Abstract: An information processing method and apparatus in a game, a mobile terminal, and a storage medium are provided. The method includes that: at least one virtual character is controlled to enter a continuous building mode in response to a trigger event for starting the continuous building mode; at least one model selection control is provided on a GUI, and each of the at least one model selection control corresponds to different models to be built, and at least one model selection control is configured to receive a first touch operation and determine a model to be built corresponding to the first touch operation; and when determining that at least one virtual character satisfies a preset condition, a building corresponding to the model to be built is built in at least one first building area in a game scene.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and device for audio generation. The method includes: obtaining a target rhythm, a target verse melody and a target chorus melody; configuring the target rhythm as a first audio track, the target verse melody as a second audio track, and the target chorus melody as a third audio track; generating a target audio by aligning start playing time of the first audio track, the second audio track and the third audio track to beat occurrence time of a first beat, a second beat and a third beat in a first metronome data respectively.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an information processing method, including: providing an attack control on a graphical user interface, and in response to a first touch operation acting on the attack control, controlling a first virtual character to execute an attack instruction in a game scene; providing a sub-control of a build control on the graphical user interface, providing the build control on the graphical user interface in response to a second touch operation acting on the sub-control of the build control, and controlling the first virtual character to execute a build instruction in a first building area of the game scene.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a memory-based motivational mode in virtual reality is disclosed. A plurality of virtual reality datasets is stored, each virtual reality dataset including data regarding a different set of stimuli and corresponding biometric data of a player. Launching a virtual reality session includes presenting a current set of stimuli to the player in a virtual reality environment of an interactive content title. A plurality of virtual reality datasets is stored. Each virtual reality dataset includes data regarding a different set of stimuli and corresponding biometric data of a player. Real-time biometric data is tracked and associated with the current set of stimuli presented to the player. The current set of stimuli of the virtual reality environment is updated based on a set of stimuli from an identified virtual reality dataset that include the biometric data corresponding to an identified change.

Abstract: The present specification describes systems and methods for customizing a video game to a player defined time period. Content units of a video game are selected based on at least one of multiple pre-defined criteria. Content units are then edited to fit into the player defined time period. Game gear required for playing the selected content units is determined. The edited content units and the selected game gear are provided to the player to play within the player defined time period.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems are provided for training a first reinforcement-learning (RL) agent and a second RL agent coupled to a computer game environment using RL techniques. The first RL agent iteratively generates a sub-goal sequence in relation to an overall goal within the computer game environment, where the first RL agent generates a new sub-goal for the sub-goal sequence after a second RL agent, interacting with the computer game environment, successfully achieves a current sub-goal in the sub-goal sequence. The second RL agent iteratively interacts with the computer game environment to achieve the current sub-goal in which each iterative interaction includes an attempt by the second RL agent for interacting with the computer game environment to achieve the current sub-goal. The first RL agent is updated using a first reward issued when the second RL agent successfully achieves the current sub-goal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer implemented method of controlling a display on a first computer device connected via a communication network to a plurality of other computer devices, the method comprising: receiving user inputs from the first and other computer devices during interaction with a game rendered on the display of each computer device, the game being played by users of the computer devices over the communication network; storing the user inputs in computer storage and generating user behaviour data based on the user inputs; accessing computer storage holding a plurality of contact identifiers of the users and controlling the display of the first computer device to display only a selected set of the stored contact identifiers, wherein the set of contact identifiers is selected to be displayed based on the user behaviour data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for fractionalizing non-fungible token (NFT) shares for digital game assets. The method includes generating a digital asset depicting a gaming event associated with a game. The method includes obtaining a non-fungible token (NFT) for the digital asset. The NFT is stored in a block chain with a reference to a storage location of said digital asset. The obtaining of the NFT includes instructions or parameters for fractionalizing said NFT. The fractionalizing of the NFT creates a set of shares of the NFT. The method includes assigning a share the NFT to a user of the online gaming system. The share is exchangeable among a community of users. The method includes tracking use of each of the set of shares of the NFT and applying a value indicator to each share by the online gaming system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining contests including non-fungible tokens (NFTs), determining that an outcome of a contest indicates a tie, and establishing a placeholder are disclosed. The NFTs can be associated with attributes and may be stored on a blockchain. The system can receive a request and selections of NFTs for entering a contest. Each NFT can be associated with a player profile and satisfy a selection rule. The system can generate a fantasy sports lineup including NFTs and modify a restriction condition for each NFT. The system can determine that an outcome of a contest indicates a tie and calculate edition number totals to determine a winner of the tie. The system can determine that an NFT has been transferred to a player profile. The system can modify a lineup to include a placeholder in lieu of the NFT.

