Abstract: A triboelectric generator can include respective contact members including a first contact member and second contact member. The respective contact members can be movable with respect to each other such that the respective contact members separate from each other in a first configuration and contact each other in a second configuration. The first contact member can include a first conductive layer and a contact layer. The second contact member can be spaced apart from the first contact member in the first configuration and can include an insulating contact layer and a second conductive layer. The insulating contact layer can be configured to come into contact with the contact layer of the first contact member and the transition of the respective contact members from the first configuration to the second configuration can create triboelectric charges. In some examples, the first contact member can include a non-contact insulating layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to implement a moving target defense for a server computer. The server computer can be provided both a permanent IP address and a temporary IP address. The temporary IP address can be used when communicating with client computers connected to the server computer. The temporary IP address can be dynamically changed at a predetermined interval that can be varied based on conditions at the server computer. An intrusion detection system can be used with the moving target defense systems and methods to identify attacks on the server computer based on the temporary IP address(es) provided by the server computer. When an attack is identified, the corresponding client computer is determined based on the temporary IP address and the client computer is placed on a blacklist that is not provided with new temporary IP addresses when the server computer changes temporary IP address.

Abstract: A battery storage system is configured to store batteries in a safe manner that reduces the threat of thermal runaway. Batteries held by the system are electrically connected to at least one load that is powered by energy from the batteries, thereby depleting the charge level of the batteries. In some embodiments, the load is a temperature control device that is configured to cool the batteries to help prevent a thermal runaway condition during storage. That is, discharging of the battery helps not only to reduce the charge levels in the batteries, thereby decreasing the likelihood of an occurrence of thermal runaway, but also cool the batteries further decreasing the likelihood of such an occurrence. Thus, over time, the battery storage system efficiently controls the charge levels and temperatures of the batteries so that a thermal runaway condition is unlikely.

Abstract: A multi-modal heart diagnostic system is provided. The diagnostic system can monitor heart activity and assists a user or operator in performing echocardiography. The system can include a positioning device that is placed on a patient's chest. The positioning device can incorporate several multi-modal sensors. The multi-modal sensors can measure different parameters associated with an assessment of heart activity. The multi-modal sensors can also be used to provide information that can assist an operator in positioning the probe within the positioning device to capture an echocardiogram.

Abstract: An exemplary random number generation system leverages the r includes at least one solar power panel of a solar power system, at least one sensor and a random number generator. The sensor senses one or more output parameters (e.g., voltage or current) from the solar power system and provides the sensed parameter to the random number generator, which uses the sensed parameter to generate a number that is truly random (i.e., is not deterministic). As an example, the random number generator may receive multiple samples of the measured parameter and generate a random number based on a difference of the multiple samples. If desired, the random number generator may include an algorithm to remove biasing in the random number.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of detecting manganese in a solution using resacetophenone oxime by spectrophotometric analysis wherein the resacetophenone oxime produces colorimetric responses to indicate the presence of manganese. The resacetophenone oxime is not only stable in solution, but it also may be inserted into a hydrocolloid gel to facilitate a “spot test” for the detection of manganese, resulting in a long shelf life. These manganese testing methods disclosed herein may be used at the pre-disinfection process at water treatment facilities. The disclosed methods of manganese testing may be combined with an ammoniacal buffer reagent that may be used by water processing facilities, prior to final disinfection, to augment existing manganese (II) efforts of removal. A secondary flocculation with this buffer will scavenge additional manganese (II), that can then be removed by sedimentation or filtration.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a plasma sheet source and methods of using same. The plasma sheet source includes a cylindrical electrode having a conductive cylindrical core surrounded by a dielectric material, a plurality of channels configured to direct gas from a gas inlet to the electrode, and a plasma outlet positioned below the electrode. Gas is introduced to the plasma sheet source and directed toward the electrode, which when powered by pulsed direct current, produces plasma as the gas ionizes. The produced plasma is then directed out of the plasma outlet to a specimen for treatment of the specimen. Notably, the plasma exiting the plasma outlet is in the form of a plasma sheet that is at approximately room temperature.

Abstract: A system for improving radiation tolerance of memory senses an amount of radiation exposure and, based on the sensed amount of radiation exposure, determines whether to perform one or more techniques for mitigating the effects of the radiation exposure. As an example, the system may perform a data refresh operation by re-writing data that has been corrupted by radiation, or the system may adjust the reference voltage used to read memory cells. In another example, the system may perform a fault repair operation by re-programming cells that have erroneously transitioned from a program state to an erase state. The system may selectively perform different radiation-mitigation techniques in a tiered approach based on the sensed amount of radiation in order to limit the adverse effects of the more invasive techniques.

