The present application, pertaining to the field of slow neutron detection, relates to a slow neutron converter and a slow neutron detector. The slow neutron converter includes a substrate, the substrate including a plurality of holes extending along a first direction and insulating walls between the plurality of holes, wherein the plurality of holes are through holes. The slow neutron converter further includes a boron layer at least covering an exposed surface of the plurality of holes. The slow neutron converter and the slow neutron detector having the slow neutron converter according to the present disclosure are capable of maintaining a high slow neutron detection efficiency. In addition, the manufacturing complexity and manufacturing cost of the detector are reduced, and thus the effective, convenient and low-cost slow neutron detection is achieved.

Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties. A preferable detector choice is one where the required measurement precision (logging speed) is obtained for all of the required inelastic elements and/or minimization of unwanted background signals that complicate the data analysis.

An electronic device may have a display with a cover layer. A light-based component such as an infrared-light proximity sensor or other infrared-light-based component may be aligned with a window in the display cover layer. The window may block visible light and transmit infrared light. A coating in the window may include a thin-film filter formed from a stack of inorganic dielectric layers. The thin-film filter may block visible light and transmit infrared light. The coating may also include at least one layer of material such as a semiconductor material that absorbs visible light and that passes infrared light. This material may be interposed between the thin-film filter and the display cover layer. Antireflection properties and color adjustment properties may be provided using thin-film layers between the thin-film filter and the display cover layer.

The present disclosure provides one embodiment of an IC method. First pattern densities (PDs) of a plurality of templates of an IC design layout are received. Then a high PD outlier template and a low PD outlier template from the plurality of templates are identified. The high PD outlier template is split into multiple subsets of template and each subset of template carries a portion of PD of the high PD outlier template. A PD uniformity (PDU) optimization is performed to the low PD outlier template and multiple individual exposure processes are applied by using respective subset of templates.

A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed that comprises acquiring mass spectral data during a single experimental run or acquisition of a mass spectrometer and determining a first time T during the single experimental run or acquisition for calibrating the mass spectrometer. The step of determining the first time T further comprises determining a time when the mass spectral data being acquired during the single experimental run or acquisition is equal to or below a threshold. The mass spectrometer is then calibrated by introducing calibrant or lockmass ions at the first time T.

Superconducting nanowire avalanche photodetectors (SNAPs) have using meandering nanowires to detect incident photons. When a superconducting nanowire absorbs a photon, it switches from a superconducting state to a resistive state, producing a change in voltage that can be measured across the nanowire. A SNAP may include multiple nanowires in order to increase the fill factor of the SNAP's active area and the SNAP's detection efficiency. But using multiple meandering nanowires to achieve high fill-factor in SNAPs can lead to current crowding at bends in the nanowires. This current crowding degrades SNAP performance by decreasing the switching current, which the current at which the nanowire transitions from a superconducting state to a resistive state. Fortunately, staggering the bends in the nanowires reduces current crowding, increasing the nanowire switching current, which in turn increases the SNAP dynamic range.

A method for manufacturing an oxygenated gasoline-blend by blending a hydrocarbon Basestock for Oxygenate Blending (BOB) with an alcohol such as ethanol to a required octane specification first blends the BOB to an octane number, (RON+MON)/2 based on the octane sensitivity (RON−MON) of the BOB and the proportion of alcohol to be added to the BOB, such that when the BOB is blended with the specification proportion of alcohol to form the oxygenated gasoline blend, this blend will have the required octane specification. The blending of the BOB with the alcohol will typically be done at a location remote from that where the BOB is blended, e.g. at the product distribution terminal after being transported from the refinery by pipeline or tank car.

A method for obtaining diesel fuel from vegetable or animal oils through the addition of hydrogen in the presence of catalysts under suitable temperature and pressure conditions is described. The method is different from other similar methods in that it involves the use of space velocities of between 5.1 h-1 and 9 h-1, thereby enabling a reduction in the size of the reactor and in hydrogen consumption, as well as lowering construction and operating costs. The invention also relates to the products obtained using said method, which have demonstrated that in additions, even below 10%, they improve the performance of diesel engines, thereby lowering fuel consumption.

Systems and methods for producing engineered fuels from municipal solid waste material are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes combining a first waste stream that includes at least one of hard plastic, soft plastic and mixed plastic with a sorbent and increasing the temperature of the combined first waste stream and sorbent to a temperature of at least about 200° C. The method further includes combining the thermally treated first waste stream and sorbent with a second waste stream that includes fiber, and compressing the combined first waste stream, sorbent, and second waste stream to form a densified engineered fuel feedstock.

