Abstract: A system and method for crowdfunding and crowdsourcing a project that receives, via communication circuitry, a project from a user, determines, using processing circuitry, whether the project adheres to a predetermined criteria, provides the project to a crowdsourcing community and a crowdfunding community, receives bids from one or more freelancers to implement one or more parts of the project, receives contributions from one or more contributors, selects at least one freelancer based on a predefined rule, determines a total amount of contributions, determines a total amount of funds needed, determines whether the total amount of contributions is at least equal to the total amount of funds needed, assigns the one or more parts of the project to the selected at least one freelancer, transmits an alert to at least on device associated with the selected at least one freelancer, and submits payments to the selected at least one freelancer.

Abstract: An efficient method of parallel-scalar multiplication to obtain the scalar product between a key and a point on an elliptic curve, using parallel processors. In selected embodiments, the key is partitioned into a number of partitions equal to the number of parallel processors. Precomputed points of the point on the elliptic curve are obtained using point-doubling operations, wherein the number of precomputed points also equals the number of parallel processors. Using a binary scalar-product method, intermediate scalar products are obtained when each of the parallel processors computes in parallel the scalar product between a key partition and a corresponding precomputed point. These intermediate scalar products are then aggregated using point-addition operations to obtain the total scalar product of the key and the point.

Abstract: A precast step-wall block including a step portion projecting perpendicularly out of a wall system and a wall block portion, is disclosed. Wall blocks used in constructing the wall system are T-shaped in plan view with exemplary dimensions of 400 mm×200 mm×200 mm. These wall blocks are arranged in Flemish bond courses to facilitate the projection of the precast steps from the wall system. A mold designed for preparation of the precast steps of different lengths is also described.

Abstract: An emergency response system includes at least one server with circuitry configured to receive an emergency report from an external device regarding injuries and location of at least one victim. A scope of the emergency is determined based on the emergency report that describes a location of the victim and the injuries of the victim. The circuitry outputs instructions to the external device related to providing first aid based on the injuries of the victim. At least one emergency response team is assigned to respond to the emergency, and information related to one or more incoming patients is output to a medical facility.

Abstract: A composition to be administered to a patient to prevent harmful effects of biological venom or chemical toxin is described. The composition includes the use of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera fruit to be administered to a patient at a particular dosage that effectively prevents the patient from the effects of exposure to a biological venom or a chemical toxin.

Abstract: A controlled food intake system includes an apparatus having an inlet tube configured to connect to a lower esophageal stoma, a flow controller, and at least one container configured to detachably attach to the inlet tube and to administer nutrition liquids to a patient at a flow rate based on a position of the flow controller. The apparatus also includes an outlet tube configured to connect to an upper esophageal stoma and a waste container that detachably attaches to the outlet tube. Processing circuitry of the apparatus is configured to control the flow controller to control the flow rate of the nutrition liquids being administered to the patient based on prescribed nutrition intake order. The controlled food intake system also includes at least one server configured to generate reports based on the nutrition liquids administered to the patient and substance consumed by the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to the process of using a catalyst for the photo-catalytic degradation of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in water. A Pd/Ce2O3—ZnO photo-catalyst is formed to react with MTBE dissolved in water sample and UV irradiated to reduce the MTBE concentration in the water sample. A 95-97% degradation of MTBE is observed using this process.

Abstract: A coach decision support method including collecting sensor data associated with an athlete at a data logger circuitry; wherein sensor data is generated by at least one sensor placed on the athlete; pre-processing the sensor data at the data logger circuitry and filtering sensor noise from the collected sensor data; extracting at least one feature of the collected sensor data; classifying the at least one extracted feature into at least one physical activity; transmitting the physical activity classification to a data analysis module; generating a detailed report of the physical activity analyzing the athlete's performance within a sporting arena; and generating at least one coach decision recommendation based at least in part on the generated detailed report.

Abstract: First communication circuitry of a first device is made discoverable by a second device via a short-range wireless protocol. A device name for the first communication circuitry is set to a user identifier that is specific to a user of the first device. The second device discovers the first device and the user identifier is transmitted to the second device. A response message can also be included with the user identifier and can be appended to the user identifier. The second device stores the user identifier, and the response message if included, in a log to record a presence of the user of the first device within a range between the first and second devices of the short-range wireless protocol.

Abstract: A grading and monitoring system that evaluates a quality of index of a neighborhood via satellite images in described. The system utilizes a fuzzy-logic rule based technique in determining the quality of the neighborhood. The crisp input parameters that define the characteristics of a neighborhood are first fuzzified and based on a set of rules that are obtained from an experts knowledge, an output fuzzy set of type-2 is obtained. Further, the output fuzzy set is aggregated and type-reduced to obtain an output crisp value corresponding to the neighborhoods quality. The system also monitors changes in the neighborhood quality in predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: A system for adaptive intelligent decision making includes circuitry that receives a spatiotemporal problem that includes at least one of a spatial dimension and a temporal dimension. Problem data is assigned to a relative problem space that affects decisions to the spatiotemporal problem. Weighting factors are assigned to the problem data that indicate an effect of the problem data on the decisions to the spatiotemporal problem in order to control relationships between the problem data in the relative problem space. Decisions are determined to the spatiotemporal problem based on decisions between the problem data. Feedback is provided that is related to the decisions and an associated decision confidence factor.

