Abstract: A system of multi-modal transmission of packetized data in a voice activated data packet based computer network environment is provided. A natural language processor component can parse an input audio signal to identify a request and a trigger keyword. Based on the input audio signal, a direct action application programming interface can generate a first action data structure, and a content selector component can select a content item. An interface management component can identify first and second candidate interfaces, and respective resource utilization values. The interface management component can select, based on the resource utilization values, the first candidate interface to present the content item. The interface management component can provide the first action data structure to the client computing device for rendering as audio output, and can transmit the content item converted for a first modality to deliver the content item for rendering from the selected interface.

Abstract: A male welding lead connector apparatus including a slidable member to block the male welding lead connector from rotating relative to a female welding lead connector when the two connectors are engaged with one another. A method of locking a male welding lead connector to a female welding lead connector using a special male welding lead connector including a slidable member to block the male welding lead connector from rotating relative to a female welding lead connector when the two connectors are engaged with one another.

Abstract: A method, computer program, and computer system is provided for encoding or decoding video data. Video data including a chroma component and a luma component is received. One or more contexts for entropy coding chroma intra prediction modes are identified based on a co-located luma block at one or more pre-defined positions. The video data is decoded based on the identified contexts.

Abstract: A wild game call includes a bugle tube and a damper. The bugle tube includes a first end with a first aperture, a second end with a second aperture, and a wall extending from the first end to the second end. The wall defines an interior volume, and the first aperture and the second aperture provide access to the interior volume such that a flow path is defined through the bugle tube from the first end, through the second end, and out the second end. The bugle tube includes a metal and is configured to generate sound waves by vibrating responsive to air flowing along the flow path. The damper surrounds the outer surface of the wall of the bugle tube between the first end and the second end and may reduce unwanted ringing while improving the sound of the bugle call.

Abstract: An improved showerhead assembly is provided for facilitating the application of soap or shampoo upon a bather. The showerhead assembly is preferably handheld and includes an elongate handle, and a showerhead including a face having one or more nozzles for spraying water. In addition, the showerhead assembly includes a detachable reservoir for storing soap or shampoo. Preferably, the reservoir is detachable from the showerhead by a threaded coupling in which the reservoir includes male threads which can be capped. Preferably, the showerhead assembly includes a controller for allowing one to selectively dispense shampoo or soap from within the reservoir into the stream of water which is ejected from the showerhead nozzles.

Abstract: Systems and methods of selecting digital platforms for execution of voice-based commands are provided. The system receives an application that performs an action associated with a service via digital platforms. The system debugs the application to validate parameters of the action on at least two platforms of the digital platforms. The system receives data packets comprising an input audio signal detected by a sensor of a client device, and parses the input audio signal to identify the action and the service. The system selects a first platform from the digital platforms to perform the action. The system initiates, responsive to selection of the first platform, an interactive data exchange to populate parameters of an action data structure corresponding to the action. The system executes the action via the selected platform using the action data structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor light-emitting device includes a junction between doped semiconductor layers, a first set of multiple independent contacts connected to a first doped layer and a second set of one or more contacts connected to the second doped layer. Multiple conductive vias connect the independent contacts to the first doped layer, enabling differing corresponding via currents to be applied to the first doped layer through the vias independent of one another. A spatial distribution of via currents among the multiple vias can be selected to yield a corresponding spatial distribution of emission intensity. Alteration of the via current distribution results in corresponding alteration of the emission intensity distribution; such alterations can be implemented dynamically. Multiple devices can be arranged as a light-emitting array.

Abstract: A handheld UV-C sanitizing apparatus is provided and includes: (a) an enclosure defining an opening for light exposure and fabricated from quartz that is transparent or plastic; (b) a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit UV-C light; (c) a circuit board, wherein each LED is coupled to the circuit board and each LED is removable and replaceable independently; and (d) a power source coupled to the circuit board, wherein the power source configured to deliver power to each LED. The UV-C light emitted from the LEDs is at a wavelength suitable to kill, destroy, or reduce growth of microorganisms and germs in a preset exposure area directly below the UV-C light. The arrangement of the LEDs spaced apart from each other is configured to emit cones of UV-C light emission sufficient to cover the preset exposure area corresponding to a user's hand surface area.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of paranasal sinus disease, administering a treatment formulation or a drug treatment formulation through the nasal cavity directly into a paranasal sinus.

Abstract: An endoscope can include an elongated shaft that includes a distal tip and a displaceable distal region. The endoscope can further include a handle coupled to the elongated shaft and an actuator movable relative to the handle. The endoscope can further include at least one tensioning line extending through at least a proximal portion of the elongated shaft and through a portion of the handle, and the at least one tensioning line can be coupled to the displaceable distal region of the shaft and also can be coupled to the actuator such that movement of the actuator relative to the handle effects angular movement of the displaceable distal region. The endoscope can further include a locking mechanism that prevents angular movement of the displaceable distal region when the locking mechanism is engaged.

