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11430815

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the priority of International Application No. PCT/CN2019/106132, filed on 2019 Sep. 17, which claims priority to Chinese Application No. 201910321838.3, filed on 2019 Apr. 22. The entire disclosures of each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Field of Invention The present invention relates to the field of electronic display, and in particular, to a metal wiring film and a method of fabricating thereof, a thin film transistor. Description of Prior Art To achieve transparent display, a common practice in the prior art is to use transparent conductive films to form traces in thin film transistors of a display screen. The traces in a conventional display panel generally include an indium tin oxide film (ITO) and a metal wiring film covering the ITO film. The metal wiring film generally includes two layers of molybdenum-niobium alloy film (Mo—Nb) and an aluminum-niobium alloy Al—Nb film located between them. Technical Problems Because unit impedance of the molybdenum-niobium alloy and unit impedance of the aluminum-niobium alloy differ greatly, thereby a potential difference exists between the aluminum-niobium alloy and the aluminum-niobium alloy on both sides thereof. The existence of this potential difference causes the aluminum alloy film to be electrolytically corroded, thereby destroying integrity of protective film. At the same time, electrical resistance of the metal wiring film is increased and quality of the display panel is affected. SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present application provides a metal wiring film, a method of fabricating thereof, and a thin film transistor to eliminate a potential difference in a metal wiring film and prevent the metal wiring film from being electrolytically corroded. Specifically, the present application provides a metal wiring film, wherein the metal wiring film comprises: a first film layer formed by a nickel-copper alloy, a mass percentage of nickel in the nickel-copper alloy ranges from 30% to 70%; a second film layer disposed above the first film layer, a material forming the second film layer is an aluminum-neodymium alloy, and the mass percentage of neodymium in the aluminum-neodymium alloy ranges from 1% to 5%; a third film layer disposed above the second film layer, a material forming the third film layer is the same as the material forming the first film layer. According to one aspect of the application, wherein the nickel-copper alloy further comprises metallic titanium, and a mass percentage of titanium in the nickel-copper alloy is between 1% and 10%. According to one aspect of the application, wherein the nickel-copper alloy has a mass percentage of nickel of 30%, a mass percentage of copper of 60%, and a mass percentage of titanium of 10%. According to one aspect of the application, wherein a mass percentage of neodymium in the aluminum-neodymium alloy is 1%. According to one aspect of the application, wherein the first film layer and the third film layer have a same thickness, and a thickness of the second film layer is greater than or equal to twice the sum of a thicknesses of the first film layer and the third film layer. According to one aspect of the application, wherein a thickness of the first film layer and the third film layer is between 20 and 60 nm, a thickness of the second film layer is between 200 and 250 nm. The present application further provides a thin film transistor comprising a metal wiring film, wherein the metal wiring film comprises: a first film layer formed by a nickel-copper alloy, a mass percentage of nickel in the nickel-copper alloy ranges from 30% to 70%; a second film layer disposed above the first film layer, a material forming the second film layer is an aluminum-neodymium alloy, and the mass percentage of neodymium in the aluminum-neodymium alloy ranges from 1% to 5%; a third film layer disposed above the second film layer, a material forming the third film layer is the same as the material forming the first film layer. According to one aspect of the application, wherein the nickel-copper alloy further comprises metallic titanium, and a mass percentage of titanium in the nickel-copper alloy is between 1% and 10%. According to one aspect of the application, wherein the nickel-copper alloy has a mass percentage of nickel of 30%, a mass percentage of copper of 60%, and a mass percentage of titanium of 10%. According to one aspect of the application, wherein a mass percentage of neodymium in the aluminum-neodymium alloy is 1%. According to one aspect of the application, wherein the first film layer and the third film layer have a same thickness, and a thickness of the second film layer is greater than or equal to twice the sum of a thicknesses of the first film layer and the third film layer. According to one aspect of the application, wherein a thickness of the first film layer and the third film layer is between 20 and 60 nm, a thickness of the second film layer is between 200 and 250 nm. The present application further provides a method of fabricating a metal wiring film in a thin film transistor, wherein the method comprises the following steps: providing a substrate, the substrate comprising an active region and an insulating layer covering the active region; forming a transparent conductive film on the insulating layer; forming a first film layer covering the transparent conductive film, the material of the first film layer is a nickel-copper alloy, and a mass percentage of nickel in the nickel-copper alloy is between 30% and 70%; forming a second film layer above the first film layer, the material of the second film layer is an aluminum-neodymium alloy, and a mass percentage of neodymium in the aluminum-neodymium alloy is between 1% and 5%; forming a third film layer over the second film layer, the material of the third film layer is same as the material of the first film layer. According to one aspect of the application, wherein the method of forming the first film layer and the third film layer is: providing a vacuum chamber, the pressure of the vacuum chamber is less than or equal to 4×10−5Pa; pouring argon into the vacuum chamber such that the pressure in the vacuum chamber is between 0.2 and 1 Pa; using a nickel-copper alloy film as a target of a direct current sputtering method to form a nickel-copper alloy film having a thickness ranging from 20 to 60 nm. According to one aspect of the application, wherein the method of forming the second film layer is: providing a vacuum chamber, the pressure of the vacuum chamber is less than or equal to 4×10−5Pa; pouring argon into the vacuum chamber such that the pressure in the vacuum chamber is between 0.2 and 1 Pa; forming an aluminum-neodymium alloy film having a thickness ranging from 200 to 250 nm by a direct current sputtering method using an aluminum-neodymium alloy as a target. Beneficial Effects The present application uses a nickel-copper alloy instead of a molybdenum-niobium alloy in the prior art to form a first film layer and a third film layer in a metal wiring film, using an aluminum-neodymium alloy instead of an aluminum-niobium alloy in the prior art to form a second film layer, and by setting thicknesses of the films, a thickness of the second film layer is greater than or equal to twice the sum of the thicknesses of the first film layer and the third film layer. Thereby, potential difference between the respective film layers is effectively eliminated, and the metal wiring film is prevented from being electrolytically corroded.

11306939

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure generally relates to energy management computer programs, computer systems, and computer-assisted solutions. The disclosure relates more specifically to a networked, cloud-based energy management computer system that provides for centralized management and control of multiple energy management devices located at a plurality of sites, and analysis of energy usage data collected across site boundaries. BACKGROUND The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section. Energy costs typically represent one of the largest ongoing expenses associated with a business enterprise's commercial leases. As a result, business enterprises and other institutions are increasingly looking to some form of automated energy management solution in an attempt to monitor and reduce costs associated with energy usage at commercially operated sites. For business enterprises such as small footprint retail and food service chains that may operate a large number of sites across a wide geographic area, past energy management solutions have had serious shortcomings. For example, according to industry studies, only a small percentage of small footprint commercial sites are automated with a computer-based energy management system. Instead, the vast majority of commercial sites are equipped with outdated manual or programmable thermostats that typically require configuration and management by a local site manager or other employees. However, a typical site manager is often saddled with a variety of other job responsibilities that leave few resources to properly configure and manage thermostats and other energy management devices for optimal energy usage. The financial implications of this mismanagement are potentially considerable, particularly for enterprises that control hundreds or thousands of sites. Of the commercial sites that have an energy management system, these systems are typically implemented as costly, custom-designed solutions that target individual site locations and are often bundled with expensive professional services to maintain the systems. The prior energy management approaches have been a poor fit for business enterprises that manage a large number of small footprint sites by failing to provide a scalable energy management system that provides centralized control of an enterprise's energy management devices across multiple sites, and that enables valuable analysis and insight into an enterprise's energy usage across site boundaries in order to optimize energy usage. SUMMARY The appended claims may serve as a summary of the invention.

11391862

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD An example embodiment relates generally to a system and method of reliably detecting the presence of an object and, more particularly, to a system, a method and an associated mirror that utilizes a filter associated with a reflective panel in order to attenuate at least some of the signals that are otherwise utilized to detect the presence of an object, such as in an instance in which the signals are incident upon the mirror due to the absence of an object, in order to avoid misinterpretation of signals reflected from a mirror as being indicative of the presence of an object. BACKGROUND Sensors, such as infrared (IR) sensors, are utilized to detect the presence of an object, such as a person. For example, IR sensors may be utilized in conjunction with sinks and toilets in order to detect the presence of a person in proximity thereto. In an instance in which a sensor associated with a sink detects the presence of a person, such as a person holding his or her hands under the faucet of the sink, the sensor may provide an output signal that causes the faucet to be activated and to dispense water, such as for a predefined period of time while the person who has been detected washes their hands. As another example, a sensor associated with a toilet may be configured to provide an output signal that causes the toilet to flush in an instance in which a person whose presence was previously detected in proximity to the toilet is no longer detected to be proximate the toilet. Sensors are generally configured to detect the presence of an object, such as a person, based upon the detection of signals that were originally emitted by the sensor and were then reflected or scattered by an object, such as a person, in the vicinity of the sensor. The sensor may be configured to detect a person within a predefined range of the sensor with different ranges associated with different applications. With respect to the sensor associated with a sink, for example, the predefined range may be relatively small such that the presence of the person will be detected in an instance in which the person places her hands under the faucet, but not in an instance in which the person is merely standing in front of the sink with their hands at their side. By associating sensors that are configured to detect the presence of an object, such as a person, with sinks and toilets, the sinks and toilets are more frequently capable of hands-free operation. As the hands-free operation of sinks and toilets may increase the convenience with which sinks and toilets are utilized and may also decrease the transmission of germs that might otherwise occur by touching the knobs, handles or levers associated with the sinks and toilets, sensors are increasingly being associated with sinks and toilets. With the increasing use of sensors in conjunction with sinks and toilets, sensors may sometimes be utilized in environments, such as relatively small lavatories, in which a mirror is positioned across from the sink or toilet. In these environments and in an instance in which there is no object, such as no person, standing between sensor and the mirror, the signals emitted by the sensor impinge upon the mirror and are reflected in such a manner as to be captured by the sensor, such as a detector of the sensor. Based upon the detection of the reflected signals, the sensor may incorrectly identify the presence of an object, such as a person, since the detection of reflected signals is also indicative of the presence of the object. As such, the sensor may generate an output signal that triggers the same operation that would be triggered in an instance in which the presence of an object, such as a person, is detected, such as by turning on the water even though there is no person positioned proximate the sink. In these situations, the mirror may sometimes be moved, repositioned, or angled relative to the sensor so as to no longer reflect the signals emitted by the sensor in such a manner as to be captured by the sensor. Thus, this relocation of the mirror may avoid the false identification of the presence of an object, such as a person. However, certain environments, such as the lavatories onboard an aircraft, a cruise ship, a train, or the like, may have only limited locations in which a mirror may be placed and it may therefore not be feasible to reposition the mirror to the extent necessary to avoid the reflectance of signals to the sensor and the corresponding potential of incorrectly identifying the presence of an object, such as a person. BRIEF SUMMARY A system and method are provided in accordance with an example embodiment in order to more reliably detect the presence of an object, such as a person. In this regard, the system and method of an example embodiment attenuates at least some of the signals emitted by a sensor that otherwise would have been reflected from a reflective panel, such as a mirror, and returned to the sensor, thereby reducing the likelihood that the sensor will incorrectly detect the presence of an object, such as a person. Thus, by associating a filter that provides for the attenuation of at least some of the signals with a reflective panel, such a mirror, the reflective panel may be positioned in alignment with the sensor, such as on an opposite wall from the sensor, without causing the sensor to falsely detect the presence of an object. Consequently, the system and method of an example embodiment facilitate the co-location of a sensor and a reflective panel, such as a mirror, in an environment that requires the sensor and the reflective panel to be disposed in an aligned facing relationship, such as on the opposed sidewalls of a lavatory. In an example embodiment, a system is provided for detecting the presence of an object. The system includes a sensor configured to emit signals having a predefined wavelength and to detect a reflection of the signals having the predefined wavelength. The system also includes a reflective panel positioned relative to the sensor such that the signals emitted by the sensor are directed toward the reflected panel. The system further includes a filter associated with the reflective panel and positioned relative to the sensor such that the signals emitted by the sensor are also directed toward the filter. The filter is configured to attenuate at least signals having the predefined wavelength. The reflective panel of an example embodiment comprises a mirror including an at least partially transparent layer and a reflecting layer positioned as a backing to the at least partially transparent layer. The filter of one example embodiment is disposed on a surface of the at least partially transparent layer that faces away from the reflecting layer and toward the sensor. Alternatively, the filter of another example embodiment is disposed between the at least partially transparent layer and the reflecting layer. In an example embodiment, the filter is disposed on only a portion of the reflective panel such that other portions of the reflective panel are free of the filter. In this example embodiment, the portion of the reflective panel on which the filter is disposed includes the portion of the reflective panel toward which the signals emitted by the sensor are directed. The filter of an example embodiment includes a bandpass filter that is also configured to allow visible light to pass thereto with less attenuation than that experienced by the signals having the predefined wavelength. In this example embodiment, the predefined wavelength may include an infrared (IR) or near infrared (NIR) wavelength such that the filter is configured to attenuate at least IR or NIR signals. The filter of an example embodiment includes ink that is configured to attenuate at least signals having a predefined wavelength. The sensor of an example embodiment is also configured to provide an output that at least partially controls operations of a sink in response to detection of the reflection of signals having a predefined wavelength. In this example embodiment, the sensor is positioned proximate the sink and the reflective panel, as well as the filter associated with the reflective panel, are positioned on a surface opposite the sink. In another example embodiment, the sensor is configured to provide an output that at least partially controls operation of a toilet in response to detection of the reflection of signals having the predefined wavelength. In this example embodiment, the sensor is positioned proximate the toilet and the reflective panel, as well as the filter associated with the reflective panel, are positioned on a surface opposite the toilet. In another example embodiment, a method is provided for detecting the presence of an object, such as a person. The method includes emitting signals having a predefined wavelength and being directed toward a reflective panel. In the absence of the object being disposed between a source of the signals and the reflective panel, the method includes at least partially attenuating the signals having the predefined wavelength with a filter that is associated with the reflective panel and is positioned such that the signals that are emitted are also directed toward the filter. The method further includes detecting a reflection of the signals having the predefined wavelength in response to the presence of the object between the source of the signals and the reflective panel. The method of an example embodiment also includes allowing visible light to pass through the filter with less attenuation than that experienced by the signals having the predefined wavelength. In this example embodiment, the predefined wavelength may include an infrared (IR) or near infrared (NIR) wavelength. As such, the method of this example embodiment at least partially attenuates the signals by at least partially attenuating IR or NIR signals. In an example embodiment, the method also includes operating a sink or a toilet in response to detection of the reflection of the signals having the predefined wavelength. In a further example embodiment, a mirror is provided that includes an at least partially transparent layer and a reflecting layer positioned as a backing to the at least partially transparent layer. The mirror also includes a bandpass filter disposed to overlie only a portion of the reflecting layer such that signals incident upon other portions of reflecting layer do not pass through the bandpass filter. The bandpass filter is configured to attenuate at least signals having a predefined wavelength, but to allow visible light to pass therethrough with less attenuation than that experience by the signal having the predefined wavelength. The bandpass filter of an example embodiment is disposed on a surface of the at least partially transparent layer that faces away from the reflecting layer. The bandpass filter of an alternative embodiment is positioned between the at least partially transparent layer and the reflecting layer. In an example embodiment, the predefined wavelength includes an infrared (IR) or near infrared (NIR) wavelength such that the bandpass filter is configured to attenuate at least IR or NIR signals. The bandpass filter of an example embodiment includes ink that is configured to attenuate at least signals having the predefined wavelength.

11464393

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus and a method of operating the endoscope apparatus. 2. Description of the Related Art In endoscope observation in a medical field, an observation method of irradiating a living tissue with narrow-band light having a center wavelength (wavelength band) set depending on a light absorption characteristic of hemoglobin to visualize a blood vessel existing at a desired depth of the living tissue has been conventionally proposed. More specifically, Japanese Patent No. 5974204 discloses a configuration in which a living mucous membrane is irradiated with narrow band light in the vicinity of 600 nm as light that is relatively easy to absorb in hemoglobin and narrow band light in the vicinity of 630 nm as light that is relatively difficult to absorb in hemoglobin to together visualize a blood vessel existing at a depth of the living mucous membrane and a contour of a background portion leading to the depth from a surface layer of the living mucous membrane. Japanese Patent No. 5974204 discloses a configuration related to a light source apparatus including an LED configured to generate narrow band light in the vicinity of 600 nm and an LED configured to generate narrow band light in the vicinity of 630 nm. In the above-described observation method, a semiconductor light source such as an LED or an LD (laser diode) has been generally used as a light source configured to generate narrow band light. However, when the semiconductor light source is used in the above-described observation method, there can occur a situation where an image having a different color tone from an original color tone is displayed due to a center wavelength (wavelength band) of narrow band light to be emitted from the semiconductor light source shifting from an original center wavelength (wavelength band). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endoscope apparatus including a light source apparatus configured to sequentially or simultaneously generate as illumination light first narrow band light as light having an intensity within a predetermined wavelength range of a red range in which a light absorption coefficient in a light absorption characteristic of hemoglobin sharply changes and second narrow band light as light having an intensity on the side of a longer wavelength than the predetermined wavelength range, an image pickup device configured to pick up an image of return light from an object including a region containing hemoglobin irradiated with the illumination light and output an image pickup signal, an image processing circuit configured to subject at least one of a first image obtained by performing image pickup of the return light from the object irradiated with the first narrow band light and a second image obtained by performing image pickup of the return light from the object irradiated with the second narrow band light to predetermined image processing and output at least one of the first image and the second image subjected to the predetermined image processing, an observation image generation circuit configured to generate an observation image using the first image and the second image obtained as a processing result of the predetermined image processing and output the generated observation image to a display apparatus, and a control circuit configured to perform control to acquire signal intensity information as information about a signal intensity of the image pickup signal outputted from the image pickup device in response to irradiation of the object with the first narrow band light based on a detection result obtained by detecting a predetermined parameter representing a current operation state of a predetermined light source corresponding to a generation source of the first narrow band light in the light source apparatus and further maintain a ratio of respective brightnesses of the first image and the second image used for generating the observation image to be a predetermined ratio based on the signal intensity information. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endoscope apparatus including a light source apparatus configured to sequentially or simultaneously generate as illumination light first narrow band light as light having an intensity within a predetermined wavelength range of a red range in which a light absorption coefficient in a light absorption characteristic of hemoglobin sharply changes, second narrow band light as light having an intensity on the side of a longer wavelength than the predetermined wavelength range, and third narrow band light having an intensity outside the predetermined wavelength range and having an intensity in either one of a blue range and a green range, an image pickup device configured to pick up an image of return light from an object including a region containing hemoglobin irradiated with the illumination light and output an image pickup signal, an image processing circuit configured to subject at least one of a first image obtained by performing image pickup of the return light from the object irradiated with the first narrow band light, a second image obtained by performing image pickup of the return light from the object irradiated with the second narrow band light, and a third image obtained by performing image pickup of the return light from the object irradiated with the third narrow band light to predetermined image processing and output at least one of the first image, the second image and the third image subjected to the predetermined image processing, an observation image generation circuit configured to generate an observation image using the first image, the second image, and the third image obtained as a processing result of the predetermined image processing and output the generated observation image to a display apparatus, and a control circuit configured to perform control to acquire signal intensity information as information about a signal intensity of the image pickup signal outputted from the image pickup device in response to irradiation of the object with the first narrow band light based on a detection result obtained by detecting one or more predetermined parameter representing a current operation state of a predetermined light source corresponding to a generation source of the first narrow band light in the light source apparatus and further maintain a ratio of respective brightnesses of the first image, the second image, and the third image used for generating the observation image to be a predetermined ratio based on the signal intensity information. According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating an endoscope apparatus, the method including sequentially or simultaneously generating as illumination light first narrow band light as light having an intensity within a predetermined wavelength range of a red range in which a light absorption coefficient in a light absorption characteristic of hemoglobin sharply changes and second narrow band light as light having an intensity on the side of a longer wavelength than the predetermined wavelength range, picking up an image of return light from an object including a region containing hemoglobin irradiated with the illumination light and output an image pickup signal, subjecting at least one of a first image obtained by performing image pickup of the return light from the object irradiated with the first narrow band light and a second image obtained by performing image pickup of the return light from the object irradiated with the second narrow band light to predetermined image processing and outputting at least one of the first image and the second image subjected to the predetermined image processing, generating an observation image using the first image and the second image obtained as a processing result of the predetermined image processing and outputting the generated observation image to a display apparatus, acquiring signal intensity information as information about a signal intensity of the image pickup signal in response to irradiation of the object with the first narrow band light based on a detection result of a predetermined parameter representing a current operation state of a predetermined light source corresponding to a generation source of the first narrow band light, and performing control to maintain a ratio of respective brightnesses of the first image and the second image used for generating the observation image to be a predetermined ratio based on the signal intensity information.

11317863

TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to ear-wearable devices. BACKGROUND In many people, hearing loss is a gradual process that occurs over many years. As a result, many people grow accustomed to living with reduced hearing without recognizing the auditory experiences and opportunities they are missing. For example, a person might not realize how much less conversation he or she engages in due to his or her hearing loss. As a result of hearing loss, reduced audibility, reduced social interaction, and communication pathology, patients may also experience follow-on effects such as dementia, depression, increased risk for falling and generally poorer health. SUMMARY This disclosure describes techniques for improving efficiency of measuring the social benefit of wearing an ear-wearable device. As described herein, a wellness evaluation system may determine, based on data generated by a first set of sensors powered by one or more batteries of one or more ear-wearable devices, that a user is currently in an environment that includes human-directed communication signals. The batteries may also provide a first amount of power to a second set of sensors. The second set of sensors includes at least one sensor that is not included in the first set of sensors. The second set of sensors may be activated such that the one or more batteries provide a second amount of power greater than the first amount of power to the second set of sensors. Furthermore, in some examples, the wellness evaluation system may determine, based on data generated by the second set of sensors, whether the user has satisfied a target level of a wellness measure. If the user has not satisfied the target level of the wellness measure, the wellness evaluation system may perform an action to encourage the user to perform one or more activities to increase an achieved level of the wellness measure. In some examples, the wellness evaluation system may generate statistical data based on the data generated by the second set of sensors. In one example, this disclosure describes a method comprising: determining, by one or more processing circuits, based on data generated by a first set of sensors powered by one or more batteries of one or more ear-wearable devices, that a user of the one or more ear-wearable device is currently in an environment that includes human-directed communication signals, wherein the batteries provide a first amount of power to a second set of one or more sensors, wherein the second set of sensors includes at least one sensor that is not included in the first set of sensors; in response to determining that the user is currently in the environment that includes human-directed communication signals, activating, by the one or more processing circuits, the second set of sensors such that the one or more batteries provides a second amount of power greater than the first amount of power to the second set of sensors; determining, by the one or more processing circuits, based on data generated by the second set of sensors, whether the user has satisfied a target level of a wellness measure; and based on a determination that the user has not satisfied the target level of the wellness measure, performing, by the one or more processing circuits, an action to encourage the user to perform one or more activities to increase an achieved level of the wellness measure, the achieved level of the wellness measure being a level of the wellness measure achieved by the user. In another example, this disclosure describes a system comprising: a data storage system configured to store data generated by a first set of sensors powered by one or more batteries of one or more ear-wearable devices; and one or more processing circuits configured to: determine, based on the data generated by the first set of sensors, that a user of the one or more ear-wearable devices is currently in an environment that includes human-directed communication signals, wherein the batteries provide a first amount of power to a second set of one or more sensors, wherein the second set of sensors includes at least one sensor that is not included in the first set of sensors; in response to determining that the user is currently in the environment that includes human-directed communication signals, activate the second set of sensors such that the one or more batteries provide a second amount of power greater than the first amount of power to the second set of sensors, wherein the second set of sensors includes at least one sensor that is not included in the first set of sensors; determine, based on data generated by the second set of sensors, whether the user has satisfied a target level of a wellness measure; and based on a determination that the user has not satisfied the target level of the wellness measure, perform an action to encourage the user to perform one or more activities to increase an achieved level of the wellness measure, the achieved level of the wellness measure being a level of the wellness measure achieved by the user. In another example, this disclosure describes a method comprising: determining, by one or more processing circuits, first statistical data based on data generated by a first set of sensors powered by one or more batteries of one or more ear-wearable devices, wherein the batteries provide a first amount of power to a second set of one or more sensors, wherein the second set of sensors includes at least one sensor that is not included in the first set of sensors; determining, by the one or more processing circuits, based on the first statistical data, to activate the second set of sensors such that the one or more batteries provide a second amount of power greater than the first amount of power to the second set of sensors; and determining, by the one or more processing circuits, based on data generated by the second set of sensors, second statistical data regarding the user. In another example, this disclosure describes a system comprising a data storage system configured to store data generated by a first set of sensors powered by one or more batteries of one or more ear-wearable devices; and one or more processing circuits configured to perform the method of the previous example. In other examples, this disclosure describes systems comprising means for performing these examples and computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause one or more processing circuits to perform the methods of these examples. The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

11418883

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-045884, filed Mar. 17, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND Field of the Invention The present invention relates to audio interface apparatuses, and relates to recording systems. Description of Related Art Audio interface apparatuses to be connected with Personal Computers (PCs) are known in the art. Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 7-38983) discloses an audio interface apparatus that plays back accompaniment data acquired from a PC, and transmits sound data received by a microphone to the PC. In the technique of Patent Document 1, unstable connection between the audio interface apparatus and the PC may cause delay of sound data in relation to accompaniment data. Synchronizing the accompaniment data with the sound data is one approach for eliminating time delays. However, each unique delay time cannot be determined because the delay time changes depending on connection status. SUMMARY In view of the circumstances described above, it is an object of the present disclosure to accurately synchronize accompaniment data with performance data, even if the connection between the audio interface apparatus and the PC is unstable. To solve the above problem, an audio interface apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure is an audio interface apparatus including: a communication apparatus configured to receive first time-series sound data from a computing device, the first time-series sound data representing sound of a first part of a piece of music and including a plurality of first data blocks obtained by sampling the sound of the first part; an input circuit including an input port configured to be coupled with a sound input apparatus; an output circuit including an output port configured to be coupled with a sound output apparatus; one or more memories; and a processor configured to implement instructions stored in the one or more memories, in which: the processor implements the instructions stored in the one or more memories to: store, in the one or more memories, the first time-series sound data received by the communication apparatus, output, to the output circuit, the first time-series sound data stored in the one or more memories, acquire second time-series sound data from the input circuit, the second time-series sound data representing sound of a second part of the piece of music received by the sound input apparatus and including a plurality of second data blocks obtained by sampling the second time-series sound data, store, in the one or more memories, the second time-series sound data, generate an identifier for synchronizing the second time-series sound data with the first time-series sound data, and transmit, to the computing device, the second time-series sound data and the identifier.

