Glossary

(IEEE) The combination of a hardware device and computer instructions and data that reside as read-only software on that device.

(IEEE) The combination of a hardware device; e.g., an IC; and computer instructions and data that reside as read only software on that device. Such software cannot be modified by the computer during processing.

A combination of hardware and software with the programming written directly into read-only memory (ROM).

Software (firmly) embedded in hardware components.

Software (firmly) embedded in hardware components.NOTE: Despite its name, current technology will often permit firmware to be updated post installation.

Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization

A physical mapping approach that uses fluorescein tags to detect hybridization of probes with metaphase chromosomes and with the less condensed somatic interface chromatin. A method for pinpointing the location of a piece of DNA sequence on a chromosome.

Cause and effect diagram tool used to gain understanding of the root cause and effect.

Federal Information Security Management Act

A radioisotope that could undergo a nuclear fission reaction and is usually found at reactor sites or as part of a nuclear weapon.

Asexual reproduction involving the division of a single-celled individual into two new single-celled individuals of equal size.

For purposes of this document (ISPE GPG - Interactive Response Technology), a system’s module that has modules which are applicable to the functionality required at the time of need. In many cases these are predesigned and require minimal re-programming effort to make available for use.

Fluorocarbon Rubber

(IEEE) A variable that is set to a prescribed state, often "true" or "false", based on the results of a process or the occurrence of a specified condition. Synonym: Indicator.

Thin, helical filaments attached to the surface of bacterial and eukaryotic (e.g. sperm, protozoa) cells. They are motile structures containing microtubules (composed of proteins called tubulin) that enable cells possessing them to move.

Catches on fire easily and burns rapidly. Same as inflammable.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) generally define flammable liquid as a liquid having a closed cup flash point below 100°F (37.8°C). Flammable liquids do not include compressed gases or cryogenic fluids. Flammable liquids are subdivided as follows:1.Class I-A - Liquids having a closed cup flash point below 73°F (22.8°C) and having a boiling point below 100°F (37.8°C).2.Class I-B - liquids having a closed cup flash point below 73°F (22.8°C) and having a boiling point at or above 100°F (37.8°C).3.Class I-C - liquids having a closed cup flash point at or above 73°F (22.8°C) and below 100°F (37.8°C).

A solid substance, other than one which is defined as a blasting agent or explosive, that is liable to cause fire through friction or as a result of retained heat from manufacture, which has an ignition temperature below 212°F (100°C), or which burns so vigorously or persistently when ignited that it creates a serious hazard. Flammable solids include finely divided solid materials which when dispersed in air as a cloud could be ignited and cause an explosion.

(ICH Q5B) Non-coding nucleotide sequences that are adjacent to the 5' and 3' end of the coding sequence of the product which contain important elements that affect the transcription, translation, or stability of the coding sequence. These regions include, e.g., promoter, enhancer, and splicing sequences and do not include origins of replication and antibiotic resistance genes.

The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough flammable vapor to ignite and produce a flame when an ignition source is present.

A data file that does not physically interconnect with or point to other files. Any relationship between two flat files is logical; e.g., matching account numbers.

Metallic flaws are unintentional irregularities that occur at one place or at relatively infrequent or widely varying intervals on the surface. Flaws include such defects such as cracks, blowholes, inclusions, pits, checks, ridges, scratches, and other surface abnormalities.

Fluorescence Detector

Capability to achieve a range of alternative outcomes. Flexibility requires an understanding of the desired scope of future abilities and is enabled by pre-investment.

Fluorescent Imaging Plate Readers