Abstract: Utilization data of reserved virtual machine (VM) instances can be obtained from a cloud service provider. A refund recommendation comprising a first quantity of VM instances and a refund credit associated with the first quantity of VM instances can be generated based on the utilization data. A purchase recommendation comprising a second quantity of VM instances and a purchase cost associated with the second quantity of VM instances can be generated. An exchange transaction to return the first quantity of VM instances and purchase the second quantity of VM instances can be generated, where a net total of the exchange transaction is determined based on the refund credit and the purchase cost.

Abstract: Embodiments related to using a foundational model for network packet traces. A technique includes receiving network traffic of a network and extracting features from the network traffic, the features having a function related to communications in the network. The technique includes generating tokens from the features, each of the features corresponding to a respective one of the tokens, training a machine learning model by inputting the tokens, the machine learning model being trained to output contextual embeddings for the tokens, and using the contextual embeddings to determine an anomaly in the network traffic.

Abstract: A resonator is suitable for reducing or suppressing a force transmitted by a vibrating portion of the resonator to a support part. To this end, the vibrating portion includes two extensions which are each meander shaped such that two segments of each extension have respective speed components that are oriented in opposite directions. Such a resonator, which is balanced, can advantageously be used within a rate gyro or a force sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are expanding spinal fusion cage embodiments including an expandable cage assembly configured to expand from a collapsed state to an expanded state in an intervertebral space when inflated with a material. The assembly can include an inflatable section defining an interior volume configured to receive the material and expand the interior volume in response to a pressure from the received material to cause the expandable cage assembly to transition from the collapsed state to the expanded state, and a stabilization section configured to restrain the inflatable section during inflation.

Abstract: A nest and tub arrangement for the storage of medical device components including a tub having a plurality of guide elements extending from at least one surface of the tub and into the interior of the tub, and at least one nest having a plurality of receptacles for the storage of a plurality of medical device components therein. The at least one nest is sized and configured for placement within the tub such that the plurality of guide elements align and removably retain the at least one nest within the tub.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and computer readable media implemented in connection with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to navigate a UAV along a desired path. For example, systems disclosed herein identify an anticipatory flight path and identify a plurality of reference points on the flight path relative to a current position of the UAV. The systems described herein may further determine reference angles between a current trajectory of the UAV and the reference points to determine an updated trajectory that the UAV should take to stay close to the identified flight path. The systems described herein may further cause the UAV to accelerate in a lateral direction based on the updated trajectory. The features and functionality of systems disclosed herein enable the UAV to accurately follow a complex path having sharp turns with little or no advanced knowledge of the flight path prior to departure.

Abstract: Walkers to assist movement of a person through spaces of varying dimensions are provided. Users may easily adjust the width of the devices to enable them to travel through narrow passageways such as aisles in airplanes. Users may also easily store these devices in small spaces through mechanisms that allow for collapsing of the walkers.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing photochemical measurements on a liquid or liquid-containing sample includes a light generating system, an optical system configured for directing light from the light generating system towards the sample and a sensing system for measuring at least one optical property of the sample, wherein the light generating system is configured for generating light with intensity levels adjustable within a range, spanning at least three and preferably at least five orders of magnitude; and in that the optical system is configured for directing light from the light generating system towards the sample so as to generate a substantially uniform light intensity level, within a cylindrical region of the sample having a height larger than or equal to five time its radius.

Abstract: A method for detecting a reversibly photoswitchable chemical species in a sample, includes the steps of: a) illuminating the sample with light suitable to be absorbed by the chemical species triggering a reaction affecting an optical property of the chemical species, the first light being periodically-modulated at a fundamental modulation frequency; b) measuring the evolution of the optical property; c) extracting at least one of an in-phase component at a frequency which is an even multiple of the fundamental modulation frequency; and a quadrature component at a frequency which is an odd multiple of the fundamental modulation frequency of a signal representing the evolution; and d) using the extracted component or components for detecting the chemical species. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for detecting a photochemically active chemical species in a sample, comprising the steps of: a) illuminating the sample with light at a wavelength suitable to trigger a reaction affecting an optical property of the chemical species according to an illumination sequence, such that: in at least a first time window, the kinetics of the first reaction is limited by a photochemically-activated step of the reaction; and in at least a second time window, the kinetics of the first reaction is limited by a thermally-activated step; b) measuring the evolution of the optical property during the first and the second time windows; c) determining at least a first and a second time constant representing the kinetics of the first reaction in the first and the second time windows, respectively; and d) using the determined time constants for identifying the chemical species. An apparatus for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments provide an automated control compliance evidence manager that is responsible for gathering evidence of compliance with controls. The control compliance evidence manager may operate on an ongoing basis. In some exemplary embodiments, the evidence is gathered and available for review in real time or near real time. The steps for gathering the compliance evidence may be specified at the time a control is established so that there is consistency in what is gathered and how the evidence is gathered. A user may be required to provide an itemization of what evidence is to be gathered and where. The evidence may be stored in an immutable fashion. In some exemplary embodiments, the evidence may be cryptographically hashed or otherwise encrypted and referenced by a secure distributed ledger, like a blockchain. The distributed ledger may be visible to concerned parties.

Abstract: Method of sequestration of carbon dioxide characterized in that it comprises: a step of production of at least one macrophyte plant species floating on an expanse of fresh water in order to form a raft of plant biomass; a step of transportation of said raft of plant biomass from said expanse of fresh water to a sea; a step of dispersal and decomposition of said raft of plant biomass on an expanse of said sea; at least one of said step of production, said step of transportation and said step of dispersal and decomposition being carried out with human assistance.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure that defines a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The sole structure includes an upper midsole cushioning member, a lower midsole cushioning member, an outsole coupled with a bottom surface of the lower midsole cushioning member, and a plate positioned between the upper midsole cushioning member and the lower midsole cushioning member.

Abstract: A non-intrusive automated test bench intended to perform mechanical and/or software and/or audio tests on one or more human-machine interfaces of an apparatus/device. Such a test bench makes it possible, in replacing an operator, to carry out mechanical and/or software and/or audio test sequences on one or more HMI of any apparatus/device, in its operational version, i.e., without needing to implement intrusive software and/or modifications and mechanical arrangements specifically dedicated to an apparatus/device, etc.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing sheet products includes a plurality of walls connected to each other, defining an interior volume, and a stack of sheet products received in the interior volume. A removable panel is provided at a top wall of the plurality of walls. The dispenser is configured so that, upon removal of the removable panel, an opening in the top wall for removing sheet products is revealed. The dispenser has a firmness in the range of 20 to 140, in particular, 70 to 90.