Abstract: An apparatus includes a precursor dispenser for dispensing a precursor material into a workspace, one or more acoustic sources configured to direct acoustic waves towards the workspace to provide acoustic fields that arrange the precursor material in a three-dimensional shape in the workspace, one or more sensors configured to detect a distribution of the precursor material in the workspace, and an electronic controller in communication with the precursor dispenser, the one or more acoustic sources, and the one or more sensors, the electronic controller being programmed to cause the one or more acoustic sources to adjust the acoustic fields to reduce deviations in the distribution of the precursor material from the three-dimensional shape in the workspace.

Abstract: In one embodiment, techniques include receiving, by a computing device associated with a payment service system, a request to create a blockchain-enforced contract corresponding to a new transaction between a merchant and a customer. Techniques include generating, based on analysis using machine-learned models of a transaction history associated with the merchant, a condition of the blockchain-enforced contract requisite for completion of the new transaction. Techniques includes generating the blockchain-enforced contract including the condition. Techniques include providing the blockchain-enforced contract to nodes in a blockchain network. Techniques include creating a blockchain transaction addressed to the blockchain-enforced contract and including information regarding the condition. Techniques include providing the blockchain transaction to the nodes. Techniques include receiving confirmation that the nodes have validated the blockchain transaction.

Abstract: A particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit includes a shuttle track configured to be disposed adjacent to a particle metering and singulation unit, shuttles movably disposed along the shuttle track, and a track belt disposed inwardly of the shuttle track. Each shuttle is configured to receive a particle from the particle metering and singulation unit at a particle reception section of the shuttle track and release the particle toward a trench in soil at a particle deposition section of the shuttle track. The track belt includes paddles, and each paddle is configured to move a respective shuttle along a particle transfer section of the shuttle track from the particle reception section to the particle deposition section.

Abstract: A particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit includes a particle belt configured to be disposed apart from a particle metering and singulation unit and a particle acceleration system configured to apply a force to a particle to accelerate the particle from the particle metering and singulation unit and to guide the particle toward the particle belt. The particle belt is configured to receive the particle accelerated from the particle metering and singulation unit, and the particle acceleration system is configured to apply the force to the particle to accelerate the particle from the particle metering and singulation unit to the particle belt, such that a particle speed of the particle reaches a target particle speed, is within a target percentage of a belt speed of the particle belt, or both, as the particle reaches the particle belt.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for designing an image processing device includes defining a loss function within a simulation space composed of a plurality of voxels; defining an initial structure for one or more physical features of a metasurface and one or more architectural features of a neural network in the simulation space; determining, using a computer system, values for at least one structural parameter, and/or at least one functional parameter for the one or more physical features and at least one architectural parameter for the one or more architectural features, using a numerical solver to solve Maxwell's equations so that a loss determined according to the loss function is within a threshold loss; defining a final structure of the metasurface based on the values for the one or more structural parameters; and defining a final structure of the neural network based on the values for the at least one architectural parameter.

Abstract: A social electronic learning system, including a plurality of computing devices for communicating with a plurality of users in an educational community, and at least one server in communication with each of the plurality of computing devices, each server in communication with at least one data storage device configured to host a plurality of electronic portfolios, each electronic portfolio associated with one or more users of the plurality of users in the educational community, wherein each server is configured such that one or more users may associate one or more digital items with each electronic portfolio, and the plurality of users may take actions on the digital items in each electronic portfolio depending on authorization criteria.

Abstract: Fabrics made for apparel, tents, sleeping bags and the like, in various composites, constructed such that a combination of substrate layers and insulation layers is configured to provide improved thermal insulation. The fabric composites are constructed to form a radiant barrier against heat loss via radiation and via conduction from a body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, techniques include receiving, from a device associated with a merchant, a request to create blockchain-enforced contract corresponding to a new transaction between the merchant and a customer. Techniques include generating a condition of the blockchain-enforced contract requisite for completion of the new transaction. Techniques include receiving a selection of at least one option for determining that the condition is satisfied. Techniques include generating the blockchain-enforced contract and providing the blockchain-enforced contract to one or more nodes in the blockchain network. Techniques include receiving an input comprising information regarding the condition, creating a blockchain transaction addressed to the blockchain-enforced contract and sending the blockchain transaction to nodes in the blockchain network. Techniques include transferring a corresponding to the new transaction from an escrow account to a merchant account.

Abstract: The present invention allows spectral codes to be accurately and consistently deployed for a wide range of labels and substrates or products. Spectral codes provided by one or more taggants are incorporated into transferable images so that these images can be prepared separately under accurate, controlled conditions and then transferred onto labels or other substrates. The transferable images that include one or more taggants further include a metal foil layer that is both highly opaque and thin so that the foil is highly compatible with image transfer techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a precursor dispenser for dispensing a precursor material into a workspace, one or more acoustic sources configured to direct acoustic waves towards the workspace to provide acoustic fields that arrange the precursor material in a three-dimensional shape in the workspace, one or more sensors configured to detect a distribution of the precursor material in the workspace, and an electronic controller in communication with the precursor dispenser, the one or more acoustic sources, and the one or more sensors, the electronic controller being programmed to cause the one or more acoustic sources to adjust the acoustic fields to reduce deviations in the distribution of the precursor material from the three-dimensional shape in the workspace.

