Abstract: Cryogenic testing systems for testing electronic components such as wafers under cryogenic conditions are provided. The novel designs enable fast throughput by use of a cryogenically maintained test surface to which wafers may be rapidly introduced, cooled, and manipulated to contact testing elements while maintaining high quality cryogenic conditions. Thermal shielding is achieved by floating shields and/or flexible bellows that provide effective thermal shielding of the test environment while enabling manipulation of wafers with a wide range of motion. Also provided are novel door assemblies, chuck configurations, and vacuum plate bases that enable effective maintenance of cryogenic conditions and high throughput.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the present disclosure, an oxygen-generating bioelectrical reactor comprises two chambers, a first oxidative chamber configured for the abiotic oxidation of water to generate molecular oxygen, and a second reductive chamber configured for the biotic reduction of an insoluble metal(loid) oxide or hydroxide. In various embodiments, the biotic reduction comprises microbially-catalyzed metal(loid) ion reduction of the insoluble metal(loid) oxide or hydroxide, wherein a dissimilatory metal(loid) reducing microorganism transfers electrons obtained from the oxidation of the water extracellularly to the metal(loid) ions.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various methods, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for supporting customer service automation. The support for automation of customer service may be based on analysis of conversations between customers and customer service agents of a customer service center. The support for automation of customer service may be based on analysis of conversations between customers and customer service agents to identify conversation-level topics and utterance-level topics from the customer service conversations. The support for automation of customer service may be based on use of conversation-level topics and utterance-level topics identified from the customer service conversations to control initiation of customer service automation actions for supporting automation of customer service of the customer service center.

Abstract: Cryogenic testing systems for testing electronic components such as wafers under cryogenic conditions are provided. The novel designs enable fast throughput by use of a cryogenically maintained test surface to which wafers may be rapidly introduced, cooled, and manipulated to contact testing elements while maintaining high quality cryogenic conditions. Thermal shielding is achieved by floating shields and/or flexible bellows that provide effective thermal shielding of the test environment while enabling manipulation of wafers with a wide range of motion. Also provided are novel door assemblies, chuck configurations, and vacuum plate bases that enable effective maintenance of cryogenic conditions and high throughput.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a photoacoustic light signal to prevent unauthorized voice commands for a microphone-controllable device are provided. The method includes receiving, by a processor, a signal, detecting, by the processor, that the signal is a photoacoustic signal generated by a thermal expansion and contraction of an object caused by at least one lightwave applied to the object, and activating, by the processor, a counter-measure to prevent the photoacoustic signal from reaching a microphone of a microphone-controllable device in response to detecting the photoacoustic signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a photoacoustic light signal to prevent unauthorized voice commands for a microphone-controllable device are provided. The method includes receiving, by a processor, a signal, detecting, by the processor, that the signal is a photoacoustic signal generated by a thermal expansion and contraction of an object caused by at least one lightwave applied to the object, and activating, by the processor, a counter-measure to prevent the photoacoustic signal from reaching a microphone of a microphone-controllable device in response to detecting the photoacoustic signal.

Abstract: An example method performed by a processing system includes receiving a request from a user, wherein the request identifies a plurality of items of source content, and wherein the request indicates that the user would like to generate synthesized content from the plurality of items of source content, retrieving, by the processing system, a plurality of sets of permissions, wherein each set of permissions of the plurality of sets of permissions is associated with one item of source content of the plurality of items of source content, determining, by the processing system, whether the request can be satisfied, based on the plurality of sets of permissions, and automatically generating, by the processing system, the synthesized content using the plurality of items of source content, when the request can be satisfied based on the plurality of sets of permissions.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the present disclosure, an oxygen-generating bioelectrical reactor comprises two chambers, a first oxidative chamber configured for the abiotic oxidation of water to generate molecular oxygen, and a second reductive chamber configured for the biotic reduction of an insoluble metal(loid) oxide or hydroxide. In various embodiments, the biotic reduction comprises microbially-catalyzed metal(loid) ion reduction of the insoluble metal(loid) oxide or hydroxide, wherein a dissimilatory metal(loid) reducing microorganism transfers electrons obtained from the oxidation of the water extracellularly to the metal(loid) ions.

Abstract: An example method performed by a processing system includes receiving a request from a user, wherein the request identifies a plurality of items of source content, and wherein the request indicates that the user would like to generate synthesized content from the plurality of items of source content, retrieving, by the processing system, a plurality of sets of permissions, wherein each set of permissions of the plurality of sets of permissions is associated with one item of source content of the plurality of items of source content, determining, by the processing system, whether the request can be satisfied, based on the plurality of sets of permissions, and automatically generating, by the processing system, the synthesized content using the plurality of items of source content, when the request can be satisfied based on the plurality of sets of permissions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a photoacoustic light signal to prevent unauthorized voice commands for a microphone-controllable device are provided. The method includes receiving, by a processor, a signal, detecting, by the processor, that the signal is a photoacoustic signal generated by a thermal expansion and contraction of an object caused by at least one lightwave applied to the object, and activating, by the processor, a counter-measure to prevent the photoacoustic signal from reaching a microphone of a microphone-controllable device in response to detecting the photoacoustic signal.

