Abstract: This disclosure describes particles and techniques for storing oligonucleotides that provide stable, long-term protection yet are also compostable. A core is coated with a layer of oligonucleotides and encapsulated under an outer layer of non-porous, hydrolyzed organosilicon disulfide. The hydrolyzed organosilicon disulfide protects the oligonucleotides from oxidative and thermal damage under typical storage conditions. One suitable organosilicon disulfide is bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl) disulfide (BTSPD). The oligonucleotides may be retrieved by contacting the particles with a reducing agent that degrades the disulfide bonds in the outer layer. The disulfide bonds enable removal of the protective encapsulation without the use of dangerous chemicals such as hydrogen fluoride. Instead of retrieving the oligonucleotides, the particles may be disposed of in a composting environment. In an implementation, the oligonucleotides are artificially synthesized and encode digital information.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for AI-based ledger prediction are provided. A processor is configured by instructions on a memory to receive and categorize a ledger file to a ledger type based on the data contained within the ledger file. The ledger data may contain information related to an insurance policy and investments made based on the payments into the policy over a period of time. The processor may be configured to utilize machine learning to generate a prediction of a value or values related to the ledger data, for example a retirement distribution amount.

Abstract: A thief hatch state monitoring system includes a thief hatch sensor that detects a change in angular position of a thief hatch and generates sensor data at an output in response to the detected change. A processor having an electrical input is electrically connected to the output of the thief hatch state sensor. The processor determines when the angular position of the thief hatch changes by more than a predetermined amount from the sensor data and then generates a transmit signal indicating a state of the thief hatch. A network interface is electrically connected to an output of the processor. The network interface generates a signal that indicates the state of the thief hatch. A communication gateway includes a receiver that receives the signal indicating the state of the thief hatch. The communication gateway is electrically connected to a network that provides an end-user remote access to the state of the thief hatch.

Abstract: Decision support systems and methods are provided for reducing the risk of financing premiums for a cash value life insurance policy. Information including a projected issuance date, a projected third-party loan payoff date, and a projected policy maturity date is used to underwrite an application for the insurance policy. Leverage method steps include determining a third-party loan amount to fund a policy premium. Arbitrage method steps include determining a participating policy loan amount sufficient to provide an early third-party loan exit strategy, thereby significantly reducing durational risk by funding the third-party loan amount at the projected third-party loan payoff date. The participating loan amount may be loaned at a maximum participating loan rate that is less than an interest rate for the third-party loan and/or less than a cash value earnings rate for the policy. Tax benefit methods steps may include scheduling periodic policy loan distributions.

Abstract: A method of forming a modular collecting electrode for an electrostatic precipitator, including forming a plurality of horizontal collecting electrode sections, each section having vertical planar portions separated by vertical tubular portions, and wherein the method includes inserting interconnecting support elements into the tubular portions of adjacent collector electrode sections and compressing the interconnected electrode sections to form a rigid modular assembly. In one preferred embodiment, the method includes applying stiffening members across the ends of the planar portions of adjacent electrode sections for transmitting rapping forces through the assembled sections.

Abstract: A replacement discharge electrode including a plurality of tubular telescopically assemblable discharge elements, and a tensioning element, tensioning the cable when the tubular telescopically assemblable discharge elements are aligned forming a rigid unitary tubular replacement discharge electrode. The discharge electrode components include abuttable tubular sections, center support tubes telescopically received within the abuttable tubular sections and outer tubular sleeves or collars, forming a rigid discharge electrode having excellent electrical properties. The method includes loosely assembling the tubular component on a flexible cable and tensioning the cable to form a rigid mast-type discharge electrode.

Abstract: A method of forming a modular collecting electrode for an electrostatic precipitator, including forming a plurality of horizontal collecting electrode sections, each section having vertical planar portions separated by vertical tubular portions, and wherein the method includes inserting interconnecting support elements into the tubular portions of adjacent collector electrode sections and compressing the interconnected electrode sections to form a rigid modular assembly. In one preferred embodiment, the method includes applying stiffening members across the ends of the planar portions of adjacent electrode sections for transmitting rapping forces through the assembled sections.

Abstract: A replacement discharge electrode including a plurality of tubular telescopically assemblable discharge elements, and a tensioning element, tensioning the cable when the tubular telescopically assemblable discharge elements are aligned forming a rigid unitary tubular replacement discharge electrode. The discharge electrode components include abuttable tubular sections, center support tubes telescopically received within the abuttable tubular sections and outer tubular sleeves or collars, forming a rigid discharge electrode having excellent electrical properties. The method includes loosely assembling the tubular component on a flexible cable and tensioning the cable to form a rigid mast-type discharge electrode.

Abstract: A drug delivery device initially having two adhesive layers containing at least one active agent in each layer are kept separate from each other prior to administration of the active agent. At the time of administration, the separated layers are combined to form a dual layer adhesive transdermal drug delivery device which results in the administration of the at least one active compound after topical application of the device.