Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to identity verification using autonomous vehicles. A security policy may be used to determine when identity verification using autonomous vehicles is required. The autonomous vehicle may be deployed to a location to verify the identity of the user based on one or more of images, audio data, biometric data, and wireless data connections.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for issuing, evaluating, and monitoring offers and incentives linked to various consumer financial accounts. Financial service account providers, merchants, card-linked offer providers, and/or service providers may collect transaction information relating to the redemption of card-linked offers. From the data, informative metrics may be determined relating to the offer, its redemption rate, and the consumers who redeemed it. The metrics may be used to evaluate the relative success of the offer, and can trigger revenue sharing processes derived from the offer. In certain aspects, incentive offers may be modified based on the metrics. In further embodiments, the metrics may also be used to determine a metric score that provides further information about the card-linked offer campaign.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing a 89Zr-oxine complex of the formula The invention also provides a method of labeling a cell with the 89Zr-oxine complex and a method for detecting a biological cell in a subject comprising administering the 89Zr-oxine complex to the subject.

Abstract: A processor may detect a transaction made using a point of sale system. The processor may determine that the transaction indicates a smart device is not in use. The processor may send a command causing the smart device to operate in an away mode.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating device may include a housing having flexible portion along its length. The flexible portion is configured to transition between a relaxed or unloaded configuration and a flexed or deflected configuration. A flexible heating element and mouthpiece may also be disposed in the housing. When the housing is in a relaxed or unloaded configuration, the flexible heating element and the mouthpiece are at least partially longitudinally aligned with the flexible portion of the housing.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates generally to a method for well stimulation. In some embodiments, the method includes pumping a treatment fluid into a well. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid includes carbon dioxide (CO2) and a breaker, and the method further includes treating at least one of a reservoir and a wellbore of the well with the treatment fluid. In some embodiments, the breaker is a solution of stabilized chlorine dioxide (ClO2). In some embodiments, the method further includes commingling the CO2 with water and forming, as a result of the commingling, carbonic acid. In some embodiments, the method includes activating the stabilized ClO2 to form activated ClO2. In some embodiments, the activated ClO2 is formed as a result of a lowering of pH in the treatment fluid by the carbonic acid.

Abstract: Certain metal surfaces are often unable to be effectively contacted with fluids containing hydrofluoric acid due to significant corrosion issues. Titanium and titanium alloy surfaces represent but one example. Corrosion inhibitor compositions comprising an N-(phosphonoalkyl)iminodiacetic acid or any salt thereof can be used to suppress metal corrosion, including that taking place on titanium and titanium alloy surfaces. Methods for suppressing corrosion of a metal surface can comprise: contacting a metal surface with a corrosive environment, the corrosive environment comprising hydrofluoric acid; introducing a corrosion inhibitor composition to the corrosive environment, the corrosion inhibitor composition comprising an N-(phosphonoalkyl)iminodiacetic acid or any salt thereof; contacting the metal surface with the corrosion inhibitor composition; and allowing the corrosion inhibitor composition to suppress corrosion of the metal surface being contacted by the corrosive environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving (RX) radio-frequency (RF) signals suitable for MRI and/or MRS from a plurality of MRI “coil elements” (antennae), each contained in one or a plurality of body-coil parts, wherein the body-coil parts are easily assemble-able into a body-coil assembly (e.g., in some embodiments, a cylindrical body-coil assembly) with shield elements that are overlapped and/or concentric, and wherein the body-coil assembly is readily disassemble-able for easier shipping, and wherein the body-coil parts are optionally usable individually as transmit (TX) and/or receive (RX) coil elements for MRI. In some embodiments, the system provides for repeatable assembly and disassembly for ease of maintenance (such as frequency tuning and impedance matching) such that the body-coil assembly can be fully assembled and tested, then taken apart for less costly and easier shipping (with reduced risk of damage) and then reassembled at the destination for operation in an MRI system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a fraud detection system that stores fraud detection rules and merchant profiles. The fraud detection system allows a user to designate fraud detection rules as core fraud detection rules, and the fraud detection system can automatically populate new profiles with the user's core fraud detection rules.

Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for managing dry bulk material efficiently at a well site or other location are provided. Present embodiments are directed to a rotary clamshell gate actuation system and method, where the gate is separate from the one or more actuators used to open/close the gate. The disclosed system may include a portable bulk material container with a clamshell gate for easily dispensing material from the container. The system also includes a support structure equipped with one or more rotary actuators used to actuate the clamshell gate of the container between a closed and open position when the container is positioned on the support structure. The disclosed clamshell gate actuation system is easy to operate, low cost to manufacture, and reliable even when the portable container is not precisely aligned on the support structure.

Abstract: An example apparatus for controlling the direction of drilling a borehole includes an outer housing having non-uniform stiffness and an inner housing at least partially within and rotationally independent from the outer housing and having non-uniform stiffness, A drive shaft may be at least partially within the inner housing. At least one of the outer housing and the inner housing may include a tubular structure with at least one of multiple materials with different stiffness, and a portion with less structural material than another portion.

Abstract: The technology described herein discloses systems and methods for upgrading biometric authentication system. The system can receive first biometric information in connection with an authentication request from a user. The system can authenticate the user via a first authentication system by comparing the first biometric information received in connection with the authentication request with second biometric information. The user can be automatically enrolled into a second authentication system using the first biometric information received in connection with the authentication request.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a solar cell, and system for electrically coupling solar cells, are described. In an example, the methods for fabricating a solar cell can include placing conductive wires in a wire guide, where conductive wires are placed over a first semiconductor substrate having first doped regions and second doped regions. The method can include aligning the conductive wires over the first and second doped regions, where the wire guide aligns the conductive wires substantially parallel to the first and second doped regions. The method can include bonding the conductive wires to the first and second doped regions. The bonding can include applying a mechanical force to the semiconductor substrate via a roller or bonding head of the wire guide, where the wire guide inhibits lateral movement of the conductive wires during the bonding.

Abstract: An expansive additive composition for use in Portland cements and a method of using such an additive composition is provided. The additive composition can include a calcium aluminate cement additive and a lithium compound. The additive composition is capable of producing expansion in set cements when the temperature is at or below room temperature and minimizes the amount of calcium aluminate cement additive needed.

Abstract: A corrosion detection system for a pipe may include a corrosion detection tool. The corrosion detection tool may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and receiver have measurements associated with each and these measurements may be used to determine an impedance. Derived constants match a numerical model that is based on the measurements associated with the transmitter and the nominal thickness of the pipe. The information related to the thickness of a pipe surrounding the corrosion detection is based on the derived constants and the impedance. This thickness of the pipe may be used to determine if a section of a pipe has a defect, such as, corrosion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting or monitoring treatment fluids in subterranean formations are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise: providing an enhanced treatment fluid that comprises at least a base fluid and one or more contrast enhancement agents, which may include dielectric materials, magnetic materials, dispersive materials, and/or any combination thereof; and introducing the enhanced treatment fluid into at least a portion of a well bore penetrating a portion of a subterranean formation in the course of certain operations in the well bore.

Abstract: In some implementations, a system may include a camera, a display, one or more memories, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories. The system may identify a horizontal plane in an image being captured by the camera and presented on the display, may determine a size of the horizontal plane, and may determine that the size of the horizontal plane satisfies a threshold. The system may designate the horizontal plane as a ground plane based on determining that the size of the horizontal plane satisfies the threshold. The system may output an indication that the horizontal plane has been designated as the ground plane.

Abstract: A method for using an extended-life settable composition is disclosed. The method includes providing an extended-life settable composition comprising red mud, calcium hydroxide, water, and a cement set retarder. The method further includes activating the extended-life settable composition. The method additionally includes introducing the extended-life settable composition into a subterranean formation and allowing the extended-life settable composition to set in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying sand to the inner radius of drum brake linings comprising the following steps: a) rolling a UV-curing adhesive onto the inner radius of a drum brake lining, b) applying a frictional grain, such as zircon sand, to the adhesive layer, c) removing the frictional grain not retained by the adhesive from the lining surface, and d) curing the coating by means of UV radiation.