11285759

TECHNICAL FIELD The technology relates to a pneumatic tire and particularly relates to a pneumatic tire that can provide performance on snow and performance on ice in a compatible manner. BACKGROUND ART Performance on snow and performance on ice are required for studless tires. In the related art of studded tires, the technologies described in Japan Patent Nos. 3682269, 5686955, and 5770834 as well as Japan Unexamined Patent Publication Nos. 2015-074289, 2015-020465 and 2015-229461 are known. SUMMARY The technology provides a pneumatic tire that can provide performance on snow and performance on ice in a compatible manner. A pneumatic tire according to an embodiment of the technology comprises: four or more circumferential main grooves extending in a tire circumferential direction; and five or more land portions defined by the circumferential main grooves; wherein left and right circumferential main grooves of the circumferential main grooves located at an outermost side in a tire lateral direction are defined as outermost circumferential main grooves, left and right land portions of the land portions located on a tire equatorial plane side and defined by the outermost circumferential main grooves are defined as second land portions; one of the second land portions comprises a circumferential narrow groove extending in the tire circumferential direction and a plurality of sets of first lug grooves and second lug grooves extending in the tire lateral direction and extending through the circumferential narrow groove; one end portion of the first lug groove opens to one edge portion of the one second land portion, and an other end portion terminates within the one second land portion; one end of the second lug groove opens to an other edge portion of the one second land portion, and an other end terminates within the one second land portion; the first lug groove and the second lug groove are alternately arranged in the tire circumferential direction; the circumferential main grooves on a tire equatorial plane side defining the other second land portion have a bent shape with an amplitude in the tire lateral direction and comprise a bent portion with an acute angle of bending at an edge portion on a tire equatorial plane side; and the other second land portion comprises a lug groove opening to a position facing the bent portion. In the pneumatic tire according to an embodiment of the present technology, and in the vehicle width direction inner region, due to the first lug grooves and the second lug grooves of the inner second land portion extending in the tire lateral direction and extending through the circumferential narrow grooves, respectively opening to circumferential main grooves, a greater number of groove intersection portions are provided increasing the groove volume, enhancing the snow column shearing force and snow discharge properties on snow-covered road surfaces accordingly. Further, since the other end portion of the first lug groove and the other end portion of the second lug groove terminate in the land portion, the ground contact area of the land portion is ensured and the adhesion frictional force on the icy road surface is ensured. Such a configuration is advantageous in that performance on snow and performance on ice of tire are achieved in a compatible manner. Further, in the vehicle width direction outer region, since the circumferential main groove includes the bent portion at the edge portion on the tire equatorial plane side, and the outer second land portion includes the lug groove that opens to the position facing the bent portion, the groove volume of the circumferential main groove at the crossing position with the groove is increased. Thus, the shearing effect in the snow of the vehicle width direction outer region is improved, which has the advantage that the snow performance of the tire is improved.

11532064

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a system, device, and method for proposing a destination. BACKGROUND ART A transport service reservation method is known (Patent Document 1: JP2014-238831A). In this method, first, a boarding request including the designation of a departure place and a destination is received. For each vehicle capable of providing a boarding vehicle in a plurality of kinds of boarding forms with the same vehicle, an achievable boarding vehicle about a plurality of kinds of boarding forms is prepared with reference to information showing a schedule assigned to the vehicle and the kinds of boarding forms of the schedule. A selection probability of each boarding vehicle constituting a subset is calculated for each subset satisfying a prescribed condition among subsets of prepared achievable boarding vehicle group. On the basis of the calculated selection probability, a subset to be presented to the boarding request is selected from among subsets satisfying the prescribed condition. PRIOR ART DOCUMENT Patent Document [Patent Document 1] JP2014-238831A SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by Invention The above conventional transport service reservation method is, however, based on the assumption that the user's destination has already been determined, and is therefore unsuitable for users who want to go somewhere vaguely and have a specific experience. A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a system, device, and method for proposing a destination that are able to render a useful service to users who want to go somewhere and have a specific experience. Means for Solving Problems The present invention solves the above problem through receiving experience information from each of terminals carried by respective users, the experience information being information regarding an experience desired by each of the users; extracting two or more users to generate a single community for the experience information of the two or more users, the two or more users transmitting the experience information having a similarity level not less than a predetermined threshold; extracting a destination associated with the experience information having the similarity level not lower than the predetermined threshold using a database configured to preliminarily store the experience information and the destination in association with each other; and transmitting the destination to the terminals carried by the two or more users who constitute the single community. Effect of Invention According to the present invention, a cluster of users having desired experiences with a high similarity level is extracted to generate a single community, and a destination associated with the experiences is extracted. The destination is proposed to the users who constitute the community, and a useful service can therefore be rendered to users having a vague need to go somewhere and have a specific experience.

11367203

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for detecting an attribute of an object in a space, and more particularly to a method for assigning an attribute to an object in a space using a cross-sensor collaborative detection scheme. Description of the Related Art In general buildings or stores, cameras are installed at the corners of the internal space, and multiple screens are set up in a monitoring room for a security guard to monitor the internal space of the building or the store, so that the security guard can respond to emergencies in the internal space in time. However, general cameras installed in buildings or stores only display the captured images or the analysis results of the captured images on corresponding screens respectively, and do not have a collaborative processing function. Therefore, for the security guard responsible for monitoring the screens, it is not only difficult to stay focused for a long time when monitoring multiple screens at the same time, but also difficult to identify abnormal events or suspicious persons. To solve the problems mentioned above, a novel object-attribute detection scheme in a space is urgently needed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One objective of the present invention is to provide a cross-sensor object-attribute analysis method, which can cover a space in a partially overlapping manner by the images of a plurality of image sensing devices, and use an edge computing architecture to implement at least one AI module to process the images obtained at a same time point to determine the identity of at least one object in the space. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cross-sensor object-attribute analysis method, which can determine two different attribute vectors correspond to a same object when a difference value of the two different attribute vectors is less than a preset value. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cross-sensor object-attribute analysis method, which can quickly identify an object and track its trajectory by disposing a plurality of image sensing devices in a space and adopting the corresponding manner between the attribute vectors and the object proposed by the present invention. Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a cross-sensor object-attribute analysis method, which can analyze the trajectory record of an object in a space to provide consumer information to assist the owner in making business decisions. To achieve the above objectives, a cross-sensor object-attribute analysis method is proposed, which is applied in a space disposed with a plurality of image sensing devices to enable the image sensing devices to cooperatively detect at least one object, and is realized by an edge computing architecture, the edge computing architecture including a main information processing device and a plurality of information processing units respectively disposed in the image sensing devices, the method including: the information processing units transmitting detected data to the main information processing device, the detected data being raw data of sensed multiple images of the image sensing devices or data of one or more attribute vectors generated by processing the raw data using an inference process, and the main information processing device using the one or more attribute vectors to correspond to the at least one object, where each of the image sensing devices has an image plane, and the raw data and each of the attribute vectors all correspond to a time record, the inference process including: performing an object recognition procedure on the raw data to define a bounding box for at least one of the at least one object; and using a first AI module to perform an attribute evaluation calculation on each of one or more of the bounding boxes to generate one or more of the attribute vectors corresponding to one or more of the objects appearing in one of the images at a time point; and the main information processing device performing the inference process on the raw data of the images provided by the information processing units to generate one or more of the attribute vectors, and using each of the attribute vectors to correspond to one of the at least one object, or the main information processing device directly using the one or more of the attribute vectors provided by the information processing units to correspond to the at least one subject. In one embodiment, the information processing units have at least one hardware acceleration unit. In one embodiment, the main information processing device uses a second AI module to determine a corresponding identity of one of the attribute vectors. In one embodiment, the main information processing device uses one aforementioned corresponding identity to find corresponding ones of the attribute vectors detected by the image sensing devices at a plurality of time points to locate a trajectory of one of the at least one object in the space. In one embodiment, the attribute vector includes information of a location of one of the at least one object in the space. To achieve the above objectives, the present invention further proposes a cross-sensor object-attribute analysis system, which has an edge computing architecture to realize a cross-sensor object-attribute analysis method, the edge computing architecture including a main information processing device and a plurality of information processing units respectively disposed in the image sensing devices, and the method including: the information processing units transmitting detected data to the main information processing device, the detected data being raw data of sensed multiple images of the image sensing devices or data of one or more attribute vectors generated by processing the raw data using an inference process, and the main information processing device using the one or more attribute vectors to correspond to the at least one object, where each of the image sensing devices has an image plane, and the raw data and each of the attribute vectors all correspond to a time record, the inference process including: performing an object recognition procedure on the raw data to define a bounding box for at least one of the at least one object; and using a first AI module to perform an attribute evaluation calculation on each of one or more of the bounding boxes to generate one or more of the attribute vectors corresponding to one or more of the objects appearing in one of the images at a time point; and the main information processing device performing the inference process on the raw data of the images provided by the information processing units to generate one or more of the attribute vectors, and using each of the attribute vectors to correspond to one of the at least one object, or the main information processing device directly using the one or more of the attribute vectors provided by the information processing units to correspond to the at least one object. In one embodiment, the information processing units have at least one hardware acceleration unit. In one embodiment, the main information processing device uses a second AI module to determine a corresponding identity of one of the attribute vectors. In one embodiment, the main information processing device uses one aforementioned corresponding identity to find corresponding ones of the attribute vectors detected by the image sensing devices at a plurality of time points, and thereby locate a trajectory of one of the at least one object in the space. In one embodiment, the attribute vector includes information of a location of one of the at least one object in the space. In possible embodiments, the main information processing device can be a cloud server, a local server or a computer device. In possible embodiments, the image sensing devices can communicate with the main information processing device in a wired or wireless manner.

11244534

FIELD OF INVENTION The present disclosure relates to electronic games, including casino slot gaming machines, electronic racing games and reel-based games. BACKGROUND Presently, casino and online slot machines do not allow for multiple players to participate in a single game. And a second player cannot wager on the outcome of the spins being played by a first player of a slot machine. Typically, in casino or online slot games, there are many different games from which a player can choose. However, the choice of which game to play is limited by the number of other players already playing those slot machines. A prospective player's choices are limited to only the vacant slot machines. Currently, there is no option to wager on a machine that is already occupied. There are many variations of the slot game but none offer multiplayer participation. SUMMARY OF INVENTION Some or all of the above needs and/or problems may be addressed by certain embodiments of the disclosure. Certain embodiments can include apparatus and methods for electronic gaming. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, there is disclosed an apparatus. The apparatus can include computer memory and a microprocessor for executing and managing an electronic gaming machine. The gaming machine can include a contest with two or more contestants. The machine can display the contest and can receive and process wagers placed by wagerers regarding the outcome of the contest. According to another embodiment of the disclosure, there is disclosed a method. The method can include configuring a computing device to execute and manage an electronic contest. The method can include displaying the contest to one or more screens. The method can also include receiving and processing wagers on the outcomes of contests, the wagers made by wagerers. Other embodiments, apparatus, methods, aspects, and features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

11443636

TECHNICAL FIELD The subject matter described herein relates, in general, to a system and method for leading vehicle platoons, and, more particularly, to providing and maintaining a leadership-as-a-service system for vehicle platoons. BACKGROUND Two or more vehicles can be grouped into “platoons”, which are an associated group of vehicles that are typically led by a “leader.” Vehicles in a platoon tend to travel at substantially the same speed and with relatively small spacing between the vehicles. The vehicles in the platoon that follow the leader are referred to as “platoon followers,” and may implement conventional techniques to aid in platoon control such as cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC), mobile ad hoc networks, incentive-based systems, or other travel-related systems and/or protocols. Platooning can provide numerous benefits for participating vehicles, including greater fuel economy, fewer traffic collisions, and reduced driver fatigue. However, platoons may periodically encounter challenging situations that require special or particular skills/capabilities to successfully navigate as a platoon. SUMMARY The disclosed devices, systems and methods relate to providing leadership-as-a-service for vehicular platoons in order to match a platoon with a leader that is experienced with a particular situation the platoon is anticipating or encountering. In one embodiment, a system includes one or more processors and a memory communicably coupled to the one or more processors. The memory can store a regional manager module including instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to receive, from a platoon, a request for a platoon leader. The request can indicate a location and a situation class. The regional manager module can further include instructions to send out a search query requesting a response from a vehicle having experience in handling the situation class. The memory can also store a selection module including instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to receive, from a responding vehicle, a response to the search query, the response indicating an experience level in handling the situation class, and to select the responding vehicle as a new leader based at least in part on the response. The memory can further store a platoon manager module including instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to assign the new leader to the platoon and provide instructions to the new leader that cause the new leader to assume a lead position in the platoon and lead the platoon through an area exhibiting the situation class. In another embodiment, a method for providing platoon leadership as a service includes receiving, from a platoon, a request for a platoon leader, the request indicating a location and a situation class, sending out a search query for a vehicle having experience in handling the situation class. The method further includes receiving, from a responding vehicle, a response to the search query, the response indicating an experience level in handling the situation class, selecting the responding vehicle as a new leader based at least in part on the response, assigning the new leader to the platoon and providing instructions to the new leader that cause the new leader to assume a lead position in the platoon and lead the platoon through an area exhibiting the situation class. In yet another embodiment, a system includes a vehicle onboard unit including a first set of one or more processors and a first memory communicably coupled to the first set of one or more processors. The first memory can store a classifier module including instructions that when executed by the first set of one or more processors cause the first set of one or more processors to determine or predict a situation class for an environment the vehicle is traveling through. The first memory can also store a tracking module including instructions that when executed by the first set of one or more processors cause the first set of one or more processors to maintain an experience rating associated with the situation class, the experience rating indicating an amount of experience the vehicle has in handling the situation class. The system can further include a server including a second set of one or more processors and a second memory communicably coupled to the second set of one or more processors. The second memory can store a regional manager module including instructions that when executed by the second set of one or more processors cause the second set of one or more processors to receive, from a platoon, a request for a platoon leader, the request indicating a location and the situation class, and broadcast a search query for a vehicle having experience in handling the situation class. The second memory can also store a selection module including instructions that when executed by the second set of one or more processors cause the second set of one or more processors to receive, from the responding vehicle, a response to the search query with the response indicating an experience level, and select the responding vehicle as a new leader based at least in part on the response. The second memory can also store a platoon manager module including instructions that when executed by the second set of one or more processors cause the second set of one or more processors to assign the new leader to the platoon, coordinate a rendezvous between the new leader and the platoon, and provide instructions to the new leader that cause the new leader to join the platoon and lead the platoon through an area exhibiting the situation class. In still another embodiment, a method for providing platoon leadership as a service includes determining or predicting a situation class for an environment a responding vehicle is traveling through, maintaining an experience rating associated with the situation class, the experience rating indicating an amount of experience the responding vehicle has in handling the situation class. The method further includes receiving, from a platoon, a request for a platoon leader, the request indicating a location and the situation class, sending out a search query for a vehicle having experience in handling the situation class, and receiving, from a responding vehicle, a response to the search query, the response indicating an experience level in handling the situation class. The method also includes selecting the responding vehicle as a new leader based at least in part on the response, assigning the new leader to the platoon and providing instructions to the new leader that cause the new leader to assume a lead position in the platoon and lead the platoon through an area exhibiting the situation class.

PP34837

Genus and species:Pelargonium zonale(L.) L'Her. ex Aiton. Variety denomination: ‘KLEPZ21596’. BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT The present invention comprises a new and distinct variety ofPelargonium, botanically known asPelargonium zonale(L.) L'Her. ex Aiton and hereinafter referred to by the variety name ‘KLEPZ21596’. ‘KLEPZ21596’ originated from a hand-pollination in July 2015 in Nairobi, Kenya between the femalePelargoniumvariety Endisch Hot Spot Kiss (patent status unknown) and the malePelargoniumvariety ‘KLEPZ07202’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 19,960). Seeds from the hand-pollination were obtained. The seeds were sown and plants were grown for evaluation. A single plant was selected in June 2017 and subsequently named ‘KLEPZ21596’. In July 2017 ‘KLEPZ21596’ was first vegetatively propagated by vegetative stem cuttings in Stuttgart, Germany. ‘KLEPZ21596’ was found to reproduce true to type in successive generations of asexual propagation via vegetative cuttings in Stuttgart, Germany. SUMMARY The following are the most outstanding and distinguishing characteristics of this new variety when grown under normal horticultural practices in Stuttgart, Germany.1. Purple-pink flower color with a dark red spot and light pink center.

11315728

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to Chinese Application Serial Number CN201810800414.0 filed on Jul. 20, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a method of increasing coercivity of a sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnet. 2. Description of the Prior Art Since its invention in 1983, sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnets are widely used in a variety of technologies including, but not limited to, computers, automobiles, medical instructions, wind power generators, and other industries. With the development of high speed wind power generators and new energy vehicles, the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnets are required to not demagnetize under high temperature and high speed conditions. Accordingly, this requires an increase in the coercivity of the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnets. In the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnets, introducing of heavy rare earth elements such as Terbium, Dysprosium increase the coercivity of the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnets. However, the traditional methods allow Dy or Tb to be introduced into the main phase crystal grains thereby decreasing remanence of the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnets. In addition, the traditional methods also consume large amounts of heavy rare earth elements. Typically, a sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnet includes an Nd2Fe14B main phase and an Nd rich grain boundary phase. The crystal magnetic anisotropy of the Nd2Fe14B phase determines the coercivity of the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnet. The heavy rare earth elements such as Dy or Tb, diffused through a grain boundary phase, can significantly improve the coercivity of the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnet. According to this theory, many techniques have been developed to increase the coercivity of the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnets such as the diffusion of the heavy rare earth elements such as Dy or Tb or an alloy of Tb or Dy through the grain boundary phase. For example, Chinese Patent Application CN101375352A, by Hitachi Metals, teaches a method of increasing the coercivity of the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnets. The method includes depositing layer of heavy rare earth film on the surface of the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnets by vapor deposition, sputtering, or ion plating. Then, the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnets are placed in a vacuum furnace for the diffusion and aging treatments under a high temperatures. However, the high temperature has a negative effect on the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnets. In addition, there is also a low utilization rate of the heavy rare earth elements, e.g. as a target source, thereby resulting an increase in the cost of manufacturing. Chinese Patent Application CN105845301A discloses a method which a powder, containing heavy rare earth elements selected from Dy, Tb, an alloy of Dy or Tb, or a mixture of Dy or Tb, is pre-mixed with an organic solvent forming a slurry. The slurry is then applied to the surfaces of the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnet. After drying, the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnet is subjected to a diffusion process and an aging process at high temperatures. Such a process have two disadvantages: 1) because the heavy rare earth powder needs to be completely encapsulated by the organic solvent, the organic solvent is used in large quantities and, accordingly, the organic solvent will form a large amount of gas during the drying process and cause environmental pollution; 2) because the organic solvent is volatile, the ratio of the heavy rare earth elements in the slurry changes overtime and, accordingly, this phenomenon causes the total amount of heavy rare earth deposited on the surface of the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnet to change, resulting in inconsistent magnetic properties after diffusion and aging treatments, i.e. the variation in the magnetic properties of the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnet is excessively large. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the deficiencies mentioned above and provides a method of increasing coercivity of a sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnet. The present invention also reduces the amount of heavy rare earth usage during the diffusion process while improves the coercivity of the Nd—Fe—B magnet and the utilization of the heavy rare earth elements. The present invention also controls the particle size range of the heavy rare earth powder thereby controlling the heavy rare earth content adhering to the surface of the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnet such that the precision of the heavy rare earth content is higher. The present invention further prevents impurities from being introduced into the sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnet. It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a method of increasing coercivity of a sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnet. The method includes a first step of providing a sintered Nd—Fe—B magnet block having a pair of block surfaces, opposite and spaced from one another, extending perpendicular to a magnetization direction. The method then proceeds with a step of depositing an organic adhesive layer on one of the block surfaces of the sintered Nd—Fe—B magnet block. Next, the method includes a step of depositing a powder containing at least one heavy rare earth element on the organic adhesive layer under an inert gas environment. After depositing the powder, the sintered Nd—Fe—B magnet block containing the powder is pressed to adhere the powder to the organic adhesive layer. Then, the method follows with a step of removing excess powder from the sintered Nd—Fe—B magnet block to form a uniform film on the sintered Nd—Fe—B magnet block. Then, the powder is diffused into the sintered Nd—Fe—B magnet block under a vacuum environment or an inert gas environment to produce a diffused magnet block. Next, the method proceeds with a step of aging the diffused magnet block under the vacuum environment or the inert gas environment. It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of increasing coercivity of a sintered Nd—Fe—B permanent magnet. The method includes a first step of providing a sintered Nd—Fe—B magnet block having a pair of block surfaces, opposite and spaced from one another, extending perpendicular to a magnetization direction. The method then proceeds with a step of depositing an organic adhesive layer, has a predetermined thickness of between 3 μm and 30 μm, on one of the block surfaces of the sintered Nd—Fe—B magnet block with the organic adhesive layer being a pressure-sensitive adhesive or a double-sided tape. Next, the method proceeds with a step of depositing a powder containing at least one heavy rare earth element on the organic adhesive layer under an inert gas environment. The least one heavy rare earth element is selected from a group consisting of Tb, Dy, a chemical compound containing Tb or Dy, or an alloy containing Tb or Dy. The powder has a particle size of between 100 mesh and 500 mesh. Then, the method proceeds with a step of pressing the sintered Nd—Fe—B magnet block containing the powder to adhere the powder to the organic adhesive layer. After pressing, excess powder is removed from the sintered Nd—Fe—B magnet block to form a uniform film. The sintered Nd—Fe—B magnet block including the uniform film is then rotated 180° along an axis orthogonal to the magnetization direction exposing another one of the block surfaces of the sintered Nd—Fe—B magnet block. The steps of depositing the organic adhesive layer, depositing the powder, pressing, and removing are repeated to form the uniform film on the another one of the block surfaces of the sintered Nd—Fe—B magnet block. Next, the method proceeds with a step of diffusing the powder into the sintered Nd—Fe—B magnet block under a vacuum environment or an inert gas environment to produce a diffused magnet block. After diffusing, the diffused magnet block is cooled, then, the diffused magnet block is aged under the vacuum environment or the inert gas environment.

