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Visual Observation (visual + observation)
Selected AbstractsSkin moisturization by hydrogenated polyisobutene,Quantitative and visual evaluationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 1 2010N. Dayan J. Cosmet. Sci., 60, 15,24 (January/February 2009) Synopsis Hydrogenated polyisobutene (HP) is used in topically applied cosmetic/personal care formulations as an emollient that leaves a pleasing skin feel when applied, and rubbed in after application. This effect, although distinguishable to the user, is difficult to define and quantify. Recognizing that some of the physical properties of HP such as film formation and wear resistance may contribute, in certain mechanisms, to skin moisturization, we designed a short-term pilot study to follow changes in skin moisturization. HP's incorporation into an o/w emulsion at 8% yielded increased viscosity and reduced emulsion droplet size as compared to the emollient ester CCT (capric/caprylic triglyceride) or a control formulation. Quantitative data indicate that application of the o/w emulsion formulation containing either HP or CCT significantly elevated skin moisture content and thus reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by a maximal ,33% against the control formulation within 3 h and maintained this up to 6 h. Visual observation of skin treated with the HP-containing formulation showed fine texture and clear contrast as compared to the control or the CCT formulation, confirming this effect. As a result of increased hydration, skin conductivity, as measured in terms of corneometer values, was also elevated significantly by about tenfold as early as 20 min after HP or CCT application and was maintained throughout the test period. Throughout the test period the HP formulation was 5,10% more effective than the CCT formulation both in reduction of TEWL as well as in increased skin conductivity. Thus, compared to the emollient ester (CCT), HP showed a unique capability for long-lasting effect in retaining moisture and improving skin texture. [source] Sensory Profiles of Bread Made from Paired Samples of Organic and Conventionally Grown Wheat GrainJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 4 2007L.E. Annett ABSTRACT:, The Canadian hard red spring wheat cultivar "Park" was grown in 2005 in Edmonton, AB, Canada on both conventionally and organically managed land, situated less than 1 km apart. Grains from the paired wheat samples were compared for cereal-grain-quality attributes. For sensory analysis, organically and conventionally produced wheat grains were milled into flour and baked into 60% whole wheat bread. Color, texture, taste, and aroma attributes of bread were compared using the sensory technique of descriptive analysis. Organic grain contained more wholemeal protein than conventional grain (P, 0.05), but both were greater than 14% protein, indicating excellent grain quality for yeast-leavened bread. Mixograph analysis revealed that conventional flour produced stronger bread dough than organic flour (P, 0.05). Visual observation confirmed these findings as conventional flour produced larger bread loaf volume. Fourteen sensory attributes were generated by the descriptive analysis panel. No differences were observed for flavor, aroma, or color attributes (P > 0.05), but the panel perceived the organic bread to be more "dense" in texture (P, 0.05) with smaller air cells in the appearance of the crumb (P, 0.05) than conventional bread. [source] Visual observation of CO2 foaming of polypropylene-clay nanocompositesPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 6 2004Kentaro Taki Using a newly developed high-pressure autoclave, which has two sapphire windows on the walls, we visually observed the batch physical foaming of polymer-clay nanocomposites to understand the effect of nano-sized clay on the initial stage of foaming. With CO2 as a physical foaming agent, polypropylene-montmorillonite clay nanocomposites were foamed at 150°C. A high-speed digital camera with a microscope could observe the bubble nucleation and bubble growth behavior of the early stage of foaming in situ. The series of micrographs was analyzed in order to investigate the effect of clay content on bubble nucleation and growth. The experiments, together with CO2 -solubility and diffusivity data, show that the clay enhances bubble nucleation as a nucleation agent and retards the growth of bubbles at the early stage of foaming. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1004,1011, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers. [source] Form,flow interactions of an aeolian saucer blowoutEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 7 2009Chris H. Hugenholtz Abstract Airflow patterns through a saucer blowout are examined from wind speed and direction measurements made during a chinook wind event. The blowout long-axis is oriented east,west with a broad depositional apron on the east side. Wind directions during the event rotated from south-westerly to westerly, permitting an assessment of oblique and axis-parallel flows. Results show that airflow passing over the windward rim of the saucer blowout expands and decelerates, leading to flow separation and a small re-circulation zone on sheltered lee slopes. Near the deflation basin, airflow re-attaches to the blowout surface and accelerates up to a small opening in the east rim, where it can be up to 50% faster than on the windward edge. Beyond the downwind rim the airflow expands and decelerates and sand is deposited onto a broad apron. Similar to coastal trough blowouts, the degree of airflow steering and acceleration along the deflation basin is determined by the angle of incidence between the approach wind and the long-axis of the blowout. As the angle of incidence increases wind speed accelerates at 0·3 m above the surface of the deflation basin and the degree of airflow steering increases. Overall, a two-fold process is identified, where south-westerly flows have greater