Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanoparticulate composition comprising nanoparticles formed from an amphipathic block copolymer comprising a hydrophilic block and a hydrophobic block, where the nanoparticles are provided in the form of micelles, cylindrical worm structures or vesicles and the size of the nanoparticles is from 25 to 500 nm, wherein: the composition is substantially free of heavy metals and compounds comprising sulfur. Also disclosed herein is a method of forming said nanoparticulate composition by polymerization induced self-assembly (PISA) via non-transition-metal catalysed controlled radical polymerization (NTMC-CRP).

Abstract: Provided is a methodology to improve soil performance by dispersing stabilized low C:N non-highly polymerized porous lignocellulose catalytic that improves porosity, carbon capture, and microbial activities.

Abstract: Barrier layers for anisotropic magneto-resistive (AMR) sensors integrated with semiconductor circuits and methods of making the same are described. The AMR sensors includes a NiFe alloy layer disposed over a dielectric layer. The NiFe alloy layer is in contact with a conductive via coupled to the semiconductor circuits in a substrate underneath the AMR sensor. A barrier layer is formed on the dielectric layer to prevent Ni or Fe atoms from diffusing through the dielectric layer toward the semiconductor circuits. Further, a sacrificial layer is used to facilitate forming a planarized surface with ends of the conductive vias exposed without compromising the barrier layer.

Abstract: A base plate system includes at least one base plate configured to support at least one accessory and at least one sensor that is configured to determine at least one characteristic of the at least one accessory and/or the at least one base plate. A controller uses the at least one characteristic to estimate a stress and/or strain caused by the at least one accessory on the at least one base plate and predicts how the stress and/or strain could change depending on position of the at least one accessory and/or orientation of the at least one base plate within a vehicle.

Abstract: A debris-collecting apparatus includes a mobile frame, an input portion configured to receive incoming air and debris, and a bagging system having a porous bag and a dust skirt surrounding the porous bag.

Abstract: A debris-collecting apparatus includes a draft inducer operable to draw air and debris, an input portion for receiving incoming air and debris caused by operation of the draft inducer, and a bagging portion. The bagging portion includes a hood having an arcuate portion, a bag removably positioned below the hood and having an inner face, and a bagging passage for directing the air and debris from the input portion to the hood. The arcuate portion extends from the bagging passage to the bag such that the air and debris from the bagging passage travels along the arcuate portion and thereafter apply a dislodging force to dislodge debris collected at the inner face of the bag.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inhalable composition, suitable for use in an electronic cigarette device, comprising at least 1 g/L of nicotine and at least 2 g/L of carbon dioxide dissolved or dispersed in a solvent comprising glycerol and water, wherein the molar ratio of carbon dioxide to nicotine is at least 0.1:1; wherein glycerol is present in an amount of at least 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the inhalable composition; wherein water is present in an amount of 1-20% by weight, based on the total weight of the inhalable composition; and wherein propylene glycol, when present, is present in an amount of no more than 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the inhalable composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inhalable composition, suitable for use in an electronic cigarette device, comprising at least 1 g/L of nicotine and carbon dioxide dissolved or dispersed in a solvent.

Abstract: An aeration assembly includes an aeration rod extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end and having a plurality of longitudinal grooves extending along the longitudinal axis from the first end at least partially to the second end around at least a portion of a circumference of the aeration rod. The aeration assembly also includes an air-activated material adjacent the aeration rod at least along the plurality of longitudinal grooves. The plurality of longitudinal grooves are configured to distribute air from the first end of the aeration rod to the air-activated material adjacent the aeration rod.

Abstract: A medical testing apparatus for a user to help to authenticate and track the process of a test kit that is received into the medical test apparatus, the test kit includes components of an extended nasal/oral swab, a buffer tube, a reagent disposed within the buffer tube, a nozzle cap, and a test card, the kit is for testing for a presence or a non-presence of an infection that utilizes an internet connected electronic device with a camera for communication to third parties. The apparatus includes a test stand that is configured to partially receive the electronic device and to partially receive the test kit in a positional alignment to for the camera to record an unique identification code for each test kit component, and for the camera user facial recognition, further the test stand camera records infection status.