Abstract: In an embodiment, the cement compositions comprise: (i) hydraulic cement, wherein the hydraulic cement has a ratio of CaO to SiO2 in the range of 2.0 to 4.0; and (ii) a water-soluble metaphosphate in a concentration of at least 2.5% bwoc. In another embodiment, the cement compositions comprise: (i) hydraulic cement, wherein the hydraulic cement has a ratio of CaO to SiO2 of less than 2.0; and (ii) a water-soluble metaphosphate; wherein any alkali nitrate is in a concentration of less than 2% bwoc; and wherein any alkali hydroxide, alkali carbonate, or alkali citrate is in a concentration of less than 0.2% bwoc. Methods of cementing in a well comprising forming either of such cement compositions and introducing it into the well are provided.

Abstract: A method for generating a signal shape (w1) for an electro-stimulation signal (w1) for healing wounds by electro-stimulation by way of an electrode (E1) which has an encoding member (6) with a code word (cw) which identifies therapeutic treatments, and is coupled to indicators (i1, i2) which indicate which treatments have to be activated. The signal shape (w1) is formed systematically from base signals capable of being parameterized such as a DC signal and two pulse trains, the parameters and the timing of which are formed systematically and applied where necessary, in accordance with the combined therapies. The generation of signal shapes for a plurality of electrodes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A slip ring apparatus including a ring assembly having a conductive ring with a conductive ring engagement surface, a contact assembly having a contact element with a contact element engagement surface for engaging with the conductive ring engagement surface, and a surface discontinuity provided in at least one of the conductive ring engagement surface and the contact element engagement surface. An apparatus including the slip ring apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes a housing having an interior and a shaft rotatably extending through the interior of the housing. A method for reducing the potential of a hydroplaning effect in a slip ring apparatus, including providing a surface discontinuity in at least one of a conductive ring engagement surface and a contact element engagement surface.

Abstract: A flapper and seat assembly, and systems and methods utilizing such assembly, are provided. The flapper and seat assembly includes a tubular metallic seat having a bore therethrough. The tubular metallic seat is one solid unit. The flapper and seat assembly further includes a hinge coupled to the tubular metallic seat and a flapper. The flapper is pivotally mounted to the hinge such that it is rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The flapper and seat assembly also includes a secondary sealing element located between the flapper and the tubular metallic seat. The secondary sealing element is one of an undulating or curved lip seal. The flapper and seat assembly further includes a seal that is formed between a sealing surface of the flapper and a sealing surface of the tubular metallic seat. The seal comprises an angle measured from a plane perpendicular to the centerline of the flapper and seat assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a method of discriminating between bloodstains, the method including obtaining a captured image of an analysis target; analyzing the captured image and extracting a scattering image of a plurality of bloodstains in the analysis target; estimating a scattering angle of the scattering image; and determining the plurality of bloodstains to be an impact spatter bloodstain if the scattering angle is greater than a preset reference angle, and determining the plurality of bloodstains to be a cessation cast-off bloodstain if the scattering angle is less than the reference angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for payment transaction overrides and system initiated payment splitting. In one embodiment, a first authorization request associated with a first account is monitored at an override computer, an override trigger is identified, and a transaction override approval is received. Override authorization requests are then sent, and responses to the override authorization requests are received at the override computer. A response to the initial authorization request is the sent based on the response received to the override authorization request. In alternative embodiments the override requests are cascaded, or include requests for new account creation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of calibrating an assessment model for assessing responses includes accessing a plurality of training responses with a processing system for training an assessment model. The processing system analyzes the plurality of training responses to derive values of multiple features of the training responses. The processing system trains the assessment model based on the values of the multiple features of the training responses and a portfolio score for each individual associated with the plurality of training responses utilized in the training. The portfolio score for each individual corresponds to a measure of proficiency based on multiple writing samples constructed by the individual. The processing system determines, based on said training, a weight for each of the multiple features. The processing system calibrates the assessment model to include the weights for at least some of the features such that the assessment model is configured to generate scores for responses.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to accretion detection, and more particularly to system and a method for accretion detection within an iron kiln. The iron kiln includes a cylindrical body for holding and processing molten iron ore. In one embodiment, method includes receiving, in real-time, a first plurality of temperature values from a plurality of sensors configured on distinct locations on the outer surface of the iron kiln and is associated with a distinct sensor ID. The plurality of temperature values are compared with a reference temperature value to identify deviation in temperature gradient associated with the outer surface. Subsequently on identifying the deviation corresponding to one or more sensors, a second plurality of temperature values of surrounding locations of the one or more sensors is recorded and the presence of the accretion in the iron kiln is determined based on the second plurality of temperature values.