11483972

RELATED APPLICATIONS This claims priority to Indian Application No. 201821013464, titled A SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN OPERATIVE PARAMETER OF A HARVESTING HEADER, filed Apr. 9, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to agricultural harvesting machines. More particularly it relates to control of work parameters of a header of the harvesting machine. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Agricultural harvesting machines are designed to harvest crops. They have headers designed to cut or collect crops from the ground, which are subsequently processed in the body of the harvesting machine, or directly deposited on the ground. In case of a combine, the harvesting machine threshes the crops, separates the grain from material other than grain (MOG), cleans the grain, and stores the grain in a grain tank. Eventually, they transfer the grain from the grain tank to an accompanying vehicle such as a grain cart or grain wagon. In case of a forage harvester, the crop is cut, accelerated and blown into a container of a transport vehicle, and in case of a windrower, the crop is cut and deposited on a field in a swath. While numerous functions of the harvesting machine have already been automated in the past, like length-of-cut determination and kernel processor adjustment in a forage harvester or adjustment of a threshing and cleaning arrangement in a combine, automation of header functions is still under development. Actually, the operator of a harvesting machine thus needs to concentrate on the field in front of the machine and adapt a number of work parameters of the header manually, what is a cumbersome task. A typical header of a combine for harvesting small grain like wheat or barley is a so-called platform, which comprises a knife bar, a reel and a transverse conveyor. The knife bar cuts the stalks of the crop from the roots remaining in the ground, and the transverse conveyor, which can be an auger or a belt conveyor, feeds the crop transversely to the feederhouse which on its end feeds it into the interior of the combine harvester for threshing and further processing. The reel is located above the knife bar and rotates to engage with fingers into the crop to feed the crop rearwardly such that it can be cut by the knife bar. The cut crop is conveyed to the rear by at least one of the reel fingers and subsequently harvested crop until it is engaged by the transverse conveyor. Such a platform header can also be used on a forage harvester for providing silage of entire grain plants and on a windrower. A number of automations of work parameters of platforms, which had to be controlled in the past manually by the harvesting machine operator, have been proposed. For example, the position of the header over ground and thus the cutting height can be controlled automatically based on sensors in a ground- or crop-contour following manner (U.S. Pat. No. 6,615,570 B2, DE 44 11 646 A1). A further work parameter of a cutting platform of a combine to be controlled is the reel position. It was proposed to sense the position of the top of the crop with an ultrasonic sensor (GB 2 173 309 A) or with a camera (EP 2 681 984 A1) or with a combined RADAR and LIDAR sensor (EP 2 517 549 A1) and to adjust the vertical reel position (and in EP 2 517 549 A1, also the reel speed and horizontal position) accordingly. The automation mentioned in the preceding paragraph can be classified as an open loop system, in which a nominal value of a work parameter of the header is determined by a first sensor and a control unit determines a nominal parameter for an actuator adapted to influence the work parameter and sends a control signal to the actuator. The control signal is determined based on the difference between the nominal parameter and a feedback value from a second sensor which directly or indirectly provides a signal for the actual work parameter. The control signal is determined in a manner to minimize the difference between the nominal parameter and the feedback value. Such systems (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 6,615,570 B2) require a feedback sensor on board of the header, for example to detect the height of the header over ground or the position of the reel with respect to the header and/or a feedback sensor on board of the harvesting machine, in order to detect the position of the part of the harvesting machine (in case of a combine, the feederhouse) holding the header with respect to the harvesting machine. In order to provide a proper function of the automation, the control unit needs to know a relation between the signal of the second sensor and the work parameter. If the work parameter is for example the height of the header over ground and the second sensor detects the angle of the feederhouse with respect to the harvesting machine, the control unit needs to know the distance between the pivot support of the feederhouse and the header and the height of the pivot support over ground. Already this simple case reveals a number of possible errors, like changed tire sizes or mounting of a longer feederhouse. This gets even more problematic in case of determination of the position of the reel which is mounted longitudinally shiftable on reel arms that pivot around horizontal axes with respect to the header. In order to determine the horizontal and vertical reel position correctly, at least three sensor values thus need to be considered, plus numerous mechanical measurements of the header and the harvesting machine, causing a rather high number of possible error sources. Another approach to automatically control functions of a header is to use a camera, generally mounted on the harvesting machine, and an image processing system to find and resolve crop feeding problems and congestions (EP 2 143 316 A1, DE 10 2016 202 628 A1). This automation can be classified as a closed loop system, since the sensor (camera) looks onto the work result of the header and the control signal sent by the control unit to the actuator is just based on the work result. This however has the disadvantage that possible problems, like straw stalks being carried over by a reel, cannot be avoided a priori, but only rectified once they are arising. Finally, DE 10 2014 209 371 A1 describes a control device for an agricultural machine with a boom. A time-of-flight camera detects the position of reflective markings on the boom and controls the boom to move over the crop canopy or over ground, the height of which detected by the same camera, in a desired height. An application to headers is not apparent. It is an object of this disclosure to provide an open loop automatic header control system avoiding or at least reducing the mentioned problems. Other objects of the present disclosure will be apparent when the description of the disclosure is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings provided herein are merely illustrative and does not intend to limit the scope and ambit of the present disclosure. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE A system for controlling an operative parameter of a harvesting header of an agricultural harvesting machine comprises a first sensing arrangement for sensing a property of a field in front of the header in a contact-less manner, a second sensing arrangement for providing a signal suited to derive a value of an adjustable work parameter of the header, an actuator adapted to adjust the work parameter, and a control unit for determining a control signal for the actuator based on the signal from the first sensing arrangement and on the signal from the second sensing arrangement. The second sensing arrangement is arranged to detect the position of a reference point, which indicates the work parameter, in a contact-less manner. The first sensing arrangement and the second sensing arrangement are relatively fixed, i.e. not moving with respect to the other one during operation. In other words, the open loop system as described above uses a contact-less second (feedback) sensing arrangement which is mounted together with, and thus not moving relative to, the first sensor. Both sensing arrangement thus sense and output their signals with respect to the same reference system to which they are mounted and hence the necessity of knowledge about possibly changing mechanical parameters and/or additional sensor values to derive the actual work parameter from the second sensor value is avoided, simplifying the control system and avoiding possible errors. Both sensing systems can thus sense and output their signals within a common reference system, i.e. use the same coordinate system for sensing and outputting their data. The first sensing arrangement and the second sensing arrangement can be supported on the harvesting machine or on the header. The control unit can operable to store and process signals of the first sensing arrangement and the second sensing arrangement in a local reference system of the header or of the harvesting machine for processing and determining the control signal for the actuator. It is also possible that the control unit converts them into an earth-referenced coordinate system, what has the advantage that these values can be augmented with sensor values that have been previously been gathered with another sensing system, for example on a drone. The control unit can be adapted to determine a nominal work parameter for the actuator based upon the signal from the first sensing arrangement and to determine the control signal in a manner to minimize the difference between the nominal work parameter and an actual work parameter derived from the signal of the second sensing arrangement. The work parameter adjusted by the actuator and sensed by the second sensing arrangement can be at least one of header height over ground, lateral header angle, forward header angle, vertical position of a reel and horizontal position of a reel. The first sensing arrangement and the second sensing arrangement can comprise a jointly used sensor. In other embodiments, two distinct sensors can be used for the first sensing arrangement and the second sensing arrangement. In the latter case, the distance and relative orientation of the two sensing arrangements can be calibrated using known methods, for example by detecting a common feature in the field-of-view of both sensing arrangements. The first and/or second sensing arrangement can comprise a camera with an image processing system or a laser or radar scanner or a PMD camera, preferably working in two dimensions, thus providing a 3d image. An image processing system receiving an image signal from a camera or a scanner can be, to provide the function of the second sensing arrangement, adapted to sense markings mounted to an element of the header that is movable by the actuator and/or the movable element per se, which can be for example a part of the header which is movable by the actuator, like the reel moved by the actuator with respect to the header or a part of the header frame moved by the actuator with respect to the harvesting machine. The property of the field detected by the first sensing arrangement can be at least one of the height of crop and the ground contour. An agricultural harvesting machine can comprise a chassis, ground engaging means supporting the chassis on the ground, attachment means for adapting a harvesting platform on the chassis, and a system as described above. The harvesting machine can be one of a combine, a forage harvester and a windrower. Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

11281639

BACKGROUND The amount of available information and digital content on the Internet and other electronic sources continues to grow rapidly. Given the vast amount of information, search engines have been developed to facilitate searching for electronic documents. In particular, users or computers may search for information and documents by submitting search queries, which may include, for instance, one or more words. After receiving a search query, a search engine identifies documents that are relevant based on the search query. At a high level, search engines identify search results by ranking documents' relevance to a search query. Ranking is often based on a large number of document features. Given a large set of documents, it's not feasible to rank all documents for a search query as it would take an unacceptable amount of time. Therefore, search engines typically employ a pipeline that includes preliminary operations to remove documents from consideration for a final ranking process. This pipeline traditionally includes a matcher that filters out documents that don't have terms from the search query. The matcher operates using a search index that includes information gathered by crawling documents or otherwise analyzing documents to collect information regarding the documents. Search indexes are often comprised of posting lists (sometimes called an inverted index) for the various terms found in the documents. The posting list for a particular term consists of a list of the documents containing the term. When a search query is received, the matcher employs the search index to identify documents containing terms identified from the search query. The matching documents may then be considered by one or more downstream processes in the pipeline that further remove documents and ultimately return a set of ranked search results. SUMMARY This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The technology described herein provides for a match fix-up stage to remove invalid matching documents returned from a bit vector search index. The bit vector search index is a data structure that uses bit vectors to index information about terms contained in documents. Each bit vector comprises an array of bits that stores information for a collection of terms. Each bit position (or bit) in a bit vector indicates whether one or more documents contain one or more terms from a collection of terms. Additionally, a term can be included in multiple bit vectors. Matching documents for a search query are identified by identifying bit vectors corresponding to the term(s) from the query and intersecting the identified bit vectors. The set of matching documents may include too many matching documents to feasibly send them all to a final ranker, which may be expensive in the sense of the amount of processing required for each document. Additionally, because the bit vector search index provides a probabilistic approach, some of the matching documents may be invalid matching documents (i.e., false positives) in the sense that those documents don't contain terms from the search query. Accordingly, in accordance with the technology described herein, the search system employs a match fix-up stage to remove invalid matching documents. Generally, a representation of each document is used to identify valid matching documents and invalid matching documents. The representation may be, for instance, a forward index that stores a list of terms for each document. Any invalid matching documents are removed such that they are not considered by the final ranker.

11287763

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toner transport apparatus. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses which use an electrophotographic system to form images by forming toner images, such as printers, copiers, and facsimile machines, are equipped with developer supply apparatuses in developing apparatuses to supply developer which has been consumed by the formation of images. A developer supply apparatus stores, in a storage unit (a hopper), a certain amount of developer taken from a developer container, and operates a transport means to supply the developer to the developing apparatus from the storage unit at the required time. Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Patent No. 5762052) proposes a configuration in which toner taken from a toner bottle, which is an example of a developer container, is held in a low-capacity hopper, and is transported to the developing apparatus at the required time using a screw-type transport mechanism. According to Patent Literature 1, it is necessary to continuously store and hold a constant amount of toner within a reservoir unit so that the screw-type transport mechanism can supply the toner in a stable manner. As such, a control unit in an image forming apparatus according to Patent Document 1 uses an optical sensor to detect the surface height of the toner within the storage unit, and on the basis of that information, controls the amount of toner resupplied to the storage unit from the toner bottle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In Patent Document 1, toner is output to the storage unit from the toner bottle, which serves as a developer container, and the toner is then resupplied to the developing apparatus from the storage unit via a transport path. The remaining amount of toner is detected using an optical sensor which detects whether or not toner is present at a predetermined height within the storage unit. As such, the system will determine that there is toner left as long as toner remains in the storage unit, even if there is no more toner in the developer container. Thus even when the developer container is empty or near empty, it will take a certain amount of time for the system to determine that there is no toner remaining. Having been achieved in light of the foregoing issue, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for quickly determining that a developer container holding toner is empty or almost empty. The present invention provides a toner transport apparatus comprising: a storing portion configured to store toner used by a developing apparatus; an ejection port for outputting the toner from the storing portion; a transport path unit that includes a receiving part which receives the toner ejected from the ejection port, and configured to constitute a transport path for transporting the toner to the developing apparatus; a pump for outputting the toner held in the storing portion from the ejection port toward the transport path unit; and an optical sensor unit that is disposed in a passage area through which the toner output by the pump from the ejection port to the transport path unit passes, the optical sensor unit detecting whether or not toner is present. Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

11537243

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY This application claims priority to Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2019-0100066 filed on Aug. 16, 2019 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. BACKGROUND 1. Field The present invention relates to a touch sensor module, a window stack structure including the same and an image display device including the same. More particularly, the present invention related to a touch sensor module including a sensing electrode and an insulation structure, a window stack structure including the same and an image display device including the same 2. Description of the Related Art As information technologies are being developed, various demands in display devices having thinner dimension, light-weight, high efficiency in power consumption, etc., are increasing. The display device may include a flat panel display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, a plasma display panel (PDP) device, an electro-luminescent display device, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device, etc. A touch panel or a touch sensor capable of inputting a user's direction by selecting an instruction displayed on a screen with a finger or an inputting tool is also developed. The touch panel or the touch sensor may be combined with the display device so that display and information input functions may be implemented in one electronic device. As a flexible display capable of being bent or folded is being developed, the touch sensor having proper properties, structures and constructions for being applied to the flexible display is also needed. Additionally, a proper locational and structural design of the touch sensor may be required in consideration of a connection reliability with a main board, a circuit board, etc., in the image display device. SUMMARY According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a touch sensor module having improved electrical and mechanical reliability. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a window stack structure including a touch sensor module having improved electrical and mechanical reliability. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image display device including a touch sensor module having improved electrical and mechanical reliability. The above one or more aspects of the present invention will be achieved by one or more of the following features or constructions: (1) A touch sensor module includes: a touch sensor layer including a visual area, a bending area and a pad area; a flexible circuit board electrically connected to the touch sensor layer on the pad area of the touch sensor layer; a supporting structure partially covering the flexible circuit board and the touch sensor layer; an optical layer disposed on the visual area of the touch sensor layer to be spaced apart from the supporting structure in a horizontal direction such that a gap is formed between the optical layer and the supporting structure; a filling layer at least partially filling the gap; and an adhesive layer formed on a bottom surface of a portion of the touch sensor layer in the visual area. (2) The touch sensor module according to the above (1), wherein a top surface of the filling layer is lower than top surfaces of the optical layer and the supporting structure. (3) The touch sensor module according to the above (1), wherein the filling layer partially covers a top surface of the supporting structure, and a top surface of the filling layer is lower than a top surface of the optical layer. (4) The touch sensor module according to the above (1), wherein the touch sensor layer includes: sensing electrodes arranged on the visual area; and traces branched from the sensing electrodes to extend to the bending area and the pad area. (5) The touch sensor module according to the above (4), wherein end portions of the traces are electrically connected to the flexible circuit board on the pad area. (6) The touch sensor module according to the above (1), wherein the supporting structure partially covers the bending area of the touch sensor layer. (7) The touch sensor module according to the above (6), wherein the filling layer covers a remaining portion of the bending area. (8) The touch sensor module according to the above (1), wherein the supporting structure includes a substrate layer and a supporting layer formed on the substrate layer, wherein the supporting layer includes an adhesive material, and the supporting layer is in contact with the flexible circuit board and the touch sensor layer. (9) The touch sensor module according to the above (1), wherein the filling layer includes an adhesive resin. (10) The touch sensor module according to the above (1), further comprising a lower supporting structure formed on a bottom surface of a portion of the touch sensor layer in the bending area. (11) The touch sensor module according to the above (10), wherein the lower supporting structure includes a lower substrate layer, and a lower supporting layer formed on the lower substrate layer and combined with the bottom surface of the touch sensor layer, and the lower supporting layer includes an adhesive material. (12) The touch sensor module according to the above (11), wherein the lower substrate layer has a modulus greater than that of the lower supporting layer. (13) The touch sensor module according to the above (1), wherein the optical layer includes at least one selected from a group consisting of a polarizing plate, a polarizer, a retardation film, a reflective sheet, a luminance enhancing film and a refractive index matching film. (14) A window stack structure, comprising: a window substrate; and the touch sensor module according to embodiments as described above on a surface of the window substrate. (15) An image display device, comprising: the touch sensor module according to embodiments as described above; and a display panel combined with the touch sensor layer by the adhesive layer of the touch sensor module. (16) The image display device according to the above (15), further comprising a main board under the display panel, wherein the touch sensor layer and the flexible circuit board of the touch sensor module are bent at the bending area together with the supporting structure to be electrically connected to the main board. A touch sensor module according to embodiments of the present invention may include a supporting structure partially covering a touch sensor layer and a flexible printed circuit board. When the touch sensor module is folded or bent, delamination of the flexible printed circuit board may be prevented by the supporting structure and damages to sensing electrodes or traces in a bending area may be also prevented. In some embodiments, the touch sensor module may further include an optical film disposed on the touch sensor layer. A gap may be formed between the supporting structure and the optical film, and a filling layer filling the gap may be formed. The filling layer may further improve a bonding strength or an adhesion of the supporting structure, and additionally block defects such as cracks in the bending area. In some embodiments, an adhesive layer may be selectively formed only under a portion of the touch sensor layer in a visual area such that an additional structure such as a display panel may be combined in the visual area while maintaining flexibility in the bending area The touch sensor module may be fabricated as a substrate-less type thin film and may be effectively applied to an image display device such as a flexible display.

11278333

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to general surgery and orthopedic implants, and more specifically, but not exclusively, concerns devices implanted for bone fusion. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Bone fractures and other bone damage are regularly treated by fusion. Bones are currently fused with the assistance of implants, such as, plates and screws which are designed to hold the bones or bone pieces in place while healing occurs and the bones or bone pieces are fused together. Improved devices and methods for fusing bones together are needed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Advancement of the state of bone fusion and bone fixation devices and implants and the surgical management relating to the clinical presentation of damaged or fractured bones within the body is believed desirable. Several embodiments of the bone fixation devices or bone fusion devices used to treat patients suffering from either diseased or damaged bones includes a first member, a second member, at least three spring members, and a ring member. The present invention provides in one aspect, a bone fixation device including a first member, a second member shaped to engage the first member, and at least one deformable member positioned between the first member and the second member. The present invention provides in another aspect, a bone fixation device including a female member with a proximal end and a distal end, a male member with a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one elastic element positioned between the female member and the male member. Further, additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention.

11512226

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a composition for etching, and more particularly, to a high-selectivity composition for etching capable of selectively removing a nitride film while minimizing the etching rate for an oxide film, and to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, the method including an etching process employing the etching composition. BACKGROUND In semiconductor manufacturing processes, representative insulating films include oxide films such as a silicon oxide film (SiO2), and the like, and nitride films such as a silicon nitride film (SiNx), and the like, which are used each independently, or in one or more alternately stacked layers. Further, these oxide and nitride films are also used as hard masks for forming electroconductive patterns such as metal wiring, and the like. In a wet etching process for removing a nitride film, a mixture of phosphoric acid and deionized water is generally used. The deionized water is added in order to prevent a decrease in the etch rate and a variation in the etch selectivity for oxide films; however, there is a problem in that even a small change in the amount of deionized water supplied may cause defects in the process for removing a nitride film by etching. Furthermore, phosphoric acid is a strongly corrosive acid, and handling of this acid is difficult. In order to solve these problems, technologies for removing nitride films using a composition for etching employing phosphoric acid (H3PO4) together with hydrofluoric acid (HF) or nitric acid (HNO3) have been conventionally reported; however, these technologies have rather resulted in lowering of the etch selectivity between nitride films and oxide films. Further, technologies implementing a composition for etching including phosphoric acid and a silicic acid salt or silicic acid are also known, but these have a problem in that silicic acid or a silicic acid salt causes generation of particles that may adversely affect a substrate, and they are therefore rather unsuitable for the semiconductor manufacturing processes. FIG. 1andFIG. 2are process cross-sectional views illustrating a device separation process for a flash memory device. First, as illustrated inFIG. 1, a tunnel oxide film11, polysilicon film12, buffer oxide film13, and pad nitride film14are sequentially formed on substrate10, and then the polysilicon film12, buffer oxide film13, and pad nitride film are selectively etched to form trenches. Subsequently, spin-on-dielectric (SOD) oxide film15is formed until the trenches are gap-filled, and then the SOD oxide film15is subjected to a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process using the pad nitride film (14) as a polishing stopper film. Next, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the pad nitride film14is removed by wet etching using a phosphoric acid solution, and then the buffer oxide film13is removed by a washing process. Thereby, a device separation film15A is formed in the field region. However, in the case of using phosphoric acid in such a wet etching process for removing a nitride film, due to a decrease in the etch selectivity between the nitride film and the oxide film, the nitride film as well as the SOD oxide film are etched, and thus, it becomes difficult to regulate the effective field oxide height (EFH). Accordingly, a sufficient wet etching time for removing the nitride film cannot be secured, or additional processes are needed, and thus phosphoric acid causes changes which adversely affect the device characteristics. Therefore, under the current circumstances, there is a demand for a high-selectivity composition for etching that can selectively etch a nitride film with respect to an oxide film in a semiconductor production process, but which does not have problems such as particle generation. SUMMARY An object of the present invention is to provide a high-selectivity composition for etching that can selectively remove a nitride film while minimizing the etch rate of an oxide film, and which does not experience problems, such as particle generation, adversely affecting the device characteristics, and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device using the same. An embodiment of the present invention provides a composition for etching, comprising a first inorganic acid, a first additive represented by Chemical Formula 1, and a solvent. In Chemical Formula 1, X may be O or N; R1 to R6 may be each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C1-C20 alkyl group, a C1-C20 alkoxy group, a C2-C20 alkenyl group, a C3-C20 cycloalkyl group, a C1-C20 aminoalkyl group, a C6-C20 aryl group, a C1-C20 alkyl carbonyl group, a C1-C20 alkyl carbonyloxy group, and a C1-C10 cyano alkyl group; n11 may be 0 or 1; and at least two of R1 to R4 may be C1-C20 alkoxy groups when n11 is 0. The first inorganic acid may be one selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, silicic acid, hydrofluoric acid, boric acid, hydrochloric acid, perchloric acid, and mixtures thereof. The composition for etching may include 0.01 to 15 wt % of the first additive and 70 to 99 wt % of the first inorganic acid, with the remaining amount as solvent. The composition for etching may further comprise a second additive, including a silane inorganic acid salt produced by reacting a second inorganic acid with a silane compound. The composition for etching may include 0.01 to 15 wt % of the second additive with respect to the total amount of the composition for etching. According to another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising an etching process performed using the composition for etching. The etching process may selectively etch for a nitride film with respect to an oxide film, and the etching process of the nitride film may be performed at a temperature of 50 to 300° C.

11382895

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Bis (2-chloroethyl sulfide) or sulfur mustard (SM) was first synthesized in the late 1880s and since has been used as a warfare agent on a number of occasions. SM was first used in World War I and has been used in warfare as recently as the Iran-Iraq conflict of the late 1980s. Although SM is less of a threat in warfare as it once was, it still posses a threat to military and civilian personnel because of current concerns for its deployment in a terrorist attack. Sulfur mustards are classic vesicating agents that mainly affect the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Medical surveillance of individuals exposed to mustard gas in the early 1980's has documented a number of respiratory conditions including bronchiolitis obliterans, asthma, and lung fibrosis that can persist through out the victims' lifetime. There is currently no known antidote for SM poisoning. Upon exposure, the best recourse is decontamination and supportive treatment. Decontamination of the skin is relatively straight forward and beneficial, whereas internal exposure such a inhalation of sulfur mustards is much more difficult to treat. It can be seen from the foregoing discussion that there is a need for developing agents that are capable of attenuating, preventing, and/or rescuing organ injury from the deleterious effects resulting from exposure to alkylating agents (e.g., inhalation damage), such as sulfur mustards. The invention addresses these and other needs in the art. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Provided herein are, inter alia, methods for rescuing or preventing organ injury following exposure to alkylating agents by using substituted porphyrins as the active agent or alkylating agent protectant, such as a mimetic of superoxide dismutase and/or catalase. The methodology of the invention may implemented as follows. According to one aspect of the invention, a method of treating an injury associated with exposure to an alkylating agent in a subject includes administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. R1, R2, R3, and R4may each independently be —H, —CF3, —CO2R8, Each R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19, R20, R21, R22, R23, and R24may be the same or different and may each independently be hydrogen, halogen, —CN, —CF3, —OH, —NH2, —COOH, —COOR25, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted heteroalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted heterocycloalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted aryl, and an unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl. R25may be an unsubstituted alkyl such as C1-10alkyl (e.g., CH3). The injury may be associated with an organ in the subject. Specifically, the organ may be skin, lungs, nose, esophagus, trachea, or bronchi. The alkylating agent may be a sulfur mustard, chlorine gas, phosgene, and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide. Specifically, the alkylating agent is a sulfur mustard. Exposure to the alkylating agent may produce mitochondrial dysfunction, which in turn may result in an increase in reactive oxygen species production or oxidative stress. In particular, exposure to the alkylating agent, relative to non-exposure to the alkylating agent causes an increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, an increase in IgM levels, a decrease of glutathione levels, and an increase in myleperoxidase levels. The compound may be administered by inhalation administration, topical administration, intravenous administration, subcutaneous administration, intraperitoneal administration, and intramuscular administration. The compound may be administered to the subject within about 0.5 hours to about 48 hours after exposure to the alkylating agent. More specifically, the compound may be administered to the subject within about 1 hour to about 10 hours after exposure to the alkylating agent. According to another aspect of the invention, a method of protecting a subject from the toxic effects associated with exposure to an alkylating agent includes administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula R1, R2, R3, and R4may each independently be —H, —CF3, —CO2R8, Each R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19, R20, R21, R22, R23, and R24may be the same or different and may each independently be hydrogen, halogen, —CN, —CF3, —OH, —NH2, —COOH, —COOR25, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted heteroalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted heterocycloalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted aryl, and an unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl. R25may be an unsubstituted alkyl such as C1-10alkyl (e.g., CH3). Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

11307624

BACKGROUND The present disclosure is related to the field of Power Over Ethernet (POE) device system management. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to digital video recorder (DVR) power control in a POE device system. In current systems, when POE devices, such as remote IP cameras or sensors fail, neither the network switch nor the DVRs are configured to provide a way to power cycle or reset the POE device. In such cases, the system user must dispatch a remote crew to visit the POE device site, and manually reset the POE device and/or the network switch. Such a method and system is very expensive and inefficient. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE A system and method configured to improve the function of a network of Power Over Ethernet (POE) devices. The system and method is configured such that a digital video recorder (DVR) actively monitors the POE devices using the POE device application programming interface (API). The DVR, in response to a POE failure or non-responsive POE status may automatically power cycle the port of the network switch corresponding to the POE device, or may power cycle (reboot) the network switch. The system and method also may notify a remote user through a wide area network (WAN) and remote monitor, allowing the remote user to alternatively manually power cycle the network switch and/or the POE(s) ports. In one embodiment of the present application, a method of power over Ethernet (POE) device control, the method comprises monitoring a plurality of POE devices with a digital video recorder (DVR) through a network switch with an application programming interface (API) of each of the plurality of POE devices, detecting with the DVR a nonresponsive POE device, wherein the nonresponsive POE device is one of the plurality of POE devices, and utilizing with the DVR an API of the network switch to automatically power cycle the nonresponsive POE device. In an additional embodiment of the present application, a power over Ethernet (POE) device system, the system comprises a plurality of POE devices configured throughout a monitoring area, a digital video recorder (DVR) coupled with the plurality of POE devices through a network switch, wherein the DVR monitors the plurality of POE devices with an application programming interface (API) of each of the plurality of POE devices and detects a nonresponsive POE device, wherein the nonresponsive POE device is one of the plurality of POE devices, and further wherein the DVR utilizes an API of the network switch to automatically power cycle the nonresponsive POE device. In an additional embodiment of the present application, a method of controlling power over Ethernet (POE) internet protocol (IP) cameras, the method comprises monitoring a plurality of IP cameras with a digital video recorder (DVR) through a network switch with an application programming interface (API), detecting with the DVR a nonresponsive IP camera, wherein the nonresponsive IP camera is one of the plurality of IP cameras, utilizing with the DVR the API of the network switch to automatically power cycle the nonresponsive IP camera, and utilizing with the DVR the API of the network switch to automatically power cycle the network switch when a predetermined number of the plurality of IP cameras are nonresponsive.

11365904

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/048,152, filed on Jul. 27, 2018, entitled “Multi-Level Mounting System,” which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/632,732, filed on Jun. 26, 2017, entitled “Multi-Level Mounting System,” both of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference. BACKGROUND Various tools and components for mounting solar panels and other objects to a surface, such as the roof of a building, are available, and occasionally, the components or parts may be specific to a particular solar panel installation system. For example, the solar panels being mounted by a first contractor may be the same or significantly similar to solar panels being mounted to a surface by a second contractor. However, depending on factors such as surface characteristics or merely the preference of the installing contractor, the first contractor may select to use a different mounting system than the second contractor. Despite the differences between various mounting systems, there may be certain parts that are the same or sufficiently similar to parts in different branded or styled systems that the parts may be interchangeable. Accordingly, while some commonly used components in the industry may be considered to be fairly generic and may function with different makes or models of solar panels regardless of sizing, there are other components for which multiple distinct sizes may be manufactured in order to accommodate different sizes or heights of the system being installed. As such, it may be cumbersome and/or inconvenient for a contractor to carry and/or keep in stock the multiple different sized components.

