Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for detecting personal-space violations in artificial intelligence (AI) based non-player characters (NPCs) are disclosed. An AI engine creates a NPC that accompanies and/or interacts with a player controlled by a user playing a video game. During gameplay, measures of context-dependent personal space around the player and/or one or more NPCs are generated. A control circuit monitors the movements of the NPC during gameplay and determines whether the NPC is adhering to or violating the measures of context-dependent personal space. The control circuit can monitor the movements of multiple NPCs simultaneously during gameplay, keeping a separate score for each NPC. After some amount of time has elapsed, the scores of the NPCs are recorded, and then the scores are provided to a machine learning engine to retrain the AI engines controlling the NPCs.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor configured to determine a first distribution associated with an artificial agent based on behavior associated with the artificial agent and a second distribution based on behavior of a user. The processor is further configured to generate a human-likeness similarity measurement by comparing the first distribution to the second distribution and modify the behavior of the artificial agent in response to the similarity measurement failing to satisfy a similarity threshold.

Abstract: A dual-optical displacement sensor system includes a scanner including a first and second scanner head including optical displacement sensors providing a first and second beam having a first optical axis (OA) and a second OA. A computing device or programmed circuit is coupled to receive time versus position data from measurements involving alignment target(s) including at least one knife edge pair including a first and second knife edge oriented in a first plane of the alignment target that is essentially perpendicular to the OAs positioned between the scanner heads for interacting with the beams, and implement at least one equation to analyze the data for determining a degree of alignment of the first and second OA. Using the degree of alignment, an algorithm is for automatic alignment of the OAs or assist instructions for a user alignment of the OAs that provides guiding steps for the user for the alignment.

Abstract: The disclosure features pharmaceutical compositions formed from prodrug dimers for the extended delivery of a drug and for the treatment of a disease or condition.

Abstract: A load break tool for opening a high load electrical switch having a first switch contact and a second switch contact. The load break tool includes a main body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The main body is movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. A first contact is coupled to the first end and configured to selectively couple with the first switch contact. A second contact is coupled to the second end and configured to selectively couple with the second switch contact. In the retracted configuration the first contact is in electrical communication with the second contact. A spring assembly is mounted in the main body for biasing the main body to the retracted configuration, the spring assembly including a compression spring.

Abstract: Shader source code performance prediction is described. In accordance with the described techniques, an update to shader source code for implementing a shader is received. A prediction of performance of the shader on a processing unit is generated based on the update to the shader source code. Feedback about the update is output. The feedback includes the prediction of performance of the shader. In one or more implementations, generating the prediction of performance of the shader includes compiling the shader source code with the update to generate a representation of the shader, inputting the representation of the shader to one or more machine learning models, and receiving the prediction of performance of the shader as an output from the one or more machine learning models.

Abstract: A dividing wall column is used in an alkylation process flow scheme to fractionate an alkylate reactor effluent to produce an iso-butane-rich stream as a recycle feed for the alkylation reactor while also separating iso-butane, normal butane and alkylate as separate product streams depending on the reactor effluent composition. In an optional embodiment, the scheme may contain propane.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compounds and compositions for sustained release of ocular therapeutics.

Abstract: A dividing wall column is used in an alkylation process flow scheme to fractionate an alkylate reactor effluent to produce an iso-butane-rich stream as a recycle feed for the alkylation reactor while also separating iso-butane, normal butane and alkylate as separate product streams depending on the reactor effluent composition. In an optional embodiment, the scheme may contain propane.

Abstract: Smart sensors, platforms for smart sensors, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed herein. In some implementations, the platform includes hardware interfaces that are abstracted and/or standardized as defined by various common group types. The abstracted interfaces allow numerous different sensors to be connected and integrated into the smart sensor as desired for a specific application. Further, the platform can reuse a standardized software backbone as a sensor platform as sensors are varied, as well as across multiple smart sensors. In some implementations, the standardized sensor platform can include an on-board resident user interface (RUI) with an internet-accessible portal, allowing users to connect to the RUI on the sensor platform through any network accessible device. The platform can also include an artificial intelligence and/or machine learning engine to turn raw sensor data into real-time automation and inspection information within the sensor within the local environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides intelligent lighting control systems.

