Abstract: A method includes attaching a first portion of a preformed metal micro-wire to a multilayer structure. The preformed metal micro-wire has a diameter of 10 microns or less. The method also includes attaching a second portion of the preformed metal micro-wire to the multilayer structure.

Abstract: A metadata catalog may store metadata about data sources. The metadata may define table, column, partition and/or data formats, as well as title information, textual descriptions, modification information, data schemas and access information, such as location and connection information. A metadata catalog service may provide a shared, persistent, central repository for the metadata. The metadata of the catalog may be published via multiple access mechanisms and programmatically obtained and processed by other programs via the metadata catalog service. Metadata consumers may utilize the metadata catalog service to perform various metadata tasks, such as metadata retrieval, creation, addition, modification and/or deletion. The metadata catalog service may be directly integrated into existing data analytic tools as a persistent and durable metadata store allowing users to utilize the broad set of data processing tools.

Abstract: In a particular illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a retractable safety banner system and method are disclosed having a retractable safety banner, a reel housing and a reel. The reel winds in and contains the wound up safety banner inside of the reel housing. The safety banner is reeled into and out of the reel housing through an organizing guide that is formed in the reel housing. The organizing guide forces the reeled out safety banner's flags and strap into longitudinal alignment on the reel so that the safety banner is restored to its original configuration when wound back into the reel housing after deployment. The safety banner includes but is not limited to longitudinal strap with a plurality of safety flags attached to the strap and so that the flags hang at a substantially perpendicular angle from the strap forming the safety banner when the safety banner is deployed.

Abstract: An optical device is described. The optical device includes a waveguide, a first engineered electrode, and a second engineered electrode. The waveguide includes at optical material(s) having an electro-optic effect. The optical material(s) include lithium. A portion of the waveguide has a waveguide width. The first engineered electrode includes a first channel region and first extensions protruding from the first channel region. The first extensions are closer to the portion of the waveguide than the first channel region is. The second engineered electrode includes a second channel region and second extensions protruding from the second channel region. The second extensions are closer to the portion of the waveguide than the second channel region is. A first extension of the first extensions is a distance from a second extension of the second \extensions. The distance is less than the waveguide width.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a photonic quantum network is disclosed. In some implementations, microwave modes and optical modes are generated on first and second quantum processing units (QPUs) by operation of a first transducer device of the first QPU and a second transducer device of the second QPU. The microwave modes are transmitted within the first and second QPUs from the first and second transducer devices to respective first and second qubit devices. The optical modes are transmitted from the first and second QPUs to an interferometer device. By operation of the interferometer device, output signals are generated on respective output channels based on the optical modes from the first and second QPUs. Based on the output signals detected by operation of photodetector devices coupled to the respective output channels, quantum entanglement transferred to the first and second qubit devices by the microwave modes is identified.

Abstract: A metadata catalog may store metadata about data sources. The metadata may define table, column, partition and/or data formats, as well as title information, textual descriptions, modification information, data schemas and access information, such as location and connection information. A metadata catalog service may provide a shared, persistent, central repository for the metadata. The metadata of the catalog may be published via multiple access mechanisms and programmatically obtained and processed by other programs via the metadata catalog service. Metadata consumers may utilize the metadata catalog service to perform various metadata tasks, such as metadata retrieval, creation, addition, modification and/or deletion. The metadata catalog service may be directly integrated into existing data analytic tools as a persistent and durable metadata store allowing users to utilize the broad set of data processing tools.

Abstract: A metadata catalog may store metadata about data sources. The metadata may define table, column, partition and/or data formats, as well as title information, textual descriptions, modification information, data schemas and access information, such as location and connection information. A metadata catalog service may provide a shared, persistent, central repository for the metadata. The metadata of the catalog may be published via multiple access mechanisms and programmatically obtained and processed by other programs via the metadata catalog service. Metadata consumers may utilize the metadata catalog service to perform various metadata tasks, such as metadata retrieval, creation, addition, modification and/or deletion. The metadata catalog service may be directly integrated into existing data analytic tools as a persistent and durable metadata store allowing users to utilize the broad set of data processing tools.

Abstract: A respiratory effort sensing apparatus (2) includes a flexible belt member (8) having a first buckle member (12A) and a second buckle member (12B), and a wearable respiratory monitoring recording device (6). The monitoring device includes: (i) a processing apparatus (34) structured to be selectively operable in a sleep mode and an active mode, and (ii) buckle detection circuitry (46) structured to detect that both buckle members are operatively coupled to the respiratory monitoring recording device and in response thereto generate a buckle detection signal. The processing apparatus is structured to, in response to receiving the buckle detection signal, automatically: (a) move from the sleep mode to the active mode, and (b) generate data indicative of a respiratory effort of a patient over time based on an effort-based signal generated by the respiratory effort sensing apparatus in response to changes in volume of a body part of the patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cost-minimizing job scheduling are disclosed. A definition of a task is received. The definition comprises a need-by time. The need-by time comprises a deadline for completion of execution of the task. An estimated duration to complete the execution of the task is determined for each of a plurality of computing resources. One or more of the computing resources are selected based on an estimated cost of completing the execution using the computing resources. The execution of the task is initiated at a scheduled time using the selected one or more computing resources. The scheduled time is earlier than the need-by time by at least the estimated duration.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimization of task execution are disclosed. A definition of a task is received. A plurality of parameter values for execution of the task are selected based on an execution history for a plurality of prior tasks performed for a plurality of clients. The plurality of parameter values are selected to optimize one or more execution constraints for the execution of the task. The execution of the task is initiated using one or more computing resources configured with the selected parameter values.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for making one or more decisions in a group decision-making session includes receiving a group initiation input specifying one or more participants to be invited to the session, receiving an input specifying a first prompt along with related first and second options, and receiving, from one or more participants in the session, votes for the first option and/or the second option. It also includes displaying a racetrack that includes a first icon representing the first option, a second icon representing the second option, a number of individual steps, and a first finish line. The first and second icons are displayed on a respective step that corresponds to a number of votes received for the respective first and second option. The first finish line can be adjusted so as to adjust the threshold number of votes needed to determine the winning option for the first prompt.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for making one or more decisions in a group decision-making session includes receiving a group initiation input specifying one or more participants to be invited to the session, receiving an input specifying a first prompt along with related first and second options, and receiving, from one or more participants in the session, votes for the first option and/or the second option. It also includes displaying a racetrack that includes a first icon representing the first option, a second icon representing the second option, a number of individual steps, and a first finish line. The first and second icons are displayed on a respective step that corresponds to a number of votes received for the respective first and second option. The first finish line can be adjusted so as to adjust the threshold number of votes needed to determine the winning option for the first prompt.

