Optimization of System Maturity and Equivalent System Mass for Exploration Systems Development Planning

The Exploration Systems Mission Directorate of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently pursuing the development of the next generation of human spacecraft and exploration systems throughout the Constellation Program. This includes, among others, habitation technologies for supporting lunar and Mars exploration. The key to these systems is the Exploration Life Support (ELS) system that composes several technology development projects related to atmosphere revitalization, water recovery, waste management and habitation. The proper functioning of these technologies is meant to produce sufficient and balanced resources of water, air, and food to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for long-term human habitation and exploration of space

Identifying Priority Government Interventions for Agriculture Value Chain Development

The provision of government support programs to the seaweeds industry in the past emulates the conventional top-down approach characterized by being centrally managed and largely supply-driven. In such case, the active participation of the local governments and other industry stakeholders in the decision making process is quite limited. Under the Agriculture and Fishery Modernization Plan, scientific tools such as value chain analysis (VCA), which engages key actors from production down to end- product users, were established as fundamental in the process of planning government interventions. This paper therefore aims to present how VCA and the use of the a supplementary tool, the participatory systems analysis (PSA), have enhanced and facilitated the identification of priority government interventions for seaweeds industry. Information were elicited through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and stakeholders consultations. The results of the study show that, at the national level, priority interventions for the seaweeds industry constitute (1) establishment and maintenance of seaweed nurseries and culture laboratories for sufficient supply of quality seedlings, (2) provision of access to financial resources and conduct of trainings to capacitate farmers, (3) availability of productive assets for more efficient seaweed farming and postharvest like boats and dryers, (4) access to crop insurances to guarantee incomes and expand economic returns to farmers, and (5) enactment and enforcement of favorable policies to enhance seaweed farming conditions

The Potential of Collective Behavior in Improving Sustainability of Seaweeds Value Chain in the Philippines

Seaweed farming has been a major source of income for fisherfolks in the Philippines. The farms’ generally small production volume essentially limits the value chain potential. The low output of the farmers confines them to marketing their seaweeds to the small traders who do not have minimum volume requirements despite lower buying prices compared to bigger traders and deductions imposed for farmers who borrowed capital for farm inputs. The emergence of collective behavior is, however, breaking through the traditional value chain of seaweeds. This paper thus capitalized on value chain analysis in an attempt to examine the potential of cooperativism in upgrading the seaweeds value chain in Agutaya, Palawan, and in Talibon, Bohol. Data were collected using rapid appraisal techniques within the value chain framework where market maps, value chain analysis, and upgrading strategies were developed. The study exhibits that with the collective behavior of farmers, the conventional, relatively long seaweeds value chain that passes through multiple traders from farmers to carrageenan processors has been transformed to a much straightforward chain of farmer groups to processors. Accordingly, the estimation of value added reveals that the distribution of value added across segments is more equitable in the new value chain structure. Cooperativism improves bargaining power. This offers an advantageous position for farmers, translating to significant adjustments in profits that enables them to repay debts and gain freedom to scout for other market options. Therefore, this signifies that cooperativism is promising for the sustainability of seaweeds value chain, particularly in the aspect of production

Assessment of Trees Outside Forest (TOF) in Selected Makiling Subwatersheds

Trees outside Forest (TOF) are trees, shrubs, bushes including palms that are found in the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) other land classification that can be agricultural, urban, or non-agricultural/urban. TOF provide various services and functions that are neither well documented nor given enough attention, hence the need to identify and assess them in agriculture and urban areas outside Mt. Makiling. A SPOT satellite image (2010) covering the Cambantoc, Molawin-Dampalit, and Tigbi subwatersheds of Mt. Makiling was used in the supervised classification of forests, lakes, agriculture, and urban areas. Areas that qualify as other lands were extracted using the classified land types as guides in GIS vector format. Using Google Earth imagery, other lands were digitized and assessed following the FAO decision tree algorithm for TOF and field checking was conducted to validate the tree height in the TOF criteria. Based on the GIS and field assessment, Tigbi and Molawin-Dampalit were found to have TOF on urban land that are mostly fruit trees cultivated for food, landscaping while Cambantoc has TOF on agricultural land and TOF on non-agricultural/urban that are used as farm windbreaks. Findings suggested that TOF contributed to the tree canopy cover in Makiling subwatersheds. Assessment of TOF can be used to account for the ecosystem services it provides which complement those that come from forests and other wooded lands. FAO also recognizes the importance of TOF for local and national food security. TOF, especially fruit trees, are important source of food products for the people

