Abstract: A system associated with predicting segmentation quality of segmented objects implemented in the analysis of copious image data is disclosed. The system receives a collection of image data related to a particular type of data. The image data is segmented into segmented data portions based on an object associated with the collection of image data. Regions of interest associated with the segmented data portions are determined. The quality of segmentation of the segmented data portions is determined for respective classification of the regions of interest. A classification label is assigned to the regions of interest. Regions of interest are partitioned into sub-regions. Features associated with the sub-regions of the segmented data portions are determined. A training dataset is generated based on the determined features associated with the sub-regions in order to train a classification model based on a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A cotton harvester estimates the mass of cotton as it is harvested using sensor devices and compares the mass of each module against the estimated mass of the module as determined by the sensors so that a calibration factor may be determined and actively updated for more accurate crop yield determination. The mass flow for a specific module is accumulated and processed during harvesting using a base calibration factor and the module is weighed and compared against the expected mass using the base calibration factor to develop a candidate updated calibration factor. The base calibration factor is selectively replaced by the candidate updated calibration factor for processing a subsequent module based on machine feedback information relating to the operation of the harvester. Harvested crop data determined using the calibration factor is used to generate highly accurate yield maps.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for agricultural management-zone delineation to be done over broad geographic extents without overly-localized field-specific data. The instant innovation guides precision agricultural sampling and management by delineating enhanced management zones based upon remote sensing and artificial intelligence and combining the two with data derived from an existing countrywide soil survey database. In an embodiment, the instant innovation uses artificial intelligence from multiple sources to provide granular zone detail. Output of the present innovation can be aggregated to produce management zone sizes that have a level of uncertainty compatible with the needs of the customer-farmer and implementable given the capabilities of available equipment.

Abstract: A method for a dynamic inductive wireless power transmission includes providing an AC/DC power converter that receives three-phase power and provides regulated DC output current, connecting a trunk cable to the AC/DC power converter output and to multiple power transmitter modules. The trunk cable connects inputs of the power transmitter modules in series. The power transmitter modules transmit inductive wireless power over an air gap. The method includes providing a system controller that detects a vehicle containing a receiver coil and confirms if the vehicle should receive the inductive wireless power from the multiple power transmitter modules, and includes configuring the system controller to communicate with the AC/DC power converter to maintain the regulated DC output current at a constant value and transmit the inductive wireless power to the vehicle through the multiple power transmitter modules when the vehicle should receive the inductive wireless power.

Abstract: A manufacturing process of a concrete product includes: (1) extracting calcium from solids as portlandite; (2) forming a cementitious slurry including the portlandite; (3) shaping the cementitious slurry into a structural component; and (4) exposing the structural component to carbon dioxide sourced from a flue gas stream, thereby forming the concrete product.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device configured to substantially avoid radiative recombination of photo-generated carriers, reduce loss of energy of the photo-generated carriers through the phonon emission, extract photo-generated carriers substantially exclusively from the multi-frequency satellite valley(s) of the bandstructure of the used semiconductor material as opposed to the single predetermined extremum of the bandstructure. Methodologies of fabrication and operation of such a device.

Abstract: Electrochemical impedance-based label-free and rapid biosensor for select bodily fluid biomolecule levels. Monoclonal antibodies to of biomolecule such as cortisol were covalently attached to a 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid functionalized gold working electrode using zero-length crosslinkers N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide and 10 mM N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide. Cortisol was detected in phosphate buffered saline (simulated tear fluid) using a simple ferrocyanide reagent with a lower limit of detection of 18.73 pM and less than 10% relative standard deviation.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide adsorbent including a hierarchical zeolite. The hierarchical zeolite defines micropores having a pore width between about 0.4 nm and about 2 nm, and at least one of: mesopores having a pore width between about 2 nm and about 50 nm; and macropores having a pore width greater than about 50 nm.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to omniphobic compatibilizers, which include a polymerization reaction product between a first vinyl monomer, optionally a second vinyl crosslinking monomer, and a functionalized omniphobic polymer. The functionalized omniphobic polymer can include two or more vinyl functional groups or at least one free radical initiator functional group such that the reaction product forming the omniphobic compatibilizer can be a vinyl or free-radical polymerization product. The omniphobic compatibilizer can be incorporated into a UV-curable or a non-UV-curable thermoset omniphobic composition. The UV-curable composition can be a crosslinked polymerization reaction product between the omniphobic compatibilizer, a third vinyl monomer, and a fourth polyvinyl crosslinking monomer. The non-UV-curable composition can be a crosslinked polymerization reaction product between the omniphobic compatibilizer, a first thermosetting component, and a second thermosetting component.

