Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for processing, transmitting and presenting content, such as video content. A computing device playing back content may determine the best opportunities to shift versions or variants of the content that is encoded at different bitrates by shifting at switch points that may have been incorporated into the content stream or associated data. The computing device may determine that network conditions have changed and may then wait to detect a switch point in the content before shifting the bitrate of the content stream. The switch point may be associated with a low action point or a dark point in a scene within the content, or may relate to points in the content that are less likely to interrupt the viewing experience of a user. The computing device may also receive messages such as alerts or notifications at the switch point.

Abstract: A backflow preventer for preventing a reverse flow of water in a plumbing system including a body having an inlet and an outlet. The body forms an intermediate zone between the inlet and outlet. An inlet check valve prevents the reverse flow of water from the intermediate zone through the inlet. An outlet check valve prevents the flow of water from the outlet into the intermediate zone. An inlet pressure sensor, an intermediate pressure sensor and an outlet pressure sensor provide readings for the respective zones. A controller monitors a pressure differential between the outlet pressure zone and the intermediate pressure zone to compare the pressure differential to a pre-set range. The controller generates a warning/error message when the pressure differential is outside the pre-set range. The controller can also monitor an inlet pressure in the inlet zone to generate a message if the inlet pressure varies inappropriately.

Abstract: Edible sheets for use in the preparation of food products and/or direct consumption by consumers are disclosed. The edible sheets include at least one flexible or semi-rigid membrane or layer of a base material having particles of one or more functional materials, such as lubricants or flavoring additives, dispersed therein. The edible sheets are configured to undergo a transformation and release the functional materials onto a cooking surface or surface of a food item, or into a mouth of a consumer, upon satisfaction of one or more predetermined conditions, allowing for consistent and controlled delivery of the functional materials. The edible sheets may be effective to flavor a food item before, during, or after cooking, may be effective to lubricate a food item or cooking surface, and/or may be effective to deliver a gustatory sensation to a consumer.

Abstract: Edible sheets for use in the preparation of food products are disclosed. The edible sheets include at least one flexible or semi-rigid membrane or layer of a base material having particles of one or more functional materials, such as lubricants or flavoring additives, dispersed therein. The edible sheets are configured to undergo a transformation and release the functional materials onto a cooking surface or surface of a food item upon satisfaction of one or more predetermined conditions, allowing for consistent and controlled delivery of the functional materials. The edible sheets may be effective to flavor a food item before, during, or after cooking, and/or may be effective to lubricate a food item or cooking surface.

Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is configurable with varying lay-lengths and orientations. The assembly includes coupling assemblies and valve bodies that adjust in length and/or rotation to allow for the varying lay-lengths and orientations of the backflow prevention valves and assemblies with and without certification. A coupling assembly is connected to a backflow prevention valve and includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that is slidingly received within the outer sleeve. The lay-length is adjusted by slidably moving the inner and outer sleeves with respect to one another.

Abstract: A backflow preventer including a body having an inlet for connection to an upstream portion of a plumbing system and an outlet for connection to a downstream portion of the plumbing system, a first check valve and a second check valve located in the body for preventing the reverse flow of water between the outlet and the inlet. An inlet pressure zone is positioned between the inlet and the first check valve, an outlet pressure zone is positioned between the outlet and the second check valve, and an intermediate pressure zone is positioned between the first and the second check valves. Position sensors sense the positions of the check valves, and pressure sensors sense the pressures in the zone. A controller in communication with the position sensors and the pressure sensors calculates the opening and closing pressures of the check valves.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods useful for backflow prevention system that includes an actuated valve, a valve controller, one or more upstream sensors, and one or more downstream sensors. Upon detecting conditions conducive to backflow through the system using either or both the one or more upstream sensors, and the one or more downstream sensors, the valve controller causes the actuated valve to close. The system may be enhanced through the use of a qualifying check valve disposed between the actuated valve and the one or more downstream sensors to slow or impede backflow through the system. The system may be enhanced by inclusion of a run-out length between the actuated valve and the one or more downstream sensors to account for the latency in the actuator causing the valve to transition to the CLOSED position.

Abstract: Fluid detection systems and methods using the same are disclosed. In embodiments the fluid detection systems include a sensor module and an electronics module. The sensor module includes a sensor housing that includes a liquid flow path and a sensor element disposed around at least part of the liquid flow path. The sensor element can detect a capacitance of the liquid flow path and provide a sensor signal to a controller in the electronics module. The electronics module can determine a detected capacitance in the liquid flow path based at least in part on the sensor signal, and can determine whether a wet event has occurred based on a comparison of the detected capacitance to a threshold capacitance. Methods using the fluid detection systems and fluid supply systems including the fluid detection systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A test cock is configured to connect to a test cock port. The test cock includes a body portion defining a flowpath between a distal end and a proximal end. The test cock includes an intake stem at the proximal end that has external threads to connect the test cock to the test cock port. The intake stem defines an intake opening connected to the flowpath, the intake opening having a non-circular shape, such as a hexagonal shape. The test cock also includes an extraction tool having an end forming the non-circular shape of the intake opening, the end being sized to fit within and engage the intake opening.