A process for upgrading brown coal having a first water content including subjecting the brown coal to a conditioning step which includes heating the brown coal to a first temperature to produce a conditioned brown coal having a second water content which is lower than the first water content; attritioning the conditioned brown coal to enable water to be released from the microstructure of the brown coal and thereby producing an admixture of the brown coal and released water; forming aggregates of the admixture; drying the aggregates to produce upgraded brown coal having a third water content which is lower than the second water content.

A two-stage reactor is disclosed for the conversion of solid particulate biomass material. The reactor is designed to maximize conversion of the solid biomass material, while limiting excess cracking of primary reaction products. The two-stage reactor comprises a first stage reactor, in which solid biomass material is thermally pyrolyzed to primary reaction products. The primary reaction products are catalytically converted in a second stage reactor.

A wax composition comprising various waxes and an organically modified polysiloxane (OMP). These materials are mixed and melted into a homogenous liquid state creating a molten blend. It is preferred that the slip agent be added to the blend at least 0.25 percent by weight, and more preferably at 0.50 percent by weight. By mixing OMP with known candle and wax potpourri waxes, the wax becomes much easier to remove from the wax container.

The present invention relates generally to processes for preparing agglomerated particulate low-rank coal feedstocks of a particle size suitable for reaction in a fluidized-bed reactor and certain other gasification reactors and, in particular, for coal gasification and combustion applications. The present invention also relates to integrated coal gasification and combustion processes including preparing and utilizing such agglomerated particulate low-rank coal feedstocks.

Methods for making a fuel composition comprising contacting one or more components of a hydroprocessing feedstock, for example both a fatty acid- or triglyceride-containing component and a paraffin-rich component, with hydrogen under catalytic hydroprocessing conditions are disclosed. The methods are effective to upgrade the component(s) and provide a hydroprocessed biofuel. A representative method utilizes a single-stage process in which hydrogen-containing recycle gas is circulated through both a hydrodeoxygenation zone and a hydrocracking zone in series.

Use of a reaction product of saturated or unsaturated aliphatic mono- or polycarboxylic acids with aliphatic polyamines for improving or boosting the separation of water from fuel oils which comprise additives with detergent action. A Fuel additive concentrate comprising the said reaction product, certain additives with detergent action and optionally dehazers, cetane number improvers and solvents or diluents.

A water purifier, including a housing, a piston cylinder, a base, and a dust cap. The housing includes a water inlet end and a water outlet end, and a composite filter material and an ultrafiltration membrane are disposed in the housing to constitute a filter element. The piston cylinder is sleeved on the housing. The upper end of the piston cylinder is provided with a suction nozzle. The base includes an upper part and a lower part. The upper part includes a lower bayonet and an upper bayonet. The lower part includes a multipurpose interface and a water inlet nozzle. The dust cap is disposed on the upper end and covers the suction nozzle. The central part of the dust cap protrudes downward to form a flexible sealing plug. The water inlet end of the housing is secured to the lower bayonet of the base.

A ballast water treatment device attached to a vessel provided with: a line (1) through which drawn treatment target water flows; and a ballast tank (5) connected to a downstream side of the line (1). The ballast water treatment device is provided with: a filter (3) which is disposed in the line (1) and which filters the treatment target water; and a controller (7). The controller (7) causes the treatment target water to be discharged outboard from an upstream side of the filter (3) in an early stage of drawing of the treatment target water, until water quality is stabilized, and, when the water quality of treatment target water has stabilized, causes the filter (3) to filter the treatment target water. Thus, ballast water filtering can be efficiently performed.

Methods and systems are provided for disinfecting water mains using ultraviolet (UV) light and advanced oxidation processes. One or more UV light sources are provided and secured to a movable device that moves axially in a pipe. The frequency and intensity of the UV light is determined based on characteristics of the pipe, such as its material and size. The rate at which the movable device moves through the pipe is also determined so that the interior surface of the pipe is properly disinfected. The movable device is remotely caused to move through the pipe. An oxidant supply component having a dispensing portion dispenses an oxidizing agent into the pipe. A portion of the emitted UV light may convert the dispensed oxidizing agent into additional oxidizing agents that further disinfect the pipe.

