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Enalapril is almost like a angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that is used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and heart attacks. It belongs to BCS class III, with a half-life of 12 hours and a bioavailability of 25%. The goal of this study was to create a floating-pulsatile medication delivery device that was presscoated. The superdisintegrants crosprovidone and croscarmellose sodium were used to make the core tablet. Carrageenan, xanthan gum, HPMC K4M, and HPMC E15LV were all found in a press-coated tablet (barrier layer). HPMC K100M, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid were used to maximise the buoyant layer. Physical properties, floating lag time, swelling index, FTIR, DSC, and in vitro and in vivo behaviour were all assessed. The 5% superdisintgrant yielded positive results. No chemical interactions between the medication and the excipients were anticipated by the FTIR and DSC studies. Drug retention was demonstrated in the xanthan gum-containing formulation, although it did not float. The swelling index of the HPMC K15M pill was high. The in vitro release profiles of Enalapril from PRT prepared with HPMC E15LV as the retarding polymer are characterised by a predetermined lag time (4.10.2 h for K6+F4), the length of which is dependent on the type and amount of the polymeric layer applied to the cores, as well as the type of superdisintegrant in the core tablet. The presented technology provides a simple and unique method for medication pulse release. Based on the findings, we can infer that the PRT we developed could accomplish a quick release with minimal variability after a lag period of 40.2 hours. The tablet's releasing mechanism was based on the Korsmeyer-Peppas equation and a first-order pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In the present investigation a novel oral drug delivery system was developed by combining two different techniques floating and mucoadhesive system so called floatadhesive, in order to obtain a controlled system that could remain in the stomach for prolonged period and release the drug in a controlled manner. Materials and Methods: Microspheres containing Famotidine were prepared by ionic gelation method using Mimosa pudica seed mucilage as a natural mucoadhesive polymer. Sodium alginate (SA) and chitosan (CS) were incorporated as drug release modifier. The microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and evaluated by employing shape and particle size, % drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro floating ability, in vitro mucoadhesion and in vitro drug release pattern. Results: The prepared microspheres were acceptably spherical with a mean particle size in the range of 334 ± 1.18 µm to 498 ± 1.12 µm. Drug entrapment efficiency was observed in the range of 72.82 ± 1.10% to 92.38 ± 1.20%. Formulations containing a combination of both mucilage and chitosan showed increased in vitro mucoadhesion and buoyancy as compared to formulations containing chitosan alone. In vitro drug release for all the formulations in 0.1N HCl was diffusion controlled gradually throughout 12 h and followed Higuchi's and Korsmeyer Peppas kinetics. The mechanism of in vitro drug release was non-fickian type controlled by swelling and relaxation of the polymer. Conclusion: The developed microspheres have dual advantages of being floating and mucoadhesive to increase oral bioavailability and releasing drug in a controlled manner, to reduce the required frequency of administration thereby promoting patient compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cranioplasty complications after decompressive craniectomy (DC) in infants are not fully recognized. We aimed to devise and assess the efficacy of a hinge and floating DC (HFDC) technique for treating infantile acute subdural hematoma. Five infants, aged 2–20 months, were included. Intracranial pressure was controlled below 20 mmHg, no additional surgery was required, and there was no incidence of surgical site infection or bone graft resorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the issues of floating offshore wind turbines is the platform-pitching vibration generated by the blade pitch angle motion of the variable speed control. This study investigated the platform-pitching vibration based on the classical control theory using a transfer function between the generator speed and the nacelle pitch angle. This study also investigated the impact of the floating platform vibration control, which can suppress the vibration by adjusting the blade pitch angle according to the nacelle pitch angle, by using a transfer function to which floating platform vibration control is added. The stabilities of these transfer functions were determined using the Nyquist stability criterion, and the impact of the floating platform vibration control parameters was investigated using Bode diagrams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the issues of floating offshore wind turbines are the platform-pitching vibrations generated by blade pitch angle motions of the variable speed control. Control of blade pitch angle based on the platform-pitching motion (floating platform vibration control) can suppress these vibrations. This study investigates the impact of floating platform vibration control on variable speed control and the generator torque control, which control interferences cause the fluctuation of generator speed and platform-pitching angle at the transition region between below and above rated operating conditions. This study also proposes a new control to reduce the impact; in this method, the lower limit of generator torque is adjusted linearly depending on the nacelle wind speed, and the conventional feedback control for the generator torque mainly adjusts the generator torque. Simulation and demonstration results using a full-scale spar-type FOWT showed that the proposed method can stabalize suppress the fluctuations of generator speed, platform-pitching angle, and