Abstract: In a particular illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a retractable safety banner system and method are disclosed having a retractable safety banner, a reel housing and a reel. The reel winds in and contains the wound up safety banner inside of the reel housing. The safety banner is reeled into and out of the reel housing through an organizing guide that is formed in the reel housing. The organizing guide forces the reeled out safety banner's flags and strap into longitudinal alignment on the reel so that the safety banner is restored to its original configuration when wound back into the reel housing after deployment. The safety banner includes but is not limited to longitudinal strap with a plurality of safety flags attached to the strap and so that the flags hang at a substantially perpendicular angle from the strap forming the safety banner when the safety banner is deployed.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for methods and systems of distinguishing movements of features in a physical environment. For example, on a head-mounted display device, one embodiment of a method includes obtaining a representation of real-world features in two or more coordinate frames and obtaining motion data from one or more sensors external to the head-mounted display device. The method further includes distinguishing features in one coordinate frame from features in another coordinate frame based upon the motion data.

Abstract: There is provided a powder composition comprising a collection of particles (I) having median particle diameter of 10 micrometers to 200 micrometers, wherein each of said particles (I) comprises (a) a covering of a fatty compound having melting point of 50° C. to 110° C. and (b) one or more inner particles (II) comprising one or more complex that contains a cyclopropene compound molecule or a portion of a cyclopropene compound molecule encapsulated in a molecule of a molecular encapsulating agent. Also provided is a slurry comprising water and such a powder. Also provided is a method of contacting plants or plant parts with such a slurry.

Abstract: A plug and tire repair device are for repairing a puncture in a vehicle tire. The device includes an applicator including a stem portion and a tip portion for insertion into a puncture and through a wall of the tire, at least a part of the stem portion and the tip portion having a passage therethough, and a plug. The plug has a plug shaft made of a resilient material, a stopper portion provided at a first end of the plug shaft and a patch portion provided at a second end of the plug shaft opposite the first end, the patch portion having a closed position in which the patch portion is folded around the plug shaft and an open position in which the patch portion is extends outwardly from the plug shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plug shaft. The plug shaft and the patch portion are guidable through the passage in the applicator.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for forecasting weather events, and in particular, for forecasting weather-related impacts on schedules for construction projects and capital programs, or any type of project, program and/or operation where weather can influence its outcome. The disclosed systems/methods can include parsing and processing received project activity data to instantiate an activity model for each schedule activity. A machine-trained classifier can be used to predict, for each respective activity model, types of weather events that are expected to impact each schedule activity. Weather forecast data can also be parsed and/or processed to classify forecasted weather events according to multiple pre-defined types of weather events. A report can be generated specifying which schedule activities are expected to be impacted by forecasted weather events.

Abstract: Described herein is a nasal cannula apparatus. The apparatus is configured to detect the pressurized flow of breathable gas to and/or from the airway of a subject through the nose of the subject. The apparatus comprises a body, a first nasal cannula system formed in the body configured to engage a first nostril of a first nasal passage, and a second nasal cannula system formed in the body configured to engage a second nostril of a second nasal passage of the subject. The second nasal cannula system is joined to first nasal cannula system by a bridge such that the first nasal cannula system engages the first nostril and second nasal cannula system engages the second nostril at the same time. The apparatus is configured to transmit expiratory and inspiratory nasal pressurized flow to connective conduits.

Abstract: A respiratory effort sensing apparatus (2) includes a flexible belt member (8) having a first buckle member (12A) and a second buckle member (12B), and a wearable respiratory monitoring recording device (6). The monitoring device includes: (i) a processing apparatus (34) structured to be selectively operable in a sleep mode and an active mode, and (ii) buckle detection circuitry (46) structured to detect that both buckle members are operatively coupled to the respiratory monitoring recording device and in response thereto generate a buckle detection signal. The processing apparatus is structured to, in response to receiving the buckle detection signal, automatically: (a) move from the sleep mode to the active mode, and (b) generate data indicative of a respiratory effort of a patient over time based on an effort-based signal generated by the respiratory effort sensing apparatus in response to changes in volume of a body part of the patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimization of task execution are disclosed. A definition of a task is received. A plurality of parameter values for execution of the task are selected based on an execution history for a plurality of prior tasks performed for a plurality of clients. The plurality of parameter values are selected to optimize one or more execution constraints for the execution of the task. The execution of the task is initiated using one or more computing resources configured with the selected parameter values.