Abstract: Provided herein are needle assemblies for intravitreal injection of an (e.g., one or more) implant(s) into an eye of a patient through an unsheathed state and a sheathed state. Such needle assemblies are precise and accurate for proper treatment and prevent further damage to the eye.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems, apparatuses, and methods for operating the systems and apparatuses are disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a negative pressure source, a connector port, at least one switch, and a controller. The negative pressure source is connected through the connector port to either (i) a wound dressing having a canister configured to store fluid aspirated from the wound or (ii) a wound dressing without a canister between the connector port and the wound dressing. The controller determines, based on a signal received from the at least one switch, whether the canister is positioned in the fluid flow path and adjusts one or more operational parameters of negative pressure wound therapy based on the determination. The switch is activated by the connection of either the canister or canisterless wound dressing to the apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operably coupling one or more edge devices to one or more remote components are disclosed herein. In some implementations, the system comprises an edge platform interface (EPI) framework that includes an edge component, a linking component, and a remote component. The edge component is communicatively coupled to the remote component through the edge and remote-portions of the linking component. The edge component can be configured to receive data from one or more onboard sensors, store the sensor data in corresponding data structures, and append metadata to each of the corresponding data structures. The metadata can include prioritization elements, each of which includes an assigned value that is specific to the sensor data in the corresponding data structures. The edge component can then identify communication constraints, prioritize the sensor data, pick candidate data, and upload the candidate data through the edge-portion of the linking component.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a method, system, and/or computer program product for a publish/subscribe messaging system. A processor identifies a subscriber of a pub/sub messaging system. The processor retrieves a stored encrypted key for the identified subscriber of the pub/sub messaging system. The processor communicates the retrieved encrypted key to a user selected from a group comprising a publisher of the pub/sub messaging system and the identified subscriber of the pub/sub messaging system. The processor implements end-to-end encryption of messages of the pub/sub messaging system based on key-groups.

Abstract: The disclosure features pharmaceutical compositions formed from prodrug dimers for the extended delivery of a drug and for the treatment of a disease or condition.

Abstract: The disclosure features surface coatings formed from dimeric steroid prodrugs for the extended delivery of a drug from a surface, and for the treatment of a disease or condition. Also provided herein are drug depots formed from dimeric steroid prodrugs for the extended delivery of a drug for use in combination with implantable medical devices. Said dimeric steroid prodrugs are represented by the formula D1-L-D2, wherein D1 and D2 are independently a steroid radical and L is a linker covalently linking D1 to D2.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards articles comprising a steroid material comprising a steroid dimer and at least one therapeutic agent distributed throughout the steroid material and the use of such articles in sustained release delivery systems. Said article may be fibers, fiber meshes, woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, films, pellets, cylinders, microparticles, nanoparticles, shaped articles or coatings on a substrate (such as an implant). Control of the release profile of the at least one therapeutic agent can be achieved via selection of the steroids within the steroid dimer, the linker conjugating the steroids within the dimer, the linkage groups between the steroids and the linker, the surface area of the article, the location of the at least one therapeutic agent within the article and the amount of the at least one therapeutic agent within the article.

Abstract: Provided herein are (e.g., controlled release) compositions for the treatment of acute or chronic diseases or disorders. Described herein are processable opioid conjugates. Also described herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases or disorders including chronic pain (e.g., cancer pain), acute pain, opioid addiction, alcohol addiction, alcohol dependence, opioid-induced constipation, and narcotic depression. Said compositions and methods comprise opioid agonists and/or opioid antagonists, which demonstrate CNS activity and/or other desirable activities.