Sample records for floating selection sffs
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Tan, Maxine; Pu, Jiantao; Zheng, Bin
2014-01-01
Purpose: Improving radiologists’ performance in classification between malignant and benign breast lesions is important to increase cancer detection sensitivity and reduce false-positive recalls. For this purpose, developing computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) schemes has been attracting research interest in recent years. In this study, we investigated a new feature selection method for the task of breast mass classification. Methods: We initially computed 181 image features based on mass shape, spiculation, contrast, presence of fat or calcifications, texture, isodensity, and other morphological features. From this large image feature pool, we used a sequential forward floating selection (SFFS)-based feature selection method to select relevant features, and analyzed their performance using a support vector machine (SVM) model trained for the classification task. On a database of 600 benign and 600 malignant mass regions of interest (ROIs), we performed the study using a ten-fold cross-validation method. Feature selection and optimization of the SVM parameters were conducted on the training subsets only. Results: The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.805±0.012 was obtained for the classification task. The results also showed that the most frequently-selected features by the SFFS-based algorithm in 10-fold iterations were those related to mass shape, isodensity and presence of fat, which are consistent with the image features frequently used by radiologists in the clinical environment for mass classification. The study also indicated that accurately computing mass spiculation features from the projection mammograms was difficult, and failed to perform well for the mass classification task due to tissue overlap within the benign mass regions. Conclusions: In conclusion, this comprehensive feature analysis study provided new and valuable information for optimizing computerized mass classification schemes that may have potential to be useful as a “second reader” in future clinical practice. PMID:24664267
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Max-AUC Feature Selection in Computer-Aided Detection of Polyps in CT Colonography
Xu, Jian-Wu; Suzuki, Kenji
2014-01-01
We propose a feature selection method based on a sequential forward floating selection (SFFS) procedure to improve the performance of a classifier in computerized detection of polyps in CT colonography (CTC). The feature selection method is coupled with a nonlinear support vector machine (SVM) classifier. Unlike the conventional linear method based on Wilks' lambda, the proposed method selected the most relevant features that would maximize the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), which directly maximizes classification performance, evaluated based on AUC value, in the computer-aided detection (CADe) scheme. We presented two variants of the proposed method with different stopping criteria used in the SFFS procedure. The first variant searched all feature combinations allowed in the SFFS procedure and selected the subsets that maximize the AUC values. The second variant performed a statistical test at each step during the SFFS procedure, and it was terminated if the increase in the AUC value was not statistically significant. The advantage of the second variant is its lower computational cost. To test the performance of the proposed method, we compared it against the popular stepwise feature selection method based on Wilks' lambda for a colonic-polyp database (25 polyps and 2624 nonpolyps). We extracted 75 morphologic, gray-level-based, and texture features from the segmented lesion candidate regions. The two variants of the proposed feature selection method chose 29 and 7 features, respectively. Two SVM classifiers trained with these selected features yielded a 96% by-polyp sensitivity at false-positive (FP) rates of 4.1 and 6.5 per patient, respectively. Experiments showed a significant improvement in the performance of the classifier with the proposed feature selection method over that with the popular stepwise feature selection based on Wilks' lambda that yielded 18.0 FPs per patient at the same sensitivity level. PMID:24608058
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Max-AUC feature selection in computer-aided detection of polyps in CT colonography.
Xu, Jian-Wu; Suzuki, Kenji
2014-03-01
We propose a feature selection method based on a sequential forward floating selection (SFFS) procedure to improve the performance of a classifier in computerized detection of polyps in CT colonography (CTC). The feature selection method is coupled with a nonlinear support vector machine (SVM) classifier. Unlike the conventional linear method based on Wilks' lambda, the proposed method selected the most relevant features that would maximize the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), which directly maximizes classification performance, evaluated based on AUC value, in the computer-aided detection (CADe) scheme. We presented two variants of the proposed method with different stopping criteria used in the SFFS procedure. The first variant searched all feature combinations allowed in the SFFS procedure and selected the subsets that maximize the AUC values. The second variant performed a statistical test at each step during the SFFS procedure, and it was terminated if the increase in the AUC value was not statistically significant. The advantage of the second variant is its lower computational cost. To test the performance of the proposed method, we compared it against the popular stepwise feature selection method based on Wilks' lambda for a colonic-polyp database (25 polyps and 2624 nonpolyps). We extracted 75 morphologic, gray-level-based, and texture features from the segmented lesion candidate regions. The two variants of the proposed feature selection method chose 29 and 7 features, respectively. Two SVM classifiers trained with these selected features yielded a 96% by-polyp sensitivity at false-positive (FP) rates of 4.1 and 6.5 per patient, respectively. Experiments showed a significant improvement in the performance of the classifier with the proposed feature selection method over that with the popular stepwise feature selection based on Wilks' lambda that yielded 18.0 FPs per patient at the same sensitivity level.
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Stefan, Sabina; Schorr, Barbara; Lopez-Rolon, Alex; Kolassa, Iris-Tatjana; Shock, Jonathan P; Rosenfelder, Martin; Heck, Suzette; Bender, Andreas
2018-04-17
We applied the following methods to resting-state EEG data from patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) for consciousness indexing and outcome prediction: microstates, entropy (i.e. approximate, permutation), power in alpha and delta frequency bands, and connectivity (i.e. weighted symbolic mutual information, symbolic transfer entropy, complex network analysis). Patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) and patients in a minimally conscious state (MCS) were classified into these two categories by fitting and testing a generalised linear model. We aimed subsequently to develop an automated system for outcome prediction in severe DOC by selecting an optimal subset of features using sequential floating forward selection (SFFS). The two outcome categories were defined as UWS or dead, and MCS or emerged from MCS. Percentage of time spent in microstate D in the alpha frequency band performed best at distinguishing MCS from UWS patients. The average clustering coefficient obtained from thresholding beta coherence performed best at predicting outcome. The optimal subset of features selected with SFFS consisted of the frequency of microstate A in the 2-20 Hz frequency band, path length obtained from thresholding alpha coherence, and average path length obtained from thresholding alpha coherence. Combining these features seemed to afford high prediction power. Python and MATLAB toolboxes for the above calculations are freely available under the GNU public license for non-commercial use ( https://qeeg.wordpress.com ).
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Effect of finite sample size on feature selection and classification: a simulation study.
Way, Ted W; Sahiner, Berkman; Hadjiiski, Lubomir M; Chan, Heang-Ping
2010-02-01
The small number of samples available for training and testing is often the limiting factor in finding the most effective features and designing an optimal computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system. Training on a limited set of samples introduces bias and variance in the performance of a CAD system relative to that trained with an infinite sample size. In this work, the authors conducted a simulation study to evaluate the performances of various combinations of classifiers and feature selection techniques and their dependence on the class distribution, dimensionality, and the training sample size. The understanding of these relationships will facilitate development of effective CAD systems under the constraint of limited available samples. Three feature selection techniques, the stepwise feature selection (SFS), sequential floating forward search (SFFS), and principal component analysis (PCA), and two commonly used classifiers, Fisher's linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and support vector machine (SVM), were investigated. Samples were drawn from multidimensional feature spaces of multivariate Gaussian distributions with equal or unequal covariance matrices and unequal means, and with equal covariance matrices and unequal means estimated from a clinical data set. Classifier performance was quantified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve Az. The mean Az values obtained by resubstitution and hold-out methods were evaluated for training sample sizes ranging from 15 to 100 per class. The number of simulated features available for selection was chosen to be 50, 100, and 200. It was found that the relative performance of the different combinations of classifier and feature selection method depends on the feature space distributions, the dimensionality, and the available training sample sizes. The LDA and SVM with radial kernel performed similarly for most of the conditions evaluated in this study, although the SVM classifier showed a slightly higher hold-out performance than LDA for some conditions and vice versa for other conditions. PCA was comparable to or better than SFS and SFFS for LDA at small samples sizes, but inferior for SVM with polynomial kernel. For the class distributions simulated from clinical data, PCA did not show advantages over the other two feature selection methods. Under this condition, the SVM with radial kernel performed better than the LDA when few training samples were available, while LDA performed better when a large number of training samples were available. None of the investigated feature selection-classifier combinations provided consistently superior performance under the studied conditions for different sample sizes and feature space distributions. In general, the SFFS method was comparable to the SFS method while PCA may have an advantage for Gaussian feature spaces with unequal covariance matrices. The performance of the SVM with radial kernel was better than, or comparable to, that of the SVM with polynomial kernel under most conditions studied.
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Speaking fundamental frequency and vowel formant frequencies: effects on perception of gender.
Gelfer, Marylou Pausewang; Bennett, Quinn E
2013-09-01
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the contribution of vowel formant frequencies to gender identification in connected speech, the distinctiveness of vowel formants in males versus females, and how ambiguous speaking fundamental frequencies (SFFs) and vowel formants might affect perception of gender. Multivalent experimental. Speakers subjects (eight tall males, eight short females, and seven males and seven females of "middle" height) were recorded saying two carrier phrases to elicit the vowels /i/ and /α/ and a sentence. The gender/height groups were selected to (presumably) maximize formant differences between some groups (tall vs short) and minimize differences between others (middle height). Each subjects' samples were digitally altered to distinct SFFs (116, 145, 155, 165, and 207 Hz) to represent SFFs typical of average males, average females, and in an ambiguous range. Listeners judged the gender of each randomized altered speech sample. Results indicated that female speakers were perceived as female even with an SFF in the typical male range. For male speakers, gender perception was less accurate at SFFs of 165 Hz and higher. Although the ranges of vowel formants had considerable overlap between genders, significant differences in formant frequencies of males and females were seen. Vowel formants appeared to be important to perception of gender, especially for SFFs in the range of 145-165 Hz; however, formants may be a more salient cue in connected speech when compared with isolated vowels or syllables. Copyright © 2013 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Adaptive illumination source for multispectral vision system applied to material discrimination
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Conde, Olga M.; Cobo, Adolfo; Cantero, Paulino; Conde, David; Mirapeix, Jesús; Cubillas, Ana M.; López-Higuera, José M.
2008-04-01
A multispectral system based on a monochrome camera and an adaptive illumination source is presented in this paper. Its preliminary application is focused on material discrimination for food and beverage industries, where monochrome, color and infrared imaging have been successfully applied for this task. This work proposes a different approach, in which the relevant wavelengths for the required discrimination task are selected in advance using a Sequential Forward Floating Selection (SFFS) Algorithm. A light source, based on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) at these wavelengths is then used to sequentially illuminate the material under analysis, and the resulting images are captured by a CCD camera with spectral response in the entire range of the selected wavelengths. Finally, the several multispectral planes obtained are processed using a Spectral Angle Mapping (SAM) algorithm, whose output is the desired material classification. Among other advantages, this approach of controlled and specific illumination produces multispectral imaging with a simple monochrome camera, and cold illumination restricted to specific relevant wavelengths, which is desirable for the food and beverage industry. The proposed system has been tested with success for the automatic detection of foreign object in the tobacco processing industry.
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Surface modification and properties of Bombyx mori silk fibroin films by antimicrobial peptide
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bai, Liqiang; Zhu, Liangjun; Min, Sijia; Liu, Lin; Cai, Yurong; Yao, Juming
2008-03-01
The Bombyx mori silk fibroin films (SFFs) were modified by a Cecropin B ( CB) antimicrobial peptide, (NH 2)-NGIVKAGPAIAVLGEAAL-CONH 2, using the carbodiimide chemistry method. In order to avoid the dissolution of films during the modification procedure, the SFFs were first treated with 60% (v/v) ethanol aqueous solution, resulting a structural transition from unstable silk I to silk II. The investigation of modification conditions showed that the surface-modified SFFs had the satisfied antimicrobial activity and durability when they were activated by EDC·HCl/NHS solution followed by a treatment in CB peptide/PBS buffer (pH 6.5 or 8) solution at ambient temperature for 2 h. Moreover, the surface-modified SFFs showed the smaller contact angle due to the hydrophilic antimicrobial peptides coupled on the film surface, which is essential for the cell adhesion and proliferation. AFM results indicated that the surface roughness of SFFs was considerably increased after the modification by the peptides. The elemental composition analysis results also suggested that the peptides were tightly coupled to the surface of SFFs. This approach may provide a new option to engineer the surface-modified implanted materials preventing the biomaterial-centered infection (BCI).
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In situ bioinspired synthesis of silver chloride nanocrystals on silk fibroin fibers
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Su, Huilan; Han, Jie; Dong, Qun; Xu, Jia; Chen, Ying; Gu, Yu; Song, Weiqiang; Zhang, Di
2011-02-01
Silver chloride (AgCl) nanocrystals were formed and grown on silk fibroin fibers (SFFs) by a room-temperature process. Practically, the degummed SFFs were immersed into silver nitrate solution and sodium chloride solution in turn. The amino acids on the SFF surface were negatively charged in alkaline impregnant, providing locations to immobilize silver ions and form silver chloride seeds. AgCl nanocrystals can further grow into cubic AgCl nanocrystals with an edge of about 100 nm. The morphologies of the AgCl nanocrystals were mostly influenced by the concentration of sodium chloride solution and the special configurations of the SFFs. The target AgCl/SFF nanocomposites constructed by AgCl nanocrystals and substrate SFFs could be used as photocatalysts in water splitting and antibacterial agents. This work provides an important example in the introduction of natural biofibers to the synthesis of functional hybrid nanocomposites by a green and mild technique.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kim, Namkug; Seo, Joon Beom; Park, Sang Ok; Lee, Youngjoo; Lee, Jeongjin
2009-02-01
To evaluate the accuracy of computer aided differential diagnosis (CADD) between usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) at HRCT in comparison with that of a radiologist's decision. A computerized classification for six local disease patterns (normal, NL; ground-glass opacity, GGO; reticular opacity, RO; honeycombing, HC; emphysema, EM; and consolidation, CON) using texture/shape analyses and a SVM classifier at HRCT was used for pixel-by-pixel labeling on the whole lung area. The mode filter was applied on the results to reduce noise. Area fraction (AF) of each pattern, directional probabilistic density function (pdf) (dPDF: mean, SD, skewness of pdf /3 directions: superior-inferior, anterior-posterior, central-peripheral), regional cluster distribution pattern (RCDP: number, mean, SD of clusters, mean, SD of centroid of clusters) were automatically evaluated. Spatially normalized left and right lungs were evaluated separately. Disease division index (DDI) on every combination of AFs and asymmetric index (AI) between left and right lung ((left-right)/left) were also evaluated. To assess the accuracy of the system, fifty-four HRCT data sets in patients with pathologically diagnosed UIP (n=26) and NSIP (n=28) were used. For a classification procedure, a CADD-SVM classifier with internal parameter optimization, and sequential forward floating feature selection (SFFS) were employed. The accuracy was assessed by a 5-folding cross validation with 20- times repetition. For comparison, two thoracic radiologists reviewed the whole HRCT images without clinical information and diagnose each case either as UIP or NSIP. The accuracies of radiologists' decision were 0.75 and 0.87, respectively. The accuracies of the CADD system using the features of AF, dPDF, AI of dPDF, RDP, AI of RDP, DDI were 0.70, 0.79, 0.77, 0.80, 0.78, 0.81, respectively. The accuracy of optimized CADD using all features after SFFS was 0.91. We developed the CADD system to differentiate between UIP and NSIP using automated assessment of the extent and distribution of regional disease patterns at HRCT.
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Satellite freeze forecast system. Operating/troubleshooting manual
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Martsolf, J. D. (Principal Investigator)
1983-01-01
Examples of operational procedures are given to assist users of the satellites freeze forecasting system (SFFS) in logging in on to the computer, executing the programs in the menu, logging off the computer, and setting up the automatic system. Directions are also given for displaying, acquiring, and listing satellite maps; for communicating via terminal and monitor displays; and for what to do when the SFFS doesn't work. Administrative procedures are included.
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Acharya, U Rajendra; Bhat, Shreya; Koh, Joel E W; Bhandary, Sulatha V; Adeli, Hojjat
2017-09-01
Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy defined by characteristic damage to the optic nerve and accompanying visual field deficits. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent irreversible vision loss and ultimate blindness. Current techniques for computer-aided analysis of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) are expensive and require keen interpretation by trained specialists. Hence, an automated system is highly desirable for a cost-effective and accurate screening for the diagnosis of glaucoma. This paper presents a new methodology and a computerized diagnostic system. Adaptive histogram equalization is used to convert color images to grayscale images followed by convolution of these images with Leung-Malik (LM), Schmid (S), and maximum response (MR4 and MR8) filter banks. The basic microstructures in typical images are called textons. The convolution process produces textons. Local configuration pattern (LCP) features are extracted from these textons. The significant features are selected using a sequential floating forward search (SFFS) method and ranked using the statistical t-test. Finally, various classifiers are used for classification of images into normal and glaucomatous classes. A high classification accuracy of 95.8% is achieved using six features obtained from the LM filter bank and the k-nearest neighbor (kNN) classifier. A glaucoma integrative index (GRI) is also formulated to obtain a reliable and effective system. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Lim, Pooi Khoon; Ng, Siew-Cheok; Jassim, Wissam A.; Redmond, Stephen J.; Zilany, Mohammad; Avolio, Alberto; Lim, Einly; Tan, Maw Pin; Lovell, Nigel H.
2015-01-01
We present a novel approach to improve the estimation of systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) from oscillometric waveform data using variable characteristic ratios between SBP and DBP with mean arterial pressure (MAP). This was verified in 25 healthy subjects, aged 28 ± 5 years. The multiple linear regression (MLR) and support vector regression (SVR) models were used to examine the relationship between the SBP and the DBP ratio with ten features extracted from the oscillometric waveform envelope (OWE). An automatic algorithm based on relative changes in the cuff pressure and neighbouring oscillometric pulses was proposed to remove outlier points caused by movement artifacts. Substantial reduction in the mean and standard deviation of the blood pressure estimation errors were obtained upon artifact removal. Using the sequential forward floating selection (SFFS) approach, we were able to achieve a significant reduction in the mean and standard deviation of differences between the estimated SBP values and the reference scoring (MLR: mean ± SD = −0.3 ± 5.8 mmHg; SVR and −0.6 ± 5.4 mmHg) with only two features, i.e., Ratio2 and Area3, as compared to the conventional maximum amplitude algorithm (MAA) method (mean ± SD = −1.6 ± 8.6 mmHg). Comparing the performance of both MLR and SVR models, our results showed that the MLR model was able to achieve comparable performance to that of the SVR model despite its simplicity. PMID:26087370
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tan, Maxine; Leader, Joseph K.; Liu, Hong; Zheng, Bin
2015-03-01
We recently investigated a new mammographic image feature based risk factor to predict near-term breast cancer risk after a woman has a negative mammographic screening. We hypothesized that unlike the conventional epidemiology-based long-term (or lifetime) risk factors, the mammographic image feature based risk factor value will increase as the time lag between the negative and positive mammography screening decreases. The purpose of this study is to test this hypothesis. From a large and diverse full-field digital mammography (FFDM) image database with 1278 cases, we collected all available sequential FFDM examinations for each case including the "current" and 1 to 3 most recently "prior" examinations. All "prior" examinations were interpreted negative, and "current" ones were either malignant or recalled negative/benign. We computed 92 global mammographic texture and density based features, and included three clinical risk factors (woman's age, family history and subjective breast density BIRADS ratings). On this initial feature set, we applied a fast and accurate Sequential Forward Floating Selection (SFFS) feature selection algorithm to reduce feature dimensionality. The features computed on both mammographic views were individually/ separately trained using two artificial neural network (ANN) classifiers. The classification scores of the two ANNs were then merged with a sequential ANN. The results show that the maximum adjusted odds ratios were 5.59, 7.98, and 15.77 for using the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st "prior" FFDM examinations, respectively, which demonstrates a higher association of mammographic image feature change and an increasing risk trend of developing breast cancer in the near-term after a negative screening.
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Estimating endogenous changes in task performance from EEG
Touryan, Jon; Apker, Gregory; Lance, Brent J.; Kerick, Scott E.; Ries, Anthony J.; McDowell, Kaleb
2014-01-01
Brain wave activity is known to correlate with decrements in behavioral performance as individuals enter states of fatigue, boredom, or low alertness.Many BCI technologies are adversely affected by these changes in user state, limiting their application and constraining their use to relatively short temporal epochs where behavioral performance is likely to be stable. Incorporating a passive BCI that detects when the user is performing poorly at a primary task, and adapts accordingly may prove to increase overall user performance. Here, we explore the potential for extending an established method to generate continuous estimates of behavioral performance from ongoing neural activity; evaluating the extended method by applying it to the original task domain, simulated driving; and generalizing the method by applying it to a BCI-relevant perceptual discrimination task. Specifically, we used EEG log power spectra and sequential forward floating selection (SFFS) to estimate endogenous changes in behavior in both a simulated driving task and a perceptual discrimination task. For the driving task the average correlation coefficient between the actual and estimated lane deviation was 0.37 ± 0.22 (μ ± σ). For the perceptual discrimination task we generated estimates of accuracy, reaction time, and button press duration for each participant. The correlation coefficients between the actual and estimated behavior were similar for these three metrics (accuracy = 0.25 ± 0.37, reaction time = 0.33 ± 0.23, button press duration = 0.36 ± 0.30). These findings illustrate the potential for modeling time-on-task decrements in performance from concurrent measures of neural activity. PMID:24994968
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Lashkari, AmirEhsan; Pak, Fatemeh; Firouzmand, Mohammad
2016-01-01
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. The important key to treat the breast cancer is early detection of it because according to many pathological studies more than 75% – 80% of all abnormalities are still benign at primary stages; so in recent years, many studies and extensive research done to early detection of breast cancer with higher precision and accuracy. Infra-red breast thermography is an imaging technique based on recording temperature distribution patterns of breast tissue. Compared with breast mammography technique, thermography is more suitable technique because it is noninvasive, non-contact, passive and free ionizing radiation. In this paper, a full automatic high accuracy technique for classification of suspicious areas in thermogram images with the aim of assisting physicians in early detection of breast cancer has been presented. Proposed algorithm consists of four main steps: pre-processing & segmentation, feature extraction, feature selection and classification. At the first step, using full automatic operation, region of interest (ROI) determined and the quality of image improved. Using thresholding and edge detection techniques, both right and left breasts separated from each other. Then relative suspected areas become segmented and image matrix normalized due to the uniqueness of each person's body temperature. At feature extraction stage, 23 features, including statistical, morphological, frequency domain, histogram and Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) based features are extracted from segmented right and left breast obtained from step 1. To achieve the best features, feature selection methods such as minimum Redundancy and Maximum Relevance (mRMR), Sequential Forward Selection (SFS), Sequential Backward Selection (SBS), Sequential Floating Forward Selection (SFFS), Sequential Floating Backward Selection (SFBS) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) have been used at step 3. Finally to classify and TH labeling procedures, different classifiers such as AdaBoost, Support Vector Machine (SVM), k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN), Naïve Bayes (NB) and probability Neural Network (PNN) are assessed to find the best suitable one. These steps are applied on different thermogram images degrees. The results obtained on native database showed the best and significant performance of the proposed algorithm in comprise to the similar studies. According to experimental results, GA combined with AdaBoost with the mean accuracy of 85.33% and 87.42% on the left and right breast images with 0 degree, GA combined with AdaBoost with mean accuracy of 85.17% on the left breast images with 45 degree and mRMR combined with AdaBoost with mean accuracy of 85.15% on the right breast images with 45 degree, and also GA combined with AdaBoost with a mean accuracy of 84.67% and 86.21%, on the left and right breast images with 90 degree, are the best combinations of feature selection and classifier for evaluation of breast images. PMID:27014608
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Simulation of millimeter-wave body images and its application to biometric recognition
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Moreno-Moreno, Miriam; Fierrez, Julian; Vera-Rodriguez, Ruben; Parron, Josep
2012-06-01
One of the emerging applications of the millimeter-wave imaging technology is its use in biometric recognition. This is mainly due to some properties of the millimeter-waves such as their ability to penetrate through clothing and other occlusions, their low obtrusiveness when collecting the image and the fact that they are harmless to health. In this work we first describe the generation of a database comprising 1200 synthetic images at 94 GHz obtained from the body of 50 people. Then we extract a small set of distance-based features from each image and select the best feature subsets for person recognition using the SFFS feature selection algorithm. Finally these features are used in body geometry authentication obtaining promising results.
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Satellite freeze forecast system: Executive summary
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Martsolf, J. D. (Principal Investigator)
1983-01-01
A satellite-based temperature monitoring and prediction system consisting of a computer controlled acquisition, processing, and display system and the ten automated weather stations called by that computer was developed and transferred to the national weather service. This satellite freeze forecasting system (SFFS) acquires satellite data from either one of two sources, surface data from 10 sites, displays the observed data in the form of color-coded thermal maps and in tables of automated weather station temperatures, computes predicted thermal maps when requested and displays such maps either automatically or manually, archives the data acquired, and makes comparisons with historical data. Except for the last function, SFFS handles these tasks in a highly automated fashion if the user so directs. The predicted thermal maps are the result of two models, one a physical energy budget of the soil and atmosphere interface and the other a statistical relationship between the sites at which the physical model predicts temperatures and each of the pixels of the satellite thermal map.
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The Impact of Special Focus Facility Nursing Homes on Market Quality
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Castle, Nicholas G.; Sonon, Kristen; Antonova, Jenya
2010-01-01
Purpose: Special Focus Facilities (SFFs) are nursing facilities designated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to be of chronic poor quality. Relatively few nursing facilities are included in this initiative. The purpose of this research was to examine whether nursing facilities included in the 2007 SFF initiative subsequently…
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An Examination of Special Focus Facility Nursing Homes
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Castle, Nicholas G.; Engberg, John
2010-01-01
Purpose: Nursing facilities that are determined to have a greater number of quality problems, more serious problems than average, and a demonstrated pattern of quality problems are included in the Special Focus Facility (SFF) initiative. The purpose of this research was to provide descriptive information on these SFFs and to examine the quality…
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Satellite freeze forecast system. System configuration definition manual
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Martsolf, J. D. (Principal Investigator)
1983-01-01
Equipment listings, interconnection information, and a basic overview is given of the hardware interaction of the Ruskin HP-100 computer system. A block diagram is included of the SFFS system at the National Weather Service Office in Ruskin, Florida. The generation answer file used to create the RTE-IVB operating system currently resident in Ruskin HP-1000 computer system is also described.
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Shen, Chongfei; Liu, Hongtao; Xie, Xb; Luk, Keith Dk; Hu, Yong
2007-01-01
Adaptive noise canceller (ANC) has been used to improve signal to noise ratio (SNR) of somsatosensory evoked potential (SEP). In order to efficiently apply the ANC in hardware system, fixed-point algorithm based ANC can achieve fast, cost-efficient construction, and low-power consumption in FPGA design. However, it is still questionable whether the SNR improvement performance by fixed-point algorithm is as good as that by floating-point algorithm. This study is to compare the outputs of ANC by floating-point and fixed-point algorithm ANC when it was applied to SEP signals. The selection of step-size parameter (micro) was found different in fixed-point algorithm from floating-point algorithm. In this simulation study, the outputs of fixed-point ANC showed higher distortion from real SEP signals than that of floating-point ANC. However, the difference would be decreased with increasing micro value. In the optimal selection of micro, fixed-point ANC can get as good results as floating-point algorithm.
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Satellite temperature monitoring and prediction system
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Barnett, U. R.; Martsolf, J. D.; Crosby, F. L.
1980-01-01
The paper describes the Florida Satellite Freeze Forecast System (SFFS) in its current state. All data collection options have been demonstrated, and data collected over a three year period have been stored for future analysis. Presently, specific minimum temperature forecasts are issued routinely from November through March. The procedures for issuing these forecast are discussed. The automated data acquisition and processing system is described, and the physical and statistical models employed are examined.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lian, Xiao-Jie; Wang, Song; Zhu, He-Sun
2010-03-01
Silk fibroin film (SFF) has been widely used in biomaterials. SFF is usually prepared from a regenerated silk aqueous solution and its properties depend remarkably on the preparation conditions. However, the effect of the silk fibroin concentration ( C 0) on the SFF surface properties as well as the cytocompatibility has rarely been investigated. In this work we prepared a series of Bombyx mori SFFs by casting SF aqueous solutions with the concentration from 10° to 102 mg/mL on TCPS substrate at 60°C. The test results of atomic force microscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared and contact angles analysis showed that the film surface roughness and β-sheet structure increased with the increase of C 0, whereas the surface hydrophilicity increased with the decrease of C 0. The in vitro clotting time measurement results revealed that the SFFs prepared from the thinner solution showed a longer APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) and TT (thrombin time). The results of microscopy and MTT assay also revealed that cell adhesion and growth were enhanced on the SFF cast from lower C 0 for fibroblasts. In contrast, endothelial cells showed a similar behavior on all those films that were prepared from the solution in different concentrations.
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Type 3 Thyroplasty for a Patient with Female-to-Male Gender Identity Disorder.
Saito, Yu; Nakamura, Kazuhiro; Itani, Shigeto; Tsukahara, Kiyoaki
2018-01-01
In most cases, about the voice of the patient with female-to-male/gender identity disorder (FTM/GID), hormone therapy makes the voice low-pitched. In success cases, there is no need for phonosurgery. However, hormone therapy is not effective in some cases. We perform type 3 thyroplasty in these cases. Hormone therapy was started in 2008 but did not lower the speaking fundamental frequencies (SFFs). We therefore performed TP3 under local anesthesia. In our case, the SFF at the first visit was 146 Hz. The postoperative SFF was 110 Hz. TP3 was performed under local anesthesia in a patient with FTM/GID in whom hormone therapy proved ineffective. With successful conversion to a lower-pitched voice, the patient could begin to live daily life as a male. QOL improved significantly with TP3. If hormone therapy proves ineffective, TP3 may be selected as an optional treatment and appears to show few surgical complications and was, in this case, a very effective treatment.
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The Euro-Argo education web site: using Argo data to teach data analysis and marine science
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Byfield, Valborg; Scheurle, Carolyn; Gould, John; Macama, Emina; King, Brian
2013-04-01
The Euro-Argo education website (www.euroargo-edu.org) aims to make Argo and its data accessible to a non-specialist audience. The site is centred on a selection of floats, which have been chosen because of the insight they provide into key oceanographic processes, the physical and biogeochemical characteristics of different ocean regions around the world, and the role of the ocean in the global climate system. The float selection is a vehicle for teaching data analysis skills, linking these to current topics in the ocean and climate sciences. Each float in the selection has its own page, which provides access to the float data, data plots, background information on the ocean region in which the float can be found, and questions to guide data interpretation. Hidden 'model answers' allow users to check their understanding by comparing their own answers to those provided. The interactive component of the site also includes a series of quizzes, designed to teach data interpretation skills. These start at a basic level and take the students step by step through the most common ways to plot oceanographic data in space and time. More general background information covers the main aspects of the Argo programme, its history and applications, and basic technical information about the floats and sensors. 'World Tour' pages linked to the float selection provide information about the main ocean regions and link information from the Argo programme to oceanographic information from other sources such as satellite observations. The site is primarily aimed at young people between 11 and 18 years of age. However experience from using selected material from the site during science open days shows that children as young as 8-9 and adults of all ages also enjoy the challenge of using and interpreting the Argo data in different contexts.
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2013-01-01
Background The information of electromyographic signals can be used by Myoelectric Control Systems (MCSs) to actuate prostheses. These devices allow the performing of movements that cannot be carried out by persons with amputated limbs. The state of the art in the development of MCSs is based on the use of individual principal component analysis (iPCA) as a stage of pre-processing of the classifiers. The iPCA pre-processing implies an optimization stage which has not yet been deeply explored. Methods The present study considers two factors in the iPCA stage: namely A (the fitness function), and B (the search algorithm). The A factor comprises two levels, namely A1 (the classification error) and A2 (the correlation factor). Otherwise, the B factor has four levels, specifically B1 (the Sequential Forward Selection, SFS), B2 (the Sequential Floating Forward Selection, SFFS), B3 (Artificial Bee Colony, ABC), and B4 (Particle Swarm Optimization, PSO). This work evaluates the incidence of each one of the eight possible combinations between A and B factors over the classification error of the MCS. Results A two factor ANOVA was performed on the computed classification errors and determined that: (1) the interactive effects over the classification error are not significative (F0.01,3,72 = 4.0659 > f AB = 0.09), (2) the levels of factor A have significative effects on the classification error (F0.02,1,72 = 5.0162 < f A = 6.56), and (3) the levels of factor B over the classification error are not significative (F0.01,3,72 = 4.0659 > f B = 0.08). Conclusions Considering the classification performance we found a superiority of using the factor A2 in combination with any of the levels of factor B. With respect to the time performance the analysis suggests that the PSO algorithm is at least 14 percent better than its best competitor. The latter behavior has been observed for a particular configuration set of parameters in the search algorithms. Future works will investigate the effect of these parameters in the classification performance, such as length of the reduced size vector, number of particles and bees used during optimal search, the cognitive parameters in the PSO algorithm as well as the limit of cycles to improve a solution in the ABC algorithm. PMID:24369728
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Gschwind, Michael K [Chappaqua, NY
2011-03-01
Mechanisms for implementing a floating point only single instruction multiple data instruction set architecture are provided. A processor is provided that comprises an issue unit, an execution unit coupled to the issue unit, and a vector register file coupled to the execution unit. The execution unit has logic that implements a floating point (FP) only single instruction multiple data (SIMD) instruction set architecture (ISA). The floating point vector registers of the vector register file store both scalar and floating point values as vectors having a plurality of vector elements. The processor may be part of a data processing system.
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Pharmacokinetics and analgesic effect of ketorolac floating delivery system.
Radwan, Mahasen A; Abou El Ela, Amal El Sayeh F; Hassan, Maha A; El-Maraghy, Dalia A
2015-05-01
The efficacy of ketorolac tromethamine (KT) floating alginate beads as a drug delivery system for better control of KT release was investigated. The formulation with the highest drug loading, entrapment efficiency, swelling, buoyancy, and in vitro release would be selected for further in vivo analgesic effect in the mice and pharmacokinetics study in rats compared to the tablet dosage form. KT floating alginate beads were prepared by extrusion congealing technique. KT in plasma samples was analyzed using a UPLC MS/MS assay. The percentage yield, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were increased proportionally with the hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) polymer amount in the KT floating beads. A reverse relationship was observed between HPMC amount in the beads and the KT in vitro release rate. F3-floating beads were selected, due to its better in vitro results (continued floating for >8 h) than others. A longer analgesic effect was observed for F3 in fed mice as compared to the tablets. After F3 administration to rats, the Cmax (2.2 ± 0.3 µg/ml) was achieved at ∼2 h and the decline in KT concentration was slower. F3 showed a significant increase in the AUC (1.89 fold) in rats as compared to the tablets. KT was successfully formulated as floating beads with prolonged in vitro release extended to a better in vivo characteristic with higher bioavailability in rats. KT in floating beads shows a superior analgesic effect over tablets, especially in fed mice.
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The control of float zone interfaces by the use of selected boundary conditions
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Foster, L. M.; Mcintosh, J.
1983-01-01
The main goal of the float zone crystal growth project of NASA's Materials Processing in Space Program is to thoroughly understand the molten zone/freezing crystal system and all the mechanisms that govern this system. The surface boundary conditions required to give flat float zone solid melt interfaces were studied and computed. The results provide float zone furnace designers with better methods for controlling solid melt interface shapes and for computing thermal profiles and gradients. Documentation and a user's guide were provided for the computer software.
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Selection and optimization of mooring cables on floating platform for special purposes
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ma, Guang-ying; Yao, Yun-long; Zhao, Chen-yao
2017-08-01
This paper studied a new type of assembled marine floating platform for special purposes. The selection and optimization of mooring cables on the floating platform are studied. By using ANSYS AQWA software, the hydrodynamic model of the platform was established to calculate the time history response of the platform motion under complex water environments, such as wind, wave, current and mooring. On this basis, motion response and cable tension were calculated with different cable mooring states under the designed environmental load. Finally, the best mooring scheme to meet the cable strength requirements was proposed, which can lower the motion amplitude of the platform effectively.
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Thomas, David G.
1976-01-01
The subject invention is directed to a floating platform for supporting nuclear reactors and the like at selected offshore sites. The platform is provided with a stabilizer mechanism which significantly reduces the effects of wave action upon the platform and which comprises a pair of relatively small floats attached by rigid booms to the platform at locations spaced therefrom for reducing wave pitch, acceleration, and the resonance period of the wave.
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Strübing, Sandra; Abboud, Tâmara; Contri, Renata Vidor; Metz, Hendrik; Mäder, Karsten
2008-06-01
The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of floating and drug release behaviour of poly(vinyl acetate)-based floating tablets with membrane controlled drug delivery. Propranolol HCl containing tablets with Kollidon SR as an excipient for direct compression and different Kollicoat SR 30 D/Kollicoat IR coats varying from 10 to 20mg polymer/cm2 were investigated regarding drug release in 0.1N HCl. Furthermore, the onset of floating, the floating duration and the floating strength of the device were determined. In addition, benchtop MRI studies of selected samples were performed. Coated tablets with 10mg polymer/cm2 SR/IR, 8.5:1.5 coat exhibited the shortest lag times prior to drug release and floating onset, the fastest increase in and highest maximum values of floating strength. The drug release was delayed efficiently within a time interval of 24 h by showing linear drug release characteristics. Poly(vinyl acetate) proved to be an appropriate excipient to ensure safe and reliable drug release. Floating strength measurements offered the possibility to quantify the floating ability of the developed systems and thus to compare different formulations more efficiently. Benchtop MRI studies allowed a deeper insight into drug release and floating mechanisms noninvasively and continuously.
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Pongstabodee, Sangobtip; Kunachitpimol, Napatr; Damronglerd, Somsak
2008-01-01
The aim of this research was to separate the different plastics of a mixed post-consumer plastic waste by the combination of a three-stage sink-float method and selective flotation. By using the three-stage sink-float method, six mixed-plastic wastes, belonging to the 0.3-0.5 cm size class and including high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS) were separated into two groups, i.e., a low density plastic group (HDPE and PP) and a high density plastic group (PET, PVC, PS and ABS) by tap water. Plastic whose density is less than that of the medium solution floats to the surface, while the one whose density is greater than that of the medium solution sinks to the bottom. The experimental results elucidated that complete separation of HDPE from PP was achieved by the three-stage sink-float method with 50% v/v ethyl alcohol. To succeed in the separation of a PS/ABS mixture from a PET/PVC mixture by the three-stage sink-float method, a 30% w/v calcium chloride solution was employed. To further separate post-consumer PET/PVC and PS/ABS based on plastic type, selective flotation was carried out. In order to succeed in selective flotation separation, it is necessary to render hydrophilic the surface of one or more species while the others are kept in a hydrophobic state. In flotation studies, the effects of wetting agent, frother, pH of solution and electrolyte on separation were determined. The selective flotation results showed that when using 500 mg l(-1) calcium lignosulfonate, 0.01 ppm MIBC, and 0.1 mg l(-1) CaCl2 at pH 11, PET could be separated from PVC. To separate ABS from PS, 200 mg l(-1) calcium lignosulfonate and 0.1 mg l(-1) CaCl2 at pH 7 were used as a flotation solution. Wettability of plastic increases when adding CaCl2 and corresponds to a decrease in its contact angles and to a reduction in the recovery of plastic in the floated product.
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Formulation and evaluation of floating tablet of H2-receptor antagonist.
Kesarla, Rajesh S; Vora, Pratik Ashwinbhai; Sridhar, B K; Patel, Gunvant; Omri, Abdelwahab
2015-01-01
Conventional sustained dosage form of ranitidine hydrochloride (HCl) does not prevent frequent administration due to its degradation in colonic media and limited absorption in the upper part of GIT. Ranitidine HCl floating tablet was formulated with sublimation method to overcome the stated problem. Compatibility study for screening potential excipients was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning chromatography (DSC). Selected excipients were further evaluated for optimizing the formulation. Preliminary screening of binder, polymer and sublimating material was based on hardness and drug release, drug release with release kinetics and floating lag time with total floatation time, respectively. Selected excipients were subjected to 3(2) factorial design with polymer and sublimating material as independent factors. Matrix tablets were obtained by using 16/32" flat-faced beveled edges punches followed by sublimation. FT-IR and DSC indicated no significant incompatibility with selected excipients. Klucel-LF, POLYOX WSR N 60 K and l-menthol were selected as binder, polymer and sublimating material, respectively, for factorial design batches after preliminary screening. From the factorial design batches, optimum concentration to release the drug within 12 h was found to be 420 mg of POLYOX and 40 mg of l-menthol. Stability studies indicated the formulation as stable. Ranitidine HCl matrix floating tablets were formulated to release 90% of drug in stomach within 12 h. Hence, release of the drug could be sustained within narrow absorption site. Moreover, the dosage form was found to be floating within a fraction of second independent of the pH of media ensuring a robust formulation.
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Abduljabbar, Hana N; Badr-Eldin, Shaimaa M; Aldawsari, Hibah M
2015-01-01
Ranitidine HCl is an H2-antagonist that suffers from low oral bioavailability of 50%. The site-specific absorption from the upper part of the small intestine and the colonic metabolism of the drug could partially contribute to its reduced bioavailability. To surmount these drawbacks, this work aimed at the formulation of Ranitidine HCl gastroretentive floating-biaodhesive tablets. A 3(2) factorial design was applied to assess the effects of matrix former (HPMC K100M): drug ratio, and the release retardant (Carbopol 971) amount on the characteristics of the tablets prepared using direct compression technique. The prepared tablets were thoroughly evaluated for physical properties, floating, swelling, bioadhesive and in vitro release behaviors. Statistical analysis of the results revealed significant effects for both formulation variables on the swelling index, maximum detachment force and cumulative percent drug released after 6 hours. In addition, the matrix- former: drug ratio showed a statistically significant effect on the floating lag time. Kinetic analysis of the release data indicated Higuchi diffusion kinetics and anomalous transport mechanism for all formulations. Scanning electron micrographs of the selected tablet formulation; F8, revealed intact surface without any perforations or channels in the dry state, while polymer expansion (relaxation) with some perforated areas were observed on the surface of the tablets after 12 hours dissolution in 0.1 N HCl. Furthermore, in vivo abdominal x-ray imaging showed good floating behavior of the selected formulation; F8, for up to 6 hours with appropriate bioadhesive property. In conclusion, the selected ranitidine HCl floating-bioadhesive tablets could be regarded as a promising gastroretentive drug delivery system that could deliver the drug at a controlled rate.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Armono, H. D.; Mahaputra, B. G.; Zikra, M.
2018-03-01
Floating cages is one of the methods of fish farming (aqua culture) that can be developed at rivers, lakes or seas. To determine a proper location for floating cages, there are some requirements that need to be fulfilled to maintain sustainibility of floating cages. Those requirements are the quality of the environment. This paper will discuss the selection of best location for aquaculture activities using Weighted Overlay method in the Geographical Information System, based on the the concentration of chlorophyll-a, sea surface temperature presented by Aqua MODIS Level 1b satellite images. The satellite data will be associated with the measured field data on March and October 2016. The study take place on Prigi Bay, at Trenggalek Regency, East Java. Based on spatial analysis in the Geographical Information System, the Prigi bay generally suitable for aquaculture activities using floating net cages. The result of Weighted Overlay combinations in both periods showed a mean score of 2.18 of 3 where 8.33 km2 (23.13% of the water area) considered as "very suitable" and 27.67 km2 (76.87% of water area) considered "suitable".
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Stimulus selection and tracking during urination: autoshaping directed behavior with toilet targets.
Siegel, R K
1977-01-01
A simple procedure is described for investigating stimuli selected as targets during urination in the commode. Ten normal males preferred a floating target that could be tracked to a series of stationary targets. This technique was used to bring misdirected urinations in a severely retarded male under rapid stimulus control of a floating target in the commode. The float stimulus was also evaluated with nine institionalized, moderately retarded males and results indicated rapid autoshaping of directed urination without the use of verbal instructions or conventional toilet training. The technique can be applied in training children to control misdirected urinations in institution for the retarded, in psychiatric wards with regressed populations, and in certain male school dormitories. PMID:885828
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Stimulus selection and tracking during urination: autoshaping directed behavior with toilet targets.
Siegel, R K
1977-01-01
A simple procedure is described for investigating stimuli selected as targets during urination in the commode. Ten normal males preferred a floating target that could be tracked to a series of stationary targets. This technique was used to bring misdirected urinations in a severely retarded male under rapid stimulus control of a floating target in the commode. The float stimulus was also evaluated with nine institionalized, moderately retarded males and results indicated rapid autoshaping of directed urination without the use of verbal instructions or conventional toilet training. The technique can be applied in training children to control misdirected urinations in institution for the retarded, in psychiatric wards with regressed populations, and in certain male school dormitories.
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Chang, Herng-Hua; Chang, Yu-Ning
2017-04-01
Bilateral filters have been substantially exploited in numerous magnetic resonance (MR) image restoration applications for decades. Due to the deficiency of theoretical basis on the filter parameter setting, empirical manipulation with fixed values and noise variance-related adjustments has generally been employed. The outcome of these strategies is usually sensitive to the variation of the brain structures and not all the three parameter values are optimal. This article is in an attempt to investigate the optimal setting of the bilateral filter, from which an accelerated and automated restoration framework is developed. To reduce the computational burden of the bilateral filter, parallel computing with the graphics processing unit (GPU) architecture is first introduced. The NVIDIA Tesla K40c GPU with the compute unified device architecture (CUDA) functionality is specifically utilized to emphasize thread usages and memory resources. To correlate the filter parameters with image characteristics for automation, optimal image texture features are subsequently acquired based on the sequential forward floating selection (SFFS) scheme. Subsequently, the selected features are introduced into the back propagation network (BPN) model for filter parameter estimation. Finally, the k-fold cross validation method is adopted to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed filter parameter prediction framework. A wide variety of T1-weighted brain MR images with various scenarios of noise levels and anatomic structures were utilized to train and validate this new parameter decision system with CUDA-based bilateral filtering. For a common brain MR image volume of 256 × 256 × 256 pixels, the speed-up gain reached 284. Six optimal texture features were acquired and associated with the BPN to establish a "high accuracy" parameter prediction system, which achieved a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 5.6%. Automatic restoration results on 2460 brain MR images received an average relative error in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) less than 0.1%. In comparison with many state-of-the-art filters, the proposed automation framework with CUDA-based bilateral filtering provided more favorable results both quantitatively and qualitatively. Possessing unique characteristics and demonstrating exceptional performances, the proposed CUDA-based bilateral filter adequately removed random noise in multifarious brain MR images for further study in neurosciences and radiological sciences. It requires no prior knowledge of the noise variance and automatically restores MR images while preserving fine details. The strategy of exploiting the CUDA to accelerate the computation and incorporating texture features into the BPN to completely automate the bilateral filtering process is achievable and validated, from which the best performance is reached. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.
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Formulation and evaluation of floating matrix tablet of stavudine
Prajapati, Pankaj H; Nakum, Vijay V; Patel, Chhagan N
2012-01-01
Background/Aim: The purpose of the study was to prolong the gastric residence time of stavudine by designing its floating tablets and to study the influence of different polymers on its release rate. Materials and Methods: The floating mix matrix tablets of stavudine were prepared by melt granulation method. Beeswax was used as hydrophobic meltable material. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), sodium bicarbonate, and ethyl cellulose were used as matrixing agent, gas generating agent, and floating enhancer, respectively. The prepared tablets were evaluated for physicochemical parameters such as hardness, weight variation, friability, floating properties (floating lag time, total floating time), drug content, stability study, and in vitro drug release. The drug- polymer interaction was studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) thermal analysis and Fourier transform infared (FT-IR). Results: The floating lag time of all the formulations was within the prescribed limit (<3 min). All the formulations showed good matrix integrity and retarded the release of drug for 12 h except the formulation F5.The concentration of beeswax (X1), HPMC K4M (X2), and ethyl cellulose (X3) were selected as independent variables and drug release values at 1 (Q1), at 6 (Q6) and at 12 h (Q12) as dependent variables. Formulation F7 was selected as an optimum formulation as it showed more similarity in dissolution profile with theoretical profile (similarity factor, f2 = 70.91). The dissolution of batch F7 can be described by zero-order kinetics (R2 =0.9936) with anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion as the release mechanism (n=0.545). There was no difference observed in release profile after temperature sensitivity study at 40°C/75% relative humidity (RH) for 1 month. Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that the combined mix matrix system containing hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymer minimized the burst release of drug from the tablet and achieved a drug release by zero-order kinetics, which is practically difficult with only hydrophilic matrix. PMID:23119237
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Darcy, Eric; Strangways, Brad
2003-01-01
Contents include the following: 1. Introduction: What is the (Floating Potential Probe) FPP? Why was NiMH battery selected? Haw well would crimped seal cell performed in long term vacuum exposure? 2. Verification tests: Battery description. Test methods. Results. Main findings. FPP status.
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Controlled release floating multiparticulates of metoprolol succinate by hot melt extrusion.
Malode, Vilas N; Paradkar, Anant; Devarajan, Padma V
2015-08-01
We present hot melt extrusion (HME) for the design of floating multiparticulates. Metoprolol succinate was selected as the model drug. Our foremost objective was to optimize the components Eudragit(®) RS PO, polyethylene oxide (PEO) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) to balance both buoyancy and controlled release. Gas generated by sodium bicarbonate in acidic medium was trapped in the polymer matrix to enable floating. Eudragit(®) RS PO and PEO with sodium bicarbonate resulted in multiparticulates which exhibited rapid flotation within 3 min but inadequate total floating time (TFT) of 3h. Addition of HPMC to the matrix did not affect floating lag time (FLT), moreover TFT increased to more than 12h with controlled release of metoprolol succinate. Floating multiparticulates exhibited t50% of 5.24h and t90% of 10.12h. XRD and DSC analysis revealed crystalline state of drug while FTIR suggested nonexistence of chemical interaction between the drug and the other excipients. The assay, FLT, TFT and the drug release of the multiparticulates were unchanged when stored at 40°C/75%RH for 3 months confirming stability. We present floating multiparticulates by HME which could be extrapolated to a range of other drugs. Our approach hence presents platform technology for floating multiparticulates. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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[Study on preparation of phenols gastric floating tablet].
Zhai, Xiao-Ling; Ni, Jian; Gu, Yu-Long
2008-01-01
To study the preparation of phenols gastric floating tablet. The tablets which were prepared using Eudragit IV, HPMC(K4M), MCC101 and Octadecanol as excipients were evaluated by vitro floatation and releasing performance. The pressure of preparationg was also study to select the optimal preparation. The tablets were successfully prepared in which the drug, Eudragit IV, Octadecanol were 31% respectively,and MCC101 was 7%. And 3-4 kg was found to be the eligible pressure. The study was found to be effective in the process of phenols gastric floating tablet.
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Benchmarking Ligand-Based Virtual High-Throughput Screening with the PubChem Database
Butkiewicz, Mariusz; Lowe, Edward W.; Mueller, Ralf; Mendenhall, Jeffrey L.; Teixeira, Pedro L.; Weaver, C. David; Meiler, Jens
2013-01-01
With the rapidly increasing availability of High-Throughput Screening (HTS) data in the public domain, such as the PubChem database, methods for ligand-based computer-aided drug discovery (LB-CADD) have the potential to accelerate and reduce the cost of probe development and drug discovery efforts in academia. We assemble nine data sets from realistic HTS campaigns representing major families of drug target proteins for benchmarking LB-CADD methods. Each data set is public domain through PubChem and carefully collated through confirmation screens validating active compounds. These data sets provide the foundation for benchmarking a new cheminformatics framework BCL::ChemInfo, which is freely available for non-commercial use. Quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models are built using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Decision Trees (DTs), and Kohonen networks (KNs). Problem-specific descriptor optimization protocols are assessed including Sequential Feature Forward Selection (SFFS) and various information content measures. Measures of predictive power and confidence are evaluated through cross-validation, and a consensus prediction scheme is tested that combines orthogonal machine learning algorithms into a single predictor. Enrichments ranging from 15 to 101 for a TPR cutoff of 25% are observed. PMID:23299552
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Development of gastroretentive metronidazole floating raft system for targeting Helicobacter pylori.