Abstract: Photochromic tetrahydroindolizines (THIs) bearing dihydroisoquinoline derivatives as heterocyclic bases and central fluorene groups have been synthesized via different chemical and photochemical pathways. Three alternative pathways for the synthesis of the target photochromic THI-based pyridazinopyrrolo[1,2-b]isoquinolines via in situ trapping with hydrazine hydrate are also provided. High product yields are obtained using different Sonogashira-mediated coupling reactions provided herein. Low temperature multichannel UV-vis and flash photolysis techniques were used to detect the photochromic and kinetic properties of the synthesized system.

Abstract: Embodiments include a spring loaded piston in an internal combustion engine. In certain embodiments, the internal combustion engine may include a two stroke, one cylinder piston engine having first springs connecting between a piston and a cylinder head and second springs connecting between the piston and the base of the piston cylinder. The first springs are relatively compressed when the crankshaft is at top dead center while the second springs are relatively relaxed when the crankshaft is at top dead center and vice versa at when the crankshaft is at bottom dead center. During the power/intake stroke, some of the fuel's energy is delivered to the crankshaft and some is used to compress the second springs. The stored energy in the second springs is delivered to the crankshaft during the exhaust/compression stroke while the second springs return to their relatively relaxed condition and vice versa for the first springs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving and organizing geographical address information. Each physical address is assigned a unique code including symbols and alphanumeric characters. This unique code is the electronic address assigned to each physical address. Certain of the electronic addresses and the corresponding physical addresses are assigned aliases. The electronic addresses are assigned on a semi-permanent basis (i.e., the electronic addresses are not changed unless there is change to the physical location); whereas the aliases can be freely changed and reassigned among the electronic addresses.

Abstract: An automatic ironing system and method comprise a volumetric enclosure configured to receive an article to be steamed, and a base configured to support, power, and provide steamed water to the volumetric enclosure. The system also comprises a rotary engine configured to rotate the article when activated, and at least one steam nozzle configured to direct steam towards the article. The system also comprises a receptacle configured to receive condensed steam from the volumetric enclosure and to recirculate the condensed steam for re-use, and a controller configured to monitor one or more variables of the automatic ironing system and adjust parameters according to instructions.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system includes a first container configured to house a first liquid, a plurality of nozzles, and a flow path connecting the first container to the plurality of nozzles. A second container configured to house a second liquid and having an electric valve mechanism which is disposed in the flow path downstream from the first container and upstream from the plurality of nozzles. A pump is in fluid communication with the first container and the plurality of nozzles and the pump is configured to force the first liquid and the second liquid through the flow path to be emitted by the plurality of spray nozzles. The liquid dispensing system further includes a controller that controls the electric valve mechanism and opens it to an open position to disperse the second liquid from the second container into the flow path upon an receiving a signal from a user.

Abstract: A user rehabilitation system and method that includes authenticating a user with authentication information input, determining a therapy identification, providing a display of a therapeutic sequence of exercises wherein the therapeutic sequence of exercises includes a plurality of primitive motions, receiving a data stream from a motion-sensing device, analyzing the data stream and comparing the data stream to corresponding therapeutic exercises to identify a mistake when a comparison result is below a first threshold, updating a mistake counter when the comparing identifies that the user failed to perform a therapeutic exercise adequately, updating an alert counter when the mistake counter is above a second threshold, sending a first alert message to a medical professional when the mistake counter is greater than a third threshold, sending a second alert message to a caregiver when the alert counter is greater than an alert threshold, and recording an evaluation result.

Abstract: Embodiments include a vacuum head portion and a combined suction and blowing mechanism configured to agitate and remove debris. A set of powered fans provide an external pressured air source to provide pressured air for the blowing mechanism. The vacuum head portion may include blowing and suction nozzles arranged with the blowing nozzles flanking the suction nozzles. The set of powered fans may be driven an electric motor or via air turbines disposed in an air stream of the suction nozzles. The blowing nozzles may be in parallel rows adjacent to the suction nozzles. The blowing mechanism may be operated to act as a suction device by reversing the rotational direction of the set of powered fans via a switching mechanism to create a negative pressure or suction to assist the suction nozzles. The vacuum head portion may be formed as a removable detachment to the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A game-based method for physical rehabilitation that includes authenticating a user with authentication information input through a communication interface, identifying therapeutic movements by referencing a look-up table stored in a memory, the therapeutic movements being prescribed for the user or associated with a diagnosis of a predetermined physical condition, obtaining a user rehabilitation status stored in the memory, generating a game based on the therapeutic movements and the user status wherein the game includes controlling browsing of a map by detecting the therapeutic movements performed by the user, providing the game to the user, receiving a data stream from a motion-sensing device that monitors an actual movement of the user in correspondence to the therapeutic movements, analyzing the data stream to calculate information metrics that are associated with the correspondence of the actual movements to the therapeutic movements, and updating the user rehabilitation status based on the information

Abstract: A voluntary reporting apparatus performs report generation and includes a check-in interface to receive patient identification information. The voluntary reporting apparatus determines whether a patient is taking a medication under study and receives side effects experienced by the patient related to the medication under study. The severity levels of the side effects are compared to severity level thresholds, and reports are generated that include the side effects and severity levels experienced by the patient related to the medication under study.