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The granular materials involved in industrial moving beds vary widely, and the corresponding flow characteristics differ. This paper compares the flow characteristics of three kinds of typical granular materials, namely, glass beads, corundum beads, and coarse sand. The repose, internal friction, and particle-wall friction angles of these materials are measured, and the flow characteristics of these materials in near 2D silos, in moving beds with aligned pipes and staggered pipes are studied by particle image velocimetry (PIV). Detailed results regarding the vertical velocity distributions, horizontal velocity distributions, local velocity field surrounding pipes, and dimensionless tangential velocity distribution around pipes of the three granular materials are revealed and compared. The mass flow index of silos, the kinetic energy correction factor in certain cross sections and average dimensionless tangential velocities around pipes are calculated to reveal the similarities and differences of flow characteristics for different granular materials in moving beds. Three kinds of typical granular materials are selected to compare their flow characteristics in a near 2D silo and moving beds with aligned and staggered pipes by PIV. In addition to horizontal and vertical velocity, the local velocity field and tangential velocity distribution around pipes are revealed and compared. Unlabelled Image • Three kinds of typical granular materials are selected to compare their flow characteristics. • The repose, internal friction, and wall friction angles of these materials are measured. • Flow characteristics of these materials in a near 2D silo are studied by PIV. • Flow characteristics in moving beds with aligned and staggered pipes are revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gas parameters, including gas holdup, bubble diameter and bubble specific surface area flux, of a three-phase fluidized bed flotation column (TFC) have been systematically studied. According to the characteristics of each stage of flotation the TFC is designed into three parts, the fluidized mineralization area, the buffer zone and the circulation section, and the solid particles are introduced into the fluidized mineralization area as regulatory factor. The gas holdup was calculated by measuring bed pressure drop, and the bubble diameter was measured by the conductivity probe method. Experimental parameters, including superficial gas velocity, superficial liquid velocity, solid particle type, frother concentration and initial static bed height, were studied. Experimental results show that the gas parameters can be optimized by changing experimental parameters. The models of gas parameters of the TFC have been derived. Experimental results have been compared with those in the relevant literature. Unlabelled Image • A new three-phase flotation column is proposed. • Gas parameters are systematically studied in an independent experimental system. • Mathematical models for predicting gas parameters are presented. • The optimized conditions of gas environment for flotation were studied. • The variation and relation of gas parameters are studied and analyzed systematically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the influence of natural dam downstream slope angles on the erosion characteristics of outburst floods on channel beds, five natural dam failure tests with different dam downstream slopes were conducted. The results show that the increase in the dam downstream slope angle enlarges the breaching discharge and shortens the duration. The farther away from the dam, the weaker the erosion intensity is on the channel bed. The absolute value of the erosion rate at each section is smaller in the late stage of the failure process, and the erosion intensity gradually decreases. For the channel bed near the dam, the erosion rate is larger, and the erosion ability is stronger than those for the channel bed farther from the dam. With the increase in the dam downstream slope angle, the erosion rate increases in the early stage, which changes little in the late stage. The sediment concentration first increases and then decreases, and with an increase in the dam downstream slope angle, the peak sediment concentration first decreases and then increases. For natural dams with gentle dam downstream slopes, the peak sediment concentration is primarily affected by the dam volume; when the dam downstream slope gets steep, the breaching discharge is the dominant factor affecting the sediment concentration. The final topography of the channel bed after dam failure under different dam downstream slope angles is basically the same. When the failure process comes to an end, sandbars are formed on the channel bed, which are distributed on both sides of the channel, forming a braided river downstream. The channel bed surface represents an obvious "S" shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate three different formulae for calculating the biologically effective dose (BED) by use of a multipopulation reaction–diffusion simulation to determine whether these formulae produce equivalent effects for different treatment regimes. Methods: The standard BED formula, BEDs, was updated to account both for spacial nonuniformity in dose and for cellular regrowth between fractions, by creating two new formulae: BEDϕ and BEDϕT. These BED formulae were used to calculate dose per fraction values for two, three, and five fraction treatments and to compare the tumor volumes of those treatments to those of a single fraction. A spherical tumor model based on the reaction–diffusion equation was used to calculate the final volume of each tumor 185 days after the delivery of the first fraction. The percent difference in volume between single‐fraction and multiple‐fraction treatments was used as a measure to test the accuracy of each BED formula. Results: Percent differences in volume between single‐ and multiple‐fraction treatment regimes varied up to approximately 18.5% if the dose per fraction was calculated using BEDs but the delivered dose was nonuniform. Proper application of spacial nonuniformity in dose and tumor regrowth correction factors modified the dose per fraction values by no more than 5%, but resulted in the improvement of simulated tumor volumes down to around 2% or lower difference in volume. Conclusions: Treatment regimes with the same BED value should have the same effect. However, small changes in the dose per fraction delivered in multiple‐fraction treatments can have a large effect on the tumor volume of a treatment when the dose is delivered nonuniformly or when tumor regrowth between fractions is ignored. Inclusion of these correction factors is important for the underlying assumption that treatments with equal BED will have equal effects on the clinically observed tumor volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOE) is known to cause relaxation of mesenteric resistance arteries of rats in which hypertension has been induced by the administration of L-NAME, but the mechanism(s) of action of MOE remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate these mechanisms in mesenteric arterial beds isolated from L-NAME induced hypertensive rats. Methods: An investigation of vascular reactivity was conducted on isolated mesenteric arterial beds by measuring the changes in perfusion pressure using an in vitro system. MOE (0.001–3 mg in 0.1 ml injection volume) caused a dose-dependent relaxation in methoxamine (5 µM) pre-contracted arterial beds, which was partially abolished by endothelium removal. The endothelium-dependent component of vasorelaxation was insensitive to both L-NAME (100 µM) and indomethacin (10 µM), while completely inhibited in high KCl (45 mM)-induced contraction. MOE (1 and 3 mg/ml) showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on CaCl2-induced contractions of denuded preparations in Ca2+-free medium containing a high KCl (60 mM) or methoxamine (10 µM). In Ca2+-free medium, MOE (3 mg/ml) also inhibited phenylephrine-induced contractions of denuded preparations. Conclusion: These findings suggest that MOE relaxes mesenteric arterial beds of L-NAME hypertensive rats via both endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent mechanisms. The endothelium-dependent action occurred via endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated hyperpolarization. The endothelium-independent action was