Abstract: The invention relates to methods for promoting SCFA production by gut microbiota by administering a liquid, water-based probiotic composition. The methods are particularly effective at promoting gut health. The invention further relates to methods of promoting intestinal barrier integrity, methods of promoting a tolerogenic gut phenotype, and methods of treating Parkinson's Disease.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a novel automated and timer-based livestock, game, animal or bird feeding station. The feeding station is configured to connect to a software application installed in a handheld electronic device or to a wireless communication remote through a wireless communication channel. The feeding station includes a timer configured to a timer value and a frequency at which the station dispenses the feed/corn. The feeding station also provides an alert to the software application indicating low volume of feed in the feeding station and an audible alert for livestock to indicate that a feed is ready. A central storage can replenish the feed in the storage area of a plurality of feeding stations.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device including a processing system including a processor, and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations, where the operations include receiving an advertisement identifier; hashing the advertisement identifier, thereby creating a Bluetooth service identifier; transmitting device data including the Bluetooth service identifier in a Bluetooth transmission; and receiving content in a push notification, wherein a system associates the device data with the advertisement identifier to determine whether to create the push notification. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device having a processing system including a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations, the operations including: receiving an operational state of an audiovisual player of a client device, wherein the operational state comprises a foreground operational state or a background operational state; and sending an ad placement request comprising the operational state to a decision server for a content request for advertisement content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A centripetal microfluidic platform comprised of a microfluidics disc and a reader for testing LAL-reactive substances in fluid samples is provided. The microfluidic disc may comprise at least two testing areas wherein each testing area includes a reservoir portion for receiving at least one fluid sample. The disc may comprise a distribution network portion in fluid communication with the reservoir portion. Each distribution network portion may comprise a distribution network of at least four (4) channels, wherein each channel has a metering portion and at least one analysis chamber portion. The analysis chamber portion may comprise a mixing chamber for mixing samples and reagents and an optical chamber portion that is compatible with an optical reader. The metering portion may be sized to meter an aliquot of the fluid sample for analysis in the analysis chamber portion. At least one analysis chamber portion has at least one reagent isolated therein.

Abstract: A cartridge for an e-vaping device includes an infrared sensor configured to measure infrared radiation emitted by at least a portion of a heating element coupled to a dispensing interface in the cartridge. The field of view of the infrared sensor may encompass an entirety of the heating element. The infrared sensor may be an infrared light emitting diode. The e-vaping device may include control circuitry configured to determine the temperature of the heating element based on sensor data generated by the infrared sensor and control the electrical power supplied to the cartridge based on the temperature of the heating element. The control circuitry may control the electrical power to maintain the temperature of the heating element below a threshold temperature. The control circuitry may determine the heating element temperature based on accessing at least a portion of the sensor data stored at a storage device in the cartridge.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device including a processing system including a processor, and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations, where the operations include receiving an advertisement identifier; hashing the advertisement identifier, thereby creating a Bluetooth service identifier; transmitting device data including the Bluetooth service identifier in a Bluetooth transmission; and receiving content in a push notification, wherein a system associates the device data with the advertisement identifier to determine whether to create the push notification. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing cigarette filter rods comprises providing a continuous supply of filter material in a direction of travel; forming the filter material into a continuous rod; and rotating a wheel in a vertical plane, in operable communication with the filter material such that a portion of the wheel contacts the filter material at a predetermined location, and such that general direction of travel of the rotating wheel and the filter material, when in contact, are in generally the same direction. The method also comprises providing a lower hopper in operable communication with the rotatable wheel; providing an upper hopper in operable communication with the lower hopper; and wrapping an overwrap material around the filter material. The method further comprises controlling speed of rotation of the wheel relative to feedback from an inspection system; and subdividing the continuous rod at pre-determined intervals.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device having a processing system including a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations, the operations including: receiving an operational state of an audiovisual player of a client device, wherein the operational state comprises a foreground operational state or a background operational state; and sending an ad placement request comprising the operational state to a decision server for a content request for advertisement content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An automated resonant waveguide cavity system for determining one or complex permittivity measurements of a sample is provided. The automated resonant waveguide cavity system includes a resonant cavity, a waveguide coupled to the resonant cavity, a programmable network analyzer (PNA) coupled to the waveguide, and a computing device. The computing device includes a memory storing processor executable code for a determination engine and a processor executing the processor executable code to cause the determination engine to obtain data from the PNA. The data is respective to the sample within the resonant cavity. The determination engine further integrates a plurality of analytical and modeling functions in determining the complex permittivity values of the sample from the data.

