Abstract: A method for obtaining an improved plasticized material results from two differentiated steps: an esterification reaction for synthesizing a polycarboxylic acid ester oligomer in the presence of excess polyol and a catalyst, and a second step of gelatinization and plasticization at temperatures above 90° C. involving a starch mixed with water and with the polycarboxylic acid ester oligomer with excess polyol obtained in the previous step, and a coadjuvant. The catalyst used in the esterification reaction is the same as the coadjuvant used in the gelatinization and plasticization reaction. The plasticized material obtained with this method has a higher stability and a lower migration rate than known plasticized materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nutraceutical formulation of blueberry extract, fish oil (omega-3 and omega-6), recombinant human lactoferrin, vitamin A and vitamin E, for human oral consumption. The invention belongs to the field of ophthalmology and has been developed as a coadjuvant for preserving the health of the precorneal film and of the eye surface. This formulation contains an extract of natural origin (Vaccinium myrtillus L) with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; it also uses eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), omega-6, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), omega-3, obtained from fish oil and which, together with lactoferrin, vitamin A and vitamin E, improves tear quality, since these compounds have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects. This formulation has been designed as a coadjuvant for preserving the health of the precorneal film.

Abstract: A dynamic user interface is configured to generate two types of information that may be generated by sophisticated computer systems such as expert systems and/or artificial intelligence. These types and include a “what if” prediction that illustrates probable outcomes from alternative actions, and a “similarity” analysis which shows a user how adjustments to input data may affect the resulting predictions. The “what if” prediction provides users guidance as to what actions may be most beneficial. The “similarity” analysis helps the users understand consequences of medical decisions.

Abstract: A vascular repair device assembly includes a main prostheses, first internal prostheses, an optional second internal prostheses, and at least two sub-prostheses. Methods for delivering vascular repair devices include delivering a vascular repair device through a blood vessel to the aneurysm site, aligning a proximal open end of a main prosthesis cranially to the site of the aneurysm patient and directing a distal end of at least one additional one vascular repair device through a proximal end of at least a first internal lumen, and aligning the proximal end of the additional vascular repair device into a distal end of the at least one sub-prosthesis.

Abstract: Systems and processes for operating a virtual assistant to provide natural assistant interaction are provided. In accordance with one or more examples, a method includes, at an electronic device with one or more processors and memory: receiving a first audio stream including one or more utterances; determining whether the first audio stream includes a lexical trigger; generating one or more candidate text representations of the one or more utterances; determining whether at least one candidate text representation of the one or more candidate text representations is to be disregarded by the virtual assistant. If at least one candidate text representation is to be disregarded, one or more candidate intents are generated based on candidate text representations of the one or more candidate text representations other than the to be disregarded at least one candidate text representation.

Abstract: Systems and processes for operating a virtual assistant to provide natural assistant interaction are provided. In accordance with one or more examples, a method includes, at an electronic device with one or more processors and memory: receiving a first audio stream including one or more utterances; determining whether the first audio stream includes a lexical trigger; generating one or more candidate text representations of the one or more utterances; determining whether at least one candidate text representation of the one or more candidate text representations is to be disregarded by the virtual assistant. If at least one candidate text representation is to be disregarded, one or more candidate intents are generated based on candidate text representations of the one or more candidate text representations other than the to be disregarded at least one candidate text representation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to deliver targeted advertising are disclosed. An example apparatus includes processor circuitry to: obtain user behavior information corresponding to interaction with a first media object from a user, the first media object including a first customizable media object element and a second customizable media object element independent of the first customizable media object element; analyze a performance of the first media object based on the user behavior information; and update at least one of a user profile of the user or a group profile corresponding to the user using a machine learning model to adjust ratings of the first customizable media object element and the second customizable media object element based on a comparison of the performance of the first media object to a second custom object including at least one of the first customizable media object element or the second customizable media object element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to deliver targeted advertising are disclosed. An example apparatus includes processor circuitry to: obtain user behavior information corresponding to interaction with a first media object from a user, the first media object including a first customizable media object element and a second customizable media object element independent of the first customizable media object element; analyze a performance of the first media object based on the user behavior information; and update at least one of a user profile of the user or a group profile corresponding to the user using a machine learning model to adjust ratings of the first customizable media object element and the second customizable media object element based on a comparison of the performance of the first media object to a second custom object including at least one of the first customizable media object element or the second customizable media object element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a syringe with a visual indicator and retaining elements, which is used in the application of epidural anaesthesia. The syringe has the particularity of comprising a visual indicator located at the front end of a plunger that drives the fluid contained in the barrel, which visual indicator is an element in the form of a bellows comprising two discs with a membrane between the two discs, wherein the membrane can be deformed according to the pressure in the syringe. The syringe also comprises longitudinal lateral flanges on the body of the plunger, which have a surface with a plurality of teeth, wherein the plunger is rotatable relative to its axial axis, and wherein the teeth allow the plunger to be secured.