11214363

BACKGROUND This section provides background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure. It should be understood that the statements in this section of this document are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Helicopters typically include a main rotor that rotates in a generally horizontal plane above the helicopter airframe and a tail rotor that rotates in a generally vertical plane oriented to produce a sideways thrust in the direction of yaw. The pitch of the tail rotor blades, i.e., the angle between the chord line of the blade profile and the direction of rotation of the tail rotor, can be varied so as to increase or decrease the amount of sideways thrust produced by the tail rotor. The sideways thrust of the tail rotor serves three related purposes: first, since the tail rotor is located on a tail boom a distance from the main rotor, its sideways thrust produces a moment which serves to offset the torque produced on the airframe of the helicopter by the rotation of the main rotor blade; second, the sideways thrust of the tail rotor provides yaw axis control for the helicopter; and third, the sideways thrust of the tail rotor may work in conjunction with sideways thrust of the main rotor when the helicopter is translating laterally through the air. The total sideways thrust produced by the tail rotor is known as the tail rotor authority. Factors affecting the total authority produced by a tail rotor include blade size and profile, rotational speed, angle of attack of the tail rotor blades, the pitch of the tail rotor blades, and the air density. The angle of attack is the angle between the chord line of the blade profile and the “relative wind”, i.e., the direction at which the air approaches the tail rotor blade. This angle of attack is affected by the rotor blade pitch, the direction of travel of the helicopter and the presence of cross winds. A cross wind which reduces the angle of attack reduces the overall authority produced by the tail rotor, diminishing the control available to the pilot. The pitch is the angle between the chord line of the blade profile and the direction of blade rotation. The pitch is not affected by cross winds. The pilot controls the pitch of the tail rotor blades through the use of control pedals. Increasing the blade pitch results in greater tail rotor authority and decreasing the blade pitch results in less tail rotor authority. Air density also affects the tail rotor authority. Other factors being equal, the greater the air density, the greater the authority produced by the tail rotor, and similarly, the lower the air density, the less authority produced by the tail rotor. During operation of a helicopter, various vibrations are generated. The main rotor and tail rotor systems of a helicopter are designed to avoid dynamic loading issues that can be caused by vibrations (e.g., resonance) and negatively impact performance of the helicopter. For example, dynamic loading issues in a tail rotor system can be avoided by tuning the natural frequency of the tail rotor system. The natural frequency of the tail rotor system can be tuned by, for example, altering the design of components within the tail rotor system (e.g., changing shape, size, or mass of components). Determining the natural frequency of a tail rotor system involves complex mathematics that necessarily involves assumptions (e.g., at boundary conditions). As a result, it can be very difficult to precisely design a tail rotor system that avoids all dynamic loading issues, such as resonance. SUMMARY An example of a hub for a tail rotor includes a body configured to couple to a mast of a rotor system, a trunnion disposed within the body, first and second shafts disposed on opposite sides of the trunnion, first and second end plates secured to the body, and first and second end bearings, the first end bearing disposed between the first shaft and the first end plate and the second end bearing disposed between the second shaft and the second end plate. An example of a hub for a tail rotor includes a body configured to couple to a mast, a trunnion disposed within the body, first and second shafts disposed on opposite sides of the trunnion, first and second elastomeric bearings, the first elastomeric bearing being disposed on the first shaft and the second elastomeric bearing being disposed on the second shaft, first and second mounting rings, the first mounting ring disposed between the first elastomeric bearing and an inner wall of the body and the second mounting ring disposed between the second elastomeric bearing and the inner wall of the body, first and second end plates secured to the body, the first and second end plates comprising a dome shape, and first and second end bearings, the first end bearing disposed between the first shaft and the first end plate and the second end bearing disposed between the second shaft and the second end plate. An example of a system for mounting a teetering helicopter rotor onto a mast includes a body with an aperture therethrough for receiving the mast, a pair of opposed conical shafts extending from the body and on a common axis which perpendicularly intersects an axis of the aperture, elastomeric bearings comprising conical shims therein, the conical shims being circumferentially disposed around the conical shafts and having angles that match the angles of the conical shafts, outer mounting rings having interior and exterior surfaces, wherein the interior surfaces have the same cone angle as the angle of the conical shafts and the exterior surfaces contact an inner wall of the body, and end bearings comprising alternating layers of rubber and metal shims, wherein an axis of the end bearings aligns with the common axis. An example of a method of improving a rotor system includes providing a body configured to couple to a mast of a rotor system, placing a trunnion within the body, the trunnion comprising first and second shafts, placing first and second elastomeric bearings on the first and second shafts, respectively, placing first and second end bearings adjacent to the first and second shafts, and securing first and second end plates to the body so that the first and second end bearings are disposed between the first and second end plates the first and second shafts, respectively. The first and second end bearings adjust a spring rate of the rotor system along a central axis passing through centers of the first and second elastomeric bearings to move the natural frequency of the rotor system along the central axis away from a fundamental natural frequency of the rotor system.

11234054

BACKGROUND Smartphones, tablets, and other portable/handheld devices have increased the frequency of video streaming. As a result, mobile data traffic has grown significantly and is expected to continue to do so. A majority of the mobile data traffic consists of video content, such as live video content. Typical content providers may provide thousands of video streams to millions of users at any given moment. In live video cast, multiple users within a confined vicinity may request the same content. It has been observed in live video traces that numerous users within the same vicinity request the same content. A separate flow in unicast mode for each of these users is streamed from the nearest cache/storage repository. The nearest storage repository is generally a point of presence (PoP) or a content delivery network (CDN). The delivery of the same content to many users within the same area considerably impacts network efficiency, cost, a service provider's quality of service (QoS), and viewers' quality of experience (QoE). One option to address this demand for video traffic is multicast in a cellular Radio Access Network (RAN). In typical Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) networks, live video streaming is generally performed via unicast transmission. Unicast transmissions, however, specifically in a scenario where multiple users from a limited area are watching the same stream/channel, put unnecessary load on transit, backhaul, and access networks, which wastes scarce resources at each tier, increase the delivery cost, and decrease the viewers' QoE. For instance, as a number of streaming users increases in a RAN, the desired radio resources used grows linearly, even when the users request identical video content. Conversely, multicast transmission offers an economical and scalable approach to transmit live videos to several users simultaneously using limited resources. Multicast may help content providers save resources by requiring content providers to fetch a less amount of user data from the CDN. Multicast may also help increase QoE and resource utilization efficiency because of resources saved at transit, backhaul, and RAN levels. Typical cellular networks support multicast services. For instance, evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (eMBMS) and Broadcast Multicast Service (BCMSC) are the typical services that are employed by mobile network operators to deploy broadcast/multicast architectures. However, such multicast transmissions are only carried out for predefined user services offered by multicast service providers (MSPs). Generally, these predefined services include broadcast/multicast TV, video conferencing, file download services, or an event-based transmission, such as a sporting event or a live concert. Typically, efforts to optimize video quality, bandwidth, and energy consumption of user equipment and the network in the wireless multicast services have considered a service-based architecture, where the content provider announces and initiates a service. This service-based architecture is not applicable for a typical live video provider that enables thousands of users to deliver live content without announcing a separate service for each video cast. Stated differently, the content provider must be a MSP to use the eMBMS services, which many typical content providers are not. Accordingly, eMBMS multicasts cannot be used for such typical live video providers. In a typical eMBMS scenario, cellular network multicast can only be carried out by receiving the pre-announced content from the content provider and delivering the content only to the subscribed viewers. To multicast a video, the eMBMS requires various actions performed at the content provider and user equipment end. First, the content provider must be a MSP with its user services available for its subscribers. The content provider needs to contact the eMBMS for authentication and authorization. The user equipment needs to be subscribed to a content provider for a specific service. Then, the eMBMS needs to instantiate its own multicast bearer services to deliver the multicast user services. At the user equipment end, some services-related changes are also required. SeeLTE Broadcast—Lessons Learned from Trials and Early Deployments,https://www.expway.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/LTE-Broadcast-Paper-Final-30-November-2016.pdf (2016). The user equipment should be able to receive the system information blocks (SIB) related to eMBMS, especially SIB-13, SIB-15, and SIB-16. Moreover, the user equipment needs to decode the SIBs correctly to receive multicast, support multicast operation on demand (MooD), and support unicast to multicast and multicast to unicast switching. In addition, the introduction of new services typically demands network reconfiguration and on-the-spot installation of new equipment that in turn increases cost, ground area, power, and proficient service workforce. Hard-wired networks are tedious to take care of, time-consuming to evolve, and preclude service providers from providing dynamic services. Instead, network function virtualization technology is one solution to deal with the ever-increasing demands for a variety of hardware in typical telecom networks. In network function virtualization technology, applications may be retained by dynamically configurable cloud environments known as virtualized network functions (VNFs) that allow the networks to be swift and responsive towards the requirements of the services running over the VNF. Accordingly, a need exists for a system that enables typical content providers to multicast live content streams. SUMMARY The present disclosure provides new and innovative systems and non-transitory, computer-readable mediums for managing the initiation and termination of multicast sessions to enable content providers that are not multicast service providers to multicast live content. The provided systems may be utilized to augment typical multimedia broadcast multicast services at the core network level. The provided systems minimize bandwidth utilization, RAN resources, and cost by reducing the number of streams per live event as compared to creating unicast sessions for each user device viewing the live event. In an example, a system includes a plurality of user devices, a content provider system, a multimedia broadcast multicast service, and a proxy system. The content provider system is configured to provide contemporaneous media content, such as live video, over a network to the plurality of user devices. The proxy system is configured to manage the initiation and termination of multicast sessions between the plurality of user devices and the content provider system. The proxy system includes a processor in communication with a memory. The proxy system's processor may receive a request from a respective user device for the content provider system to provide media content of a contemporaneous event. It may then determine whether a number of user devices viewing the media content meets a threshold. In response to determining that the number of user devices meets the threshold, a multicast session may be initiated. Initiating the multicast session may include various actions. A service announcement header may be transmitted to the multimedia broadcast multicast service on behalf of the content provider system. Identification information may be received from the respective user device. A join request may be transmitted to the multimedia broadcast multicast service. The join request includes the received identification information from the respective user device. The join request may be received from the multimedia broadcast multicast service. Multicast authorization including a multicast IP address may be transmitted to the multimedia broadcast multicast service. A set of user devices including the respective user device may be assigned to the initiated multicast session associated with the multicast IP address. The multicast IP address may be transmitted to the set of user devices.

11537800

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure is generally directed to methods and systems for automated sig code translation using machine learning, and more specifically, for training and operating natural language models to identify sig codes. BACKGROUND Medical professionals such as physicians, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, etc. use shorthand abbreviations, commonly referred to as SIGs or sig codes to specify directions for use of a medicine. Sig codes are commonly used to encode instructions for a patient to follow during a prescription regimen, and may be printed on packaging (e.g., in an information sheet accompanying a prescription, on a bottle, inhaler, etc.) A physician may specify a compressed sig code when authoring a medical prescription or script. In some cases, a pharmacy technician or pharmacist may convert the compressed sig code to an expanded sig code that may be more readable by a patient. The term “sig” is an abbreviation for the Latin term “signa,” meaning mark, stamp, designation or label. Sig codes may be used to specify a number of attributes of a prescription, including a quantity, a dosing form/route of administration, a frequency, a duration, etc. However, interpreting sig codes is challenging for a number of reasons. First, sig codes are expressed in natural language and may include information that appears in any order. Second, sig codes are not standardized. For example, two physicians may use different terms to refer to a single meaning (e.g., 5×/d, five times daily, etc.). Two pharmacists may reach different conclusions as to the meaning and/or interpretation of a given sig code. Third, sig codes may be ambiguous. For example, a physician may enter the term novo7030. Such a term could mean NovoLIN 70/30 or NovoLOG 70/30. Such ambiguities can result in confusion, or worse, danger. Other types of ambiguity/error may arise, such as when scripts are hand-written. For example, a hand-written abbreviation such as “U” for unit may be misinterpreted as a zero. In sum, the conventional use of sig codes by medical professionals and at pharmacies complicates efforts to implement technological improvements. Given the many variations in spelling and meaning of sig codes, approaches relying on explicit programming (e.g., using string matching and/or regular expressions) result in inefficient and overly complex codebases that are difficult to debug and impose an extreme ongoing maintenance burden on developers. As pharmacy systems become increasingly more digitized and networked, the presence of unstructured and cryptic sig codes causes duplicative efforts and error-prone techniques. BRIEF SUMMARY In one aspect, a pharmacy management system for automated sig code translation using machine learning includes one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the pharmacy management system to train, via the one or more processors, a machine learning model to analyze sig code utterances, receive the sig code utterance, analyze the sig code utterance using the trained machine learning model, wherein the analyzing includes identifying one or more entities within the sig code utterance, and wherein the one or more entities includes at least one quantity entity and at least one frequency entity; and generate an output corresponding to the sig code utterance including one or more entity results, each entity result including an entity type, an entity name, and an entity normalized value corresponding to a respective one of the one or more entities within the sig code utterance. In another aspect, a computer-implemented method for automated sig code translation using machine learning includes training, via the one or more processors, a machine learning model to analyze sig code utterances, receiving the sig code utterance, analyzing the sig code utterance using the trained machine learning model, wherein the analyzing includes identifying one or more entities within the sig code utterance, and wherein the one or more entities includes at least one quantity entity and at least one frequency entity; and generating an output corresponding to the sig code utterance including one or more entity results, each entity result including an entity type, an entity name, and an entity normalized value corresponding to a respective one of the one or more entities within the sig code utterance. In yet another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium includes program instructions that when executed, cause a computer to train a machine learning model to analyze sig code utterances, receive the sig code utterance, analyze the sig code utterance using the trained machine learning model, wherein the analyzing includes identifying one or more entities within the sig code utterance, and wherein the one or more entities includes at least one quantity entity and at least one frequency entity; and generate an output corresponding to the sig code utterance including one or more entity results, each entity result including an entity type, an entity name, and an entity normalized value corresponding to a respective one of the one or more entities within the sig code utterance.

11491319

BACKGROUND Medical, scientific and research environments often rely on flexible tubing for conveying fluids. IV (intravenous) fluids are often administered in medical contexts through flexible tubing to a needle or central line inserted into a bloodstream of a patient. Liquid medication is commonly infused to a patient through an intravenous (IV) line. Where more than one type of medication is needed, a multi-line connector or manifold may be used. Typically, a manifold includes a main liquid flow passage and a plurality of branch passages in fluid communication with the main passage. Intravenous liquid, such as saline, flows steadily through the main passage. Liquid saline is often administered to a patient with or without additional medication. When a need arises to introduce medication to the patient, the medication is introduced into the main passage through one or more of the branch passages. A manifold type of connector for IV medications may be employed for several drugs in succession. Certain therapeutic courses, for example chemotherapy treatments, employ a plurality of different drugs in a single session. Conventional IV manifolds have one or more inlets for administering successive courses of medication. These medications combine with the IV saline stream in the manifold for patient delivery. SUMMARY An infusion coupling allows administration of IV drugs to a patient through an IV fluid line, and ensures that successive courses of medication are fully passed or flushed from the line to prevent mixing of incompatible drugs in the IV line. The infusion coupling includes a vessel body adapted to transport intravenous (IV) fluids, such that the vessel body has an outlet configured for coupling to the patient for introduction of the IV fluids. A plurality of branch inlets (inlets) receive medication from IV bags or bottles through a line (IV tubing) connected to the inlets. An interior cavity or volume in the vessel body is defined by a generally cylindrical shape such that each of the branch inlets is in fluidic communication with the interior volume for receiving the IV fluids for transport. The inlets are angled on the body of the infusion coupling based on a flow and current for reducing or eliminating a vortex effect from fluid flow, and may be opposed or inline. A transverse bar, crossmember or obstruction extends across an interior diameter of the infusion coupling for further disrupting a circular flow that can result in a vortex. Formation of a vortex can retain the infused medication in the infusion coupling and result in mixing with successive medication courses administered through the infusion coupling. Multiple infusion lines may converge at each inlet, thus providing 4 or 6 infusion connections into an infusion coupling with 2 inlets. Configurations herein are based, in part, on the observation that infusion couplings are often used to merge IV lines carrying different medications to a patient using a common IV line, thus preventing a need for multiple needle injection points on a patient. Unfortunately, conventional infusion couplings suffer from the shortcoming that the intersecting flow caused by branch inlets into the common IV line can cause circular vortex currents that retain the medication in the infusion coupling. The retained medication increases the onset time until it reaches the patient, and the retained medication can mix with a subsequent medication also added through the same or other inlet ports, which may result in an incompatible mixing of medications. Accordingly, configurations herein substantially overcome the shortcomings of conventional infusion couplings by providing an angled inlet port and transverse crossmember that direct the flow of branch inlets out of the infusion coupling by mitigating vortex currents that retain fluid. In further detail, the multi-line infusion coupler device includes a vessel body adapted to transport IV fluids and having an outlet configured for coupling to a patient IV line for introduction of the IV fluids, and at least one branch inlet disposed at an predetermined acute angle on the vessel body. An interior volume in the vessel body is coupled such that each of the branch inlets in fluidic communication with the interior volume for receiving the IV fluids for transport. Each of the branch inlets has an intake position defined by an orifice on an interior of the vessel body, such that the intake position and angle of each branch inlet is based on an onset time for fluidic transport from the orifice.

11332233

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of the German patent application No. 102018117095.5 filed on Jul. 16, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by way of reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a system for driving a flap arrangement between a retracted position and an extended position, a wing having such a system as well as an aircraft. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In commercial aircraft, often so-called high lift systems are provided on a wing permitting an increase of a lift generating area of the wing as well as its camber. Predominantly, these high lift systems comprise a trailing edge flap arrangement and a leading-edge flap arrangement. For example, a leading-edge flap arrangement comprises a flap that is extended from a recess at an underside of the wing into a position upstream of the wing. For this so-called Krüger flap, numerous different actuation mechanisms exist. A Krüger flap is usually stored at an underside of the wing with the trailing edge pointing in a forward direction and the leading edge pointing backwards. During the deployment of the flap, it roughly follows a rotary motion to reach a position in front of a leading edge of the wing under creation of a gap thereto, wherein the leading edge of the flap points in the flight direction and wherein the trailing edge points in a rearward direction. DE102011018906A1 exemplarily shows a leading-edge flap system with a Krüger flap. Here, an additional holding element is attached to a trailing edge of the flap to influence the gap between the flap and the leading edge of the wing. EP2509859B1 shows a high lift system, which may also comprise a Krüger flap, which has a certain design to shape the resulting gap between the flap and the leading edge of the wing to be strictly convergent. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Common kinematics for extending leading-edge slats in the form of Krüger flaps often provide a strict motion of the leading-edge flap attached to a lever, which swivels around a rotational axis. Hence, the angle between a chord axis of the flap and a chord axis of the wing is substantially proportional to the position of the lever. It may, however, be advantageous to provide a different motion to optimize a gap between the leading-edge flap and the leading edge of the wing as well as the air flow over the flap and the wing. Therefore, it is an object of the invention to propose an improved flap system for providing a motion of a leading-edge flap, which improves the flow in the flap region, while the system shall be as simple as possible. A flap system for driving a leading-edge flap between a retracted position and an extended position is proposed, the system comprising a leading-edge flap, an actuator, a first fixed link, a second fixed link, a third fixed link, a first connecting link, a second connecting link and an auxiliary link, wherein the first fixed link comprises a first support joint for rotatably supporting the first fixed link on a first structurally fixed point, wherein the second fixed link comprises a second support joint for rotatably supporting the second fixed link on a second structurally fixed point, wherein the third fixed link comprises a third support joint for rotatably supporting the third fixed link on a third structurally fixed point, wherein the first fixed link comprises a first connecting joint coupled with an end of the first connecting link, which is coupled with a first flap joint at another end, wherein the second fixed link comprises a second connecting joint rotatably coupled with a central region of the first connecting link, wherein the third fixed link comprises a third connecting joint rotatably coupled with an end of the second connecting link, which is coupled with a second flap joint at another end, wherein the actuator, second connecting link is coupled with the first fixed link through the auxiliary link, each at positions inside of the respective ends, and wherein the fixed links, the connecting links and the auxiliary link are arranged to actively place the leading-edge slat from a retracted position into an extended position. With the flap system according to the invention it is possible to reach certain aerodynamic flap positions, which are responsible for more high lift performance. The major advantage lies in that up to an intermediate position with an approximate deployment angle of 117° measured between the local wing chord and the leading-edge flap chord the trailing edge of the Krüger flap stays below the wing leading edge point. The gap between the trailing edge of the flap and the wing leading edge may also be 2% of the local wing chord or less. This prevents a flow separation on the main wing during the deployment of the Krüger flap. In a subsequent motion, the extended position can be reached, which may comprise an angle between the local flap chord and the local wing chord of approximately 130°, while the size of the gap is maintained. Altogether, the flap system according to the invention is able to provide a more complex motion of the leading-edge flap that optimizes the flow at least in the leading-edge region. A direct coupling of an angle adjustment and the deployment state of the flap is eliminated. The arrangement of links coupled with three structurally fixed points will change the angle between the flap and the wing chord up to a certain state. Afterwards, the flap angle may remain substantially constant or may only increase slightly. This means that a desired deployment angle of the flap may almost be reached in an intermediate position before the flap is completely deployed and is still under the local wing chord. After that, the flap may provide a substantially translational motion, i.e., in a subsequent substantially parallel motion course. The leading-edge flap may be a flow body having an elongate shape as well as a leading edge and a trailing edge. It may be curved in a similar way to a common Krüger flap or another type of flow influencing control surface of an aircraft. The main flap is a leading-edge flap intended to be moved relative to a leading edge of a wing. In a retracted state, the flap is arranged in a recess at an underside of the wing when the flap system is installed in a wing. The motion mentioned in this application relates to a deployment motion from the recess into a position forward the leading edge of the wing. The flap system according to the invention is based on an arrangement of six links in a first embodiment. Three fixed links are rotatably supportable on three individual structurally fixed points. Two connecting links are rotatably supported on two individual flap joints, which are arranged at a distance to each other on the leading-edge flap. By the interconnection of the fixed links and the connecting links, which also includes the use of an auxiliary link, the spatial positions of the flap joints and thus of the flap are determined. For driving the arrangement of links, the actuator may be coupled with one of the fixed links. In the following, the components are described in more detail. The actuator may be a rotary actuator, which is exemplarily directly coupled with one of the fixed links. The actuator may also be coupled with a structurally fixed point in an installed state on the wing. By rotating the actuator, the respective fixed link is rotated around the respective structurally fixed point and thereby moves all links directly or indirectly coupled thereto. The first fixed link and the second fixed link each comprise an end that is rotatably supported on an individual structurally fixed point and an opposed end that is rotatably coupled with the first connecting link. By swiveling the first and second fixed links around their respective support joints, which are coupled with structurally fixed points in an installed state, the first connecting link is urged into a motion that is determined by the positions of the first and second structurally fixed points, the lengths of the first and second fixed links as well as the coupling positions on the first connecting link. Exemplarily, the first connecting link may be divided into two halves along its main extension. At an outer end of one half, the first connecting link is coupled with the first flap joint. At the other half, it may be coupled to the first and second fixed links. It may be preferred to couple the first fixed link with an outer end of the first connecting link, while the second fixed link is coupled with a position on the first connecting link that is shifted towards the center of the first connecting link. In a retracted position, the first and second fixed links may be arranged substantially parallel to each other, while the first fixed link may comprise a greater length than the second fixed link. Hence, the first connecting link is clearly inclined to the first and second fixed links in the retracted position. As a result, in a first section of the deployment course, the first connecting link will maintain its orientation and the outer end of the first connecting link thereby moves along a substantially circular path. Depending on the length relationship of the first and second fixed links, as well as the positions of the first and second structurally fixed points, the orientation of the first connecting link will change along the deployment course, such that the radius of the motion path of the outer end of the first connecting link more and more decreases after the first section of the deployment course. At the same time, the third fixed link as well as the auxiliary link urge the second connecting link into a certain motion. While the auxiliary link moves directly depending on the first fixed link, the auxiliary link and the third fixed link determine the orientation of the second connecting link. It may be preferred to let the second flap joint conduct a motion similar to the first flap joint, i.e., conducting a rotary motion with a radius that decreases after following the first section of deployment. Consequently, the flap system according to the invention may be adjusted in such a way that a leading edge of the flap is in a relatively far forward position even with the trailing edge of the flap being underneath a chord line of the wing, to which the flap system is attachable. The leading-edge flap will preferably assume an angle of about 117° to the wing chord with the trailing edge of the flap still being underneath the chord line, after which a primarily parallel or translational motion is conducted. This may lead to an angle of approximately 130°. Hereby, a certain gap is maintained between the flap and the leading edge of the wing. In a preferred embodiment, the first fixed link has a length greater than the second fixed link. This enables the flap system according to the invention to provide a certain motion course of the first flap joint as explained above. The difference in lengths will lead to a clear change in the orientation of the first connecting link at a certain state of deployment. Preferably, in the retracted position, the first fixed link and the second fixed link enclose an angle of less than 10°. Hence, in this position or deployment state, the first fixed link and the second fixed link are arranged substantially parallel to each other. This leads to the motion of the first connecting link to follow a substantially circular path, until the orientation of the first connecting link more strongly changes, such that the first flap joint conducts a motion with decreasing radius. Consequently, the motion of the first flap joint is spirally as a tendency. In the retracted position, the first connecting link and the first fixed link enclose an angle in a range of 25° to 45°. The first connecting link is coupled with an end of the first fixed link, which is opposed to the first structurally fixed point. For reaching the above described motion, it is preferred that the end of the first connecting link and the first fixed link are in a most rearward position, when the flap is retracted. Consequently, the first connecting link is oriented slightly forward. During the deployment, depending on the size of the second fixed link, the angle enclosed by the first fixed link and the first connecting link in the fully extended position may be substantially the same. Preferably, the third fixed link has a length that is half the length of the first fixed link at a maximum. Due to a preferably forward location of the third fixed link, an end opposed to the third support joint only needs to conduct a motion with a comparably small radius. Hence, a smaller length is required. In this regard it is stated that the second connecting link, as well as the auxiliary link, may comprise a length that is comparable to the length of the third fixed link and, particularly, half the length of the first fixed link at a maximum. Preferably, the fixed links, the connecting links and the auxiliary link are arranged to actively place the leading-edge flap from a retracted position into an intermediate position, in which a chord axis of the flap is adjusted to a desired angle, and to provide a translational motion afterwards along the chord axis of the flap, while the orientation of the chord axis substantially remains constant. Hence, all of the links used in the flap system are to be designed in a manner, that this behavior can be achieved. The orientation of the chord axis of the flap should thereby remain constant. Since the kinematical chain relies on rotational motions it may be sufficient to let the orientation of the chord axis of the flap to vary in a range of ±2°. Hence, the flap as presented in the above description will be moved to a forward position, in which the chord has assumed a desired angle just before the chord axis of the wing is reached. Afterwards, the flap may be moved substantially translational along the chord axis with a certain gap between the leading edge of the wing and the leading edge flap. In an advantageous embodiment, the leading-edge flap comprises a body part and a nose part, wherein the system further comprises a third connecting link, a second auxiliary link and a fourth connecting link, wherein the second connecting link is coupled with an end of the third connecting link, wherein the third connecting link is coupled with the second auxiliary link at an opposed end, wherein a center region of the second auxiliary link is swivably supported on the first flap joint and is coupled with the third connecting link at one end and the fourth connecting link at an opposed end, and wherein the flap nose is coupled with the fourth connecting link and the first flap joint. Hence, the leading edge flap is divided into two parts, which are movable relative to each other. They may exemplarily be coupled through a hinge. This allows the flap to be stored at an underside of the wing easily, as the flap nose can be folded into the direction of the flap body. In order to unfold the flap nose, the set of third connection link, fourth connecting link and second auxiliary link are provided. The third connecting link transfers a motion from the first connecting link to the second auxiliary link, which is preferably designed as a rocker. Consequently, when the third connecting link is pushed towards the first flap joint, the nose part of the flap is pulled towards the first flap joint. This leads to a compacting/folding of the flap in the retracted position. Consequently, the third connecting link is to be dimensioned such that the distance between the attachment point of the third connecting link and the respective end of the third connecting link that points to the nose part exceeds the distance to the first flap joint. During the extension motion, the third connecting link is pulled to the second flap joint and beyond, such that the second auxiliary link rotates to push the nose part outwardly. Also, exclusively a single actuator may be used. Hence, the advantages of the flap system can be achieved by moving only one of the links without having to utilize a second actuator for, e.g., changing an angle or translational position of the flap in relation to the wing, to which the flap system is installed. The flap system according to the invention is simple, yet efficient to provide the desired motion of the flap. Preferably, the actuator, the fixed links, the connecting links and the auxiliary link are arranged to actively place the leading-edge slat from a retracted position into an intermediate position, in which a chord axis of the flap is adjusted to a desired angle, and to provide a substantially translational motion afterwards along the chord axis of the flap, while the orientation of the chord axis substantially remains constant or increases slightly, for example about 10-15°. Hence, all of the links used in the flap system are to be designed in a manner, that this behavior can be achieved. Hence, the flap as presented in the above description will be moved to a forward position, in which the local flap chord has assumed a desired angle just before the local chord axis of the wing is reached. Afterwards, the flap may be moved substantially translational along the chord axis with a certain gap between the leading edge of the wing and the leading edge flap into the fully extended position. As stated further below, the certain angle in the intermediate position may be approximately 117°. In the extended position the angle may be approximately 130°. However, these angles may vary slightly depending on the design of the aircraft, for example about +/−2°. The invention further relates to a wing having a leading-edge region and a trailing edge region as well as at least one flap system according to the above description. Advantageously, the system is arranged in the leading-edge region. Preferably, the flap system is designed to move the flap below a wing leading edge point up to an angle of 117° between a local flap chord and a local wing chord. This prevents a flow separation on an upper side of the wing. The position of the flap just below the wing leading edge point is considered the intermediate position mentioned above and further below. In the subsequent extension from the intermediate to the extended position, the local flap chord reaches an angle of exemplarily 130° to the local wing chord. The flap then has moved in a substantially translational motion along the leading edge of the wing under maintaining the gap. The flap system is further designed to limit a gap between a trailing edge of the flap and a leading-edge point of the wing to 2% of the local wing chord. This harmonizes a flow from the flap to an upper side of the wing. The gap between the trailing edge of the flap and the wing leading edge should not be greater than 2% of local wing chord. This prevents a flow separation on the wing during the deployment of the flap. This may include the intermediate position. Also, this may include the extended position. Finally, the invention relates to an aircraft having at least one such wing.

