Abstract: Methods, processes and devices are described for measuring a volatile content of a process stream that comprises volatile species, such as light hydrocarbons and/or H2S. The method can include introducing a stripping gas into a sample of the process stream to strip the volatiles therefrom and produce a gas phase comprising vaporized volatiles; detecting the vaporized volatiles in the gas phase to obtain a sample volatile content; and determining the volatile content of the process stream based on the sample volatile content. The method and device can be used to measure a light hydrocarbon content of froth treatment tailings in the context of removing such light hydrocarbons prior to flocculating and dewatering the tailings.

Abstract: Methods, processes and devices are described for measuring a volatile content of a process stream that comprises volatile species, such as light hydrocarbons and/or H2S. The method can include introducing a stripping gas into a sample of the process stream to strip the volatiles therefrom and produce a gas phase comprising vaporized volatiles; detecting the vaporized volatiles in the gas phase to obtain a sample volatile content; and determining the volatile content of the process stream based on the sample volatile content. The method and device can be used to measure a light hydrocarbon content of froth treatment tailings in the context of removing such light hydrocarbons prior to flocculating and dewatering the tailings.

Abstract: In algae, the conditions for optimal production of biomass are different than the optimal conditions for oil/lipid production. Conventional processes require that both steps be optimized simultaneously which is necessarily sub optimal. The invention provides systems and processes for optimizing each type of production separately and independently, thereby improving overall production of oil, lipids and other useful products. This process is advantageous because it allows the optimization of the individual steps and growth phases in the production of oil from biomass. This allows the use of different feedstocks for various process steps.

Abstract: The invention provides methods that enhance the production of biomass from algae that grow autotrophically, heterotrophically, or photoheterotrophically, through the use of plant growth regulators (such as growth hormones, indole acidic acid, etc.) and hormone mimics (phenoxyacetic compounds, etc.). The plant growth regulators or mimics thereof may further increase the proportion of the desired value-added products, such as biodiesel or starch, in the algae culture or the harvested biomass.

Abstract: A method of evaluating formation of fouling material in a petroleum feed involves illuminating a sample with cross-polarized light while subjecting the sample to temperature and pressure conditions relevant to an industrial process to induce chemical and/or physical changes; collecting images of the treated sample; and analyzing the images to evaluate fouling formation based on heterogeneity of the images in terms of brightness and/or color, where an increase in heterogeneity is indicative of initiation of fouling formation. The method is conducted using a cross-polarized microscopy system including a hot stage reactor assembly capable of withstanding operation within a temperature between about 20° C. to 450° C. or higher, and a pressure between about 0.1 MPa to 16 MPa or higher.

Abstract: A method of evaluating formation of fouling material in a petroleum feed involves illuminating a sample with cross-polarized light while subjecting the sample to temperature and pressure conditions relevant to an industrial process to induce chemical and/or physical changes; collecting images of the treated sample; and analyzing the images to evaluate fouling formation based on heterogeneity of the images in terms of brightness and/or color, where an increase in heterogeneity is indicative of initiation of fouling formation. The method is conducted using a cross-polarized microscopy system including a hot stage reactor assembly capable of withstanding operation within a temperature between about 20° C. to 450° C. or higher, and a pressure between about 0.1 MPa to 16 MPa or higher.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for providing a propensity multiplier for customer message and opportunity management, such that an associate can more effectively assist a customer. The system may provide a customer profile associated with the customer to the channel. The profile compiles customer interaction data, including real-time and batched historic customer interaction data. This data is utilized to predict communication points and opportunities for the customer that may be most relevant to the customer. In this way, the system determines a propensity for each of the communication points and/or opportunities and modifies the ranking of each based on triggers from the received customer interaction data. Thus, providing the communication points and opportunities to an associate within a customer profile, such that the associate is prepared with communication points and opportunities tailored for the customer he/she is interacting with.

Abstract: Computer-based educational systems, methods, and media for a child aged about 1 to about 10 years, comprising: an educational environment comprising: at least three subjects appropriate for the child, wherein each subject comprises a plurality of levels of learning; a plurality of learning activities associated with each subject; wherein the plurality of learning activities teaches toward one or more educational objectives in a subject and is substantially free of activities not teaching toward one or more educational objectives in a subject; a module for creating an avatar to represent the child; and a module for monitoring the progress of the child in each of the subjects, wherein the module for monitoring progress displays an explorable environment comprising the avatar representing the child, a learning path comprising a sequence of lessons or learning activities, and interactive elements configured to teach facts associated with the environment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are computer-based language immersion teaching systems, products, programs, and methods comprising a digital processing device and a computer program that creates a language immersion teaching environment, wherein said environment comprises: a plurality of learning activities associated with a target language; a software module for providing voiceover audio in said target language; and a software module for providing translation of said voiceover and/or text from said target language to a specified language, wherein said translation is both written and voiced, and wherein said software module for providing translation of voiceover and/or text is adapted for use by a mentor to a learner of said target language.