related to blocking the entry of extracellular Ca2+ via voltage-operated and receptor-operated Ca2+ channels, and inhibiting mobilization of sarcolemmal Ca2+ via inositol trisphosphate receptor Ca2+ channels. MOE may be potentially useful as a natural vasodilator against hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The partitioning of different grain‐size classes in gravity flow deposits is one of the key characteristics used to infer depositional processes. Turbidites have relatively clean sandstones with most of their clay deposited as part of a mudstone cap or as a distal mudstone layer, whereas sand‐bearing debrites commonly comprise mixtures of sand grains and interstitial clay; hybrid event beds develop alternations of clean and dirty (clay‐rich) sandstones in varying proportions. Analysis of co‐genetic mudstone caps in terms of thickness and composition is a novel approach that can provide new insight into gravity flow depositional processes. Bed thickness data from the ponded Castagnola system show that turbidites contain more clay overall than do hybrid event beds. The Castagnola system is characterized by deposits of two very different petrographic types. Thanks to this duality, analyses of sandstone and mudstone composition allow inference of which proportion of the clay in each of the deposit types was acquired en route. In combination with standard sedimentological observations the new data allow insight into the likely characteristics of their parent flows. Clean turbidites were deposited by lower concentration, long duration, erosive, muddy turbidity currents which were more efficient at fractionating clay particles away from their basal layer. Hybrid event beds were deposited by shorter duration, higher‐concentration, less‐erosive sandier flows which were less efficient at clay fractionation. The results are consistent with data from other turbidite systems (for example, Marnoso‐arenacea). The approach represents a new method to infer the controls on the degree of clay partitioning in gravity flow deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Small Circle (SC) tools analyse the stereographic tracks (small circles) followed by the palaeomagnetic vectors during folding processes. Working with interfolding and synfolding remagnetizations, the Small Circle Intersection (SCI) method allows finding the best solution of grouping that should correspond with the remagnetization direction. Once this is known, it is possible to determine the magnetization age as well as the degree of bed tilting at this moment. The SC tools are based on some assumptions, among which the coaxiality between the different deformation events is the one addressed in this work (i.e. absence of vertical axis rotations, VARs, or differential horizontal axis rotations, dHARs). This assumption is based on the necessity of knowing the rotation axis for folding after the acquisition of the remagnetization, and SC tools consider the bedding strike as this axis, something that is only accomplished under coaxial folding. In order to explore how non-coaxiality affects the solutions derived from the SC methods, we first (i) identify the variables that control these errors through simple models that only consider two theoretical palaeomagnetic sites, after that it is possible (ii) to derive the mathematical relationships between them. Finally, we (iii) simulate errors derived from the use of SC tools using a population of 30 palaeomagnetic sites recreating different possible scenarios with VARs and dHARs in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present findings from the newly discovered fossiliferous bed, TB-ARB, from the Ediacara Member exposed at the National Heritage Site, Nilpena Station, west of the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. TB-ARB contains Ediacaran fossils, some of which are rare, remarkably preserved as casts in fine-grained sandstone with little evidence for taphonomic disturbance. Here we demonstrate that, despite extraordinary preservation, ecological metrics from TB-ARB are characteristic of those found on other Ediacara Member beds and that this fossil assemblage is consistent with the previously recognised heterogeneity of the Ediacaran seafloor. This result suggests that limited taphonomic processes identified on more typical beds at Nilpena do not bias our view of Ediacaran paleoecology, but together, these beds present a complete picture of ancient animal communities. Remarkable preservation of rare Andiva ivantsovi allows investigations of morphology, growth and life habit. We identify complex growth in this organism that maximises surface area relative to volume and a morphology consistent with previously unsubstantiated claims for mobility. Features of Andiva indicate that it was likely related to two other extinct Ediacaran flat-lying, modular, mobile taxa, Dickinsonia and Yorgia, suggesting a possible eumetazoan placement for this organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fluidized bed is basically a suspension of granular material by an ascending fluid in a tube, and it has a rich dynamics that includes clustering and pattern formation. When the ratio between the tube and grain diameters is small, different behaviors can be induced by high confinement effects. Some unexpected and curious behaviors that we investigate in this paper are the crystallization and jamming of grains in liquids with velocities higher than those for incipient fluidization, supposed to maintain the grains fluidized. In our experiments, performed in a vertical tube of transparent material, different grains, water velocities, resting times, and velocity decelerations were used. An analysis of the bed evolution based on image processing shows that, after a decreasing flow that reaches a velocity still higher than that for incipient fluidization, grains become organized in lattice structures of high compactness, where they are trapped though with small fluctuations. These structures are initially localized and grow along time, in a similar manner as happens in phase transitions and glass formation. After a certain time, if the liquid velocity is slightly increased, jamming occurs, with grains being completely blocked and their fluctuation disappearing. We show that different lattice structures appear depending on the grain type. Our results provide new insights into fluidization conditions, glass-like formation, and jamming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers in paleontological and paleoecological sciences often need complete disaggregation of rock materials for certain lines of investigation. However, complete disaggregation of more lithified sedimentary rock is known to be problematic. Acomplete shale disaggregationmethod implementing quaternary ammonium surfactants, widely used in paleontological sciences for poorly lithified shale and mudstone, was successfully used on well lithified Devonian shale in the Appalachian Basin ofWestern New York. Over 50 Devonian gray and black shale samples were collected from multiple localities in western New York (Cashaqua, Rhinestreet, Skaneateles, Windom, and Ludlowville), coarsely crushed, and fully immersed in a quaternary ammonium surfactant until complete disaggregationwas achieved (5-14 days); aliquots were run through a series of nested sieves. The sieved sediments contained hundreds of well-preserved microfossils released from the shale: ostracods, dacryoconarids, and previously unreported palymorphs, charophytes, agglutinated foraminifera, miospores, and other microspherules. These microfossils were easily found within disaggregated and sieved samples but were unrecognizable on the shale surface and destroyed in prior investigations of whole rock thin sections. In addition to more traditional approaches, inclusion of this complete rock disaggregationmethod may assist in amore complete analysis ofmaterial, increase our understandings of ancient basin systems and have important implications on our understanding of the paleoecology during the Late Devonian marine biotic crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equations for double-mean, form-induced and spatially averaged turbulent energy budgets are employed to analyse data from direct numerical simulations of turbulent open-channel flows over transitionally rough mobile beds with intermediate flow submergence. Two scenarios were considered related to (i) near-critical bed condition, and (ii) fully mobile bed