Provided is a method for reducing COD of wastewater with improved utilization efficiency of ozone. The method achieves an objective by adding agents for removing hydroxyl radical scavengers produced by base-catalyzed ozone advanced oxidation to wastewater. The addition of calcium ion, barium ion, etc. to a base-catalyzed ozonation system makes the hydroxyl radical scavengers form precipitates, separated from water and lose the capability of scavenging hydroxyl radicals, thereby enhancing ozone utilization efficiency. Furthermore, calcium ion, barium ion, etc. form precipitates with partial organic acids yielded in the wastewater ozonation and are separated from water, hence diminishing ozone consumption and indirectly improving the ozone utilization efficiency in the wastewater treatment. The present invention can not only significantly enhance the reaction rate and utilization efficiency of ozone, saving reaction time and costs, but also enable complete mineralization of the organic compounds, significantly reducing COD and total phosphorus of wastewater.

A preparation method of Bacillus subtilis biological composite material loaded with Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles with core-shell structure includes the following steps: 1) preparation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, 2) preparation of Fe3O4@mSiO2 nanoparticles, 3) preparation of Fe3O4@mSiO2@MANHE nanoparticles; and 4) preparation of Bacillus subtilis@Fe3O4@mSiO2@MANHE composite.

The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus and methods for creating derivatives of at least one form of HDL without substantially affecting LDL. These derivatives of HDL are particles with reduced lipid content, particularly reduced cholesterol content. These particles have the capacity to bind cholesterol and are administered to a patient to enhance cellular cholesterol efflux and reduce cholesterol levels in cells, tissues, organs, and blood vessels. The present method is useful for treating atherogenic vascular disease and may be combined with other therapies such as statins, inhibitors of cholesterol absorption, niacin, anti-inflammatories, exercise and dietary restriction.

A separation apparatus that includes a weir tank having a plurality of cells and fluid removal apparatus for each cell to remove the fluid from each cell. The fluid removal apparatus includes an actuator and an extension arm whose movement is caused by the actuator. In addition to the actuator and the extension arm, the fluid removal apparatus includes a plunger attached to the extension arm for selectively engaging a first opening in each cell. Furthermore, a method of removing fluid from the separation apparatus via the fluid removal apparatus.

There is provided a method of desanding a production flow with at least liquid and solid phases. An inlet is connected to a flow line of a sand trap body having a first filter housing defining a first bore and a plurality of second filter housings defining second bores each connected to the first filter housing at spaced intervals transverse to and in fluid communication with the first bore. The flow path between the stand trap inlet and outlet is defined by the first and second housings. A primary filter is inserted into each of the second bores, the production flow is flowed through the sand trap body such that the production flow is filtered by the primary filters, and then a secondary filter is inserted into the first bore. The mesh size of the primary filters is finer than or equal to the mesh size of the secondary filter.

An in-tank filter bowl de-aeration shroud for a hydraulic or oil reservoir includes an outlet shroud surrounding the filter bowl outlet at a proximal end thereof and having a shroud fluid outlet at a distal end thereof with a larger opening than an opening of the filter bowl outlet. The outlet shroud may be formed as or include a diverging member surrounding the filter bowl outlet at a proximal end thereof and having a diverging member fluid outlet at a distal end thereof, wherein the member diverges from the proximal end to the distal end thereof. The outlet shroud may further include a central deflector positioned within the diverging member and combining with the diverging member to form an annular passage to the diverging member fluid outlet.

A reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration device includes a body, a RO cartridge, a first cartridge, a second cartridge and a storage tank all mounted inside the body. Water to be filtered sequentially goes through a water inlet of the RO water filtration device, the first cartridge, the RO cartridge, the storage tank, the second cartridge, and a faucet to get the water filtered. The storage tank provides additional water supply when the pressure between the faucet and RO cartridge is below the water pressure inside the storage tank to increase water volume upon opening a faucet.

Ozonated washing water is generated by injecting an ozone gas into pressurized washing water that is filtered water obtained by membrane filtration of untreated water and that is to be used at the time of backwashing, and the ozonated washing water is supplied to a membrane from the filtration secondary side to thereby remove a fouling substance inside the membrane, while causing ozone-containing bubbles to emerge in the filtration primary side to thereby remove a fouling substance on a membrane surface in the filtration primary side.

