Development of Modules With Different Types of Concentrators and Receivers of Solar Radiation

Optical schemes and designs of four types of solar modules with louvered heliostats and concentrators with zero shading losses and blocking of solar radiation have been developed. The design of a compact thermal photovoltaic solar radiation detector for a non-tracking parabolic-cylindrical solar concentrator provides the thermal efficiency of the module in the range of 0,6–0,7, the service life of at least 25 years due to the sealing of the photoelectric elements using a two-component polysiloxane gel.

Multi-Responsive Polysiloxane/Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Interpenetrating Networks Containing Urea and Thiourea Groups

Novel interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were synthesized from N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and polysiloxanes containing a urea or thiourea side group, in addition to the silanol residue, through two reactions, such as the radical gelation of NIPAM and the condensation of silanols to form a siloxane linkage. The obtained IPNs showed a typical temperature-responsive volume change in water based on the constructed poly-NIPAM gel component. In addition, the characteristic color and volume changes responding to chemical stimuli, such as acetate and/or fluoride ions, based on the introduced urea and thiourea groups onto the polysiloxane gel were observed in N,N-dimethylformamide.

A Simplified Nonsurgical Method for the Correction of Neonatal Deformational Auricular Anomalies

Despite reported success of early nonsurgical splinting of congenital ear deformities, the technique has not been widely utilized due to difficulty with application and positional maintenance of these devices. Delay in treatment can result in unnecessary surgery for the child later in life. In response to this need, we developed a simplified system consisting of Velcro, conformers, and polysiloxane gel that can be applied in 3 steps. Before and after photos after application of the device were graded by a plastic surgeon independent of the study. A total of 33 ear deformities were treated. In all, 92.3% of ears achieved significant improvement and normalization of their ears after therapy. This device allows for a more straightforward and individualized application than current products available. Our hope is that practitioners involved early in the infant’s care will utilize this technology resulting in improved outcomes and avoiding unnecessary surgery.