Application of Sigma Metric Analysis to Evaluate the Performance of the Biochemistry Analytical System in a Medical Biology Laboratory in Côte d’Ivoire

Introduction: The Six Sigma methodology is an opportunity for a better understanding of the performance of analytical methods and for a better adaptation of the quality control management policy of the medical biology laboratory. Using the sigma metric, this study assessed the performance of the Biochemistry analytical system of a medical biology laboratory in Côte d'Ivoire. Methods: Six Sigma methodology was applied to 3 analytes (alanine aminotransferase, glucose and creatinine). Performance indicators such as measurement imprecision and bias were determined based on the results of internal and external quality controls. The sigma number was calculated using the total allowable error values proposed by Ricos et al. Results: For both control levels, ALT had a sigma number greater than 6 (7.6 for normal control and 7.9 for pathological control). However, low sigma numbers, less than or equal to 2 for creatinine (1.4 for normal control and 2 for pathological control) and less than 1 for glucose were found. Conclusion: This study revealed good analytical performance of ALT from the point of view of 6 sigma analysis. However, modifications to the overall quality control procedure for glucose and creatinine are needed to improve their analytical performance. The study should be extended to the entire laboratory’s analytes in order to modify the strategies of quality control procedures based on metric analysis for an overall improvement in analytical performance.

Allowance Extraction Considering of Inner and Outer Contour and Experimental Research on Belt Grinding of Hollow Blade

Aero-engine fan blades of ten use a cavity structure to improve the thrust-to-weight ratio of the aircraft.However,the use of the cavity structure brings a series of difficulties to the manufacturing and processing of the blades.Due to the limitation of blade manufacturing technology,it is difficult for the internal cavity structure to achieve the designed contour shape,so the blade has uneven wall thickness and poor consistency,which affects the fatigue performance and airflow dynamic performance of the blade.In order to reduce the influence of uneven wall thickness,this paper proposes a grinding allowance extraction method considering the double dimension constraints(DDC)of the inner and outer contours of the hollow blade.Constrain the two dimensions of the inner and outer contours of the hollow blade.On the premise of satisfying the outer contour constraints,the machining model of the blade is modified according to the distribution of the inwall contour to obtain a more reasonable distribution of the grinding allowance.On the premise of satisfying the contour constraints,according to the distribution of the inwall contour,the machining model of the blade is modified to obtain a more reasonable distribution of the grinding allowance.Through the grinding experiment of the hollow blade,the surface roughness is below Ra0.4μm,and the contour accuracy is between-0.05~0.14 mm,which meets the processing requirements.Compared with the allowance extraction method that only considers the contour,the problem of poor wall thickness consistency can be effectively improved.It can be used to extract the allowance of aero-engine blades with hollow features,which lays a foundation for the study of hollow blade grinding methods with high service performance.

Optimal reduction and equilibrium carbon allowance price for the thermal power industry under China’s peak carbon emissions target

As the largest source of carbon emissions in China,the thermal power industry is the only emission-controlled industry in the first national carbon market compliance cycle.Its conversion to clean-energy generation technologies is also an important means of reducing CO_(2)emissions and achieving the carbon peak and carbon neutral commitments.This study used fractional Brownian motion to describe the energy-switching cost and constructed a stochastic optimization model on carbon allowance(CA)trading volume and emission-reduction strategy during compliance period with the Hurst exponent and volatility coefficient in the model estimated.We defined the optimal compliance cost of thermal power enterprises as the form of the unique solution of the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation by combining the dynamic optimization principle and the fractional It?’s formula.In this manner,we obtained the models for optimal emission reduction and equilibrium CA price.Our numerical analysis revealed that,within a compliance period of 2021–2030,the optimal reductions and desired equilibrium prices of CAs changed concurrently,with an increasing trend annually in different peak-year scenarios.Furthermore,sensitivity analysis revealed that the energy price indirectly affected the equilibrium CA price by influencing the Hurst exponent,the depreciation rate positively impacted the CA price,and increasing the initial CA reduced the optimal reduction and the CA price.Our findings can be used to develop optimal emission-reduction strategies for thermal power enterprises and carbon pricing in the carbon market.

Heteronuclear Magnetisms with Ultracold Spinor Bosonic Gases in Optical Lattices

Motivated by recent realizations of spin-1 NaRb mixtures in the experiments[Phys.Rev.Lett.114,255301(2015);Phys.Rev.Lett.128,223201(2022)],we investigate heteronuclear magnetism in the Mott-insulating regime.Different from the identical mixtures where the boson statistics only admits even parity states from angular momentum composition,for heteronuclear atoms in principle all angular momentum states are allowed,which can give rise to new magnetic phases.While various magnetic phases can be developed over these degenerate spaces,the concrete symmetry breaking phases depend on not only the degree of degeneracy but also the competitions from many-body interactions.We unveil these rich phases using the bosonic dynamical mean-field theory approach.These phases are characterized by various orders,including spontaneous magnetization order,spin magnitude order,singlet pairing order,and nematic order,which may coexist specially in the regime with odd parity.Finally we address the possible parameter regimes for observing these spin-ordered Mott phases.

