From the Experience of Expert Assessment of Illegal Logging of Forest Stands

The article presents the results of an expert assessment of the thinning out of forest stands on the territory of the N district of the Kirov region based on field studies. Fieldwork consisted of recalculating and measuring the diameters of stumps left after felling trees, establishing their species composition and quality condition to determine the volume of harvested wood in the context of species. The stumps found were identified as pine (70 %), spruce, birch, and aspen.The authors reveal that the release forest cutting was carried out within the boundaries of the designated cutting area with an excess of the established volume of wood harvesting for the prime breed (pine). The volume of felled pinewood exceeded 2.5 times; for other species, these data is more than 70 % lower than declared. At the same time, the total actual volume of the withdrawn wood does not exceed the data of the forest declaration. Based on the revealed violation of the forest legislation and the relevant regulatory documents, the authors have calculated the amount of damage caused to the forest plantation due to illegal logging of pine wood in the volume of 297 m3. The damage amounted to more than 4 million rubles.

Evaluation of chemotherapy preparation processes: Volumetric method reliability and gravimetric method utility within 5 US hospitals

Disclaimer In an effort to expedite the publication of articles , AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Purpose The primary aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of the volumetric method for intravenous (IV) preparations and explore the utility of gravimetric methods in the medication preparation process within multiple institutions. Secondary outcomes of this study were syringe size percent variations and impact on drug expenditures. Methods A prospective, noninterventional, multisite study was conducted between March 2015 and December 2016 to generate baseline estimates of accuracy and precision in the volumetric medication preparation process. Five hospitals in the United States were recruited for study participation. During the data collection process, technicians were required to measure the syringe at 3 different points: when the new empty syringe was connected to a closed-system transfer device (CSTD), when the filled syringe containing the prepared dose of medication was connected to a CSTD, and when the used syringe with residual medication was connected to a CSTD. The actual dose of drug dispensed (in mg) was divided by the specific gravity of the medication to determine the actual volume of medication dispensed. Results A total of 4,443 compounded sterile products representing 60 medications across 5 hospitals were eligible for the study. Of the evaluated preparations, 91.92% were within 5% of the prescribed dose and 96.56% were within 10% of the prescribed dose. The outliers ranged from –144.10% to 233.72%. Conclusion The potential for significant over- and undertreatment of an individual patient receiving IV chemotherapy exists, indicating the need for an additional measurement method, such as real-time gravimetric verification, to ensure an accurate dose is administered to every patient.

Irregular Symmetrical Object Designed By Using Lambda Miu B-Spline Degree Four

In Computer Aided Geometry Design (CAGD), B-splines curves are piecewise polynomial parametric curves that play an important role. CAGD involves the interpolation and approximation curves and surfaces. CAGD has been widely used which brings good impact of computers to industries in manufacturing. There are many improved methods in the B-spline curve such as extended cubic B-spline, trigonometric B-spline, quasi trigonometric B-spline, and λμ-B-spline. Each of the methods has its behaviour and advantage. In this paper, λμ-B-spline was used to be implemented in generating irregular symmetrical objects. λμ-B-spline has a shape parameter that can change the global shape by manipulating the value of the shape parameter. The bottle has been chosen as an irregular symmetrical object. The 2-dimensional symmetrical curves of Bottle design were formed by using λμ-B-spline degree 4. The curves designed are dependent on the shape parameter which can be adjusted. Then, the curves generated were revolved using the Sweep Surface method to form 3-dimensional objects. Every object has its volume and this research focused on the numerical method which was Simpson’s 3/8 to compute the volume. The volumes obtained were compared to the actual volume to determine the best shape parameter used. The results show that the λμ-B-spline curve with a shape parameter of 1 is the best shape parameter in designing symmetrical irregular objects with the desired volume.

Practical Quantification of Sand Distribution from Perforation Erosion Measurements, An Example from Marcellus Shale