Abstract: Compounds are presented having the formula [M4L6].Xn, where M is a transition metal ion having 6 d-shell valence electrons, X is a counter ion and n is the number of counterions such that the total charge of the compound of formula (I) is zero, and wherein L is a 5-(5-bipyridin-2,2?-yl)-2,2?-bipyridine or derivative thereof. Methods of preparing the compounds and uses of the compounds to retain radiolabels are also presented.

Abstract: Media, method and system for generating an itinerary using machine learning. To accomplish this, a reinforcement learning model is trained on historical data of past trips taken and their corresponding costs. The reinforcement learning model uses a self-play algorithm to train itself to generate itineraries which minimize the cost. The reinforcement learning model is then used to train a supervised learning model. The trained supervised learning model is given a set of input requirements and generates as an output an itinerary to send to a user.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a trigger assembly for a firearm including a rotatable disconnector biased by a detent ball and a return spring to reset the trigger, whereby resetting said trigger causes the rotation of said disconnector to completely decompress said return spring thereby providing no spring pressure on the trigger.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides for a dry powder pharmaceutical composition suitable for dispersion in an aerosol for inhaled administration to a patient with cancer, the composition comprising: a cytidine analogue including salts, solvates, hydrates, and esters thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient together forming the dry powder pharmaceutical composition suitable for dispersion in the aerosol for administration via inhalation to the patient with cancer. Another embodiment provides for a method of making the composition and a further embodiment provides for a method a treating a patient in need thereof with the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel method to fabricate magnetic silica nanomembranes using thin polymer cores based on silica deposition and self-wrinkling induced by thermal shrinkage. These micro- and nano-scale structures have vastly enlarged the specific area of silica, thus the magnetic silica nanomembranes can be used for solid phase extraction of nucleic acids. The magnetic silica nanomembranes are suitable for nucleic acid purification and isolation and demonstrated better performance than commercial particles in terms of nucleic acid recovery yield and integrity. In addition, the magnetic silica nanomembranes may have high nucleic acid capacity due to significantly enlarged specific surface area of silica. Methods of use and devices comprising the magnetic silica nanomembranes are also provided herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods of managing videoconferencing endpoint capacity based on safety concerns (e.g., COVID-19), comprising: capturing a video feed corresponding to a geographic location; detecting a presence of one or more persons corresponding to the geographic location, based on data of the video feed; determining a quantity of persons corresponding to the geographic location, based the data of the video feed; determining that the quantity of persons corresponding to the geographic location exceeds a first predetermined threshold; and—in response to the determination that the quantity of persons corresponding to the geographic location exceeds the first predetermined threshold—issuing one or more alert messages and/or taking other appropriate action(s).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides ammunition magazines and followers for use in a firearm, such as an AR15 or M16 firearm, that prevent contact between the bullet portion of a cartridge and interior surfaces of the firearm's receiver portion during transfer of the cartridge from the magazine to the firearm's chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel method to fabricate magnetic silica nanomembranes using thin polymer cores based on silica deposition and self-wrinkling induced by thermal shrinkage. These micro- and nano-scale structures have vastly enlarged the specific area of silica, thus the magnetic silica nanomembranes can be used for solid phase extraction of nucleic acids. The magnetic silica nanomembranes are suitable for nucleic acid purification and isolation and demonstrated better performance than commercial particles in terms of nucleic acid recovery yield and integrity. In addition, the magnetic silica nanomembranes may have high nucleic acid capacity due to significantly enlarged specific surface area of silica. Methods of use and devices comprising the magnetic silica nanomembranes are also provided herein.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a face shield capable of sliding onto a brim of a head covering. The face shield may have coatings providing anti-microbial protection, UV protection, fire protection, or combinations thereof. The face shield may be pre-designed for a specific head covering, or may be adaptable to take the correct shape upon mounting to the head covering. The face shield may also include a snap-on strip that is releasably connectable to a substantially transparent sheet of material forming the face shield and the snap-on strip may be configured to impart a shape to the substantially transparent sheet of material when connected thereto.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a face shield capable of sliding onto a brim of a head covering. The face shield may have coatings providing anti-microbial protection, UV protection, fire protection, or combinations thereof. The face shield may be pre-designed for a specific head covering, or may be adaptable to take the correct shape upon mounting to the head covering. The face shield may also include a snap-on strip that is releasably connectable to a substantially transparent sheet of material forming the face shield and the snap-on strip may be configured to impart a shape to the substantially transparent sheet of material when connected thereto.

Abstract: Contemplated cutting systems are provided that include a blade, a blade holder, and a non-cutting surface. The non-cutting surface is configured to contact a surface to be cut. As the cutting system is moved across the surface and the non-cutting surface is rotated against the surface, the blade is configured to (i) pierce the surface with a first piercing edge and (ii) cut the surface with a first cutting edge. Contemplated cutting systems can be incorporated into hand or machine operated cutting tools.