Abou Youssef, Nancy Abdel Hamid; Kassem, Abeer Ahmed; El-Massik, Magda Abd Elsamea; Boraie, Nabila Ahmed
2015-01-01
The study demonstrates the feasibility of prolonging gastric residence time and release rate of metronidazole (Mz) by preparing floating raft system (FRS) using ion-sensitive in situ gel forming polymers. FRSs contained 3, 4, 5 and 0.5, 0.75, 1% w/v sodium alginate (Alg) and gellan gum (G), respectively, 0.25% w/v sodium citrate and calcium carbonate (C). Lipids: glyceryl mono stearate (GMS), Precirol(®) and Compritol(®) were incorporated into G-based formulations (G1%C1%). Mz:lipid ratio was 1:1, except for Mz:GMS, ratios of 1:1.5 and 1:2 were also investigated. Buoyancy, gelation capacity and viscosity parameters were evaluated. Drug release and kinetics for selected formulae were examined. The selected lipid containing formula was subjected to an accelerated stability testing. Alg4%C2% FRS exhibited short gelation lag time (3s), long duration (>24h), floating lag time 1m in and duration >24h, and a reliable sustained drug release (MDT 6h). Gellan gum FRSs achieved successful floating gastroretention, but failed to achieve the required gelation capacity. Incorporation of GMS (Mz:GMS 1:1) enhanced the gelation lag time and duration (6s and >24h, respectively), keeping sustained drug release and formulation stability. The improved characteristics of the selected FRS make them excellent candidates for gastric targeting to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Senjoti, Faria Gias; Mahmood, Syed; Jaffri, Juliana Md; Mandal, Uttam Kumar
2016-01-01
An oral sustained-release floating tablet formulation of metformin HCl was designed and developed. Effervescence and swelling properties were attributed on the developed tablets by sodium bicarbonate and HPMC-PEO polymer combination, respectively. Tablet composition was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Seventeen (17) trial formulations were analyzed according to Box-Behnken design of experiment where polymer content of HPMC and PEO at 1: 4 ratio (A), amount of sodium bi-carbonate (B), and amount of SSG (C) were adopted as independent variables. Floating lag time in sec (Y1), cumulative percent drug released at 1 h (Y2) and 12 h (Y3) were chosen as response variables. Tablets from the optimized formulation were also stored at accelerated stability condition (40°C and 75% RH) for 3 months to assess their stability profile. RSM could efficiently optimize the tablet composition with excellent prediction ability. In-vitro drug release until 12 h, floating lag time, and duration of floating were dependent on the amount of three selected independent variables. Optimized tablets remained floating for more than 24 h with a floating lag time of less than 4 min. Based on best fitting method, optimized formulation was found to follow Korsmeyer-Peppas release kinetic. Accelerated stability study revealed that optimized formulation was stable for three months without any major changes in assay, dissolution profile, floating lag time and other physical properties. PMID:27610147
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Refrigerant directly cooled capacitors
Hsu, John S [Oak Ridge, TN; Seiber, Larry E [Oak Ridge, TN; Marlino, Laura D [Oak Ridge, TN; Ayers, Curtis W [Kingston, TN
2007-09-11
The invention is a direct contact refrigerant cooling system using a refrigerant floating loop having a refrigerant and refrigeration devices. The cooling system has at least one hermetic container disposed in the refrigerant floating loop. The hermetic container has at least one electronic component selected from the group consisting of capacitors, power electronic switches and gating signal module. The refrigerant is in direct contact with the electronic component.
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Science as an Inclusive Subject but an Exclusive Lesson
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Key, Tamsin
2012-01-01
A 7-year-old boy with special educational needs said "I want the wood for my boat, because I saw crocodiles at the zoo and they had logs floating in their home." This was his response to a small group "sinking and floating" investigation in which they were exploring a range of materials and were asked to select one they would like to use in the…
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Sensor Buoy System for Monitoring Renewable Marine Energy Resources.
García, Emilio; Quiles, Eduardo; Correcher, Antonio; Morant, Francisco
2018-03-22
In this paper we present a multi-sensor floating system designed to monitor marine energy parameters, in order to sample wind, wave, and marine current energy resources. For this purpose, a set of dedicated sensors to measure the height and period of the waves, wind, and marine current intensity and direction have been selected and installed in the system. The floating device incorporates wind and marine current turbines for renewable energy self-consumption and to carry out complementary studies on the stability of such a system. The feasibility, safety, sensor communications, and buoy stability of the floating device have been successfully checked in real operating conditions.
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Sensor Buoy System for Monitoring Renewable Marine Energy Resources
García, Emilio; Morant, Francisco
2018-01-01
In this paper we present a multi-sensor floating system designed to monitor marine energy parameters, in order to sample wind, wave, and marine current energy resources. For this purpose, a set of dedicated sensors to measure the height and period of the waves, wind, and marine current intensity and direction have been selected and installed in the system. The floating device incorporates wind and marine current turbines for renewable energy self-consumption and to carry out complementary studies on the stability of such a system. The feasibility, safety, sensor communications, and buoy stability of the floating device have been successfully checked in real operating conditions. PMID:29565823
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Hall, David R.; Muradov, Andrei; Pixton, David S.; Dahlgren, Scott Steven; Briscoe, Michael A.
2007-03-20
A double shouldered downhole tool connection comprises box and pin connections having mating threads intermediate mating primary and secondary shoulders. The connection further comprises a secondary shoulder component retained in the box connection intermediate a floating component and the primary shoulders. The secondary shoulder component and the pin connection cooperate to transfer a portion of makeup load to the box connection. The downhole tool may be selected from the group consisting of drill pipe, drill collars, production pipe, and reamers. The floating component may be selected from the group consisting of electronics modules, generators, gyroscopes, power sources, and stators. The secondary shoulder component may comprises an interface to the box connection selected from the group consisting of radial grooves, axial grooves, tapered grooves, radial protrusions, axial protrusions, tapered protrusions, shoulders, and threads.
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Rapolu, Kishore; Sanka, Krishna; Vemula, Praveen Kumar; Aatipamula, Vinaydas; Mohd, Abdul Bari; Diwan, Prakash V
2013-12-01
One among many strategies to prolong gastric residence time and improve local effect of the metronidazole in stomach to eradicate Helicobacter pylori in the treatment of peptic ulcer was floating drug delivery system particularly effervescent gastroretentive tablets. The objective of this study was to prepare and evaluate, effervescent floating drug delivery system of a model drug, metronidazole. Effervescent floating drug delivery tablets were prepared by wet granulation method. A three-factor, three levels Box-Behnken design was adopted for the optimization. The selected independent variables were amount of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K 15M (X1), sodium carboxy methylcellulose (X2) and NaHCO3 (X3). The dependent variables were floating lag time (YFLT), cumulative percentage of metronidazole released at 6th h (Y6) and cumulative percentage of metronidazole released at 12th h (Y12). Physical properties, drug content, in vitro floating lag time, total floating time and drug release behavior were assessed. YFLT range was found to be from 1.02 to 12.07 min. The ranges of other responses, Y6 and Y12 were 25.72 ± 2.85 to 77.14 ± 3.42 % and 65.47 ± 1.25 to 99.65 ± 2.28 %, respectively. Stability studies revealed that no significant change in in vitro floating lag time, total floating time and drug release behavior before and after storage. It can be concluded that a combination of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K 15M, sodium carboxy methylcellulose and NaHCO3 can be used to increase the gastric residence time of the dosage form to improve local effect of metronidazole.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Szluha, A.; Morrison, A.; Heckman, C.
Physico-chemical criteria were established and subjected to the chemical compounds listed in CHRIS to select those chemicals which are immiscible and float on water. This information was compiled in a menu-driven data base for easy access. As the result of this work, 294 CHRIS chemicals were found to be floaters. A literature review was conducted also to review available spill containment and recovery equipment and techniques for the application toward floating hazardous chemical spills. No single technology or equipment was found to effectively apply for the containment and recovery of spilled floating chemicals. Specific deficiencies and problems inherent in existingmore » technologies were identified. A hazard and toxicity ranking system was developed and applied to the floating chemicals for groupings by degrees of flammability and toxicity hazards. These groupings include highly flammable through noncombustible and highly toxic through non-toxic and the combination of degrees of hazards.« less
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Catamaran or semi-submersible for floating platform - selection of a better design
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Qasim, Idrees; Gao, Liangtian; Peng, Duojin; Liu, Bo
2018-02-01
With nonstop advancement in marine engineering, more and more new structures are being designed and explored for tidal current energy. There are three different kinds of support structures for tidal current power station mostly in use, which are sea-bed mounted/gravity based system, pile mounted system and floating moored platform. Comparing all of them, the floating mooring system is most suitable for deep water systems and the application of this arrangement is widely usable. In this paper, a semi-submersible and a catamaran as floating platforms for tidal current power stations are studied are compared on the basis of its economics, efficiency of turbine and stability of the station. Based on basic ship theory and using software MAXSURF, the stability of Catamaran tidal current power station is also calculated. It is found that the catamaran design is optimal choice.
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An Evaluation of Pixel-Based Methods for the Detection of Floating Objects on the Sea Surface
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Borghgraef, Alexander; Barnich, Olivier; Lapierre, Fabian; Van Droogenbroeck, Marc; Philips, Wilfried; Acheroy, Marc
2010-12-01
Ship-based automatic detection of small floating objects on an agitated sea surface remains a hard problem. Our main concern is the detection of floating mines, which proved a real threat to shipping in confined waterways during the first Gulf War, but applications include salvaging, search-and-rescue operation, perimeter, or harbour defense. Detection in infrared (IR) is challenging because a rough sea is seen as a dynamic background of moving objects with size order, shape, and temperature similar to those of the floating mine. In this paper we have applied a selection of background subtraction algorithms to the problem, and we show that the recent algorithms such as ViBe and behaviour subtraction, which take into account spatial and temporal correlations within the dynamic scene, significantly outperform the more conventional parametric techniques, with only little prior assumptions about the physical properties of the scene.
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Optimization studies on compression coated floating-pulsatile drug delivery of bisoprolol.
Jagdale, Swati C; Bari, Nilesh A; Kuchekar, Bhanudas S; Chabukswar, Aniruddha R
2013-01-01
The purpose of the present work was to design and optimize compression coated floating pulsatile drug delivery systems of bisoprolol. Floating pulsatile concept was applied to increase the gastric residence of the dosage form having lag phase followed by a burst release. The prepared system consisted of two parts: a core tablet containing the active ingredient and an erodible outer shell with gas generating agent. The rapid release core tablet (RRCT) was prepared by using superdisintegrants with active ingredient. Press coating of optimized RRCT was done by polymer. A 3² full factorial design was used for optimization. The amount of Polyox WSR205 and Polyox WSR N12K was selected as independent variables. Lag period, drug release, and swelling index were selected as dependent variables. Floating pulsatile release formulation (FPRT) F13 at level 0 (55 mg) for Polyox WSR205 and level +1 (65 mg) for Polyox WSR N12K showed lag time of 4 h with >90% drug release. The data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA, and P < 0.05 was statistically significant. Release kinetics of the optimized formulation best fitted the zero order model. In vivo study confirms burst effect at 4 h in indicating the optimization of the dosage form.
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Optimization Studies on Compression Coated Floating-Pulsatile Drug Delivery of Bisoprolol
Jagdale, Swati C.; Bari, Nilesh A.; Kuchekar, Bhanudas S.; Chabukswar, Aniruddha R.
2013-01-01
The purpose of the present work was to design and optimize compression coated floating pulsatile drug delivery systems of bisoprolol. Floating pulsatile concept was applied to increase the gastric residence of the dosage form having lag phase followed by a burst release. The prepared system consisted of two parts: a core tablet containing the active ingredient and an erodible outer shell with gas generating agent. The rapid release core tablet (RRCT) was prepared by using superdisintegrants with active ingredient. Press coating of optimized RRCT was done by polymer. A 32 full factorial design was used for optimization. The amount of Polyox WSR205 and Polyox WSR N12K was selected as independent variables. Lag period, drug release, and swelling index were selected as dependent variables. Floating pulsatile release formulation (FPRT) F13 at level 0 (55 mg) for Polyox WSR205 and level +1 (65 mg) for Polyox WSR N12K showed lag time of 4 h with >90% drug release. The data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA, and P < 0.05 was statistically significant. Release kinetics of the optimized formulation best fitted the zero order model. In vivo study confirms burst effect at 4 h in indicating the optimization of the dosage form. PMID:24367788
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Preparation and evaluation of novel metronidazole sustained release and floating matrix tablets.
Asnaashari, Solmaz; Khoei, Nazaninossadat Seyed; Zarrintan, Mohammad Hosein; Adibkia, Khosro; Javadzadeh, Yousef
2011-08-01
In the present study, metronidazole was used for preparing floating dosage forms that are designed to retain in the stomach for a long time and have developed as a drug delivery system for better eradication of Helicobacter Pylori in peptic ulcer diseases. For this means, various formulations were designed using multi-factorial design. HPMC, psyllium and carbopol in different concentrations were used as floating agents, and sodium bicarbonate was added as a gas-forming agent. Hardness, friability, drug loading, floating ability and release profiles as well as kinetics of release were assessed. Formulations containing HPMC as filler showed prolonged lag times for buoyancy. Adding psyllium to these formulations had reduced relative lag times. Overall, selected formulations were able to float immediately and showed buoyancy for at least 8?h. Meanwhile, sustained profiles of drug release were also obtained. Kinetically, among the 10 assessed models, the release pattern of metronidazole from the tablets fitted best to Power law, Weibull and Higuchi models in respect overall to mean percentage error values of 3.8, 4.73 and 5.77, respectively, for calcium carbonate-based tablets and, 2.95, 6.39 and 3.9, respectively, for calcium silicate-based tablets. In general, these systems can float in the gastric condition and control the drug release from the tablets.
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Ji-Sheng, Wang; Jian-Feng, Liu; Ya-Hong, Liu; Liang-Liang, Song; Guo-Wang, Geng
2016-07-18
To investigate the infection situation of intestinal nematodes and knowledge about the prevention and control of intestinal nematodiasis, so as to explore the effective control measures in Jingjiang City. The towns where more floating people lived were randomly selected and the infection situation of intestinal nematodes was investigated with KatoKatz method, and the residents'awareness of the prevention and control of nematodiasis was surveyed with questionnaires. From 2013 to 2015, totally 4 555 local residents and 2 278 floating people were investigated in Jingjiang City. The infection rate of intestinal nematodes was 0.29% (13 cases) in the local people, while the rate was 0.75% (17 cases) in the floating people, and the difference was significant ( χ 2 = 7.380, P < 0.01). The differences of the intestinal nematode infection rates between sexes in both local residents and floating people were not significant ( χ 2 = 0.010, 0.048, both P > 0.05). The awareness rate of intestinal nematodiasis prevention and control of the local residents was significantly higher than that of the floating people ( χ 2 = 9.649-164.533, all P < 0.01). The floating people is the focus of intestinal nematodiasis control, and the health education of ancylostomiasis control should be strengthened in Jingjiang City.
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Abou el Ela, Amal El Sayeh F.; Hassan, Maha A.; El- Maraghy, Dalia A.
2013-01-01
The floating beads have been employed to make a sustained release of the drug in the stomach and to decrease the dose of the drug and hence overcome its side effects. The common benefits of the floating beads were it is easy preparation, without the need of a high temperature, and high percentage of the drug entrapment. In the present work, the Ketorolac tromethamine (KT) floating beads were prepared by extrusion congealing method utilizing calcium carbonate as a gas forming agent. The physical characters of the produced beads were investigated such as KT yield, KT loading, and entrapment efficiency of the drug. In addition, floating behavior, swelling, particle size, morphology and KT stability were also evaluated. In vitro drug release study was carried out, and the kinetics of the release was evaluated using the linear regression method. Furthermore, the in vivo analgesic effect of KT after oral administration of the selected formula of floating beads (F10) was carried out using hot plate and tail flick methods. Oral commercial KT tablets and KT solution were used for the comparison. The prepared beads remained floated for more than 8 h. The optimized formulation (F10) exhibited prolonged drug release (more than 8 h) and the drug release follows the Higuchi kinetic model, with a Fickian diffusion mechanism according to Korsmeyer-Peppas (n = 0.466). Moreover, F10 showed a sustained analgesic effect as compared to the commercial tablet. PMID:25161380
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Design and Optimization of Floating Drug Delivery System of Acyclovir
Kharia, A. A.; Hiremath, S. N.; Singhai, A. K.; Omray, L. K.; Jain, S. K.
2010-01-01
The purpose of the present work was to design and optimize floating drug delivery systems of acyclovir using psyllium husk and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M as the polymers and sodium bicarbonate as a gas generating agent. The tablets were prepared by wet granulation method. A 32 full factorial design was used for optimization of drug release profile. The amount of psyllium husk (X1) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M (X2) were selected as independent variables. The times required for 50% (t50%) and 70% (t70%) drug dissolution were selected as dependent variables. All the designed nine batches of formulations were evaluated for hardness, friability, weight variation, drug content uniformity, swelling index, in vitro buoyancy, and in vitro drug release profile. All formulations had floating lag time below 3 min and constantly floated on dissolution medium for more than 24 h. Validity of the developed polynomial equation was verified by designing two check point formulations (C1 and C2). The closeness of predicted and observed values for t50% and t70% indicates validity of derived equations for the dependent variables. These studies indicated that the proper balance between psyllium husk and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M can produce a drug dissolution profile similar to the predicted dissolution profile. The optimized formulations followed Higuchi's kinetics while the drug release mechanism was found to be anomalous type, controlled by diffusion through the swollen matrix. PMID:21694992
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Design and optimization of floating drug delivery system of acyclovir.
Kharia, A A; Hiremath, S N; Singhai, A K; Omray, L K; Jain, S K
2010-09-01
The purpose of the present work was to design and optimize floating drug delivery systems of acyclovir using psyllium husk and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M as the polymers and sodium bicarbonate as a gas generating agent. The tablets were prepared by wet granulation method. A 3(2) full factorial design was used for optimization of drug release profile. The amount of psyllium husk (X1) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M (X2) were selected as independent variables. The times required for 50% (t(50%)) and 70% (t(70%)) drug dissolution were selected as dependent variables. All the designed nine batches of formulations were evaluated for hardness, friability, weight variation, drug content uniformity, swelling index, in vitro buoyancy, and in vitro drug release profile. All formulations had floating lag time below 3 min and constantly floated on dissolution medium for more than 24 h. Validity of the developed polynomial equation was verified by designing two check point formulations (C1 and C2). The closeness of predicted and observed values for t(50%) and t(70%) indicates validity of derived equations for the dependent variables. These studies indicated that the proper balance between psyllium husk and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M can produce a drug dissolution profile similar to the predicted dissolution profile. The optimized formulations followed Higuchi's kinetics while the drug release mechanism was found to be anomalous type, controlled by diffusion through the swollen matrix.
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Thakar, Krishna; Joshi, Garima; Sawant, Krutika K
2013-06-01
The study was aimed to improve bioavailability of baclofen by developing gastroretentive floating drug delivery system (GFDDS). Preliminary optimization was done to select various release retardants to obtain minimum floating lag time, maximum floating duration and sustained release. Optimization by 3(2) factorial design was done using Polyox WSR 303 (X1) and HPMC K4M (X2) as independent variables and cumulative percentage drug released at 6 h (Q6h) as dependent variable. Optimized formulation showed floating lag time of 4-5 s, floated for more than 12 h and released the drug in sustained manner. In vitro release followed zero ordered kinetics and when fitted to Korsemeyer Peppas model, indicated drug release by combination of diffusion as well as chain relaxation. In vivo floatability study confirmed floatation for more than 6 h. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rabbits showed Cmax of 189.96 ± 13.04 ng/mL and Tmax of 4 ± 0.35 h for GFDDS. The difference for AUC(0-T) and AUC(0-∞) between the test and reference formulation was statistically significant (p > 0.05). AUC(0-T) and AUC(0-∞) for GFDDS was 2.34 and 2.43 times greater than the marketed formulation respectively. GFDDS provided prolonged gastric residence and showed significant increase in bioavailability of baclofen.
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On the dynamic singularities in the control of free-floating space manipulators
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Papadopoulos, E.; Dubowsky, S.
1989-01-01
It is shown that free-floating space manipulator systems have configurations which are dynamically singular. At a dynamically singular position, the manipulator is unable to move its end effector in some direction. This problem appears in any free-floating space manipulator system that permits the vehicle to move in response to manipulator motion without correction from the vehicle's attitude control system. Dynamic singularities are functions of the dynamic properties of the system; their existence and locations cannot be predicted solely from the kinematic structure of the manipulator, unlike the singularities for fixed base manipulators. It is also shown that the location of these dynamic singularities in the workplace is dependent upon the path taken by the manipulator in reaching them. Dynamic singularities must be considered in the control, planning and design of free-floating space manipulator systems. A method for calculating these dynamic singularities is presented, and it is shown that the system parameters can be selected to reduce the effect of dynamic singularities on a system's performance.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Kim, MooHyun
2014-08-01
This report presents the development of offshore anchor data sets which are intended to be used to develop a database that allows preliminary selection and sizing of anchors for the conceptual design of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs). The study is part of a project entitled “Development of Mooring-Anchor Program in Public Domain for Coupling with Floater Program for FOWTs (Floating Offshore Wind Turbines)”, under the direction of Dr. Moo-Hyun Kim at the Texas A&M University and with the sponsorship from the US Department of Energy (Contract No. DE-EE0005479, CFDA # 81.087 for DE-FOA-0000415, Topic Area 1.3: Subsurface Mooring andmore » Anchoring Dynamics Models).« less
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Open-air sprays for capturing and controlling airborne float coal dust on longwall faces
Beck, T.W.; Seaman, C.E.; Shahan, M.R.; Mischler, S.E.
2018-01-01
Float dust deposits in coal mine return airways pose a risk in the event of a methane ignition. Controlling airborne dust prior to deposition in the return would make current rock dusting practices more effective and reduce the risk of coal-dust-fueled explosions. The goal of this U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health study is to determine the potential of open-air water sprays to reduce concentrations of airborne float coal dust, smaller than 75 µm in diameter, in longwall face airstreams. This study evaluated unconfined water sprays in a featureless tunnel ventilated at a typical longwall face velocity of 3.6 m/s (700 fpm). Experiments were conducted for two nozzle orientations and two water pressures for hollow cone, full cone, flat fan, air atomizing and hydraulic atomizing spray nozzles. Gravimetric samples show that airborne float dust removal efficiencies averaged 19.6 percent for all sprays under all conditions. The results indicate that the preferred spray nozzle should be operated at high fluid pressures to produce smaller droplets and move more air. These findings agree with past respirable dust control research, providing guidance on spray selection and spray array design in ongoing efforts to control airborne float dust over the entire longwall ventilated opening. PMID:29348700
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[Surgical treatment strategy of the floating shoulder injury].
Song, Zhe; Xue, Han-Zhong; Li, Zhong; Zhuang, Yan; Wang, Qian; Ma, Teng; Zhang, Kun
2013-10-18
To discuss the clinical characteristics and the surgical treatment strategy of the floating shoulder injury. 26 cases with the floating shoulder injury between January 2006 and January 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. There were 15 males and 11 females with an average age of 35.2 (22-60) years. According to Wong's classification of floating shoulder injury: type IA, 3 cases; type IB, 9 cases; type II, 4 cases; type IIIA, 6 cases; type IIIB, 4 cases. All the 26 cases had accepted the surgical treatment. We observed the postoperative fracture reduction, damage repair, fracture healing and internal fixation through the X-ray films. We also evaluated the shoulder function regularly according to the Constant scores and Herscovici evaluation criteria. The 26 cases were followed up for an average of 16.8 (12-24) months.All the fractures healed for a mean time of 2.4 months, the mean Constant score was 89.4 (60-100). The effect of Herscovici evaluation criteria: excellent, 15 cases; good, 8 cases;fair, 3 cases;the excellent rate 88.5%. Open reduction and internal fixation is an effective method for the treatment of floating shoulder injury, but we should select the reset sequence and fixation methods according to the type of fracture and degree of displacement.
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Open-air sprays for capturing and controlling airborne float coal dust on longwall faces.
Beck, T W; Seaman, C E; Shahan, M R; Mischler, S E
2018-01-01
Float dust deposits in coal mine return airways pose a risk in the event of a methane ignition. Controlling airborne dust prior to deposition in the return would make current rock dusting practices more effective and reduce the risk of coal-dust-fueled explosions. The goal of this U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health study is to determine the potential of open-air water sprays to reduce concentrations of airborne float coal dust, smaller than 75 µm in diameter, in longwall face airstreams. This study evaluated unconfined water sprays in a featureless tunnel ventilated at a typical longwall face velocity of 3.6 m/s (700 fpm). Experiments were conducted for two nozzle orientations and two water pressures for hollow cone, full cone, flat fan, air atomizing and hydraulic atomizing spray nozzles. Gravimetric samples show that airborne float dust removal efficiencies averaged 19.6 percent for all sprays under all conditions. The results indicate that the preferred spray nozzle should be operated at high fluid pressures to produce smaller droplets and move more air. These findings agree with past respirable dust control research, providing guidance on spray selection and spray array design in ongoing efforts to control airborne float dust over the entire longwall ventilated opening.
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Kator, H; Rhodes, M
2001-06-01
Declining oyster (Crassostrea virginica) production in the Chesapeake Bay has stimulated aquaculture based on floats for off-bottom culture. While advantages of off-bottom culture are significant, the increased use of floating containers raises public health and microbiological concerns, because oysters in floats may be more susceptible to fecal contamination from storm runoff compared to those cultured on-bottom. We conducted four commercial-scale studies with market-size oysters naturally contaminated with fecal coliforms (FC) and a candidate viral indicator, F-specific RNA (FRNA) coliphage. To facilitate sampling and to test for location effects, 12 replicate subsamples, each consisting of 15 to 20 randomly selected oysters in plastic mesh bags, were placed at four characteristic locations within a 0.6- by 3.0-m "Taylor" float, and the remaining oysters were added to a depth not exceeding 15.2 cm. The float containing approximately 3,000 oysters was relaid in the York River, Virginia, for 14 days. During relay, increases in shellfish FC densities followed rain events such that final mean levels exceeded initial levels or did not meet an arbitrary product end point of 50 FC/100 ml. FRNA coliphage densities decreased to undetectable levels within 14 days (16 to 28 degrees C) in all but the last experiment, when temperatures fell between 12 and 16 degrees C. Friedman (nonparametric analysis of variance) tests performed on FC/Escherichia coli and FRNA densities indicated no differences in counts as a function of location within the float. The public health consequences of these observations are discussed, and future research and educational needs are identified.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Burger, Magdalena; Berger, Sina; Blodau, Christian
2015-04-01
Recent investigations have suggested that small water bodies cover larger areas in northern peatlands than previously assumed. Their role in the carbon cycle and gas exchange rates are poorly constrained so far. To address this issue we measured CO2 and CH4 fluxes on a small water body (ca. 700 m2) and the surrounding floating mat in the Luther Marsh peatland in Ontario, Canada from July to September 2014. To this end we used closed chambers combined with a portable Los Gatos high-resolution trace gas analyzer at different water depths and distances from the shore on the pond and with different dominating plant types on the floating mat surrounding the pond. In addition, CO2 concentrations were recorded in high temporal resolution using an infrared sensor system during selected periods. Air and water temperature, humidity and temperature of the floating mat, wind speed and direction, photosynthetically active radiation, air pressure and relative humidity were also recorded as auxiliary data at the study site. The results show that pond and floating mat were sources of methane throughout the whole measuring period. Methane emissions via the ebullition pathway occurred predominantly near the shore and on the floating mat. During the daytime measurements the floating mat acted as a net sink and the pond as a net source of CO2. The dynamics of CO2 exchange was also strongly time dependent, as CO2 emissions from the pond strongly increased after mid-August. This suggests that photosynthesis was more affected by seasonal decline than respiration process in the pond and that the allochthonous component of the CO2 flux increased in relative importance towards fall.
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Fernandino, Gerson; Elliff, Carla Isobel; Frutuoso, Gabriela Amado; Silva, Eric Vinícius Nascimento Malaquias da; Gama, Guilherme Santiago; Sousa, João Henrique de Oliveira; Silva, Iracema Reimão
2016-09-15
Floating litter in the estuarine system of Santos-São Vicente is common and is part of day-to-day activities of various users of the area. The objective of the present study was to carry out a quali-quantitative evaluation of the occurrence of floating litter, to infer their sources, and to identify environmental factors that are likely to control occurrence and distribution, with particular emphasis on the effects of tidal regimes. Six sampling stations were selected along the aforementioned estuary and visited monthly between July 2010 and January 2012. Floating litter was counted from a fixed sampling station. Plastics prevailed (89.64%) and their main source was domestic activities (55.41%). More litter was found during ebb spring tides, with higher concentrations obeying confluence patterns of the estuary's channels. Results indicated that occurrence can be attributed to the deficiency in basic sewage system in the area and the deliberate disposal into the estuary by the local population. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Basic mathematical function libraries for scientific computation
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Galant, David C.
1989-01-01
Ada packages implementing selected mathematical functions for the support of scientific and engineering applications were written. The packages provide the Ada programmer with the mathematical function support found in the languages Pascal and FORTRAN as well as an extended precision arithmetic and a complete complex arithmetic. The algorithms used are fully described and analyzed. Implementation assumes that the Ada type FLOAT objects fully conform to the IEEE 754-1985 standard for single binary floating-point arithmetic, and that INTEGER objects are 32-bit entities. Codes for the Ada packages are included as appendixes.
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R Jivani, Rishad; N Patel, Chhagan; M Patel, Dashrath; P Jivani, Nurudin
2010-01-01
The present study deals with development of a floating in-situ gel of the narrow absorption window drug baclofen. Sodium alginate-based in-situ gelling systems were prepared by dissolving various concentrations of sodium alginate in deionized water, to which varying concentrations of drug and calcium bicarbonate were added. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to check the presence of any interaction between the drug and the excipients. A 3(2) full factorial design was used for optimization. The concentrations of sodium alginate (X1) and calcium bicarbonate (X2) were selected as the independent variables. The amount of the drug released after 1 h (Q1) and 10 h (Q10) and the viscosity of the solution were selected as the dependent variables. The gels were studied for their viscosity, in-vitro buoyancy and drug release. Contour plots were drawn for each dependent variable and check-point batches were prepared in order to get desirable release profiles. The drug release profiles were fitted into different kinetic models. The floating lag time and floating time found to be 2 min and 12 h respectively. A decreasing trend in drug release was observed with increasing concentrations of CaCO3. The computed values of Q1 and Q10 for the check-point batch were 25% and 86% respectively, compared to the experimental values of 27.1% and 88.34%. The similarity factor (f 2) for the check-point batch being 80.25 showed that the two dissolution profiles were similar. The drug release from the in-situ gel follows the Higuchi model, which indicates a diffusion-controlled release. A stomach specific in-situ gel of baclofen could be prepared using floating mechanism to increase the residence time of the drug in stomach and thereby increase the absorption.
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Mahmud, Mohd Hafiyyan; Lee, Khai Ern; Goh, Thian Lai
2017-10-01
The present paper aims to assess the phytoremediation performance based on pollution removal efficiency of the highly polluted region of Alur Ilmu urban river for its applicability of on-site treatment. Thirteen stations along Alur Ilmu were selected to produce thematic maps through spatial distribution analysis based on six water quality parameters of Malaysia's Water Quality Index (WQI) for dry and raining seasons. The maps generated were used to identify the highly polluted region for phytoremediation applicability assessment. Four free-floating plants were tested in treating water samples from the highly polluted region under three different conditions, namely controlled, aerated and normal treatments. The selected free-floating plants were water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), rose water lettuce (Pistia sp.) and pennywort (Centella asiatica). The results showed that Alur Ilmu was more polluted during dry season compared to raining season based on the water quality analysis. During dry season, four parameters were marked as polluted along Alur Ilmu, namely dissolve oxygen (DO), 4.72 mg/L (class III); ammoniacal nitrogen (NH 3 -N), 0.85 mg/L (class IV); total suspended solid (TSS), 402 mg/L (class V) and biological oxygen demand (BOD), 3.89 mg/L (class III), whereas, two parameters were classed as polluted during raining season, namely total suspended solid (TSS), 571 mg/L (class V) and biological oxygen demand (BOD), 4.01 mg/L (class III). The thematic maps generated from spatial distribution analysis using Kriging gridding method showed that the highly polluted region was recorded at station AL 5. Hence, water samples were taken from this station for pollution removal analysis. All the free-floating plants were able to reduce TSS and COD in less than 14 days. However, water hyacinth showed the least detrimental effect from the phytoremediation process compared to other free-floating plants, thus made it a suitable free-floating plants to be used for on-site treatment.
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75 FR 38878 - Transportation for Individuals With Disabilities: Passenger Vessels
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-07-06
..., excursion vessels, sightseeing vessels, floating restaurants, cruise ships, and others. Cruise ships are a... the PVO owns or leases the terminal or exercises control over its selection, design, construction, or...
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Incident Energy Focused Design and Validation for the Floating Potential Probe
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Fincannon, James
2002-01-01
Utilizing the spacecraft shadowing and incident energy analysis capabilities of the NASA Glenn Research Center Power and Propulsion Office's SPACE System Power Analysis for Capability Evaluation) computer code, this paper documents the analyses for various International Space Station (ISS) Floating Potential Probe (EPP) preliminary design options. These options include various solar panel orientations and configurations as well as deployment locations on the ISS. The incident energy for the final selected option is characterized. A good correlation between the predicted data and on-orbit operational telemetry is demonstrated. Minor deviations are postulated to be induced by degradation or sensor drift.
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Planted floating bed performance in treatment of eutrophic river water.
Bu, Faping; Xu, Xiaoyi
2013-11-01
The objective of the study was to treat eutrophic river water using floating beds and to identify ideal plant species for design of floating beds. Four parallel pilot-scale units were established and vegetated with Canna indica (U1), Accords calamus (U2), Cyperus alternifolius (U3), and Vetiveria zizanioides (U4), respectively, to treat eutrophic river water. The floating bed was made of polyethylene foam, and plants were vegetated on it. Results suggest that the floating bed is a viable alternative for treating eutrophic river water, especially for inhibiting algae growth. When the influent chemical oxygen demand (COD) varied from 6.53 to 18.45 mg/L, total nitrogen (TN) from 6.82 to 12.25 mg/L, total phosphorus (TP) from 0.65 to 1.64 mg/L, and Chla from 6.22 to 66.46 g/m(3), the removal of COD, TN, TP, and Chla was 15.3%-38.4%, 25.4%-48.4%, 16.1%-42.1%, and 29.9 %-88.1%, respectively. Ranked by removal performance, U1 was best, followed by U2, U3, and U4. In the floating bed, more than 60% TN and TP were removed by sedimentation; plant uptake was quantitatively of low importance with an average removal of 20.2% of TN and 29.4% of TP removed. The loss of TN (TP) was of the least importance. Compared with the other three, U1 exhibited better dissolved oxygen (DO) gradient distributions, higher DO levels, higher hydraulic efficiency, and a higher percentage of nutrient removal attributable to plant uptake; in addition, plant development and the volume of nutrient storage in the C. indica tissues outperformed the other three species. C. indica thus could be selected when designing floating beds for the Three Gorges Reservoir region of P. R. China.
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Selective flotation of inorganic sulfides from coal
Miller, Kenneth J.; Wen, Wu-Wey
1989-01-01
Pyritic sulfur is removed from coal or other carbonaceous material through the use of humic acid as a coal flotation depressant. Following the removal of coarse pyrite, the carbonaceous material is blended with humic acid, a pyrite flotation collector and a frothing agent within a flotation cell to selectively float pyritic sulfur leaving clean coal as an underflow.
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Mansour, Fotouh R; Danielson, Neil D
2017-08-01
Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) is a special type of microextraction in which a mixture of two solvents (an extracting solvent and a disperser) is injected into the sample. The extraction solvent is then dispersed as fine droplets in the cloudy sample through manual or mechanical agitation. Hence, the sample is centrifuged to break the formed emulsion and the extracting solvent is manually separated. The organic solvents commonly used in DLLME are halogenated hydrocarbons that are highly toxic. These solvents are heavier than water, so they sink to the bottom of the centrifugation tube which makes the separation step difficult. By using solvents of low density, the organic extractant floats on the sample surface. If the selected solvent such as undecanol has a freezing point in the range 10-25°C, the floating droplet can be solidified using a simple ice-bath, and then transferred out of the sample matrix; this step is known as solidification of floating organic droplet (SFOD). Coupling DLLME to SFOD combines the advantages of both approaches together. The DLLME-SFOD process is controlled by the same variables of conventional liquid-liquid extraction. The organic solvents used as extractants in DLLME-SFOD must be immiscible with water, of lower density, low volatility, high partition coefficient and low melting and freezing points. The extraction efficiency of DLLME-SFOD is affected by types and volumes of organic extractant and disperser, salt addition, pH, temperature, stirring rate and extraction time. This review discusses the principle, optimization variables, advantages and disadvantages and some selected applications of DLLME-SFOD in water, food and biomedical analysis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Selective flotation of inorganic sulfides from coal
Miller, K.J.; Wen, Wu-Wey
1988-05-31
Pyritic sulfur is removed from coal or other carbonaceous material through the use of humic acid as a coal flotation depressant. Following the removal of coarse pyrite, the carbonaceous material is blended with humic acid, a pyrite flotation collector and a frothing agent within a flotation cell to selectively float pyritic sulfur leaving clean coal as an underflow. 1 fig., 2 tabs.
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Receptive fields selection for binary feature description.
Fan, Bin; Kong, Qingqun; Trzcinski, Tomasz; Wang, Zhiheng; Pan, Chunhong; Fua, Pascal
2014-06-01
Feature description for local image patch is widely used in computer vision. While the conventional way to design local descriptor is based on expert experience and knowledge, learning-based methods for designing local descriptor become more and more popular because of their good performance and data-driven property. This paper proposes a novel data-driven method for designing binary feature descriptor, which we call receptive fields descriptor (RFD). Technically, RFD is constructed by thresholding responses of a set of receptive fields, which are selected from a large number of candidates according to their distinctiveness and correlations in a greedy way. Using two different kinds of receptive fields (namely rectangular pooling area and Gaussian pooling area) for selection, we obtain two binary descriptors RFDR and RFDG .accordingly. Image matching experiments on the well-known patch data set and Oxford data set demonstrate that RFD significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art binary descriptors, and is comparable with the best float-valued descriptors at a fraction of processing time. Finally, experiments on object recognition tasks confirm that both RFDR and RFDG successfully bridge the performance gap between binary descriptors and their floating-point competitors.
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Design and optimization of surface profilometer based on coplanar guide rail
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chen, Shuai; Dai, Yifan; Hu, Hao; Tie, Guipeng
2017-10-01
In order to implement the sub-micron precision measurement, a surface profilometer which based on the coplanar guide rail is designed. This profilometer adopts the open type air floating load and is driven by the magnetic force. As to achieve sub-micron accuracy, the flatness of granite guide working face and aerodynamic block are both processed to the micron level based on the homogenization of air flotation film theory. Permanent magnet which could reduce the influence of the driving disturbance to the measurement accuracy is used as the driving part. In this paper, the bearing capacity and the air floating stiffness of air floating block are both simulated and analyzed as to optimize the design parameters firstly. The layout and magnetic force of the magnet are also simulated. According to the simulation results, type selection and the position arrangement of the magnets are then confirmed. The test results on the experimental platform show that the surface profilometer based on coplanar guide rail possess the basis for realizing the submicron precision measurement.
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The Scale Effect in Towing Tests with Airplane-float Systems
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Schmidt, Rudolph
1937-01-01
The present report includes a description of the making of three-component measurements on a full-size float mounted on an actual airplane and the comparison of the results with those from two models of the same form but of different size which had been tested in the towing tank. The purpose of the comparison is to determine the effect of the Reynolds Number on the results of model tank tests. Following a brief discussion of previous tests intended to elucidate the problem of scale effect on float systems and a description of the testing equipment, the choice of the reference quantities to be used in the comparison is discussed. The selection of load, speed, and trim as a basis of comparison seems best suited to the practical operation of making this comparison. The quantities affected by scale are then: resistance, trimming moment, and their derivatives; planing number (resistance/weight on water); and position of center of pressure.
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Hossain, A.; Gu, G. D.; Bolotnikov, A. E.; ...
2014-12-24
We demonstrated the material- and radiation-detection properties of cadmium manganese telluride (Cd 1-xMn xTe; x=0.06), a wide-band-gap semiconductor crystal grown by the modified floating-zone method. We investigated the presence of various bulk defects, such as Te inclusions, twins, and dislocations of several as-grown indium-doped Cd 1-xMn xTe crystals using different techniques, viz., IR transmission microscopy, and chemical etching. We then fabricated four planar detectors from selected CdMnTe crystals, characterized their electrical properties, and tested their performance as room-temperature X- and gamma-ray detectors. Thus, our experimental results show that CMT crystals grown by the modified floating zone method apparently are freemore » from Te inclusions. However, we still need to optimize our growth parameters to attain high-resistivity, large-volume single-crystal CdMnTe.« less
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Drift trajectories of a floating human body simulated in a hydraulic model of Puget Sound.
Ebbesmeyer, C C; Haglund, W D
1994-01-01
After a young man jumped off a 221-foot (67 meters) high bridge, the drift of the body that beached 20 miles (32 km) away at Alki Point in Seattle, Washington was simulated with a hydraulic model. Simulations for the appropriate time period were performed using a small floating bead to represent the body in the hydraulic model at the University of Washington. Bead movements were videotaped and transferred to Computer Aided Drafting (AutoCAD) charts on a personal computer. Because of strong tidal currents in the narrow passage under the bridge (The Narrows near Tacoma, WA), small changes in the time of the jump (+/- 30 minutes) made large differences in the distance the body traveled (30 miles; 48 km). Hydraulic and other types of oceanographic models may be located by contacting technical experts known as physical oceanographers at local universities, and can be utilized to demonstrate trajectories of floating objects and the time required to arrive at selected locations. Potential applications for forensic death investigators include: to be able to set geographic and time limits for searches; determine potential origin of remains found floating or beached; and confirm and correlate information regarding entry into the water and sightings of remains.
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Chen, Ying-Chen; Wang, Yu-Chun; Ho, Hsiu-O; Sheu, Ming-Thau
2014-01-01
Effervescent multiple-unit floating drug delivery systems (muFDDSs) consisting of drug (lorsartan)- and effervescent (sodium bicarbonate)-containing pellets were characterized in this study. The mechanical properties (stress and strain at rupture, Young’s modulus, and toughness) of these plasticized polymeric films of acrylic (Eudragit RS, RL, and NE) and cellulosic materials (ethyl cellulose (EC), and Surelease) were examined by a dynamic mechanical analyzer. Results demonstrated that polymeric films prepared from Surelease and EC were brittle with less elongation compared to acrylic films. Eudragit NE films were very flexible in both the dry and wet states. Because plasticizer leached from polymeric films during exposure to the aqueous medium, plasticization of wet Eudragit RS and RL films with 15% triethyl citrate (TEC) or diethyl phthalate (DEP) resulted in less elongation. DEP might be the plasticizer of choice among the plasticizers examined in this study for Eudragit RL to provide muFDDSs with a short time for all pellets to float (TPF) and a longer period of floating. Eudragit RL and RS at a 1∶1 ratio plasticized with 15% DEP were optimally selected as the coating membrane for the floating system. Although the release of losartan from the pellets was still too fast as a result of losartan being freely soluble in water, muFDDSs coated with Eudragit RL and RS at a 1∶1 ratio might have potential use for the sustained release of water-insoluble or the un-ionized form of drugs from gastroretentive drug delivery systems. PMID:24967594
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhao, Z.
2011-12-01
Changes in ice sheet and floating ices around that have great significance for global change research. In the context of global warming, rapidly changing of Antarctic continental margin, caving of ice shelves, movement of iceberg are all closely related to climate change and ocean circulation. Using automatic change detection technology to rapid positioning the melting Region of Polar ice sheet and the location of ice drift would not only strong support for Global Change Research but also lay the foundation for establishing early warning mechanism for melting of the polar ice and Ice displacement. This paper proposed an automatic change detection method using object-based segmentation technology. The process includes three parts: ice extraction using image segmentation, object-baed ice tracking, change detection based on similarity matching. An approach based on similarity matching of eigenvector is proposed in this paper, which used area, perimeter, Hausdorff distance, contour, shape and other information of each ice-object. Different time of LANDSAT ETM+ data, Chinese environment disaster satellite HJ1B date, MODIS 1B date are used to detect changes of Floating ice at Antarctic continental margin respectively. We select different time of ETM+ data(January 7, 2003 and January 16, 2003) with the area around Antarctic continental margin near the Lazarev Bay, which is from 70.27454853 degrees south latitude, longitude 12.38573410 degrees to 71.44474167 degrees south latitude, longitude 10.39252222 degrees,included 11628 sq km of Antarctic continental margin area, as a sample. Then we can obtain the area of floating ices reduced 371km2, and the number of them reduced 402 during the time. In addition, the changes of all the floating ices around the margin region of Antarctic within 1200 km are detected using MODIS 1B data. During the time from January 1, 2008 to January 7, 2008, the floating ice area decreased by 21644732 km2, and the number of them reduced by 83080. The results show that the object-based information extraction algorithm can obtain more precise details of a single object, while the change detection method based on similarity matching can effectively tracking the change of floating ice.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Elayeb, O. K.; Alghoul, M. A.; Sopian, K.; Khrita, N. G.
2017-11-01
Despite Double skin façade (DSF) buildings are widely deployed worldwide, daylighting strategy is not commonly incorporated in these buildings compare to other strategies. Therefore, further theoretical and experimental studies would lead to adopting daylighting strategy in DSF office buildings. The aim of this study is to investigate the daylighting performance of office building at different design parameters of box window DSF using different glazing types under sub interval of intermediate sky conditions (20-40) klux using the (IES VE) simulation tool from Integrated Environmental Solutions - Virtual Environment. The implemented design parameters are window wall ratio (WWR) of internal façade (10-100) %, cavity depth (CD) of DSF (1-2.5) m and different glazing types. The glazing types were selected from the list available in the (IES VE) simulation tool. After series of evaluations, bronze tinted coating (STOPSOL) is implemented for the exterior façade while clear float, clear reflective coating (STOPSOL), grey and brown tinted coating (Anti-sun float) and blue coating tinted (SUNCOOL float) are implemented for the interior façade. In this paper, several evaluation parameters are used to quantify the optimum design parameters that would balance the daylighting requirements of a box window DSF office versus sky conditions range (20-40) klux. The optimum design parameters of DSF office building obtained under different glazing types are highlighted as follows. When using bronze tinted coating (STOPSOL) for the exterior façade, the glazing types of interior façade that showed superior daylighting performance of DSF office at (CD of 1.0m with WWR of 70%), (CD of 1.5m with WWR of 70%), (CD of 2.0m with WWR of 70%) and (CD of 2.0m with WWR of 70%) are grey tinted coating (Anti-sun float), clear reflective coating (STOPSOL), brown tinted coating (Anti-sun float), and clear float glazing respectively. Blue Coating tinted (SUNCOOL float) of interior façade glazing failed to meet outstanding daylighting performance at any cavity depth.
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Selection of preservatives for marine structural timbers in herring spawning areas.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2012-12-01
Alaska marine harbors use wood for many structures that come in contact with saltwater, including piles, floats, and docks, because it is economical to buy and maintain. : However, wood immersed in saltwater is prone to attack by marine borers, vario...
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Zhang, Changzhe; Bu, Yuxiang
2016-09-14
Diffuse functions have been proved to be especially crucial for the accurate characterization of excess electrons which are usually bound weakly in intermolecular zones far away from the nuclei. To examine the effects of diffuse functions on the nature of the cavity-shaped excess electrons in water cluster surroundings, both the HOMO and LUMO distributions, vertical detachment energies (VDEs) and visible absorption spectra of two selected (H2O)24(-) isomers are investigated in the present work. Two main types of diffuse functions are considered in calculations including the Pople-style atom-centered diffuse functions and the ghost-atom-based floating diffuse functions. It is found that augmentation of atom-centered diffuse functions contributes to a better description of the HOMO (corresponding to the VDE convergence), in agreement with previous studies, but also leads to unreasonable diffuse characters of the LUMO with significant red-shifts in the visible spectra, which is against the conventional point of view that the more the diffuse functions, the better the results. The issue of designing extra floating functions for excess electrons has also been systematically discussed, which indicates that the floating diffuse functions are necessary not only for reducing the computational cost but also for improving both the HOMO and LUMO accuracy. Thus, the basis sets with a combination of partial atom-centered diffuse functions and floating diffuse functions are recommended for a reliable description of the weakly bound electrons. This work presents an efficient way for characterizing the electronic properties of weakly bound electrons accurately by balancing the addition of atom-centered diffuse functions and floating diffuse functions and also by balancing the computational cost and accuracy of the calculated results, and thus is very useful in the relevant calculations of various solvated electron systems and weakly bound anionic systems.
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Guguloth, Mohan; Bomma, Ramesh; Veerabrahma, Kishan
2011-01-01
Norfloxacin is a drug with an absorption window. Its oral bioavailability is 30-40% and is a case for improvement by appropriate formulation design. In our previous study, gastroretentive floating tablets for norfloxacin were developed employing three different polymers such as HPMC K4M, HPMC K100M, and xanthan gum. The purpose of this investigation is to further improve and evaluate the in vitro and in vivo performance of the prepared floating tablets by inclusion of citric acid as an acidifier, which is also useful in a fed state. The prepared tablets were characterized and found to exhibit satisfactory physico-chemical characteristics. The effects of citric acid at different concentrations on drug release and floating properties were studied. All the prepared batches showed good in vitro buoyancy. It was observed that the tablets remained buoyant for 24 h. The best formulation (F4c), consisting of 1.5% citric acid and 18% HPMC K4M, was selected based on in vitro characteristics and used in vivo radiographic studies by incorporating barium sulphate. These studies revealed that the tablets remained in the stomach for 205 ± 8.4 min in fasting human volunteers. In vivo studies were carried out for the best formulation in eight healthy male human volunteers, and the pharmacokinetic parameters of the developed formulation were compared with marketed conventional (Norbid) tablets. Based on the in vivo performance in a two-way, crossover study design in healthy subjects, the developed floating tablets showed superior bioavailability than the Norbid tablets. The increased bioavailability of developed formulation was found to be 16.27%. Norfloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory and urinary tract infections. Conventional norfloxacin tablets show incomplete drug absorption resulting in lower bioavailabilty. Norfloxacin is better absorbed in the stomach. The dosage forms that remain in the stomach are referred to as gastroretentive drug delivery systems. Gastroretentive floating tablets of norfloxcin were developed by employing three different polymers, which prolonged the drug release from the dosage forms. Tablet floatation was achieved by an effervescent mechanism. Citric acid at different concentrations was used in formulations to provide an acidic microenvironment. The prepared tablets were characterized for hardness, weight variation, thickness, friability, floating lag time, and dissolution. Around 12 tablet formulations were prepared as a continuation of the previous work. The best formulation (F4c) was selected based on in vitro characteristics and used in vivo radiographic studies by incorporating barium sulphate as a radio-opaque agent. The tablets remained in the stomach for about 205 ± 8.4 min. Bioavailability studies were conducted in healthy male human volunteers, and the pharmacokinetic parameters of the best formulation were compared with that of the marketed conventional (Norbid) tablet. The increased bioavailability of the developed formulation was found to be 16.27%.
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Investigation of materials for inert electrodes in aluminum electrodeposition cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Haggerty, J. S.; Sadoway, D. R.
1987-09-01
Work was divided into major efforts. The first was the growth and characterization of specimens; the second was Hall cell performance testing. Cathode and anode materials were the subject of investigation. Preparation of specimens included growth of single crystals and synthesis of ultra high purity powders. Special attention was paid to ferrites as they were considered to be the most promising anode materials. Ferrite anode corrosion rates were studied and the electrical conductivities of a set of copper-manganese ferrites were measured. Float Zone, Pendant Drop Cryolite Experiments were undertaken because unsatisfactory choices of candidate materials were being made on the basis of a flawed set of selection criteria applied to an incomplete and sometimes inaccurate data base. This experiment was then constructed to determine whether the apparatus used for float zone crystal growth could be adapted to make a variety of important based melts and their interactions with candidate inert anode materials. Compositions), driven by our perception that the basis for prior selection of candidate materials was inadequate. Results are presented.
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Selective predation by mink, Mustela vison, on waterfowl
Sargeant, A.B.; Swanson, G.A.; Doty, H.A.
1973-01-01
Predation by mink (Mustela vison) on three types of ducks (captive, pen-reared-released and wild) was documented in two studies at the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota. In the first study, 36 of 60 flightless adult and juvenile ducks held on eight 0.1-acre experimental ponds disappeared between 10 July and 4 August 1969. Available evidence indicated that all were killed by a large adult mink. The mink selected recently released incubator-hatched ducklings, females in the process of incubating, and adults and juveniles on a marginal food supply.In the second study, 152 wood duck ducklings (Aix sponsa) were released on a 76-acre marsh during 1971. Half of the ducklings, when 24 to 27 days old, were placed at weekly intervals in four floating pens and allowed to escape after 4 days. Each time birds were placed in the floating pens, a comparable group was placed in a predator-proof shoreline pen. Birds in the shoreline pen escaped as they learned to fly when approximately 60 days old. The shoreline of the marsh was periodically searched, and the remains of 21 (28%) of the floating-pen birds were identified in food remains found at 16 mink dens. No remains of birds from the shoreline pen were found at the dens. Coots (Fulica americana) were also taken commonly. Wild ducklings appeared to have been almost totally consumed, but the legs and feet of the wood ducks were often left uneaten because of bands and tags.
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Plastic debris in the open ocean
Cózar, Andrés; Echevarría, Fidel; González-Gordillo, J. Ignacio; Irigoien, Xabier; Úbeda, Bárbara; Hernández-León, Santiago; Palma, Álvaro T.; Navarro, Sandra; García-de-Lomas, Juan; Ruiz, Andrea; Fernández-de-Puelles, María L.; Duarte, Carlos M.
2014-01-01
There is a rising concern regarding the accumulation of floating plastic debris in the open ocean. However, the magnitude and the fate of this pollution are still open questions. Using data from the Malaspina 2010 circumnavigation, regional surveys, and previously published reports, we show a worldwide distribution of plastic on the surface of the open ocean, mostly accumulating in the convergence zones of each of the five subtropical gyres with comparable density. However, the global load of plastic on the open ocean surface was estimated to be on the order of tens of thousands of tons, far less than expected. Our observations of the size distribution of floating plastic debris point at important size-selective sinks removing millimeter-sized fragments of floating plastic on a large scale. This sink may involve a combination of fast nano-fragmentation of the microplastic into particles of microns or smaller, their transference to the ocean interior by food webs and ballasting processes, and processes yet to be discovered. Resolving the fate of the missing plastic debris is of fundamental importance to determine the nature and significance of the impacts of plastic pollution in the ocean. PMID:24982135
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Fowle, A. A.; Soto, L.; Strong, P. F.; Wang, C. A.