11279732

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to compounds that are somatostatin receptor antagonists. More particularly, this invention relates to cyclic peptides and more particularly to cyclic octapeptides that are somatostatin receptor antagonists. BACKGROUND Somatostatin receptors are ubiquitously expressed in most tissues of the body. Five different subtypes of somatostatin receptors have been discovered. The localization of particular receptor subtypes on different tissues allows for specific receptor antagonists to exert specific inhibitory effects. In a series of structure activity relationship (SAR) studies of the 14 amino acid version of somatostatin (SST-14) and its analogs (Freidinger, R. M., et al., International journal of peptide and protein research 23(2):142-50, 1984; Pattaroni, C., et al., International journal of peptide and protein research 36(5):401-17, 1990; Veber, D. F., et al., Life sciences 34(14):1371-8, 1984), the four amino acid sequence Phe7-Trp8-Lys9-Thr10 (residues 7-10 of SST-14; SEQ ID NO: 85) was reported to be important for binding and activity of somatostatin. While Trp8-Lys9 appears essential, slight modifications in positions 7 and 10 were reportedly possible (Patel, Y. C., Frontiers in neuroendocrinology 20(3):157-98, 1999). Furthermore, cyclization (via the Cys-Cys pair at positions 3 and 14) apparently stabilizes the conformation of these residues, mimicking a β-turn, in a manner favorable for binding to SST receptors (Veber, D. F., et al., Life sciences 34(14):1371-8, 1984; Veber, D. F., et al., Nature 280(5722):512-4, 1979). Following these findings, several agonist analogs of somatostatin have been produced over the past several decades and several agonists have been used clinically to treat glandular tumors. Octreotide (Novartis) and lanreotide (Ipsen) are indicated for the treatment of acromegaly (somatotrophic adenoma) and thyrotrophic adenoma and in the management of certain neuroendocrine tumors in the pancreas (e.g., carcinoid tumors). A newer agonist, pasireotide (Novartis), is also used clinically for the treatment of Cushing's Disease (corticotropic adenoma) (Boscaro, M., et al., The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism 94(1):115-22, 2009), (see www.signifor.com). Bass et al. (at American Cyanamid) (Bass, R. T., et al., Molecular pharmacology 50(4):709-15, 1996) reported that substitution of D-cysteine at the position equivalent to residue 3 of SST-14 gave analogs with antagonist activity. Since then, antagonists that bind to the various SST receptor subtypes with different affinities have been developed. One approach to reducing hypoglycemia is to inhibit somatostatin receptors related to counterregulatory hormone release which are found in the pancreas, adrenal gland, and hypothalamus of the brain. Somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2) are found in these tissues. Within the pancreas, SSTR2 are found nearly exclusively on glucagon-secreting α-cells in rodents (Rossowski, W. and Coy, D.,Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications205:341-346, 1994; Strowski, M., et al.,Endocrinology141:111-117, 2000). In humans as well, somatostatin exerts its inhibitory effect on glucagon secretion via SSTR2 found on α-cells (Kumar, U., et al.,Diabetes48:77-85, 1999; Reubi, J., et al.,J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.83:3746-3749, 1998), while the receptor is also expressed in the β cells (Reubi, J., et al.,J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.83:3746-3749, 1998), where it is involved in regulating insulin secretion. In the adrenal gland, SSTR2 have been widely identified in the adrenal medulla of animals and humans (Kimura, N., et al.,Endocrine Journal48:95-102, 2001; Maurer, R. and Reubi, J.,Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology45:81-90, 1986). It has been shown that somatostatin inhibits acetylcholine-stimulated release of epinephrine from the adrenal medulla (Role, L., et al., Neuroscience 6:1813-1821, 1981; Mizobe, F., et al.,Brain Research178:555-566, 1979), and this is the mechanism whereby epinephrine is released during hypoglycemia (Havel P. and Taborsky, G. J.,Stress-induced activation of the neuroendocrine system and its effects on carbohydrate metabolism. In Ellenberg and Rifkin's Diabetes Mellitus. Porte Jr D, Sherwin R, Baron A, Eds. New York, McGraw-Hill, 2003, p. 127-149). SSTR2 are also found in the hypothalamus of the brain (Fehlmann D., et al.,Journal of Physiology(Paris) 94:265-281, 2000; Lanneau C., et al.,European Journal of Neuroscience10:204-212, 1998) where somatostatin also has an inhibitory effect on hormones involved in hypoglycemic counterregulation. The approach of using SSTR2 antagonism to prevent hypoglycemia has been demonstrated in the STZ rat model, in which the glucagon response to hypoglycemia, which is absent in diabetic rats can be restored by administration of a SSTR2 antagonist (Yue J. T., et al.,Diabetes61(1):197-207, 2012). In this experiment, not only was the glucagon response restored, but the corticosterone response which was also deficient in diabetic rats was also improved in hypoglycemia after treatment with a SSTR2 antagonist. Furthermore, restoration of the counterregulatory responses corresponds to prevention or reduction in the severity of hypoglycemia in similar rats given an insulin dose to induce hypoglycemia (Yue J. T., et al.,Diabetes62(7):2215-2222, 2013). Somatostatin levels in the pancreas in diabetic animals are elevated (Rastogi, K., et al.,Endocrinology126:1096-1104, 1990; Rastogi, K., et al.,Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology71:512-517, 1993) as well as in diabetic humans (Orci, L., et al.,Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U.S.A73:1338-1342, 1976). In streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats, there is: (i) hyperplasia and hypertrophy of somatostatin-containing δ-cells in the pancreas (Orci, L., et al.,Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U.S.A73:1338-1342, 1976); (ii) increased expression of pancreatic prosomatostatin mRNA (Brubaker, P., et al.,Endocrinology124:3003-3009, 1989; Shi, Z., et al.,Endocrinology137:3193-3199, 1996); (iii) increased pancreatic somatostatin (Inouye, K., et al.,American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism282:E1369-E1379, 2002); and (iv) distribution of somatostatin-secreting δ-cells in the central portions of islets cells (Rossowski, W. and Coy, D.,Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications205:341-346, 1994). It has been reported that excessive somatostatin may inhibit glucagon release during hypoglycemia (Rastogi, K., et al.,Endocrinology126:1096-1104, 1990). Furthermore, it is well documented that somatostatin inhibits stimulated secretion of pancreatic glucagon. In STZ-diabetic rats, the expression of the gene for pro-glucagon and pro-somatostatin are both markedly increased (Inouye, K., et al.,American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism282:E1369-E1379, 2002). This increased concentration of somatostatin is observed in diabetic rats, both during euglycemia (i.e. normal blood glucose concentrations) and hypoglycemia (Shi, Z., et al.,Endocrinology137:3193-3199, 1996). Concentration of somatostatin in plasma is also increased during euglycemia and hypoglycemia in diabetic rats (Shi, Z., et al.,Endocrinology137:3193-3199, 1996). However, despite increased gene expression of proglucagon, plasma concentrations of glucagon are not increased during hypoglycemia in diabetic rats, presumably in part due to the marked elevation of somatostatin levels. In isolated islets and in perifused isolated islets, the somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2)-selective antagonist, DC-41-33, also known as PRL-2903, dose-dependently increases glucagon secretion to an arginine stimulus, and subsequently adding somatostatin dose-dependently reverses the actions of the SSTR2 antagonist (Cejvan, K., et al.,Diabetes51 Suppl 3:S381-S384, 2002; Cejvan, K., et al.,Diabetes52:1176-1181, 2003). In isolated, perfused pancreas of non-diabetic rats, this antagonist enhances glucagon secretion without affecting insulin secretion (Cejvan, K., et al.,Diabetes52:1176-1181, 2003). Similar findings have been demonstrated in rat and human pancreatic tissue slices, prefused in hypoglycemic condition with and without SSTR2 antagonist (Karimian N., et al.,Diabetes62(8):2968-2977, 2013). It is also able to reverse the inhibitory effect of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptides, GIP and GIP-(1-30)NH2, and glucagon-like polypeptide, GLP-1(7-36)NH2, on pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion in non-diabetic rats (Rossowski, W., et al.,British Journal of Pharmacology125:1081-1087, 1998). Somatostatin receptor antagonists are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,508,711 (April 1985, Coy et al.) and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,934 (December 1998, Bass et al.) (Hocart, S. J., et al.,Journal of medicinal chemistry42(11):1863-71, 1999; Rajeswaran, W. G., et al.,Journal of medicinal chemistry44(8):1305-11, 2001). The primary pharmacological treatments for hypoglycemia on the market today are based on various IV glucose or dextrose formulations and, as such, are considered reactionary treatments rather than true management strategies. There are a number of glucagon products on the market (e.g., GlucaGen®, Novo Nordisk), however this too is a rescue approach and is typically administered IV or SC in emergencies because the patient is unconscious. Importantly, glucagon must also be carefully dosed to avoid overstimulating glucose production (unlike a normalized endogenous glucagon response). These therapies are not directed to reducing the incidence of hypoglycemia, and as rescue therapies for severe hypoglycemia, they would not be expected to reduce the apprehension patients feel about the likelihood of experiencing a hypoglycemic event. Preventive therapies are required to reduce or eliminate this complication, and to enable insulin-dependent diabetic patients to more aggressively manage their blood glucose levels, resulting in overall improved long-term health outcomes. There is thus a real and strong demand for the development of a long-term therapeutic approach for the prevention of hypoglycemia. SUMMARY This invention is based, in part, on novel cyclic peptides that exhibit somatostatin receptor (SSTR) antagonist activity. Cyclic peptides of the present invention are often selective for a particular SSTR, such as SSTR 2. This invention is also based, in part, on novel amino acids that can be used in cyclic peptides of the present invention. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a compound having the structure of Formula I: or a salt thereof, wherein: RCis OH or NHR16, wherein R16is H or C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents; RNis selected from the group consisting of:(i) H;(ii) C1-6alkyl;(iii) —C(O)R17, wherein R17is selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(iv) —C(O)C1-6alkylene-C(O)OR18, wherein R18is H or C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(v) —C(O)C1-6alkylene-N(R20)C(O)R19, wherein R19is selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein R20is H or C1-6alkyl;(vi) —C(O)C1-6alkylene-NR21R22, wherein each of R21and R22is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(vii) —C(O)C1-6alkylene-C(O)NR23R24, wherein each of R23and R24is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(viii) —C(O)C1-6alkylene-S(O)2R25, wherein R25is selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents; and(ix) —S(O)2R26, wherein R26is selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents; R1is selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, —C1-6alkylene(C6-10aryl) and —C1-6alkylene(5- to 10-membered heteroaryl), wherein the C1-6alkyl, the C6-10aryl, the C6-10aryl of —C1-6alkylene(C6-10aryl), the 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl and the 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl of —C1-6alkylene(5- to 10-membered heteroaryl) are optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C1-6alkylene of —C1-6alkylene(C6-10aryl) and —C1-6alkylene(5- to 10-membered heteroaryl) is optionally substituted with one or more substituents; R3is selected from the group consisting of:(i) C6-10aryl which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(ii) 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(iii) —C1-6alkylene(C6-10aryl), wherein the C6-10aryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C1-6alkylene is optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(iv) —C1-6alkylene(5- to 10-membered heteroaryl), wherein the 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C1-6alkylene is optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(v) —C1-6alkylene-NR27C(O)R28, wherein:R27is H or C1-6alkyl;R28is selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, and —NR29R30, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents; andwherein each of R29and R30is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(vi) —(C6-10arylene)-C(O)NR31R32or —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-C(O)NR31R32, wherein each of R31and R32is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(vii) —(C6-10arylene)-NR33R34or —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-NR33R34, wherein:each of R33and R34is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, —C(O)R35, —C(O)NR36R37, and —SO2R38, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;R35is selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, and 5- to 10-membered heterocycloalkyl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, and 5- to 10-membered heterocycloalkyl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;each of R36and R37is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents; andR38is selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(viii) —(C6-10arylene)-SO2NR39R40or —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-SO2NR39R40, wherein each of R39and R40is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(ix) —(C6-10arylene)-(C1-6alkylene)-NR41R42or —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-(C1-6alkylene)-NR41R42, wherein:each of R41and R42is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, —C(O)R43, and —C(O)NR44R45, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;R43is selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents; andeach of R44and R45is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(x) —(C6-10arylene)-OR46or —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-OR46, wherein R46is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents; and(xi) —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-N(R47)—C(O)—CHR48—NR49R50, wherein R47is H or CH3, R48is H or C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, —COOH, —NH2, —C(O)NH2, and —N(H)C(O)NH2, and each of R49and R50is independently H, CH3or acetyl; R4is selected from the group consisting of:(i) —C1-6alkylene-N(R53)C(O)NR51R52, wherein each of R51and R52is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein R53is H or C1-6alkyl;(ii) —C1-6alkylene-N(R55)C(O)R54, wherein R54is selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein R55is H or C1-6alkyl;(iii) —(C6-10arylene)-C(O)NR56R57or —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-C(O)NR56R57, wherein each of R56and R57is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(iv) —(C6-10arylene)-N(R59)C(O)R58or —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-N(R59)C(O)R58, wherein R58is selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, and 5- to 10-membered heterocycloalkyl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, and 5- to 10-membered heterocycloalkyl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein R59is H or C1-6alkyl;(v) —(C6-10arylene)-N(R62)C(O)NR60R61or —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-N(R62)C(O)NR60R61, wherein each of R60and R61is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein R62is H or C1-6alkyl;(vi) —(C6-10arylene)-N(R64)SO2R63or —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-N(R64)SO2R63, wherein R63is selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein R64is H or C1-6alkyl;(vii) —(C6-10arylene)-SO2NR65R66or —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-SO2NR65R66, wherein each of R65and R66is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(viii) —(C6-10arylene)-(C1-6alkylene)-NR67R68or —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-(C1-6alkylene)-NR67R68, wherein:each of R67and R68is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, —C(O)R69, and —C(O)NR70R71, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;R69is selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents; andeach of R70and R71is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(ix) —(C6-10arylene)-NR72R73or —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-NR72R73, wherein each of R72and R73is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(x) —(C6-10arylene)-OR74or —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-OR74, wherein R74is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C6-10aryl and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents;(xi) —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-N(R75)—C(O)—CHR76—NR77R78, wherein R75is H or CH3, R76is H or C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, —COOH, —NH2, —C(O)NH2, and —N(H)C(O)NH2, and each of R77and R78is independently H, CH3or acetyl; and(xii) —C1-6alkylene-(C6-10arylene)-CN; R5is selected from the group consisting of:(i) —NR79R80, wherein each of R79and R80is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6alkyl, —C(O)R81, and —C(═NR82)NR83R84, or R79and R80, together with the N atom to which they are attached, form 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl or 5- to 10-membered heterocycloalkyl, wherein the C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl and 5- to 10-membered heterocycloalkyl are optionally substituted with one or more substituents,R81is selected from the group consisting of H, —NH2, C1-16alkyl, C1-6haloalkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl; andeach of R82, R83, and R84is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-16alkyl, C1-6haloalkyl, C6-10aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl; and(ii) —N+R85R86R87, wherein each of R85, R86, and R87is independently C1-6alkyl; n1is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6; R6is C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents; R8is selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, C6-10aryl, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, —C1-6alkylene(C6-10aryl) and —C1-6alkylene(5- to 10-membered heteroaryl), wherein the C1-6alkyl, the C6-10aryl, the C6-10aryl of —C1-6alkylene(C6-10aryl), the 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl and the 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl of —C1-6alkylene(5- to 10-membered heteroaryl) are optionally substituted with one or more substituents, and wherein the C1-6alkylene of —C1-6alkylene(C6-10aryl) and —C1-6alkylene(5- to 10-membered heteroaryl) is optionally substituted with one or more substituents; R9is H or C1-6alkyl; R10is H or C1-6alkyl; R11is H or C1-6alkyl; R12is H or C1-6alkyl; R13is H or C1-6alkyl; R14is H or C1-6alkyl; R15is H or C1-6alkyl; and L is selected from the group consisting of: wherein X is S or O; and chiral centre *1 is in the S configuration or the R configuration; chiral centre *2 is in the S configuration or the R configuration; chiral centre *3 is in the S configuration or the R configuration; chiral centre *4 is in the S configuration or the R configuration; chiral centre *5 is in the S configuration or the R configuration; chiral centre *6 is in the S configuration or the R configuration; chiral centre *7 is in the S configuration or the R configuration; and chiral centre *8 is in the S configuration or the R configuration, provided that:i) when RCis NH2, RNis H or —C(O)CH2N3, R1is R3is R5is NH2, n1is 4, R6is —CH(OH)(CH3), R8is each of R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14and R15is H, and L is then R4is not andii) when RCis NH2, RNis H, R1is R3is R5is NH2, n1is 4, R6is —CH(CH3)2, R8is —CH(OH)(CH3), each of R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14and R15is H, and L is then R4is not In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, a compound as defined anywhere herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may be for use in the prevention or treatment of hypoglycemia. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the hypoglycemia may be insulin-induced hypoglycemia. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, a compound as defined anywhere herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may be for use in the treatment of diabetes. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as defined anywhere herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the pharmaceutical composition may be for use in the prevention or treatment of hypoglycemia. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the hypoglycemia may be insulin-induced hypoglycemia. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the pharmaceutical composition may be for use in the treatment of diabetes. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of inhibiting an activity of an SSTR2 receptor in a subject, the method comprising administering a compound as defined anywhere herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a subject in need thereof. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of preventing or treating hypoglycemia in a subject, the method comprising administering a compound as defined anywhere herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a subject in need thereof. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the hypoglycemia is insulin-induced hypoglycemia. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of treating diabetes in a subject, the method comprising administering a compound as defined anywhere herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a subject in need thereof. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a use of a compound as defined anywhere herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the prevention or treatment of hypoglycemia. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the hypoglycemia is insulin-induced hypoglycemia. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a use of a compound as defined anywhere herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the treatment of diabetes. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a use of a compound as defined anywhere herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the preparation of a medicament for the prevention or treatment of hypoglycemia. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the hypoglycemia is insulin-induced hypoglycemia. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a use of a compound as defined anywhere herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of diabetes. In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an amino acid selected from the group consisting of: Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention.