A process for inhibiting formation of calcium scale in a reverse osmosis desalination membrane during desalination involving desalinating an aqueous salt solution comprising water, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate with the reverse osmosis desalination membrane, while concurrently irradiating the aqueous salt solution with a UV light source that emits UV light with a wavelength of 250-400 nm. Scale formation is inhibited by treating a salt solution with the UV light in a continuous or a non-continuous process.

A tangential filter for filtration of a fluid includes a support element, wherein, along a transverse plane perpendicular to the central axis of the support element a) the support element includes in its central portion only inner channels that do not share a common wall with its outer surface, the inner channels having a substantially equivalent hydraulic diameter, b) the support element includes peripheral channels, including at least first and second adjacent peripheral channels, each of the two channels sharing a common wall with the outer surface, c) the ratio of the hydraulic diameter of the first channel to the hydraulic diameter of the second channel is greater than or equal to 1.1, d) the number of peripheral first channels is greater than or equal to the number of peripheral second channels, e) the second channel has a hydraulic diameter substantially identical to the hydraulic diameter of the inner channels.

A thermo-sensitive water absorbent is used as a draw material in production of fresh water by a forward osmosis process. The thermo-sensitive water absorbent has a cloud point, and coagulates when heated, the thermo-sensitive water absorbent being a block copolymer containing at least a hydrophobic part and a hydrophilic part, having a glycerin structure as a basic structure, and including an ethylene oxide group and a group consisting of propylene oxide and/or butylene oxide.

A water treatment apparatus includes a membrane in a contact with a soil structure, a hollow elongated member being passed through membrane and being mounted vertically within a vertical well with the bottom end of the elongated member being configured to expel treated water into the soil structure, a filtration member mounted stationary or for a linear reciprocal movement so as to filter the water prior to entry into a hollow interior of the elongated member, a trash rack positioned on the membrane and surrounding an upper portion of the elongated member and a barrier positioned adjacent and/or on said peripheral side wall of said trash rack, said barrier configured to reduce flow of the water and/or absorb a portion of the contaminant(s) prior to the water entering said filtration member.

A pollution mitigation system is disclosed. The system can include a valve forming a passage the valve installable to form an orifice in a storm drain retention chamber that passes storm water into a conduit of a storm water management system. The valve having a stem connected to a closure member that can plug the orifice. The valve can have a spring loaded actuator that can move the closure member into a closed position. The system can also include a node such as a wireless sensor node or a mote that has sensors, a transceiver, an antenna, a microcontroller, memory, an energy source and at least one output to control movement of the closure member via the preloaded actuator. The node can have an output that provides the stimulus to the preloaded actuator to cause the preloaded actuator to move the closure member to a position that obstructs the passage in response to either the sensor or a transmission from a mobile telephone such as a cell phone or a smartphone.

Plant for melting and cleaning of snow and ice, distinguished in that the plant comprises a means for melting using enthalpy of a water source in order to melt snow and ice, and a means for cleaning for cleaning out the pollution from the water phase that contains the melted snow and ice. Method for melting and cleaning of snow and ice, using the plant according to the invention.

5 A liquid cleaning system rests on a surface having a non-porous material covering and a drain. A lower plate layer and an upper plate layer each have runners arranged in a grid. The lower plate layer rests upon the surface and the upper plate layer rests upon the lower plate layer offset at an angle with respect to the grid of the lower plate layer. An upper layer covers the upper plate layer and has a plurality of holes for the passage of fluids into the liquid cleaning system. As liquid enters the liquid cleaning system through the holes, the liquid traverses the grid of the lower plate layer and the grid of the upper plate layer flowing towards the drain, and contaminants within the liquid collect within the grid of the lower plate layer and the grid of the upper plate layer.

A system and method for filtering pool water by removing algae from the water without the use of chemicals is presented. The system includes a pump, a hose, and a filter. The pump is configured to move a volume of water from the pool and push the water through the hose. A container is in communication with the hose to receive the water. The container includes an internal filter and a series of holes in the body of the container. The water passes through the filter and is discharged out through the holes. The water is recycled through the filter continuously. The location of the pump and the container relative to one another within the pool allows an operator to dictate the level of circulation and filtration of water through the pool.