power at the transition region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple and integrable MOS-only memristor emulator circuits exploiting a dynamic threshold feature of MOSFET and requiring no DC bias have been presented here. The propositions herein require no external capacitors. In these two circuit propositions of floating and grounded memristor emulators, the static power consumption is zero. Theoretical justifications of the propositions have been validated by simulations carried out on the Cadence Virtuoso-Spectre tool with 180 nm CMOS GPDK parameters. Further, the experimental verification has also been done using ALD1116 and ALD1117 MOSFETs to demonstrate the practical viability of the memristor emulators of this communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketamine has rapid-acting antidepressant properties but also potentially concerning transient dissociative side effects (SEs). Recent studies noted a positive correlation between treatment response to ketamine and general dissociative SEs, as well as "floating", a depersonalization SE (a subtype of the dissociative SEs). This analysis sought to determine whether floating mediates treatment response to ketamine. Data were pooled from three double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled ketamine clinical trials across which 82 participants with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) (44 with bipolar depression and 38 with major depressive disorder) received placebo and ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) infusions. SEs were actively solicited in a standardized fashion before and after ketamine infusion. The hypothesis that a post-infusion experience of floating would mediate antidepressant response to ketamine was assessed at 230 min post-infusion and at Day 1. Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score was the dependent variable in a linear mixed effects model. Ketamine significantly decreased MADRS scores (p < 0.0001), but no relationship was detected between floating and MADRS score at either 230 min or Day 1 post-infusion. The hypothesized mediation effect of floating was also not detected at either 230 min or Day 1 post-infusion. Taken together, the findings do not support the hypothesis that ketamine's antidepressant effects are mediated by the dissociative depersonalization subtype SE of floating. • Antidepressant response to ketamine may be related to dissociative symptoms. • Floating (or feeling of lightness) is a specific dissociative side effect. • Patients (n = 82) with treatment-resistant depression received placebo and ketamine. • Ketamine's antidepressant effects were not mediated by the symptom of floating. • The specific dissociative symptom of floating does not predict response to ketamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to prepare pectin-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-coated floating beads for pulsatile release of piroxicam in the treatment of early morning inflammation. Materials and Methods: Piroxicam-loaded beads were prepared from sodium alginate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in different concentrations of calcium carbonate using the ionotropic gelation method. In order to avoid drug release in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, the beads were coated with a pectin-HPMC layer using the dip coating method. Size analysis and encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, in vitro release, swelling behavior, and surface morphology studies of the beads were carried out. Results: The in vitro release study revealed that the pectin-HPMC coating of the beads prevented the release of the drug in an acidic medium and provided pulsed release of the drug after a lag time. Formulation CF4 (containing calcium carbonate in the ratio 3:4 with respect to sodium alginate) exhibited pulsed release of 95.55% at the end of 7 h in phosphate buffer, which was after the desired lag time of 6 h. Conclusion: The study revealed that optimized floating pulsatile beads coated with pectin-HPMC can efficiently retain piroxicam in an acidic medium and that there is pulsed release in an alkaline medium after a lag time. It also showed that the beads prepared can potentially be used for chronotherapeutic treatment of the disease associated with early morning inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sanitation is the provision of facilities and services for disposal of human waste such as urine and feces. To reduce diseases arising from poor environmental sanitation, efficient technology that can be utilized by communities in coastal areas and small islands is one of the facilities what is needed for access to sanitation is a septic tank. This study aims to determine the sanitary conditions of communities in coastal areas and small islands and to determine the effectiveness of appropriate technology for floating septic tanks in coastal areas and small islands. The quality of wastewater that is important to know is Total Suspended Solid (TSS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Temperature and Hydrogen Power (pH). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drift voltage required for operating ion mobility spectrometers implies high voltage isolation of either the ion source or the detector. Typically, the detector is grounded due to the sensitivity of the small ion currents to interferences and thus higher requirements for signal integrity than the ion source. However, for certain ion sources, such as non-radioactive electron emitters or electrospray ionization sources, or for coupling with other instruments, such as gas or liquid chromatographs, a grounded ion source is beneficial. In this paper, we present an isolated data acquisition interface using a 16 bit, 250 kilosamples per second analog to digital converter and fiber optic transmitters and receivers. All spectra recorded via this new data acquisition interface and with a grounded ion source show the same peak shapes and noise when compared with a grounded