Abstract: A system for providing variable opacity includes a polarization assembly disposed at a vehicle. The polarization assembly includes a first panel having a plurality of first polarizing elements, and a second panel having a plurality of second polarizing elements, the first panel and the second panel overlapping in a path of light incident on the vehicle. The system also includes an actuation device configured to linearly translate the first panel relative to the second panel between a first position in which the polarization assembly is transparent to the light and a second position in which the polarization assembly at least partially blocks the light.

Abstract: A system for providing variable opacity includes a polarization assembly disposed at a vehicle. The polarization assembly includes a first panel having a plurality of first polarizing elements, and a second panel having a plurality of second polarizing elements, the first panel and the second panel overlapping in a path of light incident on the vehicle. The system also includes an actuation device configured to linearly translate the first panel relative to the second panel between a first position in which the polarization assembly is transparent to the light and a second position in which the polarization assembly at least partially blocks the light.

Abstract: Membranes suitable for use in membrane distillation are provided. Such membranes may include nano-fibrous layers with adjustable pore sizes. The membranes may include a hydrophobic nanofibrous scaffold and a thin hydrophilic protecting layer that can significantly reduce fouling and scaling problems.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing authentication of a user login to an external website from a community in a cloud based computing environment. An exemplary system having at least a processor and a memory therein includes means for identifying a first domain where a user is to be allowed to login to an external web page hosted thereon, and means for connecting the external web page with a community of a cloud computing environment hosted on a second domain different than the identified first domain, the connecting means handling how the connected community authenticates the user when the user logs into the external web page and providing one of a plurality of login experiences for the user based on conditions determined at run time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing carboxylated nanocelluloses. Compared with conventional methods, the methods of the present disclosure are simple and cost-effective in the production of carboxylated (or carboxy) nanocelluloses, in embodiments nanofibers and/or nanowhiskers, directly from raw biomass, including lignocellulose wood, non-wood sources, non-lignocellulose wood, lignocellulose or pure cellulose. The carboxy groups on the surface of nanocellulose thus produced can then be easily modified into functional derivatives such as amide, acetate, ether, ester, etc. The resulting nanocelluloses may be used to form purifying agents and/or filters to remove impurities from wastewater.

Abstract: Membranes suitable for use in membrane distillation are provided. Such membranes may include nano-fibrous layers with adjustable pore sizes. The membranes may include a hydrophobic nanofibrous scaffold and a thin hydrophilic protecting layer that can significantly reduce fouling and scaling problems.

Abstract: A tie down anchor tension monitoring system includes a tension level monitoring module and at least one tie down anchoring point integrated into a cargo carrying space configured for connecting to a free end of a cargo tie down strap. The system further includes at least one tension level monitoring sensor integrated with the at least one tie down anchoring point, wherein the at least one tension monitoring sensor is configured to output a signal to the tension monitoring module that is indicative of a tension level of the cargo tie down strap.

Abstract: Membranes suitable for use in membrane distillation are provided. Such membranes may include nano-fibrous layers with adjustable pore sizes. The membranes may include a hydrophobic nano fibrous scaffold and a thin hydrophilic protecting layer that can significantly reduce fouling and scaling problems.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing authentication of a user login to an external website from a community in a cloud based computing environment. An exemplary system having at least a processor and a memory therein includes means for identifying a first domain where a user is to be allowed to login to an external web page hosted thereon, and means for connecting the external web page with a community of a cloud computing environment hosted on a second domain different than the identified first domain, the connecting means handling how the connected community authenticates the user when the user logs into the external web page and providing one of a plurality of login experiences for the user based on conditions determined at run time.

Abstract: Water filtration membranes are provided. Such membranes include polysaccharide fibers that have been modified to possess thiol groups thereon, resulting in materials that effectively bind heavy metal ions. The resulting fibers may be used by themselves or applied to a scaffold to form a membrane suitable for removing heavy metals from water, including groundwater.

Abstract: A tie down anchor tension monitoring system includes a tension level monitoring module and at least one tie down anchoring point integrated into a cargo carrying space configured for connecting to a free end of a cargo tie down strap. The system further includes at least one tension level monitoring sensor integrated with the at least one tie down anchoring point, wherein the at least one tension monitoring sensor is configured to output a signal to the tension monitoring module that is indicative of a tension level of the cargo tie down strap.