11329631

STATEMENT OF PRIOR DISCLOSURE Aspects of this technology are described in an article “A Novel Tunable Grounded Positive and Negative Impedance Multiplier” published in IEEE Transaction on Circuits and System II: Express Briefs on Oct. 8, 2018, DOI: 10.1109/TCSII.2018.2874511, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND Technical Field The present disclosure is directed to a tunable grounded impedance multiplier. The impedance multiplier provides positive or negative impedance scaling. Description of Related Art The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention. The impedance multiplier is an important building block in many electronics applications; for example in the simulation of large values of passive elements that cannot be integrated. (See I. Padilla-Cantoya, L. Rizo-Dominguez and J. Molinar-Solis, “Capacitance multiplier with large multiplication factor high accuracy and low power and silicon area for floating applications,” IEICE Electronics Express, 2018, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Many approaches to increase the effective value of the capacitance or resistance have been reported in the literature. In Ahmed et al., an operational transconductance amplifier (OTA)-based tunable C-multiplier was developed. However, this design is for capacitor scaling up only and it uses three OTAs in which the multiplication factor is tuned using the OTAs' bias currents. (See M. T Ahmed, L A Khan and N. Minhah, “Novel electronically tunable C-multiplier,” Electronics Letters, Vol. 31 No. 1, pp. 9-11, 1995, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). An impedance scaler was presented in Martinez and Alejandro using MOSFETs. (See J. Silva Martinez and Alejandro, “Impedance scalers for IC active filters,” IEEE International Symposium On Circuits And Systems, pp. 51-154, 1998, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). This impedance scaler has a small footprint on a chip. However, the scaling factor is controlled by the aspect ratios of the transistors used. This means that, once fabricated, the scaling factor cannot be controlled. Another approach was developed by Abuelma′tti et al. In this approach, three current-controlled current amplifiers were used in addition to an external resistor. (See M. T Abuelma′tti and N. A Tasadduq, “Electronically tunable capacitance multiplier and frequency-dependent negative resistance simulator using the current-controlled current conveyor,” Microelectronics Journal, pp. 869-873, 1999, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). A further design by Solis-Bustos et al. uses current mirrors as core blocks to scale up capacitance using the mirrors aspect ratio. (See S. Solis-Bustos, H. Silva and E. Sanches, “A 60-dB dynamic-Range CMOS sixth-order 2.4-Hz low-pass filter for medical applications,” IEEE Transactions On Circuits And Systems, Analog And Digital Signal Processing, Vol. 47. No. 12, pp. 1391-1398, 2000, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). However, the controllability of the multiplication factor is restricted by the device's aspect ratios. A universal immittance (admittance and impedance as a combined concept) function simulator using a current conveyor was reported by Cicekoglu et al. (See O. Cicekoglu, A. Toker and H. Kuntman, “Universal immitance function simulators using current conveyors,” Computers And Electrical Engineering, pp. 227-238, 2001, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In this design, three CCIIs are used. Moreover, external resistors are used to control the multiplication factor. In Khan et al., current conveyor based R- and C-multiplier circuits were developed. (See A. Khan, S. Bimal, K. Dey and S. Roy, “Current conveyor based R- and C-multiplier circuits,” International Journal Of Electronics And Communications”, Vol. 56, No. 5, pp. 312-316, 2002, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). However, the value of R and C are controlled by two other resistors. Another capacitance multiplier was reported by Kulej. (See T. Kulej, “Regulated capacitance multiplier in CMOS technology, “In International Conference On Mixed Design Of Integrated Circuits And Systems, pp. 316-319, 2009, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). This design used three OTAs and two-equal value capacitors and implements capacitance multiplier only. In Padilla et al. an enhanced grounded capacitor multiplier was presented. (See I. Padilla and P. Furth,” Enhanced grounded capacitor multiplier and its floating implementation for analog filter,” IEEE Transaction On Circuits And System-II: Express Briefs, Vol. 62. Issue 10, pp. 962-966, 2015, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). The design is based on using the differential amplifier with exponential current scaling. A new compact impedance scaler was reported by Al-Absi et al. (See M. Al-Absi, E. Al-Suhaibani and M. Abuelma′tti, “A new controllable CMOS impedance scaler,” In International Multi-Conference on Systems, Signals & Devices, 21-24, Leipzig, Germany, pp. 695-698, March 2016, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). This design is good for capacitance scaling only. A new capacitance super multiplier was presented in Germanovix et al. (See W. Germanovix, E. Bonizzoni and F. Maloberti, “Capacitance super multiplier for sub-Hertz low-pass integrated filters,” IEEE Transaction on circuits and system-II: Express Briefs, Vol. 65. No. 3, pp. 301-305, March. 2018, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). The design used a current mirror for capacitance multiplication and cannot be tuned once fabricated and the multiplication factor is 140. The design presented by Solis-Bustos et al. uses the current mirror aspect ratio to scale up the basic capacitance and cannot be tuned once fabricated. (See S. Solis-Bustos, J. Silva-Martinez, F. Maloberti, and E. Sanchez-Sinencio, “A 60-dB dynamic-range CMOS sixth-order 2.4-Hz low-pass filter for medical applications,” IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems-II: Analog and Digital Signal Processing, Vol. 47, NO. 12, pp. 1391-1398, December 2000, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). The design in Kamath used dual output OTA and the scaling factor is 10. (See D. Kamath, “Novel DO-OTA based current-mode grounded capacitor multiplier,” The second International Conference on Inventive Systems and Control, pp. 1187-1190, June 2018, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). A capacitance super multiplier was reported by Rodriguez et al. (See E. Rodriguez, A. Casson and P. Corbishley, “A Sub hertz Nanopower Low-Pass Filter,” IEEE Transaction On Circuits And Systems-II: Express Briefs, Vol. 58, No 0.6, pp. 351-355, June. 2011, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In this design, the multiplication factor depends on the transconductance of the MOS transistors with extremely low bias current. The maximum multiplication factor is 140. There is a need for a tunable grounded impedance multiplier that can multiply capacitors or resistors by a large multiplication factor without relying on variations of the aspect ratios of transistors or externally connected resistors. The present disclosure describes a tunable impedance multiplier free of passive components which provides a high multiplication factor. SUMMARY The tunable grounded impedance multiplier of the present disclosure may be tuned to multiply capacitors or resistors by a positive or negative multiplication factor. The multiplier may be incorporated into a low pass or high pass filter to provide an output in a precise frequency with positive or negative tunable amplitude. In an exemplary embodiment, a tunable impedance multiplier comprises a current feedback operational amplifier, CFOA, having a first current input, a second current input, a first voltage output and a second voltage output; a first operational transconductance amplifier, OTA1, having a gain gm, a first positive voltage input, a first negative voltage input a first bias current input, a positive supply voltage, a negative supply voltage, and a current output. A resistance is connected to the second voltage output of the CFOA at a first end and is connected to ground at a second end. An impedance is connected to the second input of the CFOA at a first end and is connected to ground at a second end; wherein the first voltage output of the CFOA is connected to the first voltage input of OTA1and wherein the output of the OTA1is connected as feedback to the first current input of the CFOA. In another exemplary embodiment, a method for tunably multiplying an impedance is presented, comprising connecting an alternating current source to a first current input of a current feedback operational amplifier, CFOA; connecting a second current input of the CFOA to an impedance, Z; connecting a first output of the CFOA to an inverting input of a first operational transconductance amplifier, OTA1having a specified gain, gm; connecting a second output of the CFOA to a grounded resistance, R0; connecting a non-inverting input of the OTA1to ground; connecting a current output of the OTA1to the first current input of the CFOA. The method continues by sweeping the amplitude of a first bias current source, connected to a bias input of the OTA1over a range of frequencies of alternating current; determining the −3 dB points of the current output corresponding to the range of frequencies; and calculating the equivalent input impedance based on the equation Zin=Zgm×R⁢⁢0. In another exemplary embodiment, a method for tunably multiplying an impedance, comprises connecting an alternating current source to a first current input of a current feedback operational amplifier, CFOA; connecting a second current input of the CFOA to an impedance, Z; connecting a first output of the CFOA to an inverting input of a first operational transconductance amplifier, OTA1having a specified gain, gm; connecting a non-inverting input of the OTA1to ground; connecting a current output of the OTA1to the first current input of the CFOA; connecting an inverting input of a second operational transconductance amplifier OTA2to a second voltage output of the CFOA, connecting the non-inverting input of the OTA2to ground and connecting the output of the OTA2to the inverting input of the OTA2; connecting a second bias current source, iB2, to a bias input of the OTA2; sweeping the amplitudes of the first bias current source, iB1, of the OTA1and second bias current source, iB2, of the OTA2over a range of frequencies of alternating current determining the −3 dB points of the current output corresponding to the range of frequencies; calculating the equivalent input impedance based on the equation Zin=Zgm×R⁢⁢0; and calculating the multiplication of the impedance, Z, based on the equation multiplication=Z IB⁢⁢2IB⁢⁢1. The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure, and are not restrictive.

11336119

TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present invention are related to wireless power systems and, specifically, to back-channel communications in a wireless power transmission system. DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART Mobile devices, for example smart phones, tablets, wearables and other devices are increasingly using wireless power charging systems. In general, wireless power transfer involves a transmitter driving a transmit coil and a receiver with a receiver coil placed proximate to the transmit coil. The receiver coil receives the wireless power generated by the transmit coil and uses that received power to drive a load, for example to provide power to a battery charger. There are multiple different standards currently in use for the wireless transfer of power. The more common standards for wireless transmission of power include the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) standard and the Wireless Power Consortium standard, the Qi Standard. Under the Wireless Power Consortium, the Qi specification, a resonant inductive coupling system is utilized to charge a single device at the resonance frequency of the receiver coil circuit. In the Qi standard, the receiving device coil is placed in close proximity with the transmission coil while in the A4WP standard, the receiving device coil is placed near the transmitting coil, potentially along with other receiving coils that belong to other charging devices. Typically, a wireless power system includes a transmitter coil that is driven to produce a time-varying magnetic field and a receiver coil, which can be part of a device such as a cell phone, PDA, computer, or other device, that is positioned relative to the transmitter coil to receive the power transmitted in the time-varying magnetic field. Therefore, there is a need to develop better coil technologies for use with wireless power systems and improve the sensing of objects placed above transmitter pads. SUMMARY In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a wireless power transmitter includes a transmit coil that includes a plurality of concentric coils; a switch circuit coupled to the plurality of concentric coils; a driver coupled to provide a voltage to the switch circuit; and a controller coupled to the switch circuit, the controller providing control signals to the switch circuit selecting to provide the voltage across one or more of the plurality of concentric coils depending on a Q-factor measuring in the presence of a receive coil. A method of operating a wireless power transmitter includes determining a measured Q-factor for each of a plurality of configurations of concentric transmit coils; determining a difference between each of the measured Q-factors and a standard Q-factor; and selecting one of the plurality of configurations based on the differences. These and other embodiments are further discussed below with respect to the following figures.

11477915

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure generally relates to computing systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to computing systems for cooling electronic components in a sealed computer chassis. BACKGROUND Computing systems, such as those used for outdoor electronic telecommunications, require increasingly higher computing performance. Computing systems used in an outdoor environment need to be placed inside dustproof and waterproof housings. For outdoor electronic computing equipment, the housing for the computing systems typically acts as a heat sink for cooling the internal heat-generating electronic components. High-performance electronic components in computing systems, such as heat-generating components connected to high-performance expansion cards, cause increased heat generation within a computer chassis of such computing systems. SUMMARY According to one embodiment, a computing system includes a scaled computer chassis housing, a plurality of heat-generating components, a heat spreader, and a thermal pad. The sealed computer chassis housing defines an interior space and an exterior surface with a heat sink for the interior space. The plurality of heat-generating electronic components are disposed within the interior space and electrically coupled to one or more expansion cards electrically connected on a main hoard. The plurality of heat-generating electronic components include one or more microprocessor and one or more memory devices. The heat spreader includes a plurality of thermally-conductive protrusions coupled to the one or more microprocessors or one or more memory devices by an intermediate thermally conductive layer. The thermal pad is positioned above and in thermal contact with the heat spreader. The thermal pad is positioned adjacent to an interior wall of the sealed computer chassis housing opposite the heat sink. According to another embodiment, a computing device includes a sealed computer chassis housing, a heat source, a heat spreader, and a thermal pad. The sealed computer chassis housing defines an interior space and an exterior surface with a heat sink for the interior space. The heat source is disposed within the interior space. The heat spreader includes a plurality of thermally-conductive protrusions coupled to one or more components of the heat source by an intermediate thermally conductive layer. The thermal pad is positioned above and in thermal contact with the heat spreader. The thermal pad is positioned to contact an interior wall of the sealed computer chassis housing opposite the heat sink. In further aspects of the embodiments, the heat spreader includes one or more heat pipes. In some embodiments, the heat pipes are disposed on to top surface of the heat spreader opposite w the plurality of thermally-conductive protrusions. The heat from the heat source or the one or more microprocessors or one or more memory devices is distributed along the heat spreader. In further aspects of the embodiments, the heat spreader includes a vapor chamber on a top surface of the heat spreader opposite to the plurality of thermally-conductive protrusions. In some embodiments, the heat from the one or more microprocessor or the one or more memory devices is distributed along the heat spreader. In further aspects of the embodiments, the heat sink includes a plurality of fins protruding orthogonally to the exterior surface of the sealed computer or server chassis housing, in some embodiments, the plurality of fins is oriented such that heat transferred to the heat sink rises out of air gaps between adjacent fins. In yet further aspects of the embodiments, the heat sink includes one heat sink disposed on the exterior surface of a first side of the sealed computer or server chassis housing and a second heat sink disposed on the exterior surface of a second side of the sealed computer or server chassis housing. In further aspects of the embodiments, a height of the plurality of fins is greater than about five-times a width of a gap between adjacent spaced fins. In some embodiments, at least one expansion card is an expansion card for enhancing the computing system performance. In some embodiments, the intermediate thermally-conductive layer includes thermally-conductive grease. In some embodiments, the plurality of thermally conductive protrusions includes protrusions of at least two different heights. The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. Rather, the foregoing summary merely provides an example of some of the novel aspects and features set forth herein. The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes for carrying out the present invention, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

11524463

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure is directed to the design of mechanical parts. BACKGROUND Recent advances in additive manufacturing technologies have triggered the development of powerful design methodologies allowing designers to create highly complex functional parts. SUMMARY Embodiments described herein involve a method comprising receiving a plurality of scanned prints of a product part and a scan-path. A shape of a minimum printable feature of the product part is determined by analyzing the respective prints in a scan-path representation. A manufacturing error of the minimum printable feature is determined based on the analysis. A manufacturing error of a shape of the part is determined based on the determined manufacturing error of the minimum printable feature. An estimated manufactured shape of the part is produced based on the determined manufacturing error of the part. A system includes a processor and a memory storing computer program instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform operations. The operations comprise receiving a plurality of scanned prints of a product part and a scan-path. A shape of a minimum printable feature of the product part is determined by analyzing the respective prints in a scan-path representation. A manufacturing error of the minimum printable feature is determined based on the analysis. A manufacturing error of a shape of the part is determined based on the determined manufacturing error of the minimum printable feature. An estimated manufactured shape of the part is produced based on the determined manufacturing error of the part. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer program instructions, the computer program instructions when executed by a processor cause the processor to perform operations. The operations comprise receiving a plurality of scanned prints of a product part and a scan-path. A shape of a minimum printable feature of the product part is determined by analyzing the respective prints in a scan-path representation. A manufacturing error of the minimum printable feature is determined based on the analysis. A manufacturing error of a shape of the part is determined based on the determined manufacturing error of the minimum printable feature. An estimated manufactured shape of the part is produced based on the determined manufacturing error of the part. The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation. A more complete understanding will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

11253269

INTRODUCTION The present teachings provide a backup kit including backup arthroplasty implants for a shipment of a plurality of patient-specific arthroplasty kits for a plurality of corresponding arthroplasty procedures at the same medical facility. The patient-specific arthroplasty kits generally include patient-specific alignment guides, custom and non-custom implants and other instruments for use during an arthroplasty procedure. The patient-specific alignment guides (and patient-specific implants, when used) are designed and constructed preoperatively based on three-dimensional digital images of the patient's joint that is scheduled to undergo arthroplasty. The digital images of the patient's joint can be reconstructed from medical scans of the patient using commercially available CAD (Computer Aided Design) and/or other imaging software. SUMMARY The present teachings provide a method for preparing a backup kit for a shipment of patient-specific arthroplasty kits for corresponding arthroplasty procedures scheduled at the same medical facility. The method includes providing a database with data from completed arthroplasty procedures that were performed using patient-specific arthroplasty kits. The database includes comparisons between preoperatively planned implant size and intraoperatively implanted (actual) implant size. A statistically expected implant size deviation from a planned implant size for each implant included in the shipment is determined using the database. A backup kit of backup implants is assembled for the shipment. The number and size of the backup implants is determined from the statistically expected implant size deviations. The present teachings also provide a backup kit for a plurality of patient-specific arthroplasty procedures scheduled at the same medical facility. The backup kit includes a plurality of backup implants selected for a shipment of a plurality of patient-specific arthroplasty kits for the medical facility. Each patient-specific arthroplasty kit is configured for corresponding arthroplasty procedures at the same medical facility. The number and size of the backup implants is determined from statistically expected implant size deviations from planned implant sizes in the corresponding arthroplasty kits using a compliance database. The compliance database includes data from completed arthroplasty procedures performed using patient-specific arthroplasty kits. The compliance database includes comparisons between preoperatively planned implant sizes and intraoperatively implanted implant sizes. Further areas of applicability of the present teachings will become apparent from the description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings.

11353117

TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein generally relate to pump systems, and in particular to valve seats in pump systems. BACKGROUND Pumping systems may be used in a variety of applications, especially industrial applications where pumping systems are used to elevate a working fluid pressure. One such application is hydraulic fracturing systems, where high pressure pumps are used to increase a fluid pressure of a working fluid (e.g., fracturing fluid, slurry, etc.) for injection into an underground formation. The working fluid may include particulates, which are injected into fissures of the formation. When the fluid is removed from the formation, the particulates remain and “prop” open the fissures, facilitating flow of oil and gas. In many applications, reciprocating pumps are used where a fluid is introduced into a fluid end inlet passage and out through an outlet passage. A valve assembly reciprocates within the pump and contacts valve seats at the inlet and outlet passages. Due to the particulates and corrosive nature of the working fluid, the valve seats may become eroded or otherwise damaged, which my prevent sealing of the inlet and outlet passages. SUMMARY Applicants recognized the problems noted above herein and conceived and developed embodiments of systems and methods, according to the present disclosure, for valve seats in pump systems. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a valve assembly for a fracturing pump includes a valve seat having a bore, the valve seat having an upper region forming at least a portion of a strike face. The valve assembly also includes a groove formed in the upper region of the valve seat and a valve seat insert positioned within the bore. The valve seat insert includes a body portion extending at least a portion of a bore length. The valve seat insert also includes an insert bore extending through the body portion. The valve seat insert further includes an upper insert region, at least a portion of the upper insert region positioned within the groove, the upper insert region forming at least a portion of the strike face. The valve assembly also includes a valve member positioned to reciprocate within the bore, the valve member moving between an open position and a closed position, wherein at least a portion of the valve member engages at least a portion of the strike face in the closed position. In accordance with another embodiment, a valve seat for use in a fracturing pump includes a first body, including a tapered portion extending toward a first bore, the first bore extending through the first body, and a groove formed in the first body. The valve seat also includes a second body positioned at least partially within the groove, the second body including a slanted face that substantially conforms to the tapered portion. The valve seat further includes a third body, arranged within the first bore, the third body extending along at least a portion of a first bore length, the third body having a second bore coaxial with the first bore, and a second bore diameter that is less than a first bore diameter. In accordance with another embodiment, a valve seat for use in a fracturing pump includes a first body and a second body. The first body includes an upper region having a slanted face and first outer diameter. The first body also includes a lower region having a second outer diameter, the second outer diameter being less than the first outer diameter. The first body further includes a bore extending through the first body. The first body includes a groove formed in the upper region, the groove extending to the bore. The second body includes an upper insert region, at least a portion of the upper insert region arranged within the groove. The second body also includes a lower insert region, the lower insert region extending along at least a portion of the lower region, the lower insert region having a lower insert diameter less than a bore diameter. The second body further includes a channel formed in the lower insert region, the channel extending along at least a portion of the lower insert region and having a channel diameter less than the bore diameter and greater than the lower insert diameter.

11339313

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an adhesive comprising finely pulverized bark. BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, phenolic resin adhesives, obtained by a condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde, for example, have been used as one of the useful adhesives in the production of veneer-based material such as plywood and LVL. Phenolic resin adhesives have superior water resistance and are suitable for outdoor use; however, since their curing temperatures are high in comparison with other adhesives, it is necessary to use veneers having a low moisture content due to susceptibility to the occurrence of so-called “puncturing”. Flour as a thickener, calcium carbonate as an extender and soda ash (sodium carbonate) or baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as a curing agent are basically incorporated in phenolic resin adhesives. In addition, phenolic resin adhesives are often used in the formulation recommended by the manufacturer so as to have a viscosity of 1.5 Pa·s to 3.0 Pa·s (20° C. to 25° C.), and the solid content percentage (liquid glue solid content percentage) in the adhesive is about 55% in such cases. With respect to the above phenolic resin adhesives, Patent Document 1 describes an invention relating to an adhesive composition for plywood with which puncturing phenomenon during plywood production is inhibited even in the case of using veneers having a high moisture content. This adhesive composition for plywood is obtained by addingAcaciabark powder, an inorganic filler and water to an aqueous solution of a resol-type phenolic resin to inhibit an increase in viscosity after preparation. On the other hand, Patent Document 2 describes an invention relating to a method for producing a powder having a high content of tannin along with the application thereof, and discloses, in Example, formulation examples of adhesives using bark powder ofradiatapine andAcacia. In addition, Patent Document 3 describes an invention relating to an adhesive for plywood that contains a resol-type phenolic resin, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of lignin and derivatives thereof and tannin and derivatives thereof, and plant powder, and discloses that bark powder is used as the plant powder. In addition, Non-Patent Document 1 describes research on the production ofAcaciabark powder having a high tannin content and its application to adhesives, and discloses a formulation example of an adhesive in whichAcaciabark powder, pMDI, and sodium carbonate or flour are added to a phenolic resin. In recent years, interest has been focused on the use of wood materials as a renewable resource for the purpose of resolving the problem of depleting fossil resources, and research is being conducted that attempts to extract cellulose nanofiber from the xylem of wood for use as a material. Cellulose nanofibers, demonstrating superior properties such as light weight, high strength, and low thermal expansion, are attracting considerable attention for use as next-generation industrial materials. Although cellulose nanofibers derived from the wood materials are usually taken out from xylem, lignocellulose nanofibers and cellulose nanofibers extracted from the bark of lodgepole pine in Canada are reported as the case where cellulose nanofibers are taken from bark, and a comparison of the properties was made between these and general cellulose nanofibers derived from the wood materials (Non-Patent Documents 2 and 3). PRIOR ART REFERENCES Patent Documents [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 5122668[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent No. 4683258[Patent Document 3] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-70081 Non-Patent Documents [Non-Patent Document 1] Yano, H. and 8 others, Production ofAcaciabark powder having a high tannin content and its application to adhesive. Wood Industry, 60 (10): 478-482 (2005)[Non-Patent Document 2] Sandeep, S. Nair and Ning Yan, Effect of high residual lignin on the thermal stability of nanofibrils and its enhanced mechanical performance in aqueous environments. Cellulose, 22: 3137-3150 (2015)[Non-Patent Document 3] Sandeep, S. Nair and Ning Yan, Bark derived submicron-sized and nano-sized cellulose fibers: From industrial waste to high performance materials. Carbohydrate Polymers, 134: 258-266 (2015) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention The bark which is generated during wood processing and not subsequently used contains tannin (condensed tannin) having a high reactivity to formaldehyde, and tannin extracted by hot water fromAcaciabark or quebracho wood has been used industrially as a raw material of tannin adhesives. Although these adhesive uses tannin extracted from bark, they do not succeed in effectively using bark itself including other ingredients other than tannin. Patent Documents 1 to 3 and Non-Patent Document 1 describe the direct use of bark powder in the adhesive. In Patent Document 2, however, tannin is further added separately from bark powder. Accordingly, it cannot be said that tannin present in bark powder is effectively utilized for adhesion in the adhesive described in the literature. In addition, although Patent Document 1, Patent Document 3 and Non-Patent Document 1 describe inventions relating to adhesives using a phenolic resin and bark powder, a proportion of the bark used is low and the bark is insufficiently utilized. In addition to, not only the proportion of the phenolic resin in the liquid glue solids but also the liquid glue solid content percentage is high. Although in the research described in Non-Patent Documents 2 and 3, when cellulose nanofibers are extracted from bark, extraction with base is conducted in advance, and further bleaching and a delignification process, as required, are conducted and it is stated that cellulose nanofibers having a small fiber diameter can be obtained, it is not disclosed that components contained in the bark are utilized as raw materials of adhesives. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an adhesive that effectively utilizes bark and demonstrates superior adhesion performance. Means for Solving the Problems The inventors of the present invention found that when finely pulverized bark is used directly in an adhesive, an adhesive having superior adhesion performance can be obtained and it is also possible to reduce the amount used of at least one adhesive resin selected from the group consisting of phenolic resins, urea resins and melamine resins, thereby leading to the completion of the present invention. [1] An adhesive comprising at least one adhesive resin (A) selected from the group consisting of phenolic resins, urea resins and melamine resins, and finely pulverized bark (B) comprising cellulose nanofibers. [2] The adhesive described in [1], wherein the bark for the component (B) is the bark of a tree species belonging to at least one family selected from the group consisting of Pinaceae, Cupressaceae, Mimosoideae, Fagaceae, Salicaceae, Myrtaceae, Malvaceae, Acanthaceae, Malpighiaceae, Meliaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Sonneratiaceae, and Rhizophoraceae. [3] The adhesive described in [1] or [2], comprising 20 parts by mass or more of the component (B) in terms of dry matter based on 100 parts by mass of a total of the solid content of the component (A) and the component (B) in terms of dry matter. [4] The adhesive described in any one of [1] to [3], wherein the bark for the component (B) isradiatapine bark, and the adhesive comprises 40 parts by mass or more and less than 90 parts by mass of the component (B) in terms of dry matter based on 100 parts by mass of a total of the solid content of component (A) and the component (B) in terms of dry matter. [5] A veneer-based material laminated by the adhesive described in any one of [1] to [4]. Effects of the Invention According to the present invention, an adhesive is provided that effectively utilizes bark and demonstrates superior adhesion performance.

11466221

TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to upgrading petroleum-based compositions, and more specifically relate to supercritical reactor systems, methods, and uses for upgrading petroleum-based compositions. BACKGROUND Petroleum is an indispensable source of energy; however, most petroleum is heavy or sour petroleum, meaning that it contains a high amount of impurities (including sulfur and coke, a high carbon petroleum residue). Heavy petroleum must be upgraded before it is a commercially valuable product, such as fuel. Supercritical water has been known to be an effective reaction medium for heavy oil upgrading without external supply of hydrogen, at least because supercritical water upgrading reactions are highly selective towards breaking of heavy fractions to produce middle distillate oils without coke generation. SUMMARY Although supercritical water has been known to be an effective reaction medium for heavy oil upgrading without an external supply of hydrogen, the upgraded product from a supercritical water process has a greater aromaticity and olefinicity than the hydrocarbon feed, which has negative effect on the stability of the products. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis has shown that the asphaltene content of supercritical water treated oil decreased to a large extent, while saturate, olefin, and aromatic content increased. Additionally, the extent of hydrocarbon upgrading in conventional supercritical water upgrading processes may be limited. The high temperature of supercritical water reactor induces thermal cracking of chemical bonds such as carbon-sulfur bonds and carbon-carbon bonds. Broken bonds should be filled with other atoms, preferably hydrogen, to avoid intermolecular condensation and generation of olefins and polycondensed aromatics. Although olefins are very valuable chemicals, the low stability of unsaturated bonds can degrade products by forming gums. The hydrogen inherently present in the water molecules can participate in the cracking reaction, but the extent of hydrogen donation from water is quite limited in supercritical water conditions due to high hydrogen-oxygen bond energy. Accordingly, a need exists for a hydrocarbon upgrading process that incorporates the benefits of conventional supercritical water upgrading processes, while decreasing the large hydrocarbon radicals and olefins that are hydrothermally generated by supercritical water. The present disclosure addresses this need by incorporating hydrogen addition into the supercritical water hydrocarbon upgrading process. Hydrogen addition into the supercritical water process provides additional yields of middle distillate oils but at improved stability by saturating heavy hydrocarbon radicals and olefins that have potential to generate gums. In addition, the supercritical water process breaks large asphaltene aggregates, such as aggregates with a size from 1 to 800 microns (μm), to much smaller scattered radical aggregates, such as aggregates with a size from 0.1 to 300 nanometers (nm) that can readily be saturated by hydrogen due to its small size (1.06-1.20 angstrom). This in turn reduces the asphaltene content in the oil by converting them into lighter fractions. Therefore, supercritical water facilitates the hydrogenation of heavy hydrocarbon radicals including olefins olefin and alphaltene radicals and prevents their combination reactions that terminate the upgrading reaction mechanism. In other words, the hydrogen addition to the supercritical water process passivates the combination reactions of large hydrocarbon radicals and olefins that are hydrothermally generated by supercritical water, thereby preventing gum, asphaltene, and coke generation, which allows for increasing process severity for additional oil upgrading. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a process for upgrading a hydrocarbon-based composition includes combining a supercritical water stream, a hydrogen stream, and a pressurized, heated hydrocarbon-based composition in a mixing device to create a combined feed stream; introducing the combined feed stream into a supercritical water hydrogenation reactor operating at a temperature greater than a critical temperature of water and a pressure greater than a critical pressure of water; and at least partially converting the combined feed stream to an upgraded product.

