg N/ha for sugarbeet and 286 kg N/ha for potatoes), the current Dutch method, which takes only the amount of mineral N present in the soil in early spring into account, and a refinement of the current method, which also takes soil type and recent applications of organic manures into account. On av., significantly lower amounts of fertilizer N were recommended with the current method. The difference from the other methods was on av. 25 kg N/ha for sugarbeet and 30 kg N/ha for potatoes. With the refined current method the highest crop yields were obtained but the difference from the other methods was not significant and averaged only 0.3-0.4 t/ha for sugarbeet and 0.1-0.2 t/ha for potatoes. The recovery of fertilizer N by the potato tubers was 2% higher with the current method than with the other methods. Based on these findings it is concluded that the current recommendation method is preferable to the other methods. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)

scholarly journals LIMITER – CONSTRUCTIVE COMPONENT, NECESSARY FOR DETERMINING A SUBJECT SHORT-POINTED WEAPONS

2020 ◽  
pp. 350-360
Author(s):  
V. Bolshakov ◽  
Yu. Maznichenko ◽  
Yu. Holub ◽  
M. Molyboha ◽  
I. Samoilenko
Keyword(s):  
Current Method ◽  
Special Forces ◽  
Technical Standards ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Physical Strength ◽  
Technical Requirements ◽  
Current State ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Definition Of

The systematic analysis of the world experience of civilian use of knives not as cold weapons showed that at present the knife did not become the main attribute of equipping tourists, fish men and even hunters. In particular, today there are very few types of hunting, during which the knife is used to finish off the beast or to protect against it. At the same time, as the practice of hunting management proves, during hunting there are many uses for the knife, even without considering it as a means for cooking. This, in particular, sharpening various stakes (for a tent, a hut, a campfire), skinning a game, preparing chips for a fire, scraping ice from skis or marsh mud from shoes. To do this, in accordance with current state technical standards, any folding knife must have a lock, and the blades of all knives must be of sufficient thickness so as not to break from the load. Handles of hunting knives should be comfortable to hold so that your hand will not get tired during long-term work. For all knives, according to the technical requirements, the length and thickness of the blade must be consistent, as well as the angle of inclination of the tip relative to the axis of the blade. With regard to the above, an interesting example is the collection of knives by the Swedish company Eriksson, consisting of four models, made in the configuration of the Swedish finca. The knives have a handle and a blade of a classic Finnish knife, but with a one-sided stopper. Their blades, depending on the color of the handle, are made of different types of steel. Knives with blue plastic handles have stainless steel blades, and knives with red handles are made of carbon steel. It is believed that in Sweden almost every construction worker walks with such a knife in his pocket. It should be noted that according to the current method of forensic investigation of cold weapons and structurally similar products in it, these knives can be attributed to cold weapons by the size of the blade. It is also interesting an urban-type knife, which is not a cold weapon of the Worden Tactical Medium Company. Renowned wizard Kelly Warden, an instructor for American Rangers, designs this knife. Since 2001, Kelly Warden has been the main consultant on impact and blade weapons of Detachment 1 of the US Special Forces. He trains Special Forces hand-to-hand combat with the use of a knife, machete, baton, sticks, as well as the method of forceful detention. The blade length of the knife described is 74 mm, thickness – 3.8 mm; the handle has a sub-finger protrusion to prevent the arm from slipping on the blade. The knife does not have a standard stopper, which, in addition to protecting it from slipping the hand on the blade, must prevent the hand from sinking into the victim’s body. By all measures, this knife is not a cold weapon in accordance with the requirements of the criminal law of Ukraine. Kelly Warden believes that the knife as a means of self-defense levels the difference in weight, height and physical strength, but its main drawback is its damaging ability. The proposed article is devoted to this circumstance, the definition of the role of the restrictor in classifying a knife as a cold weapon.

scholarly journals Brain Size of the African Grasscutter (Thryonomys Swinderianus, Temminck, 1827) at Defined Postnatal Periods

2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 5-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. S. Ibe ◽  
S. O. Salami ◽  
N. Wanmi
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Brain Size ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Brain Weight ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Thryonomys Swinderianus ◽  
Physiological Studies ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Brain