Abstract: Embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein provide a gaming console and gaming controllers, including hardware and software features included on the hardware. For example, a game balancing system is described that can monitor and track performance data from one or more players of the gaming console. With the performance data, artificial intelligence and machine learning can be used to create one or more models that are applied to determine adjustments to games being played on the gaming console. The adjustments to the games can be implemented specifically to each game, player, or set of players to achieve more balanced gameplay as measured by game outcomes and other factors.

Abstract: A virtual scene display method, includes obtaining, an adsorption region of a target virtual object in response to detection of a viewing-angle adjustment operation. The method further includes obtaining, in response to a determination that an aiming point is located in the adsorption region of the target virtual object, a target rotation speed of a viewing angle of a virtual scene according to a location of the aiming point, a location of the target virtual object, and the viewing-angle adjustment operation. Further, the method includes displaying, with the circuitry of the electronic device, a target virtual scene based on the target rotation speed of the viewing angle.

Abstract: A mechanical action toy having a first support member and a second support member for supporting first and second beverage containers in spaced apart relation. The first and second support members have elongate piercing members and elongate shield members that are configured to be used by opposing players in a game where the object is to pierce the opponent's beverage container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1; 2) for randomly selecting a symbol among a plurality of pre-determined symbols, comprising a main body (11; 21) having a polyhedral shape provided with a plurality of sides (111) in even number parallel and in pairs parallel and opposite to each other, a plurality of containment compartments (12; 22) equal to the number of sides (111), provided with a transparent cover (121) at the side (111) and a support base (122), opposite the transparent cover (121) within the main body (11; 21), and a plurality of secondary devices (13) for randomly selection, each arranged within one of the containment compartments (12; 22) and comprising a secondary body having a polyhedral shape provided with a plurality of sides (131) in even number parallel and in pairs opposite to each other, wherein each face (131) of the secondary devices for randomly selection is able to be placed onto the support base (122) by arranging only one face (131), corresponding to the face (131) parallel

Abstract: A battling stadium game apparatus and methods for toy tops providing multiple play level surfaces which may include platform inserts to actively direct interactions of spinning tops across multiple play level surfaces, a base, concave areas at a first play level surface at the base, concave areas with battling surfaces at the first play level. The battling surface includes a middle area and a periphery area surrounding the middle area, an overdrive surface disposed at a second play level surface at the base, the overdrive surface is at a level elevated from the concave arena. A lid nests within the base and defines an exterior wall around the perimeter of the base, with a third level platform element between the base and the lid for a third play level surface.

Abstract: A see-saw apparatus includes a base, a beam, a first and second carrier platform, at least one actuator, and an actuator control device. The beam, with a first and a second end, pivotally attaches to the base at a fulcrum between the first and second end. The first carrier platform couples to the first end and is configured to receive a wheelchair. The second carrier platform couples to the second end and is configured to receive a wheelchair. The at least one actuator is coupled to the beam and the base, and is configured to cause the beam to pivot between a first and a second position. The first position defines a limit of travel in a first pivotal direction, and the second position defines a limit of travel in a second pivotal direction opposite the first pivotal direction. The actuator control device couples to the at least one actuator.

Abstract: A mechanical advantage device includes a base, a beam pivotably connected to the base at a fulcrum between a first end of the beam and a second end of the beam, a seat at the first end of the beam, and a load at the second end of the beam. In some embodiments, the mechanical advantage device includes structure, such as a linkage, for effecting oscillation of the beam by shifting weight along the beam. The mechanical advantage device may be a single-person seesaw.

Abstract: A ride system for an amusement park includes a platform of the ride system that rotates about a guide axis along a direction of travel of the platform. A motion system is included and drives movement of the platform. One or more seats are coupled to the platform, wherein the one or more seats move with the platform and relative to the platform. At least one sensor detects a position of at least one seat of the one or more seats and provides data indicative of the position. A controller receives the data indicative of the position and controls the motion system to rotate the platform about the guide axis based on the data indicative of the position.

