Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for video encoding/decoding. In some examples, an apparatus for video decoding includes receiving circuitry and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry decodes prediction information of a current block in a current picture from a coded video bitstream. The prediction information is indicative of an affine model in a merge mode. The processing circuitry obtains, from a buffer, motion information of bottom locations in a neighboring block that is adjacent of the current block in the current picture, and determines parameters of the affine model that is used to transform between the block and a reference block in a reference picture based on the motion information of the bottom locations in the neighboring block. Further, the processing circuitry reconstructs samples of the current block based on the affine model.

Abstract: A low-emissivity (low-E) coating includes first and second infrared (IR) reflecting layers of or including a material such as silver. The coating includes a bottom dielectric portion including a layer of or including silicon zirconium oxynitride, and a center dielectric portion including a layer of or including zinc stannate. The coating is configured to realize a combination of desirable visible transmission, consistent and low emissivity values, thermal stability upon optional heat treatment such as thermal tempering, desirable U-value, desirable LSG value, and desirable coloration and/or reflectivity values to be achieved. In certain example embodiments, an absorber layer sandwiched between a pair of dielectric layers may be provided in. Coated articles herein may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, or in other suitable applications such as monolithic window applications, laminated windows, and/or the like.

Abstract: Implementations of a method of separating a wafer from a boule including semiconductor material may include: creating a damage layer in a boule comprising semiconductor material. The boule may have a first end and a second end. The method may include cooling the first end of the boule and heating the second end of the boule. A thermal gradient may be formed between the cooled first end and the heated second end. The thermal gradient may assist a silicon carbide wafer to separate from the boule at the damage layer.

Abstract: High performance electrodes for electrochemical devices having a polymer network with an electroactive material chemically attached to a crosslinked polymer matrix are disclosed. A method includes mixing an electrode slurry and forming a polymer network within the electrode slurry. The electrode slurry includes an electroactive material, an electrically conductive filler, a plurality of polymer chains, and a plurality of chemical crosslinking precursors. Each chemically crosslinking precursor is configured to (i) chemically crosslink the plurality of polymer chains and (ii) chemically attach the electroactive material to the plurality of polymer chains.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software are disclosed herein to generate a customized view of a blockchain transaction. A blockchain of block entries requested by a plurality of users from user devices is maintained in a distributed network of nodes. The block entries each comprise a plurality of data portions that are each associated with an access level. A request to view one or more data portions of a block entry is received which includes an access code associated with at least one access level. The access code in the request is evaluated with the blockchain of block entries to identify one or more data portions associated with the access level. A customized view of the block entry is generated which includes the one or more data portions associated with the access level.

Abstract: A system for targeting information resources that includes a task point value, and a preference vector comprising plural task designators for system performance and a preference allocation associated with each of said plural task designators. The system deducts from the task point value the preference allocation associated with a select one of the plural task designators upon completion of the select one of the plural task designators, to yield a net task point value. The system determines if the net task point value exceeds zero, and directs the system to terminate execution of tasks if the net task point value is equal to or less than zero.

Abstract: A remote control device having capacitive touch controls may be configured to enter a sleep state (or mode). For example, the remote control device may be configured to enter the sleep state upon expiration of an interval of time since a most recent button press. The remote control may be configured to awaken from the sleep state when one or more portions of a housing of the remote control are deflected, for example, when a user grasps the remote control to actuate one or more of the capacitive touch controls. For example, the remote control device may include a switch. The switch may include a carbon structure that may be configured to contact an open circuit pad on a circuit board to close the corresponding circuit when the housing is deflected and awaken the remote control device from the sleep state.

Abstract: Interactions between aqueous fluids and clay-containing subterranean formations may be problematic due to issues associated with clay destabilization and migration. Functionalized dextrin compounds that are partially oxidized and bear at least one amine group at an oxidation site may promote clay stabilization for more effective treatment of a subterranean formation. Subterranean treatment methods may comprise: providing a clay stabilizing composition comprising an amine-functionalized dextrin compound, the amine-functionalized dextrin compound comprising 2 to about 20 glucose units linked together with ?(1,4) glycosidic bonds, and a portion of the glucose units being oxidatively opened and functionalized with at least one amine group at a site of oxidative opening; introducing the clay stabilizing composition into a subterranean formation bearing a clay-containing mineral; and interacting the amine-functionalized dextrin compound with the clay-containing mineral to affect stabilization thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods for sorting sperm cells in a microfluidic chip. In particular, various steps are incorporated to align and orienting sperm in flow channels, as well as, to determining sperm orientation and measure relative DNA content for analysis and/or sorting.

Abstract: A retractable barrier system and method for using the same is described herein. The retractable barrier system can include a retractable barrier made of one or more panels made of bullet resistant material and configured to fit across a doorway of a room. The panels can include one or more docking stations for housing a body armor unit. During a crisis event, the retractable barrier can be extending and secured across a doorway and multiple users can retrieve and don a body armor unit.