condition. The bed was composed of a layer of mobile spherical particles moving on the top of one layer of fixed particles of the same size. Data analysis showed the leading energy exchanges between double-mean, form-induced, turbulent flow field contributions as well as particle motions. Above the fixed particles tops, the turbulent flow receives kinetic energy directly from the mean flow as well as from moving bed particles, which in turn also receive energy from the mean flow. For near-critical bed condition, particle aggregations enhanced mean-flow heterogeneity, strengthened turbulent stresses and their effects on the flow, while at increased bed-mobility, energy transport mechanisms became weaker and conversions induced by viscous stresses and pressure became stronger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the influence of near-bank vegetation patches on the bed morphological adjustment in open channel flow systems. The 2D depth-averaged hydro-morphological model is adopted for this investigation, which is first validated by laboratory experimental data measured in an open channel with a single near-bank vegetation patch. The validated model is then applied for extensive numerical simulations, with the aim of conducting a systematic analysis of the influence of different geometric controlling parameters on the bed morphological evolution. The controlling parameters taken into account for numerical analysis include the angle of repose value (RAV) of sediment, vegetation density (VD), patch length (PL) and patch width (PW). The numerical results and analysis show that: (1) the RAV of sediment with slope-failure parametrization only influences the shape of the transverse bed topography in the junction region; (2) increase in VD, PL and PW that substantially enhances flow blockage effect encourages the growth of the pool adjacent to the patch in three dimensions; (3) increase in VD, PL and PW produces analogous retrogressive erosion (erosion toward the upstream) in the pool region, presumably due to the increase in flow resistance. Additional numerical experiments suggest that the staggered-order distribution of multiple patches might be an optimal choice for channel restoration and conservation since pools and riffles with larger scales can be produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bed roughness height (k) is a key parameter for velocity prediction in open‐channel flows. There is not yet a firm consensus about whether characteristic particle size D84 or σz (standard deviation of the channel thalweg) better describes k in gravel bed streams. A data set of 1,788 flume and 713 field measurements with a wide range of channel morphologies and flow conditions were compiled to test whether D84 or σz is a better descriptor of k and to explore the influence of several controls on flow resistance variation. Tests were performed using four well‐known flow resistance equations. The results consistently show that σz outperforms D84 in predicting velocity and the Smart and Jäggi equation, with σz as k, outperforms other equations. The data set was grouped based on R/k (R is the hydraulic radius), channel morphologies, and study sites. σz performs better than D84 as a measure of k in all morphologies and much better for channels with large instream wood. The analysis shows R/k is a major control on resistance variation as σz contains more site‐specific information like bed structure. The topography measurements for step‐pool channels should at least contain measurements on key roughness elements like steps. For gravel‐dune or plane‐bed channels, the proper resolution should be higher than 1/2 dune wavelength and 2D84, respectively. The choice of proper reach length relates to both R/k and roughness type. Further, hydraulic geometry functions with either D84 or σz as k are proposed, and the relation between the two metrics is discussed. Key Points: The standard deviation of bed elevation σz more universally characterizes bed roughness k than D84 across a wide range of river conditionsThe Smart and Jäggi equation with σz as k outperforms others based on a large data set of 2,501 measurements under a wide range of conditionsAccurate σz measurements require spatial resolution above 2D84 (plane‐bed), 0.5 dune wavelength (dune‐bed), and inter‐step spacing (step‐pool) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a considerable reduction in the good quality land for construction due to the rapid growth of population and industrialisation. Under these circumstances, the civil engineers are forced to utilise the poor sites by improving the ground conditions. Among the various ground improvement techniques, soil reinforcement methods are considered to be one of the effective methods. Studies on soil reinforcement by the natural materials become trending at present days owing to its benefits over conventional reinforcement material. Bamboo is one of the potential materials for soil reinforcement, but the studies are limited in some forms of bamboo products. In this study, the woven bamboo mat was utilised as a planar reinforcing element in the sand bed and the efficacy of bamboo mat to reduce surface heave formation was studied in detail. Five sets of laboratory model tests were conducted and the influence of different parameters such as placement depth of bamboo mat, width, spacing between two layers and the number of layers of reinforcement was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on post-tsunami surveys following the Japan Tsunami 2011, the most prominent seawall damage was due to scours that was formed behind the seawall. The downstream of a seawall is an essential part of the seawall stability which must be securely protected from the tsunami overflow in order to maintain seawall stability. The scouring process on boulder bed behind the seawall and the method to reduce the scour was investigated in a laboratory experiment. The scouring process and scour depth are assumed to be closely related with the tsunami hydrograph. Hence, the tsunami hydrograph was also modelled to imitate an existing reported tsunami hydrograph. The results showed that both the maximum scour depth and scour length are increased with the length of tsunami overflow or the hydrograph. The bed material behind the seawall was transported downstream. The transport of boulder can be blocked by a set of vertical screens installed in between the boulder bed. This method is found to be effective in reducing both the scour depth and scour length. The reduction of maximum scour depths are approximately 50%, 43%, and 34% for dimensionless screen distance of 5.33, 6.67, and 8.0, respectively, while the scours length for all various screen distance is reduced for about 25%. Other than that, it is important to note that the scour depth exactly behind the seawall reduced significantly. This signify that, the screen also effective in keeping in place the bed material that directly support the seawall from sliding force and turning moment and thus secures the stability of the seawall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temporal and cross‐sectional distributions of particles in a 127 mm diameter fluidized bed have been obtained using a new generation, high‐speed electrical capacitance tomography. Two planes of eight electrodes were used and mounted at 160 and 660 mm from the gas distributor which was a 3 mm thick porous plastic plate (maximum pore size of 50‐70 μm). 