Abstract: A processor-implemented method includes approximating an optimization problem for training an artificial neural network as a nested polynomial optimization problem. The method also includes dividing the nested polynomial optimization problem into a sequence of sub-problems. The method further includes hierarchically solving the sequence of sub-problems to train the artificial neural network.

Abstract: A processor-implemented method includes receiving as input, a global polynomial optimization problem that approximates a training problem of a neural network. The method also includes relaxing the global polynomial optimization problem including polynomial constraints with multiple semi-definite programs. The method further includes solving the semi-definite programs based on a pre-defined structure and outputting a solution indicating a location of a global optimum of the optimization problem. The method includes performing inference with the neural network based on the solution.

Abstract: A field serviceable conduit receiver can include an adapter and a coupling device. The adapter can have an adapter cavity traversing therethrough. The adapter can include an adapter base configured to couple to an end of a conduit, and an adapter body located adjacent to the adapter base. The coupling device can be located adjacent to the adapter and have a coupling device cavity traversing therethrough. The coupling device can include a coupling base configured to be disposed around an outer surface of the conduit, and a coupling body located adjacent to the coupling base, where the coupling body has at least one coupling feature that is configured to removably couple to a complementary coupling feature disposed on a wall of the enclosure.

Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to an enclosure. The enclosure can include at least one wall forming a cavity. The enclosure can also include a conduit receiver disposed in the at least one wall. The conduit receiver can include a housing having an aperture, where the aperture is configured to receive a conduit. The conduit receiver can also include a retaining element disposed within the housing at a distal end of the housing. The conduit receiver can further include a sealing device disposed within the housing at a proximal end of the housing. The conduit receiver can also include a bushing adjacent to the proximal end of the housing, where the bushing extends radially inward from the at least one wall, where the bushing is configured to abut against the conduit when the conduit is received in the aperture, and where the bushing covers an end of the conduit.

Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to an enclosure. The enclosure can include at least one wall forming a cavity. The enclosure can also include a conduit receiver disposed in the at least one wall. The conduit receiver can include a housing having an aperture, where the aperture is configured to receive a conduit. The conduit receiver can also include a retaining element disposed within the housing at a distal end of the housing. The conduit receiver can further include a sealing device disposed within the housing at a proximal end of the housing. The conduit receiver can also include a bushing adjacent to the proximal end of the housing, where the bushing extends radially inward from the at least one wall, where the bushing is configured to abut against the conduit when the conduit is received in the aperture, and where the bushing covers an end of the conduit.

Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to an enclosure. The enclosure can include at least one wall forming a cavity. The enclosure can also include a conduit receiver disposed in the at least one wall. The conduit receiver can include a housing having an aperture, where the aperture is configured to receive a conduit. The conduit receiver can also include a retaining element disposed within the housing at a distal end of the housing. The conduit receiver can further include a sealing device disposed within the housing at a proximal end of the housing. The conduit receiver can also include a bushing adjacent to the proximal end of the housing, where the bushing extends radially inward from the at least one wall, where the bushing is configured to abut against the conduit when the conduit is received in the aperture, and where the bushing covers an end of the conduit.

Abstract: A method comprises: providing a fiber cement substrate, and joining a porous, closed cell foam to a substantial portion of a major surface of the fiber cement substrate.

Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to a field serviceable conduit receiver. The field serviceable conduit receiver can include an adapter and a coupling device. The adapter can have an adapter cavity traversing therethrough. The adapter can include an adapter base configured to couple to an end of a conduit, and an adapter body located adjacent to the adapter base. The coupling device can be located adjacent to the adapter and have a coupling device cavity traversing therethrough. The coupling device can include a coupling base configured to be disposed around an outer surface of the conduit, and a coupling body located adjacent to the coupling base, where the coupling body has at least one coupling feature that is configured to removably couple to a complementary coupling feature disposed on a wall of the enclosure.

Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to an enclosure. The enclosure can include at least one wall forming a cavity. The enclosure can also include a conduit receiver disposed in the at least one wall. The conduit receiver can include a housing having an aperture, where the aperture is configured to receive a conduit. The conduit receiver can also include a retaining element disposed within the housing at a distal end of the housing. The conduit receiver can further include a sealing device disposed within the housing at a proximal end of the housing. The conduit receiver can also include a bushing adjacent to the proximal end of the housing, where the bushing extends radially inward from the at least one wall, where the bushing is configured to abut against the conduit when the conduit is received in the aperture, and where the bushing covers an end of the conduit.

