Abstract: A novel method to develop highly conductive functional materials which can effectively shield various electromagnetic effects (EMEs) and harmful radiations. Metallized nanotube polymer composites (MNPC) are composed of a lightweight polymer matrix, superstrong nanotubes (NT), and functional nanoparticle inclusions. MNPC is prepared by supercritical fluid infusion of various metal precursors (Au, Pt, Fe, and Ni salts), incorporated simultaneously or sequentially, into a solid NT-polymer composite followed by thermal reduction. The infused metal precursor tends to diffuse toward the nanotube surface preferentially as well as the surfaces of the NT-polymer matrix, and is reduced to form nanometer-scale metal particles or metal coatings. The conductivity of the MNPC increases with the metallization, which provides better shielding capabilities against various EMEs and radiations by reflecting and absorbing EM waves more efficiently.

Abstract: Stable dispersions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polymeric matrices include CNTs dispersed in a host polymer or copolymer whose monomers have delocalized electron orbitals, so that a dispersion interaction results between the host polymer or copolymer and the CNTs dispersed therein. Nanocomposite products, which are presented in bulk, or when fabricated as a film, fiber, foam, coating, adhesive, paste, or molding, are prepared by standard means from the present stable dispersions of CNTs in polymeric matrices, employing dispersion interactions, as presented hereinabove.

Abstract: A pronunciation learning support system of the present invention comprises the steps of: acquiring at least one part of recommended air current information data including information on an air current flowing through an inner space of an oral cavity and recommended resonance point information data including information on a location on an articulator where a resonance is generated, during vocalization for a pronunciation corresponding to each subject to be pronounced; and providing an image by processing at least one of a process for displaying specific recommended air current information data corresponding to a specific subject to be pronounced, in the inner space of the oral cavity in an image being provided on a basis of a first perspective direction and a process for displaying, at a specific location on the articulator, specific recommended resonance point information data corresponding to the specific subject to be pronounced.

Abstract: Methods for making a neutron converter layer are provided. The various embodiment methods enable the formation of a single layer neutron converter material. The single layer neutron converter material formed according to the various embodiments may have a high neutron absorption cross section, tailored resistivity providing a good electric field penetration with submicron particles, and a high secondary electron emission coefficient. In an embodiment method a neutron converter layer may be formed by sequential supercritical fluid metallization of a porous nanostructure aerogel or polyimide film. In another embodiment method a neutron converter layer may be formed by simultaneous supercritical fluid metallization of a porous nanostructure aerogel or polyimide film. In a further embodiment method a neutron converter layer may be formed by in-situ metalized aerogel nanostructure development.

Abstract: Provided is an electrically activated shape memory polymer composite capable of thermal shape reformation using electric power to heat the composite through its matrix glass transition temperature. The composite includes an adaptable polymer matrix component using a diglycidyl ether resin, at least one substantially well-dispersed conductive or magnetic nano-filler component, and at least one elastic, laminated layer. Also provided are methods of preparing the composite and methods of activating the composite. A shape reformation of the composite is triggered by applying an electric field at DC and/or at a frequency above about 1 ?Hz for a sufficient time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating semiconductor devices from a substrate using a nanoporous structure, wherein electrochemical etching is carried out in the absence of a surface metal layer, then the surface metal layer is deposited, and then a GaN thin film is transferred onto a metal wafer by means of wafer bonding and lift-off.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments provide pyroelectric sandwich thermal energy harvesters. In the various embodiment pyroelectric sandwich thermal energy harvesters, generated electrical energy may be stored in a super-capacitor/battery as soon as it is generated. The various embodiment pyroelectric sandwich thermal energy harvesters may harvest electrical energy from any environment where temperature variations occur. The various embodiment pyroelectric sandwich thermal energy harvesters may be power sources for space equipment and vehicles in space and/or on earth, as well as the for wireless sensor networks, such as health monitoring systems of oil pipes, aircraft, bridges, and buildings.

Abstract: The present invention provides user equipment, a method of controlling the user equipment, and a recording medium having a computer program. That is, the present invention makes infants actively check their attending and leaving by arousing their interest in order to sense their attending/leaving through NFC tagging, lets their parents know it in real time, and outputs greeting messages set for each infant on the basis of attending/leaving management data for infants and medical data of infants, so it can improve convenience of use. Further, the present invention provides a user with a list of actually available hospitals in consideration of time to be taken to reach hospitals and to register in the hospitals and provides information about the closest hospital in the available hospitals, thereby improving convenience in used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to manage files of a portable device such as an mp3 player, a mobile phone, or a game console, the method comprising copying files to be played from a source server and storing the files in a file system on a folder-by-folder basis; determining the presence of files which have been changed in the portable device by checking the file system when the files are completely copied; and creating a playlist of the files, folder-by-folder, according to file path information of the file system when there are the changed files.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film electrode (FE), all-organic electroactive device systems fabricated with the SWNT-FE, and methods for making same. The SWCNT can be replaced by other types of nanotubes. The SWCNT film can be obtained by filtering SWCNT solution onto the surface of an anodized alumina membrane. A freestanding flexible SWCNT film can be collected by breaking up this brittle membrane. The conductivity of this SWCNT film can advantageously be higher than 280 S/cm. An electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator layered with the SWNT-FE shows a higher electric field-induced strain than an EAP layered with metal electrodes because the flexible SWNT-FE relieves the restraint of the displacement of the polymeric active layer as compared to the metal electrode. In addition, if thin enough, the SWNT-FE is transparent in the visible light range, thus making it suitable for use in actuators used in optical devices.