3 mm diameter, nearly‐spherical polyethylene granules made up the bed. Experiments at sampling frequencies of 200‐2000 cross‐sections per second and gas superficial velocities from just below the minimum fluidization to 83% above minimum fluidization velocities were used. The time series of the cross‐sectional average void fractions have been examined both directly and in amplitude and frequency space. The last two used probability density functions and power spectral densities. The information gathered shows that the fluidized bed was operating in the slugging mode, which is not surprising given the size of the particles. It has been found that an increase in the excess gas velocity above the minimum fluidization velocity resulted in an increase in the mean void fraction, an increase in the length and velocity of the slug bubbles as well as the bed height, and a slight decrease in the slug frequency. The results are presented in a level of detail suitable for comparison with later numerical simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), an aquatic plant, was tested for its ability to improve the dewatering of sewage sludge to increase the capacity of existing or new conventional drying beds. Three experimental runs were conducted in an outdoor environment, two of them were in a batch lab-scale while the third was in a pilot scale. The effect of multiple addition of sludge and the plant density on the performance of the system were tested in the experiments. Controls were used in all experiments. The experiments were conducted using liquid sewage sludge collected from wastewater treatment plants in Egypt. The sludge used in the experiments represents a mixture of primary sludge and waste activated sludge collected before discharging into drying beds. The current study showed that the water hyacinth bed proved to be a very efficient system for sewage sludge dewatering and for increasing the capacity of conventional drying beds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) plays a critical role in regulating anxiety, yet the involved specific cell types and their connections functioning in anxiety-related behaviors remains elusive. Here we identified two cell subpopulations—corticotropin-releasing hormone-positive (CRH+) and protein kinase C- δ -positive (PKC- δ +) neurons—each displayed discrete emotionally valenced behaviors in the anterior-dorsal BNST (adBNST). Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and virus-assisted circuit tracing techniques, we delineated the local and long-range connectivity networks in a cell-type-specific manner. The results show that the CRH+ and PKC- δ + neurons received inputs from similar brain regions and exhibited significant differences in the downstream projection density. In addition, in vivo calcium imaging as well as gain- and loss-of-function studies characterized the physiological response properties and the functional heterogeneities in modulating anxiety, further suggesting the similarity and individuality between the two adBNST cell types. These results provide novel insights into the circuit architecture of adBNST neurons underlying the functionally specific neural pathways that relate to anxiety disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In contrast to traditional drafting techniques, the superposition structure of the bed air column of spinal manipulation contributes to controlling the duration of traction. Finite element analysis is used to calculate the stress of adjacent lumbar segments with different traction durations. It provides a better theoretical basis for lumbar traction prescription in clinical spinal manipulative bed. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the stress and distribution of adjacent lumbar segments with different traction durations using the finite element analysis when the spine manipulation bed is used for traction. METHODS: A healthy male volunteer, aged 26 years, with a height of 174 cm and a weight of 60 kg, was selected, who was fully informed of the study protocol and signed an informed consent. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine with an approval No. 2016XJS-001-01. According to the CT images of volunteers T12-S1, an effective three-dimensional finite element model of the lumbar spine was established. By means of three-dimensional finite element analysis, the stress changes of the lumbar vertebrae and facet joint adjacent to the L3 were calculated when the traction was maintained for 10, 20 and 30 seconds respectively. The internal law and mechanism of the changes were analyzed and discussed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) When the pushing height was 5 cm and the action time was 1.25-17 seconds, the stress value of adjacent lumbar segments increased continuously. For the intervertebral disc, the stress value was 4.60-5.68 MPa for L2-L3, and 5.26-6.61 MPa for L3-L4; for the facet joint, the stress value was 7.01-8.67 MPa for L2-L3 and 5.22-6.50 MPa for L3-L4. (2) The stress of adjacent vertebral segments and facet joints remained basically unchanged after pushing for more than 24 seconds. Therefore, when the spine manipulation bed acts on the lumbar spine, it will not damage the adjacent lumbar segments, and the duration of action should be between 25 and 30 seconds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate bed compression is widely applied in various industries to break particles in comminution units or to manufacture tablets by compressing the particles to high pressures. Analyzing the medium range of compression pressures (compression stress) is complicated, as a number of phenomena occur simultaneously: particle rearrangement, force chain formation, particle breakage, particle bonding, and finally tableting. All of these phenomena affect one another and cannot be separated. However, the ability to quantify each of these phenomena and consider the strength of individual particles may lead to better understanding and design of the processes involved. The phenomenological research presented in this paper shows a number of interesting phenomena. Through experiments and extensive visualizations particle breakage within the compressed bed and individual particle crush were compared to show that particles within a bed will break at lower average pressure. In the same way, other phenomena are revealed, such as: breakage ratio in a compressed bed is limited and the strongest particles survive, the fine debris are required for bonding. Unlabelled Image • Rearrangements appears whenever a particle breaks. • Force chains play a major part in particle breakage. • Within bed compression particles break at lower average pressures than their strength. • The required fines for bonding come from large particles breakage. • The strongest particles survive the bed compression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study has been carried out on the influence process conditions and design parameters have on the drying in a conical spouted bed. Optimum parameters have been determined for the draft tube and the fountain confiner. Drying time is reduced when the spout region is enlarged. A distance between the bed surface and the lower end of the confiner in the 0.10–0.15 m range and a confiner of 0.5–0.9 m length minimize the drying time. Longer distances do not avoid entrainment, and shorter distances lead to higher pressure drop and minimum spouting velocity. Longer fountain confiners do not reduce significantly the drying time. Draft tubes with a reduced aperture ratio lead to longer drying times due to their adverse effect on the gas–solid contact. Aperture ratios above 60% cause a decrease in the efficiency of the process due to the higher gas flow rates required to achieve spouting regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TiO 2 -GO composites were immobilized on extruded rod like metakaolin support via APS. • The photoreactor beds were employed for wastewater treatment under solar irradiation. • GO/TiO 2 ratio should be controlled at the level of 0.005 to maximize degradation rate. • The packed bed fabricated with six coated layers exhibited higher activity. • No significant deactivation was observed after seven degradation runs. Anatase-graphene oxide nanocomposites were immobilized on extruded rod like metakaolin support via 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and successfully employed for the photocatalytic treatment of wastewater contaminated by organic dye under solar irradiation. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by measuring the dye degradation efficiency to determine the appropriate composition for decoration. In order to achieve maximum degradation rate, the graphene oxide/anatase ratio should be controlled at the level of 0.005. The packed bed fabricated with six coated layers on metakaolin rod exhibited higher activity level in comparison to bed prepared with one coated layer. No significant deactivation was observed after seven runs, verifying the photocatalyst stability and reusability. In conclusion, based on introduced strategy for decoration of nano-sized photocatalyst on porous support, it is possible to overcome the separation problem arising from the application of photocatalysts in powder form in the conventional slurry photoreactors which is great of importance from engineering point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper two different simple to design and easy to manufacturing transitions from a microstrip to rectangular waveguide based on ridge and groove gap waveguides are studied. The first one is based on a combination of a groove and ridge gap waveguide. In this case, the microstrip substrate occupies the whole bottom metallic housing block, namely, the transition and the gap between the bed of nails and the lid; therefore, it does not require any substrate shaping. Nevertheless, the transition needs to replace groove waveguide by ridge gap waveguide sections to avoid higher-order mode excitation. In the second approach, based on only a groove gap waveguide, the substrate is shaped to be only in the microstrip section, that is, outside the bed of nails area. This leads to a simplification of the design procedure. Prototypes of both transitions have been characterized, showing good agreement with the simulations taking into account the manufacturing tolerances. Performance comparable to the state-of-the-art in this frequency band has been achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recording behaviours that have the potential to impact health can be doubly challenging if the behaviour takes place in private spaces that cannot be observed directly, and where respondents answer what they think the recorder may want to hear. Sleeping under a long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) is an important intervention for malaria prevention, yet it is difficult to gauge the extent to which coverage (how many nets are in the community) differs from usage (how many people actually sleep under a net). List randomization, a novel method which partially obscures respondents' answers to sensitive questions, was employed to estimate LLIN usage in The Gambia. Methods: 802 heads-of-household from 15 villages were recruited into a randomized controlled trial assessing the effect of a housing intervention on malaria. These houses were randomly assigned to a housing intervention versus control, with stratification by village so as to ensure balance between arms. From these, 125 households (63 intervention, 52 control) were randomly selected for participation in the list randomization experiment, along with 68 households from the same villages but which were not part of the housing improvement study, resulting in a total of 196 households for the list randomization experiment. Approximately half (n = 97) of the 196 study participants were randomly assigned to the control group and received a four-question list about non-sensitive behaviours; the intervention group (n = 99) received the same list, with the addition of one question on a sensitive behaviour: whether or not they had used a bed net the previous night. Participants were read the list of questions and then said how many of the statements were true. Bed net usage was estimated by calculating the difference in means between the number of affirmative responses between the two groups. Results: The mean number of affirmative responses in the control group was 2.60 of four statements (95% confidence interval, 95% CI 2.50–2.70), compared with 3.68 (95% CI 3.59–3.78) in the intervention group. Such difference (1.08; 95% CI 94.9–100%) suggests near universal bed net usage. Conclusions: Bed net usage by household heads in these rural villages was found to be high. Though not entirely unexpected given other studies' estimates of high bed net usage in the area, the list randomization method should be further validated in an area with lower coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a topographic digital elevation model (DEM) for Princess Elizabeth Land (PEL), East Antarctica - the last remaining region in Antarctica to be surveyed by airborne radio-echo sounding (RES) techniques. The DEM covers an area of ~900,000 km² and was established from new RES data collected by the ICECAP-2 consortium, led by the Polar Research Institute of China, from four campaigns since 2015. Previously, the region (along with Recovery basin elsewhere in East Antarctica) was characterised by an inversion using low resolution satellite gravity data across a large (>200 km wide) data-free zone to generate the Bedmap2 topographic product. We use the mass conservation (MC) method to produce an ice thickness grid across faster-flowing (>30 m yr-1) regions of the ice sheet and streamline diffusion in slower-flowing areas. The resulting ice thickness model is integrated with an ice surface model to build the bed DEM. With the revised bed DEM, we are able to model the flow of subglacial water and assess where the hydraulic pressure, and hydrological routing, is most sensitive to small ice-surface gradient changes. Together with BedMachine Antarctica, and Bedmap2, this new PEL bed DEM completes the first order measurement of subglacial continental Antarctica - an international mission that began around 70 years ago. The ice thickness and bed elevation DEMs of PEL (resolved horizontally at 500 m relative to ice surface elevations obtained from a combination of European Remote Sensing Satellite 1 radar (ERS-1) and Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) laser satellite altimetry datasets) are accessible from https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3666088 (Cui et 38al., 2020). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Modeling of three-phase dense bottom spray fluidized bed granulation of urea. • Solving heat and mass equations in a simulated industrial-scale granulator. • Droplets' diameter determination in atomization process. • Comparing simulated bed height with measured industrial data. • Determination of temperature changes and water content evaporation in system. A 3D computational fluid dynamic modeling of atomization and fluidization of urea was simulated in an external mixing, bottom spray, fluidized bed granulator. The Eulerian–Lagrangian approach was used to predict the mean diameter of melt urea droplets similar to the droplets produced by an industrial scale two-fluid nozzle under hot atomized air. Temperature changes and evaporation of water content from droplets were determined during simulations. Furthermore, three-phase fluidization was simulated in the Eulerian approach whereby the bed expansion of the granulator was predicted. The mean diameter of droplets and bed height were found in good agreement with the empirical correlation and the real bed height, as characterized by a level transmitter instrument in the industrial granulator, respectively. The important features of this study included solving mass, heat and hydraulic equations simultaneously, as well as simulating a real urea fluidized bed granulation unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falls in the elderly are a public health problem because this population tends to have a longer recovery time and consequently longer hospital beds. Studies show that 84% of falls in hospital rooms occur near the bed, that led to strategies to prevent falls in the elderly population have been studied. In this context, this paper presents a schema for the detection and emission of bed exit alerts in the elderly. This schema uses signals derived from RFID sensors processed by a model based on Intelligent Swarm and Fuzzy Sets. The main contribution of this study is the use of a Membership Windows that reduces the effects of missclassification of other strategies. The proposed work evaluated a data set containing 14 elderly aged between 66 and 86 years divided into two rooms. The results show that the presented approach improves the precision and recall in environments with greater uncertainty of classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Particle replacement model was implemented in a DEM commercial code. • Breakage of particle beds by compression and impact was studied. • Fragmentation of iron ore pellets was modeled and simulated. • PR model calibrated on the basis of analytical models and experiments. • PR model validated by comparison with experiments. The present work introduces a particle replacement model implemented in the commercial software EDEM to describe breakage of particles. Several model parameters were initially estimated on the basis of single-particle breakage tests on iron ore pellets. The model was then used to simulate breakage of particle beds by both slow compression and impact. Model predictions were compared to experiments in terms of compressive force versus packing density, breakage probability of the particles versus compressive force applied to the bed, and the product size distribution