Abstract: An image of an individual (2) is obtained using a digital camera (1). The image data is then processed by ratio determination module (10) and an image conversion module (12) to analyze the image and determine data representative of the distribution of blood and melanin in the skin of the imaged individual. This chromophore distribution data is then processed by an image generation module (18) which generates an image representative of the expected appearance of epithelial tissue having the determined distribution of chromophores where the epithelial tissue is under fixed illumination and has a flat spatial geometry and where all the identified melanin is present solely in the epidermis.

Abstract: An image of an individual (2) is obtained via a digital camera (1). The RGB image data is then processed to derive from the image data data representative of the distribution of chromophores resulting in the appearance of the individual (2). A calculated chromophore distribution is then utilised to derive a revised chromophore distribution representing the effect of the desired cosmetic or surgical intervention or medical condition. This chromophore distribution is then processed to generate an output image (34) illustrating the expected result of that intervention. The generated image (34) can be displayed simultaneously with an original image (33) so that the extent of expected improvement can be determined.

Abstract: Imitation stone (102) and a section of siding (100) are formed in a mold cavity (202) with a surface that follows a topography (206) of each of one or more natural stones (204), applying pigments (300a), (302a), (304a) and (306a) at different locations on the mold cavity (202) to replicate different colors of each natural stone (204) and to replicate a distribution of the different colors at different locations on the topography (206); and forming an imitation stone material in the mold cavity (202) to replicate the topography (206) of each natural stone on the imitation stone material, and to transfer the pigments (300a), (302a), (304a) and (306a) to the imitation stone material.

Abstract: A method comprises: providing a fiber cement substrate, and joining a porous, closed cell foam to a substantial portion of a major surface of the fiber cement substrate.

Abstract: A clip for siding panels installed on a wall of a structure includes a substantially planar nailing face and a seat extending from a bottom edge of the nailing face disposed to receive the bottom edge of an overlapping siding panel. A hook member extends from a top edge of the nailing face and is disposed to hang the clip from a top edge of a siding panel overlapped by the overlapping siding panel. The nailing face is sized to provide a partial overlap of the overlapped siding panel by the overlapping siding panel when the clip is attached to the overlapped siding panel by the hook member and the overlapping siding panel is seated in the seat.

Abstract: A starter strip has a fastener flange, a siding support element connected to the flange, a spacer element connected to the siding support element; and a flashing element connected to the spacer element.

Abstract: An image of an individual (2) is obtained via a digital camera (1). The RGB image data is then processed to derive from the image data data representative of the distribution of chromophores resulting in the appearance of the individual (2). A calculated chromophore distribution is then utilised to derive a revised chromophore distribution representing the effect of the desired cosmetic or surgical intervention or medical condition. This chromophore distribution is then processed to generate an output image (34) illustrating the expected result of that intervention. The generated image (34) can be displayed simultaneously with an original image (33) so that the extent of expected improvement can be determined.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and navigating linear hypermedia resource programs are disclosed. The system includes a distributed hypermedia resource network having a plurality of hypermedia resources residing on one or more remote information nodes. A common remote information node is in communication with a subscriber station and the remote information nodes in the distributed network. The common remote information node contains at least one linear hypermedia resource program consisting of pre-selected media elements from one or more hypermedia resources linked with exclusive linear links, each media element in the linear program having only one forward link to the next media element. The method includes the steps of downloading and displaying a media element in the linear program and responding to user commands to download and display the next media element in the linear program.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and navigating linear hypermedia resource programs are disclosed. The system includes a distributed hypermedia resource network having a plurality of hypermedia resources residing on one or more remote information nodes. A common remote information node is in communication with a subscriber station and the remote information nodes in the distributed network. The common remote information node contains at least one linear hypermedia resource program consisting of pre-selected media elements from one or more hypermedia resources linked with exclusive linear links, each media element in the linear program having only one forward link to the next media element. The method includes the steps of downloading and displaying a media element in the linear program and responding to user commands to download and display the next media element in the linear program.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and navigating linear hypermedia resource programs are disclosed. The system includes a distributed hypermedia resource network having a plurality of hypermedia resources residing on one or more remote information nodes. A common remote information node is in communication with a subscriber station and the remote information nodes in the distributed network. The common remote information node contains at least one linear hypermedia resource program consisting of pre-selected media elements from one or more hypermedia resources linked with exclusive linear links, each media element in the linear program having only one forward link to the next media element. The method includes the steps of downloading and displaying a media element in the linear program and responding to user commands to download and display the next media element in the linear program.