Abstract: A dialog understanding device includes a sound collection module configured to collect a sound signal, a contextual processing module, and a dialog system configured to perform a dialog with a human. The contextual processing module includes a plurality of layers for processing information obtained from the sound collection module. A fallback processing module of a case where a predetermined process has not succeeded for the collected sound signal is provided on each layer of the plurality of layers. A process of the next layer is performed after a fallback corresponding to a fallback process performed by the fallback processing module is performed. A sound signal obtained when the contextual processing module completes a process is input to the dialog system.

Abstract: A specimen viewing device includes an enclosure, a specimen mounting system arranged on the enclosure for receiving the specimen and holding the specimen relative to the enclosure, and a background color control system arranged on the enclosure and configured for controlling a background color of the enclosure. A method of viewing a specimen is also provided.

Abstract: A specimen viewing device includes an enclosure, a specimen mounting system arranged on the enclosure for receiving the specimen and holding the specimen relative to the enclosure, and a background color control system arranged on the enclosure and configured for controlling a background color of the enclosure. A method of viewing a specimen is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating liquid comprises a heating chamber, a dispensing chamber and a conduit. The conduit conveys heated liquid from the heating chamber to the dispensing chamber for automatic dispensing. The dispensing chamber has valve means through which the heated liquid is dispensed, which are operable to interrupt the automatic dispensing. An apparatus for heating liquid comprises a heating chamber, a dispensing chamber and a conduit. The conduit conveys heated liquid from the heating chamber to the dispensing chamber for automatic dispensing. The apparatus comprises means for determining a volume of heated liquid to be dispensed automatically.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a measured amount of water comprises a heating chamber, a dispensing chamber and a conduit for conveying water from the heating chamber to an inlet of the dispensing chamber. The apparatus is arranged such that an increase in pressure associated with boiling forces heated water into the conduit and then into the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of managing investments including generating portfolios using a mathematical optimization algorithm with investment themes, assigning a different weight of the investment theme to the portfolios, and associating the portfolios with a theme-based efficient frontier. Another method can include providing an investment rules interface to develop exception-based investing rules and based on asset attributes in which the exception-based investing rules are managed by a user. The method can also include creating an asset hierarchy including class levels for each asset and developing the exception-based investing rules for the class levels by assigning a parent asset attribute for a first class level and assigning a child asset attribute for a second class level. The method can further include generating at least one optimized portfolio based on the exception-based investing rules and the asset hierarchy.