Abstract: An approach is provided for controlling access to social networking data for each of a plurality of members by issuing one or more first keys for at least one of data encryption or data decryption, based on a respective current trust level associated with a corresponding member and one or more context attributes corresponding to the social networking data. The one or more first keys expire at an expiration time determined with reference to a time clock. Based on a signal accepted from the time clock, one or more second keys for at least one of data encryption or data decryption are issued to one or more members of the plurality of members who are associated with a trust level above a predetermined threshold and/or who satisfy specified context attributes, prior to the expiration time of the first keys.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of making graphene-carbon nanotube hybrid materials. In some embodiments, such methods generally include: (1) associating a graphene film with a substrate; (2) applying a catalyst and a carbon source to the graphene film; and (3) growing carbon nanotubes on the graphene film. In some embodiments, the grown carbon nanotubes become covalently linked to the graphene film through carbon-carbon bonds that are located at one or more junctions between the carbon nanotubes and the graphene film. In some embodiments, the grown carbon nanotubes are in ohmic contact with the graphene film through the carbon-carbon bonds at the one or more junctions. In some embodiments, the one or more junctions may include seven-membered carbon rings. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to graphene-carbon nanotube hybrid materials that are formed in accordance with the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for providing an active ticket in a mobile terminal for use by a mobile terminal user, wherein at least one active ticket has a ticket characteristic that dynamically changes based on one or more states in a life cycle of the active ticket. Dynamic changes to the ticket characteristic include multimedia changes or other presentation data, including text, sound (audio), animation, video, still pictures, or some combination thereof. The active ticket can have different states in it's life cycle, such as purchased, validated, invalid for certain events. Also the ticket service provider or issuer can send new control data to change the characteristic and/or contents of the active ticket.

Abstract: Provided are compounds of the formula (I): or a stereoisomer, tautomer, salt, hydrate or prodrug thereof that modulate tyrosine kinase activity, compositions comprising the compounds and methods of their use.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods of forming graphene films by: (1) depositing a non-gaseous carbon source onto a catalyst surface; (2) exposing the non-gaseous carbon source to at least one gas with a flow rate; and (3) initiating the conversion of the non-gaseous carbon source to the graphene film, where the thickness of the graphene film is controllable by the gas flow rate. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to graphene films made in accordance with the methods of the present disclosure.

Abstract: An approach is provided for providing a list-based interface to key-value stores. The library interface platform determines one or more key-value pairs of at least one key-value store, the one or more key-value pairs comprising one or more data entries. Next, the library interface platform causes, at least in part, an association of at least one list object with the one or more key-value pairs, one or more sub-list objects, or a combination thereof. Then, the library interface platform provides at least one interface for performing one or more operations on the at least one list object to interact with the one or more data entries, the one or more key-value pairs, the one or more sub-list objects, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of forming graphene films on various non-catalyst surfaces by applying a carbon source and a catalyst to the surface and initiating graphene film formation. In some embodiments, graphene film formation may be initiated by induction heating. In some embodiments, the carbon source is applied to the non-catalyst surface before the catalyst is applied to the surface. In other embodiments, the catalyst is applied to the non-catalyst surface before the carbon source is applied to the surface. In further embodiments, the catalyst and the carbon source are applied to the non-catalyst surface at the same time. Further embodiments of the present invention may also include a step of separating the catalyst from the formed graphene film, such as by acid etching.

Abstract: An approach is provided for implementing a virtual file system using a key-value-based storage interface. A key-value directory framework determines one or more files stored in at least one stream-based file store. The key-value directory framework causes, at least in part, a grouping of the one or more files into at least one key-value directory. The key-value directory includes, at least in part, one or more key-value pairs of a distributed key-value store. The key-value directory framework also causes, at least in part, a storage of (a) at least one identifier of the one or more files, the at least one key-value directory, or a combination thereof as one or more keys of the one or more key-value pairs; (b) block-based access information associated with the one or more files as one or more values of the key-value pairs; and (c) a locking mechanism to facilitate coordination of threads across multiple hosts.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of forming single-crystal graphenes by: (1) cleaning a surface of a catalyst; (2) annealing the surface of the catalyst; (3) applying a carbon source to the surface of the catalyst; and (4) growing single-crystal graphene on the surface of the catalyst from the carbon source. Further embodiments of the present disclosure also include a step of separating the formed single-crystal graphene from the surface of the catalyst. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of transferring the formed single-crystal graphene to a substrate. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure also include a step of growing stacks of single crystals of graphene.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds capable of modulating tyrosine kinases, compositions comprising the compounds and methods of their use.

