Methods and apparatus utilizing a stepped floating gate structure to facilitate reduced spacing between adjacent cells without significantly impacting parasitic capacitance. One implementation is manifested as a system that can include an inference engine and at least one processing device configured to execute the inference engine. The ducts may pass through a part of the header which forms a permeate cavity. In one embodiment, a nozzle sprays a gas onto the predetermined areas to assist in drying the predetermined areas when needed. The third fastening elements are affixed on an exterior surface of the elongated flexible member for enabling detachable attachment of the protective sheathing apparatus to a support surface.