detector, allowing additional freedom in design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new dynamic inflow model for vertical‐axis wind turbines (VAWTs). The model uses the principle of Duhamel's integral. The indicial function of the inflow‐ and crossflow‐induction required to apply Duhamel's integral is represented by an exponential function depending on the thrust coefficient and the azimuthal position. The parameters of this approximation are calibrated using a free wake vortex model. The model is compared with the results of a vortex model and higher fidelity computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations for the response of an actuator cylinder to a step input of the thrust and to a cyclic thrust. It is found that the discrepancies of the dynamic inflow model increase with increasing reduced frequency and baseline thrust. However, the deviations remain small. Analysing the application of a finite‐bladed floating VAWT with non‐uniform loading and validating it against actuator line CFD results that intrinsically include dynamic inflow shows that the new dynamic inflow model significantly outperforms the Larsen and Madsen model (which is the current standard in fully coupled VAWT models) and enhances the modelling of VAWTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum antibiotic used for the treatment which includes helicobacter pylori. For better action of drug formulated the locally acting gastric floating drug delivery is preferred by applying sintering technique. Eudragit RS 100 is used to retard the drug release with HPMC to enhance floating lag time. All the formulation prepared by wet granulation method. Pre compression parameters were studied. Fourier transform infrared analysis was studied and reveals that there is no interaction between polymer and drug.. Results showed that floating time was decreased and total floating time was improved after thermal treatment. In vitro drug release was retarded upon exposure to different temperature and time. Sintered formulation of AE3 at 55°C and the time of exposure is 2.5 h was selected based on drug retarding power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP, a natural glucomannan material) for the development of a gastroretentive drug delivery system for the first time. Novel BSP-based porous wafer was prepared for levofloxacin hydrochloride (LFH) delivery by combining floating, swelling, and mucoadhesion mechanisms. The influences of BSP and ethyl cellulose (EC) on drug release and mucoadhesive strength were studied by 32 factorial design. The optimized matrix was coated with polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun membrane by electrospinning and heat treatment technology. The optimized formula (F6, coated) exhibited Q4 h of 41.20 ± 1.90%, Q8 h of 76.49 ± 1.69%, and mucoadhesive strength of 86.11 ± 1.33 gf, and its drug release profile most closely resembled the Korsmeyer–Peppas model with anomalous diffusion driving mechanism. F6 (coated) also presented excellent buoyancy, preferred swelling characteristic due to the porous structure formed by freeze-drying. Meanwhile, the internal morphology, physical state, drug–excipient compatibility, and thermal behavior were recorded. The negligible cytotoxicity of F6 (coated) was observed in human gastric epithelial cell cultures. In the in vitro antimicrobial experiment, the prepared wafer exhibited obvious bacterial inhibition zone, and due to its longer gastric retention, the wafer also performed a more effective Helicobacter pylori clearance than free LFH in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 450,000 people drown annually worldwide. The capacity of immersed adults and children to float in clothing is less well understood, but it is possible that air trapped between clothing layers increases buoyancy. These studies aimed to quantify buoyancy and the practical implications thereof. Study 1 (n = 24) quantified this buoyancy and the consequence of any buoyancy by measurement of airway freeboard (mouth to water level distance). Study 2 examined the capability of children (n = 29) to float with freeboard used as the outcome measure and is expressed as a percentage of occasions that freeboard was achieved. Buoyancy (measured in newtons; N) was provided for winter clothing as 105(± 12)N, for autumn/spring clothing as 87(± 13)N, and for summer clothing as 68(± 11)N. In all cases, buoyancy was greater than for the control condition of 61(± 11)N. Average freeboard was 63(± 2) % for winter clothing, 62(± 2) % for autumn/spring clothing, 66(± 2)% for summer clothing, and 15(± 1)% for the control condition. Children were more buoyant, 95(± 17)% freeboard, irrespective of gender, than adults. "Float first" is advocated as a primary survival mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Polypharmacy is a common issue, especially among elderly patients resulting in administration errors and patient inconvenience. Hypertension is a prevalent health condition that frequently leads to polypharmacy, as its treatment typically requires the co-administration of more than one different Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API's). To address these issues, floating hollow torus-shaped dosage forms were developed, aiming at providing prolonged gastric retention and sustained drug release. The dosage forms (polypills) containing three anti-hypertensive API's (diltiazem (DIL), propranolol (PRP) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)) were created via Fused Deposition Modelling 3D printing. A multitude of the dosage forms were loaded into a capsule and the resulting formulation achieved prolonged retention times over a 12-hour period in vitro , by leveraging both the buoyancy of the dosage forms, and the "cheerios effect" that facilitates the aggregation and retention of the dosage forms via a combination of surface tension and shape of the objects. Physicochemical characterization methods and imaging techniques were employed to investigate the properties and the internal and external structure