Abstract: Movable transducer designs used in downhole environments increase the efficiency of the transmitter and receivers, thereby obtaining improved logging data. In one embodiment, the transmitter/receivers are tilted/rotated to direct the strongest acoustic wave pressure to the critical path for increasing signal strength. In other embodiments, the transmitter/receiver may be extended outwardly toward the formation, or retracted inwardly from the formation. An adaptive algorithm is provided to rotate the transmitter/receiver to match the critical angle when the formation slowness changes. Also, a transmitter/receiver port may be designed to have a cone-shape that matches the impedance of the acoustic wave to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for real-time processing of event-based streaming with NoSQL databases are provided. For example, disclosed embodiments may include receiving an event associated with an update to an entry in a first database. Also, disclose embodiments may include identifying, based on the event, relevant data in the first database associated with the update. Further, disclose embodiments may include generating a plurality of queries to the first database to request the identified relevant data. Disclose embodiments may also include receiving, in response to the plurality of queries, raw data from the first database. Additionally, disclose embodiments may include processing the raw data to be compatible with a second database. Disclose embodiments may also include storing the processed raw data in the second database. And, disclosed embodiments may include receiving data requests for the second database to distribute the processed data to at least one computer terminal.

Abstract: A device receives a communication associated with a support issue encountered by a user, and receives information identifying one or more self-support actions performed by the user in relation to the support issue. The device assigns the communication to a position in a support queue. The support queue includes information identifying positions of other communications received from other users, when the other communications are received, and self-support actions performed by the other users. The device associates the information identifying the one or more self-support actions with information identifying the position of the communication, and applies respective weights to the one or more self-support actions. The device generates a score for the communication based on applying the respective weights, and modifies the position of the communication based on the score. The device performs one or more actions based on modifying the position of the communication.

Abstract: An optical computing device and method for (1) determining and/or monitoring corrosion data in a given environment and (2) evaluating a downhole formation, both being accomplished in real-time by deriving the data from the output of an optical element.

Abstract: An atomizing assembly includes a tubing section having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the tubing section is connectable to a liquid storage portion, and the outlet end of the tubing section is in fluid communication with an atomizing nozzle. The tubing section is configured to deliver a flow of liquid aerosol-forming substrate through the atomizing nozzle. The atomizing nozzle includes an air channel configured to establish an air flow through the nozzle. The air flow is mixed with the flow of liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Abstract: An example threaded connection includes first component and a second component. The first component may have a first outer diameter, a first threaded portion at or near the first outer diameter, and an end portion. The second component have may a second outer diameter a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter; a second threaded portion, at least one of the first or second sets of threads having at least one of a variable pitch and a variable taper; and an internal shoulder positioned to contact the end portion of the first component when the first threaded portion are engaged with the second threaded portion. A connection ring may be coupled to the second component and positioned to engage with a portion of the first component when the first component is positioned within the second component.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a discretization technique may be used to solve for fluid and proppant flow through a fracture within a dynamic fracture network. The discretization technique may involve performing a spatial discretization of non-linear coupled equations by integrating the equations over staggered finite control volumes. For example, the spatial discretization may involve integrating a continuity equation representing fluid flowing through the fracture over a first control volume along the length of the fracture, integrating a momentum equation representing the fluid flowing through the fracture over a second control volume that is staggered with respect to the first control volume, and integrating a proppant equation representative of the proppant flowing with the fluid through the fracture over the first control volume. The discretized equations may be used to determine a linear system of equations to simulate proppant flow through the dynamic fracture network.

Abstract: Some aspects of what is described here relate to seismic data analysis techniques. A seismic excitation is generated in a first directional wellbore section in a subterranean region. A seismic response associated with the seismic excitation is detected by a fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing array in a second directional wellbore section in the subterranean region. Seismic response data based on the seismic response are analyzed to identify a location of a third wellbore in the subterranean region. A drilling direction for drilling the third wellbore is determined based on the identified location.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments describe a system for completing a transaction using an electronic transaction card by receiving, from a user device executing a software application, a selection of a first account function associated with a financial transaction; determining that the account function requires user verification; detecting, via a motion detection component, a motion pattern performed on the electronic transaction card by the user; authenticating an identity of the user, by the electronic transaction card, based on the detected motion pattern; and completing, by the user device, the financial transaction.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for determining the leaching profile of a cutter on a drilling tool are disclosed. The method includes applying an X-ray impermeable layer to a surface of a leached PCD element with residual infiltrant. The method also includes moving the element through an X-ray beam. The method further includes detecting an X-ray intensity received by an X-ray detector. The method further includes generating a leaching profile of the leached PCD element based on the X-ray intensity.