Abstract: A VCN process may receive, by a value chain network digital twin, information associated with a value chain network. A VCN process may provide the information to a set of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based learning models, wherein at least one member of the set of AI-based learning models is trained to classify at least one of: an operating state, a fault condition, an operating flow, or a behavior of the value chain network and at least one member of the set of AI-based learning models is trained to determine a task to be completed for the value chain network. A VCN process may provide at least one of an instruction for executing the task in the value chain network digital twin and a recommendation for executing the task in the value chain network digital twin.

Abstract: A VCN process may receive, by a computing device, information associated with a set of value chain network entities of a value chain network, the information generated by at least one of: a set of sensors of the set of value chain network entities, a set of IoT devices configured to collect data relating to the set of value chain network entities, or a set of APIs configured to publish data relating to the set of value chain network entities. A VCN process may provide the information to a set of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based learning models. A VCN process may determine a procurement action to be taken in the value chain network based upon, at least in part, an output of the set of AI-based learning models. A VCN process may execute the procurement action.

Abstract: A VCN process may receive information associated with a value chain network. A VCN process may provide the information to a set of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based learning models, wherein at least one member of the set of AI-based learning models is trained to classify at least one of: an operating state, a fault condition, an operating flow, or a behavior of the value chain network and at least one member of the set of AI-based learning models is trained on the training data set to determine, upon receiving the classification of the at least one of: the operating state, the fault condition, the operating flow, or the behavior, a task to be completed for the value chain network. A VCN process may provide a computer code instruction set to a machine to execute the task to facilitate an improvement in the operation of the value chain network.

Abstract: A VCN process may receive information associated with a set of value chain network entities. A VCN process may provide the information to a first set of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based learning models, wherein at least one member of the first set of AI-based learning models is trained to generate a prediction of future demand for an item. A VCN process may provide the information to a second set of AI-based learning models, wherein at least one member of the second set of AI-based learning models is trained to classify at least one of: an operating state, a fault condition, an operating flow, or a behavior of at least one value chain entity. A VCN process may determine a potential risk in the value chain network associated with the at least one value chain network entity based upon, at least in part, an output of the AI-based learning models.

Abstract: A VCN process may receive, by a computing device, information associated with a set of value chain network entities of a value chain network, the information generated by at least one of a set of sensors of the set of value chain network entities, a set of IoT devices configured to collect data relating to the set of value chain network entities, or a set of APIs configured to publish data relating to the set of value chain network entities. A VCN process may provide the information to a set of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based learning models. A VCN process may determine a potential risk in the value chain based upon, at least in part, an output of the AI-based learning classification. A VCN process may execute an action to mitigate the potential risk in the value chain network.

Abstract: A VCN process may receive information associated with a value chain network. A VCN process may provide the information to a set of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based learning models, wherein at least one member of the set of AI-based learning models is trained on a training data set of a set of value chain network entities operating data to classify at least one of: an operating state, a fault condition, an operating flow, or a behavior of at least one value chain entity of the set of value chain network entities. A VCN process may determine a task to be completed for the value chain network based upon, at least in part, on an output of the set of AI-based learning models. A VCN process may execute the task to facilitate an improvement in the value chain network.

Abstract: A VCN process may receive information associated with a value chain network. A VCN process may provide the information to a set of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based learning models, wherein at least one member of the set of AI-based learning models is trained to classify at least one of: an operating state, a fault condition, an operating flow, or a behavior of the value chain network and at least one member of the set of AI-based learning models is trained on the training data set to determine, upon receiving the classification of the at least one of: the operating state, the fault condition, the operating flow, or the behavior, a task to be completed for the value chain network. A VCN process may configure a robotic process automation system to execute the task to facilitate an improvement in the value chain network.

Abstract: An analyzer system for in vitro diagnostics includes a sample handler module having a robot arm that delivers samples from drawers into carriers on a linear synchronous motor automation track. Samples are delivered via the automation track to individual track sections associated with individual analyzer modules. Analyzer modules aspirate sample portions directly from the sample carriers and perform analysis thereon.