of the dosage forms. Furthermore, an ex vivo porcine stomach model revealed substantial aggregation, adhesion and retention of the 3D printed dosage forms in porcine stomach. In vitro dissolution testing demonstrated almost complete first-order release of PRP and DIL (93.52 % and 99.9 %, respectively) and partial release of HCTZ (65.22 %) in the 12 h timeframe. Finally, a convolution-based single-stage approach was employed in order to predict the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of the API's of the formulation and the resemblance of their PK behavior with previously reported data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of hydrogen production technology from offshore wind power and natural gas, the deep-sea energy interconnection system using hydrogen energy as the medium is constantly improving. The floating hydrogen liquefaction production storage and offloading unit (LH 2 -FPSO, FLH 2) is an effective method for large-scale utilization of offshore hydrogen energy. By filling the heat exchanger with ortho -parahydrogen conversion catalyst, a new porous medium heat exchange channel is formed. Integrating the spiral wound heat exchanger with the ortho -parahydrogen catalytic conversion reactor can reduce the deck area of FLH 2 process system and lower the investment cost of floating hydrogen liquefaction device. The performance of FLH 2 can be influenced by the offshore wave and typhoon. In this paper, the methods of floating cryogenic visualization experiment, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation are conducted to study the coupled flow and heat transfer mechanism of working fluid applied in FLH 2 under offshore conditions. The results show that the sea state has little influence on the ortho -parahydrogen conversion and cooling process of hydrogen in the porous heat exchange tube. The complex flow and heat transfer challenges brought by the integrated process of new floating hydrogen liquefaction and ortho -parahydrogen conversion have been overcome. With the effect of co-current shear of gas-phase mixed refrigerant, a large dry area will not appear on the outer wall surface of porous tube under offshore conditions. The FLH 2 process system shows good adaptability at sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immobilized photocatalysts represent a promising candidate for the wastewater treatments due to their good reusability, high stability and low eco-risk. Mass transfer within the immobilized catalytic bed is a crucial process that determines the contacting, adsorption, and degradation kinetics in the photodegradation. In this study, a floating catalytic foam (FCF) with a prominent pumping effect was designed to promote mass transfer. The polyurethane foam immobilized with rGO/TiO 2 /ultrathin-g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst (PRTCN) was prepared by a simple dip-coating and Uv-light aging process. It was found that the hydrophilic-hydrophobic interfaces could not only contribute to the floating of the catalyst but also establish a temperature gradient across the floating immobilized catalyst. In addition, the temperature gradient induced convection could serve as a built-in pump to effectively promote the diffusion and adsorption of target antibiotic molecules during the photocatalytic process. Therefore, the PRTCN demonstrated a high photodegradation and mineralization efficiency with excellent reusability and anti-interference capability. Moreover, the photodegradation mechanism and the intermediates' toxicity of norfloxacin were detailly investigated by ultra-high resolution electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry, density functional theory simulation and ECOSAR estimation. This work proposed a facile and sustainable strategy to enhance the mass transfer problem on immobilized photocatalysts, which could promote the application of the immobilized photocatalysts in the real water-treatment scenarios. [Display omitted] • Hydrophilic - hydrophobic interface of GO/rGO enhance mass transfer effect of antibiotics on the catalyst surface. • Temperature gradient under the photothermal action is crucial for accelerate the mass transfer rate. • Optimized catalyst achieves high norfloxacin removal and mineralization rate with robust stability. • A possible mechanism for the norfloxacin degradation by DFT and ECOSAR was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nerokremmydo of Zakynthos, a Greek landrace of sweet onion producing a large bulb, was experimentally cultivated in a glasshouse using aeroponic, floating, nutrient film technique, and aggregate systems, i.e., AER, FL, NFT, and AG, respectively. The aim of the experiment was to compare the effects of these soilless culture systems (SCSs) on plant characteristics, including fresh and dry weight, bulb geometry, water use efficiency, tissue macronutrient concentrations, and uptake concentrations (UC), i.e., uptake ratios between macronutrients and water, during the main growth, bulbing, and maturation stages, i.e., 31, 62, and 95 days after transplanting. The plants grown in FL and AG yielded 7.87 and 7.57 kg m−2, respectively, followed by those grown in AER (6.22 kg m−2), while those grown in NFT produced the lowest yield (5.20 kg m−2). The volume of nutrient solution (NS) consumed per plant averaged 16.87 L, with NFT plants recording the least consumption. The SCS affected growth rate of new roots and “root mat” density that led to corresponding nutrient uptake differences. In NFT, reduced nutrient uptake was accompanied by reduced water consumption. The SCS and growth stage strongly affected tissue N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S mineral concentrations and the respective UC. The UC of N and Κ followed a decreasing trend, while that of Mg decreased only until bulbing, and the UC of the remainder of the macronutrients increased slightly during the cropping period. The UC can be used as a sound basis to establish NS recommendations for cultivation of this sweet onion variety in closed SCSs.

