Abstract: A method and system provide the ability to deliver media content. A packager receives an original encrypted transport stream, and segments the stream into multiple fixed-duration transport stream files (chunks). The packager further generates a manifest file that describes the chunks and is consistent with a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) live streaming (HLS) protocol. The manifest file and chunks are delivered to a content delivery network (CDN). An enhanced HLS client is embed in an integrated receiver decoder (IRD). The enhanced HLS client retrieves the manifest file and the chunks from the CDN, and reconstructs the original encrypted transport stream for use by a service provider network.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool for diagnosis and prediction using biomarker-based risk assessment for chilling-related disorders of Rosaceous fruit crops including apple and pear. Provided are methodology and genes whose relative and absolute expression can accurately indicate disorder risk throughout the production and supply chain of these crops. This technology describes a necessary and novel management tool for stakeholders producing, servicing, or retailing these crops.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool for diagnosis and prediction using biomarker-based risk assessment for chilling-related disorders of Rosaceous fruit crops including apple and pear. Provided are methodology and genes whose relative and absolute expression can accurately indicate disorder risk throughout the production and supply chain of these crops. This technology describes a necessary and novel management tool for stakeholders producing, servicing, or retailing these crops.

Abstract: A method for providing a financial instrument includes providing a processor. The method also includes generating, using the processor, an annuity comprising a fluctuating annuity payment and an option to fix the fluctuating annuity payment and setting a payment schedule for the fluctuating annuity payment.

Abstract: A method of providing a financial product includes providing a computer processor, determining, using the computer processor, a fluctuating interest rate using a sum of a securities-based interest rate and an additional interest rate, and generating, using the computer processor, a periodic payment product using the fluctuating interest rate, wherein the periodic payment product is characterized by a payment schedule. The method also includes generating, using the computer processor, a plurality of fluctuating periodic payments using the fluctuating interest rate and obtaining an indication to fix the fluctuating interest rate at a fixed interest rate. The method further includes thereafter, determining, using the computer processor, the fixed interest rate and generating a fixed periodic payment using the fixed interest rate.

Abstract: A fluctuating annuity payment is determined and generated, and that annuity payment is subsequently fixable. The fluctuating annuity payment may be based on an interest rate, such as the market yield of a 1-year U.S. Treasury adjusted to constant maturity, for example. The fluctuating annuity payment may be determined on a certain date, or periodically, for example. The annuity payment, while fluctuating, may have a predetermined floor or minimum threshold amount that is does not pay less than. At some point, a request may be received to fix the payment, and the fluctuating annuity payment is converted to a fixed annuity payment. The fixed annuity payment may be based on a long term interest rate, for example. After receiving a request to fix the annuity payment, a payment schedule may be determined based on the value of the remaining payments that are to be made.

Abstract: A fluctuating annuity payment is determined and generated, and that annuity payment is subsequently fixable. The fluctuating annuity payment may be based on an interest rate, such as the market yield of a 1-year U.S. Treasury adjusted to constant maturity, for example. The fluctuating annuity payment may be determined on a certain date, or periodically, for example. The annuity payment, while fluctuating, may have a predetermined floor or minimum threshold amount that is does not pay less than. At some point, a request may be received to fix the payment, and the fluctuating annuity payment is converted to a fixed annuity payment. The fixed annuity payment may be based on a long term interest rate, for example. After receiving a request to fix the annuity payment, a payment schedule may be determined based on the value of the remaining payments that are to be made.

Abstract: A fluctuating annuity payment is determined and generated, and that annuity payment is subsequently fixable. The fluctuating annuity payment may be based on an interest rate, such as the market yield of a 1-year U.S. Treasury adjusted to constant maturity, for example. The fluctuating annuity payment may be determined on a certain date, or periodically, for example. The annuity payment, while fluctuating, may have a predetermined floor or minimum threshold amount that is does not pay less than. At some point, a request may be received to fix the payment, and the fluctuating annuity payment is converted to a fixed annuity payment. The fixed annuity payment may be based on a long term interest rate, for example. After receiving a request to fix the annuity payment, a payment schedule may be determined based on the value of the remaining payments that are to be made.

Abstract: A flowering characteristic of a plant, particularly the timing of flowering, is controlled by the expression of the Late Elongated Hypocotyl (LHY) gene of Arabidopsis thaliana or a mutant, variant, allele, derivative, or homologue thereof. Over-expression may be used to delay flowering in a transgenic plant. The promoter of the gene regulates transcription in accordance with the circadian rhythm and may be used to control expression of genes whose products are only required or desired at certain times of the day.