Abstract As a sequel to the current advancement in ethology, this study was designed to provide information on the brain size of the African grasscutter at specific postnatal periods and to extrapolate these findings to the behaviour of the rodent in its natural habitat. Brain samples were extracted from African grasscutter neonates on postnatal day 6, juveniles on postnatal day 72 and adults on postnatal day 450 by basic neuro-anatomical techniques. The weight, volume and dimensions of the brain samples were determined in absolute and relative terms. Their encephalisation quotient was also computed. There was a very strong positive correlation between nose-rump length and brain length in the neonates. The relative brain weight of neonates, juveniles and adults were 3.84 ± 0.12 %, 2.49 ± 0.07 % and 0.44 ± 0.03 %, respectively. The differences were significant (P < 0.05). The encephalisation quotient of juveniles was 1.62 ± 0.03 while that of the adult was 0.49 ± 0.02. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). The results were extrapolated to the animal’s cognitive ability, and compared with other rodents. It was concluded that the juvenile African grasscutter may have higher cognitive ability than the adult rodent, thus, juveniles should be preferred in physiological studies of memory and cognition.

scholarly journals New Data Center Performance Index: Perfect Design Data Center—PDD

Climate ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 110
Author(s):  
Alexandre F. Santos ◽  
Pedro D. Gaspar ◽  
Heraldo J. L. de Souza
Keyword(s):  
Data Center ◽  
Air Conditioning ◽  
Data Centers ◽  
Current Method ◽  
Energy Usage ◽  
Design Data ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Power Usage Effectiveness ◽  
Approximate Result ◽  
Classification Table

Data Centers (DC) are specific buildings that require large infrastructures to store all the information needed by companies. All data transmitted over the network is stored on CDs. By the end of 2020, Data Centers will grow 53% worldwide. There are methodologies that measure the efficiency of energy consumption. The most used metric is the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) index, but it does not fully reflect efficiency. Three DC’s located at the cities of Curitiba, Londrina and Iguaçu Falls (Brazil) with close PUE values, are evaluated in this article using the Energy Usage Effectiveness Design (EUED) index as an alternative to the current method. EUED uses energy as a comparative element in the design phase. Infrastructure consumption is the sum of energy with Heating, Ventilating and Air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, equipment, lighting and others. The EUED values obtained were 1.245 (kWh/yr)/(kWh/yr), 1.313 (kWh/yr)/(kWh/yr) and 1.316 (kWh/yr)/(kWh/yr) to Curitiba, Londrina and Iguaçu Falls, respectively. The difference between the EUED and the PUE Constant External Air Temperature (COA) is 16.87% for Curitiba, 13.33% for Londrina and 13.30% for Iguaçu Falls. The new Perfect Design Data center (PDD) index prioritizes efficiency in increasing order is an easy index to interpret. It is a redefinition of EUED, given by a linear equation, which provides an approximate result and uses a classification table. It is a decision support index for the location of a Data Center in the project phase.

An Examination of Recidivism Among Inmates Released From a Private Reentry Center and Public Institutions in Colorado

2017 ◽  
Vol 97 (5) ◽  
pp. 609-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ráchael A. Powers ◽  
Catherine Kaukinen ◽  
Michelle Jeanis
Keyword(s):  
Comparison Group ◽  
Public Institutions ◽  
Experimental Methodology ◽  
Private Facility ◽  
Public Facilities ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Relevant Covariates

In this study, we examine comparative rates of recidivism for Colorado inmates released from a private reentry center and public facilities. Using a sample of 6,102 inmates released from 2008 to 2012, we measure overall recidivism and recidivism for a new crime. Applying a quasi-experimental methodology, we find that overall rates of recidivism are comparable. Prior to matching, 46.8% of the treatment and 61.3% of the comparison group recidivated, and the difference is statistically significant. However, after matching on relevant covariates, the difference was reduced to nonsignificance. In contrast, those released from the private facility are more likely to return to prison for a new offense. Approximately 14% of those in the private facility committed a new crime compared with 9% prematching and 8% postmatching. Despite these modest differences in the rate of recidivism, the overall time to return to prison is comparable between the groups.

scholarly journals Assessment of Cleaning Methods on Bacterial Burden of Hospital Privacy Curtains: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kianna Cadogan ◽  
Sabrin Bashar ◽  
Saul Magnusson ◽  
Rakesh Patidar ◽  
John Embil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Bacterial Burden ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
Cleaning Methods