Abstract: A toy playset is presented herein. The toy playset includes a base section, a track section configured to receive a toy vehicle, and a biasing member coupled to the base section and to the track section. The biasing member is configured to bias the base section and the track section away from one another, and the biasing member is configured to flex to enable the base section and the track section to move relative to one another.

Abstract: A formable, deformable or shapeable toy snake or snake accessory is provided. The toy, snake can include one or more head weights, such as a plurality of weighted head beads. The body of the toy snake is deformable and is made of bendable material that may have elastic or springing properties. The tail of the toy snake can include a plurality of tail beads. At least some of the head weights may push the head forward when a user swings a central section of the snake with forward and then rearward acceleration. The head weight or weights cause a mouth of the toy snake to open as a weight of the head weight or weights pushes the head of the snake forward.

Abstract: A foldable toy includes: a body part; a support part movably connected to the body part; at least one movable body part movably connected to at least one of the body part or the support part; and a locking part to fix the moveable body part in a first position to lock the foldable toy in a first shape in which the body part, the support part, and the movable body part are deployed. When the locking part is unlocked, the movable body part moves to a second position, and the foldable toy is folded into a second shape in which the body part, the support part, and the movable body part are stacked on one another.

Abstract: An entertainment system includes a drone configured to be maneuvered across a plurality of zones, an interactive toy device configured to be actuated to cause a plurality of toy reactions, one or more processors, and one or more non-transitory, computer readable media having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to determine a correlation between the drone and the interactive toy device, where the correlation is based on a proximity between the drone and the interactive toy device and at least one of: a location of the drone within a zone of the plurality of zones, an additional location of the interactive toy device within the zone or an additional zone of the plurality of zones, a non-position based physical attribute of the drone, or an additional non-position based physical attribute of the interactive toy device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vaporizing liquid from a liquid source into the surrounding environment, are disclosed, where the apparatus comprises at least one manifold comprising at least one liquid port formed by a through-hole and at least one ridge structure, wherein the liquid port is in fluid communication with the liquid source and the one ridge structure At least one vaporization port is included in a planar structure connecting a first side of the structure to a second side, in fluid communication with the at least one ridge structure and the surrounding environment, wherein fluid flow through the liquid and vaporization ports is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the structure, and the ridge structures are substantially parallel to the plane of the structure. At least one heating element is present that is in thermal communication to the at least one vaporization port and at least one ridge structure.

Abstract: Air filter systems, filter bag assemblies, filter bags and corresponding methods are described herein. The filter bag assemblies include a flange assembly, a cage attached to the flange assembly, and a filter bag installed over the cage with an opening at the flange assembly. When installed in the dirty air chamber of the air filter system, a seal between the flange assembly and the tubesheet defining the dirty air chamber is provided by applying a seal force on the end of the filter bag assembly located proximate the access panel on the side of the dirty air chamber opposite the tubesheet. That seal force is transmitted to the flange assembly through the cage. The tubular filter bags may be in the form of triangular bags and/or may include bag support connectors at the closed end of the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for wasting flocculant sludge from a clarifier is provided including a wasting pipe fluidly connectable to a waste conduit, a manifold fluidly connectable to the wasting pipe, an upper header for collecting the flocculant sludge fluidly connectable to the manifold, a return sludge pipe fluidly connectable to a return sludge well, a lower header for collecting settled sludge fluidly connectable to the return sludge pipe, and a drive mechanism for rotating the upper header and the lower header about a center axis. A wastewater treatment system is provided including the clarifier fluidly connectable to a source of a mixed liquor and the apparatus for wasting flocculant sludge. A method of separating settled sludge from a clarifier is provided including withdrawing flocculant sludge and withdrawing settled sludge. A method of retrofitting a clarifier is also provided including providing the manifold, the upper header, and the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A filter element has an upstream and downstream side. A filter media assembly of the filter element has an upstream side and a downstream side and has a first filter media layer and a second filter media layer that is adjacent to the first media layer. A substantial portion of the first layer and second layer are uncoupled, and at least one of the first media layer and second media layer comprises binder fiber. The second media layer has a mean flow pore size equal to or smaller than the first media layer. A support layer system is adjacent to the downstream side of the filter media assembly, and a first wire mesh layer is adjacent to the support layer system. At least the first media layer, second media layer, support layer system, and first wire mesh cooperatively define pleats at a pleat packing density of greater than 125%.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are disc filters for dewatering a fiber suspension. According to a first aspect, the disc filter includes a vessel comprising an inlet positioned in a wall of the vessel, the inlet introducing a fiber suspension into the vessel. The disc filter further includes a rotor shaft comprising a shaft axis of rotation positioned in a shaft plane, wherein the shaft plane is a horizontal plane. At least one filter element may be coupled to the rotor shaft. At least one injector may be positioned in the wall of the vessel, the at least one injector introducing a secondary flow of liquid into the vessel. The at least one injector may be located in the wall of the vessel at an injector elevation angle ?I that is greater than ?44 degrees and less than or equal to +22 degrees relative to the shaft plane.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a drain port comprising a top portion and at least one surface modification along the top portion. The drain port defines an aperture therein and is alignable with an outlet port. The outlet port includes a seal member that is attachable to an end portion of the outlet port. A portion of the aperture of the drain port is sealable to the seal member when the drain port and the outlet port are aligned such that the at least one surface modification of the drain port does not abut the seal member of the outlet port, thereby creating a sealed connection between the drain port and the outlet port.