1980-01-01
A low Bond number simulation technique was used to establish the stability limits of cylindrical and conical floating liquid columns under conditions of isorotation, equal counter rotation, rotation of one end only, and parallel axis offset. The conditions for resonance in cylindrical liquid columns perturbed by axial, sinusoidal vibration of one end face are also reported. All tests were carried out under isothermal conditions with water and silicone fluids of various viscosities. A technique for the quantitative measurement of stream velocity within a floating, isothermal, liquid column confined between rotatable disks was developed. In the measurement, small, light scattering particles were used as streamline markers in common arrangement, but the capability of the measurement was extended by use of stereopair photography system to provide quantitative data. Results of velocity measurements made under a few selected conditions, which established the precision and accuracy of the technique, are given. The general qualitative features of the isothermal flow patterns under various conditions of end face rotation resulting from both still photography and motion pictures are presented.
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Plastic debris in the open ocean.
Cózar, Andrés; Echevarría, Fidel; González-Gordillo, J Ignacio; Irigoien, Xabier; Ubeda, Bárbara; Hernández-León, Santiago; Palma, Alvaro T; Navarro, Sandra; García-de-Lomas, Juan; Ruiz, Andrea; Fernández-de-Puelles, María L; Duarte, Carlos M
2014-07-15
There is a rising concern regarding the accumulation of floating plastic debris in the open ocean. However, the magnitude and the fate of this pollution are still open questions. Using data from the Malaspina 2010 circumnavigation, regional surveys, and previously published reports, we show a worldwide distribution of plastic on the surface of the open ocean, mostly accumulating in the convergence zones of each of the five subtropical gyres with comparable density. However, the global load of plastic on the open ocean surface was estimated to be on the order of tens of thousands of tons, far less than expected. Our observations of the size distribution of floating plastic debris point at important size-selective sinks removing millimeter-sized fragments of floating plastic on a large scale. This sink may involve a combination of fast nano-fragmentation of the microplastic into particles of microns or smaller, their transference to the ocean interior by food webs and ballasting processes, and processes yet to be discovered. Resolving the fate of the missing plastic debris is of fundamental importance to determine the nature and significance of the impacts of plastic pollution in the ocean.
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14 CFR 27.753 - Main float design.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Main float design. 27.753 Section 27.753... STANDARDS: NORMAL CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT Design and Construction Floats and Hulls § 27.753 Main float design. (a) Bag floats. Each bag float must be designed to withstand— (1) The maximum pressure differential...
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14 CFR 29.753 - Main float design.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Main float design. 29.753 Section 29.753... STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT Design and Construction Floats and Hulls § 29.753 Main float design. (a) Bag floats. Each bag float must be designed to withstand— (1) The maximum pressure differential...
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40 CFR 65.45 - External floating roof converted into an internal floating roof.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... External floating roof converted into an internal floating roof. The owner or operator who elects to... 40 Protection of Environment 15 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false External floating roof converted into an internal floating roof. 65.45 Section 65.45 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION...
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Eberle, Veronika A; Häring, Armella; Schoelkopf, Joachim; Gane, Patrick A C; Huwyler, Jörg; Puchkov, Maxim
2016-01-01
Development of floating drug delivery systems (FDDS) is challenging. To facilitate this task, an evaluation method was proposed, which allows for a combined investigation of drug release and flotation. It was the aim of the study to use functionalized calcium carbonate (FCC)-based lipophilic mini-tablet formulations as a model system to design FDDS with a floating behavior characterized by no floating lag time, prolonged flotation and loss of floating capability after complete drug release. Release of the model drug caffeine from the mini-tablets was assessed in vitro by a custom-built stomach model. A cellular automata-based model was used to simulate tablet dissolution. Based on the in silico data, floating forces were calculated and analyzed as a function of caffeine release. Two floating behaviors were identified for mini-tablets: linear decrease of the floating force and maintaining of the floating capability until complete caffeine release. An optimal mini-tablet formulation with desired drug release time and floating behavior was developed and tested. A classification system for a range of varied floating behavior of FDDS was proposed. The FCC-based mini-tablets had an ideal floating behavior: duration of flotation is defined and floating capability decreases after completion of drug release.
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Wu, Jinwei; Zhao, Hua-Bin; Yu, Dan; Xu, Xinwei
2017-01-31
Waterlogging or flooding is one of the most challenging abiotic stresses experienced by plants. Unlike many flooding-tolerant plants, floating-leaved aquatic plants respond actively to flooding stress by fast growth and elongation of its petioles to make leaves re-floating. However, the molecular mechanisms of this plant group responding to flood have not been investigated before. Here, we investigated the genetic basis of this adaptive response by characterizing the petiole transcriptomes of a floating-leaved species Nymphoides peltata under normal and flooding conditions. Clean reads under normal and flooding conditions with pooled sampling strategy were assembled into 124,302 unigenes. A total of 8883 unigenes were revealed to be differentially expressed between normal and flooding conditions. Among them, top ranked differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in antioxidant process, photosynthesis process and carbohydrate metabolism, including the glycolysis and a modified tricarboxylic acid cycle - alanine metabolism. Eight selected unigenes with significantly differentiated expression changes between normal and flooding conditions were validated by qRT-PCR. Among these processes, antioxidant process and glycolysis are commonly induced by waterlogging or flooding environment in plants, whereas photosynthesis and alanine metabolism are rarely occurred in other flooding-tolerant plants, suggesting the significant contributions of the two processes in the active response of N. peltata to flooding stress. Our results provide a valuable genomic resource for future studies on N. peltata and deepen our understanding of the genetic basis underlying the response to flooding stress in aquatic plants.
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An Adaptive Prediction-Based Approach to Lossless Compression of Floating-Point Volume Data.
Fout, N; Ma, Kwan-Liu
2012-12-01
In this work, we address the problem of lossless compression of scientific and medical floating-point volume data. We propose two prediction-based compression methods that share a common framework, which consists of a switched prediction scheme wherein the best predictor out of a preset group of linear predictors is selected. Such a scheme is able to adapt to different datasets as well as to varying statistics within the data. The first method, called APE (Adaptive Polynomial Encoder), uses a family of structured interpolating polynomials for prediction, while the second method, which we refer to as ACE (Adaptive Combined Encoder), combines predictors from previous work with the polynomial predictors to yield a more flexible, powerful encoder that is able to effectively decorrelate a wide range of data. In addition, in order to facilitate efficient visualization of compressed data, our scheme provides an option to partition floating-point values in such a way as to provide a progressive representation. We compare our two compressors to existing state-of-the-art lossless floating-point compressors for scientific data, with our data suite including both computer simulations and observational measurements. The results demonstrate that our polynomial predictor, APE, is comparable to previous approaches in terms of speed but achieves better compression rates on average. ACE, our combined predictor, while somewhat slower, is able to achieve the best compression rate on all datasets, with significantly better rates on most of the datasets.
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BIO ARGO floats: tools for operational monitoring of the Black Sea
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Palazov, Atanas; Slabakova, Violeta; Peneva, Elisaveta; Stanev, Emil
2014-05-01
The assessment of ecological status in the context of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) requires comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the physical and biogeochemical processes that determine the functioning of marine ecosystems. One of the main challenges however is the need of data with frequency relevant to the spatial and temporal scales of the ecological processes. The majority of in situ observations that are commonly used for ecological monitoring of the Black Sea are generally based on near-shore monitoring programs or irregular oceanographic cruises that provide either non-synoptic, coarse resolution realizations of large scale processes or detailed, but time and site specific snapshots of local features. These gaps can be filled by two independent sources: satellite observation and profiling floats. In fact satellite ocean color sensors allows for determination at synoptic scale of water quality parameters through its absorption properties. However the satellite ocean color methods have a number of limitations such as: measurements can only be made during daylight hours; require cloud-free conditions and are sensitive to atmospheric aerosols; provide information only for the upper layer of the ocean (approximately the depth of 10% incident light); algorithms developed for global applications are a source of large uncertainties in the marginal seas and costal areas. These constrains of the optical remote sensing observations can be avoided by using miniature biogeochemical sensors and autonomous platforms that offer remarkable perspectives for observing the "biological" ocean, notably at critical spatiotemporal scales which have been out of reach until recently (Claustre et al., 2010). In the frame of "E-AIMS: Euro-Argo Improvements for the GMES marine Service" 7 EC FP project two Bio Argo floats were deployed in the Black Sea. Beside the traditionally CTD the floats were equipped with biogeochemical sensors (oxygen, irradiance, chl-a and backscattering). The selection of the deployment locations was limited only to the Bulgarian Black Sea waters, so that the optimal deployment strategy that has been chosen was the floats to be deployed in the maximum distant positions from each other along the Black Sea geostrophic current at depth ~ 1800 m. Coincident biogeochemical and in-water radiometric measurements were collected at the time of each float deployment to ensure intercalibration of the instruments mounted on the floats and as well as to find empirical relationship between optical data and biogeochemical variables. The data obtained form Bio floats will be used to: investigate the seasonal evolution of oxygen in the upper layers, including the subsurface oxygen maximum; study the seasonal and inter annual dynamics of phytoplankton blooms in the deeper Black Sea; cross validation of satellite derived Chl-a and backscattering. References: Claustre et al. (2010). Bio-optical profiling floats as new observational tools for biogeochemical and ecosystem studies: potential synergies with ocean color remote sensing. Proceedings of the "OceanObs'09: Sustained Ocean Observations and Information for Society" Conference, Venice/Italy.
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33 CFR 144.01-1 - Life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Life floats. 144.01-1 Section 144... CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES LIFESAVING APPLIANCES Manned Platforms § 144.01-1 Life floats. Each manned platform shall be provided with at least two approved life floats. The life floats shall have sufficient...
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46 CFR 160.027-3 - Additional requirements for life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... 46 Shipping 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Additional requirements for life floats. 160.027-3..., CONSTRUCTION, AND MATERIALS: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Life Floats for Merchant Vessels § 160.027-3 Additional requirements for life floats. (a) Each life float must have a platform designed...
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46 CFR 160.027-3 - Additional requirements for life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
... 46 Shipping 6 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Additional requirements for life floats. 160.027-3..., CONSTRUCTION, AND MATERIALS: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Life Floats for Merchant Vessels § 160.027-3 Additional requirements for life floats. (a) Each life float must have a platform designed...
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33 CFR 144.01-1 - Life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Life floats. 144.01-1 Section 144... CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES LIFESAVING APPLIANCES Manned Platforms § 144.01-1 Life floats. Each manned platform shall be provided with at least two approved life floats. The life floats shall have sufficient...
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14 CFR 29.757 - Hull and auxiliary float strength.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Hull and auxiliary float strength. 29.757... AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT Design and Construction Floats and Hulls § 29.757 Hull and auxiliary float strength. The hull, and auxiliary floats if used, must withstand the...
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33 CFR 144.01-1 - Life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Life floats. 144.01-1 Section 144... CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES LIFESAVING APPLIANCES Manned Platforms § 144.01-1 Life floats. Each manned platform shall be provided with at least two approved life floats. The life floats shall have sufficient...
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33 CFR 144.01-1 - Life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Life floats. 144.01-1 Section 144... CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES LIFESAVING APPLIANCES Manned Platforms § 144.01-1 Life floats. Each manned platform shall be provided with at least two approved life floats. The life floats shall have sufficient...
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33 CFR 144.01-1 - Life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Life floats. 144.01-1 Section 144... CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES LIFESAVING APPLIANCES Manned Platforms § 144.01-1 Life floats. Each manned platform shall be provided with at least two approved life floats. The life floats shall have sufficient...
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46 CFR 160.027-3 - Additional requirements for life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-10-01
... 46 Shipping 6 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Additional requirements for life floats. 160.027-3..., CONSTRUCTION, AND MATERIALS: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Life Floats for Merchant Vessels § 160.027-3 Additional requirements for life floats. (a) Each life float must have a platform designed...
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46 CFR 160.027-3 - Additional requirements for life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-10-01
... 46 Shipping 6 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Additional requirements for life floats. 160.027-3..., CONSTRUCTION, AND MATERIALS: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Life Floats for Merchant Vessels § 160.027-3 Additional requirements for life floats. (a) Each life float must have a platform designed...
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46 CFR 160.027-3 - Additional requirements for life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-10-01
... 46 Shipping 6 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Additional requirements for life floats. 160.027-3..., CONSTRUCTION, AND MATERIALS: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Life Floats for Merchant Vessels § 160.027-3 Additional requirements for life floats. (a) Each life float must have a platform designed...
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Load assumptions for the landing impact of seaplanes
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Taub, Josef
1931-01-01
The formula for the impact of floats must include the enlargement factor itself as well as the type of enlargement. The latter is preferably characterized by the change in surface loading. It is shown that the enlargement of a small seaplane generally results in a changed float (or boat) loading as well as wing loading. The conditions of starting stipulate the retention of the float loading when changing from single-float (boat) to twin-float arrangement. This contingency is followed by an increased impact factor in the twin-float type against the otherwise equivalent single-float type.
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Sasser, C.E.; Gosselink, J.G.; Swenson, E.M.; Swarzenski, C.M.; Leibowitz, N.C.
1996-01-01
In the 1940s extensive floating marshes (locally called 'flotant') were reported and mapped in coastal wetlands of the Mississippi River Delta Plain. These floating marshes included large areas of Panicum hemitomon-dominated freshwater marshes, and Spartina patens/Scirpus olneyi brackish marshes. Today these marshes appear to be quite different in extent and type. We describe five floating habitats and one non-floating, quaking habitat based on differences in buoyancy dynamics (timing and degree of floating), substrate characteristics, and dominant vegetation. All floating marshes have low bulk density, organic substrates. Nearly all are fresh marshes. Panicum hemitomon floating marshes presently occur within the general regions that were reported in the 1940's by O'Neil, but are reduced in extent. Some of the former Panicum hemitomon marshes have been replaced by seasonally or variably floating marshes dominated, or co-dominated by Sagittaria lancifolia or Eleocharis baldwinii. ?? 1996 Kluwer Academic Publishers.
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A Volumetric Flask as a Projector
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Limsuwan, P.; Asanithi, P.; Thongpool, V.; Piriyawong, V.; Limsuwan, S.
2012-01-01
A lens based on liquid in the confined volume of a volumetric flask was presented as a potential projector to observe microscopic floating organisms or materials. In this experiment, a mosquito larva from a natural pond was selected as a demonstration sample. By shining a light beam from a laser pointer of any visible wavelength through the…
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Separation of solids by varying the bulk density of a fluid separating medium
Peterson, Palmer L.; Duffy, James B.; Tokarz, Richard D.
1978-01-01
A method and apparatus for separating objects having a density greater than a selected density value from objects having a density less than said selected density value. The method typically comprises: (a) providing a separation vessel having an upper and lower portion, said vessel containing a liquid having a density exceeding said selected density value; (b) reducing the apparent density of the liquid to said selected density value by introducing solid, bubble-like bodies having a density less than that of the liquid into the lower portion of the vessel and permitting them to rise therethrough; (c) introducing the objects to be separated into the separation vessel and permitting the objects having a density greater than the apparent density of the liquid to sink to the lower portion of the vessel, while the objects having a density less than said selected density value float in the upper portion of the vessel; and (d) separately removing the higher density objects in the lower portion and the lower density objects in the upper portion from the separation vessel. The apparatus typically comprises: (a) a vessel containing a liquid having a density such that at least part of said objects having a density exceeding said selected density value will float therein; (b) means to place said objects into said vessel; (c) means to reduce the effective density of at least a portion of said liquid to said selected density value, whereby said objects having a density exceeding said selected density value sink into said liquid and said objects having a density less than said selected density value remain afloat, said means to adjust the effective density comprising solid, bubble-like bodies having a density less than said selected density value and means for introducing said bodies into said liquid; and (d) means for separately removing said objects having a density exceeding said selected density value and said objects having a density less than said selected density value from said vessel.
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Khalifa, M E; Akl, M A; Ghazy, S E
2001-06-01
Copper(II) forms 1:1 and 1:2 intense red complexes with phenanthraquinone monophenylthiosemicarbazone (PPT) at pH 3-3.5 and > or =6.5, respectively. These complexes exhibit maximal absorbance at 545 and 517 nm, the molar absorptivity being 2.3 x 10(4) and 4.8 x 10(4) l mol(-1) cm(-1), respectively. However, the 1:1 complex was quantitatively floated with oleic acid (HOL) surfactant in the pH range 4.5-5.5, providing a highly selective and sensitive procedure for the spectrophotometric determination of CuII. The molar absorptivity of the floated Cu-PPT complex was 1.5 x 10(5) l mol)(-1) cm(-1). Beer's law was obeyed over the range 3-400 ppb at 545 nm. The analytical parameters affecting the flotation process and hence the determination of copper traces were reported. Also, the structure of the isolated solid complex and the mechanism of flotation were suggested. Moreover, the procedure was successfully applied to the analysis of CuII in natural waters, serum blood and some drug samples.
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Optimal doping control of magnetic semiconductors via subsurfactant epitaxy.
Zeng, Changgan; Zhang, Zhenyu; van Benthem, Klaus; Chisholm, Matthew F; Weitering, Hanno H
2008-02-15
"Subsurfactant epitaxy" is established as a conceptually new approach for introducing manganese as a magnetic dopant into germanium. A kinetic pathway is devised in which the subsurface interstitial sites on Ge(100) are first selectively populated with Mn, while lateral diffusion and clustering on or underneath the surface are effectively suppressed. Subsequent Ge deposition as a capping layer produces a novel surfactantlike phenomenon as the interstitial Mn atoms float towards newly defined subsurface sites at the growth front. Furthermore, the Mn atoms that failed to float upwards are uniformly distributed within the Ge capping layer. The resulting doping levels of order 0.25 at. % would normally be considered too low for ferromagnetic ordering, but the Curie temperature exceeds room temperature by a comfortable margin. Subsurfactant epitaxy thus enables superior dopant control in magnetic semiconductors.
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Electrically floating, near vertical incidence, skywave antenna
Anderson, Allen A.; Kaser, Timothy G.; Tremblay, Paul A.; Mays, Belva L.
2014-07-08
An Electrically Floating, Near Vertical Incidence, Skywave (NVIS) Antenna comprising an antenna element, a floating ground element, and a grounding element. At least part of said floating ground element is positioned between said antenna element and said grounding element. The antenna is separated from the floating ground element and the grounding element by one or more electrical insulators. The floating ground element is separated from said antenna and said grounding element by one or more electrical insulators.
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Bull, Diana L.
2015-09-23
The fundamental interactions between waves, a floating rigid-body, and a moonpool that is selectively open to atmosphere or enclosed to purposefully induce pressure fluctuations are investigated. The moonpool hydrodynamic characteristics and the hydrodynamic coupling to the rigid-body are derived implicitly through reciprocity relations on an array of field points. By modeling the free surface of the moonpool in this manner, an explicit hydrodynamic coupling term is included in the equations of motion. This coupling results in the migration of the moonpool's natural resonance frequency from the piston frequency to a new frequency when enclosed in a floating rigid-body. Two geometriesmore » that highlight distinct aspects of marine vessels and oscillating water column (OWC) renewable energy devices are analyzed to reveal the coupled natural resonance migration. The power performance of these two OWCs in regular waves is also investigated. The air chamber is enclosed and a three-dimensional, linear, frequency domain performance model that links the rigid-body to the moonpool through a linear resistive control strategy is detailed. Furthermore, an analytic expression for the optimal linear resistive control values in regular waves is presented.« less
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Bull, Diana L.
The fundamental interactions between waves, a floating rigid-body, and a moonpool that is selectively open to atmosphere or enclosed to purposefully induce pressure fluctuations are investigated. The moonpool hydrodynamic characteristics and the hydrodynamic coupling to the rigid-body are derived implicitly through reciprocity relations on an array of field points. By modeling the free surface of the moonpool in this manner, an explicit hydrodynamic coupling term is included in the equations of motion. This coupling results in the migration of the moonpool's natural resonance frequency from the piston frequency to a new frequency when enclosed in a floating rigid-body. Two geometriesmore » that highlight distinct aspects of marine vessels and oscillating water column (OWC) renewable energy devices are analyzed to reveal the coupled natural resonance migration. The power performance of these two OWCs in regular waves is also investigated. The air chamber is enclosed and a three-dimensional, linear, frequency domain performance model that links the rigid-body to the moonpool through a linear resistive control strategy is detailed. Furthermore, an analytic expression for the optimal linear resistive control values in regular waves is presented.« less
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Separation of plastics: The importance of kinetics knowledge in the evaluation of froth flotation.
Censori, Matteo; La Marca, Floriana; Carvalho, M Teresa
2016-08-01
Froth flotation is a promising technique to separate polymers of similar density. The present paper shows the need for performing kinetic tests to evaluate and optimize the process. In the experimental study, batch flotation tests were performed on samples of ABS and PS. The floated product was collected at increasing flotation time. Two variables were selected for modification: the concentration of the depressor (tannic acid) and airflow rate. The former is associated with the chemistry of the process and the latter with the transport of particles. It was shown that, like mineral flotation, plastics flotation can be adequately assumed as a first order rate process. The results of the kinetic tests showed that the kinetic parameters change with the operating conditions. When the depressing action is weak and the airflow rate is low, the kinetic is fast. Otherwise, the kinetic is slow and a variable percentage of the plastics never floats. Concomitantly, the time at which the maximum difference in the recovery of the plastics in the floated product is attained changes with the operating conditions. The prediction of flotation results, process evaluation and comparisons should be done considering the process kinetics. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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14 CFR 23.753 - Main float design.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Main float design. 23.753 Section 23.753... STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Design and Construction Floats and Hulls § 23.753 Main float design. Each seaplane main float must meet the requirements of § 23.521. [Doc...
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Rehder, J.B.
The project focuses on an appropriate technology for small-scale hydro power: floating waterwheels and turbines. For background, relic and existing systems such as early floating mills, traditional Amish waterwheels, and micro-hydro systems are examined. In the design phase of the project, new designs for Floating Hydro Power Systems include: an analysis of floatation materials and systems; a floating undershot waterwheel design; a floating cylinder (fiberglass storage tank) design; a submerged tube design; and a design for a floating platform with submerged propellers. Finally, in the applications phase, stream flow data from East Tennessee streams are used in a discussion ofmore » the potential applications of floating hydro power systems in small streams.« less
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Turbine with radial acting seal
Eng, Darryl S; Ebert, Todd A
2016-11-22
A floating brush seal in a rim cavity of a turbine in a gas turbine engine, where the floating brush seal includes a seal holder in which the floating brush seal floats, and a expandable seal that fits within two radial extending seal slots that maintains a seal with radial displacement of the floating brush seal and the seal holder.
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The Aerodynamic Drag of Five Models of Side Floats N.A.C.A. Models 51-E, 51-F, 51-G, 51-H, 51-J
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
House, R O
1938-01-01
The drag of five models of side floats was measured in the N.A.C.A. 7- by 10-foot wind tunnel. The most promising method of reducing the drag of floats indicated by these tests is lowering the angle at which the floats are rigged. The addition of a step to a float does not always increase the drag in the flying range, floats with steps sometimes having lower drag than similar floats without steps. Making the bow chine no higher than necessary might result in a reduction in air drag because of the lower angle of pitch of the chines. Since side floats are used formally to obtain lateral stability when the seaplane is operating on the water at slow speeds or at rest, greater consideration can be given to factors affecting aerodynamic drag than is possible for other types of floats and hulls.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Parkinson, J B; HOUSE R O
1938-01-01
Tests were made in the NACA tank and in the NACA 7 by 10 foot wind tunnel on two models of transverse step floats and three models of pointed step floats considered to be suitable for use with single float seaplanes. The object of the program was the reduction of water resistance and spray of single float seaplanes without reducing the angle of dead rise believed to be necessary for the satisfactory absorption of the shock loads. The results indicated that all the models have less resistance and spray than the model of the Mark V float and that the pointed step floats are somewhat superior to the transverse step floats in these respects. Models 41-D, 61-A, and 73 were tested by the general method over a wide range of loads and speeds. The results are presented in the form of curves and charts for use in design calculations.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Organelli, E.; Claustre, H.; Serra, R.; Bricaud, A.; Schmechtig, C.; D'Ortenzio, F.; Poteau, A.; Mangin, A.; Leymarie, E.; Obolensky, G.; Prieur, L. M.; Dall'Olmo, G.; Xing, X.
2016-02-01
Thanks to a new generation of Bio-Argo floats equipped with sensors for PAR (Photosynthetically Available Irradiance) and downward irradiance measurements at selected wavelengths (i.e., 380, 412 and 490 nm), the number of radiometric measurements has been dramatically increasing and data are available for diverse open ocean systems, including winter periods with harsh seas when ships can hardly sample. More than 6500 radiometric profiles have so far been acquired around solar noon in the upper 250 m of the ocean. These radiometric profiles, acquired simultaneously to other key biogeochemical and bio-optical variables (chlorophyll a, CDOM, light backscattering), represent a fruitful data source for validation of Ocean Color (OC) products. Two different strategies can be implemented: direct validation of satellite OC products and identification of regions characterized by bio-optical anomalies. Diffuse attenuation coefficients (Kd) derived from these profiles, after a specifically developed quality control, are used for these purposes.A good agreement is observed between satellite-derived Kd values at 490 nm and their Bio-Argo counterparts. However, satellite overestimates low in situ Kd values found in very clear waters (e.g., Atlantic and Pacific Sub-Tropical Gyres). The analysis of the spectral Kd variability in the surface ocean shows the potential of Bio-Argo floats in identifying those regions with optical properties departing from global bio-optical relationships. Divergences of the ratio between Kd values at 380 nm and those at 490 nm from global bio-optical models are observed in areas such as the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic in winter. This might cause difficulties in retrieving biogeochemical parameters from satellite data. Hence, delineation of "anomalous" regions by Bio-Argo floats represents a useful strategy for planning dedicated cruises, setting mooring buoys or using CAL/VAL floats in order to improve Ocean Color applications.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liu, Xiliang; Lu, Feng; Zhang, Hengcai; Qiu, Peiyuan
2013-06-01
It is a pressing task to estimate the real-time travel time on road networks reliably in big cities, even though floating car data has been widely used to reflect the real traffic. Currently floating car data are mainly used to estimate the real-time traffic conditions on road segments, and has done little for turn delay estimation. However, turn delays on road intersections contribute significantly to the overall travel time on road networks in modern cities. In this paper, we present a technical framework to calculate the turn delays on road networks with float car data. First, the original floating car data collected with GPS equipped taxies was cleaned and matched to a street map with a distributed system based on Hadoop and MongoDB. Secondly, the refined trajectory data set was distributed among 96 time intervals (from 0: 00 to 23: 59). All of the intersections where the trajectories passed were connected with the trajectory segments, and constituted an experiment sample, while the intersections on arterial streets were specially selected to form another experiment sample. Thirdly, a principal curve-based algorithm was presented to estimate the turn delays at the given intersections. The algorithm argued is not only statistically fitted the real traffic conditions, but also is insensitive to data sparseness and missing data problems, which currently are almost inevitable with the widely used floating car data collecting technology. We adopted the floating car data collected from March to June in Beijing city in 2011, which contains more than 2.6 million trajectories generated from about 20000 GPS-equipped taxicabs and accounts for about 600 GB in data volume. The result shows the principal curve based algorithm we presented takes precedence over traditional methods, such as mean and median based approaches, and holds a higher estimation accuracy (about 10%-15% higher in RMSE), as well as reflecting the changing trend of traffic congestion. With the estimation result for the travel delay at intersections, we analyzed the spatio-temporal distribution of turn delays in three time scenarios (0: 00-0: 15, 8: 15-8: 30 and 12: 00-12: 15). It indicates that during one's single trip in Beijing, average 60% of the travel time on the road networks is wasted on the intersections, and this situation is even worse in daytime. Although the 400 main intersections take only 2.7% of all the intersections, they occupy about 18% travel time.
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Program Converts VAX Floating-Point Data To UNIX
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Alves, Marcos; Chapman, Bruce; Chu, Eugene
1996-01-01
VAX Floating Point to Host Floating Point Conversion (VAXFC) software converts non-ASCII files to unformatted floating-point representation of UNIX machine. This is done by reading bytes bit by bit, converting them to floating-point numbers, then writing results to another file. Useful when data files created by VAX computer must be used on other machines. Written in C language.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Alexander, J. Iwan D.
1991-01-01
Work was completed on all aspects of the following tasks: order of magnitude estimates; thermo-capillary convection - two-dimensional (fixed planar surface); thermo-capillary convection - three-dimensional and axisymmetric; liquid bridge/floating zone sensitivity; transport in closed containers; interaction: design and development stages; interaction: testing flight hardware; and reporting. Results are included in the Appendices.
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Zheden, Vanessa; Kovalev, Alexander; Gorb, Stanislav N; Klepal, Waltraud
2015-02-06
Dosima fascicularis is the only barnacle which can drift autonomously at the water surface with a foam-like cement float. The cement secreted by the animal contains numerous gas-filled cells of different size. When several individuals share one float, their size and not their number is crucial for the production of both volume and mass of the float. The gas content within the cells of the foam gives positive static buoyancy to the whole float. The volume of the float, the gas volume and the positive static buoyancy are positively correlated. The density of the cement float without gas is greater than that of seawater. This study shows that the secreted cement consists of more than 90% water and the gas volume is on average 18.5%. Our experiments demonstrate that the intact foam-like cement float is sealed to the surrounding water.
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Zheden, Vanessa; Kovalev, Alexander; Gorb, Stanislav N.; Klepal, Waltraud
2015-01-01
Dosima fascicularis is the only barnacle which can drift autonomously at the water surface with a foam-like cement float. The cement secreted by the animal contains numerous gas-filled cells of different size. When several individuals share one float, their size and not their number is crucial for the production of both volume and mass of the float. The gas content within the cells of the foam gives positive static buoyancy to the whole float. The volume of the float, the gas volume and the positive static buoyancy are positively correlated. The density of the cement float without gas is greater than that of seawater. This study shows that the secreted cement consists of more than 90% water and the gas volume is on average 18.5%. Our experiments demonstrate that the intact foam-like cement float is sealed to the surrounding water. PMID:25657839
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Autonomous Microstructure EM-APEX Floats
2016-01-01
Autonomous Microstructure_EM-APEX_Float 4/8/16 at 3:21 PM 1 Title: Autonomous Microstructure EM-APEX Floats Authors: Ren-Chieh Lien1,2...Street Seattle, WA 98105 rcl@uw.edu Abstract: Fast responding FP-07 thermistors have been incorporated on profiling EM-APEX floats to measure...storage board. The raw and processed temperature observations are stored on a microSD card. Results from eight microstructure EM-APEX floats
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First measurements with Argo flots in the Southern Baltic Sea
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Walczowski, Waldemar; Goszczko, Ilona; Wieczorek, Piotr; Merchel, Malgorzata; Rak, Daniel
2017-04-01
The Argo programme is one of the most important elements of the ocean observing system. Currently almost 4000 Argo floats profile global oceans and deliver real time data. Originally Argo floats were developed for open ocean observations. Therefore a standard float can dive up to 2000 m and deep Argo floats are under development. However in the last years the shallow shelf seas become also interesting for Argo users. Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences (IOPAN) participates in the Euro-Argo research infrastructure, the European contribution to Argo system. A legal and governance framework (Euro-Argo ERIC) was set up in May 2014. For a few years IOPAN has deployed floats mostly in the Nordic Seas and the European Arctic region. In the end of 2016 the first Polish Argo float was deployed in the Southern Baltic Sea. Building on the successful experience with Argo floats deployed by the Finnish oceanographers in the Bothnian Sea and Gotland Basin, the IOPAN float was launched in the Bornholm Deep during the fall cruise of IOPAN research vessel Oceania. The standard APEX float equipped with 2-way Iridium communication was used and different modes of operation, required for the specific conditions in the shallow and low saline Baltic Sea, were tested. Settings for the Baltic float are different than for the oceanic mode and were frequently changed during the mission to find the optimum solution. Changing the float parking depth during the mission allows for the limited control of the float drift direction. Results of a high resolution numerical forecast model for the Baltic Sea proved to be a valuable tool for determining the parking depth of the float in the different flow regimes. Trajectory and drift velocity of the Argo float deployed in the Southern Baltic depended strongly on the atmospheric forcing (in particular wind speed and direction), what was clearly manifested during the 'Axel' storm passing over the deployment area in January 2017. The first deployment showed clearly that Argo floats can be a useful tool for the Baltic Sea monitoring as the important element of a more complex, multidisciplinary observing system.
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Dunham, C Michael; McClain, Jesse V; Burger, Amanda
2017-11-29
To determine whether Bispectral Index™ values obtained during flotation-restricted environment stimulation technique have a similar profile in a single observation compared to literature-derived results found during sleep and other relaxation-induction interventions. Bispectral Index™ values were as follows: awake-state, 96.6; float session-1, 84.3; float session-2, 82.3; relaxation-induction, 82.8; stage I sleep, 86.0; stage II sleep, 66.2; and stages III-IV sleep, 45.1. Awake-state values differed from float session-1 (%difference 12.7%; Cohen's d = 3.6) and float session-2 (%difference 14.8%; Cohen's d = 4.6). Relaxation-induction values were similar to float session-1 (%difference 1.8%; Cohen's d = 0.3) and float session-2 (%difference 0.5%; Cohen's d = 0.1). Stage I sleep values were similar to float session-1 (%difference 1.9%; Cohen's d = 0.4) and float session-2 (%difference 4.3%; Cohen's d = 1.0). Stage II sleep values differed from float session-1 (%difference 21.5%; Cohen's d = 4.3) and float session-2 (%difference 19.6%; Cohen's d = 4.0). Stages III-IV sleep values differed from float session-1 (%difference 46.5%; Cohen's d = 5.6) and float session-2 (%difference 45.2%; Cohen's d = 5.4). Bispectral Index™ values during flotation were comparable to those found in stage I sleep and nadir values described with other relaxation-induction techniques.
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Floating electrode dielectrophoresis.
Golan, Saar; Elata, David; Orenstein, Meir; Dinnar, Uri
2006-12-01
In practice, dielectrophoresis (DEP) devices are based on micropatterned electrodes. When subjected to applied voltages, the electrodes generate nonuniform electric fields that are necessary for the DEP manipulation of particles. In this study, electrically floating electrodes are used in DEP devices. It is demonstrated that effective DEP forces can be achieved by using floating electrodes. Additionally, DEP forces generated by floating electrodes are different from DEP forces generated by excited electrodes. The floating electrodes' capabilities are explained theoretically by calculating the electric field gradients and demonstrated experimentally by using test-devices. The test-devices show that floating electrodes can be used to collect erythrocytes (red blood cells). DEP devices which contain many floating electrodes ought to have fewer connections to external signal sources. Therefore, the use of floating electrodes may considerably facilitate the fabrication and operation of DEP devices. It can also reduce device dimensions. However, the key point is that DEP devices can integrate excited electrodes fabricated by microtechnology processes and floating electrodes fabricated by nanotechnology processes. Such integration is expected to promote the use of DEP devices in the manipulation of nanoparticles.
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Nakamura, N; Nakano, K; Sugiura, N; Matsumura, M
2003-12-01
A process using a floating carrier for immobilization of cyanobacteriolytic bacteria, B.cereus N-14, was proposed to realize an effective in situ control of natural floating cyanobacterial blooms. The critical concentrations of the cyanobacteriolytic substance and B.cereus N-14 cells required to exhibit cyanobacteriolytic activity were investigated. The results indicated the necessity of cell growth to produce sufficiently high amounts of the cyanobacteriolytic substance to exhibit its activity and also for conditions enabling good contact between high concentrations of the cyanobacteriolytic substance and cyanobacteria. Floating biodegradable plastics made of starch were applied as a carrier material to maintain close contact between the immobilized cyanobacteriolytic bacteria and floating cyanobacteria. The floating starch-carriers could eliminate 99% of floating cyanobacteria in 4 d. Since B.cereus N-14 could produce the cyanobacteriolytic substance under the presence of starch and some amino acids, the cyanobacteriolytic activity could be attributed to carbon source fed from starch carrier and amino acids eluted from lysed cyanobacteria. Therefore, the effect of using a floating starch-carrier was confirmed from both view points as a carrier for immobilization and a nutrient source to stimulate cyanobacteriolytic activity. The new concept to apply a floating carrier immobilizing useful microorganisms for intensive treatment of a nuisance floating target was demonstrated.
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40 CFR 426.50 - Applicability; description of the float glass manufacturing subcategory.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
... float glass manufacturing subcategory. 426.50 Section 426.50 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS GLASS MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Float Glass Manufacturing Subcategory § 426.50 Applicability; description of the float glass...
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40 CFR 426.50 - Applicability; description of the float glass manufacturing subcategory.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... float glass manufacturing subcategory. 426.50 Section 426.50 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS GLASS MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Float Glass Manufacturing Subcategory § 426.50 Applicability; description of the float glass...
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Tethered float liquid level sensor
Daily, III, William Dean
2016-09-06
An apparatus for sensing the level of a liquid includes a float, a tether attached to the float, a pulley attached to the tether, a rotation sensor connected to the pulley that senses vertical movement of said float and senses the level of the liquid.
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40 CFR 264.1085 - Standards: Surface impoundments.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... the surface impoundment by installing and operating either of the following: (1) A floating membrane... from a surface impoundment using a floating membrane cover shall meet the requirements specified in... floating membrane cover designed to meet the following specifications: (i) The floating membrane cover...
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Preliminary results from DIMES: Dispersion in the ACC
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Balwada, D.; Speer, K.; LaCasce, J. H.; Owens, B.
2012-04-01
The Diapycnal and Isopynal Mixing Experiment in the Southern Ocean (DIMES) is a CLIVAR process study designed to study mixing in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. The experiment includes tracer release, float, and small-scale turbulence components. This presentation will report on some results of the float component, from floats deployed across the ACC in the Southeast Pacific Ocean. These are the first subsurface Lagrangian trajectories from the ACC. Floats were deployed to follow approximately a constant density surface for a period of 1-3 years. To help aid the experimental results virtual floats were advected using AVISO data and basic statistics were derived from both deployed and virtual float trajectories. Experimental design, initial results, comparison to virtual floats and single particle and relative dispersion calculations will be presented.
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Red Sea Outflow Experiment (REDSOX): DLD2 RAFOS Float Data Report February 2001 - March 2003
2005-01-01
1 2. Description of the DLD2 Float and Dual-Release System ................................................................... 2 3. Sound Sources...processing are described in detail. 2. Description of the DLD2 Float and Dual-Release System The DLD2 is a second-generation RAFOS (Ranging And Fixing Of...Sound) float with several improvements over the traditional RAFOS float (see Rossby et al., 1986, for a complete description of the RAFOS system ). A
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Nakashima, Etsuko; Isobe, Atsuhiko; Kako, Shin'ichiro; Itai, Takaaki; Takahashi, Shin; Guo, Xinyu
2016-06-15
The long-distance transport potential of toxic lead (Pb) by plastic marine debris was examined by pure water leaching experiments using plastic fishery floats containing high level of additive-Pb such as 5100±74.3mgkg(-1). The leaching of Pb ended after sequential 480-h leaching experiments, and the total leaching amount is equivalent to approximately 0.1% of total Pb in a float. But it recovered when the float was scratched using sandpaper. We propose that a "low-Pb layer," in which Pb concentration is negligibly small, be generated on the float surface by the initial leaching process. Thickness of the layer is estimated at 2.5±1.2μm, much shallower than flaws on floats scratched by sandpaper and floats littering beaches. The result suggests that the low-Pb layer is broken by physical abrasion when floats are washed ashore, and that Pb inside the floats can thereafter leach into beaches. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Identification of mothball powder composition by float tests and melting point tests.
Tang, Ka Yuen
2018-07-01
The aim of the study was to identify the composition, as either camphor, naphthalene, or paradichlorobenzene, of mothballs in the form of powder or tiny fragments by float tests and melting point tests. Naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene and camphor mothballs were blended into powder and tiny fragments (with sizes <1/10 of the size of an intact mothball). In the float tests, the mothball powder and tiny fragments were placed in water, saturated salt solution and 50% dextrose solution (D50), and the extent to which they floated or sank in the liquids was observed. In the melting point tests, the mothball powder and tiny fragments were placed in hot water with a temperature between 53 and 80 °C, and the extent to which they melted was observed. Both the float and melting point tests were then repeated using intact mothballs. Three emergency physicians blinded to the identities of samples and solutions visually evaluated each sample. In the float tests, paradichlorobenzene powder partially floated and partially sank in all three liquids, while naphthalene powder partially floated and partially sank in water. Naphthalene powder did not sink in D50 or saturated salt solution. Camphor powder floated in all three liquids. Float tests identified the compositions of intact mothball accurately. In the melting point tests, paradichlorobenzene powder melted completely in hot water within 1 min while naphthalene powder and camphor powder did not melt. The melted portions of paradichlorobenzene mothballs were sometimes too small to be observed in 1 min but the mothballs either partially or completely melted in 5 min. Both camphor and naphthalene intact mothballs did not melt in hot water. For mothball powder, the melting point tests were more accurate than the float tests in differentiating between paradichlorobenzene and non-paradichlorobenzene (naphthalene or camphor). For intact mothballs, float tests performed better than melting point tests. Float tests can identify camphor mothballs but melting point tests cannot. We suggest melting point tests for identifying mothball powder and tiny fragments while float tests are recommended for intact mothball and large fragments.
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Han, Kaiyi; Yao, Jingjing; Yin, Xiao; Zhao, Mei; Sun, Qiang
2017-01-01
To give a comprehensive and basic understanding of diabetes and its risk factors in floating people in China. We use "(diabetes or type 2 diabetes or chronic disease) and (floating population or employed floating population)" as the key words to search in the China academic literature database (CNKI), Wan Fang database, PubMed and Web of Science for relevant literature and extract the data about the prevalence of diabetes, relevant risk factors and disease management of the floating population in China. Twenty-one literatures are entered into analysis finally, one is English and the rest are Chinese. According to the national survey, the prevalence rate of diabetes in floating population in China was 5. 1% (95%CI, 4.9% - 5.3%), which is lower than that of the general population(11.6%,95%CI, 11.3%-11.8%),and is consistent with the results of the local surveys. The comparison result between the prevalence of floating population and that of local population in each region differs in local surveys. In addition, the prevalence of male floating population is lower than that of the female population. Finally, as the age of the population rises, so does the prevalence of diabetes. As for the risk factors of chronical diseases, the overweight rate in every region is similar but the obesity rate differs in different regions (Ningxia,26.0%;Xiangshan,14.0%), and the obesity rate of the floating population is less than half of that of the general people(4.7%,11.9%). The awareness rate, treatment rate and control rate in the floating patients differ in the regional researches, but they all can't meet the goals set by the local health departments. Compared with the general population, the prevalence of diabetes in the floating population are lower. However, Considering the growing population number and the poor disease management of the floating patients, the potential threat brought by the diabetes in floating population is imponderable. The government should establish the national surveillance system of diabetes for the floating population, strengthen the construction of the primary medical institutions, and optimize the existing funding system.
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Changing Patterns of the Floating Population in China during 2000-2010*
Liang, Zai; Li, Zhen; Ma, Zhongdong
2015-01-01
Using data from the 2000 and 2010 Chinese Population Censuses and applying a consistent definition of migration, this paper examines changing patterns of China's floating population during 2000-2010. We find that during the first decade of the 21st century, there have been significant changes in China's floating population, as reflected in continuing rise of interprovincial floating population and the rise of the floating population in China's western and interior regions, geographic diversification of destinations for the floating population, a major increase in interprovincial return migration, and significant improvement in education and occupational profiles among the floating population. We argue that these patterns are driven by a combination of complex domestic and international factors, including the newly released Labor Law, removal of agricultural tax, the western China development program, increased investment in education by the Chinese government, and the global financial crisis. We also discuss several challenges facing the floating population in the coming years, which include equality of educational opportunity for migrant children and adequate housing and social welfare protection for the floating population. Finally, we reflect on the future of migration research in China. PMID:26213427
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14 CFR 25.753 - Main float design.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Main float design. 25.753 Section 25.753 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Design and Construction Floats and Hulls § 25.753 Main float design...
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40 CFR 265.1086 - Standards: Surface impoundments.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... floating membrane cover in accordance with the provisions specified in paragraph (c) of this section; or (2... emissions from a surface impoundment using a floating membrane cover shall meet the requirements specified... with a floating membrane cover designed to meet the following specifications: (i) The floating membrane...
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40 CFR 65.44 - External floating roof (EFR).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-07-01
... external floating roof except for automatic bleeder vents (vacuum breaker vents) and rim space vents does... floating roof shall meet the following specifications: (i) Except for automatic bleeder vents (vacuum breaker vents) and rim space vents, each opening in the noncontact external floating roof shall provide a...
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40 CFR 65.44 - External floating roof (EFR).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-07-01
... external floating roof except for automatic bleeder vents (vacuum breaker vents) and rim space vents does... floating roof shall meet the following specifications: (i) Except for automatic bleeder vents (vacuum breaker vents) and rim space vents, each opening in the noncontact external floating roof shall provide a...
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40 CFR 65.44 - External floating roof (EFR).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-07-01
... external floating roof except for automatic bleeder vents (vacuum breaker vents) and rim space vents does... floating roof shall meet the following specifications: (i) Except for automatic bleeder vents (vacuum breaker vents) and rim space vents, each opening in the noncontact external floating roof shall provide a...
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Ijaz, Hira; Qureshi, Junaid; Danish, Zeeshan; Zaman, Muhammad; Abdel-Daim, Mohamed; Hanif, Muhammad; Waheed, Imran; Mohammad, Imran Shair
2015-11-01
The purpose of this study was to introduce the technology for the development of rate-controlled oral drug delivery system to overcome various physiological problems. Several approaches are being used for the purpose of increasing the gastric retentive time, including floating drug delivery system. Gastric floating lisinopril maleate and metoprolol tartrate bilayer tablets were formulated by direct compression method using the sodium starch glycolate, crosscarmellose sodium for IR layer. Eudragit L100, pectin, acacia as sustained release polymers in different ratios for SR metoprolol tartrate layer and sodium bicarbonate, citric acid as gas generating agents for the floating extended release layer. The floating bilayer tablets of lisinopril maleate and metoprolol tartrate were designed to overcome the various problems associated with conventional oral dosage form. Floating tablets were evaluated for floating lag time, drug contents and in-vitro dissolution profile and different kinetic release models were applied. It was clear that the different ratios of polymers affected the drug release and floating time. L2 and M4 showed good drug release profile and floating behavior. The linear regression and model fitting showed that all formulation followed Higuchi model of drug release model except M4 that followed zero order kinetic. From the study it is evident that a promising controlled release by floating bilyer tablets of lisinopril maleate and metoprolol tartrate can be developed successfully.
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Chen, Rencai; Guo, Xiaomin; Liu, Xuecong; Cui, Haiming; Wang, Rui; Han, Jing
2018-03-01
The aim of the present work was to develop gastric floating capsules containing oil-entrapped beads loading procyanidins. The floating beads were prepared by ionotropic gelation method using sodium alginate, CaCl 2 and chitosan. The effect of three independent parameters (concentration of sodium alginate, CaCl 2 and chitosan) on entrapment efficiency were analyzed by Box-Behnken design. The floating beads were evaluated for surface morphology, particle size, density, entrapment efficiency, buoyancy, release behavior in vitro and floating ability in vivo. The prepared beads were grossly spherical in shape and the mean size was approximately 1.54±0.17mm. The density was 0.97g/cm 3 . And the optimal conditions were as follows: concentration of sodium alginate, CaCl 2 and chitosan were 33.75mg/mL, 9.84mg/mL and 9.05mg/mL, respectively. The optimized formulation showed entrapment efficiency of 88.84±1.04% within small error-value (0.65). The release mechanism of floating capsules followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model (r 2 =0.9902) with non-Fickian release. The gastric floating capsules exhibited 100% floating percentage in vitro and they could float on the top of gastric juice for 5h in vivo. Therefore, the floating capsules are able to prolong the gastroretentive delivery of procyanidins. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Understanding, Classifying, and Selecting Environmentally Acceptable Hydraulic Fluids
2016-08-01
installed in land facilities or off- road vehicles such as excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, etc.), while others are installed on floating plants...and oily bilge tanks for the collection and proper disposal of oil- contaminated bilge water • Performing routine maintenance , including regular...regulations. Maintenance of machinery systems containing EA hydraulic fluids must strictly follow the hydraulic fluid manufacturer’s recommendations
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Memory operations in Au nanoparticle single-electron transistors with floating gate electrodes
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Azuma, Yasuo; Sakamoto, Masanori; Teranishi, Toshiharu; Majima, Yutaka
2016-11-01
Floating gate memory operations are demonstrated in a single-electron transistor (SET) fabricated by a chemical assembly using the Au nanogap electrodes and the chemisorbed Au nanoparticles. By applying pulse voltages to the control gate, phase shifts were clearly and stably observed both in the Coulomb oscillations and in the Coulomb diamonds. Writing and erasing operations on the floating gate memory were reproducibly observed, and the charges on the floating gate electrodes were maintained for at least 12 h. By considering the capacitance of the floating gate electrode, the number of electrons in the floating gate electrode was estimated as 260. Owing to the stability of the fabricated SET, these writing and erasing operations on the floating gate memory can be applied to reconfigurable SET circuits fabricated by a chemically assembled technique.
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Fixed-Rate Compressed Floating-Point Arrays.
Lindstrom, Peter
2014-12-01
Current compression schemes for floating-point data commonly take fixed-precision values and compress them to a variable-length bit stream, complicating memory management and random access. We present a fixed-rate, near-lossless compression scheme that maps small blocks of 4(d) values in d dimensions to a fixed, user-specified number of bits per block, thereby allowing read and write random access to compressed floating-point data at block granularity. Our approach is inspired by fixed-rate texture compression methods widely adopted in graphics hardware, but has been tailored to the high dynamic range and precision demands of scientific applications. Our compressor is based on a new, lifted, orthogonal block transform and embedded coding, allowing each per-block bit stream to be truncated at any point if desired, thus facilitating bit rate selection using a single compression scheme. To avoid compression or decompression upon every data access, we employ a software write-back cache of uncompressed blocks. Our compressor has been designed with computational simplicity and speed in mind to allow for the possibility of a hardware implementation, and uses only a small number of fixed-point arithmetic operations per compressed value. We demonstrate the viability and benefits of lossy compression in several applications, including visualization, quantitative data analysis, and numerical simulation.
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Liu, Yiming; Chen, Jingwei; Guo, Dawei; Cao, Moyuan; Jiang, Lei
2015-06-24
Efficient solar evaporation plays an indispensable role in nature as well as the industry process. However, the traditional evaporation process depends on the total temperature increase of bulk water. Recently, localized heating at the air-water interface has been demonstrated as a potential strategy for the improvement of solar evaporation. Here, we show that the carbon-black-based superhydrophobic gauze was able to float on the surface of water and selectively heat the surface water under irradiation, resulting in an enhanced evaporation rate. The fabrication process of the superhydrophobic black gauze was low-cost, scalable, and easy-to-prepare. Control experiments were conducted under different light intensities, and the results proved that the floating black gauze achieved an evaporation rate 2-3 times higher than that of the traditional process. A higher temperature of the surface water was observed in the floating gauze group, revealing a main reason for the evaporation enhancement. Furthermore, the self-cleaning ability of the superhydrophobic black gauze enabled a convenient recycling and reusing process toward practical application. The present material may open a new avenue for application of the superhydrophobic substrate and meet extensive requirements in the fields related to solar evaporation.
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Morphology-Induced Collective Behaviors: Dynamic Pattern Formation in Water-Floating Elements
Nakajima, Kohei; Ngouabeu, Aubery Marchel Tientcheu; Miyashita, Shuhei; Göldi, Maurice; Füchslin, Rudolf Marcel; Pfeifer, Rolf
2012-01-01
Complex systems involving many interacting elements often organize into patterns. Two types of pattern formation can be distinguished, static and dynamic. Static pattern formation means that the resulting structure constitutes a thermodynamic equilibrium whose pattern formation can be understood in terms of the minimization of free energy, while dynamic pattern formation indicates that the system is permanently dissipating energy and not in equilibrium. In this paper, we report experimental results showing that the morphology of elements plays a significant role in dynamic pattern formation. We prepared three different shapes of elements (circles, squares, and triangles) floating in a water-filled container, in which each of the shapes has two types: active elements that were capable of self-agitation with vibration motors, and passive elements that were mere floating tiles. The system was purely decentralized: that is, elements interacted locally, and subsequently elicited global patterns in a process called self-organized segregation. We showed that, according to the morphology of the selected elements, a different type of segregation occurs. Also, we quantitatively characterized both the local interaction regime and the resulting global behavior for each type of segregation by means of information theoretic quantities, and showed the difference for each case in detail, while offering speculation on the mechanism causing this phenomenon. PMID:22715370
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40 CFR 65.44 - External floating roof (EFR).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... design requirements. The owner or operator who elects to control storage vessel regulated material emissions by using an external floating roof shall comply with the design requirements listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this section. (1) The external floating roof shall be designed to float on the...