potential for eroding the deflation basin, while westerly flows have greater potential for evacuating sand from within the blowout. Visual observations indicate that sand eroded from the deflation basin during south-westerly flows is re-distributed to adjacent zones of low wind speed until axis-parallel winds evacuate the sand through the opening in the east rim. Morphometric changes since 1994 indicate that the blowout morphology has remained relatively constant, suggesting a persistent interplay between oblique and axis-parallel wind erosion events. Collectively, these findings indicate that the angle of approach winds is an important control on saucer blowout morphodynamics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Cohesive-driven particle circulation in the solids conveying zone of a single-screw extruderADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Michael R. Thompson Abstract Aspects of heat transfer within the solids conveying zone of a single-screw extruder were studied by using a specially constructed drum testing apparatus. Experiments were conducted with linear low-density polyethylene, polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP) samples by examining their transient temperature profile while the heated drum was stationary or moving. In accordance with classic solids conveying theory, the granular beds of PP and PS remained as plugs while the drum rotated. In such cases, the dominant modes of heat transfer for these systems are conduction through the contact area of a particle and conduction through the interstitial gas. An exception to this behavior was found with PE, in which the bed temperature increased more rapidly while the drum rotated. Visual observations of the bed showed that the particles circulated in the presence of shear and that this complex flow pattern increased in velocity as the drum temperature approached the onset temperature for melting the PE material. With strong correlation between the rate of circulation and the temperature rise in the bed, the movement of particles was assumed to act in a convective heat transfer mode bringing about more uniform heating of the polymer. The circulation phenomenon was attributed to dominant adhesive forces at the particle,drum interface overcoming the cohesive strength of the bulk. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 27:74,88, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20121 [source] Crystallization effects on autoclave foaming of polycarbonate using supercritical carbon dioxideADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2006L. Mascia Abstract In this study, the conditions leading to the formation of cells and to the onset of crystallization of polycarbonate were examined with the use of supercritical carbon dioxide for the production of foams from preforms. Small plaques cut from extruded sheets were treated with supercritical carbon dioxide in an autoclave at temperatures varying from 60 to 200°C and from 4.5 to 30 MPa pressure. Visual observations and stereoscan electron microscopy examination revealed that penetration of supercritical carbon dioxide takes place via the advancing layer mechanism and that, for the particular grade of polycarbonate used in this study, the nucleation of the cells can take place at temperatures as low as 60°C. It requires, however, long treatment times and high pressures, and the growth of foam cells is severely restricted. Nucleation and growth of cells occurred much more readily at somewhat higher temperatures. With treatments at around 80°C, the onset of crystallization started to impose considerable hindrance to the formation of uniform and evenly distributed cells. This becomes increasingly evident at higher temperatures, between 100 and 180°C, owing to the formation of large spherulitic crystalline domains. A very effective nucleation and growth mechanism for the formation of cells was obtained, on the other hand, with treatments at 200°C due to the absence of crystallization phenomena. The degree of crystallinity increased with increasing treatment temperature, and the resulting morphology gave rise to two broad melting peaks. These are displaced to higher temperatures and become closer, merging into one peak with a low-temperature shoulder. These events were monitored by thermal analysis and wide-angle X-ray diffraction examinations. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 25:225,235, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20075 [source] Diet of free-ranging cats and dogs in a suburban and rural environment, south-eastern BrazilJOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, Issue 1 2007C. B. Campos Abstract In spite of the worldwide occurrence of domestic cats and dogs, and their close relationship with humans, the number of published papers on free-ranging cats Felis catus and dogs Canis familiaris, is small. The diet of both species was estimated in a suburban and rural environment in July 2002 and January 2003. Visual observations and scat collection of both species were accomplished along a 10 km transect line in the Campus ,Luiz de Queiroz', University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, south-eastern Brazil. The diet of both species was determined by analysis of sterilized, washed, dried and sorted scats. Estimated abundances of free-ranging cats and dogs in the sampled area were 81 (±4.32) and 42 (±2.96), respectively. Cats and dogs were more abundant in the suburban than in the rural environment (t=3.78, P<0.001, N=55; t=8.38, P<0.001, N=55, respectively) and cats were more abundant than dogs in the suburban environment (t=6.76, P<0.001, N=55), even though there was no significant difference between the abundance of both species in the rural environment (t=0.82, P=0.46, N=55). Invertebrates were the most commonly consumed item by both species, followed by mammals (cats: 63.24 and 20.51%; dogs: 57.05 and 25.15%, respectively). Niche breadth was 0.4892 for cats and 0.4463 for dogs. Niche overlap was almost complete (0.97108). The consumption of mammals was estimated to be between 16.76 and 25.42 kg individual,1year,1 for dogs and between 2.01 and 2.9 kg individual,1year,1 for cats. These data might be useful to establish a management program to minimize the predation pressure of free-ranging cats and dogs on wildlife. [source] Active Vegetations Can Be Differentiated from Chronic Vegetations by Visual Inspection of Standardized Two-Dimensional EchocardiogramsECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2000PH.D., TAHIR TAK M.D. The ability to differentiate active from chronic valvular vegetations (VEGs) by digital image processing and by visual observation was evaluated in 18 patients with a clinical diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE). Two-dimensional echocardiographic (2-DE) examinations were performed on all patients at diagnosis and after a mean period of 52 days. Two comparable images (active and chronic) from the same patient and in the same phase of the cardiac cycle were digitized, magnified, and displayed on a high resolution monitor. The mean pixel intensity (MPI) was 72 ± 14 in the active stage and 143 ± 23 in the chronic stage (P < 0.0001). The VEG size was 0.64 ± 0.15 cm2 in the active stage and decreased to 0.46 ± 0.17 cm2 in the chronic stage (P < 0.001). Two experienced echocar-diographers, who were blinded to the age of the VEGs, identified each echocardiographic image as active or chronic based on visual observation of density of the VEGs. The VEGs were correctly identified as active or chronic in 17 out of the 18 patients. In summary, although digital image processing of 2-DE may be useful, the density of VEGs assessed by visual inspection will help differentiate between active and chronic VEGs of IE. The standardization procedure at the time of the initial study and use of identical gain settings in subsequent studies are key factors in making this distinction. [source] First laboratory confirmation of Xylophilus ampelinus in Slovenia,EPPO BULLETIN, Issue 1 2005T. Dreo Bacterial blight of grapevine is caused by a slow-growing bacterium Xylophilus ampelinus. It has been suspected to occur in Slovenia on the basis of visual observation of characteristic symptoms in the 1960s. In the present study, symptoms were recorded in an infected vineyard during three consecutive years (2002/2004). Samples from this vineyard were tested by nested-PCR and isolation of bacteria on media was attempted. In the first year, angular lesions on leaves were highly expressed and an isolate morphologically similar to X. ampelinus was obtained from one sample. It was purified and identified as X. ampelinus using biochemical and nutritional tests, fatty acid analysis, immuno-fluorescence, nested PCR and partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The 16S rDNA sequence showed 99,100% homology to known sequences of X. ampelinus strains, including the type strain. Pathogenicity of the isolate was confirmed in tissue-cultured and potted grapevine plants. In the following two years, symptoms of bacterial blight were only faintly expressed. Using isolation on media and nested-PCR, 23 and 17 extracts prepared from 10 and 8 grapevines, respectively, were analysed. In 2003, no positive sample was found, but X. ampelinus was again isolated and identified by colony morphology and nested-PCR in 2004. [source] Variant of estimation method of aboveground plant biomass in grassland with the gamma model.GRASSLAND SCIENCE, Issue 2 2006Abstract A modified method with visual observation for estimating biomass distribution on grasslands is proposed. This labor-saving technique facilitates surveys for estimating herbaceous biomass distribution for grasslands. It is based on the principle of Shiyomi's visual observation method. The procedure is performed as follows. (i) Set two points with biomass of c1 g and c2 g used as criteria in a pasture (c1 < c2). (ii) In the first visual observation, divide herbaceous biomass in the pasture into two classes that are more or less than c1 g. (iii) In the second visual observation, divide herbaceous biomass in the same pasture into two classes that are more or less than c2 g. Then, match the trial numbers obtained in the first and second observations. (iv) Measure the biomass weights of c1 and c2 with cutting. (v) From the data obtained above, infer the herbaceous biomass distribution using the gamma model. The procedure was conducted in a Zoysia grazed pasture. The following are discussed: advantages and regulations of the current method with a gamma model; some problems of the cutting method, as viewed from the shape of herbaceous biomass distribution; and the influence of grazing pressure on herbaceous biomass distribution. [source] Shape of isolated bubble in intermittent flows in a horizontal pipeHEAT TRANSFER - ASIAN RESEARCH (FORMERLY HEAT TRANSFER-JAPANESE RESEARCH), Issue 5 2007Gu Hanyang Abstract An experimental study on the shape of a single bubble similar to those observed in a horizontal plug/slug flow was performed using visual observation and conductance probes. The results indicated that the shapes of the bubble nose and the bubble body depend on the Froude number defined by gas/liquid mixture velocity, whereas the shape of the back region of the bubble depends on both the Froude number and bubble length. The photographic images showed that the structural feature of the bubble head is related to the motion characteristics of the bubble. The transition from plug flow to slug flow occurs when the tail of the bubble changes from a staircase to hydraulic jump pattern with the increasing of the Froude number and bubble length. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 36(5): 276, 285, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20161 [source] Nefopam hydrochloride compatibility and stability with selected proton pump inhibitors in bionolyte G5 injection for intravenous infusionJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 1 2009N. K. Kambia PharmD PhD Summary Background:, The use of extemporaneously prepared admixtures of drugs must be supported by documentation of their chemical stability. Objective:, To assess the physical compatibility and the chemical stability of nefopam hydrochloride, a centrally acting non-opioid analgesic, when admixed with selected proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, esomeprazole or pantoprazole), in bionolyte G5 injection for intravenous infusion. Method:, Admixtures were assessed for periods of up to 72 h after storage at ambient temperature without protection from light and at +4 °C protected from light. A preparation was considered stable if the compounds of the mixture retained at least 90% of their original potency during the storage. Triplicate samples of nefopam and the selected proton pump inhibitors as well as the following mixtures (nefopam/omeprazole, nefopam/esomeprazole and nefopam/pantoprazole) were prepared in the concentrations required, in polypropylene bottles of bionolyte G5 injection. The physical compatibility was assessed by visual observation at each sampling interval. The chemical stability of the drugs was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography and by measurement of pH values. Results:, During refrigerated storage, nefopam as well as the selected proton pump inhibitors, when prepared separately in bionolyte G5 injection maintained chemical stability for up to 7 days. At ambient storage conditions, the protons pump inhibitors maintained chemical stability for 24 h, but thereafter their concentrations decreased significantly at day 1. Nefopam maintained chemical stability for up to 72 h at +25 °C. Nefopam/omeprazole and nefopam/esomeprazole mixtures in bionolyte were physically incompatible with the mixtures exhibiting a black colour. They underwent rapid and extensive loss, making the combination unacceptable within minutes of mixing. However, the nefopam/pantoprazole mixture was compatible over the study period, but with a reduced duration of the stability. Conclusion:, Within the limits defined above, nefopam and the selected proton pump inhibitors may be prepared separately in advance in bionolyte G5 injection. The nefopam/pantoprazole mixture was stable for a short period, while the nefopam/omeprazole and the nefopam/esomeprazole mixtures were incompatible and unusable, immediately upon admixture. [source] Development of a liquid enzyme-based ceruminolytic productJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 11 2008Nuria Jimenez Abstract Various compositions for removal of human cerumen are marketed but they are not very effective. Therefore, a proteolytic enzyme-based ceruminolytic product was developed containing the enzyme, methyl trypsin, and sodium bicarbonate. Efficacy was optimized based on in vitro testing using both human and artificial cerumen preparations. Both qualitative (visual observation) and quantitative (spectrophotometric) assessments of ceruminolytic efficacy were employed. Optimal enzyme stability was observed for the aqueous formulation at pH 4, while greater ceruminolytic efficacy was observed at pH 8. The optimal concentration range of enzyme was 150,300 absorbance U/mL based on efficacy and stability considerations. An aqueous formulation containing both methyl trypsin and sodium bicarbonate was shown to be more effective than two commercial products, Murine® Ear Wax Removal Drops and Cerumenex® Ear Drops. A two-part packaging system was employed to provide adequate shelf-life. Long-term stability studies confirmed that the formulation maintained >75% enzyme stability for 24 months at 5 and 25°C and after reconstitution at room temperature for up to 1 day. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 97:4970,4982, 2008 [source] Synthesis of new S -glycodendrimer toward activation of lac operon transcription for protein biosynthesisJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 1 2009Akinori Takasu To enable gene transcription or lac operon transcription, isopropyl ,- D -thiogalactoside (IPTG) and allolactose can bind to the lac repressor. New S -glycodendrimers for activation of the lac operon were synthesized by S -glycosidation and DCC-HOBt coupling with a poly(amidoamine) dendrimer. Expression of artificial protein was performed for Escherichia coli using these glycodendrimers as the inducers. Cells encoded with green fluorescent protein (GFP) were induced with the glycoconjugates. After expression at 37 °C for 4 h, fluorescence emissions were actually observed through visual observation, which indicated that S -glycodendrimer acted as an inducer for protein biosynthesis. Quantitative analysis using fluorescence spectrometer was carried out to evaluate the activity. [Color figure can be viewed in the online issue, which is available at www.interscience.wiley.com.] [source] Aqueous Processing of Titanium Carbide Green SheetsJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 11 2001Jing-Xian Zhang TiC sheets were prepared by an aqueous tape-casting process. The zeta potential measurement showed that the isoelectric point for TiC powders in the absence of dispersant had a pH value of ,3.3. According to the surface properties of TiC powders, a cationic polymer PEI was selected as dispersant. In the presence of dispersant, the isoelectric point increased to a pH value of ,10.4. The slip stability was determined by visual observation of the fluidity of the slip as well as the settling of the powders. Results showed that the amount of dispersant required to achieve a minimum of viscosity for 50 vol% suspensions was equal to 1.2 wt%. In the absence and presence of dispersant, stable slips could be obtained in the pH ranges 7,9 and 11,12, respectively. The rheological measurements showed that with PEI as dispersant, TiC suspensions exhibited a small time dependent behavior. With polyvinyl alcohol as binder and glycerol as plasticizer, suspensions showed a thixotropic feature. As-cast tapes were dried in air at room temperature. The results showed that it was possible to fabricate