Abstract: Various methods for unwanted traffic control in a wireless network are provided. One example method may include detecting an occurrence of unwanted content as indicated by receipt of a complaint about a content item provided by a source device, wherein the complaint may be received from a remote mobile device or generated locally based on a local detection. The example method may further include determining a trust value for the source device based at least on the complaint, determining that the source device is a distrusted device based at least on a comparison between the trust value and a trust threshold value, and causing traffic from the source device to be controlled as unwanted traffic. Similar and related example methods, example apparatuses, and example computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for detecting battery chemistry or battery type and reconfiguring a hearing assistance device based on the detected battery. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a method of operating a hearing assistance device having a battery. A voltage of the battery is detected at a predetermined load current and a battery chemistry or battery type is determined based on the detected voltage. An operating parameter of the hearing assistance device is adjusted based on the determined battery chemistry or battery type, in various embodiments. Examples of adjustments made based on the determined battery chemistry or battery type include gain, feedback cancellation (FBC) filter, self-diagnostic thresholds of the hearing assistance device, indicator loudness, low battery set point, or an end-of-discharge battery set point.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for allowing content providers to protect against widespread copying of their content, while enabling them to give their customers more freedom in the way they use the content. In accordance with one embodiment, content providers identify their content as protected by watermarking the content. Consumers use compliant devices to access protected content. All of a user's compliant devices, or all of a family's devices, can be organized into an authorized domain. This authorized domain is used by content providers to create a logical boundary in which they can allow users increased freedom to use their content.

Abstract: Techniques for collaborative context recognition include determining a plurality of groups of user types. Each different group is associated with a corresponding different range of values for an attribute of a user. First data is received, which indicates context data for a device and a value of the attribute for a user of the device. A particular group of user types to which the user belongs is determined based on the value of the attribute for the user. A context label based on the context data and the particular group is determined to be sent. Some techniques include determining a value of an attribute and context data based on context measurements. First data that indicates the context data and the value of the attribute is determined to be sent. A context label based on the context data and the value of the attribute is received.

Abstract: An enhanced multi-mode power generation system harnesses solar energy, wind, and heat within a designed building or within a large enclosed area, providing an indoor system to generate electricity. Air within an enclosure is heated, either by solar energy or by use of an electrified exothermic heating material, to enhance the airflow velocity within the enclosure. A system of narrowed passageways within the enclosure further increases the airflow velocity, which enhancement may also include or be supplemented by a blower. The enhanced velocity air is passed through one or multiple-staged wind turbines to generate electrical power.

Abstract: An approach is provided for providing information consistency in distributed computing environments. An information consistency platform determines one or more finite state machines based, at least in part, on one or more states of one or more respective steps of at least one update operation operating on one or more data items, wherein the one or more finite state machines executes, at least in part, the at least one update operation, one or more other operations, or a combination thereof on the one or more data items.

Abstract: A cooling pad includes a bottom section, a top section, and a middle section which together form a contoured surface to support a person's back. The contoured surface includes concave and convex sections, providing ventilated pockets which allow air to flow to a person's back. Inside the middle section there are intake holes, located on either side of the cooling pad, and exhaust holes, positioned atop and below the middle section. The intake holes allow air to be brought in from outside, while the exhaust holes direct air to cool a person's back. Fan and power systems are stored inside the middle section. The fan blows air through the exhaust holes. The system as a whole is designed to utilize negative pressure to bring fresh air in from the intakes, replacing the air the fan pushes through the exhaust holes. The resulting airflow prevents back sweat from occurring.

Abstract: An approach is provided for implementing a virtual file system using a key-value-based storage interface. A key-value directory framework determines one or more files stored in at least one stream-based file store. The key-value directory framework causes, at least in part, a grouping of the one or more files into at least one key-value directory. The key-value directory includes, at least in part, one or more key-value pairs of a distributed key-value store. The key-value directory framework also causes, at least in part, a storage of (a) at least one identifier of the one or more files, the at least one key-value directory, or a combination thereof as one or more keys of the one or more key-value pairs; (b) block-based access information associated with the one or more files as one or more values of the key-value pairs; and (c) a locking mechanism to facilitate coordination of threads across multiple hosts.

Abstract: Provided are compounds of the formula (I): or a stereoisomer, tautomer, salt, hydrate or prodrug thereof that modulate tyrosine kinase activity, compositions comprising the compounds and methods of their use.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for facilitating determination of a message recipient. A method may include determining a message to be sent in one of multiple active messaging conversations. The method may further include determining a conversation to which the message is relevant from among the active messaging conversations based at least in part on data from historical conversations. The method may additionally include designating the message to be sent to at least one recipient. The at least one recipient may be a party participating in the determined conversation. Corresponding apparatuses are also provided.