Abstract: Tabs for coupling or securing an airbag to a vehicle are provided. A tab may include a first panel and a second panel that meet at a foldable portion. First and second arms may extend away from a central portion of the first panel in substantially opposite directions. First and second recesses may extend inward from first and second lateral edges, respectively, of the second panel. The tab may be configured to be folded to form a bracket receiving member. The bracket receiving member may be configured to be disposed through an aperture of a bracket to secure the tab to the vehicle. Additionally, the first and second panels of the tab may be configured to be secured to an airbag to secure the airbag to the vehicle via the tab and the bracket.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to deliver targeted advertising are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a media object assembler to, in response to receiving a request to provide a media object, generate a custom media object using a first media object element and a second media object element based on at least one of a user profile or a group profile corresponding to a user, the user corresponding to the request; an interface to transmit the custom media object to the user; and a performance analyzer to analyze a performance of the custom media object; and update at least one of the user profile or the group profile based on the performance.

Abstract: Systems and processes for operating a virtual assistant to provide natural assistant interaction are provided. In accordance with one or more examples, a method includes, at an electronic device with one or more processors and memory: receiving a first audio stream including one or more utterances; determining whether the first audio stream includes a lexical trigger; generating one or more candidate text representations of the one or more utterances; determining whether at least one candidate text representation of the one or more candidate text representations is to be disregarded by the virtual assistant. If at least one candidate text representation is to be disregarded, one or more candidate intents are generated based on candidate text representations of the one or more candidate text representations other than the to be disregarded at least one candidate text representation.

Abstract: Systems and processes for operating a virtual assistant to provide natural assistant interaction are provided. In accordance with one or more examples, a method includes, at an electronic device with one or more processors and memory: receiving a first audio stream including one or more utterances; determining whether the first audio stream includes a lexical trigger; generating one or more candidate text representations of the one or more utterances; determining whether at least one candidate text representation of the one or more candidate text representations is to be disregarded by the virtual assistant. If at least one candidate text representation is to be disregarded, one or more candidate intents are generated based on candidate text representations of the one or more candidate text representations other than the to be disregarded at least one candidate text representation.

Abstract: Tabs for coupling or securing an airbag to a vehicle are provided. A tab may include a first panel and a second panel that meet at a foldable portion. First and second arms may extend away from a central portion of the first panel in substantially opposite directions. First and second recesses may extend inward from first and second lateral edges, respectively, of the second panel. The tab may be configured to be folded to form a bracket receiving member. The bracket receiving member may be configured to be disposed through an aperture of a bracket to secure the tab to the vehicle. Additionally, the first and second panels of the tab may be configured to be secured to an airbag to secure the airbag to the vehicle via the tab and the bracket.

Abstract: Systems and processes for operating a virtual assistant to provide natural assistant interaction are provided. In accordance with one or more examples, a method includes, at an electronic device with one or more processors and memory: receiving a first audio stream including one or more utterances; determining whether the first audio stream includes a lexical trigger; generating one or more candidate text representations of the one or more utterances; determining whether at least one candidate text representation of the one or more candidate text representations is to be disregarded by the virtual assistant. If at least one candidate text representation is to be disregarded, one or more candidate intents are generated based on candidate text representations of the one or more candidate text representations other than the to be disregarded at least one candidate text representation.

Abstract: Rectoscope designed to be inserted in the anorectal cavity of an individual with diagnostic and/or surgical purposes which incorporates a radial light source, gradually displaceable, which creates a radial beam of light with the object of transilluminating both the tubular body of the rectoscope and the portion of the rectum wherein it is inserted to allow, in first place, a precise observation of the inside of said cavity and, in second place, in if any foreign body such a tumour is detected, to be surgically removed, it allows a precise determination of the distal resection margin to minimize the rectal portion removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic device for performing skin biopsies, comprising a casing (2) housing a rod (3) on the distal end (3a) of which there is a circular blade (4), and means for causing simultaneous rotation and longitudinal advancement of the rod (3) from a first retracted position wherein the blade (4) of the rod (3) does not project via the distal end (2a) of the casing (2), to a second extended position wherein the blade (4) of the rod (3) projects via the distal end (2a) of the casing, followed by simultaneous rotation and longitudinal retraction of said rod (3) from said second extended position to said first retracted position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to deliver targeted advertising are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a media object assembler to, in response to receiving a request to provide a media object, generate a custom media object using a first media object element and a second media object element based on at least one of a user profile or a group profile corresponding to a user, the user corresponding to the request; an interface to transmit the custom media object to the user; and a performance analyzer to analyze a performance of the custom media object; and update at least one of the user profile or the group profile based on the performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for automatically detecting faults in a rotating shaft. The invention comprises the steps of: acquiring a vibration signal from the rotating shaft by means of at least one sensor; processing the signal acquired by the sensor in the time domain and in the frequency domain by means of a processor, obtaining energy measurements of the acquired signal as a result of said processing; comparing in the processor the energy measurements with previously established energy patterns; and finally determining if there is any fault in the rotating shaft based on the comparison between the energy measurements and the previously established patterns.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of reducing a mechanical load on the occurrence of voltage dip in the wind turbines. The wind turbine generator controller and the converter control unit work in combination to control the oscillation generated due to voltage dip in the wind turbine 100. The method applies a ramp in power recovery to allow the enhanced DTD damp oscillations before the peak in torque happens. The method involves the step of: delivering a maximum active power value by the converter control unit to the wind turbine generator controller. Next step is setting a saturation value for the set points to enhance the drive train limits. In the next step, ramping is applied to the power set points of the wind turbine generator. And finally an enhanced drive train damping s applied to the ramped value of the power in order to reduce the mechanical load in the wind turbine and to damp the oscillation in the wind turbine generator.