homogeneous green tapes with smooth surfaces from these suspensions. [source] Emulsifying properties of gum kondagogu (Cochlospermum gossypium), a natural biopolymerJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 8 2009Ganga Modi Naidu Vegi Abstract BACKGROUND: Natural polymers are widely used as emulsifying agents in the food and pharmaceutical industries because of their low cost, biocompatibility and non-toxic nature. In the present study, emulsifying properties of the novel natural biopolymer gum kondagogu (GKG) were investigated. GKG solutions of different concentrations (0.1,0.6% w/v) were prepared in water and emulsified with liquid paraffin oil (40% v/v) in a high-speed homogeniser. Flow properties of the emulsions were measured using a rheometer. Emulsion stability and droplet size distribution were determined by visual observation, photomicrography and laser-scattering particle size distribution analysis. RESULTS: The emulsions prepared with GKG showed pseudoplastic behaviour. The size of oil droplets and the viscosity of emulsions at concentrations of 0.4,0.6% w/v showed little change over time (up to 30 days), indicating that the emulsions were stable. Measurements of the zeta potential of emulsions adjusted to different pH, with and without added electrolyte, showed that the stabilisation of emulsions with GKG was due to mutual repulsion between electrical double layers of particles and adsorption of macromolecules on oil droplets. CONCLUSION: The results of this experimental investigation show that GKG is a good emulsifying agent even at low concentrations, with many potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Photoacoustic monitoring of neovascularities in grafted skinLASERS IN SURGERY AND MEDICINE, Issue 3 2006Mutsuo Yamazaki MS Abstract Background and Objective In skin grafting, evaluation of graft adhesion to the recipient site in the early postgrafting period is important. However, conventional diagnoses such as visual observation and thermography required about 1 week to obtain results and these methods cannot give quantitative information on the adhesion of a skin graft. We proposed a new method for monitoring adhesion of grafted skin that is based on measurement of photoacoustic signals. To investigate the validity of the method, we performed experiments using rat autografts models. Study Design/Materials and Methods Grafted skin in a rat was irradiated with 200 µJ, 532-nm nanosecond laser pulses, and photoacoustic signals were detected with a piezoelectric transducer placed on the skin at various postgrafting time. Temporal profiles of the signals were converted to depth profiles using an assumed sound velocity of 1,500 m/second. Histological analysis was performed to observe neovascularities formed in the grafts. Results At 6 hours postgrafting, a photoacoustic signal peak appeared in the depth region corresponding to the graft. The results of histological analysis also showed formation of neovascularities in the graft after 6 hours postgrafting, indicating that photoacoustic signal peaks observed in the graft originated from the neovascularities, which are an indication of graft adhesion. For up to 24 hours postgrafting, no significant difference was observed between the results of visual observation and laser Doppler imaging of the same grafted skins. Conclusion We have demonstrated that photoacoustic signals originating from neovascularities in grafts can be sensitively detected in the early postgrafting period, suggesting the validity of photoacoustic measurement for adhesion monitoring of skin grafts. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:235,239, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Thermal Decomposition of Energetic Materials 85: Cryogels of Nanoscale Hydrazinium Diperchlorate in Resorcinol-FormaldehydePROPELLANTS, EXPLOSIVES, PYROTECHNICS, Issue 2 2003Bryce Abstract The objective of this work was to try to desensitize an energetic material by using sol-gel processing and freeze drying to incorporate the energetic material into the fuel matrix on the nano (or at least submicron) particle size scale. Hydrazinium diperchlorate ([N2H6][ClO4]2 or HP2) and resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) were chosen as the oxidizer and fuel, respectively. Solid loading up to 88% HP2 was achieved by using the sol gel-to-cryogel method. Various weight percentages of HP2 in RF were characterized by elemental analysis, scanning electron (SEM) and optical microscopy, T-jump/FTIR spectroscopy, DSC, and drop-weight impact. SEM indicated that 20,50,nm diameter HP2 plates aggregated into porous 400,800,nm size clusters. Below 80% HP2 the cryogels are less sensitive to impact than physical mixtures having the same ratios of HP2 and RF. The decomposition temperatures of the cryogels are higher than that of pure HP2, which is consistent with their lower impact sensitivity. The heat of decomposition as measured at a low heating rate increases with increasing percentage of HP2. The cryogels and physical mixtures release similar amounts of energy, but the cryogels exhibit mainly a single exotherm by DSC whereas the physical mixtures showed a two-step energy release. Flash pyrolysis revealed gaseous product ratios suggestive of more energy being released from the cryogels than the physical mixtures. Cryogels also burn faster by visual observation. [source] Modified volume expansion method for measuring gas holdupTHE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2002Annie X. Meng Abstract A simple, modified volume expansion method, or inclined tube method, is compared to the pressure difference method for determining gas holdup in an airlift bioreactor. The modified volume expansion method could be used for all pneumatic bioreactors where fluid fluctuation is vigorous and visual observation of the continuous phase rise is difficult. The overall gas holdup data measured using the inclined tube method are shown to be very close to overall gas holdup determined using a gamma ray density