Abstract: A method for determining a radionuclide concentration of a material is provided. The method comprises placing a detector in a protective structure, wherein the detector is coupled to a single-channel analyzer. The method further comprises inserting the protective structure in a material, wherein the material comprises a radionuclide. The method additionally comprises measuring the moisture content of the material to be analyzed. The method also comprises counting the emitted radiation having a known energy over an interval of time to produce a count per time, wherein the emitted radiation is emitted from the radionuclide and then dividing the count per time by the weight of the material to produce a count per time per weight.

Abstract: A Bifidobacterium lactis BL-99 strain capable of enhancing immunity and the use thereof, which belongs to the technical field of microorganisms, is described. The Bifidobacterium lactis BL-99 provided by the present invention is deposited in China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center CGMCC on Apr. 26, 2018 with the deposit number CGMCC No. 15650. The bacteria have gastric acid resistance and intestinal fluid resistance, can significantly promote the growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, significantly increase antibody-producing cells and half hemolysis value HC50, activate NK cell activity, and can be used to prepare foods for immunity enhancement. It also has the effects in preventing osteoporosis, increasing blood calcium and/or phosphorus ions, which has a wide range of application prospects.

Abstract: A blow molded article obtained by blow molding of a preform made via parallel flow coinjection, having a wall formed by 3 layers in at least a region wherein the outside layer is transparent and the inner layer comprises an effect pigment visible through the transparent layer. Articles according to the invention have an improved gloss, low haze and higher resistance to delamination than previous articles. The invention relates also to preforms for making articles as described and to methods for making preforms and articles.

Abstract: A convenient, water-saving and labor-saving FROG irrigation controller and system are provided, which determine the appropriate water budget and schedule for the property's landscaping based on evapotranspiration data for the geographic area, any regulation data, and property-specific data, with consideration given to reduction in watering days, increase in soil watering depth, and day of year. Once set, the FROG controller provides incremental adjustments over the course of the year; the homeowner no longer needs to re-set the watering program seasonally to automatically comply with local mandated and voluntary watering restrictions. One aspect provides a web-based wizard that is used to determine a customized water budget/schedule which is input into the FROG controller. Another aspect provides an integration of a network of FROG controllers with a central command unit.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing audio feedback, and in particular ‘howling’, during a communication session involving two or more computing devices. The system determines that a first device is likely to join a meeting in which another, second device is already joined. In response, the system can cause the second device to broadcast a signal that, if detected by the first device, will indicate that the two devices are in auditory range of one another. As a result, the system can preemptively mute the audio components of the first device to prevent an audio stream of the first device from interfering with the audio already streaming via the second device.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing audio feedback, and in particular ‘howling’, during a communication session involving two or more computing devices. The system determines that a first device is likely to join a meeting in which another, second device is already joined. In response, the system can cause the second device to broadcast a signal that, if detected by the first device, will indicate that the two devices are in auditory range of one another. As a result, the system can preemptively mute the audio components of the first device to prevent an audio stream of the first device from interfering with the audio already streaming via the second device.

Abstract: Modular transfer units are configured to transport bins or other storage units of standard shapes and sizes between locations. The modular transfer units may be loaded with bins or other storage units having items disposed therein at origins of the items, or at locations where the items are stored, such as fulfillment centers. The modular transfer units may then be mounted to one or more vehicles, such as trailers or rail cars, and transported to another location, where the modular transfer units may be removed from the vehicle, or transferred to another vehicle. The bins or other storage units may be loaded with items that are intended for delivery to a common location. After a bin or storage unit has been unloaded from a modular transfer unit, one or more other bins or storage units may be loaded thereon.

Abstract: A device for assigning to the unknown onset of a signal in a noisy time series a probability of that onset having a signed excursion away from the trace mean including one or more means arranged to: define a polarity at a given time sample by reference to the sign of the amplitude difference between the extrema immediately before and after the given time sample in the time series; define a positive and a negative polarity probability density function; take the respective products of the positive and negative polarity probability density functions with an onset probability density function defining the probability that the onset of the signal occurs at a given time sample; and marginalize the respective products of the positive and negative polarity probability density functions with the onset probability density function over time to estimate final probabilities that the onset has a positive or a negative polarity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting heat away from a semiconductor die are disclosed. A board assembly is disclosed that includes a circuit board, a semiconductor die electrically coupled to the circuit board and a Chemical Vapor Deposition Diamond (CVDD) coated wire. A portion of the CVDD-coated wire extends between a hot-spot on the semiconductor die and the circuit board. The board assembly includes a layer of thermally conductive paste that is disposed between the hot-spot on the semiconductor die and the circuit board. The layer of thermally conductive paste is in direct contact with a portion of the CVDD-coated wire.