Growing rice had been done previously by applying crumble compost on the floating raft but part of compost was lost through runoff, so briquettes compost needs to be buried in soil. The aims of this research were to find out the effects of briquettes compost and liquid fertilizer on rice and soil and plant nutrients content. Briquettes compost and liquid fertilizer were made of water mimosa (Neptunia prostrate Lam.). Briquettes were applied at rates of (0, 10, 20 and 30) ton ha-1 and liquid used at (0 and 20) ml clump-1. This experiment used Factorial Randomized Block Design. Briquette compost was made by mixing compost with starch and the application was by inserted into the soil. Liquid fertilizer was made from extracted compost and the application was sprayed on plant leaves. Results showed that the application of Briquette compost (10 ton ha-1) increased (0.34%) P and (1.88%) K plant contents significantly, compared to the control treatment were only (0.09%) for P and (1.38%) for K plant contents. Combination of briquettes compost (20 ton ha-1) and liquid fertilizer (20 ml clump-1) increased dried weight rice significantly to (4.55 ton ha-1)from (1.58 ton ha-1) for control treatment. Briquettes compost inserted into the soil had increased nutrients P and K absorbed due to more contact between roots and nutrients and produced more rice yield.

Introduction: Selenium is a non-metallic, rare chemical element and essential for many organisms but this element is not mentioned as an essential element for plants. Due to its presence in antioxidant defense systems and hormonal balance, selenium is known to be necessary in human and animal health Plants exhibit a variety of physiological responses to selenium.Some species accumulate large amount of selenium, while many plant species are sensitive to presence of large amounts of selenium in soil and water. The mean, the maximum and tolerance level of selenium required for humans is 45, 55 and 400 micrograms, respectively (Dietary Reference). but acute toxicity level in animals are found with a concentration of 1000 ppm. Plants absorb and storage selenium in chemical form and concentration depends on pH, salinity and calcium carbonate content. High contents of selenium reduce plant growth and plant dryness, however in some plants low selenium concentrations improved growth and increase stress resistance by maintenance of chloroplast enzymes. Positive response to the use of selenium were mentioned in lettuce, potato, mustard, crap, darnel, soybean (Glycinemax L), potatoes and green tea leaves. Research has shown that there is a positive relationship between selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity, which is a reason to delay aging and increase growth of aging plants. The results of this study had shown that the application of selenium treatments increased leaf area of plants and, consequently, the higher availability of asmilates, can increase plant growth. The results of the studies also indicated that all vegetative characteristics of plants are increased due to the concentration of selenium and the accumulation capacity of plants affected by selenium application. Since there is no research on the effect of selenium on cabbage, it seems that the use of this element can affect the growth and development of this plant. Materials and Methods: This experiment was tested in a controlled condition hydroponic greenhouse of Horticulture Department, College of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, The greenhouse was covered with polyethylene monolayer and equipped with a cooling and fogging systems to control the temperature in the warm months and humidity, respectively. Daily temperatures were setted3 ± 20 3 ± 16. Seeds of Gemmifera varieties brussels cabbage weregerminated in petri dishes. Seedlings were transferred to the plastic cups (to the floating system) with perlite in four leaf stage. . Plants root system were floated in solution. Modified Hoagland nutrient solution (Table 1) was prepared (12 liters per container with 40 and 32 cm height and diameter, respectively. Results and Discussion: Results of vegetative Brussels sprouts button showed that selenium significantly increased leaf, stem and root dry weight, leaf number and leaf area. Leaf area, leaves, stems and roots fresh and dry weight increased with increasing selenium up to 8 mg L- but then decreased due to a high concentration of selenium toxicity. There were no significant difference in the treatments on stem length, stem diameter. Number of buds was significantly (P≤0.05) affected by selenium treatments and the highest number of sprouts were in two levels of 8 and 16 mg selenium per liter, respectively. Yield and shoot dry weight showed a significant increase (at 1 percent) with increasing levels of selenium,.Conclusions Plants yield significantly (P≤0.01) affected by selenium treatments, so that selenium concentration in the nutrient solution increased from 0 to 8 mg L-1increased yield and reduced afterward. The maximum yield was observed at a concentration of 8 mg L-compared with control. Based on the findings of this study, selenium concentration can be up to 8 mg L-1 in order to improve plant growth to nutrient solution.

