Abstract: A novel implementation of particle swarm optimization termed Recursive Hierarchical Particle Swarm Optimization (RHPSO) is presented. An improved method for optimizing a complex solution space for any given mathematical function, where the mathematical function may be 1) finding optimal parameters such as topology, security, and routing in distributed/networked systems; 2) finding optimal frequency and channel assignments for telecommunication networks; and 3) code-breaking, searching a large solution space of ciphers for the one correct decryption.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor includes a working electrode modified with a redox polymer and amine-terminated capture aptamer specific for a particular detection target. The binding sequence of the capture aptamer is also complementary to part of a second ssDNA which is labeled with HRP (horseradish peroxidase). The capture aptamer will form dsDNA with the HRP-labeled ssDNA and bring HRP into electrical contact with the redox polymer and the electrode. Prior to capturing the detection target, addition of H2O2 will lead to the highest reduction current due to the redox polymer-mediated, enzyme-amplified electroreduction of H2O2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for stormwater utility management that aids stormwater utilities in establishing fees, abatements, and tradeable stormwater credits using publicly available parcel database information. A stormwater support services computer in communication with publicly available data stores of parcel information rapidly assesses and generates a per-parcel stormwater utility fee based on estimated size of impervious surfaces on a parcel. Through use of publicly available parcel information to generate an estimated size of impervious surfaces on a parcel, a stormwater utility fee based on level of service is implemented.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are computer-implement systems and methods for determining whether an electronic document transiting a computer network is safe for viewing and does not contain malicious code, and automatically routing or deleting such electronic document based on such determination, thus providing quick risk decisions relating to the electronic document using an objective, quantitative method. A search algorithm is employed to detect the presence of words or phrases in the subject electronic document that are possible threats to the computer network. Threat updates may be provided through publicly available threat database. A weight is added to the generated score that accounts for the time that the particular vulnerability has been in the subject threat database. Finally, a PNN is used to quickly and objectively classify the subject electronic document for acceptance, quarantine, or denial.

Abstract: A method for cultivating micro-algae cultures using bivalve waste comprising usable nitrogen and phosphorus as a nutrient source. The micro-algae cultures may be used in turn as a nutrient source for oysters.

Abstract: A device and method for loosening mucous secretions from a subjects lungs including a vest-like garment having enclosures thereon, the enclosures containing one or more sonic transducers, the output face of which is arranged to face the subject's body, the sonic transducers configured to repeatedly emit sonic bursts having a duration of about 10 to about 50 milliseconds at one or more frequencies ranging from 100 Hz-400 Hz, at a rate of about one to about four bursts per second.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for generating a vehicle speed alert in a driving simulation system that communicates with a remote driving simulator engine and a remote speed optimization engine. The remote speed optimization engine receives data from the vehicle speed alert system after the vehicle speed alert system has received data from the remote driving simulator engine, including the vehicle's simulated distance to a signalized intersection, the time remaining for the simulated traffic light to change, and the current simulated light status (green, yellow, red) of the traffic light. The vehicle speed alert system then receives from the remote speed optimization engine a recommended speed profile for that given instant, and if the driver's current speed does not fall within some maximum difference with the current recommended speed profile, calculates and transmits an alert to an output device to alert the driver of action necessary to achieve the recommended speed profile.

Abstract: A shellfish basket washing apparatus configured to hang over the side rail of an oyster harvester or other boat having a support assembly arranged to straddle and be supported on said side rail, a basket holder and a high pressure nozzle assembly connected to a water side of said support assembly, and a working platform, including a pressure washer pump and a water tank, connected to an onboard side of said support assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant cyanobacterium with enhanced halotolerance and compositions thereof, methods of producing the recombinant cyanobacterium, and methods of using the same for biofuel production. The invention also relates to transformed F. diplosiphon strains with enhanced salt tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for rapid crystallization of amino acids, drug molecules, proteins and DNA/peptides. One method for rapid crystallization of functional group-containing molecules selected from the group consisting of amino acids, drug molecules, proteins and DNA/peptides includes (A) providing at least one metal or metal oxide in particulate or thin film form to provide (a) selective nucleation sites for crystallization of the functional group-containing molecules due to interactions of their functional groups and metal surfaces or engineered metal surfaces and (b) a microwave-transparent medium to create a thermal gradient between the metal surfaces or engineered metal surfaces and a warmer solution containing functional group-containing molecules to be crystallized, and (B) conducting microwave heating to cause the functional group-containing molecules to be crystallized.