monitor system. However, the overall gas holdup measured by the pressure difference method is found to be significantly different. This difference is due to energy dissipation in the External Loop Airlift Bioreactor (ELAB) used in this study, which causes the pressure difference method to be incorrect. On compare une méthode d'expansion de volume modifiée simple, ou méthode à tubes inclinés, à une méthode de différence de pression pour déterminer la rétention des gaz dans un bioréacteur à air ascendant. La méthode d'expansion de volume modifiée pourrait être utilisée pour tous les bioréacteurs pneumatiques oú la fluctuation du fluide est vigoureuse et l'observation visuelle de l'ascension de la phase continue difficile. Les données globales de rétention de gaz mesurées à l'aide de la méthode à tubes inclinés s'avèrent très proches de la rétention de gaz globale déterminéd à l'aide d'un moniteur de densité à rayons gamma. Toutefois, on a trouvé que la rétention de gaz globale mesurée par la méthode de différence de pression était significativement différente. Cette différence est due à la dissipation d'énergie dans le bioréacteur à air ascendant à boucle externe (ELAB) utilisé dans I'étude, qui rend la méthode de différence de pression incorrecte. [source] A Knowledge Formalization and Aggregation-Based Method for the Assessment of Dam PerformanceCOMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2010Corinne Curt The model's inputs are the whole set of available information and data: visual observations, monitoring measurements, calculated data, and documents related to design and construction processes. First, a formal grid is proposed to structure the inputs. It is composed of six fields: name, definition, scale, references as anchorage points on the scale, and spatial and temporal characteristics. Structured inputs are called indicators. Second, an indicator aggregation method is proposed that allows obtaining not only the dam performance but also the assessment of its design and construction practices. The methodology is illustrated mainly with the internal erosion mechanism through the embankment, but results concerning other failure modes are also provided. An application of the method for monitoring dams through time is given. [source] The effect of single vegetation elements on wind speed and sediment transport in the Sahelian zone of Burkina FasoEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 10 2007J. K. Leenders Abstract Soil loss caused by wind erosion is a widespread phenomenon in the Sahelian zone of West Africa. According to Sahelian farmers, scattered vegetation standing in amongst the crop has the potential for a wind erosion control strategy. This study was conducted to study the effect of single vegetation elements on the pattern of average wind speed and sediment transport. This was done by two experiments that were carried out during the rainy seasons of 2002 and 2003 in north Burkina Faso, West Africa. Wind speeds were measured using three sonic anemometers, at a sampling frequency of 16 Hz. Sediment transport was determined by calculating the mass fluxes from 17 MWAC catchers. In this study, a shrub was defined as a vegetation element with branches until ground and a tree as a vegetation element with a distinctive trunk below a canopy. Behind shrubs wind speed near the soil surface was reduced up to approximately seven times the height of the shrub. The observed reduction in wind speed in the area where wind speed was reduced was 15 per cent on average. At the sides of the shrub, wind speed was increased, by on average 6 per cent. As the area of increase in wind speed is one-third of the area of decrease in wind speed, the net effect of a shrub is a reduction in wind speed. A similar pattern was visible for the pattern of sediment transport around a shrub. Downwind of a shrub, sediment transport was diminished up to seven times the height of the shrub. Probably most of this material was trapped by the shrub. Trees showed a local increase of wind around the trunk, which is expected to relate to an increase in sediment transport around the trunk. Mass flux measurements of sediment transport were not made, but visual observations in the field substantiate this. Behind the canopy of a tree, a tree acts similarly to a shrub regarding its effects on average wind speed, but as a tree is generally a larger obstacle than a shrub the extent of this effect is larger than for shrubs. Thus, whereas shrubs are more effective than trees regarding their direct effect on soil loss by trapping sand particles near the soil surface, trees are more effective in affecting soil loss indirectly by reducing the wind speed downwind more effectively than shrubs. Therefore, to reduce soil loss in an area, the presence of both trees and shrubs is crucial. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Spatial patterns of water surface topography at a river confluenceEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 9 2002Dr Pascale M. Biron Abstract Understanding flow structures in river confluences has largely been the product of interpretations made from measured flow velocity data. Here, we turn the attention to the investigation of the patterns of both the average and standard deviations of the micro-topography of the water surface at an asymmetrical natural discordant confluence for different flow conditions. Water surface topography is measured using a total station to survey the position of a reflector mounted on a custom-built raft. To limit error problems related to changes in the water level, measurements are taken and analysed by cross-stream transects where five water surface profiles are taken before moving to the next transect. Three-dimensional numerical simulations of the flow dynamics at the field site are used to examine predicted water surface topography for a steady-state situation. The patterns are interpreted with respect to flow structure dynamics, visual observations of boils, and bed topography. Results indicate that coherent patterns emerge at the water surface of a discordant bed confluence for different flow conditions. The zone of stagnation and the mixing layer are characterized by super-elevation, a lateral tilt is present at the edge of the mixing layer, and a zone of super-elevation is present on the tributary side at the downstream junction corner. The latter seems associated with periodical upwelling and is not present in the numerical simulations that do not take into account instantaneous velocity fluctuations. Planform curvature, topographic steering related to the tributary mouth bar, and turbulent structures associated with the mixing layer all play a key role in the pattern of both the average and standard deviation of the water surface topography at confluences. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Linking the flame-retardant mechanisms of an ethylene-acrylate copolymer, chalk and silicone elastomer system with its intumescent behaviourFIRE AND MATERIALS, Issue 6 2005Anna Hermansson Abstract In this paper the flame-retardant mechanisms of a flame-retardant system consisting of ethylene-acrylate copolymer, chalk and silicone elastomer are linked to its foaming process and to its formation of a final intumescent structure. Thermocouples were placed inside and at the surface of cone calorimeter test specimens in order to measure the temperature at different depths during the formation of the intumescent structure. The temperature and visual observations of the foaming process were then linked to chemical reactions seen with thermogravimetric analysis and also coupled with earlier knowledge of the flame-retardant mechanism. A correlation is seen between the chemical reactions, the temperature (inside and at the surface of a cone calorimeter test specimen) as measured by thermocouples and visual observations in the intumescent process. Further, the outcome of this study provides useful information for achieving a deeper understanding of the flame-retardant mechanisms of the ethylene-acrylate copolymer, chalk and silicone elastomer system. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Intercomparison of global cloud cover fields over oceans from the VOS observations and NCEP/NCAR reanalysisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 13 2007Ernst Bedacht Abstract The paper inter-compares the total cloud cover over the World Ocean from marine visual observations assimilated in the International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS) and National Centers of Environmental Prediction/National Center of Atmospheric Research (NCEP-NCAR) reanalysis. The Intercomparison covers the period from 1948 to 2002. NCEP-NCAR reanalysis shows about 10% of fractional cloud cover smaller than the visual observations do. The largest differences are observed in the mid and sub-polar latitudes. In the tropics, NCEP-NCAR data show slightly higher cloud cover then ICOADS. These systematic differences are quite persistent through the year with somewhat stronger differences in summer. Comparison of the characteristics of inter-annual variability shows little consistency between visually observed total cloud cover and total cloudiness diagnosed by the reanalysis. Linear trends are primarily positive in the ICOADS cloud data, while in the NCEP-NCAR reanalysis they show downward trends in the tropics and upward tendencies in the mid and high latitudes. Analysis of the effect of sampling in ICOADS shows that sampling inhomogeneity cannot fully explain the disagreements observed. At the same time, the major climate variability patterns such as North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and El-Nino,Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are well captured in both ICOADS and NCEP-NCAR cloud cover data sets. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Plasma progesterone, oestradiol-17, and total oestrogen profiles in relation to oestrous behaviour during induced ovulation in Murrah buffalo heifersJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 4 2009K. S. Roy Summary The objectives of this study were to establish the characteristics of oestrous behaviour in Ovsynch (induction of ovulation through administration of GnRH-PGF2, -GnRH in a systemic manner on 0, seventh and ninth day respectively) and Ovsynch plus Norprolac (Quinagolide hydrochloride , an inhibitor of prolactin secretion) treated Murrah buffalo heifers and to determine the relationships between this behaviour and the plasma concentrations of oestradiol-17, (E2), total oestrogen, and progesterone. Oestrus was detected by visual observations of oestrus signs, per rectal examination of genitalia and bull parading thrice a day during treatment period. Among all the symptoms, it was observed that bull mounting of heifers in oestrus was highest. Examination of genital tracts per rectum revealed that the cervix was relaxed, uterus was turgid and ovaries had palpable follicle in animals with oestrus. The peak concentrations of E2 (10.81 ± 0.62 pg/ml) and total oestrogen (17.11 ± 1.21 pg/ml) occurred at 9.45 ± 0.85 and 9.64 ± 0.93 h after second GnRH administration, respectively, in Ovsynch treated animals. However, the peak levels of E2 (20.02 ± 2.87 pg/ml) and total oestrogen (32.71 ± 3.15 pg/ml) occurred at 10.18 ± 0.50 and 10.36 ± 0.75 h after second GnRH administration, respectively, in Ovsynch plus Norprolac treated animals. Plasma progesterone concentration was basal (0.20 ± 0.001 ng/ml) during the peri-oestrus period. The plasma progesterone concentration was the lowest on the day of oestrus and increased to register a peak on day 13 ± 2 of the cycle. Oestrous behaviour was positively correlated with the peak concentration of E2 (p < 0.001) and total oestrogen (p < 0.001) during the peri-oestrus period. Inhibition of prolactin by Norprolac administration significantly increased the concentration of E2 and total oestrogen during oestrus in buffaloes in comparison to those recorded in animals subjected to Ovsynch protocol alone. In conclusion, our