Abstract Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are an important global issue, leading to poor patient outcomes. A potential route of transmission of HAIs is through contact with hospital privacy curtains. The aim of this study is to evaluate cleaning on reduction of curtain bacterial burden. In this pilot cluster randomized controlled trial we compared the bacterial burden between three groups of 24 curtains on a regional burn/plastic surgery ward. A control group was not cleaned. Two groups were cleaned at three to four day intervals with either disinfectant spray or wipe. The primary outcome was the difference in mean CFU/cm 2 between day 0 to day 21. The secondary outcome was the proportion of curtains contaminated with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). By day 21, the control group was statistically higher (2.2 CFU/cm2) than spray (1.3 CFU/cm2) or wipe (1.5 CFU/cm2) (p < 0.05). After cleaning at three to four day intervals, the bacterial burden on the curtains reduced to near day 0 levels; however, this increased over the intervening three to four days. By day 21, 64% of control curtains were contaminated with MRSA compared to 10% (spray) and 5% (wipe) (p < 0.05). This study show that curtains start clean and progressively become contaminated with bacteria. Regularly cleaning curtains with disinfectant spray or wipes reduces bacterial burden and MRSA contamination.

scholarly journals Anime4You: An Intelligent Analytical Framework for Anime Recommendation and Personalization using AI and Big Data Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaiho Cheung ◽  
Ishmael Rico ◽  
Tao Li ◽  
Yu Sun
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Support Vector Machine Model ◽  
Learning Algorithm ◽  
Current Method ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Big Data Analysis ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithm ◽  
Machine Model ◽  
The Difference

In recent years the popularity of anime has steadily grown. Similar to other forms of media consumers often face a pressing issue: “What do I watch next?”. In this study, we thoroughly examined the current method of solving this issue and determined that the learning curve to effectively utilize the current solution is too high. We developed a program to ensure easier answers to the issue. The program uses a Python-based machine learning algorithm from ScikitLearn and data from My Animelist to create an accurate model that delivers what consumers want, good recommendations [9]. We also carried out different experiments with several iterations to study the difference in accuracy when applying different factors. Through these tests, we have successfully created a reliable Support vector machine model with 57% accuracy in recommending users what to watch.

Document-based approach to improve the accuracy of pairwise comparison in evaluating information retrieval systems

2015 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 408-421
Author(s):  
Sri Devi Ravana ◽  
MASUMEH SADAT TAHERI ◽  
Prabha Rajagopal
Keyword(s):  
Information Retrieval ◽  
Pairwise Comparison ◽  
Current Method ◽  
Statistical Testing ◽  
Test Collection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Retrieval Systems ◽  
Information Retrieval Systems ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a method to have more accurate results in comparing performance of the paired information retrieval (IR) systems with reference to the current method, which is based on the mean effectiveness scores of the systems across a set of identified topics/queries. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the proposed approach, instead of the classic method of using a set of topic scores, the documents level scores are considered as the evaluation unit. These document scores are the defined document’s weight, which play the role of the mean average precision (MAP) score of the systems as a significance test’s statics. The experiments were conducted using the TREC 9 Web track collection. Findings – The p-values generated through the two types of significance tests, namely the Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney show that by using the document level scores as an evaluation unit, the difference between IR systems is more significant compared with utilizing topic scores. Originality/value – Utilizing a suitable test collection is a primary prerequisite for IR systems comparative evaluation. However, in addition to reusable test collections, having an accurate statistical testing is a necessity for these evaluations. The findings of this study will assist IR researchers to evaluate their retrieval systems and algorithms more accurately.

Improved Triangle Heating for Automated Thermal Forming System

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jungseo Park ◽  
Jae-Hoon Kim ◽  
Daekyung Kim ◽  
Jonggye Shin ◽  
Kwanghee Ko
Keyword(s):  
Current Method ◽  
Limited Range ◽  
Fabrication Process ◽  
Improved Method ◽  
Convex Shape ◽  
Ship Construction ◽  
Initial Curvature ◽  
Thermal Forming ◽  
Extended Range ◽  
A Current

In this paper, problems associated with a current method for triangle heating, which is used by an automated thermal forming system, are addressed, and an improved method for handling the problems is proposed. The existing algorithm may yield heating information, which is applicable only for a limited range of plates in terms of thickness and may cause undesirable deformation such as ‘over-bending’ and buckling on the boundary. Therefore, a lot of man-hours are required for the correction of the deformation, which would significantly delay the fabrication process. To solve these problems, new formulae covering an extended range of plates are proposed, and the effect of the initial curvature of a plate is considered in the computation of heating information to prevent unexpected deformation. It is shown that the proposed method can induce a desirable amount of deformation on a plate and improve the accuracy of the automated thermal forming system for forming a convex shape. Various examples used in the ship construction are taken to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method.

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