Abstract: To allow better quality rendering of video on any display, a method is proposed of encoding, in addition to video data (VID), additional data (DD) comprising at least one change time instant (TMA_1) indicating a change in time of a characteristic luminance (CHRLUM) of the video data, which characteristic luminance summarizes the set of luminances of pixels in an image of the video data, the method comprising: generating on the basis of the video data (VID) descriptive data (DED) regarding the characteristic luminance variation of the video, the descriptive data comprising at least one change time instant (TMA_1), and encoding and outputting the descriptive data (DED) as additional data (DD).

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for delivery of an implant to a targeted area of a subject, the system includes the implant includes a plurality of bioresorbable hyaluronan-based fibers and a plurality of non-resorbable fibers, a bone fastener configured to couple the implant to bone, a soft-tissue fastener configured to couple the implant to soft tissue, a soft-tissue fastener tool (SFT) configured to couple with and deliver the soft-tissue fastener through the implant and soft-tissue, a bone fastener tool (BFT) configured to couple with and deliver the bone fastener and the implant. The BFT may further be configured to facilitate positioning of at least a portion of the implant over the targeted area after delivery thereto, and a cannula having a cannula passage. The cannula passage may be configured to receive the BFT coupled with the bone fastener and implant therethrough to secure the implant about the targeted site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for optimizing an optical signal in an optical network having a hub node configured to receive an optical signal comprising a plurality of subcarrier groups each having a signal quality and a transmission output power, including a method that may comprise: determining, a first subcarrier group of the plurality of subcarrier groups with a lowest signal quality lower than a required signal quality margin; determining, a second subcarrier group of the plurality of subcarrier groups that has a highest transmission output power margin, Determining, that the transmission output power margin of the second subcarrier group is above a level needed to increase the lowest signal quality by a required signal quality increase; and sending signals to a first leaf node and a second leaf node causing the first leaf node to swap transmission positions of the first subcarrier group and the second subcarrier group.

Abstract: A specialized network (“merchant”) node to facilitate fast distribution of blockchain transactions over a network of interconnected nodes, as subset of which are merchant nodes interconnected by an overlay network. The merchant node includes a memory storing an assigned portion of a distributed mempool structured as a distributed hash table, the distributed mempool containing pending transactions awaiting confirmation. The merchant node operates by receiving a transaction, including a transaction identifier; hashing the new transaction identifier to obtain a key; determining, using the key, whether the transaction is stored in the distributed mempool or not and, if not, then storing the transaction in the distributed mempool as a pending transaction; and sending the transaction to a set of nodes other than merchant nodes using peer-to-peer connections. The invention may be used in conjunction with the Bitcoin blockchain or an alternative.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to monitor media are disclosed. An example apparatus includes first means for performing a first mapping of a first media identifier and timestamp to a second media identifier in a look-up table (LUT), the first media identifier and timestamp based on media obtained from a server, the first media identifier to identify the media, means for determining a third media identifier and a second timestamp based on media monitoring information (MMI) obtained from the server, the MMI obtained from the server in response to an access of the media identified by the third media identifier by a media device, second means for performing a second mapping of the third media identifier and the second timestamp to the first media identifier and timestamp in the LUT, and means for crediting access of the media to the media device based on the second mapping.

Abstract: A battery charger and a method of operating a battery charger. The charger may include a housing defining an air inlet and an air outlet; a charging circuit operable to output a charging current to charge a battery couplable to the battery charger; a tubular heat sink; and a fan operable to cause air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet and along the heat sink. The charger may include a first switch operable to electrically connect the charging circuit to a power source when the battery engages the charger; and a second switch operable to electrically connect the charging circuit to a battery terminal after the charger terminal is electrically connected to the battery terminal. The charging current or a fan speed may be adjusted based on at least one of the temperature of the charger or a temperature of the battery.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated ZEDC5810, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line ZEDC5810 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line ZEDC5810, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line ZEDC5810, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: To allow better quality rendering of video on any display, a method is proposed of encoding, in addition to video data (VID), additional data (DD) comprising at least one change time instant (TMA_1) indicating a change in time of a characteristic luminance (CHRLUM) of the video data, which characteristic luminance summarizes the set of luminances of pixels in an image of the video data, the method comprising: generating on the basis of the video data (VID) descriptive data (DED) regarding the characteristic luminance variation of the video, the descriptive data comprising at least one change time instant (TMA_1), and encoding and outputting the descriptive data (DED) as additional data (DD).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a modular data acquisition and processing system for obtaining intravascular data, such as image data, for a patient. The modular system includes acquisition components in a patient procedure environment in communication with a processing engine in a remote environment. The remote processing engine may be used with different types of data acquisition systems. The modular system further includes a hub in the patient procedure environment, which maintain a persistent connection with the remote processing engine while enabling fast and reliable coupling to data acquisition components.