Stability of singular networked control systems with control constraint

Based on bounded network-induced time-delay, the networked control system is modeled as a linear time-variant singular system. Using the Lyapunov theory and the linear matrix inequality approach, the criteria for delay-independent stability and delay-dependent stability of singular networked control systems are derived and transformed to a feasibility problem of linear matrix inequality formulation, which can be solved by the Matlab LMI toolbox, and the feasible solutions provide the maximum allowable delay bound that makes the system stable. A numerical example is provided, which shows that the analysis method is valid and the stability criteria are feasible.

Effects of different feeding methods and space allowance on the growth performance, individual and social behaviors of Holstein calves

The importance of nutrient provisions and weaning methods for calves has been well established over the past few years,while as increasing interest has focused on contribution of animal behavior and their overall performance in production regimes.The present study investigated the effects of feeding methods and space allowance on growth performance,individual and social behaviors in Holstein calves.Twenty-four Chinese Holstein male and female calves were allocated to either an individual or group of 6 and fed either with a bucket or a teat.Milk replacer,calf starter,and Chinese wildrye were offered during the experiment.A fecal index used in the present study was defined as the total fecal scores/total number of calves in each treatment.The results showed that there was no significant difference among the 4 treatments in terms of feed intake,body weight,average daily gain,and fecal index.For the feeding behaviors,the ingesting milk time and ingesting milk rate were significantly affected by space allowance,while the feeding methods showed a significant influence on the bunting behavior of the calves.There was no significant difference among the 4 treatments in terms of licking fixtures,self-grooming,and lying down behaviors,irrespective of the feeding method or space allowance.However,sucking an empty bucket or the teat was significantly affected by the feeding method.Several selected group behaviors were examined in the present study,and similar values for sniffing the other calves,social grooming,and cross-sucking behaviors were observed.Overall,the present study demonstrated that different feeding methods and space allowances had a significant effect on the feeding behavior of calves,while the feed intake,growth performance,health condition,individual and group social behaviors were not significantly influenced.Furthermore,under intensified production systems,Holstein calves raised in a group may obtain a similar production performance,thus reducing management input and profitability compared with those kept individually.However,there may be competition during the feeding period.

Delay-dependent stability and stabilization criteria of networked control systems with multiple time-delays

This paper deals with the problem of delay-dependent stability and stabilization for networked control systems（NCSs）with multiple time-delays. In view of multi-input and multi-output（MIMO） NCSs with many independent sensors and actuators, a continuous time model with distributed time-delays is proposed. Utilizing the Lyapunov stability theory combined with linear matrix inequalities（LMIs） techniques, some new delay-dependent stability criteria for NCSs in terms of generalized Lyapunov matrix equation and LMIs are derived. Stabilizing controller via state feedback is formulated by solving a set of LMIs. Compared with the reported methods, the proposed methods give a less conservative delay bound and more general results. Numerical example and simulation show that the methods are less conservative and more effective.

A non-uniform allowance allocation method based on interim state stiffness of machining features for NC programming of structural parts

For thin-walled parts,uniform allowance to each machining surface is allocated by the traditional machining method.Considering the sequence of the adjacent machining features,it may cause poor stiffness for some side walls due to a minor wall thickness,which may cause the deformation of the final formed parts to be large,or deduce machining efficiency for some machining features due to too thick remains.In order to address this issue,a non-uniform allowance allocation method based on interim state stiffness of machining features for the finishing of thin-walled structural parts is proposed in this paper.In this method,the interim state model of machining features is constructed according to the machining sequence of the parts,and the stiffness of the side wall is taken as the evaluation index to allocate reasonable allowance value to the corresponding machining surface to ensure the stiffness requirement of the parts in the machining process.According to the finite element simulation results,the non-uniform allowance allocation method proposed in this paper can effectively improve the stiffness of the parts and reduce the deformation of the parts,when compared with the traditional uniform allowance machining method.