Abstract: Innovations in encoder-side options for intra block copy (“BC”) prediction mode facilitate intra BC prediction that is more effective in terms of rate-distortion performance and/or computational efficiency of encoding. For example, some of the innovations relate to concurrently performing block vector (“BV”) estimation and making block splitting decisions for a block. Other innovations relate to selectively merging blocks into a larger block during BV estimation.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of hemp cultivar ‘CBDRx18’, and to methods for producing a hemp plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves, with another hemp plant, such as a plant of another genotype, or with vegetatively propagating said plant. Another embodiment further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. Further embodiments relate to parts of such plants, and products produced.

Abstract: An electrode connector adapted for attachment to a biomedical patient electrode by either pinch or snap connection includes a pair of pivotally connected members including a connector body and a jaw pivotally connected to said connector body, with the jaw defining a beveled lower surface that functions to urge the jaw open by engagement of the top surface of an ECG stud thereby allowing the connector to be attached by snap engagement. An electrically conducting plate is disposed at the bottom of the connector to maximize electrical contact with the electrode stud. The jaw member further includes a lip functioning to engage a lower portion of the head of the stud and urge the radially enlarged base of the stud into electrical contact with the bottom surface of said electrically conducting member. An ECG electrode connector in accordance with the present invention may further be fabricated of radiolucent materials.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve includes an outer tubular wall or other body having an axial passage extending from an inlet end to an outlet end. The wall may be constructed of a flexible biocompatible material, and a pair of apposed valve leaflets is usually disposed in the axial passageway of the outer tubular wall or body. Each valve leaflet has an inlet edge, an outlet edge, and a pair of lateral edges extending between the inlet edge and the outlet edge. The outlet edges are configured to be normally open to allow unrestricted fluid flow and close together when fluid pressure is applied to the outlet end. In some instances, the inlet edge, the outlet edge, and the pair of lateral edges of each leaflet are integrated along their entire lengths into the outer tubular wall. In other instances, the leaflets may be formed as a separate structure or assembly that is attached within the tubular wall or body.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to skin care and, in particular, to systems and methods for treating and/or preventing acne. Acne is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, excess sebum production, and inflammation from the immune response (e.g., in response to P. acnes). Certain aspects of the invention are thus directed to one or more compositions that collectively target these factors, although it should be understood that a single composition may target more than one factor at a time. For instance, in one set of embodiments, a treatment may include a first composition that cleans the skin, a second composition that contains growth inhibitor of P. acnes (e.g., for use during the day), and a third composition that inhibits sebum production (e.g., for use during the night). One or more of these may contain other components, such as anti-inflammatory agents, moisturizers, topical anti-microbial agents (e.g., salicylic acid), or the like.

Abstract: This document relates to training of machine learning models. One example method involves providing a machine learning model having a first classification layer, a second classification layer, and an encoder that feeds into the first classification layer and the second classification layer. The example method also involves obtaining first training examples having explicit labels and second training examples having inferred labels. The inferred labels are based at least on actions associated with the second training examples. The example method also involves training the machine learning model using the first training examples and the second training examples using a training objective that considers first training loss of the first classification layer for the explicit labels and second training loss of the second classification layer for the inferred labels. The method also involves outputting a trained machine learning model having the encoder and the first classification layer.

Abstract: A method of feature substitution for end-to-end image compression, is performed by at least one processor and includes encoding an input image, using a first neural network, to generate an encoded representation, and quantizing the generated encoded representation, using a second neural network, to generate a compressed representation. The first neural network and the second neural network are trained by determining a rate loss, based on a bitrate of the generated compressed representation, and updating the generated encoded representation, based on the determined rate loss.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for detecting monotone speech. In aspects, audio data provided by a user may be received a device. Pitch values may be calculated and/or extracted from the audio data. The non-zero pitch values may be divided into clusters. For each cluster, a Pitch Variation Quotient (PVQ) value may be calculated. The weighted average of PVQ values across the clusters may be calculated and compared to a threshold for determining monotone speech. Based on the comparison, the audio data may be classified as monotone or non-monotone and an indication of the classification may be provided to the user in real-time via a user interface. Upon the completion of the audio session in which the audio data is received, feedback for the audio data may be provided to the user via the user interface.

Abstract: A wireless tattoo device is disclosed. The device includes an electronics housing, a control panel, a power source, and a motor assembly driven by the power source. A motor housing is attached to the electronics housing, and the motor housing defines a passage dimensioned to receive a portion of the motor assembly. A grip defines an opening dimensioned to receive an end of the motor housing. The motor housing is configured to receive a needle cartridge. The motor housing and the grip are rotatable relative to each other such that a depth of the needle cartridge relative to the grip varies based on a relative rotation position between the motor housing and the grip.

Abstract: Implementations described herein relate to methods, devices, and computer-readable media to display a user interface that includes a map portion and a grid portion. A method includes identifying a first set of images that match a first region of a digital map and causing a user interface to be displayed that includes a map portion that corresponds to the first region of the digital map and a grid portion that includes images of the first set. The method further includes receiving user input indicative of a second region of the digital map. The method further includes identifying a second set of images that match the second region of the digital map and updating the user interface such that the map portion of the updated user interface corresponds to the second region of the digital map and the grid portion of the updated user interface includes images of the second set.