Abstract: A web-based educational system comprising at least one area of skill, interest, or expertise, a plurality of activities associated with each area of skill, interest, or expertise, and at least three navigational modes, wherein the navigational modes comprise a sequenced navigational mode, a guided navigational mode, and an independent navigational mode. Optionally, the learner can switch between available navigational modes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are e-learning lesson delivery platforms, products, programs, and methods comprising a digital processing device and a program that creates a lesson delivery server, wherein said server comprises: a plurality of learning activities, wherein said activities are organized according to an instructional plan designed to accomplish one or more educational objectives in at least one subject, wherein said plan identifies one or more activities for use in a guided environment and one or more activities for assignment as independent work; a module for displaying and providing access to said one or more activities in a guided environment; a module for assigning said one or more activities as independent work to one or more learners, wherein said module is only accessible by a mentor; and a module for displaying and providing access to activities assigned as independent work, wherein said module is accessible by a mentor or a learner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are computer-based language immersion teaching systems, products, programs, and methods comprising a digital processing device and a computer program that creates a language immersion teaching environment, wherein said environment comprises: a plurality of learning activities associated with a target language; a software module for providing voiceover audio in said target language; and a software module for providing translation of said voiceover and/or text from said target language to a specified language, wherein said translation is both written and voiced, and wherein said software module for providing translation of voiceover and/or text is adapted for use by a mentor to a learner of said target language.

Abstract: A web-based educational system comprising at least one area of skill, interest, or expertise, a plurality of activities associated with each area of skill, interest, or expertise, and at least three navigational modes, wherein the navigational modes comprise a sequenced navigational mode, a guided navigational mode, and an independent navigational mode. Optionally, the learner can switch between available navigational modes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are e-learning lesson delivery platforms, products, programs, and methods comprising a digital processing device and a program that creates a lesson delivery server, wherein said server comprises: a plurality of learning activities, wherein said activities are organized according to an instructional plan designed to accomplish one or more educational objectives in at least one subject, wherein said plan identifies one or more activities for use in a guided environment and one or more activities for assignment as independent work; a module for displaying and providing access to said one or more activities in a guided environment; a module for assigning said one or more activities as independent work to one or more learners, wherein said module is only accessible by a mentor; and a module for displaying and providing access to activities assigned as independent work, wherein said module is accessible by a mentor or a learner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are computer-based language immersion teaching systems, products, programs, and methods comprising a digital processing device and a computer program that creates a language immersion teaching environment, wherein said environment comprises: a plurality of learning activities associated with a target language; a software module for providing voiceover audio in said target language; and a software module for providing translation of said voiceover and/or text from said target language to a specified language, wherein said translation is both written and voiced, and wherein said software module for providing translation of voiceover and/or text is adapted for use by a mentor to a learner of said target language.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are e-learning lesson delivery platforms, products, programs, and methods comprising a digital processing device and a program that creates a lesson delivery server, wherein said server comprises: a plurality of learning activities, wherein said activities are organized according to an instructional plan designed to accomplish one or more educational objectives in at least one subject, wherein said plan identifies one or more activities for use in a guided environment and one or more activities for assignment as independent work; a module for displaying and providing access to said one or more activities in a guided environment; a module for assigning said one or more activities as independent work to one or more learners, wherein said module is only accessible by a mentor; and a module for displaying and providing access to activities assigned as independent work, wherein said module is accessible by a mentor or a learner.

Abstract: An educational system assembling platform comprising a digital processing device connected to a computer network and a computer program, provided to said digital processing device via said network. The digital processing device comprises an operating system configured to perform executable instructions, a central processing unit, a memory device, a display, an input device, and a sound output device. The computer program includes executable instructions that create an educational environment. The educational environment comprises at least one area of skill, interest, or expertise, a plurality of learning activities associated with each area of skill, interest, or expertise, and a mentor guided learning mode.

Abstract: A web-based educational system comprising at least one area of skill, interest, or expertise, a plurality of activities associated with each area of skill, interest, or expertise, and at least three navigational modes, wherein the navigational modes comprise a sequenced navigational mode, a guided navigational mode, and an independent navigational mode. Optionally, the learner can switch between available navigational modes.

Abstract: An immersive and interactive educational system for a child aged about 1 to about 10 years, comprising a digital processing device that is connected to the Internet and visual and audio content that creates an immersive and interactive educational environment for the child. The educational environment is characterized by comprising at least three subjects appropriate for the child, wherein each subject comprises a plurality of levels of learning; a plurality of learning activities associated with each subject; a software module for monitoring the progress of the child in each of the subjects; a software module for rewarding the child for completing an activity; and a software module for creating an avatar to represent the child.

Abstract: The invention provides methods that enhance the production of biomass from algae that grow autotrophically, heterotrophically, or photoheterotrophically, through the use of plant growth regulators (such as growth hormones, indole acidic acid, etc.) and hormone mimics (phenoxyacetic compounds, etc.). The plant growth regulators or mimics thereof may further increase the proportion of the desired value-added products, such as biodiesel or starch, in the algae culture or the harvested biomass.