Abstract: A fluorescent nanocomposite which includes a thallium doped gadolinium chalcogenide having formula TlxGd1-xY, wherein x is 0.01 to 0.1, and Y is selected from the group consisting of S, Se, or Te, and a benzothiazolium salt bound to a surface of the thallium doped gadolinium chalcogenide. A method of detecting antimony ions in a fluid sample whereby the fluid sample is contacted with the fluorescent nanocomposite to form a mixture, and a fluorescence emission profile of the mixture is measured to determine a presence or absence of antimony ions in the fluid sample, wherein a reduction in intensity of a fluorescence emissions peak associated with the fluorescent nanocomposite indicates the presence of antimony ions in the fluid sample.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a power conversion system and a method for conversing power. The power conversion system includes a first fluid holding tank, a second fluid holding tank, a fluid inlet hose, a fluid outlet hose, a fluid container, and one or more tension springs connected to the upper surface of the container and to a lower surface of the first fluid holding tank. The power conversion system further includes a rotational component connected to a lower side of the container via a connecting rod. The power conversion system further includes a generator connected to the rotational component via a horizontal shaft. The power conversion system further includes a feedback hose connected between the second fluid holding tank and the first fluid holding tank. The power conversion system further includes a hydraulic pump connected to the second fluid holding tank.

Abstract: Bio-inspired carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminates are provided. The CFRP laminates display high out-of-plane strength and ductility due to the incorporation of defects (e.g. areas of delamination) which are purposefully introduced into the laminate layers.

Abstract: An educational tool for testing and demonstrating center of gravity based control. The educational tool includes a swing, a rod assembly operatively connected to the swing, a motor operatively connected to the rod assembly, at least one encoder for generating position signals, an interface box operatively connected to the motor and the encoder, and a computing device operatively connected to the interface box. The computing device receives the position signals from the interface box, analyze the position signals to determine a center of gravity of the swing and the rod assembly, and generate motor control signals to adjust the swing and the rod assembly to a stable pose. The interface box transmits the motor control signals to the motor and transmits the position signals from the encoder to the computing device.

Abstract: Therapeutic compounds containing a phenyl core and amide link(s). Also described are pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the therapeutic compounds and a method for treating cancer with the compounds. These compounds are cytotoxic to stomach, colon, breast, and leukemia cancer cell lines via dual inhibition of Src kinases and tubulin.

Abstract: A system for controlling smartphones of drivers of moving automobiles including a plurality of smartphones, each smartphone including a GPS unit to record speed and location of smartphone, a driver control application to control access to phone services and social media applications, a low frequency receiver to receive low frequency radio frequency identification, an LF RFID, signal from key fob located within moving automobile, and a computing unit to measure a received signal strength indicator, RSSI, of LF RFID signal, a transmitter to transmit the speed, location, LF RFID signal, and RSSI to a centralized monitor. The centralized monitor includes a computing circuitry to receive the speed, location, LF RFID signal, and RSSI of each smartphone, generate clusters of speeds and locations of smartphones, analyze clusters to determine smartphones located within a particular moving automobile, determine smartphone of driver, and transmit a control signal to the smartphone of the driver.

Abstract: A system configured to facilitate virtual outfit fitting is described. The system includes a smart closet device having components including a display door and a plurality of image sensors. A first image sensor of the plurality of image sensors is configured to move across a horizontal axis and a vertical axis of enclosure of the smart closet device to capture a plurality of images of a first outfit hung on an outfit hanging column. The smart closet device also includes a computing unit to generate a three-dimensional (3D) model of the first outfit based on the plurality of images. The computing unit is further configured to update an outfit database by storing the generated 3D model of the first outfit in an outfit database. The computing unit generate an image of a user wearing the output in response to receiving a selection of the first output from the user.

Abstract: A deformable differential semiconductor sensor system of pressure and/or compressive displacement is provided. The pressure sensor system includes a deformable and elastic rubber substrate, first and second carbon nanotubes conductive layers, metal free phthalocyanine-carbon nanotubes composite semiconductive layers, first and second terminals on the carbon nanotubes conductive layers and a rubber cover for receiving inputs. The conductive and semiconductive layers of the sensor system are embedded in deformable substrates by using rubbing-in technology.

Abstract: Orthodontic braces comprising rotatable versatile brackets are provided. Each rotatable bracket has two different slot sizes, and rotation of the whole bracket before its bonding to the tooth brings one or the other of the slot sizes into horizontal alignment so that different archwires corresponding to the selected size can be accommodated.