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40 CFR 65.44 - External floating roof (EFR).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
... design requirements. The owner or operator who elects to control storage vessel regulated material emissions by using an external floating roof shall comply with the design requirements listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this section. (1) The external floating roof shall be designed to float on the...
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14 CFR 29.757 - Hull and auxiliary float strength.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Hull and auxiliary float strength. 29.757 Section 29.757 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION... § 29.757 Hull and auxiliary float strength. The hull, and auxiliary floats if used, must withstand the...
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40 CFR 63.1063 - Floating roof requirements.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... the point of refloating the floating roof shall be continuous and shall be performed as soon as... 40 Protection of Environment 10 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Floating roof requirements. 63.1063...) National Emission Standards for Storage Vessels (Tanks)-Control Level 2 § 63.1063 Floating roof...
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50 CFR 679.94 - Economic data report (EDR) for the Amendment 80 sector.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
...: NMFS, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Economic Data Reports, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, F/AKC2, Seattle... Operation Description of code Code NMFS Alaska region ADF&G FCP Catcher/processor Floating catcher processor. FLD Mothership Floating domestic mothership. IFP Stationary Floating Processor Inshore floating...
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Have Floating Rates Been a Success?
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Higham, David
1983-01-01
Floating exchange rates have not lived up to all expectations, but neither have they performed as badly as some critics have suggested. Examined are the impact of floating rates on balance of payments adjustment, domestic economic policy, and inflation and the claim that floating rates have displayed excessive fluctuations. (Author/RM)
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Multi-input and binary reproducible, high bandwidth floating point adder in a collective network
Chen, Dong; Eisley, Noel A.; Heidelberger, Philip; Steinmacher-Burow, Burkhard
2016-11-15
To add floating point numbers in a parallel computing system, a collective logic device receives the floating point numbers from computing nodes. The collective logic devices converts the floating point numbers to integer numbers. The collective logic device adds the integer numbers and generating a summation of the integer numbers. The collective logic device converts the summation to a floating point number. The collective logic device performs the receiving, the converting the floating point numbers, the adding, the generating and the converting the summation in one pass. One pass indicates that the computing nodes send inputs only once to the collective logic device and receive outputs only once from the collective logic device.
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Mannoji, Chikato; Murakami, Masazumi; Kinoshita, Tomoaki; Hirayama, Jiro; Miyashita, Tomohiro; Eguchi, Yawara; Yamazaki, Masashi; Suzuki, Takane; Aramomi, Masaaki; Ota, Mitsutoshi; Maki, Satoshi; Takahashi, Kazuhisa; Furuya, Takeo
2016-01-01
Study Design Retrospective case-control study. Purpose To determine whether kissing spine is a risk factor for recurrence of sciatica after lumbar posterior decompression using a spinous process floating approach. Overview of Literature Kissing spine is defined by apposition and sclerotic change of the facing spinous processes as shown in X-ray images, and is often accompanied by marked disc degeneration and decrement of disc height. If kissing spine significantly contributes to weight bearing and the stability of the lumbar spine, trauma to the spinous process might induce a breakdown of lumbar spine stability after posterior decompression surgery in cases of kissing spine. Methods The present study included 161 patients who had undergone posterior decompression surgery for lumbar canal stenosis using a spinous process floating approaches. We defined recurrence of sciatica as that resolved after initial surgery and then recurred. Kissing spine was defined as sclerotic change and the apposition of the spinous process in a plain radiogram. Preoperative foraminal stenosis was determined by the decrease of perineural fat intensity detected by parasagittal T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Preoperative percentage slip, segmental range of motion, and segmental scoliosis were analyzed in preoperative radiographs. Univariate analysis followed by stepwise logistic regression analysis determined factors independently associated with recurrence of sciatica. Results Stepwise logistic regression revealed kissing spine (p=0.024; odds ratio, 3.80) and foraminal stenosis (p<0.01; odds ratio, 17.89) as independent risk factors for the recurrence of sciatica after posterior lumbar spinal decompression with spinous process floating procedures for lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Conclusions When a patient shows kissing spine and concomitant subclinical foraminal stenosis at the affected level, we should sufficiently discuss the selection of an appropriate surgical procedure. PMID:27994785
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Koda, Masao; Mannoji, Chikato; Murakami, Masazumi; Kinoshita, Tomoaki; Hirayama, Jiro; Miyashita, Tomohiro; Eguchi, Yawara; Yamazaki, Masashi; Suzuki, Takane; Aramomi, Masaaki; Ota, Mitsutoshi; Maki, Satoshi; Takahashi, Kazuhisa; Furuya, Takeo
2016-12-01
Retrospective case-control study. To determine whether kissing spine is a risk factor for recurrence of sciatica after lumbar posterior decompression using a spinous process floating approach. Kissing spine is defined by apposition and sclerotic change of the facing spinous processes as shown in X-ray images, and is often accompanied by marked disc degeneration and decrement of disc height. If kissing spine significantly contributes to weight bearing and the stability of the lumbar spine, trauma to the spinous process might induce a breakdown of lumbar spine stability after posterior decompression surgery in cases of kissing spine. The present study included 161 patients who had undergone posterior decompression surgery for lumbar canal stenosis using a spinous process floating approaches. We defined recurrence of sciatica as that resolved after initial surgery and then recurred. Kissing spine was defined as sclerotic change and the apposition of the spinous process in a plain radiogram. Preoperative foraminal stenosis was determined by the decrease of perineural fat intensity detected by parasagittal T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Preoperative percentage slip, segmental range of motion, and segmental scoliosis were analyzed in preoperative radiographs. Univariate analysis followed by stepwise logistic regression analysis determined factors independently associated with recurrence of sciatica. Stepwise logistic regression revealed kissing spine ( p =0.024; odds ratio, 3.80) and foraminal stenosis ( p <0.01; odds ratio, 17.89) as independent risk factors for the recurrence of sciatica after posterior lumbar spinal decompression with spinous process floating procedures for lumbar spinal canal stenosis. When a patient shows kissing spine and concomitant subclinical foraminal stenosis at the affected level, we should sufficiently discuss the selection of an appropriate surgical procedure.
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Characterization of poly(vinyl acetate) based floating matrix tablets.
Strübing, Sandra; Metz, Hendrik; Mäder, Karsten
2008-03-03
Floating Kollidon SR matrix tablets containing Propranolol HCl were developed and characterized with respect to drug release characteristics and floating strength. Kollidon SR was able to delay Propranolol HCl release efficiently. Drug release kinetics was evaluated using the Korsmeyer-Peppas model and found to be governed by Fickian diffusion. Tablet floating started immediately and continued for 24 h. It was possible to monitor the floating strength of the matrix devices using a simple experimental setup. Floating strength was related to Kollidon SR level with improved floating characteristics for samples with a high polymer/drug ratio. Swelling characteristics of the tablets were analyzed by applying the equation according to Therien-Aubin et al. The influence of the polymer content on swelling characteristics was found to be only marginal. Furthermore, the new method of benchtop MRI was introduced to study the water diffusion and swelling behaviour non-invasively and continuously.
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Investigation of Tank 241-AW-104 Composite Floating Layer
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Meznarich, H. K.; Bolling, S. D.; Lachut, J. S.
Seven grab samples and one field blank were taken from Tank 241-AW-104 (AW-104) on June 2, 2017, and received at 222-S Laboratory on June 5, 2017. A visible layer with brown solids was observed floating on the top of two surface tank waste samples (4AW-17-02 and 4AW 17 02DUP). The floating layer from both samples was collected, composited, and submitted for chemical analyses and solid phase characterization in order to understand the composition of the floating layer. Tributyl phosphate and tridecane were higher in the floating layer than in the aqueous phase. Density in the floating layer was slightly lowermore » than the mean density of all grab samples. Sodium nitrate and sodium carbonate were major components with a trace of gibbsite and very small size agglomerates were present in the solids of the floating layer. The supernate consisted of organics, soluble salt, and particulates.« less
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33 CFR 147.815 - ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS Facility safety zone.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS... HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES SAFETY ZONES § 147.815 ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS Facility safety zone. (a) Description. The ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS Facility, Alaminos...
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33 CFR 147.815 - ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS Facility safety zone.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS... HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES SAFETY ZONES § 147.815 ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS Facility safety zone. (a) Description. The ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS Facility, Alaminos...
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33 CFR 147.815 - ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS Facility safety zone.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS... HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES SAFETY ZONES § 147.815 ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS Facility safety zone. (a) Description. The ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS Facility, Alaminos...
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33 CFR 147.815 - ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS Facility safety zone.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS... HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF ACTIVITIES SAFETY ZONES § 147.815 ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS Facility safety zone. (a) Description. The ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS Facility, Alaminos...
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33 CFR 144.01-15 - Alternates for life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Alternates for life floats. 144... for life floats. (a) Approved lifeboats, approved life rafts or approved inflatable life rafts may be used in lieu of approved life floats for either all or part of the capacity required. When either...
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33 CFR 144.01-5 - Location and launching of life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Location and launching of life floats. 144.01-5 Section 144.01-5 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... Location and launching of life floats. The life floats shall be distributed in accessible locations and...
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33 CFR 144.01-15 - Alternates for life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Alternates for life floats. 144... for life floats. (a) Approved lifeboats, approved life rafts or approved inflatable life rafts may be used in lieu of approved life floats for either all or part of the capacity required. When either...
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14 CFR 23.529 - Hull and main float landing conditions.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Hull and main float landing conditions. 23... Water Loads § 23.529 Hull and main float landing conditions. (a) Symmetrical step, bow, and stern... directed perpendicularly to the keel line. (b) Unsymmetrical landing for hull and single float seaplanes...
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46 CFR 131.870 - Life floats and buoyant apparatus.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-10-01
... 46 Shipping 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Life floats and buoyant apparatus. 131.870 Section 131... OPERATIONS Markings for Fire Equipment and Emergency Equipment § 131.870 Life floats and buoyant apparatus. (a) The name of the vessel must be plainly marked or painted on each life float or buoyant apparatus...
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33 CFR 144.01-5 - Location and launching of life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Location and launching of life floats. 144.01-5 Section 144.01-5 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... Location and launching of life floats. The life floats shall be distributed in accessible locations and...
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46 CFR 131.870 - Life floats and buoyant apparatus.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-10-01
... 46 Shipping 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Life floats and buoyant apparatus. 131.870 Section 131... OPERATIONS Markings for Fire Equipment and Emergency Equipment § 131.870 Life floats and buoyant apparatus. (a) The name of the vessel must be plainly marked or painted on each life float or buoyant apparatus...
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46 CFR 131.870 - Life floats and buoyant apparatus.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-10-01
... 46 Shipping 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Life floats and buoyant apparatus. 131.870 Section 131... OPERATIONS Markings for Fire Equipment and Emergency Equipment § 131.870 Life floats and buoyant apparatus. (a) The name of the vessel must be plainly marked or painted on each life float or buoyant apparatus...
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46 CFR 131.870 - Life floats and buoyant apparatus.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
... OPERATIONS Markings for Fire Equipment and Emergency Equipment § 131.870 Life floats and buoyant apparatus. (a) The name of the vessel must be plainly marked or painted on each life float or buoyant apparatus... 46 Shipping 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Life floats and buoyant apparatus. 131.870 Section 131...
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46 CFR 131.870 - Life floats and buoyant apparatus.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... OPERATIONS Markings for Fire Equipment and Emergency Equipment § 131.870 Life floats and buoyant apparatus. (a) The name of the vessel must be plainly marked or painted on each life float or buoyant apparatus... 46 Shipping 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Life floats and buoyant apparatus. 131.870 Section 131...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-07-30
...-AA00 Safety Zone; Gilmerton Bridge Center Span Float-In, Elizabeth River; Norfolk, Portsmouth, and... withdrawing its proposed rule concerning the Gilmerton Bridge Center Span Float-in and bridge construction of... ``Safety Zone; Gilmerton Bridge Center Span Float-in, Elizabeth River; Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake...
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Control design methods for floating wind turbines for optimal disturbance rejection
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lemmer, Frank; Schlipf, David; Cheng, Po Wen
2016-09-01
An analysis of the floating wind turbine as a multi-input-multi-output system investigating the effect of the control inputs on the system outputs is shown. These effects are compared to the ones of the disturbances from wind and waves in order to give insights for the selection of the control layout. The frequencies with the largest impact on the outputs due to limited effect of the controlled variables are identified. Finally, an optimal controller is designed as a benchmark and compared to a conventional PI-controller using only the rotor speed as input. Here, the previously found system properties, especially the difficulties to damp responses to wave excitation, are confirmed and verified through a spectral analysis with realistic environmental conditions. This comparison also assesses the quality of the employed simplified linear simulation model compared to the nonlinear model and shows that such an efficient frequency-domain evaluation for control design is feasible.
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Whittlesey, Curtis C.
1985-01-01
An improved battery stack design for an electrochemical system having at least one cell from which a gas is generated and an electrolyte in communication with the cell is described. The improved battery stack design features means for defining a substantially closed compartment for containing the battery cells and at least a portion of the electrolyte for the system, and means in association with the compartment means for selectively venting gas from the interior of the compartment means in response to the level of the electrolyte within the compartment means. The venting means includes a relief valve having a float member which is actuated in response to the level of the electrolyte within the compartment means. This float member is adapted to close the relief valve when the level of the electrolyte is above a predetermined level and open the relief valve when the level of electrolyte is below this predetermined level.
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Marine debris ingestion and Thayer's law - The importance of plastic color.
Santos, Robson G; Andrades, Ryan; Fardim, Lorena M; Martins, Agnaldo Silva
2016-07-01
In recent years marine plastic pollution has gained considerable attention as a significant threat to marine animals. Despite the abundant literature related to marine debris ingestion, only a few studies attempted to understand the factors involved in debris ingestion. Plastic ingestion is commonly attributed to visual similarities of plastic fragments to animal's prey items, such as plastic bags and jellyfish. However, this simple explanation is not always coherent with the variety of debris items ingested and with the species' main prey items. We assess differences in the conspicuousness of plastic debris related to their color using Thayer's law to infer the likelihood that visual foragers detect plastic fragments. We hypothesize that marine animals that perceive floating plastic from below should preferentially ingest dark plastic fragments, whereas animals that perceive floating plastic from above should select for paler plastic fragments. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Numerical study on aerodynamic damping of floating vertical axis wind turbines
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cheng, Zhengshun; Aagaard Madsen, Helge; Gao, Zhen; Moan, Torgeir
2016-09-01
Harvesting offshore wind energy resources using floating vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) has attracted an increasing interest in recent years. Due to its potential impact on fatigue damage, the aerodynamic damping should be considered in the preliminary design of a floating VAWT based on the frequency domain method. However, currently the study on aerodynamic damping of floating VAWTs is very limited. Due to the essential difference in aerodynamic load characteristics, the aerodynamic damping of a floating VAWT could be different from that of a floating horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT). In this study, the aerodynamic damping of floating VAWTs was studied in a fully coupled manner, and its influential factors and its effects on the motions, especially the pitch motion, were demonstrated. Three straight-bladed floating VAWTs with identical solidity and with a blade number varying from two to four were considered. The aerodynamic damping under steady and turbulent wind conditions were estimated using fully coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic time domain simulations. It is found that the aerodynamic damping ratio of the considered floating VAWTs ranges from 1.8% to 5.3%. Moreover, the aerodynamic damping is almost independent of the rotor azimuth angle, and is to some extent sensitive to the blade number.
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Kriangkrai, Worawut; Puttipipatkhachorn, Satit; Sriamornsak, Pornsak; Pongjanyakul, Thaned; Sungthongjeen, Srisagul
2014-12-01
Tackiness caused by the gas-entrapped membrane (Eudragit(®)RL 30D) was usually observed during storage of the effervescent floating tablets, leading to failure in floatation and sustained release. In this work, common anti-tacking agents (glyceryl monostearate (GMS) and talc) were used to solve this tackiness problem. The impact of anti-tacking agent on the properties of free films and corresponding floating tablets was investigated. GMS was more effective than talc in reducing tackiness of the film. Addition and increasing amount of anti-tacking agents lowered the film mechanical strength, but the coating films were still strong and flexible enough to resist the generated gas pressure inside the floating tablet. Wettability and water vapor permeability of the film decreased with increasing level of anti-tacking agents as a result of their hydrophobicity. No interaction between anti-tacking agents and polymer was observed as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffractometry, and differential scanning calorimetry studies. Increasing amount of anti-tacking agents decreased time to float and tended to retard drug release of the floating tablets. Floating properties and drug release were also influenced by type of anti-tacking agents. The obtained floating tablets still possessed good floating properties and controlled drug release even though anti-tacking agent had some effects. The results demonstrated that the tackiness problem of the floating tablets could be solved by incorporating anti-tacking agent into the gas-entrapped membrane.
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Shahan, M R; Seaman, C E; Beck, T W; Colinet, J F; Mischler, S E
2017-09-01
Float coal dust is produced by various mining methods, carried by ventilating air and deposited on the floor, roof and ribs of mine airways. If deposited, float dust is re-entrained during a methane explosion. Without sufficient inert rock dust quantities, this float coal dust can propagate an explosion throughout mining entries. Consequently, controlling float coal dust is of critical interest to mining operations. Rock dusting, which is the adding of inert material to airway surfaces, is the main control technique currently used by the coal mining industry to reduce the float coal dust explosion hazard. To assist the industry in reducing this hazard, the Pittsburgh Mining Research Division of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health initiated a project to investigate methods and technologies to reduce float coal dust in underground coal mines through prevention, capture and suppression prior to deposition. Field characterization studies were performed to determine quantitatively the sources, types and amounts of dust produced during various coal mining processes. The operations chosen for study were a continuous miner section, a longwall section and a coal-handling facility. For each of these operations, the primary dust sources were confirmed to be the continuous mining machine, longwall shearer and conveyor belt transfer points, respectively. Respirable and total airborne float dust samples were collected and analyzed for each operation, and the ratio of total airborne float coal dust to respirable dust was calculated. During the continuous mining process, the ratio of total airborne float coal dust to respirable dust ranged from 10.3 to 13.8. The ratios measured on the longwall face were between 18.5 and 21.5. The total airborne float coal dust to respirable dust ratio observed during belt transport ranged between 7.5 and 21.8.
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An adaptable neuromorphic model of orientation selectivity based on floating gate dynamics
Gupta, Priti; Markan, C. M.
2014-01-01
The biggest challenge that the neuromorphic community faces today is to build systems that can be considered truly cognitive. Adaptation and self-organization are the two basic principles that underlie any cognitive function that the brain performs. If we can replicate this behavior in hardware, we move a step closer to our goal of having cognitive neuromorphic systems. Adaptive feature selectivity is a mechanism by which nature optimizes resources so as to have greater acuity for more abundant features. Developing neuromorphic feature maps can help design generic machines that can emulate this adaptive behavior. Most neuromorphic models that have attempted to build self-organizing systems, follow the approach of modeling abstract theoretical frameworks in hardware. While this is good from a modeling and analysis perspective, it may not lead to the most efficient hardware. On the other hand, exploiting hardware dynamics to build adaptive systems rather than forcing the hardware to behave like mathematical equations, seems to be a more robust methodology when it comes to developing actual hardware for real world applications. In this paper we use a novel time-staggered Winner Take All circuit, that exploits the adaptation dynamics of floating gate transistors, to model an adaptive cortical cell that demonstrates Orientation Selectivity, a well-known biological phenomenon observed in the visual cortex. The cell performs competitive learning, refining its weights in response to input patterns resembling different oriented bars, becoming selective to a particular oriented pattern. Different analysis performed on the cell such as orientation tuning, application of abnormal inputs, response to spatial frequency and periodic patterns reveal close similarity between our cell and its biological counterpart. Embedded in a RC grid, these cells interact diffusively exhibiting cluster formation, making way for adaptively building orientation selective maps in silicon. PMID:24765062
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Johnson, K. S.; Coletti, L.; Jannasch, H.; Martz, T.; Swift, D.; Riser, S.
2008-12-01
Long-term, autonomous observations of ocean biogeochemical cycles are now feasible with chemical sensors in profiling floats. These sensors will enable decadal-scale observations of trends in global ocean biogeochemical cycles. Here, we focus on measurements on nitrate and dissolved oxygen. The ISUS (In Situ Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer) optical nitrate sensor has been adapted to operate in a Webb Research, Apex profiling float. The Apex float is of the type used in the Argo array and is designed for multi-year, expendable deployments in the ocean. Floats park at 1000 m depth and make 60 nitrate and oxygen measurements at depth intervals ranging from 50 m below 400 m to 5 m in the upper 100 m as they profile to the surface. All data are transmitted to shore using the Iridium telemetry system and they are available on the Internet in near-real time. Floats equipped with ISUS and an Aanderaa oxygen sensor are capable of making 280 vertical profiles from 1000 m. At a 5 day cycle time, the floats should have nearly a four year endurance. Three floats have now been deployed at the Hawaii Ocean Time series station (HOT), Ocean Station Papa (OSP) in the Gulf of Alaska and at 50 South, 30 East in the Southern Ocean. Two additional floats are designated for deployment at the Bermuda Atlantic Time Series station (BATS) and in the Drake Passage. The HOT float has made 56 profiles over 260 days and should continue operating for 3 more years. Nitrate concentrations are in excellent agreement with the long-term mean observed at HOT. No significant long-term drift in sensor response has occurred. A variety of features have been observed in the HOT nitrate data that are linked to contemporaneous changes in oxygen production and mesoscale dynamics. The impacts of these features will be briefly described. The Southern Ocean float has operated for 200 days and is now observing reinjection of nitrate into surface waters as winter mixing occurs(surface nitrate > 24 micromolar). We expect that the OSP and Southern Ocean floats will provide a quantitative measurement of the timing and magnitude of the spring bloom via the drawdown of surface nitrate. We are funded through NSF and NOPP to continue float deployments at HOT, BATS, OSP and the Southern Ocean for the next 3 years and to refine the sensor so it can be offered as a commercial option for all float users. New sensors in development for float deployments include a stable ISFET pH sensor.
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33 CFR 144.01-10 - Equipment for life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Equipment for life floats. 144.01... for life floats. (a) Each lifefloat shall be provided with a painter. This painter shall be a manila... 1/2 inch in diameter. (b) Each life float must have a water light of an approved automatic electric...
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33 CFR 144.01-10 - Equipment for life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Equipment for life floats. 144.01... for life floats. (a) Each lifefloat shall be provided with a painter. This painter shall be a manila... 1/2 inch in diameter. (b) Each life float must have a water light of an approved automatic electric...
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Floating Collection in an Academic Library: An Audacious Experiment That Succeeded
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Coopey, Barbara; Eshbach, Barbara; Notartomas, Trish
2016-01-01
Can a floating collection thrive in a large multicampus academic research library? Floating collections have been successful in public libraries for some time, but it is uncommon for academic libraries and unheard of for a large academic library system. This article will discuss the investigation into the feasibility of a floating collection at…
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33 CFR 144.01-10 - Equipment for life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Equipment for life floats. 144.01... for life floats. (a) Each lifefloat shall be provided with a painter. This painter shall be a manila... 1/2 inch in diameter. (b) Each life float must have a water light of an approved automatic electric...
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33 CFR 144.01-10 - Equipment for life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Equipment for life floats. 144.01... for life floats. (a) Each lifefloat shall be provided with a painter. This painter shall be a manila... 1/2 inch in diameter. (b) Each life float must have a water light of an approved automatic electric...
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46 CFR 117.137 - Stowage of life floats and buoyant apparatus.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-10-01
... 46 Shipping 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Stowage of life floats and buoyant apparatus. 117.137... EQUIPMENT AND ARRANGEMENTS Survival Craft Arrangements and Equipment § 117.137 Stowage of life floats and buoyant apparatus. (a) In addition to meeting § 117.130, each life float and buoyant apparatus must be...
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33 CFR 144.01-10 - Equipment for life floats.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Equipment for life floats. 144.01... for life floats. (a) Each lifefloat shall be provided with a painter. This painter shall be a manila... 1/2 inch in diameter. (b) Each life float must have a water light of an approved automatic electric...
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Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Safety Zone; BW PIONEER Floating... ZONES § 147.847 Safety Zone; BW PIONEER Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading System Safety Zone. (a) Description. The BW PIONEER, a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) system, is in...
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33 CFR 147.815 - ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS Facility safety zone.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS... Floating OCS Facility safety zone. (a) Description. The ExxonMobil Hoover Floating OCS Facility, Alaminos... (1640.4 feet) from each point on the structure's outer edge is a safety zone. (b) Regulation. No vessel...
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46 CFR 117.137 - Stowage of life floats and buoyant apparatus.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
... 46 Shipping 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Stowage of life floats and buoyant apparatus. 117.137... EQUIPMENT AND ARRANGEMENTS Survival Craft Arrangements and Equipment § 117.137 Stowage of life floats and buoyant apparatus. (a) In addition to meeting § 117.130, each life float and buoyant apparatus must be...
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46 CFR 117.137 - Stowage of life floats and buoyant apparatus.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... 46 Shipping 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Stowage of life floats and buoyant apparatus. 117.137... EQUIPMENT AND ARRANGEMENTS Survival Craft Arrangements and Equipment § 117.137 Stowage of life floats and buoyant apparatus. (a) In addition to meeting § 117.130, each life float and buoyant apparatus must be...
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Float Package and the Data Rack aboard the DC-9
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1996-01-01
Ted Brunzie and Peter Mason observe the float package and the data rack aboard the DC-9 reduced gravity aircraft. The float package contains a cryostat, a video camera, a pump and accelerometers. The data rack displays and record the video signal from the float package on tape and stores acceleration and temperature measurements on disk.
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Multi-input and binary reproducible, high bandwidth floating point adder in a collective network
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Chen, Dong; Eisley, Noel A; Heidelberger, Philip
To add floating point numbers in a parallel computing system, a collective logic device receives the floating point numbers from computing nodes. The collective logic devices converts the floating point numbers to integer numbers. The collective logic device adds the integer numbers and generating a summation of the integer numbers. The collective logic device converts the summation to a floating point number. The collective logic device performs the receiving, the converting the floating point numbers, the adding, the generating and the converting the summation in one pass. One pass indicates that the computing nodes send inputs only once to themore » collective logic device and receive outputs only once from the collective logic device.« less
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Ebert, Todd A [West Palm Beach, FL; Carella, John A [Jupiter, FL
2012-03-13
A triple acting radial seal used as an interstage seal assembly in a gas turbine engine, where the seal assembly includes an interstage seal support extending from a stationary inner shroud of a vane ring, the interstage seal support includes a larger annular radial inward facing groove in which an outer annular floating seal assembly is secured for radial displacement, and the outer annular floating seal assembly includes a smaller annular radial inward facing groove in which an inner annular floating seal assembly is secured also for radial displacement. A compliant seal is secured to the inner annular floating seal assembly. The outer annular floating seal assembly encapsulates the inner annular floating seal assembly which is made from a very low alpha material in order to reduce thermal stress.
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Wu, Hong-Zhang; Huang, Wei-Qiu; Yang, Guang; Zhao, Chen-Lu; Wang, Ying-Xia; Cai, Dao-Fei
2013-12-01
Internal floating roof tank has the advantages of external floating roof tank and fixed roof tank and has its own evaporation loss properties. The influences of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) distribution gradient, molecular diffusion, thermal diffusion and forced convection on the evaporation loss of oil were studied in the space of the homemade platform of an internal floating roof tank. The results showed that thermal diffusion with temperature change was the main cause for the static loss in the internal floating roof tank. On this basis, there were some measures for reduction of the evaporation loss and formulas to calculate the evaporation loss of the internal floating roof tank in this research.
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Misra, Raghvendra; Bhardwaj, Peeyush
2016-01-01
The present investigation is concerned about the development of floating bioadhesive drug delivery system of venlafaxine hydrochloride which after oral administration exhibits a unique combination of floating and bioadhesion to prolong gastric residence time and increase drug bioavailability within the stomach. The floating bioadhesive tablets were prepared by the wet granulation method using different ratios of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K4MCR) and Carbopol 934PNF as polymers. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and citric acid were used as gas (CO2) generating agents. Tablets were characterized for floating properties, in vitro drug release, detachment force, and swelling index. The concentration of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and Carbopol 934PNF significantly affects the in vitro drug release, floating properties, detachment force, and swelling properties of the tablets. The optimized formulation showed the floating lag time 72 ± 2.49 seconds and duration of floating 24.50 ± 0.74 hr. The in vitro release studies and floating behavior were studied in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) at pH 1.2. Different drug release kinetics models were also applied. The in vitro drug release from tablets was sufficiently sustained (more than 18 hr) and the Fickian transports of the drug from the tablets were confirmed. The radiological evidence suggests that the tablets remained buoyant and altered position in the stomach of albino rabbit and mean gastric residence time was prolonged (more than > 6 hr).
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Floating Solar Photovoltaics Gaining Ground | State, Local, and Tribal
Gaining Ground January 24, 2017 by Alison Holm Floating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, so-called flotovoltaics (a trademarked term) or floating solar, represent an emerging application in which PV panels are sited on bodies of water. The PV panel technology used for floating solar applications is very similar
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Impact of floating population on the epidemic of tuberculosis: a spatial analysis
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jia, Zhongwei; He, Xiaoxin; Zhao, Wenjuan; An, Yansheng; Cao, Wuchun; Li, Xiaowen
2007-06-01
According to the report issued by the Health Bureau of Beijing that the number of newly registered active pulmonary tuberculosis cases in floating population exceeded half of that in registered permanent residence in 2006. More attention has been paid to the tuberculosis of floating population. Materials and methods: The population data included in the studied was reported by the Beijing Police Bureau in 2004, and the case source from 2004 to 2006 was provided by Beijing Research Institute for TB Control. Two GIS-based methods have been used to detect the hot spots of tuberculosis in 18 districts of Beijing. Results: The distributions of hot spots of tuberculosis in Beijing are significantly associated with that of floating people. Most likely cluster from all population matches with those from floating population, which is stable from 2004 to 2006. Conclusion: The spatial analytical results indicated that the floating population has a drastic influence on the epidemic of tuberculosis in Beijing. The tuberculosis control measures should incorporate the effect of floating population.
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Tutman, P; Kapiris, K; Kirinčić, M; Pallaoro, A
2017-07-15
The Columbus crab Planes minutus and Arch-fronted swimming crab Liocarcinus navigator, within their distribution ranges in the Mediterranean, were found rafted on plastic macro-litter floating on the open south Adriatic. While P. minutus was recorded from inanimate flotsam outside of the Mediterranean, L. navigator is herein reported for the first time on floating marine litter. The role of floating litter as habitat or as a dispersal agent for marine invertebrates has received quite attention however, records of decapod crabs drifting on litter has been relatively sparse. Our results suggests that vast quantities of floating debris, comprised primarily of non-biodegradable plastic polymers, probably will augment natural floating substrates in the marine environment, potentially facilitating the spread of invasive species. The dispersion of rafting crabs through floating debris should be investigated given the high potential ecological risk of invasion by exotic species due to the increase in waste production (ecological risk assessment). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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50 CFR 86.13 - What is boating infrastructure?
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
... (CONTINUED) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-WILDLIFE SPORT FISH RESTORATION PROGRAM BOATING INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT (BIG...) Floating docks and fixed piers; (g) Floating and fixed breakwaters; (h) Dinghy docks (floating or fixed...
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Collective Behavior of Camphor Floats Migrating on the Water Surface
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nishimori, Hiraku; Suematsu, Nobuhiko J.; Nakata, Satoshi
2017-10-01
As simple and easily controllable objects among various self-propelled particles, camphor floats on the water surface have been widely recognized. In this paper, we introduce characteristic behaviors and discuss the background mechanism of camphor floats on water, both in isolated and non-isolated conditions. In particular, we focus on: (i) the transition of dynamical characters through bifurcations exhibited by systems with small number of camphor floats and (ii) the emergence of a rich variety of complex dynamics observed in systems with large number camphor floats, and attempt to elucidate these phenomena through mathematical modeling as well as experimental analysis. Finally, we discuss the connection of the dynamics of camphor floats to that of a wider class of complex and sophisticated dynamics exhibited by various types of self-propelled particles.
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Modeling International Space Station (ISS) Floating Potentials
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ferguson, Dale C.; Gardner, Barbara
2002-01-01
The floating potential of the International Space Station (ISS) as a function of the electron current collection of its high voltage solar array panels is derived analytically. Based on Floating Potential Probe (FPP) measurements of the ISS potential and ambient plasma characteristics, it is shown that the ISS floating potential is a strong function of the electron temperature of the surrounding plasma. While the ISS floating potential has so far not attained the pre-flight predicted highly negative values, it is shown that for future mission builds, ISS must continue to provide two-fault tolerant arc-hazard protection for astronauts on EVA.
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Environment parameters and basic functions for floating-point computation
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Brown, W. S.; Feldman, S. I.
1978-01-01
A language-independent proposal for environment parameters and basic functions for floating-point computation is presented. Basic functions are proposed to analyze, synthesize, and scale floating-point numbers. The model provides a small set of parameters and a small set of axioms along with sharp measures of roundoff error. The parameters and functions can be used to write portable and robust codes that deal intimately with the floating-point representation. Subject to underflow and overflow constraints, a number can be scaled by a power of the floating-point radix inexpensively and without loss of precision. A specific representation for FORTRAN is included.
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Sharma, Kritika; Hallan, Supandeep Singh; Lal, Bharat; Bhardwaj, Ankur; Mishra, Neeraj
2016-09-01
The obejctive of the present study was to investigate the potential use of floating spheroids of Atorvastatin Calcium (ATS) Loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The final formula of floating spheroids was optimized on the basis of shape (spherical), diameter (0.47 mm), lag time (20 s), and floating time (> 32 h). The results were further confirmed by different pharmacokinetic parameters-it was observed that the developed optimized floating ATS spheroid-loaded NLCs formulation has significantly improved relative bioavailability, that is, 3.053-folds through oral route in comparison to marketed formulation.
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1991-03-01
the A parameters; yhatf, to calculate the y-hat statistics; ssrf, to calculate the uncorrected SSR; sstof, to calculate the uncorrected SSTO ; matmulmm...DEGREES OF FREEDOM * int sstocdf, ssrcdf, ssecdf; float ssr, ssto , sse; /* SUM OF SQUARES * float ssrc, sstoc, ssec; float insr, insto, inse; float...Y-HAT STATSISTICS * yhatf(x,beta,stats,n,n); /* CALCULATE UNCORRECTED SSR * ssrf(beta, x, y, mn, n, ss); ssr = ss[l][l]; /* CALCULATE UNCORRECTED SSTO
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46 CFR 160.077-31 - PFD Marking.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-10-01
... RISK OF DEATH BY DROWNING —YOU MAY HAVE TO INFLATE THIS PFD TO FLOAT. —TRY THIS PFD IN THE WATER EACH SEASON TO SEE IF IT WILL FLOAT YOU WITHOUT INFLATION. —CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE PFD AND WEAR IT—FASTEN ALL... TO FLOAT. —TRY THIS PFD IN THE WATER EACH SEASON TO SEE IF IT WILL FLOAT YOU WITHOUT INFLATION. —[For...
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46 CFR 160.077-31 - PFD Marking.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-10-01
... RISK OF DEATH BY DROWNING —YOU MAY HAVE TO INFLATE THIS PFD TO FLOAT. —TRY THIS PFD IN THE WATER EACH SEASON TO SEE IF IT WILL FLOAT YOU WITHOUT INFLATION. —CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE PFD AND WEAR IT—FASTEN ALL... TO FLOAT. —TRY THIS PFD IN THE WATER EACH SEASON TO SEE IF IT WILL FLOAT YOU WITHOUT INFLATION. —[For...
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46 CFR 160.077-31 - PFD Marking.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-10-01
... RISK OF DEATH BY DROWNING —YOU MAY HAVE TO INFLATE THIS PFD TO FLOAT. —TRY THIS PFD IN THE WATER EACH SEASON TO SEE IF IT WILL FLOAT YOU WITHOUT INFLATION. —CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE PFD AND WEAR IT—FASTEN ALL... TO FLOAT. —TRY THIS PFD IN THE WATER EACH SEASON TO SEE IF IT WILL FLOAT YOU WITHOUT INFLATION. —[For...
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46 CFR 160.077-31 - PFD Marking.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
... RISK OF DEATH BY DROWNING —YOU MAY HAVE TO INFLATE THIS PFD TO FLOAT. —TRY THIS PFD IN THE WATER EACH SEASON TO SEE IF IT WILL FLOAT YOU WITHOUT INFLATION. —CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE PFD AND WEAR IT—FASTEN ALL... TO FLOAT. —TRY THIS PFD IN THE WATER EACH SEASON TO SEE IF IT WILL FLOAT YOU WITHOUT INFLATION. —[For...
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ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Riley McKee, Megan
2012-01-01
Floating describes the act of staff moving from one unit to another based on the needs of the patients in a hospital. Many staff who float to different units express negative feelings, including anxiety and lack in self-efficacy. However, floating is both an economical and efficient method to use staff across the hospital, especially with current…
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Are floating algal mats a refuge from hypoxia for estuarine invertebrates?
Knysh, Kyle M.; Theriault, Emma F.; Pater, Christina C.; Courtenay, Simon C.; van den Heuvel, Michael R.
2017-01-01
Eutrophic aquatic habitats are characterized by the proliferation of vegetation leading to a large standing biomass that upon decomposition may create hypoxic (low-oxygen) conditions. This is indeed the case in nutrient impacted estuaries of Prince Edward Island, Canada, where macroalgae, from the genus Ulva, form submerged ephemeral mats. Hydrological forces and gases released from photosynthesis and decomposition lead to these mats occasionally floating to the water’s surface, henceforth termed floating mats. Here, we explore the hypothesis that floating mats are refugia during periods of sustained hypoxia/anoxia and examine how the invertebrate community responds to it. Floating mats were not always present, so in the first year (2013) sampling was attempted monthly and limited to when both floating and submerged mats occurred. In the subsequent year sampling was weekly, but at only one estuary due to logistical constraints from increased sampling frequency, and was not limited to when both mat types occurred. Water temperature, salinity, and pH were monitored bi-weekly with dissolved oxygen concentration measured hourly. The floating and submerged assemblages shared many of the same taxa but were statistically distinct communities; submerged mats tended to have a greater proportion of benthic animals and floating mats had more mobile invertebrates and insects. In 2014, sampling happened to occur in the weeks before the onset of anoxia, during 113 consecutive hours of sustained anoxia, and for four weeks after normoxic conditions returned. The invertebrate community on floating mats appeared to be unaffected by anoxia, indicating that these mats may be refugia during times of oxygen stress. Conversely, there was a dramatic decrease in animal abundances that remained depressed on submerged mats for two weeks. Cluster analysis revealed that the submerged mat communities from before the onset of anoxia and four weeks after anoxia were highly similar to each other, indicating recovery. When mobile animals were considered alone, there was an exponential relationship between the percentage of animals on floating mats, relative to the total number on both mat types, and hypoxia. The occupation of floating mats by invertebrates at all times, and their dominance there during hypoxia/anoxia, provides support for the hypothesis that floating mats are refugia. PMID:28348927
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Shahan, M.R.; Seaman, C.E.; Beck, T.W.; Colinet, J.F.; Mischler, S.E.
2017-01-01
Float coal dust is produced by various mining methods, carried by ventilating air and deposited on the floor, roof and ribs of mine airways. If deposited, float dust is re-entrained during a methane explosion. Without sufficient inert rock dust quantities, this float coal dust can propagate an explosion throughout mining entries. Consequently, controlling float coal dust is of critical interest to mining operations. Rock dusting, which is the adding of inert material to airway surfaces, is the main control technique currently used by the coal mining industry to reduce the float coal dust explosion hazard. To assist the industry in reducing this hazard, the Pittsburgh Mining Research Division of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health initiated a project to investigate methods and technologies to reduce float coal dust in underground coal mines through prevention, capture and suppression prior to deposition. Field characterization studies were performed to determine quantitatively the sources, types and amounts of dust produced during various coal mining processes. The operations chosen for study were a continuous miner section, a longwall section and a coal-handling facility. For each of these operations, the primary dust sources were confirmed to be the continuous mining machine, longwall shearer and conveyor belt transfer points, respectively. Respirable and total airborne float dust samples were collected and analyzed for each operation, and the ratio of total airborne float coal dust to respirable dust was calculated. During the continuous mining process, the ratio of total airborne float coal dust to respirable dust ranged from 10.3 to 13.8. The ratios measured on the longwall face were between 18.5 and 21.5. The total airborne float coal dust to respirable dust ratio observed during belt transport ranged between 7.5 and 21.8. PMID:28936001
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Talley, L. D.; Riser, S.; Johnson, K. S.; Wang, J.; Kamenkovich, I. V.; Rosso, I.; Mazloff, M. R.; Ogle, S.; Sarmiento, J. L.
2016-12-01
Biogeochemical profiling floats are being deployed in the Southern Ocean south of 30°S, including within the seasonal sea ice zone, as part of the SOCCOM project. The floats carry oxygen, nitrate, pH, fluorescence and backscatter sensors, in addition to standard T/S measurements that contribute to the Argo program. The total array size over the expected 6 years of deployment will be 180 to 200 floats. At the conclusion of Year 2 (2015-2016), 58 floats had been deployed and 50 were still active (see figure from http://soccom.princeton.edu). In order to calibrate the biogeochemical sensors using shipboard measurements, deployment takes place from research ships. As the ship tracks are dictated by other programs, care is taken prior to deployment to maximize the probability that the floats sample varied oceanographic regimes, and that all important regimes present along a deployment track are seeded with at least one float. Prior GO-SHIP hydrographic sections are used to locate water mass regimes that are targeted for deployments, yielding a background description of the oceanography along each of these sections. Simulations of Argo floats in the Southern Ocean State Estimate (SOSE) and data-assimilating HYCOM model and previous Argo trajectories are used to predict ensemble float trajectories. Trajectories and water mass regimes from floats after deployment have generally agreed well with those projected prior to deployment. The exercise of examining this suite of information prior to the deployment cruises provides valuable regional information for interpreting the actual SOCCOM float profiles and trajectories. Particularly useful are demarcation of the major frontal regimes and their relation to sea ice and topography, regions of upwelling from the deep ocean to the surface, and upper ocean mode water regions associated with both the Subantarctic and Polar Fronts.
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Eberle, Veronika A; Schoelkopf, Joachim; Gane, Patrick A C; Alles, Rainer; Huwyler, Jörg; Puchkov, Maxim
2014-07-16
Gastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) play an important role in the delivery of drug substances to the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract; they offer a possibility to overcome the limited gastric residence time of conventional dosage forms. The aim of the study was to understand drug-release and floatation mechanisms of a floating GRDDS based on functionalized calcium carbonate (FCC). The inherently low apparent density of the excipient (approx. 0.6 g/cm(3)) enabled a mechanism of floatation. The higher specific surface of FCC (approx. 70 m(2)) allowed sufficient hardness of resulting compacts. The floating mechanism of GRDDS was simulated in silico under simulated acidic and neutral conditions, and the results were compared to those obtained in vitro. United States Pharmacopeia (USP) dissolution methods are of limited usefulness for evaluating floating behavior and drug release of floating dosage forms. Therefore, we developed a custom-built stomach model to simultaneously analyze floating characteristics and drug release. In silico dissolution and floatation profiles of the FCC-based tablet were simulated using a three-dimensional cellular automata-based model. In simulated gastric fluid, the FCC-based tablets showed instant floatation. The compacts stayed afloat during the measurement in 0.1 N HCl and eroded completely while releasing the model drug substance. When water was used as dissolution medium, the tablets had no floating lag time and sank down during the measurement, resulting in a change of release kinetics. Floating dosage forms based on FCC appear promising. It was possible to manufacture floating tablets featuring a density of less than unity and sufficient hardness for further processing. In silico dissolution simulation offered a possibility to understand floating behavior and drug-release mechanism. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Flotation selectivity of novel alkyl dicarboxylate reagents for apatite-calcite separation.
Karlkvist, Tommy; Patra, Anuttam; Rao, Kota Hanumantha; Bordes, Romain; Holmberg, Krister
2015-05-01
The investigation aims to demonstrate the conceptual thoughts behind developing mineral specific reagents for use in flotation of calcium containing ores. For this purpose, a series of dicarboxylate-based surfactants with varying distance between the carboxylate groups (one, two or three methylene groups) was synthesized. A surfactant with the same alkyl chain length but with only one carboxylate group was also synthesized and evaluated. The adsorption behavior of these new reagents on pure apatite and pure calcite surfaces was studied using Hallimond tube flotation, FTIR and ζ potential measurements. The relation between the adsorption behavior of a given surfactant at a specific mineral surface and its molecular structure over a range of concentrations and pH values, as well as the region of maximum recovery, was established. It was found that one of the reagents, with a specific distance between the carboxylate groups, was much more selective for a particular mineral surface than the other homologues. For example, out of the four compounds synthesized, only the one where the carboxylate groups were separated by a single methylene group floated apatite but not calcite, whereas calcite was efficiently floated with the monocarboxylic reagent, but not with the other reagents synthesized. This selective adsorption of a given surfactant to a particular mineral surface relative to other mineral surfaces as evidenced in the flotation studies was substantiated by ζ potential and infra-red spectroscopy data. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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50 CFR 86.13 - What is boating infrastructure?
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
..., currents, etc., that provide a temporary safe anchorage point or harbor of refuge during storms); (f) Floating docks and fixed piers; (g) Floating and fixed breakwaters; (h) Dinghy docks (floating or fixed...
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhao, Jingtao; Zhao, Zhenguo; Chen, Zidong; Lin, Zhaojun; Xu, Fukai
2017-12-01
In this study, we have investigated the electrical properties of the AlGaN/AlN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistors (HFETs) with floating gate structures using the measured capacitancevoltage (C-V) and current-voltage (I-V) characteristics. It is found that the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) density under the central gate cannot be changed by the floating gate structures. However, the floating gate structures can cause the strain variation in the barrier layer, which lead to the non-uniform distribution of the polarization charges, then induce a polarization Coulomb field and scatter the 2DEG. More floating gate structures and closer distance between the floating gates and the central gate will result in stronger scattering effect of the 2DEG.
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A novel grounded to floating admittance converter with electronic control
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Prasad, Dinesh; Ahmad, Javed; Srivastava, Mayank
2018-01-01
This article suggests a new grounded to floating admittance convertor employing only two voltage differencing transconductance amplifiers (VDTAs). The proposed circuit can convert any arbitrary grounded admittance into floating admittance with electronically controllable scaling factor. The presented converter enjoys the following beneficial: (1) no requirement of any additional passive element (2) scaling factor can be tuned electronically through bias currents of VDTAs (3) no matching constraint required (4) low values of active/passive sensitivity indexes and (5) excellent non ideal behavior that indicates no deviation in circuit behavior even under non ideal environment. Application of the proposed configuration in realization of floating resistor and floating capacitor has been presented and the workability of these floating elements has been confirmed by active filter design examples. SPICE simulations have been performed to demonstrate the performance of the proposed circuits.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Rafhay, Quentin; Beug, M. Florian; Duane, Russell
2007-04-01
This paper presents an experimental comparison of dummy cell extraction methods of the gate capacitance coupling coefficient for floating gate non-volatile memory structures from different geometries and technologies. These results show the significant influence of mismatching floating gate devices and reference transistors on the extraction of the gate capacitance coupling coefficient. In addition, it demonstrates the accuracy of the new bulk bias dummy cell extraction method and the importance of the β function, introduced recently in [Duane R, Beug F, Mathewson A. Novel capacitance coupling coefficient measurement methodology for floating gate non-volatile memory devices. IEEE Electr Dev Lett 2005;26(7):507-9], to determine matching pairs of floating gate memory and reference transistor.
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Zhai, H; Jones, D S; McCoy, C P; Madi, A M; Tian, Y; Andrews, G P
2014-10-06
The objective of this work was to investigate the feasibility of using a novel granulation technique, namely, fluidized hot melt granulation (FHMG), to prepare gastroretentive extended-release floating granules. In this study we have utilized FHMG, a solvent free process in which granulation is achieved with the aid of low melting point materials, using Compritol 888 ATO and Gelucire 50/13 as meltable binders, in place of conventional liquid binders. The physicochemical properties, morphology, floating properties, and drug release of the manufactured granules were investigated. Granules prepared by this method were spherical in shape and showed good flowability. The floating granules exhibited sustained release exceeding 10 h. Granule buoyancy (floating time and strength) and drug release properties were significantly influenced by formulation variables such as excipient type and concentration, and the physical characteristics (particle size, hydrophilicity) of the excipients. Drug release rate was increased by increasing the concentration of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and Gelucire 50/13, or by decreasing the particle size of HPC. Floating strength was improved through the incorporation of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. Furthermore, floating strength was influenced by the concentration of HPC within the formulation. Granules prepared in this way show good physical characteristics, floating ability, and drug release properties when placed in simulated gastric fluid. Moreover, the drug release and floating properties can be controlled by modification of the ratio or physical characteristics of the excipients used in the formulation.
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Raghuvanshi, Smita; Pathak, Kamla
2016-01-01
Introduction: The study was aimed at the development of low-density gastroretentive bioadhesive microsponges of cinnarizine by two-pronged approach (i) coating with bioadhesive material and (ii) exploration of acconon MC 8-2 EP/NF as bioadhesive raw material for fabrication. Materials and Methods: Microsponges were prepared by quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method using 32 factorial design. Capmul GMO was employed for bioadhesive coating. In parallel, potential of acconon for the fabrication of bioadhesive floating microsponges (A8) was assessed. Results: Formulation with entrapment efficiency = 82.4 ± 3.4%, buoyancy = 82.3 ± 2.5%, and correlation of drug release (CDR8h) = 88.7% ± 2.9% was selected as optimized formulation (F8) and subjected to bioadhesive coating (BF8). The %CDR8h for A8 was similar to BF8 (87.2% ± 3.5%). Dynamic in vitro bioadhesion test revealed comparable bioadhesivity with BF8. The ex vivo permeation across gastric mucin displayed 63.16% for BF8 against 56.74% from A8; affirmed the bioadhesivity of both approaches. Conclusion: The study concluded with the development of novel bioadhesive floating microsponges of cinnarizine employing capmul GMO as bioadhesive coating material and confirmed the viability of acconon MC 8-2EP/NF as bioadhesive raw material for sustained targeted delivery of drug. PMID:28123987
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Characterising the spatial variability of the tidal stream energy resource from floating turbines
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ward, Sophie; Neill, Simon; Robins, Peter
2017-04-01
The shelf seas, in particular the northwest European shelf seas surrounding the UK, contain significant tidal power potential. Tidal stream energy is both predictable and reliable providing that sites are well-selected based upon the hydrodynamic regime and the device specifics. In this high resolution three-dimensional tidal modelling study, we investigate how the tidal stream resource around the Welsh coast (UK) varies with water depth and location, with particular focus on the Pembrokeshire region. The potential extractable energy for a floating tidal stream energy converter is compared with that for a bottom-fixed device, highlighting the need to vary the resource characterisation criteria based on device specifics. We demonstrate how small variations in the tidal current speeds - with hub depth or due to tidal asymmetry - can lead to substantial variations in potential power output. Further, the results indicate that power generation from floating tidal energy converters will be more significantly influenced by tidal elevations in regions characterised by a lower tidal range (more progressive waves) than regions that experience a high tidal range (standing waves). As numerical modelling capacity improves and tidal stream energy converter technologies develop, ongoing improved quantification of the tidal resource is needed, as well as consideration of the possible feedbacks of the devices and energy extraction on the hydrodynamic regime and the surrounding area.
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Zhang, Li-jie; Geng, Yu-tian; An, Hui-yan; Gao, Shu-yun; Zhang, Ling; Cen, Yang; Zeng, Guang
2003-08-01
In order to develop plans for effective intervention measures, prevalence and health-seeking behavior related to reproductive tract infection among floating married women of childbearing age in Fengtai district in Beijing were studied. Cross-sectional study was carried out. Two thousand and sixty-nine eligible women were randomly selected from strata based on their home provinces. From June to July 2001, the subjects were given face-to-face interview at the Fengtai family planning clinic in Beijing using standard questionnaire followed by gynecologic examination and laboratory tests. Thirty point three percent of the subjects were found to have reproductive tract infections (RTI) by laboratory tests. Prevalence rates of bacterial vaginosis, candida and trichomonas vaginitis were 22.2%, 4.9% and 2.1% respectively. Prevalence rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, condyloma acuminatum and syphilis were 2.2%, 1.6%, 0.5% and 0.2% respectively. Of these infected women, only 43.1% (270/626) were symptomatic, and 61.5% (166/270) of these women with symptoms had sought treatment. Compared to other results in the literature, we found a relatively high prevalence of RTI in our study population. Only a small proportion of these infected women were symptomatic but only few of them sought treatment. We suggested that the provision of more family planning service and promotion of RTI knowledge to the floating women of childbearing age.