While the region's influence on mainstream hip-hop has gone overlooked for decades, a new generation of break-out artists are reclaiming their musical heritage and drawing national attention back to the area. In the hours leading up to their showcase at The Chapel in San Francisco's Mission District in late February, members of HBK Gang milled about the overcrowded green room, laughing, dancing, and taking selfies. The effervescent supergroup consists of more than a dozen East Bay rappers, singers, and producers mostly in their early twenties.…

Members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 10 who handle cargo at the Port of Oakland — one of the busiest US seaports — stopped work across the Bay Area today to protest against police brutality. Rallying near the gate of an idle port terminal, Bay Area longshore workers were joined by labor leaders representing BART train operators, city and county workers, port workers from Los Angeles, as well as hundreds of community members.

“There is an epidemic of police terror,” said Jack Heyman, a retired Oakland port worker.…

Warriors fans from around the Bay Area flocked to Oakland for a parade through downtown and a rally on the shore of Lake Merritt. The massive crowd spilled into the streets, stopping traffic in many parts of the city, as team members, coaches, staff, and members of government gave speeches to commemorate the Warriors' historic championship.…

John Waters, the venerable sultan of sleaze who we recently visited at home in San Francisco, presided over this year's Burger Boogaloo festivities in Oakland's Mosswood Park. He was the consummate host.…

Roughly fifty demonstrators marched from Fruitvale BART on Friday night to Oakland City Hall in an anti-police rally called in response to the fatal shooting of Richard Perkins by Oakland police on November 15. But unlike protests earlier this year, police didn’t try to drive demonstrators onto the sidewalks to comply with Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf’s policy banning nighttime street marches.…

A recent boxing showcase at a defunct West Oakland train station captured the historic spirit of the site. On Saturday June 11, Osric Pratt Promotions presented Unfinished Business, a showcase of Northern California boxing culture at the historic 16th Street train station in West Oakland. The event consisted of seven boxing matches, interspersed with hip-hop and poetry performances.…

First, a loud siren seared my ears. When I turned, I saw four men draped in bandages standing atop a white hearse.…

Last week, Oakland artist Jet Martinez finished his largest mural yet, on the side of the I. Magnin Building in downtown Oakland — to stunning effect. 

The Mexico-born artist  is known internationally for his gorgeous floral patterning inspired by motifs in Mexican folk art. But, according to a recent statement released about his new mural, he recently decided he wanted to contribute more directly to the community in which he lives by doing more local art.…

Jay Stone looked at home as he took the stage in a burgundy bathrobe last Thursday at The Night Light, a bar near Jack London Square.…

Despite some growing pains, the fest successfully expanded into a ten-day concert series that highlighted outstanding local talent. Jay Stone looked at home as he took the stage in a burgundy bathrobe last Thursday at The Night Light, a bar near Jack London Square. He was headlining the seventh night of Oakland Music Festival, which dominated the local concert calendar from September 30 to October 9 with shows taking place at different venues every night.…

Kamaiyah, Ice Cube, How to Dress Well, and Sigur Rós played in the rain despite the many delays, cancelations, and technical difficulties. Treasure Island promised one of its best lineups yet for its tenth anniversary, but severe weather literally rained on everyone's parade. Many performances were delayed or canceled, often with little communication to the public on Saturday.…

'Don’t build technology for Mordor.' On Saturday at Peter Thiel’s San Francisco home overlooking the Bay, protesters demonstrated against a collaboration between Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Palantir Technologies, a data-mining firm that Thiel co-founded. As reported in The Intercept, ICE will be using a new Palantir product called Investigative Case Management to to aid in its expanded deportation mission.…

Including a photo slideshow. Even at 10 a.m. this past Saturday morning, hours before a throng of anti-fascists and Trump-supporting white nationalists overtook downtown Berkeley’s streets, it was clear that most of the attendees were less interested in speeches, protesting, and free speech — and were mostly there just to tee-off on each other. Before the brawling began, officers stationed themselves at the entrances to downtown's "Peace Park."…

ACT for America, which the Southern Poverty Law Center has designated as an anti-muslim hate group, showed up on Saturday morning in cities nationwide, dubbing its protest a "March Against Sharia." Berkeley was spared, but the group appeared in nearby Santa Clara, and in Roseville, a suburb of Sacramento.…

The Golden State Warriors paraded for the second time in three years in downtown Oakland yesterday. Players rode by in topless busses, paired with teammates and families, along with coaches, members of the team's ownership group, and of course the odd ambassadorial pairing of Mayor Libby Schaaf and MC Hammer.…

Here are photos from today's Warriors' championship parade.