Birds that use high flapping frequencies can modulate aerodynamic force by varying wing velocity, which is primarily a function of stroke amplitude and wingbeat frequency. Previous measurements from zebra finches () flying across a range of speeds in a wind tunnel demonstrate that although the birds modulated both wingbeat kinematic parameters, they exhibited greater changes in stroke amplitude. These two kinematic parameters contribute equally to aerodynamic force, so the preference for modulating amplitude over frequency may instead derive from limitations of muscle physiology at high frequency.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFControl of wing shape is believed to be a key feature that allows most birds to produce aerodynamically efficient flight behaviors and high maneuverability. Anatomical organization of intrinsic wing muscles suggests specific roles for the different motor elements in wing shape modulation, but testing these hypothesized functions requires challenging measurements of muscle activation and strain patterns, and force dynamics. The wing muscles that have been best characterized during flight are the elbow muscles of the pigeon ().
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIt is possible to distribute drinking water without a disinfectant residual when the treated water is biologically stable. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of easily and slowly biodegradable compounds on the biostability of the drinking water at three full-scale production plants which use the same surface water, and on the regrowth conditions in the related distribution systems. Easily biodegradable compounds in the drinking water were determined with AOC-P17/Nox during 2012-2015.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBat wings, like other mammalian forelimbs, contain many joints within the digits. These joints collectively affect dynamic three-dimensional (3D) wing shape, thereby affecting the amount of aerodynamic force a wing can generate. Bats are a speciose group, and show substantial variation in the number of wing joints.
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