Comparative Analysis between the Shinyei PPD42NS and Plantower PMS7003 Low-Cost Air Quality Sensors

Particulate matter (PM) is a form of air pollution that is considered harmful as these may cause respiratory problems. PM sensors are used to measure PM in the air and vary in costs. There have been many studies done on the accuracies of these sensors based on their price. In this research, a comparative analysis was done between a low-cost sensor, the Shinyei PPD42NS, and a mid-range sensor, the Plantower PMS7003. In previous studies, there were comparisons made between low quality sensors but no direct comparison between these two sensors. The tests were done in an indoor and outdoor environment wherein sensors were placed beside each other to measure particulate matter greater than 1 micron for a continuous span of 10 hours. Results from these tests showed that the Shinyei measurements broadly follow the more expensive Plantower but have more significant deviations over short periods. Larger deviations were noted in the morning and evening periods of testing. Recommendations for further characterization are provided in this paper

Optimization of System Maturity and Equivalent System Mass for Exploration Systems Development

Abstract In the assessment of system's developmental maturity, metrics are used for making effective and efficient decisions. This paper introduces the combination of two metrics used in systems development, i.e. Systems Readiness Level and Equivalent System Mass, in order to make a more informed decision in the developmental planning of Exploration Systems. It concludes with a demonstration of the concepts and mathematics presented in the paper

"Bridging the Gap”: Assessing the Efficacy of Co-Locating a Physical Health Clinic in a Community Mental Health Setting

Background: This rapid evaluation study aimed to assess the efficacy of a physical health clinic (PHC) within Laurel House and Kings Road Practice, a community-based mental health service for adults with moderate to severe mental health needs in Kent and Medway, UK. The clinic, led by Dr Will Davis, provides support and treatment for adults aged 18-65 with moderate to severe mental health needs. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining audit data and qualitative semi-structured interviews with seven health practitioners involved in the PHC between January and March 2023. This methodological choice was aimed at gaining a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the PHC practice. Quantitative Data Results: The quantitative data shows that the PHC had 170 referrals since its inception and provides high value to the community Mental Health Team. Of the group reviewed (n=87) 37% Did Not Attend (DNA), although this is not uncommon in the mental health sector, it highlights the need for strategies to improve patient attendance and reduce the associated impact on healthcare resources. The core physical health needs discussed in appointments were related to weight management, highlighting a specific demand in this area for service users. The clinic is focused on providing a service user-centered approach, with the main value being on general reviews of the service user's health and addressing any concerns they may have. In addition, it pays attention to any other concerns the service user may discuss during appointments and can help with any issues related to accessing GP services. The clinic also collects and records Core Physical Health Data during appointments. Qualitative Data Results: Qualitative analysis of the data identified three main themes: Service user Outcomes, Collaborative Working Practices, and Resource Management. The subthemes under Service user Outcomes include addressing health inequality, physical health objectives, service user-centered care, and time. The subthemes under Collaborative Working Practices include the benefits of having a GP in the mental health team, supportive staff culture, clinician skills, knowledge and understanding, risk management, training, experience, development, and support value. The subthemes under Resource Management include communication systems and administration, referral pathways and information exchange, and cost-benefit opportunities. Conclusions: Overall, the evaluation found the PHC to be effective in providing support and treatment for service users with severe mental illnesses. The clinic's service user-centered approach and collaborative working practices contributed to positive outcomes for service users, additionally there were opportunities identified that have cost-benefit saving to primary health, particularly within the area of weight management advice, and the gathering of Physical Health Core Data. Findings also suggest that the combination of the in-house clinic together with the expertise of the PHC GP has high value from the perspective of the Community Mental Health Team. However, resource management could be improved, particularly in the areas of communication systems and referral pathways, potentially addressing the DNA rates. The report recommends that the physical health clinic continues to be offered within Laurel House, and further research is needed to assess the long-term impact on service user outcomes

Bugtok disease of banana

Fact sheet on Bugtok disease of banana: bacterial identification, symptoms, pathogenesis, control