Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed. An example system includes: interface circuitry; programmable circuitry; and instructions to program the programmable circuitry to: obtain audio of a media presentation; obtain ambient noise in an area associated with the media presentation; determine an intensity of a difference between the audio and the ambient noise; and determine an engagement level of an audience of the media presentation based on a duration the intensity satisfies a threshold value.

Abstract: Examples of hearing assistance devices are described. The hearing assistance devices include an enclosing structure configured to house a receiver that generates sound waves into an ear canal of a user when the hearing assistance device is worn, and a tube coupled to the receiver to direct the sound waves into the ear canal of the user. The tube may include magnetized particles that form a magnetic field through the tube. The tube may include a portion of hydrophilic coating and a portion of hydrophobic coating. The hearing assistance device may include a coiled wire configured to carry an alternating current to generate an electro-magnetic field through the tube.

Abstract: Techniques for selective compression of database information are presented. Selective first portions of a field associated with a database table are identified along with metadata associated with the database table. The first portions and the metadata are then compressed by selecting one or more compression algorithms in response to compression capabilities associated with the algorithms.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing shade to an individual is adjustable in three planes. In some embodiments, the shading apparatus include a primary shaft secured to a fixed base such as a pedestal seat. A height adjustable and telescoping secondary shaft is inserted concentrically into the primary shaft. A pivot joint assembly is secured to the secondary shaft, and a shading device is mounted to the pivot joint assembly. The pivot joint assembly allows for rotational, pivoting, and sliding adjustment in order to provide positional flexibility to the individual seeking shade.

Abstract: Techniques for selective compression of database information are presented. Selective first portions of a field associated with a database table are identified along with metadata associated with the database table. The first portions and the metadata are then compressed by selecting one or more compression algorithms in response to compression capabilities associated with the algorithms.

Abstract: A carrier of liquid is manually portable, thermally insulated, and pressurizable for dispensing the liquid, particularly cold or hot potable beverages such as beer, water, lemonade, sports drinks, tea, and the like. A container for holding the liquid can be pressurized by hand or other pump or by a gas cartridge, and the liquid flows when desired from the container through a tube and a dispensing valve mounted in the carrier wall. The carrier is thermally insulated to retain cold or heat in the liquid, and ice or hot briquettes can be placed about the container within the carrier walls to retain the desired temperature for a longer period. Handles and wheels can be mounted to the carrier to make the article more easily portable.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for optimizing SQL queries in a relational database management system involving aggregate and grouping functions. A local aggregation operation is performed on one or more processors of a massively parallel processor (MPP) computer system, wherein rows of the table that are local to each processor are locally aggregated to create one or more aggregate result rows. The aggregate result rows created by each of the local aggregation operations are then re-distributed to one or more processors and coalesced into a global aggregate result row by a global aggregation operation.