Abstract: A method for plugging a subset of cells of a honeycomb structure that includes: covering a first end face of the honeycomb structure with a mask that comprises a body and a plurality of openings, wherein the plurality of openings of the mask is coincident with a plurality of cells of the honeycomb structure; providing a plug of material upon a film material; applying a force to the film material with a piston to push the plug of material through the plurality of openings of the mask and into the plurality of cells of the honeycomb structure; and measuring a plurality of pressures within the plurality of cells of the honeycomb structure during the applying step.

Abstract: Mist and vapor eliminating filters, devices, methods of filtering aircraft air using the devices, and systems including the devices, are disclosed.

Abstract: In a porous composite, a base material has a honeycomb structure whose inside is partitioned into a plurality of cells. In the plurality of cells, a plurality of first cells whose one ends in the longitudinal direction are sealed, and a plurality of second cells whose other ends in the longitudinal direction are sealed are arranged alternately. A collection layer covers inner surfaces of the plurality of first cells. An overall Sa that is an arithmetical mean height Sa indicating a surface roughness of a surface of the collection layer in the plurality of first cells is greater than or equal to 0.1 ?m and less than or equal to 12 ?m. An overall mean thickness that is a mean thickness of the collection layer in the plurality of first cells is greater than or equal to 10 ?m and less than or equal to 40 ?m.

Abstract: A pool filter system includes a filter housing with an open interior. A pleated filter container in the open interior of the filter housing has a pleated filter side wall and divides the interior of the filter housing into an pleated filter compartment and an particulate filter compartment surrounding the pleated filter side wall. The pleated filter side wall has a plurality of pleated filter container openings. A particulate filter medium is within the particulate filter compartment, and a pleated filter is within the open interior of the pleated filter compartment. A water inlet communicates with the particulate filter compartment, and a water outlet communicates with the pleated filter compartment. The pleated filter container openings in the pleated filter container side wall have a dimension that is less than the diameter of the particulate filter medium. A backwash assembly and a method of filtering pool water is also disclosed.

Abstract: A product for adsorbing one or more heavy metals from a liquid is disclosed. The product may comprise attapulgite that has been surface functionalized with a surface coating agent that includes one or more mercury affinity functional groups that chemically bond to the attapulgite surface, wherein the weight percentage of components of the product includes: 91-99 wt. % attapulgite and 1-9 wt. % surface coating agent that includes the one or more mercury affinity functional groups. The product has a surface area in the range of 115-145 m2/g as measured using the BET method. The heavy metal includes mercury and/or lead. Also disclosed is a method of producing the product and a method of adsorbing at least one heavy metal in a liquid using the product.