Abstract: A multi-touch touch panel and a method of detecting touches is disclosed. The touch panel comprises at least one hole in an active region of the touch panel, having a selected size for mechanically mounting a respective user input device.

Abstract: A blow molded article obtained by blow molding of a preform made via parallel flow coinjection, having a wall formed by 3 layers in at least a region wherein the outside layer is transparent and the inner layer comprises an effect pigment visible through the transparent layer. Articles according to the invention have an improved gloss, low haze and higher resistance to delamination than previous articles. The invention relates also to preforms for making articles as described and to methods for making preforms and articles.

Abstract: A system for providing nourishment to pets is provided. The system includes a base component and an electrically operated platform including a scale configured to move along one or more vertical shafts which brings one or more reservoirs positioned on the platform to various levels of height. The system further includes an affixed mount configured to retain a computing device which controls components of the system, particularly the movement of the platform along the one or more vertical shafts and the taking and storage of weight data of the nourishment.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining a geographic location based conversion via a computer network. A data processing system can receive, from a computing device, an indication of interest in an online content item that is associated with a commercial entity having a location. The system can also receive data points that each include time information and location information of a computing device. The system can generate a valid cluster indicating an activity at the location of the commercial entity by evaluating the time information and the location information of two or more data points with a duration threshold and a location threshold. The system can use the valid cluster to identify the indication of interest in the online content item as the location based conversion based on the activity at the location of the commercial entity.

Abstract: A device and method for applying a material to a hard surface. The device has a sensor and one or more applicator nozzles. The device further includes a reservoir for containing a material to be deposited, and a CPU. The method includes providing information from the sensor about the surface to the CPU, which uses the information to identify where the material is to be deposited and/or how much to deposit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new class of steroid saponins that have interesting biological activity. In particular the present invention relates to a class of steroid saponins in which the sugar moiety has been selectively functionalised to introduce a moiety that contains either, (i) a hydrogen ion donor, (ii) a hydrogen ion acceptor or (iii) a combination thereof. These new, water-soluble compounds are found to not only have potent anti-cancer properties per se but also have the ability to promote the immune response in a subject and can thus act as adjuvants for T-cell activation in cancer therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are molybdenum-containing complexes used in compositions and methods for inhibiting or reducing high temperature corrosion in petroleum refineries.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting heat away from a semiconductor die are disclosed. A board assembly is disclosed that includes a first circuit board having an opening extending through the first circuit board. A Chemical Vapor Deposition Diamond (CVDD) window extends within the opening. A layer of thermally conductive paste extends over the CVDD window. A semiconductor die extends over the layer of thermally conductive paste such that a hot-spot on the semiconductor die overlies the CVDD window.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a dispenser. The valve assembly includes a valve body that extends about a longitudinal axis and defines an outer surface and an inner passageway. A valve stem extends through the inner passageway and includes an outer stem surface, an inner stem surface opposite the outer stem surface, and a first orifice extending from the outer stem surface to the inner stem surface. The valve assembly includes a retaining member joined to the second portion of the valve stem, wherein the retaining member extends outward from the outer stem surface. The retaining member includes a first retaining member surface, a second retaining member surface, and a void.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a dispenser. The valve assembly includes a valve body that extends about a longitudinal axis and defines an outer surface and an inner passageway. The valve body includes a first valve body surface and a second valve body surface opposite the first valve body surface. A valve stem extends through the inner passageway and includes an outer stem surface, an inner stem surface opposite the outer stem surface, and a first orifice extending from the outer stem surface to the inner stem surface. A resilient member is disposed on at least a portion of the first valve body surface. The resilient member is made from a resilient polymeric material and has a non-linear compression profile.

Abstract: An actively controlled squeeze film damper system comprises a housing defining an annulus receiving a damping fluid during operation, a lubricant source supplying damping fluid to the annulus, and a sensor assembly for measuring a parameter indicative of a compressibility of the damping fluid. A control device adjusts the compressibility of the damping fluid within a predefined range.