11335631

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to Taiwan Application Serial Number 109112396, filed Apr. 13, 2020, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure is related to a delivery device and method, and in particular to a power delivery device and method. BACKGROUND As the operation of the circuit device becomes faster, the influence of the high frequency signal on the circuit device becomes more obvious. Thus, the high frequency signal on the power supply of the circuit device becomes more critical. SUMMARY One embodiment of the present disclosure is related to a power delivery device including a printed circuit board (PCB), a package device, and a chip connecting device. The PCB is configured to receive a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage. The package device is coupled to the PCB, and includes a bump array. The chip connecting device is coupled to the bump array of the package device, and configured to output a first supply voltage and a second supply voltage. The bump array includes first bumps and second bumps. The first bumps are configured to transmit the first reference voltage. The second bumps are configured to transmit the second reference voltage. The first bumps and the second bumps are disposed in parallel. In some embodiments, the power delivery device further includes a plurality of conductive balls, and the plurality of conductive balls are coupled between the PCB and the package device. The PCB includes a first via, a second via hole, and a capacitor device. The first via is coupled to the first conductive ball of the plurality of conductive balls, and is configured to transmit the first reference voltage to the first conductive ball. The second via is coupled to the second conductive ball of the plurality of conductive balls, and is configured to transmit the second reference voltage to the second conductive ball. The capacitor device is coupled between the first via and the second via. In some embodiments, the capacitor device includes multiple capacitors disposed in parallel. In some embodiments, the PCB includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate. The first conductive plate is configured to receive the first reference voltage. The second conductive plate is configured to receive the second reference voltage. The first conductive plate is disposed on the bottom surface of the PTB. The second conductive plate is disposed between the bottom surface and the top surface of the PCB, and substantially overlaps the first conductive plate. The first conductive plate and the second conductive plate form a first parallel plate capacitor. In some embodiments, the PCB further includes a first ferrite bead and a second ferrite bead. The first ferrite bead is coupled to the first conductive plate, and the first conductive plate receives the first reference voltage through the first ferrite bead. The second ferrite bead is coupled to the second conductive plate, and the second conductive plate receives the second reference voltage through the second ferrite bead. In some embodiments, the PCB further includes a third conductive plate, a fourth conductive plate, a third ferrite bead, a fourth ferrite bead, a first reference conductive plate, and a second reference conductive plate. The third conductive plate is configured to receive the first reference voltage. The fourth conductive plate is configured to receive the second reference voltage. The third ferrite bead is coupled to the third conductive plate, and the third conductive plate receives the first reference voltage through the third ferrite bead. The fourth ferrite bead is coupled to the fourth conductive plate, and the fourth conductive plate receives the second reference voltage through the fourth ferrite bead. The first reference conductive plate is coupled to the first conductive plate and the third conductive plate through the first ferrite bead and the third ferrite bead, respectively. The second reference conductive plate is coupled to the second conductive plate and the fourth conductive plate through the second ferrite bead and the fourth ferrite bead, respectively. The third conductive plate is disposed on the bottom surface of the PCB. The fourth conductive plate is disposed between the bottom surface and the top surface of the PCB, and substantially overlaps the third conductive plate. The third conductive plate and the fourth conductive plate form a second parallel plate capacitor. The first reference conductive plate is disposed on the bottom surface of the PCB. The second reference conductive plate is disposed between the bottom surface and the top surface of the PCB, and substantially overlaps the first reference conductive plate. The first reference conductive plate and the second reference conductive form a third parallel plate capacitor. One embodiment of the present disclosure is related to a power delivery method, including: transmitting at least one reference voltage to a power delivery device through a power supply device; receiving, by a printed circuit board (PCB) in the power delivery device, the at least one reference voltage; transmitting, by the PCB, the at least one reference voltage to at least one conductive ball; receiving, by the package device, the at least one reference voltage through the at least one conductive ball and transmitting, by the package device, the at least one reference voltage to a chip connecting device; and outputting, by the chip connecting device, at least one supply voltage to a circuit device based on the received at least one reference voltage. In some embodiments, wherein transmitting, by the PCB, the at least one reference voltage to at least one conductive ball includes: transmitting, by the PCB, the at least one reference voltage to at least one conductive ball through at least one via in the PCB. In some embodiments, transmitting, by the package device, the at least one reference voltage to a chip connecting device includes: transmitting, by the package device, the at least one reference voltage to the chip connecting device through a bump array. In some embodiments, the power delivery method further includes: decoupling, by at least one capacitor device in the PCB, the at least one reference voltage. Based on the above, the power delivery device and the power delivery method provided in some embodiments of the present application may provide a more stable supply voltage for the circuit device, to reduce the high frequency signal in the supply voltage, so as to reduce the influence of the high frequency signal on the circuit device.

11274547

BACKGROUND This disclosure relates generally to equipment utilized and operations performed in conjunction with tracer injection and, in an example described below, more particularly provides for product identification and associated data capture and analysis for tracer injection operations. A tracer may be introduced into a fluid system for a variety of different purposes. For example, the tracer may enable a determination of how, when and where a fluid flows through the system. Typically, the tracer is injected into the fluid system at a known location and time, and then the tracer is detected at a later time and a different location in the system. Therefore, it will be readily apparent that improvements are continually needed in the arts of designing, constructing and operating tracer injection systems. Such improvements may be useful with a variety of different fluid systems including, but not limited to, subterranean wells, pipelines, other fluid conduits, etc.

11341559

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention disclosed herein relates to systems for categorization and selection of a product, and in particular, to on-line systems for visualizing product information, recommending product exploration paths to users navigating through this product categorization schema, and identifying locations for acquisition of such products. BACKGROUND Retail purchasing by consumers has conventionally been done at a location, often referred to as a “brick and mortar” store. This has afforded access to salespeople that can share wisdom and provide advice about the various products and purchasing options. This is one of the added benefits of on-site shopping. Unfortunately, the advice is sometimes inaccurate, subjective, or a complete fabrication provided to drive sales. The consumer may, or may not, benefit from an on-site purchase that affords access to product expertise. Increasingly, consumers are making purchases on-line. On-line shopping offers convenience, is expedient, and provides for discreet purchasing. Typically, on-line outlets (i.e., websites) offer consumer product reviews to compete with the on-site expertise of a brick-and-mortar outlet. Unfortunately, the reviews may be fake, subjective, or just inapplicable. Consider, for example, the purchase of regulated products such as alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis products. When considering a potential purchase, the customer may wish to account for certain things such as taste, potency, potential biological effects, or other such aspects. Often, such aspects may be governed, at least in part, by the physiology of the customer (i.e., also referred to as the “user”). Unfortunately, present purchasing outlets, whether on-site or on-line, do little to accommodate these purchasing decisions and rely heavily on anecdotal opinion or subjective data. Purchasing outlets also do not provide information for assessing and comparing products, such as two different strains of cannabis. SUMMARY In one embodiment, a categorization system for objectively categorizing a regulated product for consumption is disclosed, as well as a recommended decision tree which users can utilize in order to navigate products and product categories. For ease of reference, “products” and “product categories” as referred to throughout often refer to cannabis products and groups of products, respectively, which are hierarchically grouped based on objective data, though the present disclosure is envisioned for use in connection with other products (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, etc.). Each cannabis product can be either a “strain” of cannabis, or else a product such as concentrated extract derived from one or more cannabis strains. The system includes a user interface for displaying individual products using a novel form of visualization generated based on, for example, lab data quantifying the chemical profile of each product, as well as for receiving and assessing user-specific data relating to such products. This product classification schema based on objective data can also be used in combination with user feedback about the subjective effects of products within a category in order to power a recommendation system whereby users can be recommended products that will have similar or different effects based on whether they fall into the same or different product groupings, respectively. The users can be health-care workers, physicians, pharmacists, end users, patients, or the like. In some embodiments, methods and apparatuses provide a decision-making process for purchase of regulated products and can account for collection and/or use of objective data in the purchasing decision. Cannabis profiles can be identified, analyzed, grouped, and/or categorized to facilitate the decision-making process. A color-coded cannabis strain flower symbol can provide information about the profile, such as compounds in the product. A customer can determine general characteristics of products based on visual inspection of the cannabis strain flower symbols. For example, two products with similar cannabis strain flower symbols should provide similar experiences (or therapeutic effects), whereas two products with substantially dissimilar cannabis strain flower symbols should provide substantially different experiences (or therapeutic effects). The cannabis strain flower symbols can be applied to labels, packaging, signage, or at other suitable locations. In another embodiment, a computer system comprising machine executable instructions stored on non-transitory machine-readable media is provided. The instructions provide for recommending a regulated product for consumption by implementing a method of obtaining user input including at least one of personal data (e.g., sex, age, heart rate, blood pressure), preference data (e.g., saved history of “liking” or “not liking” a given product), and experience data (e.g., saved history of how a product made them feel); obtaining merchant input including at least one of general data descriptive of the regulated product, batch data descriptive of the regulated product and user data descriptive of felt effects of the regulated product on the user; and making a recommendation of regulated product using a decision engine. The recommendation can be made according to correlation of the chemical data obtained from testing laboratories (which is used to categorize and visualize individual products) with the preference data obtained from user inputs. In some embodiments, a system comprises packaging configured to hold cannabis and a two-dimensional color-coded identifier flower on the packaging. The color-coded identifier flower indicates a strain of the cannabis and is optically machine-readable. The color-coded identifier flower includes: 1) a nucleus with a shape indicating a primary cannabinoid of the cannabis, and 2) a plurality of rings indicating compounds. In some embodiments, the rings can be terpene rings with a color selected to indicate a terpene in the cannabis and a configuration selected to indicate an amount of that terpene. The packaging can be a box, bag, cartridge, vial, bottle, can, wrapper, jar, or another suitable container for holding cannabis. The identifier flower can provide information about strain without the use of alphanumeric symbols (e.g., numbers, letters, or both). The terpene rings can include a first terpene ring with first symbols arranged in a first circular pattern and a second terpene ring with second symbols arranged in a second circular pattern different from the first circular pattern. The first symbols indicate first terpenes, for example, the most abundant terpene in the cannabis (e.g., cannabis strain, flower, etc.). The second symbols can indicate second terpenes, for example, the second most abundant terpene in the cannabis (e.g., cannabis strain, flower, etc.). The terpene information can be encoded by the color of the symbols. The shape of the symbols can encode other information, such as information about the amount (e.g., absolute or rank-order) of cannabinoids. In some embodiments, the identifier flower is limited to three terpene rings. Primary, secondary, and tertiary terpene rings can indicate the three most abundant terpenes and, in some embodiments, the position of the rings can encode the rank-order of those terpenes. In other embodiments, the identifier flower has more terpene rings, such as four terpene rings, five terpene rings, six terpene rings, etc. The number of terpene rings can be selected based on the number of terpenes that affect the user experience. The dimensions of the symbols of the rings can indicate levels of cannabinoids. In other embodiments, the sizes of the first symbols and the second symbols indicate the amount (e.g., an absolute amount, a relative amount, etc.) of cannabinoids and/or first and second terpenes in the cannabis. The color-coded identifier flower can indicate, for example, whether the cannabis is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)-dominant, THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) dominant, CBD (cannabidiol)-dominant, CBDA (cannabidiol acid) dominant, or THC/THCA-CBD/CBDA Balanced. The term “THC” includes “THCA” which is a precursor of THC, unless indicated otherwise. The term “CBD” includes “CBDA” which is a precursor of CBD, unless indicated otherwise. For example, a “THC dominant” undried flower would have primarily THCA, and if the flower is dried, the dried flower may be THC dominant. The two-dimensional color-coded cannabis strain identifier flower can have radial symmetry. In yet other embodiments, a computer-implemented method for labelling cannabis comprises receiving, via a network, composition data for cannabis. The received composition data is analyzed to determine at least a cannabinoid level in the cannabis and a plurality of terpenes in the cannabis. A machine-readable cannabis strain indicator can be generated based, at least in part, on the analysis of the composition data. The machine-readable cannabis strain indicator is configured to be applied to packaging, displayed via a screen, or the like. In some embodiments, the cannabis strain indicator includes a nucleus with a shape encoding information regarding the determined cannabinoid level and a plurality of terpene rings surrounding the nucleus. Each terpene ring has a color encoding information about a corresponding terpene in the cannabis and the amount of the corresponding terpene (e.g., the color of the primary terpene ring indicates the most abundant terpene whereas the color of the secondary terpene ring indicates the next most abundant terpene). The diameters of the terpene rings can indicate the rank-order of the terpenes. For example, the diameter of the primary terpene ring can be larger than the diameter of the secondary terpene ring. Other embodiments of cannabis strain indicators can also be used. The computer-implemented method can also be used to identify or label non-cannabis products. In yet another embodiment, a computer-implemented method of generating a machine-readable color-coded cannabis strain indicator includes determining a cannabinoid symbol based on a primary cannabinoid of the cannabis. A set of first symbols for a first compound of the cannabis is assigned. A set of second symbols for a second compound of the cannabis is assigned. A color-coded cannabis strain indicator with the two sets of symbols is generated. In certain embodiments, a color of the first symbols corresponds to the first compound, and a color of the second symbols corresponds to the second compound. Other types of information can be encoded. In further embodiments, a cannabis composition indicator comprises a nucleus with a shape that provides information about cannabinoids and terpene rings providing information about terpenes. The terpene rings can have color encoded information about selected terpenes. For example, each terpene ring can have terpene elements with color-encoding for terpene information, as well as cannabinoid level information encoded by the shape and/or size of the elements. Packaging, retail displays, websites, or marketing materials can include the cannabis composition indicator. Additionally, the cannabis composition indicator can be a machine-readable and/or human-readable flower-like symbol indicating a chemical profile of a plurality of significant constituents of the cannabis. In some embodiments, a computing device comprises memory that stores computer-executable instructions and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions to present at least one user interface on the computing device. The user interface is usable to identify a color-coded cannabis strain indicator based, at least in part, on image data associated with cannabis. The shapes and colors of discrete features of the identified color-coded cannabis strain indicator are analyzed to determine composition data of the cannabis based, at least in part, on the color-coded cannabis strain indicator. The determined composition data is displayed. The image data includes one or more images of the color-coded strain indicator. The image data can be provided by a camera (e.g., a camera of a smartphone or tablet) or another suitable device. The user interface is presented via a screen configured to allow a user to enter information and select actions. The screen can be a touch screen that displays the color-coded strain indicator and other additional information about the cannabis product. The color-coded symbols and indicators provide information about different products, including non-cannabis products, regulated products, and unregulated products. For example, color-coded symbols and indicators can provide information about medication, foodstuff, or the like. The information provided by the color-coded symbols and indicators can be selected based on associated product.

11506720

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a diagnostic method and a diagnostic system for an electrochemical energy storage cell, particularly a lithium-ion cell, and to a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, having such a diagnostic system. Nowadays, electrochemical energy stores, which are subject to stringent requirements with respect to performance capability and operational security, for example in the context of electromobility, are generally equipped with electronics, which permit a monitoring of the operation of the energy store and even, optionally, of individual energy storage cells which constitute the energy store, such as, for example, lithium-ion cells. For example, the execution of an impedance measurement on the energy store or on an energy storage cell is known, in order to determine the temperature of the energy store or the energy storage cell. The temperature determined can then be employed as a control parameter for the operational management of the energy store wherein, for example, the energy store is cooled, according to the temperature determined, or the power output of the energy store is limited. One object of the invention is the improvement of the determination of the impedance of an electrochemical energy storage cell, particularly by the improvement of the reliability thereof. This object is fulfilled by a diagnostic method and a diagnostic system for an electrochemical energy storage cell according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the sub-claims. A first aspect of the invention relates to a diagnostic method for an electrochemical energy storage cell, particularly a lithium-ion cell, particularly of an energy store, comprising: (i) modulation of an electric current occurring due to an electrical connection between the energy storage cell and a central load, which is particularly external to the store and/or variable, at a first excitation frequency; (ii) central measurement, particularly externally to the store, of the electric current modulated at the first excitation frequency; (iii) measurement of an electric voltage occurring on the energy storage cell, particularly simultaneously to the modulation and/or measurement of the electric current; (iv) determination of a first impedance value on the basis of the measured electric current and on the basis of the measured electric voltage occurring in particular as a result of the connection of the energy storage cell to the central load; (v) modulation of a previously known electric current occurring due to an electrical connection between the energy storage cell and a predefined cell-specific load, which is particularly assigned to the energy storage cell, at a second excitation frequency; (vi) measurement of an electric voltage occurring on the energy storage cell, particularly simultaneously to the modulation of the previously known electric current; (vii) determination of a second impedance value on the basis of the previously known electric current and on the basis of the measured electric voltage occurring in particular due to the connection of the energy storage cell to the predefined cell-specific load; (viii) determination of diagnostic information on the basis of a comparison of the first impedance value with the second impedance value; and (ix) output of the diagnostic information. The electric current occurring due to the connection between the energy storage cell, or an energy store containing the energy storage cell, and the central load is preferably modulated directly by the central load itself, or modulation is executed by the electrical connection of the energy storage cell or the energy store to the central load. To this end, the central load can be correspondingly controlled by a central control apparatus, for example an energy store controller. Modulation of the current corresponds to an application of a central excitation to the energy storage cell, on the basis of which the first impedance of the energy storage cell can be determined. A central load within the meaning of the invention is particularly a load which is external to the store, by means of which all the energy storage cells of the energy store can be loaded simultaneously. A central load can be, for example, an electrical machine, for example for driving a vehicle which is propelled by an electric motor, or a DC voltage converter for connecting an on-board network of the vehicle to the energy store. It is not necessary for the central load to be configured exclusively as an electrical load. Within the meaning of the invention, a central load can also be understood as components which, in specific operating states, can deliver electrical energy to the energy store or to the energy storage cell, for example an electric motor of the vehicle operating in recovery mode. The control apparatus can also be designed to measure the electric current centrally, i.e. in a singular manner in the cell string comprised of a plurality of energy storage cells of the energy store, for example by means of a current measuring assembly of the control apparatus. Central current measurement of this type is advantageous, on account of its accuracy. The previously known electric current occurring due to the electrical connection of the predefined cell-specific load with the energy storage cell is preferably modulated by a cell-specific evaluation device, for example an integrated circuit of the energy storage cell, for example by means of a cell-specific switching assembly of the evaluation device. The cell-specific load is thus, in a preferred manner, a constituent, e.g. an electrical component, of the cell-specific evaluation device. Modulation of the current corresponds to an application of a cell-specific excitation to the energy storage cell, on the basis of which the second impedance of the energy storage cell can be determined. The predefined cell-specific load can be, for example, a shunt, the properties of which are known. In particular, the magnitude of the electric current flowing due to the electrical connection of the cell-specific load with the energy storage cell can thus be previously known, or can at least be inferred from the known properties. In order to determine the second impedance of the energy storage cell in a cell-specific manner, it is consequently only necessary for the voltage occurring on the energy storage cell to be measured. In general, the first impedance can be determined with greater precision than the second impedance, as the electric current determined by central measurement, for example by means of the control apparatus which is external to the store, is known with a higher degree of accuracy than the electric current which is previously known by reference to the predefined cell-specific load. Accordingly, the second impedance determined, in the context of the comparison, for example by the constitution of a ratio or a differential, can be advantageously validated by the first impedance determined. The diagnostic information output permits a reliable monitoring of the impedance measurements on the energy storage cell. The diagnostic information can include, for example, a measure of the deviation of the second impedance determined from the first impedance determined. In this case, if the deviation achieves or exceeds a predefined deviation threshold value, this can be interpreted, for example, as an indication of a malfunction of the cell-specific evaluation device of the energy storage cell and, optionally, also of the central control apparatus, and a corresponding maintenance instruction can be generated. Alternatively or additionally, the operation of the energy storage cell can at least be restricted, for example by the limitation of power output, in order to reduce the risk of damage to the energy storage cell resulting from operational management which is based upon a potentially unreliably determined temperature. The diagnostic information output particularly permits functionalities for current measurement, current generation and voltage measurement, which are necessary for the operation of the energy storage cell, and particularly of the energy store incorporating the energy storage cell, to be monitored at cell level, or permits the identification of malfunctions, such that any corresponding countermeasures or repair measures can be implemented. This not only improves the reliability of the energy storage cell or the energy store, but also increases the service life thereof. Overall, the invention permits an improved determination of the impedance of an electrochemical storage cell, and particularly permits a more reliable determination. Preferred forms of embodiment of the invention and further developments thereof are described hereinafter, each of which, unless expressly excluded, can be arbitrarily combined, both with one another and with the further aspects of the invention described. In a preferred form of embodiment, the diagnostic information is taken into account in the context of at least one future measurement of an electric voltage occurring on the energy storage cell due to the electrical connection of the energy storage cell with the predefined cell-specific load. Preferably, the cell-specific evaluation device, which is designed for measuring the electric voltage which occurs on the energy storage cell, is calibrated on the basis of the diagnostic information. To this end, in the context of the comparison of the first impedance with the second impedance, a corrective factor can be determined, which constitutes the diagnostic information or is at least an element of the diagnostic information. This permits a reliable and accurate cell-specific determination of the impedance of the energy storage cell, after the method according to the invention has been executed at least once. In a further preferred form of embodiment, the measured electric current and/or the measured electric voltage are/is filtered with respect to the excitation frequency. Preferably, for example by means of the central control apparatus and/or by means of the cell-specific evaluation device, a Fourier decomposition of the measured electric current and/or the measured electric voltage is executed, and that Fourier coefficient for the determination of the first or second impedance is selected which corresponds to the first or second excitation frequency. As a result, any uncertainty in the determination of the first and/or the second impedance can be reduced. Alternatively, for the determination of current or voltage components which contribute to the impedance at the first or second excitation frequency, e.g., also an orthogonal correlation (modulator/demodulator) can be applied to the measured current and/or the measured voltage. It is also conceivable that the Goertzel algorithm or other filtering structures might be applied in order, in each case, to obtain only the Fourier coefficient for the respective excitation frequency from the measured current or the measured voltage. In a further preferred form of embodiment, the second excitation frequency is selected to be at least essentially equal to the first excitation frequency, and the previously known electric current occurring due to the electrical connection of the energy storage cell with the cell-specific load is not modulated until the electric current occurring due to the electrical connection of the energy storage cell with the central load has been modulated beforehand. In particular, the method according to the invention, in this form of embodiment, can be executed at least once at the start of operation of the energy storage cell, for example upon the start-up of an electric motor-driven vehicle which incorporates the energy store containing the energy storage cell. By reference to the diagnostic information obtained, in this manner, subsequent impedance measurements by means of the cell-specific evaluation device with the energy storage cell in-service, for example during the travel of the vehicle, can be executed more accurately. In a further preferred form of embodiment, the second excitation frequency is selected to be different from the first excitation frequency, and the electric current occurring due to the electrical connection of the energy storage cell with the predefined cell-specific load is modulated, at least essentially, simultaneously with the modulation of the electric current occurring due to the electrical connection of the energy storage cell with the central load. Voltages and/or currents occurring due to simultaneous modulation at different excitation frequencies are preferably assigned to the central or the cell-specific load by means of a filtering method, particularly by Fourier decomposition, such that the first and second impedance can be determined simultaneously, but nevertheless independently of one another. In particular, the method according to the invention, in this form of embodiment, can be executed at least once during the routine operation of the energy storage cell, for example during the travel of an electric motor-driven vehicle which incorporates an energy store containing an energy storage cell. Preferably, the method is executed at predefined intervals, for example at predefined time intervals or after the completion of predefined distances by the vehicle. Accordingly, in particular, a cell-specific impedance measurement can be monitored over the entire duration of operation of the energy storage cell and, in particular, the cell-specific evaluation device can be regularly calibrated on the basis of the diagnostic information. In a preferred manner, the first excitation frequency differs only slightly from the second excitation frequency, for example by a maximum of 1 kHz, preferably by a maximum of 100 Hz, further preferably by a maximum of 10 Hz, and particularly by a maximum of 2 Hz. It can thus be ensured that the first and second impedance determined remain mutually comparable, and that the diagnostic information, for example, permits a reliable monitoring, particularly of the cell-specific impedance measurements. A second aspect of the invention relates to a diagnostic system for an electrochemical energy storage cell, which is designed to execute a diagnostic method according to the first aspect of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, a diagnostic system comprises a central and optionally variable load for the modulation of the optionally variable electric current occurring due to an electrical connection of the energy store with the central load, at a first excitation frequency, and a central current measuring assembly for the central measurement of this optionally variable electric current. In a preferred manner, the central load is controllable by means of a central control apparatus. In particular, modulation of the electric current by the external load can be controlled by the central control apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the central current measuring assembly is an element of the central control apparatus, particularly of an energy store controller. In particular, the diagnostic system, for each cell string of a plurality of energy storage cells, comprises only one central current measuring assembly, wherein the modulated electric current flowing as a result of the electrical connection of the energy store with the central load simultaneously executes an excitation function on all the energy storage cells, and can be measured. In a preferred manner, the diagnostic system further comprises a cell-specific switching assembly for the modulation of the previously known electric current occurring due to the electrical connection of the energy storage cell with a predefined cell-specific load, at a second excitation frequency. Furthermore, the diagnostic system preferably comprises a cell-specific voltage measuring assembly for the measurement of an electric voltage which occurs on the energy storage cell. The cell-specific voltage measuring assembly can particularly be designed for measuring an electric voltage occurring on the energy storage cell due to the electrical connection of the energy storage cell with the central load. Alternatively or additionally, the cell-specific voltage measuring assembly can be designed for measuring an electric voltage occurring on the energy storage cell due to the electrical connection of the energy storage cell with the predefined cell-specific load. In a preferred manner, the cell-specific switching assembly and the cell-specific voltage measuring assembly are elements of a cell-specific evaluation device, particularly of an integrated circuit, which can be arranged in, on, or in the immediate vicinity of the cells. The central control apparatus, particularly a central energy store control device, can thus be designed to determine a first impedance value on the basis of the centrally measured electric current and of the measured electric voltage, particularly in the event of the electrical connection of the energy storage cell with the central load. The cell-specific evaluation device can moreover be designed to determine a second impedance on the basis of the previously known electric current and of the measured electric voltage, particularly in the event of the electrical connection of the energy storage cell with the cell-specific load. In a further preferred form of embodiment, the central control apparatus, particularly the current measuring assembly, is designed to output an amplitude of the measured current occurring due to the electrical connection of the energy storage cell with the central load to the cell-specific evaluation device. In a preferred manner, the cell-specific evaluation device is thus designed, additionally to the second impedance value, to further determine the first impedance value on the basis of the amplitude of the electric current output by the central control apparatus, particularly by the current measuring assembly, and of the measured electric voltage, particularly in the event of the electrical connection of the energy storage cell with the central load. Accordingly, the diagnosis of the, particularly cell-specific, impedance measurement can be executed by the cell-specific evaluation device, particularly on the integrated circuit of the energy storage cell, thereby economizing resources in the central control apparatus. A third aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, having an electrical energy storage cell and a diagnostic system according to the second aspect of the invention. A vehicle of this type, particularly on account of the monitoring of impedance measurements on the electrical energy storage cell by the diagnostic system, can be operated in a particularly secure manner. The features and advantages described with reference to the first aspect of the invention, and the advantageous configuration thereof, are also applicable, insofar as is technically rational, to the second and third aspects of the invention and the advantageous configuration thereof, and vice versa. Further features, advantages and possibilities for the application of the invention proceed from the following description, in conjunction with the figures in which, throughout, the same reference symbols are employed for the same or mutually corresponding elements of the invention. In the figures, in an at least partially schematic representation:

11452639

The invention relates to a wound care device for debriding and cleaning wounds and a method of debriding and cleaning wounds. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure provides aspects of wound care device according to the appended claims. The disclosure further provides a method of cleaning a wound as disclosed herein.