Unconventional wells require hydraulic fracturing to be economic. Several levers for improving well productivity are available including stage spacing, cluster spacing, and sand loading however much of the recent focus has been on perforation design as well as a more uniform distribution of sand and water. This paper proposes to evaluate how optimizing the perforation strategy might enhance stimulation distribution along the lateral, in the Marcellus shale. Three different perforation designs were tested for better understanding of perforation efficiency, when considering design options such as perforation diameter, tapered perforating, and Extreme Limited Entry (XLE). A combination of step down tests, downhole perforation imaging and modeling are used to compare the different designs and support the conclusions. Downhole ultrasonic perforation imaging, even if it only captures an end-of-job snapshot, provides valuable insight to the dynamics of limited entry perforating and sand distribution. The pre-fracture diameter is identified as a key uncertainty, while post-fracture measurements show variations from the specifications of the shape charge and, in some instances smaller perforation diameters when compared to the expected value. The current dataset allows for a better understanding on the concept of erosion and how to correlate erosion with actionable design parameters such as perforation diameter or rate per perf. Downhole ultrasonic measurement of the perforation exit diameter, along with the corresponding erosion assumptions, are combined with modeling to recreate the rate and pressure evolution along the fracture stage., In addition, one can infer the actual volume of sand placed in each cluster in order to provide a quantitative assessment for future performance evaluation.

An Automated Hydrodynamically Mediated Technique for Preparation of Calibration Solutions via Capillary Electrophoresis System as a Promising Alternative to Manual Pipetting

In this paper, a novel procedure for preparing calibration solutions for capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based quantitative analysis is proposed. Our approach, named the automated hydrodynamically mediated technique (AHMT), uses a capillary and a pressure system to deliver the expected amount of working solution and diluent directly to a sample vial. As a result, calibration solutions are prepared automatically inside the CE instrument, without any or with minimal manual operation. Two different modes were tested: forward and reverse, differing in the direction of hydrodynamic flow. The calibration curves obtained for a model mixture of analytes using AHMT were thorough compared to the standard procedure based on manual pipetting. The results were consistent, though the volume of obtained calibration solutions and the potential risk of random errors were significantly minimized by AHMT. Its effectiveness was further enhanced by the application of SCIEX® nanoVials, reducing the actual volume of calibration solutions down to 10 μL.

ASSORTMENT DOWNGRADE CORRECTION FOR CLEAR CUT OF Pinus taeda L. WITH USE OF TRANSITION MATRIX

It is very important that the quantification of a forest's stock is determined efficiently and accurately, in such a way that more detailed information is desirable for the knowledge of the different multiproducts originated. However, the use of taper functions, a precise adjustment method for determining the assortments, does not foresee the appearance of defects in the stem that could disqualify the logs during the forest harvest. This study aimed to use the transition matrix method, a model traditionally used for predict the diametric structure of uneven-aged forests, to correct assortment estimates made by tapering functions, such as failures in tree processing, that provide a disqualification of the logs in the market values. Adapting the concept of the Markov Chain, for the correction of the assortment downgrade, the transition of the assortment classes can be obtained by dividing the actual volume obtained after the operation of the harvesting machine by the volume estimated by the tapering function. In this case, applying this alternative to the clear cut of a 16-year-old Pinus taeda plantation, it was possible to verify the existence of changes, mainly in assortment classes with a thin end diameter of 24 and 18 cm and presenting efficient correction in the estimates. In order to make realistic corrections to the assortment transition, probability matrices must be built for each compartment or forest site to be estimated. Divergences between processing machines or forestry operator’s qualifications can be decisive for the calibration of the model.

Novel Three-Dimensional Bladder Reconstruction Model from B-Mode Ultrasound Image to Improve the Accuracy of Bladder Volume Measurement

Traditional bladder volume measurement from B-mode (two-dimensional) ultrasound has been found to produce inaccurate results, and thus in this work we aim to improve the accuracy of measurement from B-mode ultrasound. A total of 75 electronic medical records including ultrasonic images were reviewed retrospectively from 64 patients. We put forward a novel bladder volume measurement method, in which a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction model was established from conventional two-dimensional (2D) ultrasonic images to estimate the bladder volume. The differences and relationships were analyzed among the actual volume, the traditional estimated volume, and the new reconstruction model estimated volume. We also compared the data in different volume groups from small volume to high volume. The mean actual volume is 531.8 mL and the standard deviation is 268.7 mL; the mean percentage error of traditional estimation is −28%. In our new bladder measurement method, the mean percentage error is −10.18% (N = 2), −4.72% (N = 3), −0.33% (N = 4), and 2.58% (N = 5). There is no significant difference between the actual volume and our new bladder measurement method (N = 4) in all data or the divided four groups. The estimated volumes from the traditional method or our new method are highly correlated with the actual volume. Our data show that the three-dimensional bladder reconstruction model provides an accurate measurement from conventional B-mode ultrasonic images compared with the traditional method. The accuracy is seen across different groups of volume, and thus we can conclude that this is a reliable and economical volume measurement model that can be applied in general software or in apps on mobile devices.