Abstract: Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), boron nitride nanoparticles (BNNPs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphites, or combinations, are incorporated into matrices of polymer, ceramic or metals. Fibers, yarns, and woven or nonwoven mats of BNNTs are used as toughening layers in penetration resistant materials to maximize energy absorption and/or high hardness layers to rebound or deform penetrators. They can be also used as reinforcing inclusions combining with other polymer matrices to create composite layers like typical reinforcing fibers such as Kevlar®, Spectra®, ceramics and metals. Enhanced wear resistance and usage time are achieved by adding boron nitride nanomaterials, increasing hardness and toughness. Such materials can be used in high temperature environments since the oxidation temperature of BNNTs exceeds 800° C. in air.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an apparatus and methods for using a piezoelectric device, that includes an outer flextensional casing, a first cell and a last cell serially coupled to each other and coupled to the outer flextensional casing such that each cell having a flextensional cell structure and each cell receives an input force and provides an output force that is amplified based on the input force. The apparatus further includes a piezoelectric stack coupled to each cell such that the piezoelectric stack of each cell provides piezoelectric energy based on the output force for each cell. Further, the last cell receives an input force that is the output force from the first cell and the last cell provides an output apparatus force In addition, the piezoelectric energy harvested is based on the output apparatus force. Moreover, the apparatus provides displacement based on the output apparatus force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating semiconductor devices from a substrate using a nanoporous structure, wherein electrochemical etching is carried out in the absence of a surface metal layer, then the surface metal layer is deposited, and then a GaN thin film is transferred onto a metal wafer by means of wafer bonding and lift-off.

Abstract: A novel radiation hardened chip package technology protects microelectronic chips and systems in aviation/space or terrestrial devices against high energy radiation. The proposed technology of a radiation hardened chip package using rare earth elements and mulitlayered structure provides protection against radiation bombardment from alpha and beta particles to neutrons and high energy electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pronunciation correction method for assisting a foreign language learner in correcting a position of a tongue or a shape of lips when pronouncing a foreign language. According to a implementation of this invention, the pronunciation correction method comprises receiving an audio signal constituting pronunciation of a user for a phonetic symbol selected as a target to be practiced, analyzing the audio signal, generating a tongue position image according to the audio signal based on the analysis results, and displaying the generated tongue position image.

Abstract: A composite article, including a metal alloy haying a first surface and a shape memory polymer (“SMP”) adjoining the first surface, with a coupling agent condensed on the first surface between the metal alloy and the SMP. The coupling agent includes at least one metal alloy bonding group which chemically bonds to the metal alloy member and at least one SMP bounding group which chemically bonds to the SMP member. A method for forming the article includes resurfacing a first surface of the metal alloy and applying a coupling agent to the first surface, and then positioning the SMP thereon. The article is then treated to condense the coupling agent on the first surface. A toughening agent is optionally added to the SMP prior to coupling the SW and the metal alloy.

Abstract: Sequential and simultaneous methods of making a multi-metalized nanocomposite. A method includes providing a porous matrix, dissolving at least a first metal or metalloid precursor and a second metal or metalloid precursor in a supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) fluid, wherein the first and second metal or metalloid precursors are different, infusing the supercritical CO2 fluid with the dissolved first and second metal or metalloid precursors into the porous matrix, lowering the pressure to trap the infused first and second metal or metalloid precursors in the porous matrix and reducing the first and second metal or metalloid precursors at an elevated temperature to form first and second metal or metalloid nanoparticles in the porous matrix.

Abstract: Metamaterials or artificial negative index materials (NIMs) have generated great attention due to their unique and exotic electromagnetic properties. One exemplary negative dielectric constant material, which is an essential key for creating the NIMs, was developed by doping ions into a polymer, a protonated poly (benzimidazole) (FBI). The doped PBI showed a negative dielectric constant at megahertz (MHz) frequencies due to its reduced plasma frequency and an induction effect. The magnitude of the negative dielectric constant and the resonance frequency were tunable by doping concentration. The highly doped PBI showed larger absolute magnitude of negative dielectric constant at just above its resonance frequency than the less doped PBI.

Abstract: Methods for making a neutron converter layer are provided. The various embodiment methods enable the formation of a single layer neutron converter material. The single layer neutron converter material formed according to the various embodiments may have a high neutron absorption cross section, tailored resistivity providing a good electric field penetration with submicron particles, and a high secondary electron emission coefficient. In an embodiment method a neutron converter layer may be formed by sequential supercritical fluid metallization of a porous nanostructure aerogel or polyimide film. In another embodiment method a neutron converter layer may be formed by simultaneous supercritical fluid metallization of a porous nanostructure aerogel or polyimide film. In a further embodiment method a neutron converter layer may be formed by in-situ metalized aerogel nanostructure development.

Abstract: Metamaterials or artificial negative index materials (NIMs) have generated great attention due to their unique and exotic electromagnetic properties. One exemplary negative dielectric constant material, which is an essential key for creating the NIMs, was developed by doping ions into a polymer, a protonated poly(benzimidazole) (PBI). The doped PBI showed a negative dielectric constant at megahertz (MHz) frequencies due to its reduced plasma frequency and an induction effect. The magnitude of the negative dielectric constant and the resonance frequency were tunable by doping concentration. The highly doped PBI showed larger absolute magnitude of negative dielectric constant at just above its resonance frequency than the less doped PBI.