Abstract: An odor filtering lid assembly includes a lid that is positionable on a cooking pot and that has female threads which are integrated into a perimeter of the lid. A first disk has a plurality of first air holes each extending through the first disk to pass air through the first disk. The first disk has male threads integrated into the first disk which threadably engaging the female threads in the lid for removably attaching the first disk to the lid. An air filter is positioned against the first disk to filter odors from air passing through the air filter. A second disk has a plurality of second air holes each extending through the second disk to pass air through the second disk. The second disk is positionable against the first disk such that the air filter is positioned between the first disk and the second disk.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an air filter cartridge for use in an air-purifying device for removing formaldehyde (methane, HCHO) and other aldehyde-like VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), and in certain embodiments amine-like VOCs, from indoor air. The air filter cartridge is made up of a casing containing a plurality of filament-like elements as a support and a mixture of one or more natural polyphenols and a catalyst integrated in said support as a powder, forming a sponge-like mesh. The air filter acts as an absorption filter, the sponge-like mesh reacting irreversibly with the aldehyde-like VOCs present in the air, generating a polymer in the form of a polyphenol-aldehyde resin inside the air filter. Due to this irreversible reaction, the air filter is capable of capturing formaldehyde, as well as other aldehyde-like VOCs that are less reactive than formaldehyde, amine-like VOCs and ammonia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intensified process cycle that utilizes the adsorption beds present to a substantially greater degree allowing the processing of significantly more gas and/or the generation of significantly more product. The elimination of purge steps, reduction in equalization step times, and introduction of overlapping feed and equalization steps which normally cause a degradation in performance for equilibrium-based cycles, frees extra step for other actions to be taken, such as additional equalization steps, etc.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present technology are directed to the removal of one or more air pollutants using cooling and/or calcium-containing particles. In some embodiments, a method for removing air pollutants comprises flowing a gas stream having calcium-containing particles and one or more of mercury or hydrochloric acid molecules, and cooling the gas stream, thereby causing at least a portion of the calcium-containing particles to adsorb to the mercury and/or hydrochloric acid molecules in the gas stream. The method can further comprise, after cooling the gas stream, filtering the gas stream to remove at least a portion of the calcium-containing particles having adsorbed mercury and hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: Asymmetric hollow fiber membranes, membrane contactors, and related production and use methods. The asymmetric hollow fiber membranes include a porous substrate having a multiplicity of pores, the porous substrate including at least a first semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyolefin copolymer derived by polymerizing at most 3 wt. % of linear or branched alpha olefin monomers with at least 97 wt. % of 4-methyl-1-pentene monomer. The asymmetric hollow fiber membranes also include a skin layer overlaying the porous substrate, the skin layer including a second semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyolefin copolymer derived by polymerizing at least 2 wt. % of linear or branched alpha olefin monomers with at most 98 wt. % of 4-methyl-1-pentene monomer. The skin layer is less porous than the porous substrate and forms an outer surface of the asymmetric hollow fiber membrane, while the porous substrate forms an inner surface of the hollow fiber membrane. The skin layer is preferably nonporous.

Abstract: An acid gas purification system is described herein that includes a primary membrane system with a CO2- and H2S-enriched permeate stream effluent and a hydrocarbon stream effluent; a first compression stage arranged to receive the CO2- and H2S-enriched permeate stream and produce a compressed stream; and a cryogenic separation system to receive the compressed stream, the cryogenic separation system including a cooler followed by a fractionator, wherein the fractionator produces a CO2- and H2S liquid stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream.

Abstract: Method and system for electrochemically compressing hydrogen. In one embodiment, the system includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) that includes a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), an anode, and a cathode. First and second gas diffusion media are positioned adjacent the cathode and anode, respectively. A humidifying membrane is positioned next to the second gas diffusion medium on a side opposite the anode. A water supply is connected to the humidifying membrane, and a hydrogen gas supply is connected to the second gas diffusion medium. A hydrogen gas collector including a back pressure regulator is connected to the first gas diffusion medium. Separators, positioned on opposite sides of the MEA, are connected to a power source. In use, hydrogen is electrochemically pumped across the MEA and collected in the hydrogen gas collector. The PEM is kept properly humidified by the humidifying membrane, which releases water into the second gas diffusion medium.

Abstract: A biogas collection and purification system that includes a plurality of sources of biogas and a network of conduits configured to convey the biogas from the sources to a central processing facility for processing the biogas into methane. The central processing facility removes impurities to convert biogas to biomethane and may include an H2S removal stage; an activated carbon scrubber; a gas drier; and a carbon dioxide removal stage. The facility also has a biomethane gas compressor configured to deliver the biomethane for use in power plants, for CNG production. Ancillaries to the system include fuel cells for direct electricity generation from biogas/biomethane.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing nitrogen oxide from exhaust gas. The apparatus for removing nitrogen oxide from exhaust gas includes: a chamber through which exhaust gas is introduced and discharged; a nozzle injecting a solution, which reacts with the exhaust gas introduced into the chamber, into the chamber; and an electric dust collecting unit installed at a rear end of the chamber to be supplied with the exhaust gas processed in the chamber and including a discharge unit and a dust collecting unit.

