Abstract: Provided is a computer-implemented method for authenticating a user. The method includes registering a plurality of user accounts for a plurality of users based at least partially on user information and account data for each user of the plurality of users, the account data for each user including an account identifier associated with a portable payment device, generating an identity score for each user, registering a plurality of provider accounts for a plurality of third-party service providers based at least partially on third-party service provider data, receiving a request to authenticate a user of the plurality of users, receiving user credentials corresponding to a user account of the user, validating the user credentials based at least partially on the identity score of the user, and communicating an authentication response message to the third-party system in response to validating the user credentials.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for generating and utilizing drivability maps. The techniques including a method comprising receiving a set of vehicle performance records including a first vehicle performance record comprising a vehicle location, a vehicle configuration, and traction control system information. The method further includes determining, from the set of vehicle performance records, a respective Coefficient of Friction (CoF) value for respective road segments including a first CoF value for a first road segment. The method further includes determining, from the set of vehicle performance records and the respective CoF values, a first CoF threshold for a first vehicle configuration. The method further includes generating a drivability map for the first vehicle configuration indicating different levels of drivability for different road segments based on the respective CoF values for respective road segments and the first CoF threshold for the first vehicle configuration.

Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for controlling moveable robot blocks to dynamically form a barrier. A barrier plan is generated indicating a placement of moveable robot blocks at locations in a coordinate system to form a barrier in a geographical area, wherein the coordinates system indicates locations for the moveable robot blocks to form the barrier. Commands are transmitted to the moveable robot blocks deployed in the geographical area where the barrier is to be formed to cause the moveable robot blocks to move to the locations in the coordinate system in the barrier plan to form the barrier.

Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, moveable robot block, and method for a moveable robot block deployed to form a barrier and sense environmental conditions. A command is received to couple to a location in a coordinate system comprising the barrier formed of a plurality of moveable robot blocks. Movement motors are controlled to cause the moveable robot block to move to the location in the coordinate system to couple to the barrier according to the command. An environmental sensor senses an environmental condition related to water sensed external to the moveable robot block when the moveable robot block is coupled to the barrier. The environmental condition is transmitted to the assembly management system over the network.

Abstract: Improved network optimization and scaling are provided by combining optimization of traffic engineering and network topologies. Sets of minimal link capacities are determined based on the constraints of network topology, network demand, and failure modes. The optimization problem is reframed to allow for simultaneous optimization across all failure modes, reducing or eliminating overprovisioning in link capacity allocation by utilizing convex optimization solvers and techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for low dose mammography including: (1) a monochromatic X-ray beam generator that emits a first beam of monochromatic line emission X-ray photons having an energy at or nearly above an absorption edge of a first element to induce emission of Auger electrons when the first element is irradiated with the X-ray photons; and (2) an X-ray detector including (a) a pixel or plurality of pixels including an array of pixel sensors each of which has (i) a direct conversion layer configured for receiving the X-ray photons and for converting the X-ray photons into a transient electric charge, the direct conversion layer comprising the first element such that the line emission X-ray photons causes a cascade of Auger electrons that form the transient electric charge, and (ii) a semiconductor collection layer configured for receiving Auger electrons of said electric charge from the conversion layer; and (b) processing electronics for converting the electric charge received in the collection layer into a rad

Abstract: In an approach to creating assembly plan for disaster mitigation, one or more computer processors identify one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors receive one or more configuration parameters for one or more assembly plans pertaining to the one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors analyze the one or more configuration parameters to determine necessary configuration parameters based upon the identified one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors create the one or more assembly plans containing one or more instructions for one or more self-assembling robots based on the determined necessary configuration parameters. The one or more computer processors send the one or more assembly plans to one or more self-assembling robots.