Abstract: A water treatment system with a photocatalytic nanocomposite sheet, an adsorbent layer, and a fibrous filter, wherein the photocatalytic nanocomposite sheet comprises polymethylmethacrylate and silver phosphate, the adsorbent layer comprises plasma activated carbon nanotubes, and the fibrous filter is a composite of polymethylmethacrylate, polyvinylidene fluoride, and polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer fibers, with carbon nanotubes that are dispersed within the polymer fibers and silver nanoparticles that are deposited on the polymer fibers. Various embodiments of the water treatment system and methods of fabricating the photocatalytic nanocomposite sheet, the adsorbent layer, and the fibrous filter are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of forming graphene may include reacting a dispersed mixture, comprising fly ash, a charged heteroaromatic compound, particularly a pyridinium compound, such as a 1-(4-pyridyl)-pyridinium salt, and a solvent, particularly an alcohol, such as ethanol, with a polymeric oxidizing agent, preferably polymer-supported pyridinium chlorochromate, to form a second mixture; and contacting the second mixture at a temperature of 120 to 180° C. with a gas stream comprising at least 0.1 vol. % CH4 and at least 10 vol. % H2 to form graphene on the fly ash. Methods of managing waste may comprise using fly ash waste to produce graphene. Devices for implementing such methods may involve steel cylindrical reaction vessels including a cover through which a valve-stoppable pipe is fed, which reaction vessel is at least partially surrounded by a heating device, and suitable for handling solvent and fly ash, as well as for receiving gas inflow through the pipe.

Abstract: A conductive nanocomposite which contains a mixed polymer matrix which contains a rubber and a polyether, carbon nanoparticles, and transition metal nanoparticles. The conductive nanocomposite has a nonlinear relationship between resistivity and temperature characterized by an exponential increase reaching a peak resistivity followed by an exponential decrease as temperature increases. Also disclosed is a method of forming the conductive nanocomposite involving mixing the components, aging, and pressing. The conductive nanocomposite forms a component of a heater that is self-regulating as a result of the nonlinear relationship between resistivity and temperature of the conductive nanocomposite. The nanocomposite also forms a component of a thermistor.

Abstract: A nanomaterial catalyst comprising a partially crystalline porous magnesium silicate support and gold nanoparticles, the catalyst being useful for oxidative cracking of hydrocarbons, specifically the production of light olefins from propane. Methods of producing the nanomaterial catalyst as well as a method of oxidative cracking of a hydrocarbon to produce light olefins are provided.

Abstract: A multilevel inverter includes an inner DC source group circuit that generates a plurality of voltage levels, and an outer DC source group circuit that generates a substantially sinusoidal output voltage. The substantially sinusoidal output voltage is generated using, at least in part, the plurality of voltage levels generated by the inner DC source group circuit. An H-bridge circuit supplies the substantially sinusoidal output voltage at alternating polarities to a load.

Abstract: A membrane filter apparatus for splitting a feed into filtrate and retentate is provided. The apparatus comprises a body chamber, a feed inlet disposed on the body chamber, a retentate outlet located in the body chamber, a feed distribution tube connected to the feed inlet, and a filter assembly having a filter. The feed distribution tube has a length sufficient to cause the feed to enter the body chamber at a feed distance from the filter assembly of no greater than 50% of a total length of the body chamber. The feed flows across the filter in a direction parallel to a surface of the filter assembly. The filtrate passes through the filter assembly and the retentate flows through the body chamber in a direction antiparallel to the feed flow through the feed distribution tube and out through the retentate outlet.

Abstract: A multi-angle spinneret for forming hollow fibers is provided. The multi-angle spinneret includes a body defining a dope chamber, a bore needle channel, and multiple dope channels being oriented at a minimum of two distinct dope channel angles relative to the dope chamber. The body includes a bore needle disposed in the bore needle channel and oriented substantially perpendicular relative to the dope chamber. The bore needle extends though the dope chamber, such that a bore fluid flow through the bore needle is kept separate from a dope flow through the dope channels. A bore fluid outlet is positioned within a dope outlet of the dope chamber, such that a bore fluid flow out of the bore fluid outlet is substantially coaxial with and substantially centered within a dope flow out of the dope outlet.

Abstract: A photomemcapacitor device comprising a metal oxide semiconductor material is provided. The photocapacitor device comprises a p-n junction and a Schottky junction. A photomemcapacitor is provided for responding to photons at specified wavelengths.

Abstract: A defrost or thaw measuring device has a dumbbell or hourglass-shaped rotatable compartment with a cavity, the cavity being partly filled with at least two phase change materials having different melting points. The measuring device may determine the time period of thawing at two or more temperature intervals in the refrigeration space.

Abstract: A defrost or thaw measuring device has a dumbbell or hourglass-shaped rotatable compartment with a cavity, the cavity being partly filled with at least two phase change materials having different melting points. The measuring device may determine the time period of thawing at two or more temperature intervals in the refrigeration space.

Abstract: The invention relates to the application of a composition containing recombinant amelogenin and propylene glycol alginate (“PGA”) on to cut dentin tubules followed by installation of a definitive restorative in a single visit.