results suggest that the peak concentrations of E2 and total oestrogen and mean level of E2 and total oestrogen during the peri-oestrus period are the important factors contributing the behavioural manifestation of oestrus in buffalo cows. [source] INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY ON THE PHYSICAL STATES OF COTTON CANDYJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, Issue 4 2004THEODORE P. LABUZA ABSTRACT Cotton candy is made by melting crystalline sucrose above 210C in a bowl which shoots molten liquid sucrose into the air where it rapidly cools and dries into an amorphous glassy solid state. As such, it is highly hygroscopic, picking up moisture as %RH increases and becoming rubbery. The glass transition line (Tg vs. %RH) divides the two states. When rubbery, cotton candy should collapse forming crystalline sucrose becoming unsaleable. Cotton candy was stored at 25C and at %RH from ,0% to 75%. Moisture gain/loss, visual observations, and powder X-ray diffraction using a Seimens 5005-powder X-ray diffractometer were used to evaluate collapse and crystallization. At ,0% and 11% RH (below Tg), cotton candy maintained a stable structure for at least 12 months. At 33% RH (just at Tg), it collapsed and crystallized within 3 days while at 45, 54 and 75% RH, collapse and crystallization occurred in less than 1 day. [source] The measurement of tooth whiteness by image analysis and spectrophotometry: a comparisonJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 1 2005Y. H. GUAN summary, Digital image capturing and analysis techniques have been used to measure the colour of teeth and to compare with spectrophotometric results and visual observations. A non-linear image analysis approach was developed and, for the colour range of human teeth, allows device-dependant digital camera colour data to be quantitatively transformed to Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE) colorimetric values. With reference to a CIE standard illuminant, two different lighting arrays have been used. For flat and non-translucent white and yellow surfaces, spectrophotometric results showed that this transformation achieves required accuracy. It was found, in all of the present studies, which included measurements on the VITA Lumin® Vacuum shade guide and extracted teeth, that spectrophotometry invariably underestimated values of the CIE whiteness index. However, the results from these two types of measurement correlated well. There was also a reasonably good correlation between earlier data obtained by visual assessment and the present data by the two instrumental methods. For extracted teeth, both instrumental methods used in this work did not confirm a whitening effect for 2-min brushing with toothpaste, but did show significant whitening results for bleaching with 15% hydrogen peroxide. [source] Acoustic identification of insectivorous bats (order Chiroptera) of Yucatan, MexicoJOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, Issue 1 2002J. Rydell Abstract The echolocation calls of insectivorous bats of the northern Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, with the exception of the phyllostomids and molossids, are presented. The aim is to provide a catalogue of bat sounds that can be used for acoustic inventories of insectivorous bats using the Pettersson heterodyne and time-expansion bat detectors. The acoustic method can be used alone or in combination with inventories based on mist-netting, a method more suitable for the low-intensity echolocators (mainly the phyllostomids), which are difficult to monitor acoustically. The insectivorous species of the Yucatan are generally easy to identify by their echolocation calls, particularly when combined with visual observations of foraging bats at dusk. [source] Estimating population parameters in a threatened arctic fox population using molecular tracking and traditional field methodsANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 4 2008T. Meijer Abstract Comprehensive population parameter data are useful for assessing effective conservation actions. The Fennoscandian arctic fox Alopex lagopus is critically endangered and the population size is estimated at 120 individuals that are fragmented into four isolated populations. Here, we use molecular tracking and visual observations to estimate population size and survival in one of the populations on the Swedish mountain tundra during a year of low food availability. We collected 98 arctic fox faecal samples during the winter of 2006 and recorded visual observations of ear-tagged individuals during the summer of 2005 and 2006. The faecal samples were analysed for variation in nine microsatellite loci and matched to the genetic profiles of previously ear-tagged individuals from 2001 to 2005. During winter 2006, the minimum number alive was 12 individuals using visual observations, 30 using molecular tracking and 36 by combining the datasets. Population size was estimated through mark,recapture for the molecular tracking and visual observation datasets and through rarefaction analyses for molecular tracking data. The mark,recapture estimate for visual observations was uninformative due to the large confidence interval (CI) (i.e. 6,212 individuals). Based on the molecular tracking dataset combined with the minimum number alive for visual observations and molecular tracking, we concluded a consensus population size of 36,55 individuals. We also estimated the age-specific finite survival rate during 1 year (July 2005 to July 2006) by combining molecular tracking with visual observations. Juvenile survival on a yearly basis was 0.08 (95% CI 0.02,0.18) while adults had a survival of 0.59 (95% CI 0.39,0.82). Juveniles displayed a lower survival than the adults during autumn (P<0.01) whereas no age-specific survival difference during spring was found. The risk of negative effects due to the small population size and low juvenile survival is accordingly considerable. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||