Abstract: An apparatus can include at least a controller, quantum hardware, and an interface. The controller can be configured to generate command signals. The quantum hardware can include at least a plurality of qubits. The interface can be connected to the controller and the quantum hardware, the interface being configured to control the quantum hardware based on the command signals to implement a quantum circuit configured to simulate a boundary operator that creates a mapping of boundaries of a given graph having nodes and edges. For example, the quantum circuit can be configured to simulate a boundary operator that creates a mapping of simplices of orders, e.g., of all orders, in a given simplicial complex. A method can include creating a boundary operator on a quantum computer, where a quantum circuit is built using Pauli spin operators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of capturing and stabilising volatile thiol malodour generated on the human skin, comprising steps of: i) contacting the human skin with a substrate, ii) absorbing said thiol into the substrate, and iii) reacting said thiol with a thiol-capture agent. The invention also relates to a method of quantifying said thiol, a method of assessing the deodorizing performance of a cosmetic composition on the human skin.

Abstract: In an approach for guiding a visually impaired user to position a mobile device appropriately in relation to a screen so that dynamic information on the screen can be reliably extracted and conveyed to the visually impaired user, a processor receives an image captured by a camera of a mobile device. A processor performs object recognition on the image to identify a digital screen and a location of the digital screen in the image. A processor retrieves a template of the digital screen. A processor performs angle-sensitive optical character recognition (OCR) on the location of the digital screen in the image. Responsive to a processor determining text on the digital screen can be extracted, a processor conveys the text to a user. Responsive to a processor determining text on the digital screen cannot be extracted, a processor guides the user to re-orient the mobile device to capture a better image.

Abstract: In an approach for guiding a visually impaired user to position a mobile device appropriately in relation to a screen so that dynamic information on the screen can be reliably extracted and conveyed to the visually impaired user, a processor receives an image captured by a camera of a mobile device. A processor performs object recognition on the image to identify a digital screen and a location of the digital screen in the image. A processor retrieves a template of the digital screen. A processor performs angle-sensitive optical character recognition (OCR) on the location of the digital screen in the image. Responsive to a processor determining text on the digital screen can be extracted, a processor conveys the text to a user. Responsive to a processor determining text on the digital screen cannot be extracted, a processor guides the user to re-orient the mobile device to capture a better image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of capturing and stabilising volatile thiol malodour generated on the human skin, comprising steps of: i) contacting the human skin with a substrate, ii) absorbing said thiol into the substrate, and iii) reacting said thiol with a thiol-capture agent. The invention also relates to a method of quantifying said thiol, a method of assessing the deodorizing performance of a cosmetic composition on the human skin.

Abstract: A method for mapping sweat production from the human skin, said method comprising the application of a polydiacetylene (PDA) prepared from a derivative of a conjugated diynoic acid having at least 18 carbon atoms, wherein the PDA changes colour when exposed to sweat, but does not change colour when exposed to pure water.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a position detection system includes a magnetic field generator configured to generate a time-varying magnetic field. The magnetic field generator includes a carrier assembly that defines a first axis of rotation and comprises a permanent magnet having a center of mass. The magnetic field generator also includes a drive assembly that is coupled to the carrier assembly and configured to act on the carrier assembly to rotate the permanent magnet simultaneously about the first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation. The second axis of rotation intersects the first axis of rotation at an intersection that is offset from the center of mass of the permanent magnet. The position detection system additionally includes a computer device configured to determine a position of a sensor based on magnetic field measurements obtained by the sensor in the time-varying magnetic field.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for determining if a system is compatible with an upgrade to a hardware resource of the system, receiving instructions from a remote server to upgrade the hardware resource if the system is compatible, and programming the hardware resource based on the instructions. In one such embodiment, the hardware resource may be programmed via programmable fuses to enable circuitry of the hardware resource. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method of training brokers in a multi-level marketing business to make sales of a product and to recruit new brokers includes the steps of presenting materials to train brokers on order form procedures. The order form procedures include collecting identification information and payment information. The method also includes presenting materials to train brokers on recruiting form procedures. The recruiting form procedures include collecting identification information, payment information, and the selection of sales packages. The method also includes presenting materials to train brokers on sales procedures. The sales procedures include the steps of listing prospects, approach prospects, provide a sales presentation, enroll members and brokers, and continually repeat the sales procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus that propels a ball pneumatically is provided with an adapter for imparting spin to the ball. In a further aspect, the apparatus can be provided with a position adjuster that cooperates with a ball exit tube of the apparatus. A further aspect is directed to a platform that allows the apparatus to be supported on a ladder-like device. A pneumatic projectile propulsion apparatus is capable of achieving high speed with a simple and practical structure.

Abstract: A telephone intercom device is provided for use in a telephone system. The telephone system includes a plurality of telephones interconnected to one another via first and second pairs of conductors, the first pair of conductors also being coupled to an external telephone line. Each of the telephones includes a hook switch associated therewith that is operable to enable the telephone. The intercom device includes a connector for receiving the conductors of the telephone that extend from the hook switch. A pair of telephone call conductors are provided for connecting at one end to the first pair of conductors. A pair of intercom call conductors are also provided for connecting at one end to the second pair of conductors. A mode selection switch is connected at one end to the connector and is operable between first and second positions to connect the conductors extending from the telephone hook switch to one of the telephone call and intercom call conductors.

Abstract: A remotely controlled locking device is provided for preventing unauthorized withdrawal of watt-hour meters from their sockets. The locking device is typically located beneath the base of the meter in the socket, and both the meter and socket can be of standard design. The device may be associated with apparatus to indicate withdrawal of the meter and to count interruptions of power to the meter, thereby providing further security against tampering.

Abstract: A battery terminal includes a ring and a plurality of upstanding fingers extending inwardly of the ring. Each finger includes an inwardly and outwardly-directed shoulder. The inwardly-directed shoulders are engageable with a male battery terminal and the outwardly-directed shoulders are engageable with a female battery terminal. Also, a polarizing shroud is provided having an opening to the inwardly-directed shoulders of the terminal or an opening to the outwardly-directed shoulders to provide the required polarization.

Abstract: A battery terminal includes a ring and a plurality of upstanding fingers extending inwardly of the ring. Each finger includes an inwardly and outwardly-directed shoulder. The inwardly-directed shoulders are engageable with a male battery terminal and the outwardly-directed shoulders are engageable with a female battery terminal. Also, a polarizing shroud is provided having an opening to the inwardly-directed shoulders of the terminal or an opening to the outwardly-directed shoulders to provide the required polarization.

Abstract: An improved substrate for mounting electronic components including a plurality of uniformly spaced terminals on opposite sides along an edge of the substrate. The terminals comprise a contact having an outward bow, a narrowed transition section extending from the contact at an oblique angle from the longitudinal axis of the contact, and a tail bent at an angle, inserted through a first hole spaced from the edge of the substrate, bent at a second opposite angle along a side of the substrate, and inserted laterally in a second spaced hole by forming a U-shaped bend in the tail within the hole.