Abstract: [Problem] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a novel optical functional material in which silver nanoparticles are used. [Solution] According to the present invention, a ternary composite formed by mixing silver nanoparticles, an organic semiconductor, and a clay in a liquid phase is provided. The organic semiconductor is preferably an organic charge-transfer complex, and more preferably a charge-transfer boron polymer. The clay is a layered silicate mineral, and preferably smectite. The present invention also provides an antibacterial agent, a photoelectric converter, and a photosensitive pointing device using the ternary composite.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a novel light enhancement device manufactured easily. According to the present invention, there is provided a light enhancement device including a substrate provided with an adsorption layer formed on its surface and including a hydrophobic modified clay with organic compound; and tabular silver nanoparticles oriented and adsorbed on the adsorption layer. Furthermore, there is provided a manufacturing method of a light enhancement device including a step of forming an adsorption layer including a hydrophobic modified clay with organic compound on a surface of a substrate; and a step of immersing the substrate in an aqueous dispersion of tabular silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, there is provided a kit for spectroscopic analysis including a substrate provided with an adsorption layer including a hydrophobic modified clay with organic compound formed on its surface; and a container filled with an aqueous dispersion of tabular silver nanoparticles.

Abstract: A novel method for manufacturing tabular silver nanoparticles with high productivity and high reproducibility. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing silver nanoparticles including a first step of preparing a silver ion aqueous solution containing a crystal habit modifier as a starting solution, a second step of adding a reducing agent to the starting solution with stirring to yield an aqueous dispersion of fine silver crystals, and a third step of adding an oxidizing agent to the aqueous dispersion with stirring. The oxidizing agent is preferably added such that the solubility of metal silver in the aqueous dispersion is optimized at an appropriate time in the third step.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a novel functional light-transmissive material including tabular silver nanoparticles and the manufacturing of the same. According to the present invention, there is provided a functional light-transmissive material including: a transparent base material; an adsorption layer disposed on a surface of the transparent base material, wherein the adsorption layer contains a hydrophobic modified clay with organic compound; and tabular silver nanoparticles oriented and adsorbed on the adsorption layer. Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a functional light-transmissive material, including: a step of forming an adsorption layer containing a hydrophobic modified clay with organic compound on a surface of a transparent base material; and a step of immersing the transparent base material provided with the adsorption layer in an aqueous dispersion of tabular silver nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nitrogen oxide removal equipment, a nitrogen oxide removal method, a container used for the removal of nitrogen oxide, and a method for filling the container. A nitrogen oxide removal equipment 94 according to the present invention supplies gas with the unevenness of flowing amounts eased to an absorption unit 94a via a gas rectification means 108 for supplying gas to a large-area side of solid absorbent layers, the absorption unit 94a being provided with solid absorbent layers including a plurality of low-profile solid absorbents 95 constituting the nitrogen oxide absorption means. Nitrogen oxide contained in gas effectively passes through the solid absorbent layers and removed.

Abstract: Waves are amplified by a gradual decrease in depth, and when the waves reach a vertical wall 10 of a reef 2, breaking waves are generated by sudden decrease of the water depth. As the breaking waves rush into the upper portion of the reef 2 and pass through the slant slits 14, wave energy is absorbed by the reef 2 and the seat water returns back to the ocean through an opening 11. The sand brought into a reef 2 with the waves are washed away by the return flow 11 so that the sand is not deposited within the reef 2 and the space in the reef 2 is always clear. The return flow promotes generation of the breaking waves. The breaking waves are introduced into the slits, beach erosion is prevented, and a calm sea area utilized for marine leisure is created. The seawater in the reef, with sufficient air, flows to the sea area behind the breakwater through the paths 19.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nitrogen oxide removal equipment, a nitrogen oxide removal method, a container used for the removal of nitrogen oxide, and a method for filling the container. A nitrogen oxide removal equipment 94 according to the present invention supplies gas with the unevenness of flowing amounts eased to an absorption unit 94a via a gas rectification means 108 for supplying gas to a large-area side of solid absorbent layers, the absorption unit 94a being provided with solid absorbent layers including a plurality of low-profile solid absorbents 95 constituting the nitrogen oxide absorption means. Nitrogen oxide contained in gas effectively passes through the solid absorbent layers and removed.

Abstract: A deployable structure comprising a side wall having a plurality of segments which make the side wall a tube-like shape as a whole. Four adjacent segments are connected with one another at one point to make one module. The folding patterns of the segments along the connecting creases have two purposes, one of which is a closing pattern to reduce an inner angle between connected segments adjacent in a circumferential direction of the side wall, accompanied with a folding in a direction of a central axis, the other of which is an opening pattern to enlarge the inner angle between connected segments adjacent in the circumferential direction of the side wall, accompanied with a folding in the direction of the central axis. As a result the side wall can be deployed and packaged in both directions of the central axis and the radius of the side wall by folding the segments along the connecting creases thereof in the closing and opening patterns.

Abstract: A system for searching and sensing reinforcing steel in reinforced concrete is provided. The system comprises a means for magnetizing the reinforcing steel in the reinforced concrete with lines of magnetic force generated by a magnetic field and a means for sensing the lines of magnetic force radiated from the magnetized reinforcing steel to detect an existence and a condition of the reinforcing steel in the reinforced concrete. The sensing means includes a coil for sensing a magnetic force and the magnetizing means is positioned remote from the sensing means.