Abstract: A computing system can crop an image based on a width, height and location of a first vehicle in the image. The computing system can estimate a pose of the first vehicle based on inputting the cropped image and the width, height and location of the first vehicle into a deep neural network. The computing system can then operate a second vehicle based on the estimated pose.

Abstract: A hinged hydroponic tower is provided which utilizes an integrated, single-piece hinge member, thereby allowing the tower face plate to move relative to the tower body. In addition to the hinge, the tower utilizes an integrated fastener to hold the face plate in the closed position. A V-shaped groove may be included on either side of the tower, the grooves increasing the efficiency of delivering water and nutrients to the plants via the narrowed rear cavity wall. The V-shaped grooves may also be used as an alignment aid when coupling planters, harvesters, or other equipment to the tower.

Abstract: An electrolyte can be pretreated by contacting with an oxide species (e.g., SiO2, SiOx, where 1?x?2, TiO2). The in electrolyte comprises LiPF6 and a carbonate solvent. A reaction occurs to form a pretreated electrolyte comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of: MaPx?OyFz, MaPx?OyFzCnHm, and combinations thereof, where when P in the formula is normalized to 1 so that x? is equal to about 1, 0<y?4, 0<z?6, 0?a?3, 0?n?20, 0?m?42, and Ma is selected from Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, B, Ti, Al, and combinations thereof. Lithium-ion electrochemical cells including lithium titanate oxide (LTO) using such a pretreated electrolyte have reduced reactivity and gas formation.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for video encoding/decoding. An apparatus for video decoding includes processing circuitry that decodes prediction information for a current block in a current coded picture. The prediction information indicates an intra block copy mode and a first block vector predictor (BVP) used for the current block. The first BVP points to a first reference block (RB). The processing circuitry determines whether the first RB is accessible from a memory. When the first RB is determined to be inaccessible from the memory, the processing circuitry determines a second RB that is accessible from the memory according to at least one of a default RB, the first RB, and the current block. The processing circuitry includes a second BVP in a BVP candidate list. The second BVP points to the second RB. The processing circuitry reconstructs the current block based on the BVP candidate list.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory system is provided that includes a plurality of NAND strings of non-volatile storage elements, each non-volatile storage element including a control gate, a tunneling layer, a floating gate, and a blocking layer including a ferroelectric material. The tunneling layer is disposed between the control gate and the floating gate, and the floating gate is disposed between the tunneling layer and the blocking layer.

Abstract: A gateway provides duplex-directional, multimedia ad hoc mesh networking, peer-to-peer direct communications, power optimization, dynamic configuration, and data management, while operating within various devices and network topologies. A multitasking virtual machine monitor for mobile networked devices, that is capable of functional expandability and portability to various operating environments, interoperability with a variety of operating systems, the Gateway Control System (GCS) performs functional capabilities in both a local and a networked topology using local and remote hardware and software. Software within the GCS is partitioned into sequentially, autonomous code, referred to herein as “modules,” each module being configured to communicate with hardware and other gateway modules. Collectively, all gateway modules are referred to herein as the gateway stack (GS). Each member of the GS can be turned on or off, downloaded from a remote site, and dynamically configured.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide an apparatus for video coding. The apparatus includes circuitry configured to reconstruct one or more blocks neighboring a first block that is non-square, and determine a range of reference samples required for an intra prediction of the first block based on a shape of the first block. The range includes samples having coordinates of x=[?1], y=[?1 to (dimension1*2+m)], and x=[0 to (dimension2*2+n)], y=[?1]. Dimension1 denotes a length of a first side of the first block, dimension2 denotes a length of a second side of the first block that is perpendicular to the first side of the first block, and m and n are integers greater or equal to 0. The circuitry is further configured to perform the intra prediction based on the reference samples in the determined range.

Abstract: A display apparatus for an awarded medal includes a base, a substantially vertical section connected to the base, the vertical section including at least one opening, the opening including a slot capable of accommodating a lid, at least one projecting support residing within the opening, and a lid positioned within the slot, the awarded medal including a medal section and a ribbon, at least part of the ribbon residing inside the opening and covered by the lid.

Abstract: A method for repairing a membrane filtration module in fluid communication with a plurality of additional membrane filtration modules includes fluidly connecting a fluid transfer assembly to the membrane filtration module, fluidly isolating the membrane filtration module from the plurality of additional membrane filtration modules, forcing liquid within the membrane filtration module into the fluid transfer assembly by introducing a pressurized gas into the membrane filtration module, releasing the pressurized gas from the membrane filtration module, fluidly disconnecting the fluid transfer assembly from the membrane filtration module, repairing one or more damaged membranes in the membrane filtration module, and fluidly reconnecting the membrane filtration module to the plurality of additional membrane filtration modules.

Abstract: A method, system and device for determining the properties of hair and skin. The method, system and device facilitates the selection and application of an application of a product to the hair or skin of an individual to achieve a desired target result. The hair or skin properties measured may include the hair composition and chemical components of the hair, as well as substances that may coat the hair, and other substances on, absorbed or adsorbed on or into the hair. A hyper-spectral imaging component is employed to obtain information from the hair or skin and that information is used to provide a produce used to produce the target result.