Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for presenting global issues to users and followers of a social media platform, allowing the users and followers to provide viewpoints on the global issues, ensuring that the users providing the viewpoints are authentic, and analyzing the various viewpoints to develop statistical data including the location of those providing viewpoints. The present invention also allows a user to present a global issue for consideration by users of the platform, for example, a social media internet-based website, and allows followers of the user to provide their viewpoints on such global issue. Simultaneously, the location of said followers will be collected and collated along with their responses.

Abstract: A method for providing video conferencing services on a mobile device is disclosed. The method may include receiving a data packet via an encrypted electronic communication channel, the data packet comprising i) authorization from a server hosting privacy health care data and ii) scheduling information for a health care provider. The method may include creating a clickable link using the data packet, the clickable link configured for initiating a video conference session from a single user action on the clickable link. The method may include, in response to the user pressing the clickable link, (i) sending a second data packet to the health care provider for initiating the video conference session, and (ii) initiating the video conference with the health care provider via a secure communication channel.

Abstract: An oral varnish comprising a combination of two different viscosity dimethicone components, wherein the difference between the two different viscosity dimethicone components is about 2.0 million cP or greater; and comprising at least one active ingredient, which is preferably a fluoride donor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a gasoline urea selective catalytic reductant catalyst are described. In one example, an observer is provided that corrects an estimate of an amount of NH3 that is stored in a SCR. The amount of NH3 that is stored in the SCR is a basis for generating additional NH3 or ceasing generation of NH3.

Abstract: Machine learning is utilized to learn an optimized quantization configuration for an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, an ANN can be utilized to learn an optimal bit width for quantizing weights for layers of the ANN. The ANN can also be utilized to learn an optimal bit width for quantizing activation values for the layers of the ANN. Once the bit widths have been learned, they can be utilized at inference time to improve the performance of the ANN by quantizing the weights and activation values of the layers of the ANN.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices to enhance fracturing fluid delivery to subsurface formations to enhance hydrocarbon production from the subsurface formations may include providing a manifold coupling having a manifold coupling passage with a manifold coupling axis. The manifold coupling may include a first inlet passage positioned to provide fluid flow between a first fracturing fluid output and the manifold coupling passage, and a second inlet passage positioned opposite the first inlet passage to provide fluid flow between a second fracturing fluid output and the manifold coupling passage. The first inlet passage may have a first inlet passage cross-section at least partially defining a first inlet axis extending transverse relative to the manifold coupling axis. The second inlet passage may have a second inlet passage cross-section at least partially defining a second inlet axis extending transverse relative to the manifold coupling axis and not being co-linear with the first inlet axis.

Abstract: A method and device for automatically increasing the spectral bandwidth of an audio signal including generating a “mapping” (or “prediction”) matrix based on the analysis of a reference wideband signal and a reference narrowband signal, the mapping matrix being a transformation matrix to predict high frequency energy from a low frequency energy envelope, generating an energy envelope analysis of an input narrowband audio signal, generating a resynthesized noise signal by processing a random noise signal with the mapping matrix and the envelope analysis, high-pass filtering the resynthesized noise signal, and summing the high-pass filtered resynthesized noise signal with the input narrowband audio signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided. According to an embodiment, a method includes providing, from a server to a client, a moving pictures experts group (MPEG) dynamic adaptive streaming over hypertext transfer protocol (DASH) media presentation description (MPD) that indicates a main media timeline for playing media content; and obtaining, by the server, an MPD event that carries a playlist element, wherein the server or the client is configured to manipulate the main media timeline based on the playlist element of the MPD event, such that at least one alternative media content is playable by the client in place of at least a portion of the media content.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the operation of a seed-planting implement may include a furrow-forming tool configured to form a furrow in soil present within a field. Furthermore, the system may include a sensor configured to capture data indicative of a topographical profile of the soil within the field. Additionally, a controller of the disclosed system may be configured to identify a topographical feature within the field based on the data received from the sensor. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to determine a position of the furrow-forming tool relative to the identified topographical feature. Additionally, the controller may be configured to initiate a control action to adjust the position of the furrow-forming tool when it is determined that the relative position between the furrow-forming tool and the identified topographical feature is offset from a predetermined positional relationship defined for the furrow-forming tool.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to enhanced depth of focus cameras using variable apertures and pixel binning. An example embodiment includes a device. The device includes an image sensor. The image sensor includes an array of light-sensitive pixels and a readout circuit. The device also includes a variable aperture. Additionally, the device includes a controller that is configured to cause: the variable aperture to adjust to a first aperture size when a high-light condition is present, the variable aperture to adjust to a second aperture size when a low-light condition is present, the readout circuit to perform a first level of pixel binning when the high-light condition is present, and the readout circuit to perform a second level of pixel binning when the low-light condition is present. The second aperture size is larger than the first aperture size. The second level of pixel binning is greater than the first level of pixel binning.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying solder to a pin. The methods comprising: disposing a given amount of solder on a non-wetable surface of a planar substrate; aligning the pin with the solder disposed on the non-wetable surface of the planar substrate; inserting the pin in the solder; and performing a reflow process to cause the solder to transfer from the planar substrate to the pin.

Abstract: A nanoparticle cluster reduction method yields a new composition of matter including a large percentage (e.g., 75% or higher percentage) of primary nanoparticles in the new composition of matter. The particle reduction method reduces the size of nanoparticle clusters in material of the new composition of matter, allows particle reduction of specific nanoparticle cluster sizes, and allows particle reduction to primary nanoparticles. This new composition of matter can include a high permittivity and high resistivity dielectric compound. This new composition of matter, according to certain examples, has high permittivity, high resistivity, and low leakage current. In certain examples, the new composition of matter constitutes a dielectric energy storage device that is a battery with very high energy density, high operating voltage per cell, and an extended battery life cycle. An example method can include a controlled gas evolution reaction to reduce the size of nanoparticle clusters.

Abstract: A system and method for automated lens adjustment for hyperspectral imaging is described. The system includes an image sensor and an electrically-controllable element arranged to set a spectral band for image capture by (i) selectively providing light for a selected spectral band or (ii) selectively filtering light to a selected spectral band. The system includes a tunable lens that is adjustable to change a focal length of the lens; and one or more data storage devices storing data that indicates different focus adjustment parameters corresponding to different spectral bands. The system includes a control system configured to perform operations including: selecting a spectral band; controlling the electrically-controllable element to set the spectral band for image capture; retrieving the focus adjustment parameter that corresponds to the spectral band; adjusting the lens based on the retrieved focus adjustment parameter; and capturing an image of the subject while the lens remains adjusted.

Abstract: A base station receives channel state information from a wireless device. The base station transmits to the wireless device one or more data packets on a data channel employing a first precoding matrix identifier. The base station transmits one or more control packets on a control channel to the wireless device employing a second precoding matrix.

Abstract: A platform assembly for attachment to a tree includes a platform and a post. The platform has an outer perimeter that bounds an interior structure of the platform that is horizontally-inboard of the outer perimeter. The outer perimeter includes a rear portion, a first wing portion coupled to the rear portion at a first wing portion rear corner and including an outboard-most portion of the outer perimeter in a first lateral direction, a front portion coupled to the first wing portion, and a second wing portion coupled to the front portion. The post is coupled to the platform and pivots relative to the platform about a pivot axis.