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Raghuvanshi, Smita; Pathak, Kamla
2016-01-01
The study was aimed at the development of low-density gastroretentive bioadhesive microsponges of cinnarizine by two-pronged approach (i) coating with bioadhesive material and (ii) exploration of acconon MC 8-2 EP/NF as bioadhesive raw material for fabrication. Microsponges were prepared by quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method using 3 2 factorial design. Capmul GMO was employed for bioadhesive coating. In parallel, potential of acconon for the fabrication of bioadhesive floating microsponges (A8) was assessed. Formulation with entrapment efficiency = 82.4 ± 3.4%, buoyancy = 82.3 ± 2.5%, and correlation of drug release (CDR 8h ) = 88.7% ± 2.9% was selected as optimized formulation (F8) and subjected to bioadhesive coating (BF8). The %CDR 8h for A8 was similar to BF8 (87.2% ± 3.5%). Dynamic in vitro bioadhesion test revealed comparable bioadhesivity with BF8. The ex vivo permeation across gastric mucin displayed 63.16% for BF8 against 56.74% from A8; affirmed the bioadhesivity of both approaches. The study concluded with the development of novel bioadhesive floating microsponges of cinnarizine employing capmul GMO as bioadhesive coating material and confirmed the viability of acconon MC 8-2EP/NF as bioadhesive raw material for sustained targeted delivery of drug.
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NPSNET: Dynamic Terrain and Cultured Feature Depiction
1992-09-01
defaults. bridge(terrain *ptr, vertex pos, bridge mattype bmat ); This constructor takes only the pointer to the underlying terrain, a placement, and a...material to use for construction. bridge(terrain *ptr, vertex pos, bridge-mattype bmat , float dir); This constructor takes a terrain pointer, a...placement position, a material to use, and a direction to run. bridge(terrain *ptr, vertex pos, bridge-mattype bmat , float dir, float width, float height
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Willis, Emily M.; Minow, Joseph I.; Parker, Linda N.; Pour, Maria Z. A.; Swenson, Charles; Nishikawa, Ken-ichi; Krause, Linda Habash
2016-01-01
The International Space Station (ISS) continues to be a world-class space research laboratory after over 15 years of operations, and it has proven to be a fantastic resource for observing spacecraft floating potential variations related to high voltage solar array operations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Measurements of the ionospheric electron density and temperature along the ISS orbit and variations in the ISS floating potential are obtained from the Floating Potential Measurement Unit (FPMU). In particular, rapid variations in ISS floating potential during solar array operations on time scales of tens of milliseconds can be recorded due to the 128 Hz sample rate of the Floating Potential Probe (FPP) pro- viding interesting insight into high voltage solar array interaction with the space plasma environment. Comparing the FPMU data with the ISS operations timeline and solar array data provides a means for correlating some of the more complex and interesting transient floating potential variations with mission operations. These complex variations are not reproduced by current models and require further study to understand the underlying physical processes. In this paper we present some of the floating potential transients observed over the past few years along with the relevant space environment parameters and solar array operations data.
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Impact of associated injuries in the Floating knee: A retrospective study
Rethnam, Ulfin; Yesupalan, Rajam S; Nair, Rajagopalan
2009-01-01
Background Floating knee injuries are usually associated with other significant injuries. Do these injuries have implications on the management of the floating knee and the final outcome of patients? Our study aims to assess the implications of associated injuries in the management and final outcome of floating knee. Methods 29 patients with floating knees were assessed in our institution. A retrospective analysis of medical records and radiographs were done and all associated injuries were identified. The impact of associated injuries on delay in initial surgical management, delay in rehabilitation & final outcome of the floating knee were assessed. Results 38 associated injuries were noted. 7 were associated with ipsilateral knee injuries. Lower limb injuries were most commonly associated with the floating knee. Patients with some associated injuries had a delay in surgical management and others a delay in post-operative rehabilitation. Knee ligament and vascular injuries were associated with poor outcome. Conclusion The associated injuries were quite frequent with the floating knee. Some of the associated injuries caused a delay in surgical management and post-operative rehabilitation. In assessment of the final outcome, patients with associated knee and vascular injuries had a poor prognosis. Majority of the patients with associated injuries had a good or excellent outcome. PMID:19144197
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Paranoia.Ada: A diagnostic program to evaluate Ada floating-point arithmetic
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hjermstad, Chris
1986-01-01
Many essential software functions in the mission critical computer resource application domain depend on floating point arithmetic. Numerically intensive functions associated with the Space Station project, such as emphemeris generation or the implementation of Kalman filters, are likely to employ the floating point facilities of Ada. Paranoia.Ada appears to be a valuabe program to insure that Ada environments and their underlying hardware exhibit the precision and correctness required to satisfy mission computational requirements. As a diagnostic tool, Paranoia.Ada reveals many essential characteristics of an Ada floating point implementation. Equipped with such knowledge, programmers need not tremble before the complex task of floating point computation.
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Manaan, Qazi; Bashir, Adil; Zahoor, Adnan; Mokhdomi, Taseem A.
2016-01-01
Floating arm injury represents a common yet complicated injury of the childhood severely associated with limb deformation and even morbidity, if not precisely addressed and credibly operated. Here, we report a rare floating upper limb case of a 9-year-old boy with multiple injuries of ipsilateral proximal humeral, supracondylar and distal radial limb. This is the first report to document such a combined floating elbow and floating arm injury in the same limb. In this report, we discuss the surgical procedures used and recovery of the patient monitored to ascertain the effectiveness of the method in limb reorganisation. PMID:27583121
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Manaan, Qazi; Bashir, Adil; Zahoor, Adnan; Mokhdomi, Taseem A; Danish, Qazi
2016-09-01
Floating arm injury represents a common yet complicated injury of the childhood severely associated with limb deformation and even morbidity, if not precisely addressed and credibly operated. Here, we report a rare floating upper limb case of a 9-year-old boy with multiple injuries of ipsilateral proximal humeral, supracondylar and distal radial limb. This is the first report to document such a combined floating elbow and floating arm injury in the same limb. In this report, we discuss the surgical procedures used and recovery of the patient monitored to ascertain the effectiveness of the method in limb reorganisation.
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[Treatment of Persistent Somatoform Pain Disorder by Floating Needle Therapy and Duloxetine].
Ren, Wan-wen; Zhou, Zhi-ying; Xu, Mi-mi; Long, Sen; Tang, Guang-zheng; Mao, Hong-jing; Chen, Shu-lin
2016-02-01
To evaluate clinical effect and safety of floating needle therapy and duloxetine in treating patients with persistent somatoform pain disorder (PSPD). Totally 108 PSPD patients were randomly assigned to the floating needle treatment group, the duloxetine treatment group, and the placebo treatment group, 36 in each group. Patients in the floating needle treatment group received floating needle therapy and placebo. Those in the duloxetine treatment group received duloxetine and simulated floating needle therapy. Those in the placebo treatment group received the placebo and simulated floating needle therapy. All treatment lasted for six weeks. Efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated using Simple McGill pain scale (SF-MPQ) and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) before treatment and immediately after treatment, as well as at the end of 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th week of treatment, respectively. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD, 17 items), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were assessed before treatment and at the end of 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th week of treatment, respectively. Patients in the floating needle treatment group and the duloxetine treatment group with the total reducing score rate of SF-MPQ in Pain Rating index (PRI) ≥ 50% after 6 weeks' treatment were involved in the follow-up study. (1) Compared with the same group before treatment, SF-MPQ score, HAMD score and HAMA total scores all decreased in all the three groups at the end of 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th week of treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Besides , each item of SF-MPQ significantly decreased immediately after treatment in the floating needle treatment group (P < 0.01). Compared with the placebo treatment group, SF-MPQ, HAMD, and HAMA total score in the floating needle treatment group significantly decreased after 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). SF-MPQ score, HAMD score and HAMA total score in the duloxetine treatment group also significantly decreased after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). (2) There were 3 patients (8.3%) who had adverse reactions in the floating needle treatment group, 17 (50.0%) in the duloxetine treatment group, and 7 (21.2%) in the placebo treatment group. Compared with the placebo treatment group, the incidence of adverse reaction increased in the duloxetine treatment group (χ² = 6.04, P < 0.05). Besides, it was higher in the duloxetine treatment group than in the floating needle treatment group (χ² = 14.9, P < 0.05). (3) There were 19 patients in the floating needle treatment group and 17 patients in the duloxetine treatment group involved in the follow-up study. Compared with 6 weeks after treatment, no significant difference was observed at 3 and 6 months after treatment in the score of SF-MPQ, HAMD, and HAMA in the floating needle treatment group and the duloxetine treatment group. No significant difference was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were 5 patients (29.4%) who had adverse reactions in the duloxetine treatment group, and no adverse reactions were observed in the floating needle treatment group. The adverse reaction rate was significantly different between the two groups (χ² = 4.26, P < 0.05). Floating needle therapy and duloxetine were effective in treatment of patients with PSPD. However, floating needle therapy could relieve pain more rapidly than duloxetine, with obviously less adverse reactions.
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Improvements in floating point addition/subtraction operations
Farmwald, P.M.
1984-02-24
Apparatus is described for decreasing the latency time associated with floating point addition and subtraction in a computer, using a novel bifurcated, pre-normalization/post-normalization approach that distinguishes between differences of floating point exponents.
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Differences in evaporation between a floating pan and class a pan on land
Masoner, J.R.; Stannard, D.I.; Christenson, S.C.
2008-01-01
Research was conducted to develop a method for obtaining floating pan evaporation rates in a small (less than 10,000 m2) wetland, lagoon, or pond. Floating pan and land pan evaporation data were collected from March 1 to August 31, 2005, at a small natural wetland located in the alluvium of the Canadian River near Norman, Oklahoma, at the U.S. Geological Survey Norman Landfill Toxic Substances Hydrology Research Site. Floating pan evaporation rates were compared with evaporation rates from a nearby standard Class A evaporation pan on land. Floating pan evaporation rates were significantly less than land pan evaporation rates for the entire period and on a monthly basis. Results indicated that the use of a floating evaporation pan in a small free-water surface better simulates actual physical conditions on the water surface that control evaporation. Floating pan to land pan ratios were 0.82 for March, 0.87 for April, 0.85 for May, 0.85 for June, 0.79 for July, and 0.69 for August. ?? 2008 American Water Resources Association.
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Measuring the Coefficient of Friction of a Small Floating Liquid Marble
Ooi, Chin Hong; Nguyen, Anh Van; Evans, Geoffrey M.; Dao, Dzung Viet; Nguyen, Nam-Trung
2016-01-01
This paper investigates the friction coefficient of a moving liquid marble, a small liquid droplet coated with hydrophobic powder and floating on another liquid surface. A floating marble can easily move across water surface due to the low friction, allowing for the transport of aqueous solutions with minimal energy input. However, the motion of a floating marble has yet to be systematically characterised due to the lack of insight into key parameters such as the coefficient of friction between the floating marble and the carrier liquid. We measured the coefficient of friction of a small floating marble using a novel experimental setup that exploits the non-wetting properties of a liquid marble. A floating liquid marble pair containing a minute amount magnetite particles were immobilised and then released in a controlled manner using permanent magnets. The capillarity-driven motion was analysed to determine the coefficient of friction of the liquid marbles. The “capillary charge” model was used to fit the experimental results. We varied the marble content and carrier liquid to establish a relationship between the friction correction factor and the meniscus angle. PMID:27910916
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Nojima, Daisuke; Ishizuka, Yuki; Muto, Masaki; Ujiro, Asuka; Kodama, Fumito; Yoshino, Tomoko; Maeda, Yoshiaki; Matsunaga, Tadashi; Tanaka, Tsuyoshi
2017-01-01
Water surface-floating microalgae have great potential for biofuel applications due to the ease of the harvesting process, which is one of the most problematic steps in conventional microalgal biofuel production. We have collected promising water surface-floating microalgae and characterized their capacity for biomass and lipid production. In this study, we performed chemical mutagenesis of two water surface-floating microalgae to elevate productivity. Floating microalgal strains AVFF007 and FFG039 (tentatively identified as Botryosphaerella sp. and Chlorococcum sp., respectively) were exposed to ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) or 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), and pale green mutants (PMs) were obtained. The most promising FFG039 PM formed robust biofilms on the surface of the culture medium, similar to those formed by wild type strains, and it exhibited 1.7-fold and 1.9-fold higher biomass and lipid productivities than those of the wild type. This study indicates that the chemical mutation strategy improves the lipid productivity of water surface-floating microalgae without inhibiting biofilm formation and floating ability. PMID:28555001
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Nojima, Daisuke; Ishizuka, Yuki; Muto, Masaki; Ujiro, Asuka; Kodama, Fumito; Yoshino, Tomoko; Maeda, Yoshiaki; Matsunaga, Tadashi; Tanaka, Tsuyoshi
2017-05-27
Water surface-floating microalgae have great potential for biofuel applications due to the ease of the harvesting process, which is one of the most problematic steps in conventional microalgal biofuel production. We have collected promising water surface-floating microalgae and characterized their capacity for biomass and lipid production. In this study, we performed chemical mutagenesis of two water surface-floating microalgae to elevate productivity. Floating microalgal strains AVFF007 and FFG039 (tentatively identified as Botryosphaerella sp. and Chlorococcum sp., respectively) were exposed to ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) or 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), and pale green mutants (PMs) were obtained. The most promising FFG039 PM formed robust biofilms on the surface of the culture medium, similar to those formed by wild type strains, and it exhibited 1.7-fold and 1.9-fold higher biomass and lipid productivities than those of the wild type. This study indicates that the chemical mutation strategy improves the lipid productivity of water surface-floating microalgae without inhibiting biofilm formation and floating ability.
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14 CFR 25.525 - Application of loads.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... not less than those prescribed in § 25.533(b). (c) For twin float seaplanes, each float must be... twin float seaplane. (d) Except in the takeoff condition of § 25.531, the aerodynamic lift on the...
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14 CFR 25.525 - Application of loads.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... not less than those prescribed in § 25.533(b). (c) For twin float seaplanes, each float must be... twin float seaplane. (d) Except in the takeoff condition of § 25.531, the aerodynamic lift on the...
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14 CFR 25.525 - Application of loads.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... not less than those prescribed in § 25.533(b). (c) For twin float seaplanes, each float must be... twin float seaplane. (d) Except in the takeoff condition of § 25.531, the aerodynamic lift on the...
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14 CFR 25.525 - Application of loads.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
... not less than those prescribed in § 25.533(b). (c) For twin float seaplanes, each float must be... twin float seaplane. (d) Except in the takeoff condition of § 25.531, the aerodynamic lift on the...
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14 CFR 25.525 - Application of loads.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-01-01
... not less than those prescribed in § 25.533(b). (c) For twin float seaplanes, each float must be... twin float seaplane. (d) Except in the takeoff condition of § 25.531, the aerodynamic lift on the...
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Bifurcated method and apparatus for floating point addition with decreased latency time
Farmwald, Paul M.
1987-01-01
Apparatus for decreasing the latency time associated with floating point addition and subtraction in a computer, using a novel bifurcated, pre-normalization/post-normalization approach that distinguishes between differences of floating point exponents.
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An Analysis of the Full-Floating Journal Bearing
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Shaw, M C; Nussdorfer, T J , Jr
1947-01-01
An analysis of the operating characteristics of a full-floating journal bearing, a bearing in which a floating sleeve is located between the journal and bearing surfaces, is presented together with charts from which the performance of such bearings may be predicted. Examples are presented to illustrate the use of these charts and a limited number of experiments conducted upon a glass full-floating bearing are reported to verify some results of the analysis.
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Electrowetting in a water droplet with a movable floating substrate
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Shahzad, Amir; Masud, A. R.; Song, Jang-Kun
2016-05-01
Electrowetting (EW) enables facile manipulation of a liquid droplet on a hydrophobic surface. In this study, manipulation of an electrolyte droplet having a small floating object on it was investigated on a solid hydrophobic substrate under the EW process. Herein, the floating object exhibited a vertical motion under an applied electric field owing to the spreading and contraction of the droplet on its connecting substrates. The field-induced height variation of the floating object was significantly influenced by the thicknesses of the dielectric and hydrophobic materials. A small mass was also placed on the top floating object and its effect on the spreading of the droplet was observed. In this system, the height of the top floating object is precisely controllable under the application of an electric voltage. The proposed system is expected to be highly useful in the design of nano- and micro-oscillatory systems for microengineering.
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Electrowetting in a water droplet with a movable floating substrate.
Shahzad, Amir; Masud, A R; Song, Jang-Kun
2016-05-01
Electrowetting (EW) enables facile manipulation of a liquid droplet on a hydrophobic surface. In this study, manipulation of an electrolyte droplet having a small floating object on it was investigated on a solid hydrophobic substrate under the EW process. Herein, the floating object exhibited a vertical motion under an applied electric field owing to the spreading and contraction of the droplet on its connecting substrates. The field-induced height variation of the floating object was significantly influenced by the thicknesses of the dielectric and hydrophobic materials. A small mass was also placed on the top floating object and its effect on the spreading of the droplet was observed. In this system, the height of the top floating object is precisely controllable under the application of an electric voltage. The proposed system is expected to be highly useful in the design of nano- and micro-oscillatory systems for microengineering.
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Floating plant dominance as a stable state
Scheffer, Marten; Szabó, Sándor; Gragnani, Alessandra; van Nes, Egbert H.; Rinaldi, Sergio; Kautsky, Nils; Norberg, Jon; Roijackers, Rudi M. M.; Franken, Rob J. M.
2003-01-01
Invasion by mats of free-floating plants is among the most important threats to the functioning and biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems ranging from temperate ponds and ditches to tropical lakes. Dark, anoxic conditions under thick floating-plant cover leave little opportunity for animal or plant life, and they can have large negative impacts on fisheries and navigation in tropical lakes. Here, we demonstrate that floating-plant dominance can be a self-stabilizing ecosystem state, which may explain its notorious persistence in many situations. Our results, based on experiments, field data, and models, represent evidence for alternative domains of attraction in ecosystems. An implication of our findings is that nutrient enrichment reduces the resilience of freshwater systems against a shift to floating-plant dominance. On the other hand, our results also suggest that a single drastic harvest of floating plants can induce a permanent shift to an alternative state dominated by rooted, submerged growth forms. PMID:12634429
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Current-Sensitive Path Planning for an Underactuated Free-Floating Ocean Sensorweb
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dahl, Kristen P.; Thompson, David R.; McLaren, David; Chao, Yi; Chien, Steve
2011-01-01
This work investigates multi-agent path planning in strong, dynamic currents using thousands of highly under-actuated vehicles. We address the specific task of path planning for a global network of ocean-observing floats. These submersibles are typified by the Argo global network consisting of over 3000 sensor platforms. They can control their buoyancy to float at depth for data collection or rise to the surface for satellite communications. Currently, floats drift at a constant depth regardless of the local currents. However, accurate current forecasts have become available which present the possibility of intentionally controlling floats' motion by dynamically commanding them to linger at different depths. This project explores the use of these current predictions to direct float networks to some desired final formation or position. It presents multiple algorithms for such path optimization and demonstrates their advantage over the standard approach of constant-depth drifting.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gosney, W. M.
1977-01-01
Electrically alterable read-only memories (EAROM's) or reprogrammable read-only memories (RPROM's) can be fabricated using a single-level metal-gate p-channel MOS technology with all conventional processing steps. Given the acronym DIFMOS for dual-injector floating-gate MOS, this technology utilizes the floating-gate technique for nonvolatile storage of data. Avalanche injection of hot electrons through gate oxide from a special injector diode in each bit is used to charge the floating gates. A second injector structure included in each bit permits discharge of the floating gate by avalanche injection of holes through gate oxide. The overall design of the DIFMOS bit is dictated by the physical considerations required for each of the avalanche injector types. The end result is a circuit technology which can provide fully decoded bit-erasable EAROM-type circuits using conventional manufacturing techniques.
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McCann, Michael J
2016-01-01
Free-floating plants, like most groups of aquatic primary producers, can become nuisance vegetation under certain conditions. On the other hand, there is substantial optimism for the applied uses of free-floating plants, such as wastewater treatment, biofuel production, and aquaculture. Therefore, understanding the species-specific responses of floating plants to abiotic conditions will inform both management decisions and the beneficial applications of these plants. I measured the responses of three floating plant species common in the northeast United States (Lemna minor, Spirodela polyrhiza, and Wolffia brasiliensis) to nutrient stoichiometry (nitrogen and phosphorus) and temperature in the laboratory. I also used survey data to determine the pattern of species richness of floating plants in the field and its relationship with the dominance of this group. Floating plant species exhibited unique responses to nutrient stoichiometry and temperature in the laboratory, especially under low temperatures (18 °C) and low nutrient conditions (0.5 mg N L(-1), 0.083 mg P L(-1)). The three species displayed an apparent tradeoff with different strategies of growth or dormancy. In the field, water bodies with three or more species of floating plants were not more frequently dominated by this group. The response diversity observed in the lab may not be associated with the dominance of this group in the field because it is masked by environmental variability, has a weak effect, or is only important during transient circumstances. Future research to develop applied uses of floating plants should examine response diversity across a greater range of species or clones and environmental conditions.
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2016-01-01
Free-floating plants, like most groups of aquatic primary producers, can become nuisance vegetation under certain conditions. On the other hand, there is substantial optimism for the applied uses of free-floating plants, such as wastewater treatment, biofuel production, and aquaculture. Therefore, understanding the species-specific responses of floating plants to abiotic conditions will inform both management decisions and the beneficial applications of these plants. I measured the responses of three floating plant species common in the northeast United States (Lemna minor, Spirodela polyrhiza, and Wolffia brasiliensis) to nutrient stoichiometry (nitrogen and phosphorus) and temperature in the laboratory. I also used survey data to determine the pattern of species richness of floating plants in the field and its relationship with the dominance of this group. Floating plant species exhibited unique responses to nutrient stoichiometry and temperature in the laboratory, especially under low temperatures (18 °C) and low nutrient conditions (0.5 mg N L−1, 0.083 mg P L−1). The three species displayed an apparent tradeoff with different strategies of growth or dormancy. In the field, water bodies with three or more species of floating plants were not more frequently dominated by this group. The response diversity observed in the lab may not be associated with the dominance of this group in the field because it is masked by environmental variability, has a weak effect, or is only important during transient circumstances. Future research to develop applied uses of floating plants should examine response diversity across a greater range of species or clones and environmental conditions. PMID:26989619
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Valdez, T.; Chao, Y.; Davis, R. E.; Jones, J.
2012-12-01
This talk will describe a new self-powered profiling float that can perform fast sampling over the upper ocean for long durations in support of a mesoscale ocean observing system in the Western North Pacific. The current state-of-the-art profiling floats can provide several hundreds profiles for the upper ocean every ten days. To quantify the role of the upper ocean in modulating the development of Typhoons requires at least an order of magnitude reduction for the sampling interval. With today's profiling float and battery technology, a fast sampling of one day or even a few hours will reduce the typical lifetime of profiling floats from years to months. Interactions between the ocean and typhoons often involves mesoscale eddies and fronts, which require a dense array of floats to reveal the 3-dimensional structure. To measure the mesoscale ocean over a large area like the Western North Pacific therefore requires a new technology that enables fast sampling and long duration at the same time. Harvesting the ocean renewable energy associated with the vertical temperature differentials has the potential to power profiling floats with fast sampling over long durations. Results from the development and deployment of a prototype self-powered profiling float (known as SOLO-TREC) will be presented. With eight hours sampling in the upper 500 meters, the upper ocean temperature and salinity reveal pronounced high frequency variations. Plans to use the SOLO-TREC technology in support of a dense array of fast sampling profiling floats in the Western North Pacific will be discussed.
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Apparatus for removing oil and other floating contaminants from a moving body of water
Strohecker, J.W.
1973-12-18
The patent describes a process in which floating contaminants such as oil and solid debris are removed from a moving body of water by employing a skimming system which uses the natural gravitational flow of the water. A boom diagonally positioned across the body of water diverts the floating contaminants over a floating weir and into a retention pond where an underflow weir is used to return contaminant-free water to the moving body of water. The floating weir is ballasted to maintain the contaminant-receiving opening therein slightly below the surface of the water during fluctuations in the water level for skimming the contaminants with minimal water removal.
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NULL Convention Floating Point Multiplier
Ramachandran, Seshasayanan
2015-01-01
Floating point multiplication is a critical part in high dynamic range and computational intensive digital signal processing applications which require high precision and low power. This paper presents the design of an IEEE 754 single precision floating point multiplier using asynchronous NULL convention logic paradigm. Rounding has not been implemented to suit high precision applications. The novelty of the research is that it is the first ever NULL convention logic multiplier, designed to perform floating point multiplication. The proposed multiplier offers substantial decrease in power consumption when compared with its synchronous version. Performance attributes of the NULL convention logic floating point multiplier, obtained from Xilinx simulation and Cadence, are compared with its equivalent synchronous implementation. PMID:25879069
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NULL convention floating point multiplier.
Albert, Anitha Juliette; Ramachandran, Seshasayanan
2015-01-01
Floating point multiplication is a critical part in high dynamic range and computational intensive digital signal processing applications which require high precision and low power. This paper presents the design of an IEEE 754 single precision floating point multiplier using asynchronous NULL convention logic paradigm. Rounding has not been implemented to suit high precision applications. The novelty of the research is that it is the first ever NULL convention logic multiplier, designed to perform floating point multiplication. The proposed multiplier offers substantial decrease in power consumption when compared with its synchronous version. Performance attributes of the NULL convention logic floating point multiplier, obtained from Xilinx simulation and Cadence, are compared with its equivalent synchronous implementation.
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The impact of the night float system on internal medicine residency programs.
Trontell, M C; Carson, J L; Taragin, M I; Duff, A
1991-01-01
To study the design, method of implementation, perceived benefits, and problems associated with a night float system. Self-administered questionnaire completed by program directors, which included both structured and open-ended questions. The answers reflect resident and student opinions as well as those of the program directors, since program directors regularly obtain feedback from these groups. The 442 accredited internal medicine residency programs listed in the 1988-89 Directory of Graduate Medical Education Programs. Of the 442 programs, 79% responded, and 30% had experience with a night float system. The most frequent methods for initiating a night float system included: decreasing elective time (42.3%), hiring more residents (26.9%), creating a non-teaching service (12.5%), and reallocating housestaff time (9.6%). Positive effects cited include decreased fatigue, improved housestaff morale, improved recruiting, and better attitude toward internal medicine training. The quality of medical care was considered the same or better by most programs using it. The most commonly cited problems were decreased continuity of care, inadequate teaching of the night float team, and miscommunication. Residency programs using a night float system usually observe a positive effect on housestaff morale, recruitment, and working hours and no detrimental effect on the quality of patient care. Miscommunication and inadequate learning experience for the night float team are important potential problems. This survey suggests that the night float represents one solution to reducing resident working hours.
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Cheerios Effect Controlled by Electrowetting.
Yuan, Junqi; Feng, Jian; Cho, Sung Kwon
2015-08-04
The Cheerios effect is a common phenomenon in which small floating objects are either attracted or repelled by the sidewall due to capillary interaction. This attractive or repulsive behavior is highly dependent on the slope angles (angles of the interface on the wall or floating object with respect to a horizontal line) that can be mainly controlled by the wettability of the wall and floating object and the density of the object. In this paper, electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) is implemented to the wall or floating object in order to actively control the wettability and thus capillary interaction. As such, the capillary force on buoyant and dense floating objects can be easily switched between repulsion and attraction by simply applying an electrical input. In addition, the theoretical prediction for the capillary force is verified experimentally by measuring the motion of floating particle and the critical contact angle on the wall at which the capillary force changes from attraction to repulsion. This successive verification is enabled by the merit of EWOD that allows for continuous change in the contact angle. Finally, the control method is extended to continuously move a floating object along a linear path and to continuously rotate a dumbbell-like floating object in centimeter scales using arrays of EWOD electrodes. A continuous linear motion is also accomplished in a smaller scale where the channel width (3 mm) is comparable to the capillary length.
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Diós, Péter; Nagy, Sándor; Pál, Szilárd; Pernecker, Tivadar; Kocsis, Béla; Budán, Ferenc; Horváth, Ildikó; Szigeti, Krisztián; Bölcskei, Kata; Máthé, Domokos; Dévay, Attila
2015-10-01
The aim of this study was to design a local, floating, mucoadhesive drug delivery system containing metronidazole for Helicobacter pylori eradication. Face-centered central composite design (with three factors, in three levels) was used for evaluation and optimization of in vitro floating and dissolution studies. Sodium alginate (X1), low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC B1, X2) and sodium bicarbonate (X3) concentrations were the independent variables in the development of effervescent floating tablets. All tablets showed acceptable physicochemical properties. Statistical analysis revealed that tablets with 5.00% sodium alginate, 38.63% L-HPC B1 and 8.45% sodium bicarbonate content showed promising in vitro floating and dissolution properties for further examinations. Optimized floating tablets expressed remarkable floating force. Their in vitro dissolution studies were compared with two commercially available non-floating metronidazole products and then microbiologically detected dissolution, ex vivo detachment force, rheological mucoadhesion studies and compatibility studies were carried out. Remarkable similarity (f1, f2) between in vitro spectrophotometrically and microbiologically detected dissolutions was found. Studies revealed significant ex vivo mucoadhesion of optimized tablets, which was considerably increased by L-HPC. In vivo X-ray CT studies of optimized tablets showed 8h gastroretention in rats represented by an animation prepared by special CT technique. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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A comparison of methods for estimating open-water evaporation in small wetlands
Masoner, Jason R.; Stannard, David I.
2010-01-01
We compared evaporation measurements from a floating pan, land pan, chamber, and the Priestley-Taylor (PT) equation. Floating pan, land pan, and meteorological data were collected from June 6 to July 21, 2005, at a small wetland in the Canadian River alluvium in central Oklahoma, USA. Evaporation measured with the floating pan compared favorably to 12 h chamber measurements. Differences between chamber and floating pan rates ranged from −0.2 to 0.3 mm, mean of 0.1 mm. The difference between chamber and land pan rates ranged from 0.8 to 2.0 mm, mean of 1.5 mm. The mean chamber-to-floating pan ratio was 0.97 and the mean chamber-to-land pan ratio was 0.73. The chamber-to-floating pan ratio of 0.97 indicates the use of a floating pan to measure evaporation in small limited-fetch water bodies is an appropriate and accurate method for the site investigated. One-sided Paired t-Tests indicate daily floating pan rates were significantly less than land pan and PT rates. A two-sided Paired t-Test indicated there was no significant difference between land pan and PT values. The PT equation tends to overestimate evaporation during times when the air is of low drying power and tends to underestimate as drying power increases.
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Diós, Péter; Pernecker, Tivadar; Nagy, Sándor; Pál, Szilárd; Dévay, Attila
2014-01-01
The object of the present study is to evaluate the effect of application of low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC) 11 and B1 as excipients promoting floating in gastroretentive tablets. Directly compressed tablets were formed based on experimental design. Face-centred central composite design was applied with two factors and 3 levels, where amount of sodium alginate (X1) and L-HPC (X2) were the numerical factors. Applied types of L-HPCs and their 1:1 mixture were included in a categorical factor (X3). Studied parameters were floating lag time, floating time, floating force, swelling behaviour of tablets and dissolution of paracetamol, which was used as a model active substance. Due to their physical character, L-HPCs had different water uptake and flowability. Lower flowability and lower water uptake was observed after 60 min at L-HPC 11 compared to L-HPC B1. Shorter floating times were detected at L-HPC 11 and L-HPC mixtures with 0.5% content of sodium alginate, whereas alginate was the only significant factor. Evaluating results of drug release and swelling studies on floating tablets revealed correlation, which can serve to help to understand the mechanism of action of L-HPCs in the field development of gastroretentive dosage forms. PMID:26702261
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The response of pile-guided floats subjected to dynamic loading.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2014-08-01
Pile-Guided floats can be a desirable alternative to stationary berthing structures. Both floats and guide piles are subjected to dynamic : forces such as wind generated waves and impacts from vessels. This project developed a rational basis for esti...
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Floating arterial thrombus related stroke treated by intravenous thrombolysis.
Vanacker, P; Cordier, M; Janbieh, J; Federau, C; Michel, P
2014-01-01
The effects of intravenous thrombolysis on floating thrombi in cervical and intracranial arteries of acute ischemic stroke patients are unknown. Similarly, the best prevention methods of early recurrences remain controversial. This study aimed to describe the clinical and radiological outcome of thrombolyzed strokes with floating thrombi. We retrospectively analyzed all thrombolyzed stroke patients in our institution between 2003 and 2010 with floating thrombi on acute CT-angiography before the intravenous thrombolysis. The floating thrombus was diagnosed if an elongated thrombus of at least 5 mm length, completely surrounded by contrast on supra-aortic neck or intracerebral arteries, was present on CT-angiography. Demographics, vascular risk factors, and comorbidities were recorded and stroke etiology was determined after a standardized workup. Repeat arterial imaging was performed by CTA at 24 h or before if clinical worsening was noted and then by Doppler and MRA during the first week and at four months. Of 409 thrombolyzed stroke patients undergoing acute CT Angiography, seven (1.7%) had a floating thrombus; of these seven, six had it in the anterior circulation. Demographics, risk factors and stroke severity of these patients were comparable to the other thrombolyzed patients. After intravenous thrombolysis, the floating thrombi resolved completely at 24 h in four of the patients, whereas one had an early recurrent stroke and one developed progressive worsening. One patient developed early occlusion of the carotid artery with floating thrombus and subsequently a TIA. The two patients with a stable floating thrombus had no clinical recurrences. In the literature, only one of four reported cases were found to have a thrombolysis-related early recurrence. Long-term outcome seemed similar in thrombolyzed patients with floating thrombus, despite a possible increase of very early recurrence. It remains to be established whether acute mechanical thrombectomy could be a safer and more effective treatment to prevent early recurrence. However, intravenous thrombolysis should not be withheld in eligible stroke patients. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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Air-Deployable Profiling Floats for Tropical Cyclone Research
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jayne, S. R.; Robbins, P.; Owens, B.; Ekholm, A.; Dufour, J. E.; Sanabia, E.
2016-02-01
The development of a smaller profiling float that can be launched from Hurricane Hunter aircraft offers the opportunity to monitor the upper-ocean thermal structure over a time span of many months. These Argo-type profiling floats can be deployed in advance of, or during, a tropical cyclone from any aircraft equipped with an A-sized (AXBT) launch tube, or from the stern ramp of a C-130. The floats have the same dimensions as an AXBT and weigh about 8.5 kg. Upon deployment, the floats parachute to the surface, detach and automatically begin their programmed mission. The recorded temperature data is averaged over 1-meter bins that are reported back via the Iridium satellite phone network, which is then automatically processed and posted to the GTS. The floats are also reprogrammable via the 2-way communication afforded by Iridium. We report on the results of deployments during the 2014 and 2015 hurricane seasons. Unique observations of the ocean response from Hurricane Ignacio are particularly noteworthy and will be presented. Further plans for continued development of floats include measuring salinity (from an inductive conductivity sensor) and observations of the surface wave field (measured by an onboard accelerometer) will also be described.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Williams, N. L.; Juranek, L. W.; Feely, R. A.; Johnson, K. S.; Sarmiento, J. L.; Talley, L. D.; Dickson, A. G.; Gray, A. R.; Wanninkhof, R.; Russell, J. L.; Riser, S. C.; Takeshita, Y.
2017-03-01
More than 74 biogeochemical profiling floats that measure water column pH, oxygen, nitrate, fluorescence, and backscattering at 10 day intervals have been deployed throughout the Southern Ocean. Calculating the surface ocean partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2sw) from float pH has uncertainty contributions from the pH sensor, the alkalinity estimate, and carbonate system equilibrium constants, resulting in a relative standard uncertainty in pCO2sw of 2.7% (or 11 µatm at pCO2sw of 400 µatm). The calculated pCO2sw from several floats spanning a range of oceanographic regimes are compared to existing climatologies. In some locations, such as the subantarctic zone, the float data closely match the climatologies, but in the polar Antarctic zone significantly higher pCO2sw are calculated in the wintertime implying a greater air-sea CO2 efflux estimate. Our results based on four representative floats suggest that despite their uncertainty relative to direct measurements, the float data can be used to improve estimates for air-sea carbon flux, as well as to increase knowledge of spatial, seasonal, and interannual variability in this flux.
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Amrutkar, P P; Chaudhari, P D; Patil, S B
2012-01-01
Zolpidem tartarate is a non-benzodiazepine, sedative-hypnotic, which finds its major use in various types of insomnia. The present work relates to development of multiparticulate floating drug delivery system based on gas generation technique to prolong the gastric residence time and to increase the overall bioavailability. Modified release dosage form of zolpidem tartarate adapted to release over a predetermined time period, according to biphasic profile of dissolution, where the first phase is immediate release phase for inducing the sleep and the second phase is modified release phase for maintaining the sleep up to 10 h. The system consists of zolpidem tartarate layered pellets coated with effervescent layer and polymeric membrane. The floating ability and in vitro drug release of the system were dependent on amount of the effervescent agent (sodium bicarbonate) layered onto the drug layered pellets, and coating level of the polymeric membrane (Eudragit(®) NE 30D). The system could float completely within 5 min and maintain the floating over a period of 10 h. The multiparticulate floating delivery system of zolpidem tartarate with rapid floating and modified drug release was obtained. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Formulation and evaluation of non-effervescent floating tablets of losartan potassium.
Getyala, Anil; Gangadharappa, H V; Prasad, M Sarat Chandra; Reddy, M Praveen Kumar; Kumar, T M Pramod
2013-10-01
The aim of the work is to modify the solubility and bioavailability of Losartan potassium, by employing noneffervescent floating drug delivery (tablet dosage forms). Non-effervescent systems are a type of floating drug delivery systems, that have been used to boost the gastric residence and the floatation time in the gastro intestinal tract. The study included formulation of floating tablets using polymers like Chitosan and Karaya gum as matrix forming agents. Accurel(®) MP 1000 was used as floating agent. The tablets were prepared by direct compression technique. FTIR, DSC studies conformed that there was no incompatibility between the polymer and the drug. Tablet preformulation parameters were within the Pharmacopoeial limit. Tablet showed zero lag time, contisnuance of buoyancy for >12 h. The tablet showed good in vitro release. Drug release was through swelling and abided by the gellation mechanism. In vivo X-ray studies depicted that tablets continued to float in the GIT for 12 h. Accelerated stability showed that, tablets were stable for over 6 month. Thus the prepared non-effervescent floating tablet of Losartan potassium can be used for the treatment of hypertension for more than 12 h with single dose administration.
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Production of fibers by a floating zone fiber drawing technique
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Haggerty, J. S.
1972-01-01
A CO2 laser heated, floating zone fiber growth process was developed. The resulting Al2O3 fibers exhibited the high room temperature strengths for large diameter fibers as well as high specific creep rupture strengths observed at 1093 C and 1316 C (2000 F and 2400 F). Single crystal fibers of TiC and Y2O3 were also grown. An optical system was developed to focus four CO2 laser beams onto the surface of a feed rod permitting the formation of highly controllable molten zones. The optical system permitted energy densities and angle of incidence of the beams to be adjusted over wide ranges. This optical system was incorporated into a controlled atmosphere, fiber growth furnace. The two principal advantages of a CO2 laser heat source are that ambient atmospheres may be freely selected to optimize fiber properties and the laser has no inherent temperature limit, so extremely high melting point materials can be melted. Both advantages were demonstrated.
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Wang, Wei; Hwang, Sun Kak; Kim, Kang Lib; Lee, Ju Han; Cho, Suk Man; Park, Cheolmin
2015-05-27
The core components of a floating-gate organic thin-film transistor nonvolatile memory (OTFT-NVM) include the semiconducting channel layer, tunneling layer, floating-gate layer, and blocking layer, besides three terminal electrodes. In this study, we demonstrated OTFT-NVMs with all four constituent layers made of polymers based on consecutive spin-coating. Ambipolar charges injected and trapped in a polymer electret charge-controlling layer upon gate program and erase field successfully allowed for reliable bistable channel current levels at zero gate voltage. We have observed that the memory performance, in particular the reliability of a device, significantly depends upon the thickness of both blocking and tunneling layers, and with an optimized layer thickness and materials selection, our device exhibits a memory window of 15.4 V, on/off current ratio of 2 × 10(4), read and write endurance cycles over 100, and time-dependent data retention of 10(8) s, even when fabricated on a mechanically flexible plastic substrate.
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Deployment, release and recovery of ocean riser pipes
Person, Abraham; Wetmore, Sherman B.; McNary, James F.
1980-11-18
An ocean thermal energy conversion facility includes a long pipe assembly which is supported at its upper end by the hull of the floating facility. Cold water flows to the facility from deep in the ocean. The pipe assembly comprises an elongate pipe construction and a weight connected to the lower end of the construction by a line of selected length. A floatation collar is connected to the construction at its upper end to cause the construction to have positive buoyancy and a center of buoyancy closer to the upper end of the construction than its center of mass. The weight renders the entire pipe assembly negatively buoyant. In the event that support of the pipe assembly should be lost, as by release of the assembly from the facility hull in an emergency, the assembly sinks to the ocean floor where it is moored by the weight. The pipe construction floats submerged above the ocean floor in a substantially vertical attitude which facilitates recovery of the assembly.
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1973-01-01
W. Brian Dunlap of Youngstown, Ohio, proposed Skylab student experiment ED-78, Liquid Motion in Zero-G, a study of wave motion in a liquid. He was particularly interested in comparing surface waves over a liquid in zero-gravity with those occurring on Earth. In space, with the absence of gravity, a liquid does not necessarily take the shape of its container as it does on Earth. Adhesion forces may hold the liquid in contact with its container, but the liquid can also assume a free-floating condition. It was in this latter state that Dunlap wished to examine the behavior of surface waves. Data were recorded on videotape and subsequently converted to 16-mm film. Dunlap analyzed these data to determine periods of oscillation of free-floating globules and found agreement with the theory to be much better than expected. In March 1972, NASA and the National Science Teachers Association selected 25 experiment proposals for flight on Skylab. Science advisors from the Marshall Space Flight Center aided and assisted the students in developing the proposals for flight on Skylab.
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A new skin friction balance and selected measurements
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Vakili, A. D.
1992-01-01
A new skin friction balance with moving belt has been developed for measurement of the surface shear stress component in the direction of belt motion. The device is described in this paper with typical measurement results. This instrument is symmetric in design with small moving mass negligible internal friction. It is 3.8 cm high, 3.8 cm long and 2.1 cm wide, with the sensing surface 0.7 cm wide and 1.5 cm long, and it can be made in various sizes. The unique design of this instrument has reduced some of the errors associated with conventional floating-element balances. The instrument can use various sensing systems and the output signal is a linear function of the wall shear stress. Measurements show good agreement with data obtained by the floating element balances and flat plate prediction techniques. Dynamic measurements have been made in a limited range. The overall uncertainty of measurement is estimated to be +/- 2 percent.
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Advanced ADA Workshop Held in Biloxi, Mississippi on 24-27 January 1989
1989-01-27
Software Engineering (Break at 2:30j 6:30-8:00 Keesler AFB Reception Officers’ Club WEDNESDAY - 25 JANIJ1APY 9:00-12:00 Bldc 1002 Generics (Break at 10...TextIO.FileType: -- NO! procedure Wrong; -- problem is FileType is limited private Object Parameters A More Useful Example generic Control -Block : in out... control the precision used Float Type Parameters An Example generic type FloatType is digits <>; function Sqrt(X : FloatType) return FloatType
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Structure and Fabrication of a Microscale Flow-Rate/Skin Friction Sensor
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chandrasekharan, Vijay (Inventor); Sells, Jeremy (Inventor); Sheplak, Mark (Inventor); Arnold, David P. (Inventor)
2014-01-01
A floating element shear sensor and method for fabricating the same are provided. According to an embodiment, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based capacitive floating element shear stress sensor is provided that can achieve time-resolved turbulence measurement. In one embodiment, a differential capacitive transduction scheme is used for shear stress measurement. The floating element structure for the differential capacitive transduction scheme incorporates inter digitated comb fingers forming differential capacitors, which provide electrical output proportional to the floating element deflection.
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Floating point arithmetic in future supercomputers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bailey, David H.; Barton, John T.; Simon, Horst D.; Fouts, Martin J.
1989-01-01
Considerations in the floating-point design of a supercomputer are discussed. Particular attention is given to word size, hardware support for extended precision, format, and accuracy characteristics. These issues are discussed from the perspective of the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation Systems Division at NASA Ames. The features believed to be most important for a future supercomputer floating-point design include: (1) a 64-bit IEEE floating-point format with 11 exponent bits, 52 mantissa bits, and one sign bit and (2) hardware support for reasonably fast double-precision arithmetic.
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Processing of metallurgical residues by flotation - bench-scale studies on two industrial products.
Rao, S R; Finch, J A
2006-01-01
Resource recovery from two metallurgical residues by flotation was investigated applying an electrostatic model to select initial conditions. The first, a sulphation roast/water leach residue, was processed to float lead sulphate, comparing dodecylamine and xanthate collectors. From the second, a neutralization residue, gypsum, was recovered by reverse flotation of ferric hydroxide, comparing oleate and sulphonate collectors. In both cases, further upgrading by acid leaching was considered.
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Motorized control for mirror mount apparatus
Cutburth, Ronald W.
1989-01-01
A motorized control and automatic braking system for adjusting mirror mount apparatus is disclosed. The motor control includes a planetary gear arrangement to provide improved pitch adjustment capability while permitting a small packaged design. The motor control for mirror mount adjustment is suitable for laser beam propagation applications. The brake is a system of constant contact, floating detents which engage the planetary gear at selected between-teeth increments to stop rotation instantaneously when the drive motor stops.
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Comparative evaluation of single and bilayered lamotrigine floating tablets
Lakshmi, PK; Sridhar, M; Shruthi, B
2013-01-01
Aim: The purpose of this study was to prepare lamotrigine (LM) bilayered and single layered floating tablets and to compare their release profiles. Materials and Methods: LM floating tablets were prepared by direct compression method. Drug, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose K4M, lactose monohydrate and polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 constitute controlled release layer components and floating layer components includes polymers and sodium bicarbonate. The prepared tablets were evaluated for physicochemical parameters such as hardness, friability, weight variation, thickness, floating lag time (FLT), floating time, in vitro buoyancy study, in vitro release studies. The drug-polymer interaction was studied by fourier transform infrared and differential scanning calorimetry. Results and Discussion: The FLT of all the formulations were within the prescribed limits (<3 min). When ethyl cellulose was used as floating layer component, tablets showed good buoyancy effect but eroded within 6-8 h. Hence it was replaced with hydroxypropyl cellulose -M hydrophilic polymer, which showed good FLT and floating duration for 16 h. Formulation LFC4 was found to be optimized with dissolution profile of zero order kinetics showing fickian diffusion. A comparative study of bilayered and single layered tablets of LM showed a highest similarity factor of 83.03, difference factor of 2.74 and t-test (P < 0.05) indicates that there is no significant difference between them. Conclusion: Though bilayered tablet possess many advantages, single layered tablet would be economical, cost-effective and reproducible for large scale production in the industry. However, the results of present study demonstrated that the in vitro development of bilayered gastro retentive floating tablets with controlled drug release profile for LM is feasible. PMID:24167788
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hut, Rolf; Bogaard, Thom
2017-04-01
Throwing something in a river and seeing how fast it floats downstream is the first thing that every hydrologists does when encountering a new river. Using a collection of floats allows estimation of gauge surface water velocity and dispersion characteristics. To use floats over long (hundreds of kilometers) stretches of river requires either a crew that keeps an eye on the floats (labor intensive) or having high-tech floats that upload their location on regular intervals, such that they can be retrieved at the end of the experiment. GPS floats with communication units have been custom build by scientists before. Connecting GPS units to GSM modems used to require deep knowledge on micro-electronics and network protocols. In this work we present a version that is build using only off-the-shelf electronics that require no deep knowledge of either micro electronics nor network protocols. The new cellular enabled Particle Electron development board made it possible to connect a Sparkfun OpenLog (SD-card based logger) to a GPS tracker with no soldering and little programming. Because scientist can program the device themselves, settings like sample time can be adapted to the needs of specific experiments and additional sensors can be easily added. When writing GPS location every minute to SD and reporting every fifteen minutes online, our logger can run for three days on a single 2200 mAh LiPo battery (provided with the Particle Electron). Cost of components for our logger is less than 150. The durability of our GPS loggers will be tested during a field campaign at the end of January 2017 where 15 floats will float down the Irrawaddy river over a length of more than 200 km, during two days.
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Kim, Joowhan; Min, Sung-Wook; Lee, Byoungho
2007-10-01
Integral floating display is a recently proposed three-dimensional (3D) display method which provides a dynamic 3D image in the vicinity to an observer. It has a viewing window only through which correct 3D images can be observed. However, the positional difference between the viewing window and the floating image causes limited viewing zone in integral floating system. In this paper, we provide the principle and experimental results of the location adjustment of the viewing window of the integral floating display system by modifying the elemental image region for integral imaging. We explain the characteristics of the viewing window and propose how to move the viewing window to maximize the viewing zone.
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Casting Control of Floating-films into Ribbon-shape Structure by modified Dynamic FTM
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tripathi, A.; Pandey, M.; Nagamatsu, S.; Pandey, S. S.; Hayase, S.; Takashima, W.
2017-11-01
We have developed a new method to obtain Ribbon-shaped floating films via dynamic casting of floating-film and transfer method (dynamic-FTM). Dynamic-FTM is a unique method to prepare oriented thin-film of conjugated polymers (CPs) which is quick and easy. This method has several advantages as compared to the other conventional casting procedure to prepare oriented CP films. In the conventional dynamic FTM appearance of large scale circular orientation poses difficulty not only for practical applications but also hinders the detailed analysis of the orientation mechanism. In this present work, pros and cons of this newly proposed ribbon-shaped floating-film have been discussed in detail from those of the conventional floating-film prepared by dynamic-FTM.
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75 FR 75934 - Airworthiness Directives; Apical Industries Inc. (Apical) Emergency Float Kits
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-12-07
...-1190; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-038-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Apical Industries Inc. (Apical) Emergency Float Kits AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of... the Apical emergency float kits installed on certain model helicopters under supplemental type...
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76 FR 77375 - Airworthiness Directives; Apical Industries, Inc., (Apical) Emergency Float Kits
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-12-13
... Airworthiness Directives; Apical Industries, Inc., (Apical) Emergency Float Kits AGENCY: Federal Aviation... the Apical emergency float kits installed on certain model helicopters under supplemental type... the service information identified in this AD from Apical Industries, Inc., 2608 Temple Heights Drive...
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The response of pile-guided floats subjected to dynamic loading : volume I final report.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2014-08-01
Pile : - : Guided floats can be a desirable alternative to stationary berthing structures. Both floats and guide piles are subjected to dynamic : forces such as wind generated waves and impacts from vessels. This project developed a rational basis fo...
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The response of pile-guided floats subjected to dynamic loading : volume II annex.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2014-08-01
Pile-Guided floats can be a desirable alternative to stationary berthing structures. Both floats and guide piles are subjected to dynamic : forces such as wind generated waves and impacts from vessels. This project developed a rational basis for esti...
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History of globulettes in the Milky Way
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Grenman, Tiia; Elfgren, Erik; Weber, Hans
2018-02-01
Globulettes are small (radii {<} 10 kAU) dark dust clouds, seen against the background of bright nebulae. A majority of the objects have planetary mass. These objects may be a source of brown dwarfs and free floating planetary mass objects in the galaxy. In this paper we investigate how many globulettes could have formed in the Milky Way and how they could contribute to the total population of free floating planets. In order to do that we examine H-alpha images of 27 H II regions. In these images, we find 778 globulettes. We find that a conservative value of the number of globulettes formed is 5.7× 10^{10}. If 10% of the globulettes form free floating planets then they have contributed with 5.7× 109 free floating planets in the Milky Way. A less conservative number of globulettes would mean that the globulettes could contribute 2.0× 10^{10} free floating planets. Thus the globulettes could represent a non-negligible source of free floating planets in the Milky Way.
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Kim, Joo-Il; Park, Sang-Wook; Lim, Jhong-Jae; Sohn, Se-Il; Shin, Ji-Su; Park, Sang Cheol; Jang, Young Pyo; Chung, Eun Kyoung; Lee, Hong-Woo; Lee, Kyung-Tae
2017-12-20
In this study, we investigated the gastroprotective effect of an isopropanol extract from the aerial parts of Artemisia princeps (IPAP) and developed a gastroretentive floating tablet of IPAP (IPAP-FR) for maximized local gastroprotective effects. Pre-treatment with IPAP ameliorated the gastric mucosal hemorrhagic lesions in ethanol/HCl- or indomethacin- treated rats. IPAP decreased mucosal hemorrhage of gastric ulcers induced by ethanol or indomethacin plus pyloric ligation in rats. The optimized floating tablet, IPAP-FR, floated on medium surface with more sustained eupatilin release compared to the non-floating control tablet. X-ray photographs in beagle dogs showed that IPAPFR was retained for > 2 h in the stomach. In the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer rat model, the gastric hemorrhagic lesion was improved more substantially with IPAP-FR compared to the non-floating control tablet. Based on these data, our data suggest that IPAP-FR has an improved therapeutic potential for the treatment of gastric ulcer.
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Alginate/cashew gum floating bead as a matrix for larvicide release.
