Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium embodies software that is operable when executed to, in real time, capture, by a single sensor, a number of images of a user; determine, based on the number of images, one or more short-term cardiological signals of the user during a period of time; estimate, based on the cardiological signals, a first short-term emotional state of the user; determine, based on the number of images, one or more short-term neurological signals of the user during the period of time; estimate, based on the neurological signals, a second short-term emotional state of the user; compare the first estimated emotional state to the second estimated emotional state; and in response to a determination that the first estimated emotional state corresponds to the second estimated emotional state, determine a short-term emotion of the user during the period of time.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus for use in a tubular can include: a mandrel having a first end shoulder; a first slip disposed on the mandrel adjacent the first end shoulder and abutting against a mule shoe; a cone disposed on the mandrel adjacent the first slip and movable relative to the first end shoulder to engage the first slip toward the tubular; a seal element disposed on the mandrel adjacent the cone and being expandable outward from the mandrel; and wherein at least one component selected from the group consisting of the mandrel, the first slip, the cone, the seal element, and the mule shoe is a filler-doped degradable component that comprise a degradable material and a filler.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for automatically modifying a payment instrument type of a user. One example method comprises receiving, via a communications module, a first signal including an indication of acceptance associated with a particular product selected from a set of potential products for replacing a current product associated with a first customer. At least one term or condition associated with the selected product is identified that is different than the terms or conditions associated with the at least one current product. The terms and conditions associated with the at least one current product associated with the first customer are automatically modified to correspond with the at least one different identified term or condition associated with the selected product, wherein modifying the terms or conditions does not change a unique identifier associated with the at least one current product being modified.

Abstract: The invention provides a polishing pad suitable for polishing or planarizing at least one of semiconductor, optical and magnetic substrates. The polishing pad includes a polishing layer having a polymeric matrix, a thickness and a polishing track representing a working region of the polishing layer for polishing or planarizing. Radial drainage grooves extend through the polishing track facilitate polishing debris removal through the polishing track and underneath the at least one of semiconductor, optical and magnetic substrates and then beyond the polishing track toward the perimeter of the polishing pad during rotation of the polishing pad.

Abstract: A controller includes a body having a handle, and an array of proximity sensors spatially distributed on, in, beneath, or near the outer surface of the handle, responsive to a proximity of a user's fingers to that outer surface. A finger tracker converts the output of the array of proximity sensors to a set of joint angles corresponding to a plurality of the user's fingers. The controller may include a renderer for processing the joint angles to deform a hand mesh that is rendered for display. Values may be calculated to facilitate normalization of the output of the proximity sensor array and thereby generate a set of normalized finger detection data. This data may be processed through curl logic to produce a linear estimate of gross finger curl with respect to the user and thereby generate a set of estimates for a plurality of finger joint angles for the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving audio data; identifying one or more graphical interface elements that correspond to the audio data; generating a display of the identified one or more graphical interface elements, wherein a first portion of the one or more graphical interface elements is persistently displayed, and wherein a second portion of the one or more graphical interface elements is temporarily displayed for a predetermined period of time together with the first portion of the one or more graphical interface elements; and at expiry of the predetermined period of time, ceasing display of the second portion while maintaining display of the first portion.

Abstract: A pixel circuit is operable in initialization, data programming, threshold compensation, and emission phases. The pixel circuit includes a drive transistor configured to control an amount of current to a light-emitting device during the emission phase depending upon a voltage applied to a gate of the drive transistor. A first ultra-low leakage oxide transistor is employed as a data switch device, and the data voltage is applied to the gate of the drive transistor through the first ultra-low leakage oxide transistor during the data programming phase. A second ultra-low leakage oxide transistor is employed as an initialization switch device. The second ultra-low leakage oxide transistor is in an on state during the initialization, data programming, and threshold compensation phases, and the initialization voltage is applied to the gate of the drive transistor through the second ultra-low leakage oxide transistor during the initialization phase.

Abstract: A bit retention device has an upper support member having an inner surface and an outer surface. A lower support member fixed to the upper support member. A stationary plate is mounted to the inner surface of the upper support member. A clamp plate opposes the stationary plate and is spring biased toward the stationary plate and slidably moveable between the upper support member and the lower support member.

Abstract: A system for use in a wellbore can include a computing device including a processing device and a memory device that stores instructions executable by the processing device. The instructions can cause the processing device to generate a predicted value of a parameter associated with a well environment or a wellbore operation. The instructions can also cause the processing device to determine a tuning factor for adjusting the predicted value based on historical data. The instructions can also cause the processing device to apply the tuning factor to the predicted value to generate a tuned predicted value. The instructions can further cause the processing device to generate an interface for display that includes a data point associated with the tuned predicted value plotted on a graph.