This paper reports the results of the characterization of a subfossil trunk found buried in the mud of the Piavon canal, at Chiarano (TV), when dredging took place in 2008. The trunk, of imposing dimensions, lacking branches and bark, has a black, deeply cracked and strongly deteriorated outer surface with a carbonized appearance, while internally it has the typical blackish colour of the so-called drowned oak. The studies have demonstrated that it is a tree belonging to the genus Quercus, common oak or sessile oak, that may have been felled between the end of the 12 th and early 14 th century A.D.. Determination of the MWC and residual basic density indicate that the deterioration decreases from the outside inwards; the ash content is high externally and diminishes moving toward the centre. Nowadays, the Piavon is an irrigation canal, but in Venetian times it was navigable and was used for the transport of goods and timber. There were extensive woodlands of common oak and sessile oak all along the Piavon, the size and composition of which is documented in the Venetian cadastres, which also report the distances between the woodlands and the nearest water courses, proof of the importance of river transport for the timber. In particular, an 18 hectare oak woodland is recorded in the Surian cadastre (1569-70) for the villa at Chiarano. The oaks were used by the Republic of Venice mainly for the construction and maintenance of the shipping fleet. The Chiarano trunk, given its age and the area where it was found, may therefore be a trunk felled in Venetian times, perhaps destined for naval use, which was lost during its transport by floating.

The aim of this study was to design porous matrix beads for floating drug delivery using enteric polymer, Eudragit® L and various amounts of waxes (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3% w/w). In this study, wax containing cetyl alcohol and white petrolatum was utilized to produce pores using a wax removal technique. To prepare the beads, Eudragit® L, metronidazole and wax were dissolved in acetone and then extruded into dichloromethane. The effect of the amount of wax on the floating and drug release behavior of the Eudragit® L beads was determined. After the extruded product was immersed in dichloromethane, wax dissolved out from the formed beads, resulting in a porous structure. The prepared beads could float in simulated gastric fluid for more than 10 hours. Different amounts of wax had an effect on the drug release. We found that when the percentage of wax increased, the drug release was higher while the beads remained floating. The results suggest that Eudragit® L beads could be used as a carrier for an intragastric floating drug delivery system.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to explore the feasibility of developing of Tiropramide, bilayer tablet using an immediate- and extended-release formulation. Method: After rheological performance of drug-excipients mixture, Tiropramide HCl bilayer tablets were prepared by wet granulation method. FTIR analysis was performed to elucidate the compatibility behavior of drug and excipients. Effect of these varying concentrations of Ethyl Cellulose (EC) and Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) were observed on the sustained release pattern of the matrices. Dissolution was performed by using 0.1N HCl and phosphate buffer pH 7.2 as medium at 37.0 ±0.5 ºC, while the stirring speed was set at 50RPM. The bilayer tablets were stored under conditions 40±2oC temperature and 75±5% humidity for stability testing. Results: It was observed that as the quantity of polymers (HPMC or EC) increases the sustained release effect also increases. It was obvious from these models that drug release form bilayer tablets followed the zero order model and Higuchi square root model and the drug release mechanism was diffusion and erosion. The polymers-drug combination was compatible in bilayer tablets before and during stability testing. Conclusion: Bilayer tablet of Tiropramide can be developed successfully in which one layer provides immediate release while the other prolongs the drug release.

Venous thrombosis in newborns in pediatric surgery is rare. Aim of the article: description of the case of treatment of a newborn with a floating thrombus of the right atrium. This article reports the case of a 26-day-old child with a floating right atrium thrombus with a background of late neonatal sepsis, septicemia, osteomyelitis of the proximal humerus, severe anemia and bacterial endocarditis. Primary cause of the right atrial thrombus was a complicated course of pregnancy with anemia, inflammatory disease and colpitis of the mother in the obstetric history. Features of presented case: surgical removal of thrombus with cardiopulmonary bypass. Conclusion ― Thrombosis of the heart cavities in newborns is a rare and dangerous condition, requiring urgent treatment. The presence of a floating thrombus in the heart cavity, is an indication for the surgical removal of a thrombus.

In order to tap the world wide offshore wind resources above deep waters, cost efficient floating platforms are inevitable. Tension-Leg Platforms (TLPs) could enable that crucial cost reduction in floating wind due to their smaller size and lighter weight compared to spars and semi-submersibles. The continuous development of the GICON®-TLP is driven by computer-aided engineering. So-called aero-hydro-servo-elastic coupled simulations are state-of-the-art for predicting loads and simulating the global system behavior for floating offshore wind turbines. Considering the complexity of such simulations, it is good scientific praxis to validate these numerical calculations by use of scaled model testing. This paper addresses the setup of the scaled model testing as carried out at the offshore basin of the École Centrale de Nantes, as well as the numerical model for the GICON®-TLP. The results of dedicated decay tests of the scaled model are used to validate the computational model at the first stage and to determine the natural frequencies of the system. Besides different challenges to the scaled model during the survey, it was possible to take these difficulties into account when updating the numerical model. The results show good agreements for the tank tests and the numerical model.