in compression and impact. The model showed the expected trends as well as some agreement with the measured product size distributions both from confined and unconfined stressing conditions of the bed of particles, being a simple and effective approach to describe breakage in systems where particles are stressed as assemblies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Origin of pressure fluctuations of a single bubble from formation to eruption is discussed. • Effects of density, size of particles, and injection velocity on pressure profile are investigated. • Maximum amplitude of bubble formation is related to the injection velocity and density of particles. • Amplitude of bubble eruption is related to the bubble diameter, density and size of particles. In this work, to investigate the source of pressure fluctuations, behavior of a single bubble in a two-dimensional gas–solid fluidized bed was studied. Pressure sensors located at different heights of the bed measured presure fluctuations, and simultaneously a high speed camera was used to pursue all steps from formation to eruption of bubbles. Two types of particles were applied with different sizes and densities. Experiments showed that the maximum amplitude of formation was independent of the bubble diameter. But, it depended on density of particles, velocity of injection and the distance from bed surface. When injection stopped, there was a minimum in pressure profile related to the higher dense phase voidage for a higher superficial gas velocity after injection. Also, the maximum pressure fluctuation of bubble eruptions was related to the bubble diameter, density and size of particles. It was concluded that pressure fluctuations of formation, passing and eruption of bubbles in fluidized beds are originated due to changes in dense phase voidage, bed voidage and movement of particles during bubble eruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A bed expansion ratio correlation is proposed based on extensive numerical simulations. • Effect of various numerically derived drag models on gas-solid flow dynamics is quantitatively assessed. • Simulation results agree with experimental data reasonably well. • The corrected correlation improves the prediction by the empirical equation. For designing and operating fluidized bed reactors, bed expansion ratio is one of the most important parameters. In this research, a bubbling fluidized bed is simulated using three-dimensional Eulerian-Eulerian method that is incorporated with kinetic theory of granular flow (KTGF) to calculate the pressure drop, gas volume fraction (GVF) and bed expansion ratio. Grid optimization is firstly conducted to achieve suitable solution for further simulations. Subsequently, different numerically derived drag models are employed to investigate the effect of these models on gas-solid flow dynamics. Afterwards, the fluidized bed is simulated at different gas superficial velocities employing two different drag models respectively. Simulation results have been comprehensively validated against experimental data. Finally, an expression for bed expansion ratio has been formulated and compared with the empirical correlation. The proposed correlation holds reasonably well with various experimental values. This work provides a scalable way to aid in designing and operating process reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pyrolysis of palm shell was performed in a batch conical spouted bed to examine the effects of pyrolysis temperature and time, particle size, and static bed height on the product yields and properties. The optimal pyrolysis condition derived from the batch operation, which produced maximum liquid product yield, was selected for the pyrolysis tests in a continuous mode from which only the effect of pyrolysis temperature was studied. It was found that pyrolysis temperature and time showed a strong effect on the pyrolysis product yields, while particle size and static bed height showed almost no significant effect. For the continuous spouted bed operation, the maximum liquid yield of 65 wt% was obtained under the test condition. With regard to the pyrolysis products, the bio–oil obtained is probably less attractive to use as a direct fuel, due to its high water content, low calorific value and high acidity. The derived solid product gave a calorific value of 31 MJ/kg and a BET surface area of 200-220 m²/g. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide were the dominant components in the gas product. Batch and continuous operations yielded similar char properties and gas compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A numerical solution of a two-temperature problem on the thermal state of an aerated granular bed, constituting the thermal protection of the gas distributor of a high-temperature bubbling bed, is carried out. An equation is obtained for the coefficient of the efficiency of cooling the gas distributor. It is shown that on the side of the bubbling bed the surface temperature of the granular bed is independent of its thermal conductivity and thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report documents the last pteraspids, (armored, jawless members of the Heterostraci), which are otherwise only known from the Early Devonian of the Old Red Sandstone Continent. Tuberculate pteraspid heterostracans are described from the Middle Devonian beds of two formations in western North America. The late Givetian Yahatinda Formation of Alberta and British Columbia consists of channels cut into lower Paleozoic rocks and represents deposition in marine to littoral environments. Clavulaspis finis (Elliott et al., 2000a) new combination is redescribed from additional material from the Yahatinda Formation and reassigned to the new genus Clavulaspis because the original genus name is invalid. The Eifelian Spring Mountain beds of Idaho consist of a large channel that represents a clastic-dominated estuarine environment. It contains Scutellaspis wilsoni new genus new species, and the previously described species from the Spring Mountain beds is redescribed and reassigned to Ecphymaspis new genus, which was prompted by new material and a review of the validity of the original genus name. Phylogenetic analysis shows that these three new taxa form part of the derived clade Protaspididae. UUID: http://zoobank.org/9cf09b21-cec1-4ce4-bc2b-658d0b515e10 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four placoderm fishes are described from the Lepel Beds of the Vitebsk Regional Stage of the Lower Devonian (upper Emsian) of Belarus. Two forms are new (Stipatosteus svidunovitchi new genus, new species and Actinolepis zaikai new species) and the other two taxa are left in open nomenclature (Coccosteidae gen. indet. sp. indet.; Placodermi indet. 1). Specimens of all four forms consist of disarticulated, mostly well-preserved plates (some are worn at the edges) originating from the cores of six boreholes. Additionally, the paper presents data on organic remains with the placoderms. A detailed lithological description of the enclosing rocks and a taphonomic description of the ichthyofauna are also provided. The 2010 Stratigraphic Chart of the Devonian deposits of Belarus was used as the stratigraphic basis. The presence of the genus Actinolepis Agassiz, 1844 in these deposits as well as in the Emsian of the Baltic region and Spitsbergen suggests a regional paleogeographic connection at this time. UUID: http://zoobank.org/368b44df-e9e9-417c-a0e0-f7e138b7f4ec [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on the fluid-bed granulation process of a product with two active pharmaceutical ingredients, intended for coated tablets preparation and further transfer to industrial scale. The work aimed to prove that an accurate control of the critical granulation parameters can level the input material variability and offer a user-friendly process control strategy. Moreover, an in-line Near-Infrared monitoring method was developed, which offered a real time overview of the moisture level along the granulation process, thus a reliable supervision and control process analytical technology (PAT) tool. The experimental design's results showed that the use of apparently interchangeable active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and filler sorts that comply with pharmacopoeial specifications, lead to different end-product critical attributes. By adapting critical granulation parameters (i.e. binder spray