Award Data

We propose a high performance library of signal processing tools that incorporate a newly developed technique known as fluctuation enhanced sensing (FES) to enhance the novel microsensor developed at NIST. Our goal is to improve the performance of the NIST sensor from two angles. One is to apply our existing proven algorithms to the NIST data. The other one is to incorporate advanced FES concept t ...

Single chirality of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is critical for their superb mechanical, thermal, optical and electronic properties. All known methods for producing nanotubes give mixtures of tubes with different chiralities. Physical separation of SWCNT by chirality is thus an enabling step for many potential applications and fundamental studies. The existing anion exchange resins are ...

G2 proposes to develop an intuitive, interactive SCAP content creation and editing utility that will provide a user-friendly operating environment. The promise of security automation offers the opportunity for great advances in software assurance, security governance/reporting, and ongoing monitoring activities. Hindering that promise is the fact that current data exchange protocols are cumbersome ...

In a standard aquaculture practice, smolts are transferred to ocean net pens without sufficient time period for osmotic adaptation, which results in significant losses to the farmer. In addition to high and unpredictable mortality rates, smolts are not able to grow optimally during their first 40-60 days in seawater. We are proposing to supplement salmon smolt feed with ARA, which may help in smol ...

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IN RURAL AREAS ARE FACED WITH COMMUNICATION GAPS IN THE GATHERING, SHARING, ANDDISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION DUE TO CHANGES IN THE CO COMPLEXION AND NEEDS OF THEIR CONSTITUENCY, NEW LEGISLATION,TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS, SOCIAL CHANGES TURNOVERS IN IN LEADERSHIP, AND CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY. UNDER PHASE I, WE PROPOSED TO ESTIBLISH THE TECHNICAL MERIT AND FEA ...

Agricultural mulch films are used for the production of vegetables and fruits. Thin plastic films (typically polyethylene) are spread along the rows of plants at the beginning of the growing season. Holes are made in the films to plant the seeds or seedlings. The use of mulch films speeds the ripening of crops, conserves moisture and fertilizer, and inhibits weed growth, fungus infection and insec ...

Ethylene is a growth hormone for fruits and vegetables that is generated by the plants themselves; that is, it acts as a self-ripening agent. Hence, the removal of ethylene gas can play a central role in maintaining the freshness of these products. Whereas the temperature and the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide gases are also important system variables that demand a significant economic invest ...

A. Water must be removed from biodegradable hydraulic fluids as they react with water and degrade insitu. B. Biodegradable hydraulic fluids for farm equipment provide a significant improvement over traditional petroleum based fluids due to decreased pollution. Increase the use and value of biodegradable hydraulic fluids by development of a membrane-based dewatering system.

The use of biodiesel offers significant advantages with regards to the reduction of total harmful engine emissions with the exception of NOx. Biodiesel is a renewable resource and soybean oil is known to be economically viable as a biodiesel fuel. Recent studies from the Environmental Protection Agency have shown that soybean oil alone or blended with #2 diesel fuel results in a significant decrea ...

As agricultural acreage and production in South America and other low cost production areas continue to expand, U.S. producers must adopt new technology, streamline their already highly efficient production systems, and look for value-adding opportunities to diversify from the highly competitive commodity markets. Indeed, value-added agriculture promises to become increasingly important as new spe ...