The floating system (FL) is a common soilless method for baby-leaf production, whereas the ebb and flow system (EF) has been proposed as an alternative. Both of them allow managing plant saline stress while preventing reduction in plant growth and yield and increasing product quality. The oak-leaf lettuce response to the growing conditions (hydroponics, salinity) in interaction with climate and genotype has been little studied. Two experiments were carried out with two oak-leaf cultivars (green- and red-colored type) grown in FL and EF systems at two levels of nutrient solution (NS) electrical conductivity (EC) (EC = 2.5 and 3.5 dS m−1; EC2.5, EC3.5, respectively) under autumn and late-spring conditions. The EF system caused an increase in salinity in the substrate where roots mainly develop, so it overcomes the effect of the EC3.5 treatment. In the autumn cycle, irrespective of the EC, EF-grown plants had improved leaf thickness (specific leaf area), color, and antioxidative (total phenol and carotenoid contents) properties; however, a reduction in yield was observed in the most productive cultivar (green type). In late spring, higher yield and product quality (processability, nitrate content) were obtained at the expense of color, with the FL showing the best productivity in the green type cultivar. The red type cultivar had higher dry mass, phenol, and carotenoid concentrations.

This paper presents a new floating memristor emulator (FME) consisting of only a single current backward transconductance amplifier (CBTA) as the active element and two grounded capacitors. The proposed FME-based on CBTA enjoys some advantages that include minimum active and passive elements without using an analog multiplier circuit and grounded passive elements which are attractive for the integrated circuit. In addition, excluding the DC power supply voltage, it does not use bias voltage and/or bias current. The designed memristor circuit provides incremental and decremental characteristics without changing circuit topology or using a switching mechanism and it is implemented with a minimum of circuit elements. All simulation results for the memristor emulator were obtained as expected when compared with fabricated memristors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conveying of lightweight and delicate parts is an important issue in some manufacturing processes. Two levitation devices, one based on horn transducer (Langevin type) and the other one in the form of a plain rectangular plate made of aluminium firmly fastened at both ends with a surface-mounted piezoelectric actuator, are compared. Both devices operate on a squeeze-film levitation mechanism. To this end, physical experiments were carried out and it was found that the device utilizing horn-type transducer yields better levitation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The US offshore wind industry is maturing with several projects in various stages of development. These projects require site wind and environmental data before and during operation. Conventional techniques such as fixed‐bottom meteorological towers present economical and permitting challenges for the US. Floating Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) buoys offer significant advantages including reduced costs, less permitting, and reusability. This paper presents the validation of the first floating LiDAR buoy in Northeast US waters. The buoy, named DeepCLiDAR, includes a LiDAR, ecological monitoring sensors, and metocean sensors. A three‐phase LiDAR validation plan was executed, and its results are presented. The objective of the validation plan was to verify the accuracy of measurements made by the LiDAR buoy in wave environments against an unmoving reference wind measurement. Due to a lack of reference met masts, the use of a LiDAR on land as a baseline reference was implemented for validation. Comparison to a reference LiDAR instead of a traditional meteorological tower was a unique approach required in the Northeast US waters due to the absence of a reference fixed‐bottom meteorological tower in the region at the time of this study. The testing included a comparison of wind speed measurements made by the buoy deployed 15 km offshore from the mainland and a land‐based reference LiDAR located on a nearby island. This paper presents the methodology and results of this program, which indicate favorable agreement. This was the first such validation program in the Northeast USA which is now seeing rapid development of offshore wind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to compare effervescent and non-effervescent gastro-floating matrix tablets (GFMT) of metronidazole formulated using Azadirachta indica (Neem) gum (AIG). Neem gum was extracted by a method previously described. Granules were prepared by wet granulation technique using the extracted neem gum at varying concentrations (2, 4, 6 and 8% w/w). Sodium bicarbonate and tartaric acid were used as the gas generating agents for the GFMTs, while ammonium bicarbonate was used as the sublimating agent for the non-effervescent GFMTs. Formulations were either prepared alone with the natural gum or with the addition of 1.0% w/w of acrylate methacrylate copolymer (Eudragit ® RL100). All granules were evaluated for micromeritic properties. The granules were compressed at an optimized compression pressure of 30 arbitrary unit on the tableting machine load scale and the non-effervescent GFMTs were sintered at 70 °C for 12 h in a hot-air oven. Tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, floating lag time, in vitro buoyancy and drug release profiles. Drug-excipient compatibility study was done using Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the pores and morphology of the tablets. Results revealed that all formulated floating matrix granules were free flowing, with angle of repose and Carr's index ≤ 33.2º and ≤ 15.5% respectively. All floating matrix granules were compressible with