Abstract: A distributed computing device stores user preference data representing preferences of a user with respect to a portion of a set of items. The distributed computing device randomly samples the user preference data to calculate sampled user preference data. The distributed computing device iteratively executes, in conjunction with additional distributed computing devices connected by a network, a process to determine a consensus result for the sampled user preference data. The consensus result is based on the sampled user preference data and additional sampled user preference data calculated by the additional distributed computing devices and based on preferences of additional users. The distributed computing device determines a recommendation model based on the consensus result, the recommendation model reflecting preferences of the user and additional users.

Abstract: A method of maintaining first and second objects in a desired relationship. The method involves obtaining a fastener having a body with an elongate shank. The body has a head with a blocking surface. The shank is configured to engage a surrounding bore surface on or associated with at least one of the first and second objects to cause the shank to advance axially in a tightening direction while turned in one direction. The fastener body is engaged at a location spaced from the head to turn the shank in the one direction, thereby causing the shank to draw the head so as to move the blocking surface on the head towards a selected holding position relative to one of the first and second objects wherein the fastener is in a fastened state. The invention is also directed to the fastener construction.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for determining information. A first user device for presenting content to a user is identified. A second co-located device is identified. A determination is made, based on one or more criteria, to use audible or inaudible sound emitted from the first device to ascertain whether audio controls on the first device and a speaker associated with the first device are enabled. A token that is to be played on the first device is identified. A notification is provided to the second co-located device to listen for the token emitted by the first device. The token for playing on the first device is provided. Information related to a recording is received from the second co-located device. A determination is made whether the first device's audio controls and speakers are enabled.

Abstract: Example implementations relate to virtual reality/augmented reality signals. For example, a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions executable by a processing resource to receive eye-tracking signals from a camera mounted on a display. The instructions can cause the processing resource to estimate a location on a display using the eye-tracking signals. The instructions can cause the processing resource to receive electroencephalographic (EEG) signals. The instructions can cause the processing resource to confirm the estimated location based on the eye-tracking signals and the EEG signals.

Abstract: A transaction card with an electronic feedback component is provided. The transaction card may comprise at least one processing device and a substrate component comprising a first substrate surface and a cavity formed in the substrate component. The transaction card my further comprise an electronic feedback component disposed at least partially within the cavity, the electronic feedback component being configured to receive an operation signal from the at least one processing device, the operation signal representing information associated with the transaction card based on an encoding scheme. The transaction card may further comprise a tactile element disposed at least partially within the cavity, the tactile element being actuated to move bidirectionally along an axis parallel to the first substrate surface by the electronic feedback component based on the operation signal to convey the information to a user.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an aircraft. The system includes a health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) system for sensing health and usage data during flight of the aircraft, and a data transmission unit. The data transmission unit retrieves HUMS data from the HUMS system and generates a trigger signal when the retrieved HUMS data meets a selected criterion, the trigger signal being indicative of a condition of the aircraft. In response to the trigger signal, the data transmission unit transmits the retrieved HUMS data to a remote location.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a container lid with a castellated cork seal includes a plurality undulating u-shaped ridges that form peaks and troughs throughout a channel. The undulating u-shaped ridges throughout the channel may provide a surface for receiving a bottom of a separate container in a stacked configuration. In certain embodiments, when the lid is secured on top of a container, the u-shaped ridges protrude downwardly into the container for providing cantilevered support. In particular embodiments, the exemplary container lid includes detachable tear strips along a side wall of the container lid. Removing the tear strips allows access to one or more lift tabs for applying upward leverage to the exemplary container lid for removing the lid from a container.

Abstract: There is described a method of controlling a drilling operation. A pipe joint is determined to be entering a rotating control device (RCD). In response to determining that the pipe joint is entering the RCD, a weight-on-bit (WOB) setpoint is increased so as to increase a measured WOB. After increasing the WOB setpoint, the pipe joint is determined to be exiting the RCD. In response to determining that the pipe joint is exiting the RCD, the WOB setpoint is decreased so as to decrease the measured WOB.

Abstract: Provided is a compound having the formula: wherein: R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, aliphatic of 1 to 100 carbons and arene comprising up to 100 carbons; R2 is selected from the group consisting of H, aliphatic of 1 to 100 carbons and arene comprising up to 100 carbons; each R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, aliphatic of 1 to 100 carbons and arene comprising up to 100 carbons; X is selected from the group consisting of B, O, N, S, Se and P; and n is 1-4 as necessary to complete the valence of X formed by the reaction of a compound of Formula III: and a compound of Formula IV:

Abstract: A method for improving the growth of target plants at a locus is provided, the method comprising applying to the locus a growth-improving amount of compound (I): The method is suitable for improving the growth of a range of target plants, in particular improving the growth of sugarcane, rice, soybeans, oilseed rape and potato crops.