Abstract: A cartridge for an e-vaping device includes an infrared sensor configured to measure infrared radiation emitted by at least a portion of a heating element coupled to a dispensing interface in the cartridge. The field of view of the infrared sensor may encompass an entirety of the heating element. The infrared sensor may be an infrared light emitting diode. The e-vaping device may include control circuitry configured to determine the temperature of the heating element based on sensor data generated by the infrared sensor and control the electrical power supplied to the cartridge based on the temperature of the heating element. The control circuitry may control the electrical power to maintain the temperature of the heating element below a threshold temperature. The control circuitry may determine the heating element temperature based on accessing at least a portion of the sensor data stored at a storage device in the cartridge.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a prefabricated modular shower enclosure, including a base with a plurality of engagement feature along a peripheral surface of the base, a plurality of alignment supports, and a surround panel. In some embodiments, at least one alignment support is positionable in a preselected relationship relative to the engagement features of the base, and the alignment supports are configured to be independently made square relative to the base. Additional exemplary embodiments provide a prefabricated shower enclosure, including a base with a plurality of engagement feature along a peripheral surface of the base, and a plurality of surround panels that engage the base. The modular shower enclosure reduces installation time and complexity by using components that are fabricated and cut to size offsite prior to installation at a job site.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal desorber assembly for desorbing substances collected on a high-volume sampling (HVS) filter. The assembly includes, among other elements, a filter holder for securing a HVS filter within the assembly, a desorber body, and an insulating enclosure. The design of the thermal desorber assembly is such that it can accommodate a variety of different types of HVS filter media. Also described herein is a system comprising the thermal desorber assembly and method of using the assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter conditioning unit for cleaning and conditioning high-volume sampling (HVS) filters. The unit includes, among other elements, a filter tray suitable for holding one or more HVS filters, a manifold in which the filter tray is inserted, and an optional enclosure for safety. The manifold is suitable for heating the filter tray and filters therein to a desired temperature while purge gas is introduced to the manifold. Also described herein is a method of using the filter conditioning unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mixing chamber apparatus suitable for high-volume sampling (HVS) application. The mixing chamber apparatus includes, among other elements, inlet and outlet manifolds, a mixing chamber, and a tubing manifold for the introduction of clean, turbulent air into the mixing chamber. The inlet manifold defines a plurality of vapor ports that can be in fluid communication with one or more vapor sources to be sampled and mixed within the mixing chamber. Also described herein is a baffled mixing system that can be used alone or in combination with the disclosed mixing chamber apparatus.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining an augmented reality (AR) template according to a configurable grouping of digital content and identifying a geometry of a digital entity adapted for presenting digital content within a rendered display of a physical domain according to the geometry. A location of equipment of a user is determined and the AR template is scaled according to the geometry of the digital entity and the location of the equipment of the user to obtain a scaled AR template. The scaled AR template is provided to the equipment of the user to facilitate presentation of the configurable grouping of digital content within the rendered display of the physical domain according to the scaled AR template. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying a physical domain, identifying a geometry of a digital entity adapted for presenting digital content within a rendered display of the physical domain according to the geometry and storing the geometry in association with the physical domain to obtain a stored geometry. A location of equipment of a user is determined and associated with the physical domain to obtain an association. Responsive to the association, the stored geometry is provided to the equipment of the user for presenting the digital content within the rendered display of the physical domain according to the geometry. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device having a processing system including a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations, the operations including: receiving an operational state of an audiovisual player of a client device, wherein the operational state comprises a foreground operational state or a background operational state; and sending an ad placement request comprising the operational state to a decision server for a content request for advertisement content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: At least one example embodiment provides a non-combustible smoking system or kit, comprising: a cartridge having a first end and a second end; and a tobacco containing section having a third end and a fourth end. The cartridge includes: a pre-vapor formulation reservoir element and a pre-vapor heating element coupled to the pre-vapor formulation reservoir element. The tobacco containing section includes a tobacco housing and a tobacco heating element. The first end of the cartridge is configured to be connected to the fourth end of the tobacco containing section, and the second end of the cartridge is configured to be connected to the third end of the tobacco containing section.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying a physical domain, identifying a geometry of a digital entity adapted for presenting digital content within a rendered display of the physical domain according to the geometry and storing the geometry in association with the physical domain to obtain a stored geometry. A location of equipment of a user is determined and associated with the physical domain to obtain an association. Responsive to the association, the stored geometry is provided to the equipment of the user for presenting the digital content within the rendered display of the physical domain according to the geometry. Other embodiments are disclosed.