Abstract: A delivery device for suture deployment is disclosed. The delivery device includes a distal assembly comprising an elongate member, a proximal housing comprising one or more control elements for controlling one or more components of the delivery device, and a plurality of delivery tubes extending distally from the proximal housing into the elongate member. Each of the plurality of delivery tubes includes a suture anchor stored within a distal portion of that delivery tube, and a push rod configured to push the suture anchor distally out of the distal portion of that delivery tube for deployment of the suture anchor within a target tissue.

Abstract: A tabletop for a table that can rotate between a use position and a stowed position. The table may include at least one rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism may comprise: a housing pivotally connected to a cross-bar, an activation rod connected to a deadbolt and a hook plate and a grip bar connected to the activation rod. When the table is in a use position, the hook plate engages an opening in the primary cross-bar, where the use position is defined as when the tabletop is oriented substantially parallel to a surface supporting the table, and when the table is in a stowed position, the deadbolt receives an engaging member that is connected to the primary cross-bar, where the stowed position is defined as when the tabletop is oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface supporting the table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for food processing includes a processing compartment, two trunnions, a sensor and an alarm. The processing compartment includes a rotating component having two ends. Each trunnion includes a component for rotational movement and the trunnions are disposed to support one of the ends. The sensor is disposed to sense a rotational speed of one of the components for rotational movement and the alarm is responsive to the sensor.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system includes an image processing device configured to receive a stereoscopic video feed and output a depth map. The image processing device may process the stereoscopic video feed through two different depth mapping algorithms concurrently and to compare the output of each of the algorithms (i.e., two depth maps) to determine whether the output of one of the algorithms is accurate.

Abstract: A system for obtaining optical coherence tomography of the optical system of a person, comprising: an eyepiece customized for alignment and positioning to contact a person's eye socket and having a lens pocket for receiving a refractive lens customized for the person's eye refraction characteristics; a condensing system for receiving light from the eyepiece; a scanning module optically connected to the condensing system and having a mirror tiltable in two directions for obtaining optical scanning data from the person's optical system; and a spectrometer and camera module optically connected to the scanning module for obtaining and storing the optical scanning data, wherein the eyepiece, condensing system and scanning module are arranged to provide an optical path for delivering a light beam to the person's eye, and receive reflected light to be directed to the scanning module.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a container. The lid assembly has a lid body, a flap, a seal and a button. The lid body has a lid opening. The flap is pivotally connected to the lid body and pivots away between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position the flap closes the lid opening. In the open position the lid opening is open and a cavity of the container is accessible therethrough. The seal is connected to one of the lid body or the flap to seal the opening when the flap is in the closed position. The button is pivotally connected to the lid body and pivots between an actuated and an unactuated position. When the button is moved to the actuated position the flap moves to the open position.

Abstract: A mobile microgrid charging system may comprise a first battery array that is configured to be transported from location to location and facilitate fast charging of electric aircrafts. The mobile microgrid charging system is mobile and configured to charge multiple electric aircraft prior to re-charging.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed of assembling metal particles into nanoparticles. The method includes electromagnetically levitating the metal particles; inductively heating the electromagnetically levitated metal particles beyond their melting point into metal droplets; and wherein an evaporation flux achieved at a surface of the metal droplets result in a supersaturation of metal atoms around the metal droplets leading to nucleation and growth of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Methods of preventing or decreasing PEDv and/or Salmonella bacteria in animal feed, feed ingredients, and pet food are provided. The methods utilize generally safe chemical mitigants, such as medium chain fatty acids, essential oils, and sodium bisulfate. The chemical mitigants are introduced to the feed or feed ingredients at inclusion rates selected so as to prevent or decrease PEDv and/or Salmonella bacteria in the animal feed, feed ingredients, or pet rood. The methods are particularly suitable for use in post-processing treatment of animal feed, feed ingredients, or pet food that will be transported and stored for multiple days or weeks.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an encryption circuit. The encryption circuit includes a block function circuit to generate a plurality of blocks of output data. A block of output data having an initial sequence number includes more state than used by a ChaCha20 block function. A first part of a keystream is generated from a block of output data having the initial sequence number. A second part of the keystream is generated from blocks of output having sequence numbers other than the initial sequence number.

Abstract: Controlled-release delivery compositions/systems are disclosed for use in the reduction in postharvest spoilage of fruits, vegetables, and plants by utilizing at least one matrix in which at least one volatile shelf-life extending agent is contained Assemblies containing the controlled-release delivery composition/system, as well as methods of producing and using the controlled-release delivery composition/system, are also disclosed.