Abstract: In an approach to creating assembly plan for disaster mitigation, one or more computer processors identify one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors receive one or more configuration parameters for one or more assembly plans pertaining to the one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors analyze the one or more configuration parameters to determine necessary configuration parameters based upon the identified one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors create the one or more assembly plans containing one or more instructions for one or more self-assembling robots based on the determined necessary configuration parameters. The one or more computer processors send the one or more assembly plans to one or more self-assembling robots.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a semiconductor substrate with a dielectric layer disposed thereon. A trench is defined in the dielectric layer. A metal gate structure is disposed in the trench. The metal gate structure includes a first layer and a second layer disposed on the first layer. The first layer extends to a first height in the trench and the second layer extends to a second height in the trench; the second height is less than the first height.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first conductive structure directly over an isolation structure; a second conductive structure directly over an active region; a first dielectric layer over the first and second conductive structures; a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, wherein the first and second dielectric layers include different materials; a first conductive feature contacting the first conductive structure through at least the first and second dielectric layers; and a second conductive feature contacting the second conductive structure through at least the first and second dielectric layers, wherein the first and second conductive features include a same metal.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device having a semiconductor substrate with a dielectric layer disposed thereon. A trench is defined in the dielectric layer. A metal gate structure is formed in the trench. The metal gate structure includes a first layer and a second layer disposed on the first layer. The first layer extends to a first height in the trench and the second layer extends to a second height in the trench; the second height is greater than the first height. In some embodiments, the second layer is a work function metal and the first layer is a dielectric. In some embodiments, the second layer is a barrier layer.

Abstract: Improved network optimization and scaling are provided by combining optimization of traffic engineering and network topologies. Sets of minimal link capacities are determined based on the constraints of network topology, network demand, and failure modes. The optimization problem is reframed to allow for simultaneous optimization across all failure modes, reducing or eliminating overprovisioning in link capacity allocation by utilizing convex optimization solvers and techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for conducting a transaction utilizing a cryptocurrency. The user may fund a cryptocurrency account with his pre-existing cryptocurrency. An issuer may purchase cryptocurrency within a cryptocurrency exchange. The user may then utilize a payment device (e.g., a Crypto Debit Card) that is associated with a cryptocurrency balance to conduct a transaction with a merchant for goods and/or services. An authorization request message may be transmitted to the authorizing entity computer. The authorizing entity computer may determine a cryptocurrency amount corresponding to the fiat currency transaction amount of the authorization request message. A sell request message may be transmitted to an exchange that facilitates the sale of the cryptocurrency amount.

Abstract: In an approach to creating assembly plan for disaster mitigation, one or more computer processors identify one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors receive one or more configuration parameters for one or more assembly plans pertaining to the one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors analyze the one or more configuration parameters to determine necessary configuration parameters based upon the identified one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors create the one or more assembly plans containing one or more instructions for one or more self-assembling robots based on the determined necessary configuration parameters. The one or more computer processors send the one or more assembly plans to one or more self-assembling robots.

Abstract: In an approach to creating assembly plan for disaster mitigation, one or more computer processors identify one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors receive one or more configuration parameters for one or more assembly plans pertaining to the one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors analyze the one or more configuration parameters to determine necessary configuration parameters based upon the identified one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors create the one or more assembly plans containing one or more instructions for one or more self-assembling robots based on the determined necessary configuration parameters. The one or more computer processors send the one or more assembly plans to one or more self-assembling robots.

Abstract: In an approach to creating assembly plan for disaster mitigation, one or more computer processors identify one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors receive one or more configuration parameters for one or more assembly plans pertaining to the one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors analyze the one or more configuration parameters to determine necessary configuration parameters based upon the identified one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors create the one or more assembly plans containing one or more instructions for one or more self-assembling robots based on the determined necessary configuration parameters. The one or more computer processors send the one or more assembly plans to one or more self-assembling robots.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first conductive structure directly over an isolation structure; a second conductive structure directly over an active region; a first dielectric layer over the first and second conductive structures; a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, wherein the first and second dielectric layers include different materials; a first conductive feature contacting the first conductive structure through at least the first and second dielectric layers; and a second conductive feature contacting the second conductive structure through at least the first and second dielectric layers, wherein the first and second conductive features include a same metal.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first gate stack over an insulator, a second gate stack over an active region, a first dielectric layer over the first and second gate stacks, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, and a metal layer over the first and second gate stacks. The first and second dielectric layers include different materials. The metal layer contacts the second gate stack by penetrating at least the first and second dielectric layers and is isolated from the first gate stack by at least the first and second dielectric layers.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the semiconductor device are disclosed. A gate stack is formed over a surface of the substrate. A recess cavity is formed in the substrate adjacent to the gate stack. A first epitaxial (epi) material is then formed in the recess cavity. A second epi material is formed over the first epi material. A portion of the second epi material is removed by a removing process. The disclosed method provides an improved method by providing a second epi material and the removing process for forming the strained feature, therefor, to enhance carrier mobility and upgrade the device performance.

Abstract: Usage of another person's electronic payment device on a mobile computing device such as a mobile phone may be possible by requesting a one-time use dynamic token for a specific amount from an authority.