Abstract: A blockchain architecture allows blocks to store both public and private data. The public data may be accessible to any node in the blockchain network, while the private data may be accessible only to nodes specified in an access list, which may be provided when a record is added to the blockchain. When a new record is received, any private fields in the record may be identified and encrypted by a receiving node. The key may then be encrypted and sent with the protected record to other nodes in the access list. These nodes can access the encryption key, decrypt the private fields, and provide a consensus decision to a receiving node. After consensus, the protected record may be added to the blockchain, where the public fields may be freely accessed by any node, and the private fields remain accessible only to nodes in the access list.

Abstract: A configurable automated system preprocesses weather and agronomic data to provide a yield forecast model for a target crop in an identified region. The system considers data typically excluded based on biases of a human operator and/or considers data otherwise not considered to be relevant and/or a powerful predictor by a person having ordinary skill in the art. The system builds predictive models through a variety of statistical approaches, selects and validates candidate models, and operates validated models that output in-season forecasts in a production environment.

Abstract: A configurable automated system preprocesses weather and agronomic data to provide a yield forecast model for a target crop in an identified region. The system considers data typically excluded based on biases of a human operator and/or considers data otherwise not considered to be relevant and/or a powerful predictor by a person having ordinary skill in the art. The system builds predictive models through a variety of statistical approaches, selects and validates candidate models, and operates validated models that output in-season forecasts in a production environment.

Abstract: Semiconductor device structures include markings that are covered by visibly opaque materials. The markings include alpha-numeric characters and are recessed within the surface of a fabrication substrate. Each character may include a series of circular holes in the substrate. The recessed characters may be filled with a material that does not cover a surface of the fabrication substrate.

Abstract: A chemical composition analyzer may be used to optically determine and report chemical compositions associated with natural gases within a gas collection and transmission infrastructure. This analyzer includes a number of optical sensors which may be used to perform spectroscopic spectrographic analysis in order to determine the chemical composition of the natural gas. Additionally other sensors may be used to measure other physical properties associated with the natural gas. These sensors are tied to a data collection system wherein the output of the optical sensors and sensors used to measure the physical properties of the natural gas may be combined and processed in order to determine in a nearly continuous fashion the chemical composition associated with the natural gas at various locations within the gas collection and transmission infrastructure. This real time compositional analysis may be used to determine valuations of the gas or to optimize other processes or equipment configurations.