tablet hardness ≤ 9.0 Kg/cm2. Generally, the percentage friability of the GFMTs decreased with increase in binder concentration (≤ 0.99%). The floating lag time for the effervescent GFMT tablets ranged from 2-7 min, while the non-effervescent formulations had zero floating lag time. FTIR and DSC studies showed that the excipients and the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) i.e. metronidazole were compatible. SEM reveals the presence of pores and a smooth surface of the non-effervescent GFMTs, while smooth surface with no pores was revealed in the effervescent formulations. Gastro-floating matrix tablets of metronidazole were successfully formulated in this study using the effervescent and non-effervescent techniques and there was significant difference in the floating lag times (P <0.05) while there was no significant difference in the in vitro buoyancy studies in the tablets formulated using both the effervescent and non-effervescent methods (P >0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Blocky Mg 2 Sn does not present a connection to the continuous Mg 2 Sn in joints soldered by Sn–16Zn. • Joint strength increases with the addition of Zn in solders because Zn blocks crack propagation. • Al exceeds its ultimate solution in solders and increases with the addition of Zn. Dissimilar Al/Mg alloys were soldered by changing the Zn content in Sn-based solders with the assistance of ultrasonic. Results showed that the Al/Mg intermetallic compounds (IMCs) of Al 3 Mg 2 and Al 12 Mg 17 were avoided, but a new IMC of Mg 2 Sn formed in the joints. Mg 2 Sn was blocky inside the joints and continuous near the Mg side. Blocky Mg 2 Sn did not present a connection to the continuous Mg 2 Sn in joints soldered by Sn–16Zn. The shear strength of the joints increased with the addition of Zn into the solders. The maximum shear strength of 49 MPa was obtained when the Sn–16Zn solder was used. The Al content exceeded its ultimate solution in the solder and increased with increasing Zn. The floating of Al grains was observed in the joints soldered by Sn, Sn–3Zn, and Sn–9Zn because of sound radiation pressure, which was blocked by Zn grains in the joint soldered by Sn–16Zn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperextension injuries of lumbar spine resulting in lumbosacral dislocation are a rare entity. We report a case of a 60-year-old male who presented to us in outpatient department with history of trivial fall from bicycle with fracture through the pedicles extending from L2 to L5 with lumbosacral dislocation with free floating posterior elements with intact neurology. This is the first case report of 4 level extension compression injury with lumbosacral dislocation leading to floating lumbar spine to the best of author's knowledge. Treatment consists of reduction of the lumbosacral dislocation first and fusion of the disc space followed by reduction of the other fractures proximally. These injuries may present with a trivial trauma in spondylotic spine in elderly patients. MRI and CT scan should be done early to identify it, reduce and fix it, as in many cases with trivial trauma there may be no neural deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Combination therapy of ezetimibe and atenolol is highly desirable for better management of dyslipidaemia and hypertension. Ezetimibe has poor solubility hence variable and low bioavailability. Atenolol has poor absorption in lower gastrointestinal tract, short half-life. Therefore, the present study was to develop gastro-bilayer floating matrix tablet in which ezetimibe was incorporated as immediate layer and atenolol as sustained release layer. Methods: Solubility of the ezetimibe was enhanced by solid dispersion technique and was characterized by FTIR, DSC and XRD study. Gastrobilayer floating tablets were prepared by direct compression method. Results and Discussion: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K100 (37.5% w/w) as release retardant and croscarmellose sodium (15% w/w) as superdisintegrants in immediate layer as optimized. The total floating time of the optimized tablet was 12 h with 9 min of floating lag time. Atenolol release was sustained through diffusion mechanism over 12 h and more than 95% ezetimibe was released within 30 min. Conclusion: It can be concluded that biphasic drug release pattern was successfully achieved through the formulation of gastro-floating bilayer tablets in this study, allowing strengthened combination therapy for hypertension and dyslipidemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract The problem of many gastroretentive systems is the mechanistic connection of drug release and gastric retention control. This connection could be successfully separated by formulating hollow tubes via hot-melt extrusion and sealing both tube ends, which led to immediately floating devices. The tube wall consisted of metformin crystals embedded in an inert polymer matrix of Eudragit® RS PO and E PO. Very high drug loadings of up to 80% (w/w) were used without generating a 'burst release'. Sustained release profiles from four to more than twelve hours were achieved by varying the polymer proportions without affecting the floatability. Buoyancy was found to mainly depend on the cylinder design, i.e. the outer to inner diameter ratio. This allowed the polymer/metformin composition to be changed without affecting buoyancy, i.e. a separation of floatability and release control was achieved. A prediction model was implemented that allowed for the buoyancy force to be determined with high accuracy by selecting a suitable ratio of outer to inner diameter of the modular tube die. Wall thickness and mass normalized surface area were identified as geometric parameters that mainly influenced the release properties. Conclusively, this study offers a highly flexible and rational manufacturing approach for the development of gastroretentive floating drug delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]