rate and atomising pressure) as a function of material characteristics, led to granules with average sizes comprised in a narrow range of 280-320 µm and low nongranulated fraction of under 5%. Therefore, the accurate control of process parameters according to the formulation particularities achieved the maintenance of product within the design space and removed material related variability. To complete the Quality by design (QbD) strategy, despite its limited spectral domain, the microNIR spectrometer was successfully used as a robust PAT monitoring tool that offered a real time overview of the moisture level and allowed the supervision and control of the granulation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several researchers have modeled the heat transfer in a packed bed, heated externally, and determined its effective thermal conductivity (keff). But till date, very few researchers have studied the heat transfer of the pebble bed, where the heat is generated inside the bed; and the effective thermal conductivity of the packed bed with internal heat generation has not yet been reported. In the present work, heat generation inside the bed has been imitated by inductively heating randomly placed steel balls with lithium titanate (Li2TiO3) pebbles. The system has been modeled and validated with experimental results. The keff of the Li2TiO3 pebble bed is determined for various process conditions. A correlation has been developed to calculate the keff based on various process parameters such as pebble diameter, air flow rate, and induction temperature. The result presented in this study will be used for the design and scale‐up studies of future fusion reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of hydrogeological parameters determination carried out in the area of the Muschelkalk outcrop (Middle Triassic) near Tarnów Opolski. The studies consisted of a short pumping test in 16 piezometers and then their flooding and observation of water table recovery after the stopping of the pumping. The test allowed the values of hydraulic conductivity and specific capacity of Muschelkalk layers ranging from 8.56 · 10-8 m/s to 3.63 · 10-3 m/s and from 0.0075 to 128 m3/h/1mS, respectively, to be calculated. The wide range of values is related to the fact of studying the layers characterized by high permeability and water-bearing capacity (Karchowice Beds, Diplopora Beds and Górażdże Beds) as well as layers with low permeability (Gogolin Beds). The dense network of the research points made it possible to demonstrate the surface variability of rocks permeability and water- bearing capacity, determined mostly by the direction of outcrops of individual layers. The results of the conducted studies show that the most water-bearing zone of the area is related to the carbonate rocks of the Karchowice, Diplopora and Górażdże Beds, characterized by the highest values of hydraulic conductivity k (above 2 · 10-4 m/s) and specific capacity q (above 15 m3/h/1mS), in the belt stretching latitudinally through Kosorowice-Otmice. The studied area can be considered a Polish limestone-concrete field where several mines exploiting Muschelkalk carbonate rocks operate. The results of the conducted studies may be useful for the correct prognosis of the groundwater inflow either to already existing quarries or newly designed mines within the Major Groundwater Basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing interest in additively manufactured metallic parts from industry has issued a formidable challenge to the academic and scientific world that is asked to design new alloys, optimize process parameters and geometry as well as guarantee the reliability of a new generation of loadbearing components. Unfortunately, understanding the interaction between different phenomena associated to metal-additive manufacturing processes is a very difficult task. In this scenario, numerical modelling emerges as a valid technique to face problems related to the influence of process parameters on metallurgical and mechanical properties of additively manufactured components. This contribution is aimed at summarizing the most important outcomes about metal-additive manufacturing process obtained via numerical simulation with particular reference to powder bed fusion techniques. The fundamentals of additive manufacturing numerical simulation will be also explained in detail. Thermal, metallurgical as well as mechanical aspects are covered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a green adsorbent was synthesized for the removal of nitrate ions from water. The adsorbent consisted of carbonaceous particles with high specific surface area (1,240 m2 g−1) and porosity derived from pyrolysis of cornelian cherry stone and modified by protonated cross-linked chitosan. The adsorbent was characterized using various techniques like SEM, FTIR, BJH and zeta potential measurements. Dynamic behavior of the adsorbent in the nitrate adsorption was studied in a packed bed system at various operating conditions and in the presence of other competing anions (PO43−, HCO3−, SO42−). Based on the error analysis, the optimum operating conditions were considered at flow rate of 3.8 mL min−1, bed depth of 10 cm and nitrate concentration of 75 mg L−1. The kinetics of the adsorption process was studied using Adams–Bohart and Thomas models and the qmax was calculated to be about 12.4 mg g−1 at neutral pH and room temperature. Furthermore, the relationship between the bed height and the breakthrough time was described by bed depth service time (BDST) model. The experimental results suggested that the adsorbent possessed significant ability in nitrate removal from water due to the desired chemistry of the biopolymer and the excellent textural properties of the carbon support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface roughness is a well-known consequence of additive manufacturing methods, particularly powder bed fusion processes. To properly design parts for additive manufacturing, a comprehensive understanding of the inherent roughness is necessary. While many researchers have measured different surface roughness resultant from a variety of parameters in the laser powder bed fusion process, few have succeeded in determining causal relationships due to the large number of variables at play. To assist the community in understanding the roughness in laser powder bed fusion processes, this study explored several studies from the literature to identify common trends and discrepancies amongst roughness data. Then, an experimental study was carried out to explore the influence of certain process parameters on surface roughness. Through these comparisons, certain local and global roughness trends have been identified and discussed, as well as a new framework for considering the effect of process parameters on surface roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foraminiferal assemblages from Upper Jurassic Klentnice beds in Lower Austria are described and analysed. The early late Tithonian assemblages comprise 75 foraminiferal taxa and simple diversities reach up to 31 taxa per sample, pointing to comparatively high diversity in general. The assemblages are dominated by lenticulinid forms (Genera Astacolus, Lenticulina, Saracenaria, Vaginulinopsis). Trocholina is the most common genus and present in all samples. Other frequent genera are Marssonella and Neobulimina. Co-occurrence of epifaunal (grazing) herbivores and epi- to deep infaunal active deposit feeders points to mixed assemblages from different sources and supports the concept of turbiditic systems as prevailing sedimentary regimes in the basinal setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a widely-used technology, fluidized bed combustor (FBC) boiler is facing many control challenges such as coupling, high-order dynamics and nonlinearity. With more and more sustainable energy integrating into the bulk power system, the FBC boiler is obliged to speed up the respond to the automatic generation control command and this results in great challenges for keeping the bed temperature in the desired range. To this end, a modified active disturbance rejection control (MADRC) is put forward for high order systems with the type of K ∕ (T s + 1) n to enhance the control quality of the FBC boiler. Firstly, a simulation is carried out to discuss the estimation ability of the MADRC. A theorem about the stability analysis of the MADRC is provided and proofed