Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring soil moisture are provided. The system can include a neutron sensor configured to be provided at a sampling location and comprising one or more neutron detectors configured to detect fast neutrons and thermal neutrons at the sampling location and a computing device including at least one data processor and a memory storing instructions configured to cause the processor to perform operations including: receiving, from the neutron sensor, a first electrical signal characterizing a count of fast neutrons at the sampling location and a second electrical signal characterizing a count of thermal neutrons at the sampling location, determining a ratio of fast neutrons to thermal neutrons present at the sampling location, determining a soil moisture measurement based on the ratio and providing the soil moisture measurement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating payment account transactions in virtual settings. One exemplary method includes prompting, by a computing device, a selection of a product for purchase from a user in a virtual reality setting where the virtual reality setting is provided by the computing device. The method further includes transmitting an authentication request to a directory server for a purchase transaction for the product. In response, the computing device receives an authentication response for the purchase transaction from the directory server. When the authentication response includes an authentication value, the computing device compiles and transmits an authorization request for the purchase transaction for the selected product, where the authorization request includes the authentication value.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating payment account transactions in virtual settings. One exemplary method includes prompting, by a computing device, a selection of a product for purchase from a user in a virtual reality setting where the virtual reality setting is provided by the computing device. The method further includes transmitting an authentication request to a directory server for a purchase transaction for the product. In response, the computing device receives an authentication response for the purchase transaction from the directory server. When the authentication response includes an authentication value, the computing device compiles and transmits an authorization request for the purchase transaction for the selected product, where the authorization request includes the authentication value.