Abstract: An audio system and method for generating improved augmented hearing effects in real-time. The system includes a wearable audio device arranged to obtain audio that includes a voice signal associated with a user and an environmental signal associated with other audio picked up by the wearable audio device that does not includes the user's voice. In some implementations, at least one processor of the wearable audio device is configured to isolate the voice signal from the environmental signal such that augmented hearing effects can be applied to the voice signal and/or the environmental signal, independently. In some implementations, augmented hearing effects are designated by a signal augmentation profile generated or stored in the wearable audio device such that the total time between receipt of the audio signal and the modifications and/or transformations to the respective audio signals does not exceed 100 ms.

Abstract: An audio system and method for generating improved augmented hearing effects in real-time. The system includes a wearable audio device arranged to obtain audio that includes a voice signal associated with a user and an environmental signal associated with other audio picked up by the wearable audio device that does not includes the user's voice. In some implementations, at least one processor of the wearable audio device is configured to isolate the voice signal from the environmental signal such that augmented hearing effects can be applied to the voice signal and/or the environmental signal, independently. In some implementations, augmented hearing effects are designated by a signal augmentation profile generated or stored in the wearable audio device such that the total time between receipt of the audio signal and the modifications and/or transformations to the respective audio signals does not exceed 100 ms.

Abstract: An audio system and method for generating improved augmented hearing effects in real-time. The system includes a wearable audio device arranged to obtain audio that includes a voice signal associated with a user and an environmental signal associated with other audio picked up by the wearable audio device that does not includes the user's voice. In some implementations, at least one processor of the wearable audio device is configured to isolate the voice signal from the environmental signal such that augmented hearing effects can be applied to the voice signal and/or the environmental signal, independently. In some implementations, augmented hearing effects are designated by a signal augmentation profile generated or stored in the wearable audio device such that the total time between receipt of the audio signal and the modifications and/or transformations to the respective audio signals does not exceed 100 ms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing B-picture scene changes. A prediction stage predicts a B-picture scene change based upon a sequence of statistical information in an encoder order and a reaction stage is responsive to the prediction stage for modifying a quantization scale of a rate control algorithm.

Abstract: A wear and oxidation resistant nickel-base alloy, exhibiting resistance to thermal cracking in high-stress elevated temperature environments, comprises, in weight percentages based on total alloy weight: 53 to 67 nickel; 20 to 26 chromium; and 12 to 18 tungsten. The alloy optionally further comprises, in weight percentages based on total alloy weight, at least one of: up to 3 cobalt; up to 3 molybdenum; up to 6 iron; 0.1 to 0.5 manganese; 0.1 to 0.7 silicon; 0.1 to 0.6 aluminum; and less than 0.05 carbon. Components of a seamless tube manufacturing apparatus fabricated from the alloy also are provided. The components may be, for example, tools for one of a piercing mill, a high mill, and a rotary expander, such as piercer points, piercing mill guide shoes, rotary expander guide shoes, reeler guide shoes, and high-mill plugs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing B-picture scene changes. A prediction stage predicts a B-picture scene change based upon a sequence of statistical information in an encoder order and a reaction stage is responsive to the prediction stage for modifying a quantization scale of a rate control algorithm.

Abstract: Electrical devices with a PTC element including a polymer having conductive particles dispersed therein and at least one metallized ceramic electrode. The devices are made by dispersing conductive particles into a polymer to form a polymer PTC composition. The metallized ceramic electrodes include a ceramic substrate having a conductive layer deposited on its surface. The metallized ceramic electrodes are brought into contact with the PTC element, and heated while applying pressure to form a laminate. The laminate is then diced into a plurality of PTC electrical circuit protection devices.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method to increase the coefficient of performance (COP) of hydride heat pump systems to compete with the performance of conventional vapor compression and absorption refrigeration systems. The disclosure is particularly directed to hydrides with van't Hoff curves that cross, whereby the regeneration of the refrigerant hydride occurs at a temperature above the crossing, thereby allowing for a major fraction of the energy required for the regeneration to be supplied by the heat of absorption of the refrigerant. Additionally, the COP can be increased by selection of hydrides, and the kinetics of the system can be improved by the use of heat pipes and phase change materials.

Abstract: A method for generating a beam of negatively charged hydrogen ions is described which comprises the steps of providing a source of metal hydride, heating the hydride to extract either atomic hydrogen or negative hydrogen ions directly therefrom, directing an electron beam onto the hydride or applying electrical charge to the hydride in order to ionize the hydrogen atoms or to prevent the ions from losing charge, and electrically accelerating the negative hydrogen ions so produced as a directed beam.