Abstract: A method of determining components present in a sample from spectral data obtained from the sample including resolving each of a plurality of models of the spectral data, the plurality of models including models having a different number of component reference spectra selected from a set of predetermined component reference spectra; selecting a one of the plurality of models based upon a model selection criterion and determining one or more components present in the sample based upon the selected model. The model selection criterion includes a measure for each model, which balances improvements in fit quality of the model to the spectral data against a complexity penalty determined from the number of component reference spectrum used in the model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the area of improved anti-IgE antibodies and antigen binding agents, and compositions thereof, which target IgE, for instance: for use in treating disorders caused by IgE (such as allergic responses, or certain autoimmune responses); and, in particular, disorders caused by the interaction of IgE with the Fc?RI receptor. In particular, this invention relates to improved anti-IgE antibodies and antigen binding agents related to novel mutants of omalizumab (Xolair®). The improved anti-IgE antibodies and antigen binding agents of the invention may have improved affinity for IgE and/or an improved interaction with the C?2 domain of IgE and/or an improved modified epitope on IgE (for instance further involving the C?2 domain of IgE) and/or the ability to disassociate IgE from the Fc?RI receptor for instance at pharmaceutically-relevant concentrations.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to an annotation system having a remote processor, and a client processor in data communication with the remote processor. The client processor is adapted to send a first request for an electronic file to the remote processor, receive the electronic file from the remote processor, define at least one new annotation about the electronic file, and define at least one anchor associated with the at least one annotation. The at least one of the remote processor and the client processor is adapted to store the at least one anchor and the at least one annotation in an annotation file that is separate from the electronic file.

Abstract: A computer-aided educational system and method to further a student's understanding of a subject matter through analyzing data captured in an electronic learning system so as to determine correlation data corresponding to variables or trends which are determined to enhance, optimize, and/or improve one's learning abilities or understanding of educational content. The system and method generates reports based on the correlation data, develops statistical models that highlight learning and behavioral trends, and/or provides recommendations for adapting the learning system based on the correlation data and statistical models.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wound dressings which are particularly useful (but not necessarily exclusively) on moderate to heavily exuding wounds comprising: an absorbent pad having a first major face comprised of absorbent material and configured for wound contact, and a second major face opposed to the first major face; and a backing layer bonded to the second major face of the pad; wherein the pad and the backing layer are sized such that the backing layer extends beyond the periphery of the pad, thereby defining a margin; wherein the margin of the backing layer is provided with a first adhesive for adhering the backing layer to skin; and wherein a layer of second, low trauma adhesive is provided on, and in direct contact with, the first major face of the pad for adhering the pad to a wound, said layer of second, low trauma adhesive being configured to allow passage of exudate from the wound to the absorbent pad.

Abstract: The present application relates to repair systems, and more particularly to fifth metatarsal repair systems and methods of use. The repair systems described herein can include a fixation device with a threaded section. The repair systems described herein can include one or more grippers designed to be deflected outward to grip the sidewalls of an intramedullary canal of the fifth metatarsal. The repair systems described herein can include an end cap. The end cap can include a fastener including thread designed to engage the threaded section of the fixation device. The end cap can include a cap designed to move relative to the fastener.

Abstract: One or more processing devices access a service definition for a service provided by one or more entities that each produce machine data or about which machine data is generated. The service definition identifies the entities that provide the service and, for each entity, definitional information includes information for identifying machine data pertaining to that entity. The processing devices access a key performance indicator (KPI) for the service that is defined by a search query that produces a value derived from the machine data pertaining to the entities identified in the service definition. The value indicates how the service is performing at a point in time or during a period of time and indicates a state of the KPI. A graphical interface is displayed and an indication of at least one threshold, which defines an end of a range of values representing a state of the KPI, for the KPI is received.

Abstract: Substituted 1,2,3,3a,4,5,7,9,13,13a-decahydropyrido[1?,2?:4,5]pyrazino[1,2-a]pyrrolo[1,2-c]pyrimidines having the anti-virus activity, particularly the HIV integrase inhibitory activity, and a pharmaceutical composition containing the same, particularly an anti-HIV pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer-implemented system and method for automatic collection, analysis and reporting of data relating to a cybersecurity threat. The method may comprise the steps of: presenting an interface through which an executable can be configured and automatically generated; transmitting the executable to a client to enable the client to execute the executable on client systems to automatically collect forensic data; receiving from the client an encrypted data package that includes the forensic data; using a forensic toolset to automatically analyze the forensic data; presenting an option to select one or more of at least two types of output reports designed for different types of readers; inputting the analysis files into an automatic report generator to automatically generate the types of output reports selected by the client; and sending the output reports selected by the client to the client.

Abstract: A monitoring system for an agricultural implement includes a sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicative of a position of at least one scraper of the agricultural implement relative to a surface of at least one respective disc. The at least one scraper is configured to engage the surface of the at least one respective disc to remove accumulated soil from the surface of the at least one respective disc. The monitoring system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to determine an amount of wear on the at least one scraper based on the position of the at least one scraper relative to the surface of the at least one respective disc, and the controller is configured to output a wear signal indicative of the amount of wear on the at least one scraper.