Delay-dependent robust stability of uncertain networked control systems with multiple state time-delays

In this paper, delay-dependent robust stability for a class of uncertain networked control systems （NCSs） with multiple state time-delays is investigated. Modeling of multi-input and multi-output （MIMO） NCSs with networkinduced delays and uncertainties through new methods are proposed. Some new stability criteria in terms of LMIs are derived by using Lyapunov stability theory combined with linear matrix inequalities （LMIs） techniques. We analyze the delay-dependent asymptotic stability and obtain maximum allowable delay bound （MADB） for the NCSs with the proposed methods. Compared with the reported results, the proposed results obtain a much less conservative MADB which are more general. Numerical example and simulation is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

Targeted Poverty Alleviation Lies in Precisely Identifying the Poverty–Stricken Population: An Analysis of the Targeting Effect of the Rural Subsistence Allowance Policy

Poverty–stricken populations must be identified precisely in the fight against poverty to implement the strategy of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020. The analysis based on the household survey in 2013 shows that the targeting accuracy is not high based on the standard of income and the accuracy is higher based on the standard of multidimensional poverty index. But the latter still has a low coverage rate. To gradually achieve integration of the rural poverty line and the rural subsistence allowance line, standards applied to identifying households entitled to subsistence allowances should be changed from the standard of income to multidimensional poverty indexes. A unified standard of subsistence allowances and a unified method for identifying related households should be developed. At the same time, coverage and funding of subsistence allowances should be extended and increased to better meet people's basic needs.

The Project Monitoring and Early Warning System of Mould and Die

The article simply describes the difficulties of the Mould and Die project control,and then put forward the thoughts of developing the Monitoring and Early Warning System for the Mould and Die manufacturing.Afterwards,the main three constructing principles and the goals of the system are explained carefully.Based on those,the theory and the classifications of the Monitoring and Early Warning are expounded.With the assistance of the use case diagram of UML(the United Modeling Language),the main functions of the system are analyzed;and with the activity diagram of the UML,the work flows of the monitoring and early warning are expressed clearly.Finally,the classes and the architectures of the system are designed by making use of the class diagram of UML.

Quasi-Newton Method for Optimal Blank Allowance Balancing

A balancing technique for casting or forging parts to be machined is presented in this paper.It allows an optimal part setup to make sure that no shortage of material(undercut)will occur during machining.Particularly in the heavy part in- dustry,where the resulting casting size and shape may deviate from expectations,the balancing process discovers whether or not the design model is totally enclosed in the actual part to be machined.The alignment is an iterative process involving nonlinear con- strained optimization,which forces data points to lie outside the nominal model under a specific order of priority.Newton methods for non-linear numerical minimization are rarely applied to this problem because of the high cost of computing.In this paper, Newton methods are applied to the balancing of blank part.The aforesaid algorithm is demonstrated in term of a marine propeller blade,and result shows that The Newton methods are more efficient and accurate than those implemented in past research and have distinct advantages compared to the registration methods widely used today.

Optimal Bidding and Operation of a Power Plant with Solvent-BasedCarbon Capture under a CO2 Allowance Market： A Solution with aReinforcement Learning-Based Sarsa Temporal-Difference Algorithm

In this paper, a reinforcement learning （RL）-based Sarsa temporal-difference （TD） algorithm is applied tosearch for a unified bidding and operation strategy for a coal-fired power plant with monoethanolamine（MEA）-based post-combustion carbon capture under different carbon dioxide （CO2） allowance market con-ditions. The objective of the decision maker for the power plant is to maximize the discounted cumulativeprofit during the power plant lifetime. Two constraints are considered for the objective formulation. Firstly,the tradeoff between the energy-intensive carbon capture and the electricity generation should be made un-der presumed fixed fuel consumption. Secondly, the CO2 allowances purchased from the CO2 allowance mar-ket should be approximately equal to the quantity of COs emission from power generation. Three case stud-ies are demonstrated thereafter. In the first case, we show the convergence of the Sarsa TD algorithm andfind a deterministic optimal bidding and operation strategy. In the second case, compared with the inde-pendently designed operation and bidding strategies discussed in most of the relevant literature, the SarsaTD-based unified bidding and operation strategy with time-varying flexible market-oriented CO2 capturelevels is demonstrated to help the power plant decision maker gain a higher discounted cumulative profit.In the third case, a competitor operating another power plant identical to the preceding plant is consideredunder the same CO2 allowance market. The competitor also has carbon capture facilities but applies a differ-ent strategy to earn profits. The discounted cumulative profits of the two power plants are then compared,thus exhibiting the competitiveness of the power plant that is using the unified bidding and operation strat-egy explored by the Sarsa TD algorithm.

Fundamental issues and solutions in the design of China's ETS pilots:Allowance allocation,price mechanism and state-owned key enterprises

This paper analyzes the three main fundamental issues in the design of China's ETS pilots,including allowance allocation,price mechanism and state-owned key enterprises,and proposed suggested solutions.For the issue of allowance allocation,we suggest that the gradual hybrid mode could be applied at the beginning,which starts with mainly free allocation and then increases auction ratio gradually.And grandfathering is a suitable method of free allocation.For the issue of price mechanism,we suggest a price floating zone with open market operation to reduce the uncertainty of prices.For the issue of state-owned key enterprises,we suggest a good coordination with SASAC,defining the state-owned property right and supervision right when state-owned key enterprises are involved into the carbon market,and the local government can set rules of allocation and transaction to limit their potential market power.