Abstract: A forward osmosis system is provided. The system includes forward osmosis container having a semipermeable membrane dividing the forward osmosis chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber, a draw solution water removal unit including a quantity of draw solution solvent and water, wherein the draw solution solvent includes a nonaqueous liquid and a condenser configured to receive either water vapor or draw solution solvent vapor from the draw solution water removal unit and provide condensed draw solution solvent to the second chamber. The second chamber provides a water diluted draw solution solvent to the draw solution water removal unit. The first chamber takes in received water including a dissolved solute at an input mass per unit of volume and provides a fluid output having an output mass per unit of volume greater than the input mass per unit of volume.

Abstract: A method of electrochemically treating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation is provided. The method includes electrochemically treating an aqueous fluid to provide a first fluid having a first electrochemical potential and a second fluid having a second electrochemical potential. The first electrochemical potential the second electrochemical potential have opposite signs. The method then includes introducing an amount of the first fluid into the hydrocarbon bearing formation, and then an amount of a spacer fluid is introduced into the hydrocarbon-bearing formation. An amount of the second fluid may be optionally introduced into the formation. The steps of introducing the fluids are repeated until an end point is reached. A system for electrochemically a hydrocarbon-bearing formation is also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a microporous membrane that incorporates an additive having low water solubility at the membrane's active surface from a precipitation fluid. The incorporated additive at the membrane's active surface can improve one or more of the membrane's hydrophilicity, wettability, anti-fouling behavior, blood compatibility, and stability over long periods of use or repetitive use. The microporous membrane with this modified active surface can be a hollow fiber, flat sheet, or other self-supporting shape. The microporous membranes can be used for membrane filtering or a solute and/or solvent exchange process, which involve contacting aqueous-based fluid or blood with the microporous membrane, such processes for dialysis, blood oxygenation, or blood separation filtering, or other processes.

Abstract: Provided is a reverse osmosis membrane comprising: a support layer comprising a support and a polysulfone layer; and an active layer, wherein a compression modulus is from 20 MPa to 40 MPa, to a method for manufacturing the same, and a water-treatment module.

Abstract: Described are porous polymeric membranes that include two opposing sides and that have a variable pore structure through a thickness of the membrane; filter components and filters that include this type of porous polymeric membrane; methods of making the membranes, filter components, and filters; and methods of using the polymeric filter membrane, filter component, or filter.

Abstract: An ultrafiltration/nanofiltration membrane with gas-tunable pore size is provided. This membrane comprises an active layer arranged between two porous support layers, wherein the active layer is formed of randomly arranged cellulose nanocrystals, wherein pores are defined in the active layer by the free spaces existing between the randomly arranged cellulose nanocrystals, and wherein chains of a CO2-responsive polymer are grafted on the surface of the cellulose nanocrystals. There are also provided methods for filtering a feed using the membrane, for tuning the apparent pore size/MWCO/charge of the membrane, for cleaning the membrane, and for manufacturing the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a production system for manufacturing of formulations, comprising a unit (1). The unit (1) includes a subunit (1.1) which includes a combination of a process mixer and a buffer tank, means of feeding defined amounts of feedstocks into the process mixer, a measurement unit for ascertaining properties of a part-batch of a formulation manufactured in the process mixer, an evaluation unit for determining a deviation of properties of the part-batches manufactured in the process mixer from the properties of a predefined target state, and a unit for adjusting the feed of feedstocks in view of the deviations. The present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing formulations.

Abstract: A microwave heating method using a microwave, including: controlling a frequency of the microwave, to form a single-mode standing wave; disposing an object to be heated in a magnetic field region where a strength of a magnetic field formed by the single-mode standing wave is uniform and maximum; and heating the object to be heated by magnetic heat generation by magnetic loss caused by an action of the magnetic field of the magnetic field region, and/or induction heating by an induced current generated in the object to be heated due to the magnetic field of the magnetic field region.

Abstract: This invention provides hollow particles having a shell containing at least one layer and having an average particle diameter of 10 to 150 nm, wherein a ratio ? between absorbance at 908 cm?1 (A908) and absorbance at 1722 cm?1 (A1722) in an infrared absorption spectrum obtained by measuring the hollow particles by ATR-FTIR (absorbance ratio ?: A908/A1722) is 0.1 or less.