Abstract: An example method performed by a processing system includes receiving a request from a user, wherein the request identifies a plurality of items of source content, and wherein the request indicates that the user would like to generate synthesized content from the plurality of items of source content, retrieving, by the processing system, a plurality of sets of permissions, wherein each set of permissions of the plurality of sets of permissions is associated with one item of source content of the plurality of items of source content, determining, by the processing system, whether the request can be satisfied, based on the plurality of sets of permissions, and automatically generating, by the processing system, the synthesized content using the plurality of items of source content, when the request can be satisfied based on the plurality of sets of permissions.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to a field-programmable gate array (“FPGA”)-based biometric sampling system for improving biometric data reusability. The system can include one or more FPGAs, each of which can include a plurality of configurable input/output (“I/O”) blocks, a plurality of configurable logic blocks, and a plurality of configurable interconnects that connect the plurality of configurable I/O blocks to the plurality of configurable logic blocks. The FPGA(s) can be configured based upon a hardware description language model to receive biometric input data associated with a user, to apply a sampling scheme to the biometric input data to extract, from the biometric input data, an enrollment biometric data sample, and to cause the enrollment biometric data sample to be stored in a database.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to a field-programmable gate array (“FPGA”)-based biometric sampling system for improving biometric data reusability. The system can include one or more FPGAs, each of which can include a plurality of configurable input/output (“I/O”) blocks, a plurality of configurable logic blocks, and a plurality of configurable interconnects that connect the plurality of configurable I/O blocks to the plurality of configurable logic blocks. The FGPA(s) can be configured based upon a hardware description language model to receive biometric input data associated with a user, to apply a sampling scheme to the biometric input data to extract, from the biometric input data, an enrollment biometric data sample, and to cause the enrollment biometric data sample to be stored in a database.

Abstract: The Resistance Running System may include at least one glove worn on the user's hand with an anchor point on the palm of the glove. This anchor point connects to an elastic band with connecting links on both ends. The opposite end of the elastic band connects to at least one strap worn around a user's leg. The strap is tightened and fixed by the use of a buckle with use of a simple hook and loop fastener. An anchor point on the strap allows at least one end of the elastic band to connect to the strap worn on the user's leg.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, monitoring interaction(s) between user(s) and agent(s), detecting a shift in the user's attitude, and identifying either a positive shift or a negative shift based on an analysis of the shift. The method may include tracking an outcome of each of the interactions, analyzing the interactions and outcomes, and producing training materials for use by the agent based on the analysis, the training materials including suggestions as to how to reverse the negative shift in future interactions. The method may include presenting the suggestions to the agent during the interaction(s), thereby assisting the agent in resolving the user's attitude and/or concerns. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, monitoring interaction(s) between user(s) and agent(s), detecting a shift in the user's attitude, and identifying either a positive shift or a negative shift based on an analysis of the shift. The method may include tracking an outcome of each of the interactions, analyzing the interactions and outcomes, and producing training materials for use by the agent based on the analysis, the training materials including suggestions as to how to reverse the negative shift in future interactions. The method may include presenting the suggestions to the agent during the interaction(s), thereby assisting the agent in resolving the user's attitude and/or concerns. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A retractable exercise band system is described. The retractable exercise band system may include at least one strap configured to be worn around a user's limb, a tube connected to the at least one strap and comprising a hollow interior, and an elastic band. The elastic band extends through the tube interior and may include a band top end connected to a handle configured to be grasped by a user's hand, and a band bottom end located below the tube bottom end. The retractable exercise band system is configured to remove from a collapsed position in which the handle is located a first distance from the tube top end to an extended position in which the handle is located a greater distance from the tube top end.

Abstract: The present invention extends to removable shoe securing straps. A strap includes one or more portions of hook material on an end and/or on a side of the strap. The strap also includes one or more portions of loop material on another end and/or on another side of the strap. The strap can be inserted through eyelets on both sides of a shoe. The one or more hook portions can then be placed in contact with (e.g., folded over onto) the one or more loop portions to hold the strap in position. Thus, the strap secures the shoe onto the human foot. When secure, a human wearer is essentially prevented from “walking out” of the shoe. Accordingly, a human wearer can secure shoes to their feet in a more efficient manner.