Abstract: A system and method for demodulation of a fiber optic interferometric sensor are provided. Another aspect pertains to a system and method employing a single laser to generate multiple quadratic wavelengths to demodulate fiber optic interferometric sensors with approximately sinusoidal fringes. Yet another aspect of the present system and method uses a single frequency laser which is split into multiple paths using a fiber optic coupler, with one path including an intensity modulator and another path including an acousto-optic modulator, whereafter the paths are recombined into a fiber which leads to an interferometric sensor, and the light reflected from the sensor is then directed to a photodetector. A further aspect employs a single frequency laser which is split into multiple paths, with the light in the paths being modulated at different frequencies, whereafter the paths are recombined into a fiber which leads to an interferometric sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed are non-naturally occurring zebrafish, such as transgenic zebrafish, which comprise a mutation in the rhodopsin (rho) gene. Also disclosed are methods of identifying compounds useful in treating retinal-specific defects and disorders, such as degeneration. Further disclosed are methods of identifying mutations in the rhodopsin gene that can cause retinal-specific defects.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides a process for the conversion of certain polymers into diamond and diamond-like materials using laser pulse annealing. The process includes transforming the polymer to carbon, melting the carbon and quenching the carbon melt into to form Q-carbon, diamond, and/or graphene. The process can be applied to a polymer film such as a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape. An object can be coated with the polymer film which can then be converted to Q-carbon, diamond, and/or graphene using laser pulse annealing. A process is also provided for making a three-dimensional object using a combination of, for example, 3D printing the polymer and converting each layer of polymer into Q-carbon, diamond and/or graphene.

Abstract: Methods of passivating a surface. The methods may include providing a mixture including a liquid and a derivative of quinacridone, applying the mixture to a first surface of a film that includes a metal halide perovskite, and annealing the film for a time and a temperature effective to convert the derivative of quinacridone to quinacridone. Composite materials and electronic devices also are provided.

Abstract: Protected quantum dots are protected from degradation, particularly in aqueous environments, The system comprises quantum dots, hydrophobic core, and hydrophilic shell. The quantum dots are entrapped in and protected by the hydrophobic core. The core polymer is covalently bonded to a hydrophilic shell polymer or protein. Quantum yield is better maintained than for non-encapsulated quantum dots in an aqueous environment. Optionally, ligands are attached to the hydrophilic shell to target delivery of the protected quantum dots, In an alternative embodiment, quantum dots are entrapped in the hydrophilic shell, or in both the shell and the core.

Abstract: An interferometer includes a coherent light source and an array of electrically coupled light-sensitive pixel elements. The interferometer is configured to direct an internal optical path of the coherent light source and an external optical path of the coherent light source into a monolithic unit cell. In addition, the monolithic unit cell is configured to direct the internal optical path first through the monolithic unit cell and then onto the array and also configured to direct the external optical path back outside the monolithic unit cell through an external environment and then back into the monolithic unit cell and finally onto the array. In addition, interferometer is further configured to combine the internal optical path and the external optical path at the array and produce a first interferogram on the array, the interferogram characterizing an optical property of the external environment.

Abstract: An aortic aneurysm carries increasing risk of rupture with growing aneurysm diameter. This condition is typically asymptomatic, so screening and surveillance are essential. Ultrasound and other imaging methods are employed for such monitoring at high accuracy. However, these methods require an expert and are expensive. Aortic aneurysms are considerably under-detected at present and may become even more under-detected in the future as the disease prevalence increases with societal aging. This disclosure present devices that are convenient in use and cost for aortic aneurysm screening and surveillance.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes examples of a computer-implemented framework that helps to detect deception in charts and/or associated articles through textual and visual annotations.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for channel estimation and data detection. In one exemplary embodiment, the data is obtained in a two-phase transmission structure that alternates known data with unknown data according to a regular or otherwise pre-determined time interval. Then, the receiver iteratively updates a postulated channel, and provides a predicted channel to the next time slot. Conceptually, the exemplary techniques iteratively improve its postulates for channel condition and data over multiple time slots. More directly, instead of linear detection and decoding of a pilot for channel estimation in each time slot, the exemplary techniques described herein use postulated channel conditions to attempt data detection and use the recovered data from data detection (unknown data) to re-postulate the channel conditions, etc. until channel conditions are stable and/or the next time slot is ready for processing.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for modeling fluid flow. The systems may comprise a plurality of chambers, a plurality of sensors, a pump, a plurality of valves, and a flow limiting operator (FLO). The respective sensor of the plurality of sensors may be configured to sense a respective monitoring parameter associated with the respective chamber. The pump may be configured to move media to or from the respective chamber. The respective valve of the plurality of valves may be configured to control a fluid velocity of the media flowing through the respective chamber. The FLO may be electrically connected to the plurality of sensors, the pump, and the plurality of valves. The FLO may be configured to independently control the respective chamber by manipulating one or more controllable parameters associated with the respective chamber based on the respective monitoring parameter associated with the respective chamber.

Abstract: ‘MSU 120’ is a new blueberry variety of Vaccinium corymbosum. ‘MSU 120’ is primarily Vaccinium corymbosum but is a complex hybrid with about 7.7% of its genes coming from V. darrowii, 6% from V. angustifolium, 1.7% from V. virgatum, and 0.2% from V. tenellum. It is a highly productive cultivar-with excellent fresh fruit quality. It is well adapted to all northern highbush production areas. Plants of ‘MSU 120’ are vigorous and upright, with numerous, moderately branched canes and well exposed fruit. Its berries are large, have small, dry picking scars, medium blue color, good firmness and flavor.