Paula, Haroldo C B; de Oliveira, Erick F; Abreu, Flávia O M S; de Paula, Regina C M
2012-08-01
A polymeric floating system composed of Alginate (ALG) and Cashew gum (CG), loaded with an essential oil (Lippia sidoides-Ls) was prepared by ionotropic gelation, characterized regarding its physical-chemistry properties and evaluated on its potential as a controlled release system. The influence of process parameters on the buoyancy, loading, swelling and in vitro and in vivo release kinetics, was investigated. Results showed that beads produced with carbonate and Ls at high level contents exhibit good floatability (up to 5 days) and loading capacity (15.2-23.8%). In vitro release data showed a Fickian diffusion profile and in vivo experiments showed that ALG-CG floating system presented a superior and prolonged larvicide effect, in comparison with non-floating ones, presenting larvae mortality values of 85% and 33%, respectively, after 48 h. These results indicate that ALG-CG floating beads loaded with Ls presented enhanced oil entrapment efficiency, excellent floating ability, and suitable larvicide release pattern. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Automatically operable self-leveling load table
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Burch, J. L. (Inventor)
1974-01-01
A self-leveling load table is described which is automatically maintained level by selectively opening and closing solenoid valves for inserting and removing air from chambers under the table. The table is floated in a fluid by nine air chambers beneath the top of the table. These chambers are open at the bottom and four oppositely located chambers are used for leveling the table by having the air increased or decreased by means of a flexible hose. Air bearing pendulums are used for selectively energizing solenoid valves which either apply pressurized air to the chamber or evacuate air from the chamber by means of a vacuum source.
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WindWaveFloat (WWF): Final Scientific Report
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Alla Weinstein; Roddier, Dominique; Banister, Kevin
2012-03-30
Principle Power Inc. and National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) have completed a contract to assess the technical and economic feasibility of integrating wave energy converters into the WindFloat, resulting in a new concept called the WindWaveFloat (WWF). The concentration of several devices on one platform could offer a potential for both economic and operational advantages. Wind and wave energy converters can share the electrical cable and power transfer equipment to transport the electricity to shore. Access to multiple generation devices could be simplified, resulting in cost saving at the operational level. Overall capital costs may also be reduced, provided thatmore » the design of the foundation can be adapted to multiple devices with minimum modifications. Finally, the WindWaveFloat confers the ability to increase energy production from individual floating support structures, potentially leading to a reduction in levelized energy costs, an increase in the overall capacity factor, and greater stability of the electrical power delivered to the grid. The research conducted under this grant investigated the integration of several wave energy device types into the WindFloat platform. Several of the resulting system designs demonstrated technical feasibility, but the size and design constraints of the wave energy converters (technical and economic) make the WindWaveFloat concept economically unfeasible at this time. Not enough additional generation could be produced to make the additional expense associated with wave energy conversion integration into the WindFloat worthwhile.« less
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Preparation and investigation of novel gastro-floating tablets with 3D extrusion-based printing.
Li, Qijun; Guan, Xiaoying; Cui, Mengsuo; Zhu, Zhihong; Chen, Kai; Wen, Haoyang; Jia, Danyang; Hou, Jian; Xu, Wenting; Yang, Xinggang; Pan, Weisan
2018-01-15
Three dimensional (3D) extrusion-based printing is a paste-based rapid prototyping process, which is capable of building complex 3D structures. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of 3D extrusion-based printing as a pharmaceutical manufacture technique for the fabrication of gastro-floating tablets. Novel low-density lattice internal structure gastro-floating tablets of dipyridamole were developed to prolong the gastric residence time in order to improve drug release rate and consequently, improve bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Excipients commonly employed in the pharmaceutical study could be efficiently applied in the room temperature 3D extrusion-based printing process. The tablets were designed with three kinds of infill percentage and prepared by hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K4M) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC E15) as hydrophilic matrices and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC PH101) as extrusion molding agent. In vitro evaluation of the 3D printed gastro-floating tablets was performed by determining mechanical properties, content uniformity, and weight variation. Furthermore, re-floating ability, floating duration time, and drug release behavior were also evaluated. Dissolution profiles revealed the relationship between infill percentage and drug release behavior. The results of this study revealed the potential of 3D extrusion-based printing to fabricate gastro-floating tablets with more than 8h floating process with traditional pharmaceutical excipients and lattice internal structure design. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Weick, Fred E; Harris, Thomas A
1933-01-01
Discussed here are a series of systematic tests being conducted to compare different lateral control devices with particular reference to their effectiveness at high angles of attack. The present tests were made with six different forms of floating tip ailerons of symmetrical section. The tests showed the effect of the various ailerons on the general performance characteristics of the wing, and on the lateral controllability and stability characteristics. In addition, the hinge moments were measured for the most interesting cases. The results are compared with those for a rectangular wing with ordinary ailerons and also with those for a rectangular wing having full-chord floating tip ailerons. Practically all the floating tip ailerons gave satisfactory rolling moments at all angles of attack and at the same time gave no adverse yawing moments of appreciable magnitude. The general performance characteristics with the floating tip ailerons, however, were relatively poor, especially the rate of climb. None of the floating tip ailerons entirely eliminated the auto rotational moments at angles of attack above the stall, but all of them gave lower moments than a plain wing. Some of the floating ailerons fluttered if given sufficiently large deflection, but this could have been eliminated by moving the hinge axis of the ailerons forward. Considering all points including hinge moments, the floating tip ailerons on the wing with 5:1 taper are probably the best of those which were tested.
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Castaways can't be choosers - Homogenization of rafting assemblages on floating seaweeds
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Gutow, Lars; Beermann, Jan; Buschbaum, Christian; Rivadeneira, Marcelo M.; Thiel, Martin
2015-01-01
After detachment from benthic habitats, the epibiont assemblages on floating seaweeds undergo substantial changes, but little is known regarding whether succession varies among different seaweed species. Given that floating algae may represent a limiting habitat in many regions, rafting organisms may be unselective and colonize any available seaweed patch at the sea surface. This process may homogenize rafting assemblages on different seaweed species, which our study examined by comparing the assemblages on benthic and floating individuals of the fucoid seaweeds Fucus vesiculosus and Sargassum muticum in the northern Wadden Sea (North Sea). Species richness was about twice as high on S. muticum as on F. vesiculosus, both on benthic and floating individuals. In both seaweed species benthic samples were more diverse than floating samples. However, the species composition differed significantly only between benthic thalli, but not between floating thalli of the two seaweed species. Separate analyses of sessile and mobile epibionts showed that the homogenization of rafting assemblages was mainly caused by mobile species. Among these, grazing isopods from the genus Idotea reached extraordinarily high densities on the floating samples from the northern Wadden Sea, suggesting that the availability of seaweed rafts was indeed limiting. Enhanced break-up of algal rafts associated with intense feeding by abundant herbivores might force rafters to recolonize benthic habitats. These colonization processes may enhance successful dispersal of rafting organisms and thereby contribute to population connectivity between sink populations in the Wadden Sea and source populations from up-current regions.
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Lee, Lydia C; Charlton, Timothy P; Thordarson, David B
2013-12-01
A floating toe deformity occurs in many patients who undergo Weil osteotomies. It is likely caused by the failure of the windlass mechanism in shortening the metatarsal. For patients who require a proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthroplasty or fusion in addition to a Weil osteotomy, the transfer of the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) tendon to the PIP joint might restore the windlass mechanism and decrease the incidence of floating toes. Fourteen cadaveric foot specimens were examined to determine the effects of changing metatarsal length as well as tensioning the FDB tendon on the angle of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint as a measure of a floating toe. Shortening and lengthening the second metatarsal resulted in a significant change in MTP angle (P = .03 and .02, respectively), though there was no clear relationship found between the amount of change in metatarsal length and the change in MTP angle. Transferring the FDB to a PIP arthroplasty site plantarflexed the MTP joint and corrected floating toes; the change in angle was significant compared with the control and shortening groups (P = .0001 and .002, respectively). This study supports the theory that change in length of the metatarsal, possibly via the windlass mechanism, plays a role in the pathophysiology of the floating toe deformity. Tensioning and transferring the FDB tendon into the PIP joint helped prevent the floating toe deformity in this cadaveric model. Continued research in this subject will help to refine methods of prevention and correction of the floating toe deformity.
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Quantification and Analysis of Icebergs in a Tidewater Glacier Fjord Using an Object-Based Approach.
McNabb, Robert W; Womble, Jamie N; Prakash, Anupma; Gens, Rudiger; Haselwimmer, Christian E
2016-01-01
Tidewater glaciers are glaciers that terminate in, and calve icebergs into, the ocean. In addition to the influence that tidewater glaciers have on physical and chemical oceanography, floating icebergs serve as habitat for marine animals such as harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii). The availability and spatial distribution of glacier ice in the fjords is likely a key environmental variable that influences the abundance and distribution of selected marine mammals; however, the amount of ice and the fine-scale characteristics of ice in fjords have not been systematically quantified. Given the predicted changes in glacier habitat, there is a need for the development of methods that could be broadly applied to quantify changes in available ice habitat in tidewater glacier fjords. We present a case study to describe a novel method that uses object-based image analysis (OBIA) to classify floating glacier ice in a tidewater glacier fjord from high-resolution aerial digital imagery. Our objectives were to (i) develop workflows and rule sets to classify high spatial resolution airborne imagery of floating glacier ice; (ii) quantify the amount and fine-scale characteristics of floating glacier ice; (iii) and develop processes for automating the object-based analysis of floating glacier ice for large number of images from a representative survey day during June 2007 in Johns Hopkins Inlet (JHI), a tidewater glacier fjord in Glacier Bay National Park, southeastern Alaska. On 18 June 2007, JHI was comprised of brash ice ([Formula: see text] = 45.2%, SD = 41.5%), water ([Formula: see text] = 52.7%, SD = 42.3%), and icebergs ([Formula: see text] = 2.1%, SD = 1.4%). Average iceberg size per scene was 5.7 m2 (SD = 2.6 m2). We estimate the total area (± uncertainty) of iceberg habitat in the fjord to be 455,400 ± 123,000 m2. The method works well for classifying icebergs across scenes (classification accuracy of 75.6%); the largest classification errors occur in areas with densely-packed ice, low contrast between neighboring ice cover, or dark or sediment-covered ice, where icebergs may be misclassified as brash ice about 20% of the time. OBIA is a powerful image classification tool, and the method we present could be adapted and applied to other ice habitats, such as sea ice, to assess changes in ice characteristics and availability.
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Quantification and Analysis of Icebergs in a Tidewater Glacier Fjord Using an Object-Based Approach
McNabb, Robert W.; Womble, Jamie N.; Prakash, Anupma; Gens, Rudiger; Haselwimmer, Christian E.
2016-01-01
Tidewater glaciers are glaciers that terminate in, and calve icebergs into, the ocean. In addition to the influence that tidewater glaciers have on physical and chemical oceanography, floating icebergs serve as habitat for marine animals such as harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii). The availability and spatial distribution of glacier ice in the fjords is likely a key environmental variable that influences the abundance and distribution of selected marine mammals; however, the amount of ice and the fine-scale characteristics of ice in fjords have not been systematically quantified. Given the predicted changes in glacier habitat, there is a need for the development of methods that could be broadly applied to quantify changes in available ice habitat in tidewater glacier fjords. We present a case study to describe a novel method that uses object-based image analysis (OBIA) to classify floating glacier ice in a tidewater glacier fjord from high-resolution aerial digital imagery. Our objectives were to (i) develop workflows and rule sets to classify high spatial resolution airborne imagery of floating glacier ice; (ii) quantify the amount and fine-scale characteristics of floating glacier ice; (iii) and develop processes for automating the object-based analysis of floating glacier ice for large number of images from a representative survey day during June 2007 in Johns Hopkins Inlet (JHI), a tidewater glacier fjord in Glacier Bay National Park, southeastern Alaska. On 18 June 2007, JHI was comprised of brash ice (x¯ = 45.2%, SD = 41.5%), water (x¯ = 52.7%, SD = 42.3%), and icebergs (x¯ = 2.1%, SD = 1.4%). Average iceberg size per scene was 5.7 m2 (SD = 2.6 m2). We estimate the total area (± uncertainty) of iceberg habitat in the fjord to be 455,400 ± 123,000 m2. The method works well for classifying icebergs across scenes (classification accuracy of 75.6%); the largest classification errors occur in areas with densely-packed ice, low contrast between neighboring ice cover, or dark or sediment-covered ice, where icebergs may be misclassified as brash ice about 20% of the time. OBIA is a powerful image classification tool, and the method we present could be adapted and applied to other ice habitats, such as sea ice, to assess changes in ice characteristics and availability. PMID:27828967
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22. Float located adjacent to entry stair in filtration bed. ...
22. Float located adjacent to entry stair in filtration bed. The float actuates a valve that maintains water level over the bed. - Lake Whitney Water Filtration Plant, Filtration Plant, South side of Armory Street between Edgehill Road & Whitney Avenue, Hamden, New Haven County, CT
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Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-10-01
...: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals (15 Minutes) § 160.057-5 Marking. (a) Directions for use. Each floating orange smoke distress signal shall be plainly and indelibly... with the commercial designation of the signal, the words “Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signal (15...
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Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
...: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals (5 Minutes) § 160.022-5 Marking. (a) Directions for use. Each floating orange smoke distress signal shall be plainly and indelibly... the commercial designation of the signal, the words “Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signal”, name and...
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Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-10-01
...: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals (15 Minutes) § 160.057-5 Marking. (a) Directions for use. Each floating orange smoke distress signal shall be plainly and indelibly... with the commercial designation of the signal, the words “Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signal (15...
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Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
...: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals (5 Minutes) § 160.022-5 Marking. (a) Directions for use. Each floating orange smoke distress signal shall be plainly and indelibly... the commercial designation of the signal, the words “Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signal”, name and...
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Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-10-01
...: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals (5 Minutes) § 160.022-5 Marking. (a) Directions for use. Each floating orange smoke distress signal shall be plainly and indelibly... the commercial designation of the signal, the words “Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signal”, name and...
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Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-10-01
...: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals (5 Minutes) § 160.022-5 Marking. (a) Directions for use. Each floating orange smoke distress signal shall be plainly and indelibly... the commercial designation of the signal, the words “Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signal”, name and...
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Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
...: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals (15 Minutes) § 160.057-5 Marking. (a) Directions for use. Each floating orange smoke distress signal shall be plainly and indelibly... with the commercial designation of the signal, the words “Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signal (15...
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Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-10-01
...: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals (5 Minutes) § 160.022-5 Marking. (a) Directions for use. Each floating orange smoke distress signal shall be plainly and indelibly... the commercial designation of the signal, the words “Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signal”, name and...
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Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-10-01
...: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals (15 Minutes) § 160.057-5 Marking. (a) Directions for use. Each floating orange smoke distress signal shall be plainly and indelibly... with the commercial designation of the signal, the words “Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signal (15...
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Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
...: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals (15 Minutes) § 160.057-5 Marking. (a) Directions for use. Each floating orange smoke distress signal shall be plainly and indelibly... with the commercial designation of the signal, the words “Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signal (15...
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40 CFR 264.1084 - Standards: Tanks.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... internal floating roof in accordance with the requirements specified in paragraph (e) of this section; (2) A tank equipped with an external floating roof in accordance with the requirements specified in... operator who controls air pollutant emissions from a tank using a fixed roof with an internal floating roof...
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Gomez-Pulido, Juan A; Cerrada-Barrios, Jose L; Trinidad-Amado, Sebastian; Lanza-Gutierrez, Jose M; Fernandez-Diaz, Ramon A; Crawford, Broderick; Soto, Ricardo
2016-08-31
Metaheuristics are widely used to solve large combinatorial optimization problems in bioinformatics because of the huge set of possible solutions. Two representative problems are gene selection for cancer classification and biclustering of gene expression data. In most cases, these metaheuristics, as well as other non-linear techniques, apply a fitness function to each possible solution with a size-limited population, and that step involves higher latencies than other parts of the algorithms, which is the reason why the execution time of the applications will mainly depend on the execution time of the fitness function. In addition, it is usual to find floating-point arithmetic formulations for the fitness functions. This way, a careful parallelization of these functions using the reconfigurable hardware technology will accelerate the computation, specially if they are applied in parallel to several solutions of the population. A fine-grained parallelization of two floating-point fitness functions of different complexities and features involved in biclustering of gene expression data and gene selection for cancer classification allowed for obtaining higher speedups and power-reduced computation with regard to usual microprocessors. The results show better performances using reconfigurable hardware technology instead of usual microprocessors, in computing time and power consumption terms, not only because of the parallelization of the arithmetic operations, but also thanks to the concurrent fitness evaluation for several individuals of the population in the metaheuristic. This is a good basis for building accelerated and low-energy solutions for intensive computing scenarios.
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Definition of the Floating System for Phase IV of OC3
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Jonkman, J.
Phase IV of the IEA Annex XXIII Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration (OC3) involves the modeling of an offshore floating wind turbine. This report documents the specifications of the floating system, which are needed by the OC3 participants for building aero-hydro-servo-elastic models.
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Future float zone development in industry
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sandfort, R. M.
1980-01-01
The present industrial requirements for float zone silicon are summarized. Developments desired by the industry in the future are reported. The five most significant problems faced today by the float zone crystal growth method in industry are discussed. They are economic, large diameter, resistivity uniformity, control of carbon, and swirl defects.
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14 CFR 25.529 - Hull and main float landing conditions.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Hull and main float landing conditions. 25... AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Structure Water Loads § 25.529 Hull and main.... (b) Unsymmetrical landing for hull and single float seaplanes. Unsymmetrical step, bow, and stern...
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40 CFR 60.112b - Standard for volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) for Which... specifications: (i) The internal floating roof shall rest or float on the liquid surface (but not necessarily in... be floating on the liquid surface at all times, except during initial fill and during those intervals...
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40 CFR 60.112b - Standard for volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-07-01
... for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) for Which... specifications: (i) The internal floating roof shall rest or float on the liquid surface (but not necessarily in... be floating on the liquid surface at all times, except during initial fill and during those intervals...
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40 CFR 60.112b - Standard for volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-07-01
... for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) for Which... specifications: (i) The internal floating roof shall rest or float on the liquid surface (but not necessarily in... be floating on the liquid surface at all times, except during initial fill and during those intervals...
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40 CFR 60.112b - Standard for volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-07-01
... for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) for Which... specifications: (i) The internal floating roof shall rest or float on the liquid surface (but not necessarily in... be floating on the liquid surface at all times, except during initial fill and during those intervals...
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40 CFR 60.112b - Standard for volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
... for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) for Which... specifications: (i) The internal floating roof shall rest or float on the liquid surface (but not necessarily in... be floating on the liquid surface at all times, except during initial fill and during those intervals...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-06-04
... floating processor landing reporting requirements; and to consolidate CQE Program eligibility by community... determine their annual reporting requirements. CQE Floating Processor Landing Report Requirements This action revises the recordkeeping and reporting regulations at Sec. 679.5(e) for CQE floating processors...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-03-06
... clarify the CQE floating processor landing reporting requirements; and to consolidate CQE Program... their annual reporting requirements. CQE Floating Processor Landing Report Requirements This action would revise the recordkeeping and reporting regulations at Sec. 679.5(e) for CQE floating processors...
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40 CFR 265.1085 - Standards: Tanks.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... controls shall use one of the following tanks: (1) A fixed-roof tank equipped with an internal floating... equipped with an external floating roof in accordance with the requirements specified in paragraph (f) of... controls air pollutant emissions from a tank using a fixed-roof with an internal floating roof shall meet...
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40 CFR 63.695 - Inspection and monitoring requirements.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... monitoring procedures required to perform the following: (1) To inspect tank fixed roofs and floating roofs... and floating roof inspection requirements. (1) Owners and operators that use a tank equipped with an internal floating roof in accordance with the provisions of § 63.685(e) of this subpart shall meet the...
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Applying Scientific Principles to Resolve Student Misconceptions
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Yin, Yue
2012-01-01
Misconceptions about sinking and floating phenomena are some of the most challenging to overcome (Yin 2005), possibly because explaining sinking and floating requires students to understand challenging topics such as density, force, and motion. Two scientific principles are typically used in U.S. science curricula to explain sinking and floating:…
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Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) EQUIPMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND MATERIALS: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Float-Free Link or Life Floats and Buoyant Apparatus § 160.073-1 Scope. (a... apparatus painter to a vessel. The float-free link is designed to be broken by the buoyant force of the life...
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18 CFR 1304.400 - Flotation devices and material, all floating structures.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-04-01
... material, all floating structures. 1304.400 Section 1304.400 Conservation of Power and Water Resources... STRUCTURES AND OTHER ALTERATIONS Miscellaneous § 1304.400 Flotation devices and material, all floating structures. (a) All flotation for docks, boat mooring buoys, and other water-use structures and facilities...
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18 CFR 1304.400 - Flotation devices and material, all floating structures.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-04-01
... material, all floating structures. 1304.400 Section 1304.400 Conservation of Power and Water Resources... STRUCTURES AND OTHER ALTERATIONS Miscellaneous § 1304.400 Flotation devices and material, all floating structures. (a) All flotation for docks, boat mooring buoys, and other water-use structures and facilities...
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18 CFR 1304.400 - Flotation devices and material, all floating structures.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-04-01
... material, all floating structures. 1304.400 Section 1304.400 Conservation of Power and Water Resources... STRUCTURES AND OTHER ALTERATIONS Miscellaneous § 1304.400 Flotation devices and material, all floating structures. (a) All flotation for docks, boat mooring buoys, and other water-use structures and facilities...
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1996-01-01
Ted Brunzie and Peter Mason observe the float package and the data rack aboard the DC-9 reduced gravity aircraft. The float package contains a cryostat, a video camera, a pump and accelerometers. The data rack displays and record the video signal from the float package on tape and stores acceleration and temperature measurements on disk.
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Defining the IEEE-854 floating-point standard in PVS
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Miner, Paul S.
1995-01-01
A significant portion of the ANSI/IEEE-854 Standard for Radix-Independent Floating-Point Arithmetic is defined in PVS (Prototype Verification System). Since IEEE-854 is a generalization of the ANSI/IEEE-754 Standard for Binary Floating-Point Arithmetic, the definition of IEEE-854 in PVS also formally defines much of IEEE-754. This collection of PVS theories provides a basis for machine checked verification of floating-point systems. This formal definition illustrates that formal specification techniques are sufficiently advanced that is is reasonable to consider their use in the development of future standards.
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Multifractal analysis of managed and independent float exchange rates
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Stošić, Darko; Stošić, Dusan; Stošić, Tatijana; Stanley, H. Eugene
2015-06-01
We investigate multifractal properties of daily price changes in currency rates using the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA). We analyze managed and independent floating currency rates in eight countries, and determine the changes in multifractal spectrum when transitioning between the two regimes. We find that after the transition from managed to independent float regime the changes in multifractal spectrum (position of maximum and width) indicate an increase in market efficiency. The observed changes are more pronounced for developed countries that have a well established trading market. After shuffling the series, we find that the multifractality is due to both probability density function and long term correlations for managed float regime, while for independent float regime multifractality is in most cases caused by broad probability density function.
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WindFloat Pacific Project, Final Scientific and Technical Report
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Banister, Kevin
2017-01-17
PPI’s WindFloat Pacific project (WFP) was an up to 30 MW floating offshore wind demonstration project proposed off the Coast of Oregon. The project was to be sited approximately 18 miles due west of Coos Bay, in over 1000 ft. of water, and is the first floating offshore wind array proposed in the United States, and the first offshore wind project of any kind proposed off the West Coast. PPI’s WindFloat, a semi-submersible foundation designed for high-capacity (6MW+) offshore wind turbines, is at the heart of the proposed project, and enables access to the world class wind resource at themore » project site and, equally, to other deep water, high wind resource areas around the country.« less
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Ferrari, Priscileila Colerato; dos Santos Grossklauss, Dany Bruno Borella; Alvarez, Matheus; Paixão, Fabiano Carlos; Andreis, Uilian; Crispim, Alexandre Giordano; de Castro, Ana Dóris; Evangelista, Raul Cesar; de Arruda Miranda, José Ricardo
2014-08-01
Alternating Current Biosusceptometry is a magnetically method used to characterize drug delivery systems. This work presents a system composed by an automated ACB sensor to acquire magnetic images of floating tablets. The purpose of this study was to use an automated Alternating Current Biosusceptometry (ACB) to characterize magnetic floating tablets for controlled drug delivery. Floating tablets were prepared with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as hydrophilic gel material, sodium bicarbonate as gas-generating agent and ferrite as magnetic marker. ACB was used to characterize the floating lag time and the tablet hydration rate, by quantification of the magnetic images to magnetic area. Besides the buoyancy, the floating tablets were evaluated for weight uniformity, hardness, swelling and in vitro drug release. The optimized tablets were prepared with equal amounts of HPMC and ferrite, and began to float within 4 min, maintaining the flotation during more than 24 h. The data of all physical parameters lied within the pharmacopeial limits. Drug release at 24 h was about 40%. The ACB results showed that this study provided a new approach for in vitro investigation of controlled-release dosage forms. Moreover, using automated ACB will also be possible to test these parameters in humans allowing to establish an in vitro.in vivo correlation (IVIVC).
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Floating assembly of diatom Coscinodiscus sp. microshells.
Wang, Yu; Pan, Junfeng; Cai, Jun; Zhang, Deyuan
2012-03-30
Diatoms have silica frustules with transparent and delicate micro/nano scale structures, two dimensional pore arrays, and large surface areas. Although, the diatom cells of Coscinodiscus sp. live underwater, we found that their valves can float on water and assemble together. Experiments show that the convex shape and the 40 nm sieve pores of the valves allow them to float on water, and that the buoyancy and the micro-range attractive forces cause the valves to assemble together at the highest point of water. As measured by AFM calibrated glass needles fixed in manipulator, the buoyancy force on a single floating valve may reach up to 10 μN in water. Turning the valves over, enlarging the sieve pores, reducing the surface tension of water, or vacuum pumping may cause the floating valves to sink. After the water has evaporated, the floating valves remained in their assembled state and formed a monolayer film. The bonded diatom monolayer may be valuable in studies on diatom based optical devices, biosensors, solar cells, and batteries, to better use the optical and adsorption properties of frustules. The floating assembly phenomenon can also be used as a self-assembly method for fabricating monolayer of circular plates. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Wang, Ji-Wei; Cui, Zhi-Ting; Cui, Hong-Wei; Wei, Chang-Nian; Harada, Koichi; Minamoto, Keiko; Ueda, Kimiyo; Ingle, Kapilkumar N; Zhang, Cheng-Gang; Ueda, Atsushi
2010-12-01
The floating population refers to the large and increasing number of migrants without local household registration status and has become a new demographic phenomenon in China. Most of these migrants move from the rural areas of the central and western parts of China to the eastern and coastal metropolitan areas in pursuit of a better life. The floating population of China was composed of 121 million people in 2000, and this number was expected to increase to 300 million by 2010. Quality of life (QOL) studies of the floating population could provide a critical starting point for recognizing the potential of regions, cities and local communities to improve QOL. This study explored the construct of QOL of the floating population in Shanghai, China. We conducted eight focus groups with 58 members of the floating population (24 males and 34 females) and then performed a qualitative thematic analysis of the interviews. The following five QOL domains were identified from the analysis: personal development, jobs and career, family life, social relationships and social security. The results indicated that stigma and discrimination permeate these life domains and influence the framing of life expectations. Proposals were made for reducing stigma and discrimination against the floating population to improve the QOL of this population.
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Quantifying Thin Mat Floating Marsh Strength and Interaction with Hydrodynamic Conditions
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Collins, J. H., III; Sasser, C.; Willson, C. S.
2016-12-01
Louisiana possesses over 350,000 acres of unique floating vegetated systems known as floating marshes or flotants. Floating marshes make up 70% of the Terrebonne and Barataria basin wetlands and exist in several forms, mainly thick mat or thin mat. Salt-water intrusion, nutria grazing, and high-energy wave events are believed to be some contributing factors to the degradation of floating marshes; however, there has been little investigation into the hydrodynamic effects on their structural integrity. Due to their unique nature, floating marshes could be susceptible to changes in the hydrodynamic environment that may result from proposed river freshwater and sediment diversion projects introducing flow to areas that are typically somewhat isolated. This study aims to improve the understanding of how thin mat floating marshes respond to increased hydrodynamic stresses and, more specifically, how higher water velocities might increase the washout probability of this vegetation type. There are two major components of this research: 1) A thorough measurement of the material properties of the vegetative mats as a root-soil matrix composite material; and 2) An accurate numerical simulation of the hydrodynamics and forces imposed on the floating marsh mats by the flow. To achieve these goals, laboratory and field experiments were conducted using a customized device to measure the bulk properties of typical floating marshes. Additionally, Delft-3D FLOW and ANSYS FLUENT were used to simulate the flow around a series of simplified mat structures in order to estimate the hydrodynamic forcings on the mats. The hydrodynamic forcings are coupled with a material analysis, allowing for a thorough analysis of their interaction under various conditions. The 2-way Fluid Structure Interaction (F.S.I.) between the flow and the mat is achieved by coupling a Finite Element Analysis (F.E.A.) solver in ANSYS with FLUENT. The flow conditions necessary for the structural failure of the floating marshes are determined for a multitude of mat shapes and sizes, leading to a quantifiable critical velocity required for washout. Ultimately, through dimensional analysis, an equation for washout potential will be developed from the results, which could be used as a design guideline.
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Standard Practice for the Selection and Application of Marine Deck Coverings
1992-07-01
floors to reduce the transmission of noise and vibrations. These typically consist of layers of mineral wool or mineral wool panel sections with a...crew efficiency. Floating deck systems are generally composed of an insulating material such as mineral wool that are laid loose on the structural...Chapter II-2, Part A, Regulation 3(c). Sound Reduction Index - 44 dB Sound Insulation Index (Ia) - 47 dB Density of Mineral Wool - 10 pounds per
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Bioacoustic Absorption Spectroscopy (ASIAEX)
2000-09-30
source level of 170 dB re 1 µPa at 1 m for 24 hours. This source will weigh less than 220 ponds, including batteries, and excluding the anchor and float...in the proposed collaborative effort. Dr. Masahiko Furusawa of the University of Tokyo (Fisheries), Japan’s leading authority on fisheries acoustics...about 20 water depths (~ 1.2 km in 60 m of water) at frequencies of 1 to 2 kHz. RESULTS I reviewed the measurements and times of frequency selective
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Risk based approach for design and optimization of stomach specific delivery of rifampicin.
Vora, Chintan; Patadia, Riddhish; Mittal, Karan; Mashru, Rajashree
2013-10-15
The research envisaged focuses on risk management approach for better recognizing the risks, ways to mitigate them and propose a control strategy for the development of rifampicin gastroretentive tablets. Risk assessment using failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) was done to depict the effects of specific failure modes related to respective formulation/process variable. A Box-Behnken design was used to investigate the effect of amount of sodium bicarbonate (X1), pore former HPMC (X2) and glyceryl behenate (X3) on percent drug release at 1st hour (Q1), 4th hour (Q4), 8th hour (Q8) and floating lag time (min). Main effects and interaction plots were generated to study effects of variables. Selection of the optimized formulation was done using desirability function and overlay contour plots. The optimized formulation exhibited Q1 of 20.9%, Q4 of 59.1%, Q8 of 94.8% and floating lag time of 4.0 min. Akaike information criteria and Model selection criteria revealed that the model was best described by Korsmeyer-Peppas power law. The residual plots demonstrated no existence of non-normality, skewness or outliers. The composite desirability for optimized formulation computed using equations and software were 0.84 and 0.86 respectively. FTIR, DSC and PXRD studies ruled out drug polymer interaction due to thermal treatment. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Definition of the Semisubmersible Floating System for Phase II of OC4
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Robertson, A.; Jonkman, J.; Masciola, M.
Phase II of the Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration Continuation (OC4) project involved modeling of a semisubmersible floating offshore wind system as shown below. This report documents the specifications of the floating system, which were needed by the OC4 participants for building aero-hydro-servo-elastic models.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Seewald, Friedrich
1931-01-01
The principal source of information on float resistance is the model test. In view of the insuperable difficulties opposing any attempt at theoretical treatment of the resistance problem, particularly at attitudes which tend toward satisfactory take-off, such as the transitory stage to planing, the towing test is and will remain the primary method for some time.
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14 CFR 23.533 - Hull and main float bottom pressures.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... Water Loads § 23.533 Hull and main float bottom pressures. (a) General. The hull and main float...=seaplane stalling speed (knots) at the design water takeoff weight with flaps extended in the appropriate...) at the design water takeoff weight with flaps extended in the appropriate takeoff position; and β...
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14 CFR 23.533 - Hull and main float bottom pressures.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... Water Loads § 23.533 Hull and main float bottom pressures. (a) General. The hull and main float...=seaplane stalling speed (knots) at the design water takeoff weight with flaps extended in the appropriate...) at the design water takeoff weight with flaps extended in the appropriate takeoff position; and β...
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14 CFR 136.11 - Helicopter floats for over water.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Helicopter floats for over water. 136.11... TOURS AND NATIONAL PARKS AIR TOUR MANAGEMENT National Air Tour Safety Standards § 136.11 Helicopter floats for over water. (a) A helicopter used in commercial air tours over water beyond the shoreline must...
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14 CFR 136.11 - Helicopter floats for over water.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Helicopter floats for over water. 136.11... TOURS AND NATIONAL PARKS AIR TOUR MANAGEMENT National Air Tour Safety Standards § 136.11 Helicopter floats for over water. (a) A helicopter used in commercial air tours over water beyond the shoreline must...
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14 CFR 136.11 - Helicopter floats for over water.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Helicopter floats for over water. 136.11... TOURS AND NATIONAL PARKS AIR TOUR MANAGEMENT National Air Tour Safety Standards § 136.11 Helicopter floats for over water. (a) A helicopter used in commercial air tours over water beyond the shoreline must...
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14 CFR 136.11 - Helicopter floats for over water.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Helicopter floats for over water. 136.11... TOURS AND NATIONAL PARKS AIR TOUR MANAGEMENT National Air Tour Safety Standards § 136.11 Helicopter floats for over water. (a) A helicopter used in commercial air tours over water beyond the shoreline must...
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Naumann, R. J.
1980-01-01
A summary of the Analytical Float Zone Experiment System (AFZES) concept is presented. The types of experiments considered for such a facility are discussed. Reports from various industrial producers and users of float zone material are presented. Special emphasis is placed on state-of-the-art developments in low gravity manufacturing and their applications to space processing.
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14 CFR 25.531 - Hull and main float takeoff condition.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Hull and main float takeoff condition. 25... AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Structure Water Loads § 25.531 Hull and main float takeoff condition. For the wing and its attachment to the hull or main float— (a) The aerodynamic...
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14 CFR 23.531 - Hull and main float takeoff condition.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Hull and main float takeoff condition. 23.531 Section 23.531 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION... Water Loads § 23.531 Hull and main float takeoff condition. For the wing and its attachment to the hull...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-01-29
... $100 million public float requirement to those companies, unless there is only very limited trading...-held shares (``public float'') of $40 million at the time of listing. All other companies must have a... value of the company's offering to demonstrate the company's compliance with the applicable public float...
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Vertical pump with free floating check valve
Lindsay, Malcolm
1980-01-01
A vertical pump with a bottom discharge having a free floating check valve isposed in the outlet plenum thereof. The free floating check valve comprises a spherical member with a hemispherical cage-like member attached thereto which is capable of allowing forward or reverse flow under appropriate conditions while preventing reverse flow under inappropriate conditions.
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17 CFR 50.4 - Classes of swaps required to be cleared.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-04-01
... Fixed-to-floating swap class Currency U.S. dollar (USD) Euro (EUR) Sterling (GBP) Yen (JPY). Floating.... Conditional Notional Amounts No No No No. Specification Basis swap class Currency U.S. dollar (USD) Euro (EUR... agreement class Currency U.S. dollar (USD) Euro (EUR) Sterling (GBP) Yen (JPY). Floating Rate Indexes LIBOR...
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Whatever Floats Your Boat: A Design Challenge
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Kornoelje, Joanne; Roman, Harry T.
2012-01-01
This article presents a simple design challenge, based on the PBS program "Design Squad's" "Watercraft" activity that will prove engaging to most technology and engineering students. In this floating boat challenge, students are to build a boat that can float and support 25 pennies for at least 10 seconds--without leaking, sinking, or tipping…
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ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
McDonald, Judith Richards
2012-01-01
This activity is designed to teach prekindergarten to second grade students about the concept of sink or float through an inquiry activity. Students will use familiar objects to predict and test the properties of sink and float. Background information is offered to teachers to assist them with this activity. This lesson begins with an engaging…
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46 CFR 180.137 - Stowage of life floats and buoyant apparatus.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
... 46 Shipping 7 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Stowage of life floats and buoyant apparatus. 180.137... (UNDER 100 GROSS TONS) LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT AND ARRANGEMENTS Survival Craft Arrangements and Equipment § 180.137 Stowage of life floats and buoyant apparatus. (a) In addition to meeting § 180.130, each life...
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46 CFR 180.137 - Stowage of life floats and buoyant apparatus.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... 46 Shipping 7 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Stowage of life floats and buoyant apparatus. 180.137... (UNDER 100 GROSS TONS) LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT AND ARRANGEMENTS Survival Craft Arrangements and Equipment § 180.137 Stowage of life floats and buoyant apparatus. (a) In addition to meeting § 180.130, each life...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-07-25
...-AA00 Safety Zone; Gilmerton Bridge Center Span Float-in, Elizabeth River; Norfolk, Portsmouth, and... during the Gilmerton Bridge Center Span Float- in and bridge construction of span placement. This action... Construction, INC will facilitate removal of the existing bascule spans from the Gilmerton Bridge, transport of...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-06-15
...-AA00 Safety Zone; Gilmerton Bridge Center Span Float-in, Elizabeth River; Norfolk, Portsmouth, and... navigable waters during the Gilmerton Bridge Center Span Float- in and bridge construction of span placement... the existing bascule spans from the Gilmerton Bridge, transport the new center span from the Eastern...
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Research on stability of nozzle-floating plate institution
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Huang, Bin; Tao, Jiayue; Yi, Jiajing; Chen, Shijing
2016-01-01
In this paper, air hammer instability of nozzle-floating plate institution in gas lubricated force sensor were studied. Through establishment of the theoretical model for the analysis of the nozzle-floating plate institution stability, combined with air hammer stability judgment theorems, we had some simulation research on the radius of the nozzle, the radius of the pressure chamber, pressure chamber depth, orifice radius and the relationship between air supply pressure and bearing capacity, in order to explore the instability mechanism of nozzle-floating plate institution. For conducting experimental observations for the stability of two groups nozzle-floating plate institution, which have typical structural parameters conducted experimental observations. We set up a special experimental device, verify the correctness of the theoretical study and simulation results. This paper shows that in the nozzle-floating plate institution, increasing the nozzle diameter, reduced pressure chamber radius, reducing the depth of the pressure chamber and increase the supply orifice radius, and other measures is conducive to system stability. Results of this study have important implications for research and design of gas lubricated force sensor.
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Using optical flow for the detection of floating mines in IR image sequences
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Borghgraef, Alexander; Acheroy, Marc
2006-09-01
In the first Gulf War, unmoored floating mines proved to be a real hazard for shipping traffic. An automated system capable of detecting these and other free-floating small objects, using readily available sensors such as infra-red cameras, would prove to be a valuable mine-warfare asset, and could double as a collision avoidance mechanism, and a search-and-rescue aid. The noisy background provided by the sea surface, and occlusion by waves make it difficult to detect small floating objects using only algorithms based upon the intensity, size or shape of the target. This leads us to look at the sequence of images for temporal detection characteristics. The target's apparent motion is such a determinant, given the contrast between the bobbing motion of the floating object and the strong horizontal component present in the propagation of the wavefronts. We have applied the Proesmans optical flow algorithm to IR video footage of practice mines, in order to extract the motion characteristic and a threshold on the vertical motion characteristic is then imposed to detect the floating targets.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Huang, Xianfeng; Meng, Yao; Huang, Riming
2017-10-01
This paper describes a theoretical method for predicting the improvement of the impact sound insulation to a floating floor with the resilient interlayer. Statistical energy analysis (SEA) model, which is skilful in calculating the floor impact sound, is set up for calculating the reduction in impact sound pressure level in downstairs room. The sound transmission paths which include direct path and flanking paths are analyzed to find the dominant one; the factors that affect impact sound reduction for a floating floor are explored. Then, the impact sound level in downstairs room is determined and comparisons between predicted and measured data are conducted. It is indicated that for the impact sound transmission across a floating floor, the flanking path impact sound level contribute tiny influence on overall sound level in downstairs room, and a floating floor with low stiffness interlayer exhibits favorable sound insulation on direct path. The SEA approach applies to the floating floors with resilient interlayers, which are experimentally verified, provides a guidance in sound insulation design.
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[Analysis of self-rated health status of the floating population in a district of Guangzhou].
Duan, Jun-Jie; Wang, Dong; Nie, Jun
2008-06-01
To investigate the self-rated health status of the floating population in a district of Guangzhou. Cluster stratified random sampling was applied to survey 219 floating people from a community in Guangzhou, who were assessed with self-rated health status was assessed with Self-Rated Health Measurement Scale. The scores of the floating population were significantly higher than the normal individuals in physical health sub-scales (P<0.01), while the scores of the floating population were significantly lower in psychological and social health sub-scales (P<0.05). The low score items in the subscale of physical health mainly consisted of fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms, those in the subscale of psychological health mainly in anxiety, depression and obsession, and those in the subscale of social health mainly in participation in social activities and seeking help from others. To improve the health status of the floating population, campaigns of health education need to be launched periodically and psychological counseling should be provided for these individuals. Additionally, interactive activities should be increased in their daily social life.
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Float processing of high-temperature complex silicate glasses and float baths used for same
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cooper, Reid Franklin (Inventor); Cook, Glen Bennett (Inventor)
2000-01-01
A float glass process for production of high melting temperature glasses utilizes a binary metal alloy bath having the combined properties of a low melting point, low reactivity with oxygen, low vapor pressure, and minimal reactivity with the silicate glasses being formed. The metal alloy of the float medium is exothermic with a solvent metal that does not readily form an oxide. The vapor pressure of both components in the alloy is low enough to prevent deleterious vapor deposition, and there is minimal chemical and interdiffusive interaction of either component with silicate glasses under the float processing conditions. Alloys having the desired combination of properties include compositions in which gold, silver or copper is the solvent metal and silicon, germanium or tin is the solute, preferably in eutectic or near-eutectic compositions.
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Effect of heavy oil on the development of the nervous system of floating and sinking teleost eggs.
Irie, Kouta; Kawaguchi, Masahumi; Mizuno, Kaori; Song, Jun-Young; Nakayama, Kei; Kitamura, Shin-Ichi; Murakami, Yasunori
2011-01-01
Heavy oil (HO) on the sea surface penetrates into fish eggs and prevents the normal morphogenesis. To identify the toxicological effects of HO in the context of the egg types, we performed exposure experiments using floating eggs and sinking eggs. In the course of development, HO-exposed embryos of floating eggs showed abnormal morphology, whereas early larva of the sinking eggs had almost normal morphology. However, the developing peripheral nervous system of sinking eggs showed abnormal projections. These findings suggest that HO exposed fishes have problems in the developing neurons, although they have no morphological malformations. Through these observations, we conclude that HO is strongly toxic to floating eggs in the morphogenesis, and also affect the neuron development in both floating and sinking eggs. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Beyond night float? The impact of call structure on internal medicine residents.
Rosenberg, M; McNulty, D
1995-02-01
Limitation of resident working hours has been a critical issue for training programs in recent years. At Providence Medical Center, residents and faculty collaborated in developing goals, implementation strategies, and an evaluation process for a new ward float system. The goals of the float system were to reduce fatigue, facilitate education, maintain continuity of care, and minimize the negative impact of training on residents' personal lives. Evaluation revealed: 1) 74% of the residents preferred Providence Medical Center float system (PMCF) to either night float (NF) (13%) or standard every-fourth-night call (EFNC) (13%); and 2) PMCF was perceived to ensure quality patient care to a greater degree than was NF, to better facilitate resident education than was NF, and to have a less negative impact on personal lives than was EFNC.
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Compensation of the sheath effects in cylindrical floating probes
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Park, Ji-Hwan; Chung, Chin-Wook
2018-05-01
In cylindrical floating probe measurements, the plasma density and electron temperature are overestimated due to sheath expansion and oscillation. To reduce these sheath effects, a compensation method based on well-developed floating sheath theories is proposed and applied to the floating harmonic method. The iterative calculation of the Allen-Boyd-Reynolds equation can derive the floating sheath thickness, which can be used to calculate the effective ion collection area; in this way, an accurate ion density is obtained. The Child-Langmuir law is used to calculate the ion harmonic currents caused by sheath oscillation of the alternating-voltage-biased probe tip. Accurate plasma parameters can be obtained by subtracting these ion harmonic currents from the total measured harmonic currents. Herein, the measurement principles and compensation method are discussed in detail and an experimental demonstration is presented.
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ICRF-Induced Changes in Floating Potential and Ion Saturation Current in the EAST Divertor
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Perkins, Rory; Hosea, Joel; Taylor, Gary; Bertelli, Nicola; Kramer, Gerrit; Qin, Chengming; Wang, Liang; Yang, Jichan; Zhang, Xinjun
2017-10-01
Injection of waves in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) into a tokamak can potentially raise the plasma potential via RF rectification. Probes are affected both by changes in plasma potential and also by RF-averaging of the probe characteristic, with the latter tending to drop the floating potential. We present the effect of ICRF heating on divertor Langmuir probes in the EAST experiment. Over a scan of the outer gap, probes connected to the antennas have increases in floating potential with ICRF, but probes in between the outer-vessel strike point and flux surface tangent to the antenna have decreased floating potential. This behaviour is investigated using field-line mapping. Preliminary results show that mdiplane gas puffing can suppress the strong influence of ICRF on the probes' floating potential.
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Verification of floating-point software
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hoover, Doug N.
1990-01-01
Floating point computation presents a number of problems for formal verification. Should one treat the actual details of floating point operations, or accept them as imprecisely defined, or should one ignore round-off error altogether and behave as if floating point operations are perfectly accurate. There is the further problem that a numerical algorithm usually only approximately computes some mathematical function, and we often do not know just how good the approximation is, even in the absence of round-off error. ORA has developed a theory of asymptotic correctness which allows one to verify floating point software with a minimum entanglement in these problems. This theory and its implementation in the Ariel C verification system are described. The theory is illustrated using a simple program which finds a zero of a given function by bisection. This paper is presented in viewgraph form.
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Method for preparing homogeneous single crystal ternary III-V alloys
Ciszek, Theodore F.
1991-01-01
A method for producing homogeneous, single-crystal III-V ternary alloys of high crystal perfection using a floating crucible system in which the outer crucible holds a ternary alloy of the composition desired to be produced in the crystal and an inner floating crucible having a narrow, melt-passing channel in its bottom wall holds a small quantity of melt of a pseudo-binary liquidus composition that would freeze into the desired crystal composition. The alloy of the floating crucilbe is maintained at a predetermined lower temperature than the alloy of the outer crucible, and a single crystal of the desired homogeneous alloy is pulled out of the floating crucible melt, as melt from the outer crucible flows into a bottom channel of the floating crucible at a rate that corresponds to the rate of growth of the crystal.
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Li, Xin-Wei; Shao, Xiao-Mei; Tan, Ke-Ping; Fang, Jian-Qiao
2013-04-01
To compare the efficacy difference in the treatment of supraspinous ligament injury between floating acupuncture at Tianying point and the conventional warm needling therapy. Ninety patients were randomized into a floating acupuncture group and a warm needling group, 45 cases in each one. In the floating acupuncture group, the floating needling technique was adopted at Tianying point. In the warm needling group, the conventional warm needling therapy was applied at Tianying point as the chief point in the prescription. The treatment was given 3 times a week and 6 treatments made one session. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was adopted for pain comparison before and after treatment of the patients in two groups and the efficacy in two groups were assessed. The curative and remarkably effective rate was 81.8% (36/44) in the floating acupuncture group and the total effective rate was 95.5% (42/44), which were superior to 44.2% (19/43) and 79.1% (34/43) in the warm needling group separately (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). VAS score was lower as compared with that before treatment of the patients in two groups (both P < 0.01) and the score in the floating acupuncture group was lower than that in the warm needling group after treatment (P < 0.01). Thirty-six cases were cured and remarkably effective in the floating acupuncture group after treatment, in which 28 cases were cured and remarkably effective in 3 treatments, accounting for 77.8 (28/36), which was apparently higher than 26.3 (5/19) in the warm-needling group (P < 0.01). The floating acupuncture at Tianying point achieves the quick and definite efficacy on supraspinous ligament injury and presents the apparent analgesic effect. The efficacy is superior to the conventional warm-needling therapy.
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Strongly Emitting Surfaces Unable to Float below Plasma Potential
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Campanell, M. D.; Umansky, M. V.
2016-02-25
One important unresolved question in plasma physics concerns the effect of strong electron emission on plasma-surface interactions. Previous papers reported solutions with negative and positive floating potentials relative to the plasma edge. For these two models a very different predictions for particle and energy balance is given. Here we show that the positive potential state is the only possible equilibrium in general. Even if a negative floating potential existed at t=0, the ionization collisions near the surface will force a transition to the positive floating potential state. Moreover, this transition is demonstrated with a new simulation code.
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Radiation Issues and Applications of Floating Gate Memories
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Scheick, L. Z.; Nguyen, D. N.
2000-01-01
The radiation effects that affect various systems that comprise floating gate memories are presented. The wear-out degradation results of unirradiated flash memories are compared to irradiated flash memories. The procedure analyzes the failure to write and erase caused by wear-out and degradation of internal charge pump circuits. A method is described for characterizing the radiation effects of the floating gate itself. The rate dependence, stopping power dependence, SEU susceptibility and applications of floating gate in radiation environment are presented. The ramifications for dosimetry and cell failure are discussed as well as for the long term use aspects of non-volatile memories.
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Traumatic Extra-capsular and Intra-capsular Floating Fat: Fat-fluid Levels of the Knee Revisited
Davis, Derik L; Vachhani, Prasann
2015-01-01
Floating fat is a sign of acute bone injury at the knee following trauma. The goal of this article is to review the etiology, patterns, and mimickers of extra-capsular and intra-capsular floating fat, with the major emphasis on knee trauma in the acute setting. We will discuss the spectrum of multimodal imaging findings for rare presentations of extra-capsular floating fat, and contrast these with common and atypical forms of intra-capsular lipohemarthrosis, as an aid to the assessment of acute bone trauma at the knee. PMID:26713176
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Zhang, An-yang; Fan, Tian-yuan
2009-12-18
To investigate the preparation, optimization and in vitro properties of riboflavin sodium phosphate floating microspheres. The floating microspheres composed of riboflavin sodium phosphate and calcium alginate were prepared using ion gelatin-oven drying method. The properties of the microspheres were investigated, including the buoyancy, release, appearance and entrapment efficiency. The formulation was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized microspheres were round. The entrapment efficiency was 57.49%. All the microspheres could float on the artificial gastric juice over 8 hours. The release of the drug from the microspheres complied with Fick's diffusion.
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Ran, Bin; Song, Li; Cheng, Yang; Tan, Huachun
2016-01-01
Traffic state estimation from the floating car system is a challenging problem. The low penetration rate and random distribution make available floating car samples usually cover part space and time points of the road networks. To obtain a wide range of traffic state from the floating car system, many methods have been proposed to estimate the traffic state for the uncovered links. However, these methods cannot provide traffic state of the entire road networks. In this paper, the traffic state estimation is transformed to solve a missing data imputation problem, and the tensor completion framework is proposed to estimate missing traffic state. A tensor is constructed to model traffic state in which observed entries are directly derived from floating car system and unobserved traffic states are modeled as missing entries of constructed tensor. The constructed traffic state tensor can represent spatial and temporal correlations of traffic data and encode the multi-way properties of traffic state. The advantage of the proposed approach is that it can fully mine and utilize the multi-dimensional inherent correlations of traffic state. We tested the proposed approach on a well calibrated simulation network. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed approach yield reliable traffic state estimation from very sparse floating car data, particularly when dealing with the floating car penetration rate is below 1%. PMID:27448326
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Ran, Bin; Song, Li; Zhang, Jian; Cheng, Yang; Tan, Huachun
2016-01-01
Traffic state estimation from the floating car system is a challenging problem. The low penetration rate and random distribution make available floating car samples usually cover part space and time points of the road networks. To obtain a wide range of traffic state from the floating car system, many methods have been proposed to estimate the traffic state for the uncovered links. However, these methods cannot provide traffic state of the entire road networks. In this paper, the traffic state estimation is transformed to solve a missing data imputation problem, and the tensor completion framework is proposed to estimate missing traffic state. A tensor is constructed to model traffic state in which observed entries are directly derived from floating car system and unobserved traffic states are modeled as missing entries of constructed tensor. The constructed traffic state tensor can represent spatial and temporal correlations of traffic data and encode the multi-way properties of traffic state. The advantage of the proposed approach is that it can fully mine and utilize the multi-dimensional inherent correlations of traffic state. We tested the proposed approach on a well calibrated simulation network. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed approach yield reliable traffic state estimation from very sparse floating car data, particularly when dealing with the floating car penetration rate is below 1%.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Budianto, E.; Al-Shidqi, M. F.; Cahyana, A. H.