New Start-up Method for a Closed-Cycle Compression System with Gas Bearings and Its Characteristics

Gas bearings,which have the advantages of low frictional resistance and power loss,high rotational speed and high temperature operation,and long life,are more suitable than are traditional liquid lubricated bearings because of their high precision,high rotational speed,and special condition support.However,the problem of starting a closed-cycle compression system with gas bearings still needs to be solved for practical application.Thus,a new start-up method for a closed-cycle compression system with aerostatic gas bearings is proposed in this paper.Further,this paper presents a numerical simulation and experimental investigation of the method’s feasibility and characteristics during the start-up process when the gas tank’s initial pressure is fixed.The results show that the gas tank volume is approximately directly proportional to the start-up time allowable,and a gas tank volume sufficiently small,which not only ensures the feasibility of start-up,but also affects other components only slightly,can be obtained.A perfect combination of radial and axial loads also can be achieved to make the start-up time allowable as long as possible.R134a is a better choice for the working medium than is air,as the start-up time allowable is longer,which leads to a smaller gas tank.This research proposes a new start-up method for a closed-cycle compression system with aerostatic gas bearings which has sufficient load capacity to support system during the start-up method.

Background of Existence of the Two Low-Lying Adjacent 4^(+) Narrow Resonances in ^(16)O Nucleus and Other 4-Boson Systems

Based on an analysis of the inherent nodal structures of wave functions of 4-boson systems,we found that the internal energy of the 4_(1)^(+) state should be lower because its structure can be optimized without suffering a strong constraint arising from symmetry(while other 1≤L≤3 states suffer from this kind of constraints).Furthermore,two superior structures favorable in binding are found to be allowed to be possessed by 4^(+) states.These findings would lead to the appearance of two adjacent 4^(+) states,as a common feature,in the low-lying spectra of 4 boson systems.

USE OF DIFFERENT PLANT SYSTEMS IN VIVO IN COMPARING EFFECTS OF ZIRCONIUM AND THALLIUM SALTS ON CELL DIV.

In view of the wide use of plants as test systems theeffects of acute and chronic exposure were comparedon seeds of Pisum sativum and in meristematic cellsof Allium sativum root tips.The two salts comparedwere zirconium oxychloride and known to be ubiquitousin plant systems and thallium acetate known for toxiceffects in high doses.Seeds were soaked in

Nutrient Intake of Rural Households That Participated in a Farming System for Nutrition Study in India

Food based approach can prove effective in improving access and availability of nutrients from foods required for daily life where most of the people depend on agriculture for their livelihood. A study on feasibility of Farming Systems for Nutrition (FSN) approach was undertaken from 2013 to 2018 in a few villages of Koraput district, Odisha state and Wardha district, Maharashtra state in India. Interventions were done to increase crop diversity, intercropping of pulses and cereals, promotion of seasonal vegetables and fruits along with nutrition awareness. The endline survey showed increase in production diversity leading to improved household dietary diversity. This paper demonstrates the impact of FSN interventions on household nutrient intake. The results show that the intake of nutrients like protein, vitamin C, iron and calcium increased significantly in Koraput and all the nutrients including energy and vitamin A increased significantly in Wardha. The evidence shows that Farming System for Nutrition approach improves individual nutrient intake which in the long run can address the problem of undernutrition.

A carbon-intensity based carbon allowance allocation scheme among enterprises in Shenzhen

On October 29, 2011, a number of cities and provinces in China were chosen to host pilot locations for carbon emissions trading systems. Before a carbon trading market can be functional, carbon emission allowances need to be allocated. This makes the carbon emissions allowance allocation scheme crucially important as it goes a long way in deciding the effi ciency and fairness of the carbon cap-andtrade market. Although it has been proved that allocation by auction is the most effective way, Shenzhen city as one of the trading pilots will allocate carbon allowances free of charge at the initial stage. The European Union's(EU) free allocation system, a product-based benchmark scheme for the manufacturing industry implement in 2013, is not feasible for Shenzhen due to the lack of data at a product level. Therefore the target of this paper is to explore a new allocation scheme with the data at a fi rm level other than the grandfathering scheme to fi ll the gap. In this paper, a carbon intensity based allocation scheme is developed by using the Boltzmann distribution and Gail- Shapley game. In the fi nal part of the report, fi rm level data from 2010 to 2011 of fi rms in Shenzhen, China are used to verify the effect and fi tness of the allocation scheme.