theoretically. To help the field personnel to understand and use more easily, an effective tuning procedure is also concluded. Besides, a tuning toolbox based on the tuning procedure is established. Simulations and comparative experiments based on the Peltier temperature control platform validate the superiority of the MADRC, where the MADRC is able to enhance the control quality. Then the MADRC and other comparative controllers (the proportional integral controller and the regular ADRC) are designed for the FBC boiler. Simulation results illustrate that the MADRC can obtain the best performance. Statistical indices show that the MADRC has the smallest overshoot and shortest settling time. In addition, the MADRC still has the strongest ability to reject the input and coal quality variation disturbances. The advantages of the MADRC guarantee the high control quality and can be applied to industrial practice widely. • A two-order modified active disturbance rejection control is proposed. • The stability analysis in low-frequency range is analyzed theoretically. • A practical tuning procedure is summarized. • The superiority of the control strategy is validated by comparative experiments. • Simulations verify the advantages for the fluidized bed combustor system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown how discontinuous resin formats can increase the robustness of Vacuum Bag Only (VBO) prepregs. Current formats of this discontinuous resin format, dubbed USCPreg, all rely on a discontinuous film being applied on a fiber bed using only pressure. However, efforts are currently being undertaken to apply the discontinuous resin to the fiber bed directly, without a separate filming step. These methods should allow broader and more diverse characteristics of the prepreg, and allow a reduction in bulk factor, customization of the resin distribution, and potentially enable the production of prepreg "on demand." To understand how applying discontinuous resin to a dry fiber bed at temperatures suitable for resin deposition may affect the final distribution, small-scale experiments were conducted. A fluid with controlled viscosity, matching the viscosity of epoxy resin during hotmelt processing, was used to minimize variability. The experiments consisted of a sessile droplet of facsimile fluid being deposited on the surface of a single ply of reinforcement. The spread of the fluid was then recorded, using a goniometer as well as a standard camera. Post-processing of these recordings was performed to obtain the spreading of the fluid in three directions: in the plane directions and the out-of-plane direction. The fluid was constant, a 30Pa.s rheological standard, but the reinforcement was varied to determine how the fluid interacted with different reinforcements. Macro-scale changes, such as fabric weave and fabric areal weight, and micro- scale parameters, such as tow width and fiber size, were varied to observe their effects on fluid distribution. The experiments yielded maximum in-plane spread distance, time for the resin to fully impregnate into the fibers, and aspect ratio of spreading, particularly for non-symmetric weaves. The results can be used to guide how the resin is deposited on different reinforcements, in order to achieve a resin distribution that will consistently yield high-quality parts. In addition, it is possible these observations can be applied to resin flow in standard continuous film prepreg, such as predicting the final degree of impregnation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic the pressure that is put on the medical systems is increasing exponentially. Healthcare systems resources are in general scarce, and hence they require policies that ensure the optimal usage of beds and utilization costs. The aim of this study is to explore how artificial immune system approaches for a multiqueuing model may aid the hospital managers improve their resources. The proposed system outlines the route of Covid-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), the compartmental model proposes a reasonable composition of the ICU, considering the queuing parameters, while the artificial immune system optimizes the needed resources (beds plus associated costs). The methodology was demonstrated through a simulation based on real data collected from official sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short‐term bed level changes play a critical role in long‐term coastal wetland dynamics. High‐frequency observation techniques are crucial for better understanding of intertidal biogeomorphic evolution. Here, we introduce an innovative instrument for bed level dynamics observation, that is, LSED‐sensor (Laser based Surface Elevation Dynamics sensor). The LSED‐sensors inherit the merits of the previously introduced optical SED sensors as it enables continuous high‐frequency monitoring with relatively low cost of labor and acquisition. As an iteration of the optical SED‐sensors, the LSED‐sensors avoid touching the measuring object (i.e., bed surface), and they do not rely on daylight by adapting laser‐ranging technique. Furthermore, the new LSED‐sensors are equipped with a real‐time data transmission function, enabling automatic observation networks covering multiple (remote) sites. During a 22‐day field survey in a mangrove wetland, good agreement (R2 = 0.7) has been obtained between the automatic LSED‐sensor measurement and an accurate ground‐truth measurement method, that us, Sedimentation Erosion Bars. The obtained LSED‐sensor data were subsequently used to develop machine learning predictors, which revealed the effect of vegetation is a main driver in the accumulative and daily bed level changes. We expect that the LSED‐sensors can further support machine learning applications to extract new knowledge on coastal biogeomorphic processes. Key Points: A novel automatic instrument is developed for high‐frequency intertidal bed level dynamics observationData transmission function enables building automatic bed level observation networks to support coastal research and managementMachine learning applications reveal that the presence of vegetation plays a key role in mangrove biogeomorphic processes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors make the case for expanding the national discussion of inpatient psychiatric beds to recognize and incorporate other vital components of the continuum of care in order to improve outcomes for individuals with serious mental illness. They review the varied terminology applied to psychiatric beds and describe how the location of these beds has changed from primarily state hospitals to the criminal justice system, emergency departments, inpatient units, and the community. The authors propose 10 recommendations related to beds or to contextual issues regarding them. The recommendations address issues of mental illness terminology, criminal and juvenile justice diversion, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, mental health technology, and the mental health workforce, among others. Each recommendation is based on findings from publicly available data and clinical observation and is intended to reduce the human and economic costs associated with severe mental illness by promoting a robust, interconnected, and evidence-based system of care that goes beyond beds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a self‐established cold‐flow experimental device, the pressure drop in a cocurrent downflow three‐phase moving bed was investigated under a wide range of gas, liquid, and solid flow rates during dynamic and steady‐state operation. The results showed that for the startup of the bed, since the first bed layer packed by fall‐falling of particles had lower voidage, it would take at least one bed volume time to make the voidage in the bed reach the steady‐state. Under steady‐state conditions, the pressure drop increased with the increase of gas and liquid mass flow rates, liquid viscosity, and decreased with the increase of solid flow rate. Furthermore, it was found that the liquid distribution became more uniform due to particle movement. The experimental data obtained in this study was used to develop a correlation to predict the pressure drop in a three‐phase moving bed with an average relative error of 9.32%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista Agrotecnologia is the property of Universidade Estadual de Goias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)