2017-07-01
Eradicating H. pylori-based infection by using conventional oral dosage form of amoxicillin trihydrate finds difficulties to overcome rapid gastric retention time. Encapsulating amoxicillin trihydrate in floating drug delivery system may solve the problem. In this research, the floating drug delivery system of amoxicillin trihydrate encapsulated in floating chitosan-graft-poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) hydrogels containing CaCO3 and NaHCO3 as pore forming agents has been successfully prepared. Pore forming agents used was varied with the ratio of 10 to 25% pore forming agents to total mass of the used materials. The hydrogel were characterizedusing FTIR spectrophotometer and stereo microscope. As pore forming agents compositions increased, the porosity (%) and floating properties increased but followed by decrease in drug entrapment efficiency. Most of the floating hydrogels possessed floating ability longer than 180 min and the highest porosity was found in hydrogel containing 25% NaHCO3. Hydrogel containing CaCO3 showed sustained drug release profile than hydrogel containing NaHCO3. However, the optimum formulation was achieved at composition of 10% NaHCO3 with 57% of drug entrapped within the hydrogel and 43% drug released. The results of these studies show that NaHCO3 is an effective pore forming agents for chitosan-graft-poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) hydrogel preparation as compare to CaCO3.
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Ahmed, Sayed M; Ahmed Ali, Adel; Ali, Ahmed Ma; Hassan, Omiya A
2016-01-01
The aim of the present study was to improve the bioavailability of itopride (ITO) and sustain its action by formulating as a floating dosage form. Sustained-release floating tablets of ITO hydrochloride (HCl) were prepared by direct compression using different hydrocolloid polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and ethylcellulose and/or methacrylic acid polymers Eudragit RSPM and Carbopol 934P. The floating property was achieved using an effervescent mixture of sodium bicarbonate and anhydrous citric acid (1:1 mol/mol). Hardness, friability, content uniformity, and dissolution rate of the prepared floating tablets were evaluated. The formulation F 10 composed of 28.5% Eudragit RSPM, 3% NaHCO 3 , and 7% citric acid provided sustained drug release. In vitro results showed sustained release of F 10 where the drug release percentage was 96.51%±1.75% after 24 hours ( P =0.031). The pharmacokinetic results indicated that the area under the curve (AUC 0-∞ ) of the prepared sustained-release floating tablets at infinity achieved 93.69 µg·h/mL compared to 49.89 µg·h/mL for the reference formulation (Ganaton ® ) and the relative bioavailability of the sustained-release formulation F 10 increased to 187.80% ( P =0.022). The prepared floating tablets of ITO HCl (F 10 ) could be a promising drug delivery system with sustained-release action and enhanced drug bioavailability.
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Talusan, Paul G; Long, Theodore; Halim, Andrea; Guliani, Laura; Carroll, Nicole; Reach, John
2014-12-01
Concerns about duty hour and resident safety have fostered discussion about postshift fatigue and driving impairment. We assessed how converting to a night float schedule for overnight coverage affected driving safety for trainees. Brake reaction times were measured for internal medicine and orthopaedic surgery resident volunteers after a traditional 28-hour call shift and after a night float shift. We conducted matched paired t tests of preshift and postshift reaction time means. Participants also completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale pre- and postshift. From June to July 2013, we enrolled 58 interns and residents (28 orthopaedic surgery, 30 internal medicine). We included 24 (41%) trainees on night float rotations and 34 (59%) trainees on traditional 28-hour call shifts. For all residents on night float rotations, there was no significant difference pre- and postshift. An increase in reaction times was noted among trainees on 28-hour call rotations. This included no effect on reaction times for internal medicine trainees pre- and postshift, and an increase in reaction times for orthopaedic trainees. For both night float and traditional call groups, there were significant increases in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Trainees on traditional 28-hour call rotations had significantly worse postshift brake reaction times, whereas trainees on night float rotations had no difference. Orthopaedic trainees had significant differences in brake reaction times after a traditional call shift.
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-05-14
... Program for Accumulations of Coal and Float Coal Dusts, Loose Coal, and Other Combustibles AGENCY: Mine... collection for developing and updating a cleanup program for accumulations of coal and float coal dusts, loose coal, and other combustibles in underground coal mines. DATES: All comments must be postmarked or...
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A Descriptive Study of Pre-Service Science Teachers' Misconceptions about Sinking-Floating
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Kiray, Seyit Ahmet; Aktan, Filiz; Kaynar, Hamza; Kilinc, Sena; Gorkemli, Tugce
2015-01-01
The purpose of this study is twofold. Firstly, it attempts to determine the pre-service science teachers' misconceptions about floating and sinking. Secondly, it aims to reveal the level of pre-service science teachers' misconceptions, scientific knowledge, lack of knowledge, and lack of confidence related to floating and sinking. To conduct the…
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50 CFR 665.813 - Western Pacific longline fishing restrictions.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
... any float lines less than 20 meters in length or light sticks. As used in this paragraph “float line” means a line used to suspend the main longline beneath a float and “light stick” means any type of light emitting device, including any fluorescent “glow bead,” chemical, or electrically powered light that is...
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50 CFR 665.813 - Western Pacific longline fishing restrictions.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... any float lines less than 20 meters in length or light sticks. As used in this paragraph “float line” means a line used to suspend the main longline beneath a float and “light stick” means any type of light emitting device, including any fluorescent “glow bead,” chemical, or electrically powered light that is...
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50 CFR 665.813 - Western Pacific longline fishing restrictions.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-10-01
... any float lines less than 20 meters in length or light sticks. As used in this paragraph “float line” means a line used to suspend the main longline beneath a float and “light stick” means any type of light emitting device, including any fluorescent “glow bead,” chemical, or electrically powered light that is...
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Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
...) and floating equipment (revenue service) (accounts XX-23-43 and XX-23-44). 1242.44 Section 1242.44... Trucks, trailers, and containers (revenue service) and floating equipment (revenue service) (accounts XX-23-43 and XX-23-44). These accounts pertain solely to freight service and contain no common expenses...
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STAT FAQs Part 1: Floating Solar | State, Local, and Tribal Governments |
interest in installing this innovative solar technology. For example, several wineries in California are tilt to 11 degrees. NREL research has shown that this is the typical mounting angle for floating solar installation. As an example, a hypothetical 1 MW floating solar array located in Napa, California would
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Resistance and resilience of floating mat fens in interior Alaska following airboat disturbance
Amy Zacheis; Kate Doran
2009-01-01
The floating mat fens of the Tanana Flats in interior Alaska are productive wetlands near the urban center of Fairbanks. Airboat traffic has created a network of trails through the floating vegetation mats. We established protected areas along established trails, which allowed for measurement of plant community resistance to airboat traffic and resilience following...
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14 CFR 23.527 - Hull and main float load factors.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Hull and main float load factors. 23.527... Water Loads § 23.527 Hull and main float load factors. (a) Water reaction load factors nw must be...=seaplane landing weight in pounds. (6) K1=empirical hull station weighing factor, in accordance with figure...
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40 CFR 63.120 - Storage vessel provisions-procedures to determine compliance.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... with § 63.119(b) of this subpart (storage vessel equipped with a fixed roof and internal floating roof) or with § 63.119(d) of this subpart (storage vessel equipped with an external floating roof converted to an internal floating roof), the owner or operator shall comply with the requirements in paragraphs...
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40 CFR 60.693-2 - Alternative standards for oil-water separators.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
...-water separators. (a) An owner or operator may elect to construct and operate a floating roof on an oil... requirements of this subpart which meets the following specifications. (1) Each floating roof shall be equipped... the liquid between the wall of the separator and the floating roof. A mechanical shoe seal means a...
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Floating aerial LED signage based on aerial imaging by retro-reflection (AIRR).
Yamamoto, Hirotsugu; Tomiyama, Yuka; Suyama, Shiro
2014-11-03
We propose a floating aerial LED signage technique by utilizing retro-reflection. The proposed display is composed of LEDs, a half mirror, and retro-reflective sheeting. Directivity of the aerial image formation and size of the aerial image have been investigated. Furthermore, a floating aerial LED sign has been successfully formed in free space.
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-12-11
...-AA00 Safety Zone: Gilmerton Bridge Center Span Float-in, Elizabeth River; Norfolk, Portsmouth, and... Gilmerton Bridge Center Span Float- in and bridge construction of span placement. This action is intended to... rulemaking (NPRM) proposing a safety zone in the Gilmerton Bridge Area (77 FR 43557) on September 5-9, 2012...
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Active colloids as mobile microelectrodes for unified label-free selective cargo transport.
Boymelgreen, Alicia M; Balli, Tov; Miloh, Touvia; Yossifon, Gilad
2018-02-22
Utilization of active colloids to transport both biological and inorganic cargo has been widely examined in the context of applications ranging from targeted drug delivery to sample analysis. In general, carriers are customized to load one specific target via a mechanism distinct from that driving the transport. Here we unify these tasks and extend loading capabilities to include on-demand selection of multiple nano/micro-sized targets without the need for pre-labelling or surface functionalization. An externally applied electric field is singularly used to drive the active cargo carrier and transform it into a mobile floating electrode that can attract (trap) or repel specific targets from its surface by dielectrophoresis, enabling dynamic control of target selection, loading and rate of transport via the electric field parameters. In the future, dynamic selectivity could be combined with directed motion to develop building blocks for bottom-up fabrication in applications such as additive manufacturing and soft robotics.
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Formulation and evaluation of different floating tablets containing metronidazole to target stomach.
Loh, Zhiao C; Elkordy, Amal A
2015-01-01
The purpose of this study is to formulate and develop tablets dosage form containing Metronidazole which has swelling and floating properties as a gastroretentive controlled-release drug delivery system to improve drug bioavailability. Fifteen different formulations of effervescence-forming floating systems were designed using HPMC K15M, xanthan gum, co-povidone, Eudragit® RL PO, pluronic® F-127 and/or polypropylene foam powder as swelling agents and sodium bicarbonate with/ without citric acid as gas-forming agents at different compositions. Six out of these 15 formulations which have satisfactory tablet floating behaviour were further studied with the incorporation of Metronidazole. The tablets were evaluated based on tablet physicochemical properties, floating behaviour, swelling ability and drug dissolution studies which were carried out using 0.1M HCl at 37°C for 8 hours. Furthermore, evaluation of the powder mixtures using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were investigated. Most of the tablets show good physicochemical properties except for F11 which contains pluronic® F-127 as its release-retarding matrix-forming polymer. Other formulations show high swelling capacity, ability to float for at least 8 hours in vitro and have sustained drug release characteristics. Data obtained indicated that F3 which contains HPMC (12.5%w/w), xanthan gum (25%w/w), co-povidone (12.5%w/w) and sodium bicarbonate (31.7%w/w) is a suitable formulation with short floating lag time, good floating behaviour and sustained drug release for at least 8 hours in vitro with a zero order kinetic. Combinations of HPMC K15M and xanthan gum as swelling agents show synergistic effect in retarding drug release and are suitable in providing the most sustained drug release system.
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Xu, Chungui; Wang, Yanhua; Han, Na; Kou, Yuhui; Yin, Xiaofeng; Zhang, Peixun; Wang, Tianbing; Zhang, Dianying; Jiang, Baoguo
2014-01-01
Background The aim of this study is to give a description of the road traffic injuries (RTIs) characteristics of floating migrant population by comparing with those of local residents in a harbor city of China. Methods A population-based descriptive study was carried out between 2007 and 2010 with RTI patient records from the Fifth Center Hospital of Tianjin. Inpatient diagnoses of RTI patients were defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes. We analyzed the demographics and general characteristics of RTI patients that were in the hospital during the four years. In order to compare the group differences between local resident patients and floating migrant patients, the distribution of their ages, diagnoses, severity of injuries, duration of inpatient stays, hospitalization cost were analyzed. Results People between the ages of 16 and 55 were the most likely to suffer RTIs. The floating migrant patients between the ages of 16 and 45 had a higher incidence of accidents, while local resident patients between 46 and 55 had a higher incidence of accidents. Compared to local resident patients, floating migrant patients were more vulnerable to open injuries and severe traffic injuries. With the severity of injuries ranked from mild to severe, floating migrant patients had lower duration of inpatient stay, but higher hospitalization costs compared to local resident patients. Conclusions Floating migrant patients had a different age distribution, severity of injuries, diseases, inpatient duration and hospitalization cost compared with local resident patients. Compared to local resident patients, floating migrants had a higher risk to RTIs and were more vulnerable to severer traffic accidents at lower ages. PMID:24475023
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Johnson, K. S.; Plant, J. N.; Sakamoto, C.; Coletti, L. J.; Sarmiento, J. L.; Riser, S.; Talley, L. D.
2016-12-01
Sixty profiling floats with ISUS and SUNA nitrate sensors have been deployed in the Southern Ocean (south of 30 degrees S) as part of the SOCCOM (Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling) program and earlier efforts. These floats have produced detailed records of the annual cycle of nitrate concentration throughout the region from the surface to depths near 2000 m. In surface waters, there are clear cycles in nitrate concentration that result from uptake of nitrate during austral spring and summer. These changes in nitrate concentration were used to compute the annual net community production over this region. NCP was computed using a simplified version of the approach detailed by Plant et al. (2016, Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 30, 859-879, DOI: 10.1002/2015GB005349). At the time the abstract was written 41 complete annual cycles were available from floats deployed before the austral summer of 2015/2016. After filtering the data to remove floats that crossed distinct frontal boundaries, floats with other anomalies, and floats in sub-tropical waters, 23 cycles were available. A preliminary assessment of the data yields an NCP of 2.8 +/- 0.95 (1 SD) mol C/m2/y after integrating to 100 m depth and converting nitrate uptake to carbon using the Redfield ratio. This preliminary assessment ignores vertical transport across the nitracline and is, therefore, a minimum estimate. The number of cycles available for analysis will increase rapidly, as 32 of the floats were deployed in the austral summer of 2015/2016 and have not yet been analyzed.
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Ciamei, Alessandro; Detloff, Peter J; Morton, A Jennifer
2015-09-15
In Huntington's disease (HD) depression is observed before the disease is diagnosed, and is likely to be a component of the disease, rather than a consequence. Depression in HD patients does not progress in parallel with other symptoms; rather it peaks at early- to mid-stages of the disease and declines thereafter. In mice, depressive-like behaviours can be measured as an increase in behavioural despair (floating) observed in the forced swim test (FST). Floating in the FST is modulated differently by antidepressants with different mechanisms of action. Drugs that increase levels of serotonin inhibit floating by promoting horizontal swimming, whereas drugs that increase levels of noradrenaline inhibit floating by enhancing vertical swimming (climbing). We compared the FST behavioural profiles of two different allelic series of HD mice, a fragment model (R6/2 mice carrying 120, 250, or 350 CAG repeats), and a knock-in model (Hdh mice carrying 50, 150, or 250 CAG repeats). The FST behavioural profile was similar in both lines. It was characterized by an early-stage increase in floating, and then, as the mice aged, floating decreased, whereas active behaviours of swimming and climbing increased. Our results show that, as with depression in HD patients, floating in HD mice does not progress linearly, suggesting that, at the late stages of the disease, an increase in serotonergic and noradrenergic activity might contribute to lower floating levels in HD mice. If similar compensatory changes occur in humans, this should be taken into account when considering the treatment of depression in HD patients. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Spatial distributions of floating seaweeds in the East China Sea from late winter to early spring.
Mizuno, S; Ajisaka, T; Lahbib, S; Kokubu, Y; Alabsi, M N; Komatsu, T
2014-01-01
Floating seaweeds play an important role as a habitat for many animals accompanying or attaching to them in offshore waters. It was in 2000 that the first report described abundant distributions of floating seaweeds in offshore waters in the East China Sea in spring. Young individuals of the yellowtail Seriola quinqueradiata are captured for aquaculture purposes from floating seaweeds in the East China Sea. Therefore, a sound understanding of the distributions of floating seaweeds in the East China Sea is needed. Detailed information is especially important during the late winter to early spring, which corresponds to the juvenile period of the yellowtail. Thus, field surveys using R/V Tansei-Maru were conducted in the Japanese Exclusive Economic Zone in the East China Sea from late winter to early spring in 2010 and 2011. We obtained positions of the vessel by GPS and transversal distances from the vessel to a raft by visual observation. Distance sampling method (Thomas et al. 2010) was applied to estimation of floating seaweed densities (rafts km -2 ). Seaweed rafts were also randomly sampled using nets during the research cruises. In the East China Sea, seaweed rafts were distributed mainly on the continental shelf west of the Kuroshio, especially in waters between 26° N and 30° N. Collected rafts consisted of only one species, Sargassum horneri (Turner) C. Agardh. Taking into account surface currents and geographical distribution of S . horneri , it is estimated that these floating seaweeds originated from natural beds along the coast between mid and south China. Considering the approximate travel times, it is suggested that floating patches are colonized by yellowtails early on during their trips, i.e., close to the Chinese coast.
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Design of a reversible single precision floating point subtractor.
Anantha Lakshmi, Av; Sudha, Gf
2014-01-04
In recent years, Reversible logic has emerged as a major area of research due to its ability to reduce the power dissipation which is the main requirement in the low power digital circuit design. It has wide applications like low power CMOS design, Nano-technology, Digital signal processing, Communication, DNA computing and Optical computing. Floating-point operations are needed very frequently in nearly all computing disciplines, and studies have shown floating-point addition/subtraction to be the most used floating-point operation. However, few designs exist on efficient reversible BCD subtractors but no work on reversible floating point subtractor. In this paper, it is proposed to present an efficient reversible single precision floating-point subtractor. The proposed design requires reversible designs of an 8-bit and a 24-bit comparator unit, an 8-bit and a 24-bit subtractor, and a normalization unit. For normalization, a 24-bit Reversible Leading Zero Detector and a 24-bit reversible shift register is implemented to shift the mantissas. To realize a reversible 1-bit comparator, in this paper, two new 3x3 reversible gates are proposed The proposed reversible 1-bit comparator is better and optimized in terms of the number of reversible gates used, the number of transistor count and the number of garbage outputs. The proposed work is analysed in terms of number of reversible gates, garbage outputs, constant inputs and quantum costs. Using these modules, an efficient design of a reversible single precision floating point subtractor is proposed. Proposed circuits have been simulated using Modelsim and synthesized using Xilinx Virtex5vlx30tff665-3. The total on-chip power consumed by the proposed 32-bit reversible floating point subtractor is 0.410 W.
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Patts, J.R.; Colinet, J.F.; Janisko, S.J.; Barone, T.L.; Patts, L.D.
2016-01-01
Controlling float coal dust in underground coal mines before dispersal into the general airstream can reduce the risk of mine explosions while potentially achieving a more effective and efficient use of rock dust. A prototype flooded-bed scrubber was evaluated for float coal dust control in the return of a continuous miner section. The scrubber was installed inline between the face ventilation tubing and an exhausting auxiliary fan. Airborne and deposited dust mass measurements were collected over three days at set distances from the fan exhaust to assess changes in float coal dust levels in the return due to operation of the scrubber. Mass-based measurements were collected on a per-cut basis and normalized on the basis of per ton mined by the continuous miner. The results show that average float coal dust levels measured under baseline conditions were reduced by more than 90 percent when operating the scrubber. PMID:28018004
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Stewart, G.; Lackner, M.; Haid, L.
2013-07-01
With the push towards siting wind turbines farther offshore due to higher wind quality and less visibility, floating offshore wind turbines, which can be located in deep water, are becoming an economically attractive option. The International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) 61400-3 design standard covers fixed-bottom offshore wind turbines, but there are a number of new research questions that need to be answered to modify these standards so that they are applicable to floating wind turbines. One issue is the appropriate simulation length needed for floating turbines. This paper will discuss the results from a study assessing the impact of simulation lengthmore » on the ultimate and fatigue loads of the structure, and will address uncertainties associated with changing the simulation length for the analyzed floating platform. Recommendations of required simulation length based on load uncertainty will be made and compared to current simulation length requirements.« less
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Flight Operations Analysis Tool
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Easter, Robert; Herrell, Linda; Pomphrey, Richard; Chase, James; Wertz Chen, Julie; Smith, Jeffrey; Carter, Rebecca
2006-01-01
Flight Operations Analysis Tool (FLOAT) is a computer program that partly automates the process of assessing the benefits of planning spacecraft missions to incorporate various combinations of launch vehicles and payloads. Designed primarily for use by an experienced systems engineer, FLOAT makes it possible to perform a preliminary analysis of trade-offs and costs of a proposed mission in days, whereas previously, such an analysis typically lasted months. FLOAT surveys a variety of prior missions by querying data from authoritative NASA sources pertaining to 20 to 30 mission and interface parameters that define space missions. FLOAT provides automated, flexible means for comparing the parameters to determine compatibility or the lack thereof among payloads, spacecraft, and launch vehicles, and for displaying the results of such comparisons. Sparseness, typical of the data available for analysis, does not confound this software. FLOAT effects an iterative process that identifies modifications of parameters that could render compatible an otherwise incompatible mission set.
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Wind Turbine Controller to Mitigate Structural Loads on a Floating Wind Turbine Platform
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Fleming, Paul A.; Peiffer, Antoine; Schlipf, David
This paper summarizes the control design work that was performed to optimize the controller of a wind turbine on the WindFloat structure. The WindFloat is a semi-submersible floating platform designed to be a support structure for a multi-megawatt power-generating wind turbine. A controller developed for a bottom-fixed wind turbine configuration was modified for use when the turbine is mounted on the WindFloat platform. This results in an efficient platform heel resonance mitigation scheme. In addition several control modules, designed with a coupled linear model, were added to the fixed-bottom baseline controller. The approach was tested in a fully coupled nonlinearmore » aero-hydroelastic simulation tool in which wind and wave disturbances were modeled. This testing yielded significant improvements in platform global performance and tower-base-bending loading.« less
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Application of a movable active vibration control system on a floating raft
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wang, Zhen; Mak, Cheuk Ming
2018-02-01
This paper presents a theoretical study of an inertial actuator connected to an accelerometer by a local feedback loop for active vibration control on a floating raft. On the criterion of the minimum power transmission from the vibratory machines to the flexible foundation in the floating raft, the best mounting positions for the inertial actuator on the intermediate mass of the floating raft are investigated. Simulation results indicate that the best mounting positions for the inertial actuator vary with frequency. To control time-varying excitations of vibratory machines on a floating raft effectively, an automatic control system based on real-time measurement of a cost function and automatically searching the best mounting position of the inertial actuator is proposed. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that an automatic control system is proposed to move an actuator automatically for controlling a time-varying excitation.
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Assessment of floating plastic debris in surface water along the Seine River.
Gasperi, Johnny; Dris, Rachid; Bonin, Tiffany; Rocher, Vincent; Tassin, Bruno
2014-12-01
This study is intended to examine the quality and quantity of floating plastic debris in the River Seine through use of an extensive regional network of floating debris-retention booms; it is one of the first attempts to provide reliable information on such debris at a large regional scale. Plastic debris represented between 0.8% and 5.1% of total debris collected by weight. A significant proportion consisted of food wrappers/containers and plastic cutlery, probably originating from voluntary or involuntary dumping, urban discharges and surface runoff. Most plastic items are made of polypropylene, polyethylene and, to a lesser extent, polyethylene terephthalate. By extrapolation, some 27 tons of floating plastic debris are intercepted annually by this network; corresponding to 2.3 g per Parisian inhabitant per year. Such data could serve to provide a first evaluation of floating plastic inputs conveyed by rivers. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Wu, Jun; Hu, Xie-he; Chen, Sheng; Chu, Jian
2003-01-01
The closed-loop stability issue of finite-precision realizations was investigated for digital controllers implemented in block-floating-point format. The controller coefficient perturbation was analyzed resulting from using finite word length (FWL) block-floating-point representation scheme. A block-floating-point FWL closed-loop stability measure was derived which considers both the dynamic range and precision. To facilitate the design of optimal finite-precision controller realizations, a computationally tractable block-floating-point FWL closed-loop stability measure was then introduced and the method of computing the value of this measure for a given controller realization was developed. The optimal controller realization is defined as the solution that maximizes the corresponding measure, and a numerical optimization approach was adopted to solve the resulting optimal realization problem. A numerical example was used to illustrate the design procedure and to compare the optimal controller realization with the initial realization.
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A Study of Running Safety and Ride Comfort of Floating Tracks for High-Speed Train
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Watanabe, Tsutomu; Sogabe, Masamichi; Yamazaki, Takayuki
In order to reduce train-induced vibration, many floating tracks have been used, however, for only low-speed trains because we are not sure whether riding comfort and running safety can be maintained on floating tracks for high speed train. The authors, in this study, carried out an analysis of dynamic response and running quality of various floating tracks for high-speed train like Shinkansen. We used a simulation program, DIASTARS for the analysis. In this program, the Shinkansen vehicle is represented by a model of three dimensions consisting of a body, two trucks, and four wheelsets connected to each other with springs and dampers. The floating tracks were modeled by three-dimensional finite element method. In this study, the wheel load fluctuation and vehicle body accelerations were investigated by a dynamic interaction analysis between the vehicle and track with the train speed as parameters.
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Does size and buoyancy affect the long-distance transport of floating debris?
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ryan, Peter G.
2015-08-01
Floating persistent debris, primarily made from plastic, disperses long distances from source areas and accumulates in oceanic gyres. However, biofouling can increase the density of debris items to the point where they sink. Buoyancy is related to item volume, whereas fouling is related to surface area, so small items (which have high surface area to volume ratios) should start to sink sooner than large items. Empirical observations off South Africa support this prediction: moving offshore from coastal source areas there is an increase in the size of floating debris, an increase in the proportion of highly buoyant items (e.g. sealed bottles, floats and foamed plastics), and a decrease in the proportion of thin items such as plastic bags and flexible packaging which have high surface area to volume ratios. Size-specific sedimentation rates may be one reason for the apparent paucity of small plastic items floating in the world’s oceans.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liu, Chunsen; Yan, Xiao; Song, Xiongfei; Ding, Shijin; Zhang, David Wei; Zhou, Peng
2018-05-01
As conventional circuits based on field-effect transistors are approaching their physical limits due to quantum phenomena, semi-floating gate transistors have emerged as an alternative ultrafast and silicon-compatible technology. Here, we show a quasi-non-volatile memory featuring a semi-floating gate architecture with band-engineered van der Waals heterostructures. This two-dimensional semi-floating gate memory demonstrates 156 times longer refresh time with respect to that of dynamic random access memory and ultrahigh-speed writing operations on nanosecond timescales. The semi-floating gate architecture greatly enhances the writing operation performance and is approximately 106 times faster than other memories based on two-dimensional materials. The demonstrated characteristics suggest that the quasi-non-volatile memory has the potential to bridge the gap between volatile and non-volatile memory technologies and decrease the power consumption required for frequent refresh operations, enabling a high-speed and low-power random access memory.
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Study of Damped Set-Back Pins for S and A Mechanisms.
1976-11-01
arm device for artillery munitions. This damped set-back pin assembly is one of two safety features on a S and A device used in the M739 PD/XM587 ET...The damped set-back pin study program was for the design, testing, fabrication, and delivery and damped set-back pin assemblies for use in a safe and...fuzes for a rotating projectile. A pin, porous disc, return spring, floating O-ring, and sleeve comprise the selected damped set-back pin assembly
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Underwater and Floating-Leaved Plants of the United States and Canada.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Hotchkiss, Neil
This is the third in a series of guides to the field identification of North American marsh and water plants. Described are plants which have foliage habitually under water or floating, or which have underwater or floating forms, and which have characteristics by which they can be distinguished with the naked eye. Where genera or species cannot be…
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Float level switch for a nuclear power plant containment vessel
Powell, J.G.
1993-11-16
This invention is a float level switch used to sense rise or drop in water level in a containment vessel of a nuclear power plant during a loss of coolant accident. The essential components of the device are a guide tube, a reed switch inside the guide tube, a float containing a magnetic portion that activates a reed switch, and metal-sheathed, ceramic-insulated conductors connecting the reed switch to a monitoring system outside the containment vessel. Special materials and special sealing techniques prevent failure of components and allow the float level switch to be connected to a monitoring system outside the containment vessel. 1 figures.
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Float level switch for a nuclear power plant containment vessel
Powell, James G.
1993-01-01
This invention is a float level switch used to sense rise or drop in water level in a containment vessel of a nuclear power plant during a loss of coolant accident. The essential components of the device are a guide tube, a reed switch inside the guide tube, a float containing a magnetic portion that activates a reed switch, and metal-sheathed, ceramic-insulated conductors connecting the reed switch to a monitoring system outside the containment vessel. Special materials and special sealing techniques prevent failure of components and allow the float level switch to be connected to a monitoring system outside the containment vessel.
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Apparatus and method for implementing power saving techniques when processing floating point values
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Kim, Young Moon; Park, Sang Phill
An apparatus and method are described for reducing power when reading and writing graphics data. For example, one embodiment of an apparatus comprises: a graphics processor unit (GPU) to process graphics data including floating point data; a set of registers, at least one of the registers of the set partitioned to store the floating point data; and encode/decode logic to reduce a number of binary 1 values being read from the at least one register by causing a specified set of bit positions within the floating point data to be read out as 0s rather than 1s.
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Ambipolar organic thin-film transistor-based nano-floating-gate nonvolatile memory
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Han, Jinhua; Wang, Wei; Ying, Jun; Xie, Wenfa
2014-01-01
An ambipolar organic thin-film transistor-based nano-floating-gate nonvolatile memory was demonstrated, with discrete distributed gold nanoparticles, tetratetracontane (TTC), pentacene as the floating-gate layer, tunneling layer, and active layer, respectively. The electron traps at the TTC/pentacene interface were significantly suppressed, which resulted in an ambipolar operation in present memory. As both electrons and holes were supplied in the channel and trapped in the floating-gate by programming/erasing operations, respectively, i.e., one type of charge carriers was used to overwrite the other, trapped, one, a large memory window, extending on both sides of the initial threshold voltage, was realized.
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Automatic Estimation of Verified Floating-Point Round-Off Errors via Static Analysis
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Moscato, Mariano; Titolo, Laura; Dutle, Aaron; Munoz, Cesar A.
2017-01-01
This paper introduces a static analysis technique for computing formally verified round-off error bounds of floating-point functional expressions. The technique is based on a denotational semantics that computes a symbolic estimation of floating-point round-o errors along with a proof certificate that ensures its correctness. The symbolic estimation can be evaluated on concrete inputs using rigorous enclosure methods to produce formally verified numerical error bounds. The proposed technique is implemented in the prototype research tool PRECiSA (Program Round-o Error Certifier via Static Analysis) and used in the verification of floating-point programs of interest to NASA.
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Floating drug delivery systems: a review.
Arora, Shweta; Ali, Javed; Ahuja, Alka; Khar, Roop K; Baboota, Sanjula
2005-10-19
The purpose of writing this review on floating drug delivery systems (FDDS) was to compile the recent literature with special focus on the principal mechanism of floatation to achieve gastric retention. The recent developments of FDDS including the physiological and formulation variables affecting gastric retention, approaches to design single-unit and multiple-unit floating systems, and their classification and formulation aspects are covered in detail. This review also summarizes the in vitro techniques, in vivo studies to evaluate the performance and application of floating systems, and applications of these systems. These systems are useful to several problems encountered during the development of a pharmaceutical dosage form.
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Matha, Denis; Sandner, Frank; Molins, Climent; Campos, Alexis; Cheng, Po Wen
2015-01-01
The current key challenge in the floating offshore wind turbine industry and research is on designing economic floating systems that can compete with fixed-bottom offshore turbines in terms of levelized cost of energy. The preliminary platform design, as well as early experimental design assessments, are critical elements in the overall design process. In this contribution, a brief review of current floating offshore wind turbine platform pre-design and scaled testing methodologies is provided, with a focus on their ability to accommodate the coupled dynamic behaviour of floating offshore wind systems. The exemplary design and testing methodology for a monolithic concrete spar platform as performed within the European KIC AFOSP project is presented. Results from the experimental tests compared to numerical simulations are presented and analysed and show very good agreement for relevant basic dynamic platform properties. Extreme and fatigue loads and cost analysis of the AFOSP system confirm the viability of the presented design process. In summary, the exemplary application of the reduced design and testing methodology for AFOSP confirms that it represents a viable procedure during pre-design of floating offshore wind turbine platforms. PMID:25583870
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Deflection of Resilient Materials for Reduction of Floor Impact Sound
Lee, Jung-Yoon; Kim, Jong-Mun
2014-01-01
Recently, many residents living in apartment buildings in Korea have been bothered by noise coming from the houses above. In order to reduce noise pollution, communities are increasingly imposing bylaws, including the limitation of floor impact sound, minimum thickness of floors, and floor soundproofing solutions. This research effort focused specifically on the deflection of resilient materials in the floor sound insulation systems of apartment houses. The experimental program involved conducting twenty-seven material tests and ten sound insulation floating concrete floor specimens. Two main parameters were considered in the experimental investigation: the seven types of resilient materials and the location of the loading point. The structural behavior of sound insulation floor floating was predicted using the Winkler method. The experimental and analytical results indicated that the cracking strength of the floating concrete floor significantly increased with increasing the tangent modulus of resilient material. The deflection of the floating concrete floor loaded at the side of the specimen was much greater than that of the floating concrete floor loaded at the center of the specimen. The Winkler model considering the effect of modulus of resilient materials was able to accurately predict the cracking strength of the floating concrete floor. PMID:25574491
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Deflection of resilient materials for reduction of floor impact sound.
Lee, Jung-Yoon; Kim, Jong-Mun
2014-01-01
Recently, many residents living in apartment buildings in Korea have been bothered by noise coming from the houses above. In order to reduce noise pollution, communities are increasingly imposing bylaws, including the limitation of floor impact sound, minimum thickness of floors, and floor soundproofing solutions. This research effort focused specifically on the deflection of resilient materials in the floor sound insulation systems of apartment houses. The experimental program involved conducting twenty-seven material tests and ten sound insulation floating concrete floor specimens. Two main parameters were considered in the experimental investigation: the seven types of resilient materials and the location of the loading point. The structural behavior of sound insulation floor floating was predicted using the Winkler method. The experimental and analytical results indicated that the cracking strength of the floating concrete floor significantly increased with increasing the tangent modulus of resilient material. The deflection of the floating concrete floor loaded at the side of the specimen was much greater than that of the floating concrete floor loaded at the center of the specimen. The Winkler model considering the effect of modulus of resilient materials was able to accurately predict the cracking strength of the floating concrete floor.
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Gunjal, P. T.; Shinde, M. B.; Gharge, V. S.; Pimple, S. V.; Gurjar, M. K.; Shah, M. N.
2015-01-01
The objective of this present investigation was to develop and formulate floating sustained release matrix tablets of s (-) atenolol, by using different polymer combinations and filler, to optimize by using surface response methodology for different drug release variables and to evaluate the drug release pattern of the optimized product. Floating sustained release matrix tablets of various combinations were prepared with cellulose-based polymers: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium bicarbonate as a gas generating agent, polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a binder and lactose monohydrate as filler. The 32 full factorial design was employed to investigate the effect of formulation variables on different properties of tablets applicable to floating lag time, buoyancy time, % drug release in 1 and 6 h (D1 h,D6 h) and time required to 90% drug release (t90%). Significance of result was analyzed using analysis of non variance and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. S (-) atenolol floating sustained release matrix tablets followed the Higuchi drug release kinetics that indicates the release of drug follows anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion mechanism. The developed floating sustained release matrix tablet of improved efficacy can perform therapeutically better than a conventional tablet. PMID:26798171
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Yu, Hui; Qi, Dan; Li, Heng-da; Xu, Ke-xin; Yuan, Wei-jie
2012-03-01
Weak signal, low instrument signal-to-noise ratio, continuous variation of human physiological environment and the interferences from other components in blood make it difficult to extract the blood glucose information from near infrared spectrum in noninvasive blood glucose measurement. The floating-reference method, which analyses the effect of glucose concentration variation on absorption coefficient and scattering coefficient, gets spectrum at the reference point and the measurement point where the light intensity variations from absorption and scattering are counteractive and biggest respectively. By using the spectrum from reference point as reference, floating-reference method can reduce the interferences from variation of physiological environment and experiment circumstance. In the present paper, the effectiveness of floating-reference method working on improving prediction precision and stability was assessed through application experiments. The comparison was made between models whose data were processed with and without floating-reference method. The results showed that the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) decreased by 34.7% maximally. The floating-reference method could reduce the influences of changes of samples' state, instrument noises and drift, and improve the models' prediction precision and stability effectively.
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The radio-frequency fluctuation effect on the floating harmonic method
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Lee, Jaewon; Kim, Kyung-Hyun; Kim, Dong-Hwan
2016-08-15
The radio-frequency (RF) plasma diagnostics with an electrical probe facing a challenge, because the RF fluctuation oscillates the plasma potential and distorts the current-voltage (I-V) curve. As Langmuir probe is widely used in plasma diagnostics, many researchers have been studying the effect of RF fluctuation on probe and compensation methods. On the other hand, there have not been enough studies on the fluctuation effect on the floating harmonic method. Therefore, we investigated the impact of RF fluctuation on the floating harmonic method theoretically and experimentally. When the electrons are in ideal Maxwellian distribution, the floating potential is negatively shifted bymore » the RF fluctuation, but the fluctuation does not distort I-V curve around the floating potential. However, in practical plasmas, the I-V curve and their harmonic components are distorted. This RF fluctuation effect becomes more significant in a low density plasma with a high impedance sheath. The second harmonic current decreases with the RF fluctuation while the first harmonic current is merely affected. Therefore, the electron temperatures measured with the floating harmonic method under low density plasma with uncompensated probe are overestimated than the results obtained with the compensated probe.« less
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Puspitasari, P.; Kadri, T.; Indartoyo, I.; Kusumawati, L.
2018-01-01
This paper aims to describe the results of preliminary research on floating houses on the Musi River, Seberang Ulu 1, Palembang, focused on studying the influence of microclimates to the tectonics of Rumah Rakit (Floating House). The increase of water surface due to global warming will increase the need of using floating house typology in the future. The description of the inhabitants’ experiences on applying technics to create vernacular floating houses is considered as significant knowledge to develop advance technology on the basis of local characteristic. Vernacular floating houses resilience consists of natural experiences of inhabitants in adapting their daily activities to the characteristic of local climate. By using qualitative approach, the Rumah Rakit inhabitants’ verbal information in this article becomes the main aspect in exploring local knowledge. At the end, the conceptual model of vernacular Rumah Rakit in Seberang Ulu 1, Palembang is formulated, in terms of building architectural tectonic that is closely related to the local climate characteristic. The knowledge can be utilized in the context of rehabilitation or preservation of such architectural objects that are their existences tend to be extinct at this time.
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Gunjal, P T; Shinde, M B; Gharge, V S; Pimple, S V; Gurjar, M K; Shah, M N
2015-01-01
The objective of this present investigation was to develop and formulate floating sustained release matrix tablets of s (-) atenolol, by using different polymer combinations and filler, to optimize by using surface response methodology for different drug release variables and to evaluate the drug release pattern of the optimized product. Floating sustained release matrix tablets of various combinations were prepared with cellulose-based polymers: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium bicarbonate as a gas generating agent, polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a binder and lactose monohydrate as filler. The 3(2) full factorial design was employed to investigate the effect of formulation variables on different properties of tablets applicable to floating lag time, buoyancy time, % drug release in 1 and 6 h (D1 h,D6 h) and time required to 90% drug release (t90%). Significance of result was analyzed using analysis of non variance and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. S (-) atenolol floating sustained release matrix tablets followed the Higuchi drug release kinetics that indicates the release of drug follows anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion mechanism. The developed floating sustained release matrix tablet of improved efficacy can perform therapeutically better than a conventional tablet.
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Pei, Li-jun; Zhu, Lin; Guo, Chao; Liu, Hong-yan
2013-07-01
To find the association between factors related to contraception, reproductive health and the risk of induced abortion among floating married women of childbearing age, so as to provide basis for improving the access to health services for floating women of childbearing age. Using data from the reproductive health survey on floating population from five cities in 2005, factors as demographic characteristics, contraceptive choice, settings and access to health services, induced abortion among the floating married women of childbearing age were described. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the association the factors relative to contraception, reproductive health and the risk of induced abortion between 543 cases and 1796 controls. The risks of induced abortion among those under 30-years-old floating married women of childbearing age were 2.08-fold (95%CI:1.26-3.42) of the group at the age of 40 years old. The risk of abortion among floating married women at childbearing age who were taking short-acting contraceptive methods, was 2.56-fold (95%CI:1.84-3.56) of those using the long-acting methods of contraception. The induced abortion risk of floating women at childbearing age who paid the contraceptive implement out of their own pockets, was 1.72-fold (95% CI:1.32-2.24) of those who got it free of charge. The risks of abortion among women who received the contraceptive devices through maternal and child health centers, general hospitals or street residential committees were 2.69-fold (95%CI:1.71-4.22), 2.49-fold (95%CI:1.68-3.68)and 1.81-fold (95%CI:1.20-2.72) of those who received them from urban or rural family planning stations, respectively. The induced abortion risk for women who were ignorant of emergency contraception, was 1.41-fold (95% CI: 1.12-1.78) of those who had the knowledge. The abortion risks of floating women at childbearing age who get the contraceptive knowledge from the colleagues, relatives or friends were 1.85 times (95% CI:1.28-2.67) of those from family planning workers. Factors, including age, short-acting contraceptive methods, paid access to contraceptive implement, ignorance of emergency contraception might largely contribute to the increased risk of induced abortion among floating married women of childbearing age, which called for future attention.
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Plant traits and environment: floating leaf blade production and turnover of waterlilies.
Klok, Peter F; van der Velde, Gerard
2017-01-01
Floating leaf blades of waterlilies fulfill several functions in wetland ecosystems by production, decomposition and turnover as well as exchange processes. Production and turnover rates of floating leaf blades of three waterlily species, Nuphar lutea (L.) Sm., Nymphaea alba L. and Nymphaea candida Presl, were studied in three freshwater bodies, differing in trophic status, pH and alkalinity. Length and percentages of leaf loss of marked leaf blades were measured weekly during the growing season. Area and biomass were calculated based on leaf length and were used to calculate the turnover rate of floating leaf blades. Seasonal changes in floating leaf production showed that values decreased in the order: Nymphaea alba , Nuphar lutea , Nymphaea candida . The highest production was reached for Nuphar lutea and Nymphaea alba in alkaline, eutrophic water bodies. The production per leaf was relatively high for both species in the acid water body. Nymphaea candida showed a very short vegetation period and low turnover rates. The ratio Total potential leaf biomass/Maximum potential leaf biomass (P/B max ) of the three species ranged from 1.35-2.25. The ratio Vegetation period (Period with floating leaves)/Mean leaf life span ranged from 2.94-4.63, the ratio Growth period (Period with appearance of new floating leaves)/Vegetation period from 0.53-0.73. The clear differences between Nymphaea candida versus Nuphar lutea and Nymphaea alba , may be due to adaptations of Nymphaea candida to an Euro-Siberic climate with short-lasting summer conditions.
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Capture of free-floating planets by planetary systems
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Goulinski, Nadav; Ribak, Erez N.
2018-01-01
Evidence of exoplanets with orbits that are misaligned with the spin of the host star may suggest that not all bound planets were born in the protoplanetary disc of their current planetary system. Observations have shown that free-floating Jupiter-mass objects can exceed the number of stars in our Galaxy, implying that capture scenarios may not be so rare. To address this issue, we construct a three-dimensional simulation of a three-body scattering between a free-floating planet and a star accompanied by a Jupiter-mass bound planet. We distinguish between three different possible scattering outcomes, where the free-floating planet may get weakly captured after the brief interaction with the binary, remain unbound or 'kick out' the bound planet and replace it. The simulation was performed for different masses of the free-floating planets and stars, as well as different impact parameters, inclination angles and approach velocities. The outcome statistics are used to construct an analytical approximation of the cross-section for capturing a free-floating planet by fitting their dependence on the tested variables. The analytically approximated cross-section is used to predict the capture rate for these kinds of objects, and to estimate that about 1 per cent of all stars are expected to experience a temporary capture of a free-floating planet during their lifetime. Finally, we propose additional physical processes that may increase the capture statistics and whose contribution should be considered in future simulations in order to determine the fate of the temporarily captured planets.
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Wang, Y; An, L; Zhang, X B; Wang, S X
1999-03-01
The rapid increases in the numbers of female labor migrants ("floating residents") in cities such as Beijing have created challenges for China's reproductive health care system. An exploratory study conducted in Beijing in 1996 of 507 floating workers engaged in household management work (average age, 27.4 years) sought to gain information to facilitate the design of reproductive health services for this group. The women had resided in Beijing for an average of 3.7 years, generally with their families. 84% were married, at a mean age of 21.87 years; married women had an average of 1.43 live births, 42% of which had occurred in Beijing. 25% did not receive any prenatal care and 60% did not know whom to consult about maternal-child health care problems. Contraceptive prevalence was 81.1% among floating workers compared with 97% among a comparison group of nonmigrant agricultural and textile workers. Most floating workers were unaware of any contraceptive methods other than the one they were using (generally the IUD or female sterilization). Finally, only 8.4% could cite symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases and 33.9% had not heard of AIDS. Laboratory examinations revealed a 29.3% prevalence of reproductive tract infections among female floating residents. bacterial vaginitis (11.6%) and Mycoplasma infection (6.7%) were most prevalent. These findings confirm that female floating residents remain in Beijing a long time and have a serious unmet need for targeted reproductive health care services.
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Ahmed, Sayed M; Ahmed Ali, Adel; Ali, Ahmed MA; Hassan, Omiya A
2016-01-01
Purpose The aim of the present study was to improve the bioavailability of itopride (ITO) and sustain its action by formulating as a floating dosage form. Materials and methods Sustained-release floating tablets of ITO hydrochloride (HCl) were prepared by direct compression using different hydrocolloid polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and ethylcellulose and/or methacrylic acid polymers Eudragit RSPM and Carbopol 934P. The floating property was achieved using an effervescent mixture of sodium bicarbonate and anhydrous citric acid (1:1 mol/mol). Hardness, friability, content uniformity, and dissolution rate of the prepared floating tablets were evaluated. The formulation F10 composed of 28.5% Eudragit RSPM, 3% NaHCO3, and 7% citric acid provided sustained drug release. Results In vitro results showed sustained release of F10 where the drug release percentage was 96.51%±1.75% after 24 hours (P=0.031). The pharmacokinetic results indicated that the area under the curve (AUC0–∞) of the prepared sustained-release floating tablets at infinity achieved 93.69 µg·h/mL compared to 49.89 µg·h/mL for the reference formulation (Ganaton®) and the relative bioavailability of the sustained-release formulation F10 increased to 187.80% (P=0.022). Conclusion The prepared floating tablets of ITO HCl (F10) could be a promising drug delivery system with sustained-release action and enhanced drug bioavailability. PMID:28008229
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Talusan, Paul G.; Long, Theodore; Halim, Andrea; Guliani, Laura; Carroll, Nicole; Reach, John
2014-01-01
Background Concerns about duty hour and resident safety have fostered discussion about postshift fatigue and driving impairment. Objective We assessed how converting to a night float schedule for overnight coverage affected driving safety for trainees. Methods Brake reaction times were measured for internal medicine and orthopaedic surgery resident volunteers after a traditional 28-hour call shift and after a night float shift. We conducted matched paired t tests of preshift and postshift reaction time means. Participants also completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale pre- and postshift. Results From June to July 2013, we enrolled 58 interns and residents (28 orthopaedic surgery, 30 internal medicine). We included 24 (41%) trainees on night float rotations and 34 (59%) trainees on traditional 28-hour call shifts. For all residents on night float rotations, there was no significant difference pre- and postshift. An increase in reaction times was noted among trainees on 28-hour call rotations. This included no effect on reaction times for internal medicine trainees pre- and postshift, and an increase in reaction times for orthopaedic trainees. For both night float and traditional call groups, there were significant increases in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Conclusions Trainees on traditional 28-hour call rotations had significantly worse postshift brake reaction times, whereas trainees on night float rotations had no difference. Orthopaedic trainees had significant differences in brake reaction times after a traditional call shift. PMID:26140113
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Plant traits and environment: floating leaf blade production and turnover of waterlilies
2017-01-01
Floating leaf blades of waterlilies fulfill several functions in wetland ecosystems by production, decomposition and turnover as well as exchange processes. Production and turnover rates of floating leaf blades of three waterlily species, Nuphar lutea (L.) Sm., Nymphaea alba L. and Nymphaea candida Presl, were studied in three freshwater bodies, differing in trophic status, pH and alkalinity. Length and percentages of leaf loss of marked leaf blades were measured weekly during the growing season. Area and biomass were calculated based on leaf length and were used to calculate the turnover rate of floating leaf blades. Seasonal changes in floating leaf production showed that values decreased in the order: Nymphaea alba, Nuphar lutea, Nymphaea candida. The highest production was reached for Nuphar lutea and Nymphaea alba in alkaline, eutrophic water bodies. The production per leaf was relatively high for both species in the acid water body. Nymphaea candida showed a very short vegetation period and low turnover rates. The ratio Total potential leaf biomass/Maximum potential leaf biomass (P/Bmax) of the three species ranged from 1.35–2.25. The ratio Vegetation period (Period with floating leaves)/Mean leaf life span ranged from 2.94–4.63, the ratio Growth period (Period with appearance of new floating leaves)/Vegetation period from 0.53–0.73. The clear differences between Nymphaea candida versus Nuphar lutea and Nymphaea alba, may be due to adaptations of Nymphaea candida to an Euro-Siberic climate with short-lasting summer conditions. PMID:28462025
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Activity of Raphé Serotonergic Neurons Controls Emotional Behaviors.
Teissier, Anne; Chemiakine, Alexei; Inbar, Benjamin; Bagchi, Sneha; Ray, Russell S; Palmiter, Richard D; Dymecki, Susan M; Moore, Holly; Ansorge, Mark S
2015-12-01
Despite the well-established role of serotonin signaling in mood regulation, causal relationships between serotonergic neuronal activity and behavior remain poorly understood. Using a pharmacogenetic approach, we find that selectively increasing serotonergic neuronal activity in wild-type mice is anxiogenic and reduces floating in the forced-swim test, whereas inhibition has no effect on the same measures. In a developmental mouse model of altered emotional behavior, increased anxiety and depression-like behaviors correlate with reduced dorsal raphé and increased median raphé serotonergic activity. These mice display blunted responses to serotonergic stimulation and behavioral rescues through serotonergic inhibition. Furthermore, we identify opposing consequences of dorsal versus median raphé serotonergic neuron inhibition on floating behavior, together suggesting that median raphé hyperactivity increases anxiety, whereas a low dorsal/median raphé serotonergic activity ratio increases depression-like behavior. Thus, we find a critical role of serotonergic neuronal activity in emotional regulation and uncover opposing roles of median and dorsal raphé function. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Wang, Jingwu; Yang, Zhiming; Wang, Xiaoxia; Yang, Nianjun
2008-06-30
Tris(2,2'-bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)(3)(2+))-roxithromycin based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) was enhanced greatly by gold nanoparticles 10 nm in diameter. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) was coupled with the resultant ECL system as a detector for roxithromycin. This ECL emission is explained by the coreactant mechanism where roxithromycin behaves as a coreactant to generate strong reducing species and gold nanoparticles act as "floating nanoelectrodes". The reaction of Ru(bpy)(3)(3+) with the generated strong reducing species on the Pt working electrode as well as on "floating nanoelectrodes" releases Ru(bpy)(3)(2+*), resulting in enhancement of ECL emission. The selectivity of this detection system towards roxithromycin was examined by CE. Under the optimized conditions, the intensity of ECL emission varies linearly with the concentration of roxithromycin from 24 nM to 0.24 mM. The detection limit is 8.4 nM, while without adding gold nanoparticles it is only 84 nM. The detection of roxithromycin in pharmaceutical and urine samples was also performed by the proposed CE-ECL method.
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Chen, Chong-Jun; Zhang, Rui; Xiang, Kun; Wu, Wei-Xiang
2014-08-01
Unorganized discharge of greenhouse turtle breeding wastewater has brought several negative influences on the ecological environment in the rural area of Yangtze River Delta. Biological filtration and vegetable floating-bed combined system is a potential ecological method for greenhouse turtle breeding wastewater treatment. In order to explore the feasibility of this system and evaluate the contribution of vegetable uptake of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in treating greenhouse turtle breeding wastewater, three types of vegetables, including Ipomoea aquatica, lettuce and celery were selected in this study. Results showed the combined system had a high capacity in simultaneous removal of organic matter, N and P. The removal efficiencies of COD, NH4(+)-N, TN and TP from the wastewater reached up to 93.2%-95.6%, 97.2%-99.6%, 73.9%-93.1% and 74.9%-90.0%, respectively. System with I. aquatica had the highest efficiencies in N and P removal, followed by lettuce and celery. However, plant uptake was not the primary pathway for TN arid TP removal in the combined system. The vegetable uptake of N and P accounted for only 9.1%-25.0% of TN and TP removal from the wastewater while the effect of microorganisms would be dominant for N and P removal. In addition, the highest amounts of N and P uptake in I. aquatica were closely related with the biomass of plant. Results from the study indicated that the biological filtration and vegetable floating-bed combined system was an effective approach to treating greenhouse turtle breeding wastewater in China.
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Method and apparatus for high speed data acquisition and processing
Ferron, J.R.