Abstract: Elastic microfiltration membranes are provided. These membranes may be used in a membrane bioreactor. Due to the elastic nature of the membranes, removal of fouling materials is improved, thereby increasing the efficiency and longevity of the membranes. Methods for forming such membranes and uses of the membranes are also provided, including their use in membrane bioreactors.

Abstract: Membranes are provided for filtering a gas, in some cases air. Membranes using a highly porous cellulose nano fibrous barrier layer with a highly porous (surface-charged) substrate can exhibit high flux, high retention, and low pressure drop in air filtration of toxic aromatic gases, fumes, bacteria, viruses, dusts, and particulate matters.

Abstract: Membranes of the present disclosure possess very thin barrier layers, with high selectivity, high throughput, low fouling, and are long lasting. The membranes include graphene and/or graphene oxide barrier layers on a nanofibrous supporting scaffold. Methods for forming these membranes, as well as uses thereof, are also provided. In embodiments, an article of the present disclosure includes a nanofibrous scaffold; at least a first layer of nanoporous graphene, nanoporous graphene oxide, or combinations thereof on at least a portion of a surface of the nanofibrous scaffold; an additive such as crosslinking agents and/or particles on an outer surface of the at least first layer of nanoporous graphene, nanoporous graphene oxide, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Membranes of the present disclosure possess very thin barrier layers, with high selectivity, high throughput, low fouling, and are long lasting. The membranes include graphene and/or graphene oxide barrier layers on a nanofibrous supporting scaffold. Methods for forming these membranes, as well as uses thereof, are also provided. In embodiments, an article of the present disclosure includes a nanofibrous scaffold; at least a first layer of nanoporous graphene, nanoporous graphene oxide, or combinations thereof on at least a portion of a surface of the nanofibrous scaffold; an additive such as crosslinking agents and/or particles on an outer surface of the at least first layer of nanoporous graphene, nanoporous graphene oxide, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Membranes of the present disclosure possess very thin barrier layers, with high selectivity, high throughput, low fouling, and are long lasting. The membranes include graphene and/or graphene oxide barrier layers on a nanofibrous supporting scaffold. Methods for forming these membranes, as well as uses thereof, are also provided. In embodiments, an article of the present disclosure includes a nanofibrous scaffold; at least a first layer of nanoporous graphene, nanoporous graphene oxide, or combinations thereof on at least a portion of a surface of the nanofibrous scaffold; an additive such as crosslinking agents and/or particles on an outer surface of the at least first layer of nanoporous graphene, nanoporous graphene oxide, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A high flux and low pressure drop microfiltration (MF) membrane and a method for making the MF membrane. The microfiltration membranes are formed by a method that includes: preparing a nanofibrous structure; and modifying the surface of the nanofibrous structure with a surface modifier. The nanofibrous structure includes an electrospun nanofibrous scaffold or a polysaccharide nanofiber infused nanoscaffold or mixtures thereof. The electrospun nanofibrous scaffold can include polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or polyethersulfone (PES))/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or mixtures thereof. The surface modifier includes polyethylenimine (PEI) and polyvinyl amine (Lupamin) cross-linked by ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGdGE)/glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTMACl) or poly(1-(1-vinylimidazolium)ethyl-3-vinylimdazolium dibromide (VEVIMIBr).

Abstract: Articles are provided for absorbing fluids. In embodiments, the articles of the present disclosure are modified to make them hydrophobic, thereby decreasing their affinity for water and similar liquids, while increasing their affinity for other hydrophobic materials, including oil. After use, the articles, in embodiments polyurethane sponges, may have their absorbed materials removed therefrom, and the articles may then be reused to absorb additional materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing carboxylated nanocelluloses. Compared with conventional methods, the methods of the present disclosure are simple and cost-effective in the production of carboxylated (or carboxy) nanocelluloses, in embodiments nanofibers and/or nanowhiskers, directly from raw biomass, including lignocellulose wood, non-wood sources, non-lignocellulose wood, lignocellulose or pure cellulose. The carboxy groups on the surface of nanocellulose thus produced can then be easily modified into functional derivatives such as amide, acetate, ether, ester, etc. The resulting nanocelluloses may be used to form purifying agents and/or filters to remove impurities from wastewater.

Abstract: Membranes are provided for energy efficient purification of alcohol by pervaporation. Such membranes include a nanofibrous scaffold in combination with a barrier layer. The membranes also include zeolites in the barrier layer. The membranes may, in embodiments, also include a substrate.