Abstract: A method is provided by which payments for assets are recorded using blockchain transactions, and verified based on immutable logs associated with the transactions.

Abstract: Navigation and simulation systems and methods for minimally invasive therapy in which the navigation system imports a planning method using patient specific preoperative images. The navigation system uses intraoperative imaging during the medical procedure to update the preoperative images and provides images of tracked surgical tools along the surgical path prepared from the preoperative images.

Abstract: An additive-containing aluminium nitride film containing an additive element selected from Sc, Y or Er is plasma etched through a mask for a period of time, t, with a plasma formed in a gaseous atmosphere having an associated gas pressure while an RF bias power is applied to the additive-containing aluminium nitride film. The gas pressure is reduced and/or the RF bias power is increased for a majority of the period of time t, so that the plasma etching becomes less chemical and more physical over a majority of the period of time, t.

Abstract: A crawler vehicle has a frame; a working tool hinged at the back of the frame around a yaw axis; and actuation system, which is configured to act between the working tool and the frame; and a control device, which is configured to calculate a value of the steering radius of the crawler vehicle and to control the actuation system so as to selectively: enable the working tool to freely oscillate about the yaw axis when the calculated value of the steering radius is comprised within a reference interval; keep the position of the working tool blocked with respect to the frame when the calculated value of the steering radius is outside the reference interval.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method of plasma etching a silicon-based compound semiconductor substrate, the method comprising providing the substrate within an etch chamber and performing a cyclical process on the substrate, each cycle comprising supplying an etchant gas into the chamber, energising the gas into a plasma, and performing an etch step on the substrate using the plasma; and performing a desorption step, wherein during the desorption step, the only gas that is supplied into the etch chamber is an inert gas, so as to allow reactive species that have adsorbed to the surface of the substrate during the etch step to desorb from the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method of plasma etching a silicon-based compound semiconductor substrate, the method comprising providing the substrate within an etch chamber and performing a cyclical process on the substrate, each cycle comprising supplying an etchant gas into the chamber, energising the gas into a plasma, and performing an etch step on the substrate using the plasma; and performing a desorption step, wherein during the desorption step, the only gas that is supplied into the etch chamber is an inert gas, so as to allow reactive species that have adsorbed to the surface of the substrate during the etch step to desorb from the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to produce substituted furans (e.g., halomethylfurfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, and furfural), by acid-catalyzed conversion of biomass using a gaseous acid in a multiphase reactor, such as a fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: A method of retrieving healthcare information includes at a computer having one or more processors and memory for storing one or more programs to be executed by the processors: receiving a query for a service charge in connection with a member from a user terminal; assigning a case number to the query for a service charge; transmitting the query for a service charge to a healthcare insurer; receiving a response to the query for the service charge in connection with the member from the healthcare insurer; generating guarantee of payment (GOP) data in accordance to the response to the query for the service charge in connection with the member; logging the GOP data in a database; and outputting the GOP data to the user terminal.

Abstract: A method of retrieving healthcare information includes at a computer having one or more processors and memory for storing one or more programs to be executed by the processors: receiving a query for a service charge in connection with a member from a user terminal; assigning a case number to the query for a service charge; transmitting the query for a service charge to a healthcare insurer; receiving a response to the query for the service charge in connection with the member from the healthcare insurer; generating guarantee of payment (GOP) data in accordance to the response to the query for the service charge in connection with the member; logging the GOP data in a database; and outputting the GOP data to the user terminal

Abstract: Systems and methods for altering the shape of a reconfigurable surface area are presented. The present systems and methods facilitate efficient and effective interaction with a device or system. In one embodiment, a surface reconfiguration system includes a flexible surface; an elevation unit that creates alterations in the contours of the surface; and an elevation control component that controls adjustments to the elevation unit. Thus, the surface of the device is reconfigurable based on system, application, mode, and/or user needs. Accordingly, the surface can be used to provide input and output functionality. The surface can include touch detection functionality for added input functionality.

Abstract: Systems and methods for altering the shape of a reconfigurable surface area are presented. The present systems and methods facilitate efficient and effective interaction with a device or system. In one embodiment, a surface reconfiguration system includes a flexible surface; an elevation unit that creates alterations in the contours of the surface; and an elevation control component that controls adjustments to the elevation unit. Thus, the surface of the device is reconfigurable based on system, application, mode, and/or user needs. Accordingly, the surface can be used to provide input and output functionality. The surface can include touch detection functionality for added input functionality.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing intake air and exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine includes a chamber having an inlet to supply a stream of intake air, and a second inlet that receives an exhaust gas flow. The second inlet includes a section extending into the chamber of the mixer that has an outer surface that is elongated in cross-section along a longitudinal axis of the chamber in the direction of flow of the flowable media. The mixing apparatus mixes the intake air and exhaust gases without high pressure head loss across the apparatus.