Abstract: A system for testing memory includes logic that is configured to perform various normal memory operations (e.g., erase, read and write operations) on a memory device and to determine operational parameters associated with the memory operations. As an example, the amount of time to perform one or more memory operations may be measured, a number of errors resulting from the memory operations may be determined, or a number of memory cells storing noisy bits may be identified. One or more of the operational parameters may then be analyzed to determine whether they are in a range expected for counterfeit or defective memory. If so, the logic determines that the memory under test is counterfeit or defective and provides a notification about such determination.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to methods of preparing a well-ordered nanoparticle coating on a substrate. A nanoparticle solution having nanoparticles in a solvent is deposited on a sub-phase of a denser, immiscible liquid. A constrained area on the top surface of the sub-phase is provided, where nanoparticle solution spreading is physically limited and the nanoparticles spontaneously form a uniformly ordered monolayer on the sub-phase within the constrained area. Notably, no compression of the nanoparticle film occurs after the spreading phase in order to form the monolayer. After the monolayer is formed, a substrate is placed into contact with the monolayer and coated with a well-ordered nanoparticle coating.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for preparing nanoparticle monolayers on a sub-phase by controlling the spreading rate of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are first prepared in a nanoparticle solution at a predetermined concentration with a solvent. The sub-phase solution is prepared to have a density and viscosity compatible with the desired spreading rate. Additives, such as glycerol, are used to alter the density of the sub-phase solution. A volume of nanoparticle solution is deposited on the surface of the sub-phase solution and allowed to spread in a controlled manner on the unconstrained surface, forming a uniform nanoparticle monolayer. A substrate is then placed in contact with the nanoparticle monolayer to form a uniform nanoparticle coating on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A smart object may be used to monitor the hydration level of a person. The object has at least two impedance sensors that can be used to sense the complex impedance of a person when a tissue of the user comes into contact with the impedance sensors. The measured impedance can then be used to determine the hydration level of the person. In addition to using the impedance sensors to determine the hydration level of the person, the impedance sensors can also be used to capture an electrocardiogram for the person. The smart object may also be used with another smart object to determine the identity of the user or other physiological parameters of the user such as blood pressure.

Abstract: A smart object may be used to monitor physiological parameters of a user. The object has at least one capacitive sensor to sense a change in capacitance when a tissue of the user comes into contact with the at least one capacitive sensor. The change in capacitance can be used to detect physiological parameters of a user such as heart rate, inter-beat interval and respiratory rate. The smart object may also be used with another smart object to determine the identity of the user or other physiological parameters of the user such as blood pressure.

Abstract: A radiation detection system may include a mobile device having a flash memory. The device may monitor various characteristics of the flash memory to determine when damage to the flash memory has occurred from radiation exposure. The device may associate damage to the flash memory with a radiation dose, and determine a level of radiation to which the memory, and thus the device, has been exposed. The device also may determine a length of time and locations where the radiation exposure has occurred. If the device determines that the level of radiation exposure exceeds a threshold associated with a safe level of radiation exposure for a human user, the device may generate an alert to the user.

Abstract: A random number generation system may generate one or more random numbers based on the repeated programming of a memory, such as a flash memory. As an example, a control system may repeatedly store a sequence to a block of flash memory to force a plurality of cells into a random state such that, at any given instant, the values in the cells may be random. The control system may identify which of the cells contain random values and then generate based on the identified values a number that is truly random.

Abstract: A system performs analog memory sanitization by forcing voltage levels in memory cells to substantially the same voltage level so that they are indistinguishable regardless of the data that has been previously stored in the cells. In some embodiments, a special programming operation for sanitizing a plurality of memory cells forces the charge in the cells to approximately the same voltage level by increasing the voltage level of all cells regardless of the data currently stored in the cells. As an example, each cell may be programmed to a logical high bit value (e.g., a “0”) by increasing the charge in each cell to a voltage level that is greater than the voltage level for writing the same logical bit value in a normal programming operation. Thus, after the programming operation is performed, the voltage levels of cells storing one logical bit value (e.g., a “0”) prior to the programming operation may be indistinguishable from voltage levels of cells storing a different logical bit value (e.g.

Abstract: A rotational swing system is used for providing vestibular stimulation. The rotational swing system may include a rotational swing that is actuated by a motor. The system has a support frame arranged so that the motor does not need to bear the weight of the swing, thereby reducing the cost of the motor. When the system is used in a classroom to provide vestibular stimulation to a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the automatic actuation of the swing by the motor helps to free the teacher's attention for addressing the needs of the other children in the classroom.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to combine multiple stimulation modalities to significantly increase the effectiveness of non-invasive stimulation. Multiple sensor and stimulation devices and modalities can be combined into a single, compact unit that minimizes the need for additional sensors or stimulation devices. The system features several subunits, referred to as sensory and stimulation devices (SSD), that are integrated into a headphone setup. The system is controlled by a centralized controller that communicates with all of the SSDs and with an external computer system that delivers learning material synchronized with the delivery of stimulations and the collection of user responses based on physiological signals.

Abstract: An automated lawn mower has a frame that is attached to a conventional lawn mower to retrofit the conventional lawn mower for automated lawn cutting operations. In some embodiments, one or more wheels of the conventional lawn mower are removed, and the frame is coupled to the lawn mower at one or more connection points for the removed wheels. The frame is coupled to a motor, a controller, and a plurality of wheels. During operation, the motor drives the wheels under the control of the controller in order to move the automated lawn mower over a lawn for grass cutting operations.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a method of curing an ionic liquid epoxy mixture using an electromagnetic signal. First, an ionic liquid epoxy resin comprising ionic liquid epoxide monomers and, optionally, diluent epoxy resins and powdered fillers, is combined with a curing agent to form an ionic liquid epoxy mixture. The mixture is then applied as a coating onto a surface of a material. The coating is placed in contact with a second surface of the same material or a surface of another material. An electromagnetic signal, which in some instances is a microwave signal, is applied to the coating. Following application of the signal, the ionic liquid epoxide monomers polymerize and the mixture cures, adhering the surfaces together. Alternately, the epoxy mixture is applied to a surface and cured with microwaves to form a protective coating as in cladding or paint.