Abstract: In some embodiments, a method sends a set of first requests for a set of first segments of a video in a playback session. A first protocol from a plurality of protocols is specified in at least one of the set of first requests. The set of first segments is received. The method determines whether to switch from using the first protocol to a second protocol in the playback session based on receiving the set of first segments. When switching to the second protocol, the method sends a second request in the playback session, wherein the second request indicates the second protocol is to be used to send a second segment of the video.

Abstract: A preparation method of a crop straw-based seawater desalinator and a product thereof, and the preparation process is as follows: (1) crushing crop straws, and screening the crushed crop straws through a mesh sieve to obtain straw powder; (2) calcining the straw powder at a high temperature under nitrogen protection to obtain biochar, and then putting the biochar into a ball mill for ball milling to obtain ball-milled biochar; (3) adding the straw powder into a sodium hydroxide solution for reaction, and centrifuging a reactant to obtain a viscous product; and (4) stirring the viscous product uniformly with the ball-milled biochar to obtain a mixture, pouring the mixture into a mold, and freezing and drying the mixture to obtain a seawater desalinator. The evaporator features high evaporation rate and the photothermal conversion efficiency, and the ion concentration of the water body after evaporation is greatly reduced.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method sends a set of requests for a video using a first protocol. The first protocol is selected from a plurality of protocols available for use in a playback session for the video. The method compares a first performance of the first protocol and a second performance of a second protocol and determines whether to switch from using the first protocol to the second protocol in the playback session based on the comparing.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method receives session features for a session associated with a request for a video from a client and predicts network conditions for the session using the session features. A subset of available profiles is selected based on the network conditions. The available profiles are associated with a different playback characteristic. The method provides a profile ladder that includes the subset of available profiles for the playback of the video to the client. The profile ladder restricts the client to using the subset of available profiles to request segments of the video during the session.

Abstract: In some embodiments, after receiving a first set of video segments of a video, a method starts a first computing instance and receives a video segment of the video using the first computing instance. A measurement is calculated based on receiving the video segment. The method uses the measurement to determine whether the first computing instance should continue to be used to receive video segments in the video or should be terminated to not receive video segments in the video.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method receives a plurality of video segments of a video using a plurality of computing instances and measures data received for the plurality of computing instances during a time window. A video segment for a computing instance in the plurality of computing instances is not fully downloaded during the time window. The method calculates a video delivery metric for the plurality of computing instances based on the data received and calculates an evaluation measurement based on the video delivery metric. The evaluation measurement is used to control an addition or a termination of a computing instance.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method sends a set of requests for a video using a first protocol. The first protocol is selected from a plurality of protocols available for use in a playback session for the video. The method compares a first performance of the first protocol and a second performance of a second protocol and determines whether to switch from using the first protocol to the second protocol in the playback session based on the comparing.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method receives a plurality of video segments of a video using a plurality of computing instances and measures data received for the plurality of computing instances during a time window. A video segment for a computing instance in the plurality of computing instances is not fully downloaded during the time window. The method calculates a video delivery metric for the plurality of computing instances based on the data received and calculates an evaluation measurement based on the video delivery metric. The evaluation measurement is used to control an addition or a termination of a computing instance.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method receives session features for a session associated with a request for a video from a client and predicts network conditions for the session using the session features. A subset of available profiles is selected based on the network conditions. The available profiles are associated with a different playback characteristic. The method provides a profile ladder that includes the subset of available profiles for the playback of the video to the client. The profile ladder restricts the client to using the subset of available profiles to request segments of the video during the session.