Tourism Growth Prediction Based on Deep Learning Approach

The conventional tourism demand prediction models are currently facing several challenges due to the excess number of search intensity indices that are used as indicators of tourism demand. In this work, the framework for deep learning-based monthly prediction of the volumes of Macau tourist arrivals was presented. The main objective in this study is to predict the tourism growth via one of the deep learning algorithms of extracting new features. The outcome of this study showed that the performance of the adopted deep learning framework was better than that of artificial neural network and support vector regression models. Practitioners can rely on the identified relevant features from the developed framework to understand the nature of the relationships between the predictive factors of tourist demand and the actual volume of tourist arrival.

Комбінована технологія обробки стоків шкіряного виробництва

Purpose. Substantiation and creation of the combined technology of wastewater of tanneries, which differ in the multicomponent pollutants. The introduction of the developed technology will improve the environmental safety of such industrial facilities by complying with the requirements of technical regulation of facilities for the removal of contaminants. Methodology. Combined tanneries wastewater treatment technology involves a combination of physico-chemical and chemical methods of treatment, electrical technology, electrochemical and biochemical processes. Optimization of the parameters of the developed technology was carried out with the use of gradient methods of analysis of multicomponent systems. Results. Developed a combined tanneries wastewater treatment technology, which includes two technological stages: electrochemical oxidation and coagulation and flocculation, intensified by electrolysis processes and cavitation. The conducted study confirmed efficiency of the offered tanneries wastewater treatment technology. The following reductions in the content of pollutants in effluents were achieved, %: sulfides – 77,38, hydrogen sulfide – 99,15, chromium – 99,84, COD – 91,19, chlorides – 10,98, phosphates – 62,22. Scientific novelty. For the first time by physical modeling of combined wastewater treatment from a leather plant based on the use as key electrolysis processes for the destruction of organic pollutants and reagent-free pH correction, a basis for the study of industrial wastewater treatment systems was created. This made it possible to combine in one technological solution different methods of removing pollutants from wastewater. Practical significance. Created technological schemes and developed modes of combined tanneries wastewater treatment technology, a combined water treatment module has been proposed. Calculated electricity consumption with the possibility of scaling according to the actual volume of drainage at industrial facilities.

Modeling the Filling Rate of Faeces in Ordinary Pit Latrines

Faecal sludge deposited into the pit latrine is subject to biodegradation. The aim of this research was to develop model for the filling rate of faeces in ordinary pit latrine together with the effect of shape factor on such fillings to prepare the minds of users on the filling characteristics of the pit based on contents, usage and environmental factors. Consequently, faecal sludges sampled from 100 pits already filled were subjected to laboratory analyses for their physico-chemical and biological characteristics. Models for the actual filling rate of faeces in ordinary pit latrines were derived using BOD, COD, VS, and TS data, calibrated and verified. For a more critical situation, models were also derived for the filling rates considering pit shapes that gave the actual pit filling in comparison with the general condition. From the results, the actual filling rate was lower than those obtained using BOD, VS and TS. However, the COD gave filling rate closer to the actual filling rate than other parameters since TS could not be used to assess the filling rate of faeces in pit latrines. The pits exhibited low filling rate in terms of BOD in 2 pits. In terms of COD, the filling rate was higher compared with that of BOD. Low filling rate was observed with volatile solids and only 3 pits exhibited moderately high filling rates whereas total solids had the highest number of pits with high filling rates. The filling rates for both the square and rectangular pits increased by 26.5% from 40 – 90 ℓ/capita/year to 50 – 112 ℓ/capita/year due to the shape factor and this was above the values obtained in existing models while that of the circular pit remained the same. Reduction in pit volume and increase in filling rate by faeces was due to dead corners as a result of clogging, thereby reducing the area available for faecal infiltration into the surrounding soil. Circular pits are more stable because of the natural arching effect of the ground around the hole and there are no corners to concentrate the stresses. Pits with flat sides are much more likely to develop clogging resulting to dead corners than the circular pit. From this study, it is therefore evident that the shape of pit latrine determines the actual volume and the filling rate of faeces in pit latrine taking into consideration geological and environmental factors. Thus for optimal design, our engineers should take note of the pit shape factor. Thus, the model can be used to determine the filling rate of ordinary pit latrines considering soil characteristics, ground conditions and other favourable conditions.