1997-02-11
A method and apparatus are disclosed for high speed digital data acquisition. The apparatus includes one or more multiplexers for receiving multiple channels of digital data at a low data rate and asserting a multiplexed data stream at a high data rate, and one or more FIFO memories for receiving data from the multiplexers and asserting the data to a real time processor. Preferably, the invention includes two multiplexers, two FIFO memories, and a 64-bit bus connecting the FIFO memories with the processor. Each multiplexer receives four channels of 14-bit digital data at a rate of up to 5 MHz per channel, and outputs a data stream to one of the FIFO memories at a rate of 20 MHz. The FIFO memories assert output data in parallel to the 64-bit bus, thus transferring 14-bit data values to the processor at a combined rate of 40 MHz. The real time processor is preferably a floating-point processor which processes 32-bit floating-point words. A set of mask bits is prestored in each 32-bit storage location of the processor memory into which a 14-bit data value is to be written. After data transfer from the FIFO memories, mask bits are concatenated with each stored 14-bit data value to define a valid 32-bit floating-point word. Preferably, a user can select any of several modes for starting and stopping direct memory transfers of data from the FIFO memories to memory within the real time processor, by setting the content of a control and status register. 15 figs.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Han, Guang; Liu, Jin; Liu, Rong; Xu, Kexin
2016-10-01
Position-based reference measurement method is taken as one of the most promising method in non-invasive measurement of blood glucose based on spectroscopic methodology. Selecting an appropriate source-detector separation as the reference position is important for deducting the influence of background change and reducing the loss of useful signals. Our group proposed a special source-detector separation named floating-reference position where the signal contains only background change, that is to say, the signal at this source-detector separation is uncorrelated with glucose concentration. The existence of floating-reference position has been verified in a three layer skin by Monte Carlo simulation and in the in vitro experiment. But it is difficult to verify the existence of floating-reference position on the human body because the interference is more complex during in vivo experiment. Aiming at this situation, this paper studies the determination of the best reference position on human body by collecting signals at several source-detector separations on the palm and measuring the true blood glucose levels during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) experiments of 3 volunteers. Partial least square (PLS) calibration model is established between the signals at every source-detector separation and its corresponding blood glucose levels. The results shows that the correlation coefficient (R) between 1.32 mm to 1.88 mm is lowest and they can be used as reference for background correction. The signal of this special position is important for improving the accuracy of near-infrared non-invasive blood glucose measurement.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Biedenweg, Kelly; Akyuz, Kate; Skeele, Rebecca
2012-08-01
River managers are tasked with meeting both ecological and human needs. In the Puget Sound lowland, riparian management often includes placing or allowing the presence of large wood to stabilize riverbanks and enhance salmon habitat. Although this practice benefits humans by protecting infrastructure and natural resources, it is unclear how such practices interact with an additional human interest, recreation. Furthermore, we were unable to find studies that describe how an agency can go about researching the interaction between recreation and large wood management practices. This study tested methods for describing and estimating the number of river floaters, where they float in relationship to river projects, the risks they take while floating, and their perceptions of large wood in the river. Selecting a high-use suburban river in Washington State, we used riverside observations, interviews, and an infrared counter to gather data in the summer of 2010. Statistical analyses provided general characteristics of users, trends in engaging in risky behaviors, and estimates of use for the entire season and on the busiest day. Data mapping with GIS presented the density of use along the river and frequency of use of specific float routes. Finally, qualitative analysis of interviews clarified floaters' perspectives of large wood. To address the multiple mandates of river managers, it is important to understand recreation users, the factors that could be putting them at risk, and how the actual users perceive large wood in the river. This study demonstrates methods for scientifically gathering such information and applying it when making riparian management decisions.
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Method and apparatus for high speed data acquisition and processing
Ferron, John R.
1997-01-01
A method and apparatus for high speed digital data acquisition. The apparatus includes one or more multiplexers for receiving multiple channels of digital data at a low data rate and asserting a multiplexed data stream at a high data rate, and one or more FIFO memories for receiving data from the multiplexers and asserting the data to a real time processor. Preferably, the invention includes two multiplexers, two FIFO memories, and a 64-bit bus connecting the FIFO memories with the processor. Each multiplexer receives four channels of 14-bit digital data at a rate of up to 5 MHz per channel, and outputs a data stream to one of the FIFO memories at a rate of 20 MHz. The FIFO memories assert output data in parallel to the 64-bit bus, thus transferring 14-bit data values to the processor at a combined rate of 40 MHz. The real time processor is preferably a floating-point processor which processes 32-bit floating-point words. A set of mask bits is prestored in each 32-bit storage location of the processor memory into which a 14-bit data value is to be written. After data transfer from the FIFO memories, mask bits are concatenated with each stored 14-bit data value to define a valid 32-bit floating-point word. Preferably, a user can select any of several modes for starting and stopping direct memory transfers of data from the FIFO memories to memory within the real time processor, by setting the content of a control and status register.
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14 CFR 25.529 - Hull and main float landing conditions.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... stern landings, the limit water reaction load factors are those computed under § 25.527. In addition— (1... upward component and a side component equal, respectively, to 0.75 and 0.25 tan β times the resultant... upward load at the step of each float of 0.75 and a side load of 0.25 tan β at one float times the step...
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14 CFR 25.529 - Hull and main float landing conditions.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... stern landings, the limit water reaction load factors are those computed under § 25.527. In addition— (1... upward component and a side component equal, respectively, to 0.75 and 0.25 tan β times the resultant... upward load at the step of each float of 0.75 and a side load of 0.25 tan β at one float times the step...
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Charles J. Gatchell; Charles J. Gatchell
1991-01-01
Gang-ripping technology that uses a movable (floating) outer blade to eliminate unusable edgings is described, including new tenn1nology for identifying preferred and minimally acceptable strip widths. Because of the large amount of salvage required to achieve total yields, floating blade gang ripping is not recommended for boards with crook. With crook removed by...
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A modular optically powered floating high voltage generator.
Antonini, P; Borsato, E; Carugno, G; Pegoraro, M; Zotto, P
2013-02-01
The feasibility of fully floating high voltage (HV) generation was demonstrated producing a prototype of a modular HV system. The primary power source is provided by a high efficiency semiconductor power cell illuminated by a laser system ensuring the floating nature of each module. The HV is then generated by dc-dc conversion and a HV multiplier. The possibility of series connection among modules was verified.
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Willing to walk: a creative strategy to minimize stress related to floating.
Good, Eileen; Bishop, Paula
2011-05-01
Asking a nurse to float has traditionally been fraught with anxiety, fear, and frustration. Floating can result in nursing dissatisfaction and high turnover rates. The authors discuss a strategy to minimize nurse anxiety and enhance nurse autonomy. The strategy has been successful for more than 6 years and contributed to a positive trend in nursing satisfaction with a very low turnover rate.
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Circulation patterns in the deep Subtropical Northeast Atlantic with ARGO data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Calheiros, Tomas; Bashmachnikov, Igor
2014-05-01
In this work we study the dominant circulation patterns in the Subtropical Northeast Atlantic using ARGO data [25-45o N, 5-35o W]. The data were obtained from the Coriolis operational data center (ftp://ftp.ifremer.fr) for the years 1999-2013. During this period of time in the study there were available area 376 floats with 15062 float-months of total time. The floats were launched in the depths range between 300 and 2000 m, but most of the floats were concentrated at 1000 m (2000 float-months) and 1500 m (3400 float-months). In the upper 400-m layer there were also about 1000 float-months, but their number and distribution did not allow analysis of the mean currents over the study region. For each float position Lagrangian current velocity was computed as the difference between the position when the buoy started sinking to the reference depth and the consequent position of surfacing of the float, divided by the respective time interval. This allowed reducing the noise related with sea-surface drift of the buoys during the data-transmission periods. Mean Eulerian velocity and its error were computed in each of the 2ox2o square. Whenever in a 2ox2o square more than 150 observations of the Lagrangian velocity were available, the square was split into 4 smaller 1ox1o squares, in each of which the mean Eulerian velocities and their errors were estimated. Eulerian currents at 1000 m, as well as at 1500 m depth formed an overall anticyclonic circulation pattern in the study region. The modal velocity of all buoys at 1000 m level was 4 cm/s with an error of the mean of 1.8 cm/s. The modal velocity of all buoys at 1500m was 3 cm/s with an error of the mean of 1.4 cm/s. The southwestward flows near the Madeira Island and further westwards flow along the zonal band of 25-30o N at 1500 m depth well corresponded to the extension of the deep fraction of the Mediterranean Water salt tong.
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Floating-Point Units and Algorithms for field-programmable gate arrays
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Underwood, Keith D.; Hemmert, K. Scott
2005-11-01
The software that we are attempting to copyright is a package of floating-point unit descriptions and example algorithm implementations using those units for use in FPGAs. The floating point units are best-in-class implementations of add, multiply, divide, and square root floating-point operations. The algorithm implementations are sample (not highly flexible) implementations of FFT, matrix multiply, matrix vector multiply, and dot product. Together, one could think of the collection as an implementation of parts of the BLAS library or something similar to the FFTW packages (without the flexibility) for FPGAs. Results from this work has been published multiple times and wemore » are working on a publication to discuss the techniques we use to implement the floating-point units, For some more background, FPGAS are programmable hardware. "Programs" for this hardware are typically created using a hardware description language (examples include Verilog, VHDL, and JHDL). Our floating-point unit descriptions are written in JHDL, which allows them to include placement constraints that make them highly optimized relative to some other implementations of floating-point units. Many vendors (Nallatech from the UK, SRC Computers in the US) have similar implementations, but our implementations seem to be somewhat higher performance. Our algorithm implementations are written in VHDL and models of the floating-point units are provided in VHDL as well. FPGA "programs" make multiple "calls" (hardware instantiations) to libraries of intellectual property (IP), such as the floating-point unit library described here. These programs are then compiled using a tool called a synthesizer (such as a tool from Synplicity, Inc.). The compiled file is a netlist of gates and flip-flops. This netlist is then mapped to a particular type of FPGA by a mapper and then a place- and-route tool. These tools assign the gates in the netlist to specific locations on the specific type of FPGA chip used and constructs the required routes between them. The result is a "bitstream" that is analogous to a compiled binary. The bitstream is loaded into the FPGA to create a specific hardware configuration.« less
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Kamikazes and cultural evolution.
Allen-Hermanson, Sean
2017-02-01
Is cultural evolution needed to explain altruistic selfsacrifice? Some contend that cultural traits (e.g. beliefs, behaviors, and for some "memes") replicate according to selection processes that have "floated free" from biology. One test case is the example of suicide kamikaze attacks in wartime Japan. Standard biological mechanisms-such as reciprocal altruism and kin selection-might not seem to apply here: The suicide pilots did not act on the expectation that others would reciprocate, and they were supposedly sacrificing themselves for country and emperor, not close relatives. Yet an examination of both the historical record and the demands of evolutionary theory suggest the kamikaze phenomenon does not cry out for explanation in terms of a special non-biological selection process. This weakens the case for cultural evolution, and has interesting implications for our understanding of altruistic self-sacrifice. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Li, Baopu; Meng, Max Q-H
2012-05-01
Tumor in digestive tract is a common disease and wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is a relatively new technology to examine diseases for digestive tract especially for small intestine. This paper addresses the problem of automatic recognition of tumor for WCE images. Candidate color texture feature that integrates uniform local binary pattern and wavelet is proposed to characterize WCE images. The proposed features are invariant to illumination change and describe multiresolution characteristics of WCE images. Two feature selection approaches based on support vector machine, sequential forward floating selection and recursive feature elimination, are further employed to refine the proposed features for improving the detection accuracy. Extensive experiments validate that the proposed computer-aided diagnosis system achieves a promising tumor recognition accuracy of 92.4% in WCE images on our collected data.
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[Red meat intake among employees of floating population aged 18-59 years old in China, 2012].
Yin, Xiangjun; Wang, Limin; Li, Yichong; Zhang, Mei; Wang, Zhihui; Deng, Qian; Wang, Linhong
2014-11-01
To evaluate the level of daily red meat intake and prevalence of excessive red meat intake among employees of floating population in China. 48 511 employees of floating population aged 18 to 59 from 170 counties of 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (District) were selected by stratified cluster sampling method. Information on red meat intake was collected by semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Average intake of 100 g/day, recommended by the World Cancer Research Fund, was used as the cut-off point to estimate the prevalence of excessive red meat intake. After performing the complex weighted analysis, level of daily red meat intake and prevalence of excessive red meat intake were calculated by demographic characteristics including age, education, industries and body mass index etc. 1)The mean daily red meat intake was 125.9 g (95%CI: 116.5 g-132.5 g), higher in men (141.6 g, 95%CI:131.3 g-148.9 g)than in women (104.7 g, 95%CI: 95.8 g-111.2 g) (P < 0.01). Results from the Tendency Test did not show statistically significant changes on the red meat intake related to age, education level or body mass index (P values for trend were all greater than 0.05). The standardized mean daily intake of red meat, adjusted by 2010 census data of China, was 121.0 g (95% CI:113.4 g-128.7 g). 2) The prevalence of excessive red meat intake was 36.2% (95% CI:33.0%-39.3%) significantly higher in males (42.4% , 95% CI:38.9%-45.8%) than in females (27.8%, 95%CI:27.1%-31.0%) (P < 0.01). The prevalence was estimated to be the highest among the population aged 30-39, with 43.5% (95%CI:39.7%-47.4%) in males and 30.1% (95%CI:26.5%-33.9%)in females. The standardized prevalence, adjusted by 2010 census data of China, appeared to be 34.6% (95%CI:31.9%-38.0%). The level of daily red meat intake was higher than 100 g/d, the standard recommended by the World Cancer Foundation, among floating population of China. Both the mean daily red meat intake and prevalence of excessive red meat intake were higher in floating population than that in the local residents in China.
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Float-zone crystal growth of CdGeAs 2 in microgravity: numerical simulation and experiment
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Saghir, M. Z.; Labrie, D.; Ginovker, A.; Paton, B. E.; George, A. E.; Olson, K.; Simpson, A. M.
2000-01-01
Two CdGeAs 2 samples have been successfully grown under microgravity on SPACEHAB-SH04 during the STS-77 Space Shuttle Endeavour mission. One polycrystalline and one single crystal CdGeAs 2 feed rods with 9 mm diameter were processed by the float-zone method. An eutectic salt of LiCl and KCl was used as an encapsulant to suppress Cd and As evaporation from the melt. Numerical modeling of the float zone shows that salt encapsulation plays an important role in reducing Marangoni convection. The interface between the salt and CdGeAs 2 was shown not to deform in the float zone due to the weak capillary pressure.
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Floating cultivation of marine cyanobacteria using coal fly ash.
Matsumoto, M; Yoshida, E; Takeyama, H; Matsunaga, T
2000-01-01
The aim of this study was to develop improved methodologies for bulk culturing of biotechnologically useful marine cyanobacteria in the open ocean. We have investigated the viability of using coal fly ash (CFA) blocks as the support medium in a novel floating culture system for marine micro-algae. The marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. NKBG 040607 was found to adhere to floating CFA blocks in liquid culture medium. Maximum density of attached cells of 2.0 x 10(8) cells/cm2 was achieved using seawater. The marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. NKBG 042902 weakly adhered to floating CFA blocks in BG-11 medium. Increasing the concentration of calcium ion in the culture medium enhanced adherence to CFA blocks.
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Investigation of field induced trapping on floating gates
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gosney, W. M.
1975-01-01
The development of a technology for building electrically alterable read only memories (EAROMs) or reprogrammable read only memories (RPROMs) using a single level metal gate p channel MOS process with all conventional processing steps is outlined. Nonvolatile storage of data is achieved by the use of charged floating gate electrodes. The floating gates are charged by avalanche injection of hot electrodes through gate oxide, and discharged by avalanche injection of hot holes through gate oxide. Three extra diffusion and patterning steps are all that is required to convert a standard p channel MOS process into a nonvolatile memory process. For identification, this nonvolatile memory technology was given the descriptive acronym DIFMOS which stands for Dual Injector, Floating gate MOS.
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Floating-Harbor syndrome associated with middle ear abnormalities.
Hendrickx, Jan-Jaap; Keymolen, Kathelijn; Desprechins, Brigitte; Casselman, Jan; Gordts, Frans
2010-01-01
Floating-Harbor syndrome is a rare syndrome of unknown etiology, which was first described in 1973. A triad of main features characterizes Floating-Harbor syndrome: short stature, characteristic face, and an expressive speech delay. We present a patient in whom the hearing thresholds improved insufficiently after placement of grommets. High-resolution CT scan of the temporal bone showed a prominent soft-tissue thickening suspected of causing fixation of the malleus, and fusion of the malleus head with the body of the incus. To our knowledge this is the first reported abnormal middle ear anatomy in a patient with Floating-Harbor syndrome. A conservative treatment with hearing aids was preferred as an initial treatment in favor of a surgical exploration.
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Motion performance and mooring system of a floating offshore wind turbine
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhao, Jing; Zhang, Liang; Wu, Haitao
2012-09-01
The development of offshore wind farms was originally carried out in shallow water areas with fixed (seabed mounted) structures. However, countries with limited shallow water areas require innovative floating platforms to deploy wind turbines offshore in order to harness wind energy to generate electricity in deep seas. The performances of motion and mooring system dynamics are vital to designing a cost effective and durable floating platform. This paper describes a numerical model to simulate dynamic behavior of a new semi-submersible type floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) system. The wind turbine was modeled as a wind block with a certain thrust coefficient, and the hydrodynamics and mooring system dynamics of the platform were calculated by SESAM software. The effect of change in environmental conditions on the dynamic response of the system under wave and wind loading was examined. The results indicate that the semi-submersible concept has excellent performance and SESAM could be an effective tool for floating wind turbine design and analysis.
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Yom-Tov, Ortal; Seliktar, Dror; Bianco-Peled, Havazelet
2015-10-01
The use of buoyant or floating hydrogel tablets is of particular interest in the sustained release of drugs to the stomach. They have an ability to slow the release rates of drugs by prolonging their absorption window in the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In this study we synthesized bioactive hydrogels that have sustainable release rates for drugs in the stomach based on a hydrogel preparation technique that employs emulsifying surfactants. The emulsion gelation technique, which encapsulates oil droplets within the hydrogels during crosslinking, was used to decrease their specific gravity in aqueous environments, resulting in floating drug release depots. Properties such as swelling, buoyancy, density and drug release were manipulated by changing the polymer concentrations, surfactant percentages and the oil:polymer ratios. The relationship between these properties and the hydrogel's floating lag time was documented. The potential for this material to be used as a floating drug delivery system was demonstrated. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Integration of animal behaviors under stresses with different time courses
Zheng, Lun; Zheng, Xigeng
2014-01-01
We used animal models of “forced swim stress” and “chronic unpredictable stress”, and tried to reveal whether a passive coping style of high flotation behavior in forced swim stress predicts anhedonia behavior after chronic unpredictable stress, and whether the dopamine system regulates floating and anhedonia behaviors. Our results confirmed that depression-prone rats use “floating behavior” as a coping strategy in forced swim stress and more readily suffer from anhedonia during chronic unpredictable stress. Intraperitoneal injection or nucleus accumbens microinjection of the dopamine 2/3 receptor subtype agonist ropinirole reduced floating behaviors in depression-prone animals, but increased sucrose preference in rats showing anhedonia. These data indicate that floating behavior is a defensive mode that is preferred by susceptible individuals under conditions of acute stress. Simultaneously, these animals more readily experienced anhedonia under long-term stress; that is, they were more readily affected by depression. Our results suggest that dopamine 2/3 receptor subtypes in the nucleus accumbens play an important role in floating behaviors and anhedonia. PMID:25317159
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The transfer of atmospheric-pressure ionization waves via a metal wire
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Xia, Yang; Liu, Dongping, E-mail: Dongping.liu@dlnu.edu.cn; School of Physics and Optoelectronic Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024
2016-01-15
Our study has shown that the atmospheric-pressure He ionization waves (IWs) may be transferred from one dielectric tube (tube 1) to the other one (tube 2) via a floating metal wire. The propagation of IWs along the two tubes is not affected by the diameter of a floating metal wire, however, their propagation is strongly dependent on the length of a floating metal wire. The propagation of one IW along the tube 1 may result in the second IW propagating reversely inside the tube in vicinity of a floating metal wire, which keeps from their further propagation through the tubemore » 1. After they merge together as one conduction channel inside the tube 1, the transferred plasma bullet starts to propagate along the tube 2. The propagation of transferred plasma bullets along the tube 2 is mainly determined by the capacitance and inductance effects, and their velocity and density can be controlled by the length of a floating metal wire.« less
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Harada, Ichiro; Kim, Sung-Gon; Cho, Chong Su; Kurosawa, Hisashi; Akaike, Toshihiro
2007-01-01
In this study, a simple combined method consisting of floating and anchored collagen gel in a ligament or tendon equivalent culture system was used to produce the oriented fibrils in fibroblast-populated collagen matrices (FPCMs) during the remodeling and contraction of the collagen gel. Orientation of the collagen fibrils along single axis occurred over the whole area of the floating section and most of the fibroblasts were elongated and aligned along the oriented collagen fibrils, whereas no significant orientation of fibrils was observed in normally contracted FPCMs by the floating method. Higher elasticity and enhanced mechanical strength were obtained using our simple method compared with normally contracted floating FPCMs. The Young's modulus and the breaking point of the FPCMs were dependent on the initial cell densities. This simple method will be applied as a convenient bioreactor to study cellular processes of the fibroblasts in the tissues with highly oriented fibrils such as ligaments or tendons. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Zhang, An-yang; Fan, Tian-yuan
2010-04-18
To investigate the preparation and optimization of calcium alginate floating microspheres loading aspirin. A model was used to predict the in vitro release of aspirin and optimize the formulation by artificial neural networks (ANNs) and response surface methodology (RSM). The amounts of the material in the formulation were used as inputs, while the release and floating rate of the microspheres were used as outputs. The performances of ANNs and RSM were compared. ANNs were more accurate in prediction. There was no significant difference between ANNs and RSM in optimization. Approximately 90% of the optimized microspheres could float on the artificial gastric juice over 4 hours. 42.12% of aspirin was released in 60 min, 60.97% in 120 min and 78.56% in 240 min. The release of the drug from the microspheres complied with Higuchi equation. The aspirin floating microspheres with satisfying in vitro release were prepared successfully by the methods of ANNs and RSM.
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A Profiling Float System for the North Arabian Sea
2017-11-29
purpose of this Defense University Research Instrumentation Program grant was to purchase a set of profiling floats to form an upper ocean observing ...purchase a set of profiling floats to form an upper ocean observing system for the Northern Arabian Sea Circulation - autonomous research (NASCar...resolution numerical simulations. To achieve these goals the DRI will utilize new observational methods that do not rely on a traditional ship-based
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A Programmable and Configurable Mixed-Mode FPAA SoC
2016-03-17
A Programmable and Configurable Mixed-Mode FPAA SoC Sahil Shah, Sihwan Kim, Farhan Adil, Jennifer Hasler, Suma George, Michelle Collins, Richard...Abstract: The authors present a Floating-Gate based, System-On-Chip large-scale Field- Programmable Analog Array IC that integrates divergent concepts...Floating-Gate, SoC, Command Word Classification This paper presents a Floating-Gate (FG) based, System- On-Chip (SoC) large-scale Field- Programmable
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Northern Arabian Sea Circulation - Autonomous Research: Optimal Planning Systems (NASCar-OPS)
2015-09-30
vehicles ( gliders , drifters, floats, and/or wave- gliders ) - Provide guidance for persistent optimal sampling, including for long-duration observation...headings and relative operating speeds will be provided to the operational fleets of instruments and vehicles (e.g. gliders , drifters, floats or wave... gliders ). We plan to use models specific to vehicle types (floats, wave- gliders , etc.). We also plan to further parallelize and optimize our codes
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Kingma, Sjouke A.; Bebbington, Kat; Hammers, Martijn; Richardson, David S.; Komdeur, Jan
2016-01-01
Why sexually mature individuals stay in groups as nonreproductive subordinates is central to the evolution of sociality and cooperative breeding. To understand such delayed dispersal, its costs and benefits need to be compared with those of permanently leaving to float through the population. However, comprehensive comparisons, especially regarding differences in future breeding opportunities, are rare. Moreover, extraterritorial prospecting by philopatric individuals has generally been ignored, even though the factors underlying this route to independent breeding may differ from those of strict philopatry or floating. We use a comprehensive predictive framework to explore how various costs, benefits and intrinsic, environmental and social factors explain philopatry, prospecting, and floating in Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis). Not only floaters more likely obtained an independent breeding position before the next season than strictly philopatric individuals, but also suffered higher mortality. Prospecting yielded similar benefits to floating but lower mortality costs, suggesting that it is overall more beneficial than floating and strict philopatry. While prospecting is probably individual‐driven, although limited by resource availability, floating likely results from eviction by unrelated breeders. Such differences in proximate and ultimate factors underlying each route to independent breeding highlight the need for simultaneous consideration when studying the evolution of delayed dispersal. PMID:27641712
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Method of manufacturing large dish reflectors for a solar concentrator apparatus
Angel, Roger P [Tucson, AZ; Olbert, Blain H [Tucson, AZ
2011-12-27
A method of manufacturing monolithic glass reflectors for concentrating sunlight in a solar energy system is disclosed. The method of manufacturing allows large monolithic glass reflectors to be made from float glass in order to realize significant cost savings on the total system cost for a solar energy system. The method of manufacture includes steps of heating a sheet of float glass positioned over a concave mold until the sheet of glass sags and stretches to conform to the shape of the mold. The edges of the dish-shaped glass are rolled for structural stiffening around the periphery. The dish-shaped glass is then silvered to create a dish-shaped mirror that reflects solar radiation to a focus. The surface of the mold that contacts the float glass preferably has a grooved surface profile comprising a plurality of cusps and concave valleys. This grooved profile minimizes the contact area and marring of the specular glass surface, reduces parasitic heat transfer into the mold and increases mold lifetime. The disclosed method of manufacture is capable of high production rates sufficiently fast to accommodate the output of a conventional float glass production line so that monolithic glass reflectors can be produced as quickly as a float glass production can make sheets of float glass to be used in the process.
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Matha, Denis; Sandner, Frank; Molins, Climent; Campos, Alexis; Cheng, Po Wen
2015-02-28
The current key challenge in the floating offshore wind turbine industry and research is on designing economic floating systems that can compete with fixed-bottom offshore turbines in terms of levelized cost of energy. The preliminary platform design, as well as early experimental design assessments, are critical elements in the overall design process. In this contribution, a brief review of current floating offshore wind turbine platform pre-design and scaled testing methodologies is provided, with a focus on their ability to accommodate the coupled dynamic behaviour of floating offshore wind systems. The exemplary design and testing methodology for a monolithic concrete spar platform as performed within the European KIC AFOSP project is presented. Results from the experimental tests compared to numerical simulations are presented and analysed and show very good agreement for relevant basic dynamic platform properties. Extreme and fatigue loads and cost analysis of the AFOSP system confirm the viability of the presented design process. In summary, the exemplary application of the reduced design and testing methodology for AFOSP confirms that it represents a viable procedure during pre-design of floating offshore wind turbine platforms. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wang, Mingming; Luo, Jianjun; Fang, Jing; Yuan, Jianping
2018-03-01
The existence of the path dependent dynamic singularities limits the volume of available workspace of free-floating space robot and induces enormous joint velocities when such singularities are met. In order to overcome this demerit, this paper presents an optimal joint trajectory planning method using forward kinematics equations of free-floating space robot, while joint motion laws are delineated with application of the concept of reaction null-space. Bézier curve, in conjunction with the null-space column vectors, are applied to describe the joint trajectories. Considering the forward kinematics equations of the free-floating space robot, the trajectory planning issue is consequently transferred to an optimization issue while the control points to construct the Bézier curve are the design variables. A constrained differential evolution (DE) scheme with premature handling strategy is implemented to find the optimal solution of the design variables while specific objectives and imposed constraints are satisfied. Differ from traditional methods, we synthesize null-space and specialized curve to provide a novel viewpoint for trajectory planning of free-floating space robot. Simulation results are presented for trajectory planning of 7 degree-of-freedom (DOF) kinematically redundant manipulator mounted on a free-floating spacecraft and demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zinke, Stephan
2017-02-01
Memory sensitive applications for remote sensing data require memory-optimized data types in remote sensing products. Hierarchical Data Format version 5 (HDF5) offers user defined floating point numbers and integers and the n-bit filter to create data types optimized for memory consumption. The European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) applies a compaction scheme to the disseminated products of the Day and Night Band (DNB) data of Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) satellite's instrument Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) through the EUMETSAT Advanced Retransmission Service, converting the original 32 bits floating point numbers to user defined floating point numbers in combination with the n-bit filter for the radiance dataset of the product. The radiance dataset requires a floating point representation due to the high dynamic range of the DNB. A compression factor of 1.96 is reached by using an automatically determined exponent size and an 8 bits trailing significand and thus reducing the bandwidth requirements for dissemination. It is shown how the parameters needed for user defined floating point numbers are derived or determined automatically based on the data present in a product.
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Qi, Xiaole; Chen, Haiyan; Rui, Yao; Yang, Fengjiao; Ma, Ning; Wu, Zhenghong
2015-07-15
To prolong the residence time of dosage forms within gastrointestinal trace until all drug released at desired rate was one of the real challenges for oral controlled-release drug delivery system. Herein, we developed a fine floating tablet via compression coating of hydrophilic polymer (hydroxypropyl cellulose) combined with effervescent agent (sodium bicarbonate) to achieve simultaneous control of release rate and location of ofloxacin. Sodium alginate was also added in the coating layer to regulate the drug release rate. The effects of the weight ratio of drug and the viscosity of HPC on the release profile were investigated. The optimized formulations were found to immediately float within 30s and remain lastingly buoyant over a period of 12 h in simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) without pepsin, indicating a satisfactory floating and zero-order drug release profile. In addition, the oral bioavailability experiment in New Zealand rabbits showed that, the relative bioavailability of the ofloxacin after administrated of floating tablets was 172.19%, compared to marketed common release tablets TaiLiBiTuo(®). These results demonstrated that those controlled-released floating tables would be a promising gastro-retentive delivery system for drugs acting in stomach. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Horiuchi, Tsutomu; Tobita, Tatsuya; Miura, Toru; Iwasaki, Yuzuru; Seyama, Michiko; Inoue, Suzuyo; Takahashi, Jun-ichi; Haga, Tsuneyuki; Tamechika, Emi
2012-01-01
We have developed a measurement chip installation/removal mechanism for a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) immunoassay analysis instrument designed for frequent testing, which requires a rapid and easy technique for changing chips. The key components of the mechanism are refractive index matching gel coated on the rear of the SPR chip and a float that presses the chip down. The refractive index matching gel made it possible to optically couple the chip and the prism of the SPR instrument easily via elastic deformation with no air bubbles. The float has an autonomous attitude control function that keeps the chip parallel in relation to the SPR instrument by employing the repulsive force of permanent magnets between the float and a float guide located in the SPR instrument. This function is realized by balancing the upward elastic force of the gel and the downward force of the float, which experiences a leveling force from the float guide. This system makes it possible to start an SPR measurement immediately after chip installation and to remove the chip immediately after the measurement with a simple and easy method that does not require any fine adjustment. Our sensor chip, which we installed using this mounting system, successfully performed an immunoassay measurement on a model antigen (spiked human-IgG) in a model real sample (non-homogenized milk) that included many kinds of interfering foreign substances without any sample pre-treatment. The ease of the chip installation/removal operation and simple measurement procedure are suitable for frequent on-site agricultural, environmental and medical testing. PMID:23202030
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Unsteady aerodynamic analysis for offshore floating wind turbines under different wind conditions.
Xu, B F; Wang, T G; Yuan, Y; Cao, J F
2015-02-28
A free-vortex wake (FVW) model is developed in this paper to analyse the unsteady aerodynamic performance of offshore floating wind turbines. A time-marching algorithm of third-order accuracy is applied in the FVW model. Owing to the complex floating platform motions, the blade inflow conditions and the positions of initial points of vortex filaments, which are different from the fixed wind turbine, are modified in the implemented model. A three-dimensional rotational effect model and a dynamic stall model are coupled into the FVW model to improve the aerodynamic performance prediction in the unsteady conditions. The effects of floating platform motions in the simulation model are validated by comparison between calculation and experiment for a small-scale rigid test wind turbine coupled with a floating tension leg platform (TLP). The dynamic inflow effect carried by the FVW method itself is confirmed and the results agree well with the experimental data of a pitching transient on another test turbine. Also, the flapping moment at the blade root in yaw on the same test turbine is calculated and compares well with the experimental data. Then, the aerodynamic performance is simulated in a yawed condition of steady wind and in an unyawed condition of turbulent wind, respectively, for a large-scale wind turbine coupled with the floating TLP motions, demonstrating obvious differences in rotor performance and blade loading from the fixed wind turbine. The non-dimensional magnitudes of loading changes due to the floating platform motions decrease from the blade root to the blade tip. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.
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Unsteady aerodynamic analysis for offshore floating wind turbines under different wind conditions
Xu, B. F.; Wang, T. G.; Yuan, Y.; Cao, J. F.
2015-01-01
A free-vortex wake (FVW) model is developed in this paper to analyse the unsteady aerodynamic performance of offshore floating wind turbines. A time-marching algorithm of third-order accuracy is applied in the FVW model. Owing to the complex floating platform motions, the blade inflow conditions and the positions of initial points of vortex filaments, which are different from the fixed wind turbine, are modified in the implemented model. A three-dimensional rotational effect model and a dynamic stall model are coupled into the FVW model to improve the aerodynamic performance prediction in the unsteady conditions. The effects of floating platform motions in the simulation model are validated by comparison between calculation and experiment for a small-scale rigid test wind turbine coupled with a floating tension leg platform (TLP). The dynamic inflow effect carried by the FVW method itself is confirmed and the results agree well with the experimental data of a pitching transient on another test turbine. Also, the flapping moment at the blade root in yaw on the same test turbine is calculated and compares well with the experimental data. Then, the aerodynamic performance is simulated in a yawed condition of steady wind and in an unyawed condition of turbulent wind, respectively, for a large-scale wind turbine coupled with the floating TLP motions, demonstrating obvious differences in rotor performance and blade loading from the fixed wind turbine. The non-dimensional magnitudes of loading changes due to the floating platform motions decrease from the blade root to the blade tip. PMID:25583859
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Briggs, Ellen M.; Martz, Todd R.; Talley, Lynne D.; Mazloff, Matthew R.; Johnson, Kenneth S.
2018-02-01
Here we present initial findings from nine profiling floats equipped with pH, O2, NO3-, and other biogeochemical sensors that were deployed in the seasonal ice zone (SIZ) of the Southern Ocean in 2014 and 2015 through the Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modelling (SOCCOM) project. A large springtime phytoplankton bloom was observed that coincided with sea ice melt for all nine floats. We argue this bloom results from a shoaling of the mixed layer depth, increased vertical stability, and enhanced nutrient and light availability as the sea ice melts. This interpretation is supported by the absence of a springtime bloom when one of the floats left the SIZ in the second year of observations. During the sea ice covered period, net heterotrophic conditions were observed. The rate of uptake of O2 and release of dissolved inorganic carbon (derived from pH and estimated total alkalinity) and NO3- is reminiscent of biological respiration and is nearly Redfieldian for the nine floats. A simple model of mixed layer physics was developed to separate the physical and biological components of the signal in pH and O2 over one annual cycle for a float in the Ross Sea SIZ. The resulting annual net community production suggests that seasonal respiration during the ice covered period of the year nearly balances the production in the euphotic layer of up to 5 mol C m-2 during the ice free period leading to a net of near zero carbon exported to depth for this one float.
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Resident perceptions of the educational value of night float rotations.
Luks, Andrew M; Smith, C Scott; Robins, Lynne; Wipf, Joyce E
2010-07-01
Night float rotations are being increasingly used in the era of resident physician work-hour regulations, but their impact on resident education is not clear. Our objective was to clarify resident perceptions of the educational aspects of night float rotations. An anonymous survey of internal medicine residents at a university-based residency program was completed. Responses were received from 116 of 163 surveyed residents (71%). Residents attended less residents' report (0.10 +/- .43 vs. 2.70 + 0.93 sessions/week, p< .001) and fewer grand rounds sessions (0.14 +/- 0.25 vs. 0.43 +/- 0.28 sessions/week, p< .001) and spent less time reading, (2.63 +/- 2.0 vs. 3.33 +/- 1.6 hr/week, p< .001) interacting with attending physicians (0.57 +/- 1.1 vs. 2.97 +/- 1.5 hr/week, p< .001) and sleeping at home (6.3 +/- 1.2 vs. 7.10 +/- 0.9 hr/day, p< .001) on night float rotations than on non-night float rotations. Residents had strongly negative opinions about the educational value of night float, sleep cycle adjustment issues, and impact on their personal lives, which correlated with resident evaluations from the regular program evaluation process. In free responses, residents commented that they liked the autonomy and opportunity to improve triage skills on these rotations and confirmed their negative opinions about the sleep-wake cycle and interference with personal lives. Internal medicine residents at a university-based program have negative opinions regarding the educational value of night float rotations. Further work is necessary to determine whether problems exist across programs and specialties.
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The study to estimate the floating population in Seoul, Korea.
Lee, Geon Woo; Lee, Yong Jin; Kim, Youngeun; Hong, Seung-Han; Kim, Soohwaun; Kim, Jeong Soo; Lee, Jong Tae; Shin, Dong Chun; Lim, Youngwook
2017-01-01
Traffic-related pollutants have been reported to increase the morbidity of respiratory diseases. In order to apply management policies related to motor vehicles, studies of the floating population living in cities are important. The rate of metro rail transit system use by passengers residing in Seoul is about 54% of total public transportation use. Through the rate of metro use, the people-flow ratios in each administrative area were calculated. By applying a people-flow ratio based on the official census count, the floating population in 25 regions was calculated. The reduced level of deaths among the floating population in 14 regions having the roadside monitoring station was calculated as assuming a 20% reduction of mobile emission based on the policy. The hourly floating population size was calculated by applying the hourly population ratio to the regional population size as specified in the official census count. The number of people moving from 5 a.m. to next day 1 a.m. could not be precisely calculated when the population size was applied, but no issue was observed that would trigger a sizable shift in the rate of population change. The three patterns of increase, decrease, and no change of population in work hours were analyzed. When the concentration of particulate matter less than 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter was reduced by 20%, the number of excess deaths varied according to the difference of the floating population. The effective establishment of directions to manage the pollutants in cities should be carried out by considering the floating population. Although the number of people using the metro system is only an estimate, this disadvantage was supplemented by calculating inflow and outflow ratio of metro users per time in the total floating population in each region. Especially, 54% of metro usage in public transport causes high reliability in application.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fusilli, L.; Collins, M. O.; Laneve, G.; Palombo, A.; Pignatti, S.; Santini, F.
2013-02-01
The objective of this research study is to assess the capability of time-series of MODIS imagery to provide information suitable for enhancing the understanding of the temporal cycles shown by the abnormal growth of the floating macrophytes in order to support monitoring and management action of Lake Victoria water resources. The proliferation of invasive plants and aquatic weeds is of growing concern. Starting from 1989, Lake Victoria has been interested by the high infestation of water hyacinth with significant socio-economic impact on riparian populations. In this paper, we describe an approach based on the time-series of MODIS to derive the temporal behaviour, the abundance and distribution of the floating macrophytes in the Winam Gulf (Kenyan portion of the Lake Victoria) and its possible links to the concentrations of the main water constituencies. To this end, we consider the NDVI values computed from the MODIS imagery time-series from 2000 to 2009 to identify the floating macrophytes cover and an appropriate bio-optical model to retrieve, by means of an inverse procedure, the concentrations of chlorophyll a, coloured dissolved organic matter and total suspended solid. The maps of the floating vegetation based on the NDVI values allow us to assess the spatial and temporal dynamics of the weeds with high time resolution. A floating vegetation index (FVI) has been introduced for describing the weeds pollution level. The results of the analysis show a consistent temporal relation between the water constituent concentrations within the Winam Gulf and the FVI, especially in the proximity of the greatest proliferation of floating vegetation in the last 10 years that occurred between the second half of 2006 and the first half of 2007.The adopted approach will be useful to implement an automatic system for monitoring and predicting the floating macrophytes proliferation in Lake Victoria.
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Zhou, Zhao-Hui; Zhuang, Li-Xing; Chen, Zhen-Hu; Lang, Jian-Ying; Li, Yan-Hui; Jiang, Gang-Hui; Xu, Zhan-Qiong; Liao, Mu-Xi
2014-07-01
To compare the clinical efficacy in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome between floating-needle therapy and conventional acupuncture on the basis of rehabilitation training. One hundred cases of post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome were randomized into a floating-needle group and an acupuncture group, 50 cases in each one. The passive and positive rehabilitation training was adopted in the two groups. Additionally, in the floating-needle group, the floating-needle therapy was used. The needle was inserted at the site 5 to 10 cm away from myofasical trigger point (MTrP), manipulated and scattered subcutaneously, for 2 min continuously. In the acupuncture group, the conventional acupuncture was applied at Jianqian (EX-UE), Jianyu (LI 15), Jianliao (TE 14), etc. The treatment was given once every two days, 3 times a week, and 14 days of treatment were required. The shoulder hand syndrome scale (SHSS), the short form McGill pain scale (SF-MPQ) and the modified Fugl-Meyer motor function scale (FMA) were used to evaluate the damage severity, pain and motor function of the upper limbs before and after treatment in the two groups. The clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. SHSS score, SF-MPQ score and FMA score were improved significantly after treatment in the two groups (all P < 0.01), and the improvements in the floating-needle group were superior to those in the acupuncture group (all P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 94.0% (47/50) in the floating-needle group, which was better than 90.0% (45/50) in the acupuncture group (P < 0.05). The floating-needle therapy combined with rehabilitation training achieves a satisfactory efficacy on post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome, which is better than the combined therapy of conventional acupuncture and rehabilitation training.
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Investigating the potential of floating mires as record of palaeoenvironmental changes
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zaccone, C.; Adamo, P.; Giordano, S.; Miano, T. M.
2012-04-01
Peat-forming floating mires could provide an exceptional resource for palaeoenvironmental and environmental monitoring studies, as much of their own history, as well as the history of their surrounds, is recorded in their peat deposits. In his Naturalis historia (AD 77-79), Pliny the Elder described floating islands on Lake Vadimonis (now Posta Fibreno Lake, Italy). Actually, a small floating island (ca. 35 m of diameter and 3 m of submerged thickness) still occurs on this calcareous lake fed by karstic springs at the base of the Apennine Mountains. Here the southernmost Italian populations of Sphagnum palustre occur on the small surface of this floating mire known as "La Rota", i.e., a cup-formed core of Sphagnum peat and rhizomes of Helophytes, erratically floating on the water-body of a submerged doline, annexed to the easternmost edge of the lake, characterised by the extension of a large reed bed. Geological evidence point out the existence in the area of a large lacustrine basin since Late Pleistocene. The progressive filling of the lake caused by changing in climatic conditions and neotectonic events, brought about the formation of peat deposits in the area, following different depositional cycles in a swampy environment. Then, a round-shaped portion of fen, originated around lake margins in waterlogged areas, was somehow isolated from the bank and started to float. Coupling data about concentrations and fluxes of several major and trace elements of different origin (i.e., dust particles, volcanic emissions, cosmogenic dusts and marine aerosols), with climate records (plant micro- and macrofossils, pollens, isotopic ratios), biomolecular records (e.g., lipids), detailed age-depth modelling (i.e., 210Pb, 137Cs, 14C), and humification indexes, the present work is hoped to identify and better understand the reliability of this particular "archive", and thus possible relationships between biogeochemical processes occurring in this floating bog and environmental changes.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jacobs, A. E.; Harrison, J. A.
2012-12-01
Anthropogenic intensification of nitrogen (N) loading to aquatic ecosystems is widespread and can lead to the degradation of these systems. Wetlands are important sites for N removal via denitrification, the microbially mediated reduction of reactive nitrate to inert N2 gas, but they can also produce high levels of greenhouse gases. Floating plants play an important role in encouraging denitrification, since they create low oxygen conditions that may favor denitrification. We investigated whether wetland sediments with floating plant cover had higher denitrification and greenhouse gas production rates than wetland sediments without floating plants. Replicate flow-through mesocosms with wetland sediment and water were constructed in a growth chamber to mimic the wetland where the sediment and water were collected. Mesocosm treatments were covered with floating vegetation (duckweed), an opaque tarp, or no cover to determine how cover type affects denitrification and greenhouse gas production and whether biotic or abiotic factors are likely responsible for observed differences. Denitrification and greenhouse gas production rates were calculated by measuring excess N2 gas, methane, and nitrous oxide concentrations in the water column and measuring the gas exchange rates between the water column and the atmosphere. Gas exchange rates were measured using an inert volatile tracer added to the water column and accumulation of gas in the mesocosm headspace. Additional mesocosm experiments were performed to determine how duckweed-dominated wetland systems respond to nitrogen loading and which mechanism for lowering dissolved oxygen concentrations is important in affecting denitrification under floating vegetation. Mesocosms with floating vegetation had lower dissolved oxygen than no cover or tarp-covered mesocosms, which is consistent with field and literature observations. Water flowing out of the mesocosms had statistically lower total nitrogen and nitrate concentrations compared to inflow water, and calculated denitrification was statistically higher in the floating vegetation treatments compared to the other treatments. Greenhouse gas production, measured in CO2 equivalents for N2O and CH4, was highly variable and not statistically different between the treatments. Denitrification in the tarp covered mesocosms was similar to the no-cover treatment, indicating that biotic effects in the floating vegetation treatment may be important in lowering water column oxygen levels and increasing denitrification. Understanding how floating vegetation affects total nitrogen loss, denitrification, and greenhouse gas production can be used to weigh ecological costs and benefits of different vegetation types, especially in constructed and managed wetlands.
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The Grand Canyon of the Colorado: a challenge to float, a challenge to manage
David N. Cole
1989-01-01
Last summer, I finally got my chance to float the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, one of the worldâs premier adventure trips. For 18 days and 280 miles, my group floated through some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable, spacing our days with hikes through slickrock alcoves, along terraced pools of blue-green water, to waterfalls plunging out of holes on...
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Freely Drifting Swallow Float Array: August 1990 NATIVE 1 Experiment (First Deployment)
1991-02-01
jump around record 1520, indicating that the apparent increase in float 2’s hydrophone sensitivity occurred only at the lower infra - sonic ...and d) the infrasonic acoustic data. The infrasonic data include the RMS levels of the pressure and the three components of parti- cle velocity for all...active intensity spectra. A description of the Swallow float infrasonic data acquisition system, along with calibration curves, is given in Appendix 1
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Werne, Roger W.; Sampayan, Stephen; Harris, John Richardson
This patent document discloses high voltage switches that include one or more electrically floating conductor layers that are isolated from one another in the dielectric medium between the top and bottom switch electrodes. The presence of the one or more electrically floating conductor layers between the top and bottom switch electrodes allow the dielectric medium between the top and bottom switch electrodes to exhibit a higher breakdown voltage than the breakdown voltage when the one or more electrically floating conductor layers are not present between the top and bottom switch electrodes. This increased breakdown voltage in the presence of onemore » or more electrically floating conductor layers in a dielectric medium enables the switch to supply a higher voltage for various high voltage circuits and electric systems.« less
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ryu, Seong-Wan; Han, Jin-Woo; Kim, Chung-Jin; Kim, Sungho; Choi, Yang-Kyu
2009-03-01
This paper describes a unified memory (URAM) that utilizes a nanocrystal SOI MOSFET for multi-functional applications of both nonvolatile memory (NVM) and capacitorless 1T-DRAM. By using a discrete storage node (Ag nanocrystal) as the floating gate of the NVM, high defect immunity and 2-bit/cell operation were achieved. The embedded nanocrystal NVM also showed 1T-DRAM operation (program/erase time = 100 ns) characteristics, which were realized by storing holes in the floating body of the SOI MOSFET, without requiring an external capacitor. Three-bit/cell operation was accomplished for different applications - 2-bits for nonvolatility and 1-bit for fast operation.
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Modified floating-zone growth of organic single crystals
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kou, S.; Chen, C. P.
1994-04-01
For organic materials floating-zone crystal growth is superior to other melt growth processes in two significant respects: (1) the absence of crucible-induced mechanical damage and (2) minimum heating-induced chemical degradation. Due to the rather low surface tension of organic melts, however, floating-zone crystal growth under normal gravity has not been possible so far but microgravity is ideal for such a purpose. With the help of a modified floating-zone technique, organic single crystals of small cross-sections were test grown first under normal gravity. These small crystals were round and rectangular single crystals of benzil and salol, up to about 7 cm long and 6 mm in diameter or 9 mm × 3 mm in cross-section.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Min, Xiaolin; Liu, Rong; Fu, Bo; Xu, Kexin
2017-06-01
In the non-invasive sensing of blood glucose by near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, the spectrum is highly susceptible to the unstable and complicated background variations from the human body and the environment. In in vitro analyses, background variations are usually corrected by the spectrum of a standard reference sample that has similar optical properties to the analyte of interest. However, it is hard to find a standard sample for the in vivo measurement. Therefore, the floating reference measurement method is proposed to enable relative measurements in vivo, where the spectra under some special source-detector distance, defined as the floating reference position, are insensitive to the changes in glucose concentration due to the absorption effect and scattering effect. Because the diffuse reflectance signals at the floating reference positions only reflect the information on background variations during the measurement, they can be used as the internal reference. In this paper, the theoretical basis of the floating reference positions in a semi-infinite turbid medium was discussed based on the steady-state diffusion equation and its analytical solutions in a semi-infinite turbid medium (under the extrapolated boundary conditions). Then, Monte-Carlo (MC) simulations and in vitro experiments based on a custom-built continuous-moving spatially resolving double-fiber NIR measurement system, configured with two types of light source, a super luminescent diode (SLD) and a super-continuum laser, were carried out to verify the existence of the floating reference position in 5%, 10% and 20% Intralipid solutions. The results showed that the simulation values of the floating reference positions are close to the theoretical results, with a maximum deviation of approximately 0.3 mm in 1100-1320 nm. Great differences can be observed in 1340-1400 nm because the optical properties of Intralipid in this region don not satisfy the conditions of the steady-state diffusion equation. For the in vitro experiments, floating reference positions exist in 1220 nm and 1320 nm under two types of light source, and the results are quite close. However, the reference positions obtained from experiments are further from the light source compared with those obtained in the MC simulation. For the turbid media and the wavelengths investigated, the difference is up to 1 mm. This study is important for the design of optical fibers to be applied in the floating reference measurement.
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Huang, Yi-Xin; Hang, De-Rong; Tang, Hong-Ping; Sun, Dao-Kuan; Zhou, Can-Hua; Gao, Jin-Bin; Zheng, Bo; Hu, Gui-Quan; Li, Qian; Huang, Yong-Jun; She, Guang-Song; Ren, Zhi-Yuan
2014-12-01
To study the drifting law of floats and potential risks of Oncomelania hupensis diffusion in the water diversion rivers of the east route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project. The O. hupensis snails in the river channels were monitored by the salvage method and snail luring method with rice straw curtains, and the diffusion possibility of snails along with water was assessed through the drift test of floats with GPS. In the flood seasons from 2006 to 2013, totally 8 338.0 kg of floats were salvaged, and 2 100 rice straw curtains were put into water in the Li Canal and Jinbao shipping channel, but no Oncomelania snails were found. The drift test of floats with GPS before water diversion showed that the flow velocity on water surface (northbound) was 0.45 m/s, the average drift velocity of the floats was 0.56 - 0.60 m/s, and the average drift distances each time were 999.70 - 1 995.50 m in the Gaoshui River section, while there were no obvious drift in Jinbao shipping channel section. During the water diversion period, the flow velocity on water surface (northbound) was 0.45 m/s, the average drift velocity of the floats was 0.35 - 0.41m/s, and the average drift distances each time were 1 248.06 -1 289.44 m in the Gaoshui River, while in Jinbao shipping channel section, the flow velocity on water surface was 0.28 m/s, the average drift velocity of the floats was 0.25 - 0.27 m/s, and the average drift distances each time were 477.76 - 496.38 m. The drift test showed that the floats gradually closed to the river bank as affected by water flow, wind direction and ship waves, when blocked by the reeds, water plants or other obstacles, and they would stopped and could not continue to drift without outside help. There are no Oncomelania snails found in the river channels of the east route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project. The drifting distance of the floating debris along with the water is restricted by the flow rate and shore environment.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Steffen, K.; Huff, R. D.; Cullen, N.; Rignot, E.; Bauder, A.
2004-12-01
Petermann Gletscher is the largest and most influential outlet glacier in central northern Greenland. Located at 81 N, 60 W, it drains an area of 71,580 km2, with a discharge of 12 cubic km of ice per year into the Arctic Ocean. We finished a third field season in spring 2004 collecting in situ data on local climate, ice velocity, ice thickness profiles and bottom melt rates of the floating ice tongue. In addition, water properties (salinity and temperature profiles) in large, channel-like bottom cavities beneath the floating ice tongue were measured. The melt rates in these "channels" are in excess of 10 m/y and probably responsible for most of the mass loss of the Petermann Gletscher. The ocean measurements will be discussed in comparison with other ocean-profile soundings in the region. The bottom topography of the floating ice tongue has been mapped for some regions using surface-based ground penetrating radar at 25 MHz frequency and NASA aircraft radar profiles. A new map showing these under-ice features will be presented. GPS tidal motion has been measured over one lunar cycle at the flex zone and on the free floating ice tongue. These results will be compared to historic measurements made at the beginning of last century. A "worm-like" sheer feature of 80 m in height and several km in length has been studied using differential GPS readings. The mean velocity of the floating tongue ice is 1.08 km/y in that region, whereas the ice along the margin has a 30%-reduced flow speed, resulting in this strange looking sheer feature. Finally, the mass balance of the floating ice tongue will be discussed based on in situ measurements, aircraft profiles, satellite data, and model approximations.