11421528

TECHNICAL FIELD The present technology pertains to controlling a hydraulic fracturing completion of a wellbore, and more particularly, to controlling a hydraulic fracturing completion of a wellbore based on a subsurface objective function of fracture complexity. BACKGROUND Completion of a wellbore through hydraulic fracturing is a complex process. The hydraulic fracturing process includes a number of different variables, e.g. surface variables, that can be altered to perform a well completion. However, it is very difficult to control these variables and achieve a desired fracture geometry design for the completion. Specifically, it is difficult to control the large number of variables of a hydraulic fracturing completion, e.g. in real time, to cause actual fracture geometries and growth behaviors to converge on planned fracture geometries and growth behaviors. More specifically and because of the large number of variables that can be manipulated for controlling fracture geometries and growth behaviors, it is difficult for a human operator to control such variables, e.g. in real time, to cause actual fracture geometries and growth behaviors to converge on planned fracture geometries and growth behaviors. In planning a hydraulic fracturing completion for a reservoir asset, the reservoir can be divided into geometric spacing units that delineate hydrocarbon drainage patterns for each wellbore. Fracture geometry designs can then be planned based on the spacing units. Upon completion of the fracture geometry design, wellbores can be drilled and completed within those spacing unit with the intent of creating fractures that connect reservoir across the spacing units. However, geological discontinuity within and across the spacing units can cause large variations in fracture geometries and growth behaviors during well completion. In turn, this can make it more difficult to control the large number of variables of a hydraulic fracturing completion, e.g. in real time, to cause actual fracture geometries and growth behaviors to converge on planned fracture geometries and growth behaviors.

11334854

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to turbine engines and, more particularly, to system and methods to generate an asset workscope. BACKGROUND In recent years, turbine engines have been increasingly utilized in a variety of applications and fields. Turbine engines are intricate machines with extensive availability, reliability, and serviceability requirements. Traditionally, maintaining turbine engines incur steep costs. Costs generally include having exceptionally skilled and trained maintenance personnel service the turbine engines. In some instances, costs are driven by replacing expensive components or by repairing complex sub-assemblies. The pursuit of increasing turbine engine availability while reducing premature maintenance costs requires enhanced insight. Such insight is needed to determine when to perform typical maintenance tasks at generally appropriate service intervals. Traditionally, availability, reliability, and serviceability increase as enhanced insight is deployed. The market for long-term contractual agreements has grown at high rates over recent years for many service organizations. As the service organizations establish long-term contractual agreements with their customers, it becomes important to understand the expected scope of work (also referred to as “workscope”) including product, service, and/or other project result. In addition, the service organizations need to have an understanding of the planning of repairs (e.g., shop workload and/or workscope planning) and how the maintenance of components will affect management of their service contracts including time, cost, risk, etc.

11469706

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure generally relates to a solar window system. More specifically, the present invention provides a solar window system for generating electrical power and providing transmission and reflection neutrality of incident light. BACKGROUND Energy efficiency initiatives encourage reducing the heat loss from buildings during the winter and minimizing heat load into buildings during the summer. Windows with tint and/or low-E coatings to transmit part of the visible light and reflect most of the infrared light can reduce heat loss during the winter and minimize heat load during the summer. In many conventional windows, tinting limits the transmittance of visible light to within the range of 10% to 50%. The transmittance is much lower for wavelengths outside of the visible region. Conventional windows can provide many aspects of a solar window for free. These aspects can include glass panes, edge seals, low-E coatings, land, installation, shipping and cleaning. However, a portion of light incident on conventional windows with a conventional window tint is blocked due to reflection or absorption. Conventional windows typically do not generate power from the light that is blocked by the window tint. Power from solar windows can be significant. One of the major necessities of a solar cell within a solar window is to be partially transparent in the visible region. The solar cell should be partially transparent in the visible region in the 10% to 50% range. The solar cell should also convert the rest of the visible spectrum into electrical power instead of blocking the light. Further, the solar cell should also absorb or reflect the infrared (IR) region of the spectrum. In addition, the transmission of the solar window should appear color neutral to an observer looking through the window. Therefore, it is imperative to have a solar cell within a solar window system that enables the solar window to have color neutrality of the transmission of incident light to an observer looking from the inside of the building at the solar window, and reflection of incident light to observers of the solar window observing from the outside of the building. In addition, the solar window should be partially transparent in the visible spectrum. In addition, the solar window should be able to generate electrical power from incident light that would otherwise be blocked by the window tint of a conventional window. SUMMARY An embodiment relates to a system comprising: a first window pane configured at a first position in a semitransparent and uniform structure. The system may also include a first substrate configured with a first transparent conductive oxide (TCO) contact layer, a hole transport (HTL) layer and a first perovskite layer, wherein the first TCO contact layer, the HTL layer and the first perovskite layer are positioned at a set distance away from the first window pane in the semitransparent and uniform structure. The HTL layer includes oxides, or iodides, or organic materials. In addition, the system can include a second substrate directly opposite to the first substrate, and configured with a second TCO contact layer, an electron transport (ETL) layer, and a second perovskite layer, wherein the first perovskite layer and the second perovskite layer are fused together in the semitransparent and uniform structure. The ETL layer includes oxides or organic materials. Further, the system may include a second window pane configured at a second position, wherein the second window pane is configured directly opposite to the first window pane, and around the first and second substrate in the semitransparent and uniform structure. The first TCO contact layer, the HTL layer, the first perovskite layer, the second TCO contact layer, the ETL layer, and the second perovskite layer are configured to collectively act as an interference filter. The first and second TCO contact layers, the HTL layer, and the ETL layer provide a hermetic seal to the first perovskite layer and the second perovskite layer. The first and second substrate are sealed by laser glass-to-glass welding and/or polyisobutylene (PIB) sealing. An embodiment relates to a system comprising: a first transparent conductive oxide (TCO) contact layer deposited within a semitransparent and uniform structure in a first position. A hole transport (HTL) layer configured within the semitransparent and uniform structure, wherein the HTL layer is configured on the first TCO contact layer. The HTL layer includes oxides, or iodides, or organic materials. The system may also include a first perovskite layer configured on the HTL layer in the semitransparent and uniform structure. Further, the system can include a second TCO contact layer deposited on the semitransparent and uniform structure in a second position. The system can also include an electron transport (ETL) layer positioned within the semitransparent and uniform structure, wherein the ETL layer is configured directly opposite to the HTL layer and in contact with the second TCO contact layer. The ETL layer includes oxides or organic materials. In addition, the system can include a second perovskite layer positioned on the ETL layer, wherein the second perovskite layer is fused together with the first perovskite layer in the semitransparent and uniform structure, wherein the first and second TCO contact layers, the HTL and ETL layers, and the first and second perovskite layers are configured on a first and second substrate, and wherein the first and second substrate are sealed by laser glass-to-glass welding and/or polyisobutylene (PIB) sealing. The first and second TCO contact layers, the HTL and ETL layers, and the first and second perovskite layer collectively provide color neutrality with transmission and reflection of incident light and generate electrical power from incident light. At least one of the outer window panes are configured to prevent ultraviolet (UV) damage to the HTL and ETL layers and the first and second perovskite layer. The HTL layer can preferably be made of Nickel Oxide and the ETL layer can preferably be made of Tin Oxide. A plurality of gaps are filled with argon and configured around the first perovskite layer and the second perovskite layer, wherein the plurality of argon gaps are not configured within a solar cell in the semitransparent and uniform structure. A method can include positioning a first window pane at a first position in a semitransparent and uniform structure. The method may also include configuring a first substrate with a first transparent conductive oxide (TCO) contact layer, a hole transport (HTL) layer and a first perovskite layer, wherein the first TCO contact layer, the HTL layer, and the first perovskite layer are positioned at a set distance away from the first window pane in the semitransparent and uniform structure. The HTL layer may include oxides, or iodides, or organic materials. Further, the method may include positioning a second substrate with a second TCO contact layer, an electron transport (ETL) layer, and a second perovskite layer, wherein the second perovskite layer is fused together with the first perovskite layer within the semitransparent and uniform structure. The ETL layer may include oxides or organic materials. In addition, the method may include configuring a second window pane at a second position, wherein the second window pane is configured directly opposite to the first window pane, and around the first and second substrate in the semitransparent and uniform structure, and wherein the first and second substrate are sealed by laser glass-to-glass welding and/or polyisobutylene (PIB) sealing. The first and second TCO contact layers, the HTL layer, and the ETL layer provide a hermetic seal to protect the first perovskite layer and the second perovskite layer from outside humidity. An outer surface of the first substrate and an outer surface of the second substrate are coated to protect the first and second perovskite layer from ultraviolet (UV) damage. One or more metal runners are configured on the first and second substrate to assist in transferring a charge to one or more external contacts in the semitransparent and uniform structure. Other contemplated embodiments can include objects, features, aspects, and advantages in addition to or in place of those mentioned above. These objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings.

11271732

TECHNICAL FIELD Various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to robust repeatable entropy extraction from noisy source. BACKGROUND For physical unclonable functions (PUFs) one usually must extract some digital values from analog sources in a way that the same value can be extracted again by using some helper data. If there is noise in these sources, which is normally the case, then some error correction needs to be added on top to remove these errors. The more noise there is the more error correction is needed, which typically is quite expensive in the sense that more and more analog sources are needed, and hence also more helper data is needed. This approach only works up to an error rate of <50%, but typically is only implemented up to 25-40%, because then the coding overhead and effort becomes too great. SUMMARY A summary of various exemplary embodiments is presented below. Some simplifications and omissions may be made in the following summary, which is intended to highlight and introduce some aspects of the various exemplary embodiments, but not to limit the scope of the invention. Detailed descriptions of an exemplary embodiment adequate to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventive concepts will follow in later sections. Various embodiments relate to a method for generating a bit stream in a physical unclonable function (PUF) system, including: receiving a set of values from a plurality of physical devices in the PUF system in a first order; sorting the set of values into a second order; for each of the L highest values, setting a corresponding levelTag value to a first bit value and setting a corresponding usageTag value to a first usage value that indicates that the levelTag for the corresponding value is to be used to generate the bit stream, wherein L is a level setting; for each of the L lowest values, setting a corresponding levelTag value to a second bit value and setting a corresponding usageTag value to the first usage value, wherein the first bit value is different from the second bit value; setting the usageTag value for all other values that are not the highest L values or the lowest L values to a second usage value that indicates that the corresponding value is not to be used to generate the bit stream; generating the bitstream as the levelTag values that have an associated usageTag value of the first usage value, wherein the levelTag values are ordered according to the first order. Various embodiments are described, further including outputting the usageTag values from the PUF system. Various embodiments are described, wherein generating the bitstream as the levelTag values includes generating the first 2L-1 bits and ignoring the last generated bit. Various embodiments are described, further including receiving n sets of values and repeating the method claim1for each of the n set of values. Various embodiments are described, wherein the size of each of the n sets of values is set based upon the resources needed to sort the set of values. Various embodiments are described, wherein the value of L is determined based upon the noise level of the physical devise in the PUF system. Further various embodiments relate to a method for generating a bit stream in a physical unclonable function (PUF) system, including: receiving a set of values from a plurality of physical devices in the PUF system in a first order; receiving a set of usageTag values associated with the set of values, wherein a first usage value indicates that the levelTag for the corresponding value is to be used to generate the bit stream and a second usage value indicates that the corresponding value is not to be used to generate the bit stream; generating a subset of the set of values, wherein the subset of values includes values with an associated usageTag value of the first usage value; sorting the subset of values into a second order; for each of the L highest values in the subset, setting a corresponding levelTag value to a first bit value, wherein L is a level setting; for each of the L lowest values in the subset, setting a corresponding levelTag value to a second bit value, wherein the first bit value is different from the second bit value; generating the bitstream as the levelTag values, wherein the levelTag values are ordered according to the first order. Various embodiments are described, further including outputting the bitstream from the PUF system. Various embodiments are described, wherein generating the bitstream as the levelTag values includes generating the first 2L-1 bits and ignoring the last generated bit. Various embodiments are described, further including receiving n sets of values and repeating the method claim6for each of the n set of values. Various embodiments are described, wherein the size of each of then sets of values is set based upon the resources needed to sort the subset of values. Various embodiments are described, wherein the value of L is determined based upon the noise level of the physical devise in the PUF system. Further various embodiments relate to a physical unclonable function (PUF) system, including: a memory; a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a set of values from a plurality of physical devices in the PUF system in a first order; sort the set of values into a second order; for each of the L highest values, set a corresponding levelTag value to a first bit value and set a corresponding usageTag value to a first usage value that indicates that the levelTag for the corresponding value is to be used to generate the bit stream, wherein L is a level setting; for each of the L lowest values, set a corresponding levelTag value to a second bit value and set a corresponding usageTag value to the first usage value, wherein the first bit value is different from the second bit value; set the usageTag value for all other values that are not the highest L values or the lowest L values to a second usage value that indicates that the corresponding value is not to be used to generate the bit stream; generate the bitstream as the levelTag values that have an associated usageTag value of the first usage value, wherein the levelTag values are ordered according to the first order. Various embodiments are described, wherein the processor is further configured to output the usageTag values from the PUF system. Various embodiments are described, wherein generating the bitstream as the levelTag values includes generating the first 2L-1 bits and ignoring the last generated bit. Various embodiments are described, wherein the processor is further configured to receive n sets of values and repeat the processor steps of claim11for each of then set of values. Various embodiments are described, wherein the size of each of the n sets of values is set based upon the resources needed to sort the set of values. Various embodiments are described, wherein the value of L is determined based upon the noise level of the physical devise in the PUF system. Further various embodiments relate to a physical unclonable function (PUF) system, including: a memory; a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a set of values from a plurality of physical devices in the PUF system in a first order; receive a set of usageTag values associated with the set of values, wherein a first usage value indicates that the levelTag for the corresponding value is to be used to generate the bit stream and a second usage value indicates that the corresponding value is not to be used to generate the bit stream; generate a subset of the set of values, wherein the subset of values includes values with an associated usageTag value of the first usage value; sort the subset of values into a second order; for each of the L highest values in the subset, set a corresponding levelTag value to a first bit value, wherein L is a level setting; for each of the L lowest values in the subset, set a corresponding levelTag value to a second bit value, wherein the first bit value is different from the second bit value; generate the bitstream as the levelTag values, wherein the levelTag values are ordered according to the first order. Various embodiments are described, wherein the processor is further configured to output the bitstream from the PUF system. Various embodiments are described, wherein generating the bitstream as the levelTag values includes generating the first 2L-1 bits and ignoring the last generated bit. Various embodiments are described, wherein the processor is further configured to output the bitstream from the PUF system receive n sets of values and repeating the processor steps claim16for each of the n set of values. Various embodiments are described, wherein the size of each of the n sets of values is set based upon the resources needed to sort the subset of values. Various embodiments are described, wherein the value of L is determined based upon the noise level of the physical devise in the PUF system.

11392530

BACKGROUND Electronic devices may incorporate a separate graphics card that enables rapid graphics processing for graphics-intensive applications, such as gaming applications. The graphics card may include a printed circuit board (PCB), upon which a plurality of circuit components (e.g., memory chips) and a graphics processing unit (GPU) are mounted. Graphics cards are designed to conform to a card specification, such as the peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe), that enable the graphics cards to be used in a variety of electronic devices. The graphics card may be connected via a mobile PCI express module (MXM) interface, which is an interconnect standard for GPUs in electronic devices using the PCI Express.

11503223

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201910279898.3, filed on Apr. 9, 2019, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of images, and in particular to a method for image-processing and an electronic device. BACKGROUND Compared with an ordinary image, a high dynamic range (HDR) image can provide larger dynamic range and more image details. An electronic device can photograph multiple frames of images with different exposure degrees in a same scene, and synthesize dark details of an over-exposed image, middle details of a normal-exposed image and light details of an underexposed image, so as to obtain the HDR image. However, it is difficult for an image processed by the related HDR technologies to be suitable for previewing, photographing and video-recording at the same time. SUMMARY According to one aspect of the present disclosure, embodiments of the present disclosure provides a method for image-processing, including: obtaining a RAW image packet including at least two RAW images, the at least two RAW images having different exposure durations; unpacking the RAW image packet and obtaining the at least two of RAW images; obtaining a High Dynamic Range (HDR) RAW image by performing an image synthesis operation on the at least two RAW images; and performing a previewing, photographing, or video-recording operation on the HDR RAW image. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, embodiments of the present disclosure provides an electronic device including a non-transitory memory storing executable codes, and a processor, wherein loading the executable codes, the processor is configured for: obtaining a RAW image packet including at least two RAW images, the at least two RAW images having different exposure durations; unpacking the RAW image packet and obtaining the at least two of RAW images; obtaining a High Dynamic Range (HDR) RAW image by performing an image synthesis operation on the at least two RAW images; and performing a previewing, photographing, or video-recording operation on the HDR RAW image. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, embodiments of the present disclosure provides a non-transitory storage medium storing a plurality of instructions, when executed, causing a processor to perform a method for image-processing, wherein the method includes: obtaining a RAW image packet including at least two RAW images, the at least two RAW images having different exposure durations; unpacking the RAW image packet and obtaining the at least two of RAW images; obtaining a High Dynamic Range (HDR) RAW image by performing an image synthesis operation on the at least two RAW images; and performing a previewing, photographing, or video-recording operation on the HDR RAW image.

11373396

PRIORITY CLAIM This application is based upon and claims the right of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 371 to International Application No. PCT/US2017/040798 filed on Jul. 6, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein. FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to improved feature extraction using polarization information. BACKGROUND Visible or multispectral cameras, and LIDAR, are some approaches that are used to generate image data representing a scene. However, performing object identification or classification using image data generated by these approaches can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. There is a need for additional approaches to generating image data that can improve an accuracy and efficiency of performing object-identification or classification. SUMMARY Aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be learned from the description, or may be learned through practice of the embodiments. One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a computer-implemented method to extract a feature in an image. The method includes obtaining, by one or more computing devices, image data representing a scene. The image data includes a plurality of images of the scene, each image associated with a different polarization angle. The method includes determining, by the one or more computing devices, attribute information based at least in part on the plurality of images. The method includes determining, by the one or more computing devices, one or more features in the image data based at least in part on the attribute information. Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a computer-implemented method to perform machine learning. The method includes obtaining, by a computing system, a plurality of training images having known features. The method includes inputting, by the computing system, each of the plurality of training images into a machine learned model. The method includes obtaining, by the computing system, in response to inputting the plurality of training images, an output of the machine learned model that includes predicted features for each of the plurality of training images. The method includes determining, by the computing system, a loss value that describes a difference between the respective predicted features and the respective known features for each of the plurality of training images. The method includes adjusting, by the computing system, one or more parameters of the machine learned model to reduce the loss value. Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a computer system. The computer system includes one or more image capture devices, one or more processors, and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computer system to perform operations. The operations include obtaining image data representing a scene. The image data includes a plurality of images of the scene, each image associated with a different polarization angle. The operations include determining attribute information based at least in part on the plurality of images. The operations include determining one or more features in the image data based at least in part on the attribute information. Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a computer system. The computer system includes one or more image capture devices, one or more processors, and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computer system to perform operations. The operations include inputting, by the computing system, each of the plurality of training images into a machine learned model. The operations include obtaining in response to inputting the plurality of training images, an output of the machine learned model that includes predicted features for each of the plurality of training images. The operations include determining a loss value that describes a difference between the respective predicted features and the respective known features for each of the plurality of training images. The operations include adjusting one or more parameters of the machine learned model to reduce the loss value. Other example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems, methods, vehicles, apparatuses, tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media, and memory devices for controlling an autonomous vehicle. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the related principles.

11334545

BACKGROUND Snapshot technology is commonly used to preserve point-in-time (PIT) state and data of a virtual computing instance (VCI), such as a virtual machine. Snapshots of virtual computing instances are used for various applications, such as VCI replication, VCI rollback and data protection for backup and recovery. Current snapshot technology can be classified into two types of snapshot techniques. The first type of snapshot techniques includes redo-log based snapshot techniques, which involve maintaining changes for each snapshot in separate redo logs. A concern with this approach is that the snapshot technique cannot be scaled to manage a large number of snapshots, for example, hundreds of snapshots. In addition, this approach requires intensive computations to consolidate across different snapshots. The second type of snapshot techniques includes tree-based snapshot techniques, which involve creating a chain or series of snapshots to maintain changes to the underlying data using a B tree structure, such as a B+ tree structure. A significant advantage of the tree-based snapshot techniques over the redo-log based snapshot techniques is the scalability of the tree-based snapshot techniques. However, the snapshot structure of the tree-based snapshot techniques is intertwined and complex, especially when snapshot sizes and snapshot numbers are large. In addition, the amount of data required to be stored for the snapshot structure can be unexpectedly large. Thus, an important aspect of a snapshot system using a tree-based snapshot technique is efficiently managing the stored data for the snapshot structure, which includes the current state of the storage object and any snapshot of that storage object.

11367618

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the priority benefit of Taiwan application serial no. 109114871, filed on May 5, 2020. The entirety of the above-mentioned patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The invention relates to a semiconductor patterning process. Description of Related Art With the rapid development of the integrated circuit industry, as the demand for circuit integration is increased, the size of the entire circuit device needs to be reduced and the requirements for the resolution of the lithography process are increased. At present, in order to overcome the limitations of light source resolution in the lithography process, the self-aligned double patterning (SADP) process, the self-aligned triple patterning (SATP) process, and the self-aligned quadruple patterning (SAQP) process are gradually developed to increase the degree of integration of devices. However, the above various patterning processes may not meet the existing pattern design requirements. For example, the above various patterning processes may often only produce patterns with the same feature size, thus limiting the application range of these processes. In addition, a plurality of photomasks are needed in the various patterning processes above, thus resulting in higher production costs, and the accuracy of the resulting device pattern is readily affected. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a semiconductor patterning process having greater design flexibility and simple process steps. A semiconductor patterning process of the invention includes the following steps. A substrate is provided, wherein the substrate has a first region, a second region, and a third region, and the second region is located between the first region and the third region. A plurality of initial mask patterns are formed on the substrate. A first mask material layer is conformally formed on the substrate. A first mask pattern is formed above at least two adjacent initial mask patterns in the second region and on the first mask material layer in between, and a second mask pattern is formed on the first mask material layer on sidewalls of remaining initial mask patterns. A portion of the first mask material layer is removed using the first mask pattern and the second mask pattern as a mask to form a final mask pattern on the substrate. In an embodiment of the semiconductor patterning process of the invention, the plurality of initial mask patterns have a same feature size. In an embodiment of the semiconductor patterning process of the invention, a forming method of the first mask pattern and the second mask pattern includes the following steps. A second mask material layer is conformally formed on the first mask material layer. A patterned photoresist layer is formed on the second mask material layer, wherein the patterned photoresist layer is at least located above at least two adjacent initial mask patterns in the second region and on the second mask material layer in between. An anisotropic etching process is performed using the patterned photoresist layer as a mask to remove a portion of the second mask material layer. The patterned photoresist layer is removed. In an embodiment of the semiconductor patterning process of the invention, after the first mask material layer is formed, a feature size of each of the plurality of initial mask patterns is reduced. In an embodiment of the semiconductor patterning process of the invention, after the final mask pattern is formed, an anisotropic etching process is further performed using the final mask pattern as a mask to remove a portion of the substrate. In an embodiment of the semiconductor patterning process of the invention, after the final mask pattern is formed, the following steps are further included. A patterned photoresist layer is formed on the substrate, wherein the patterned photoresist layer covers a portion of the substrate. An anisotropic etching process is performed using the final mask pattern and the patterned photoresist layer as a mask to remove a portion of the substrate. A semiconductor patterning process of the invention includes the following steps. A substrate is provided, wherein the substrate has a first region, a second region, and a third region. A plurality of first initial mask patterns are formed on the substrate in the first region, a plurality of second initial mask patterns are formed on the substrate in the second region, and a plurality of third initial mask patterns are formed on the substrate in the third region, wherein a feature size of the second initial mask patterns and a feature size of the third initial mask patterns are greater than a feature size of the first initial mask patterns. A first mask material layer is conformally formed on the substrate. Mask spacers are formed on sidewalls of the first initial mask patterns, the second initial mask patterns, and the third initial mask patterns. A first patterned mask layer is formed in the third region. A portion of the first mask material layer is removed using the first patterned mask layers and the exposed mask spacers as a mask. A second patterned mask layer is formed, wherein the second patterned mask layer exposes the mask spacers in the second region adjacent to the third region. The mask spacers exposed by the first patterned mask layer and the second patterned mask layer and the first mask material layer below the mask spacers are removed. The first patterned mask layer and the second patterned mask layer are removed to form a final mask pattern on the substrate. In an embodiment of the semiconductor patterning process of the invention, a forming method of the mask spacers includes the following steps. A second mask material layer is conformally formed on the first mask material layer. An anisotropic etching process is performed to remove a portion of the second mask material layer. In an embodiment of the semiconductor patterning process of the invention, after the first mask material layer is formed, a feature size of each of the plurality of first initial mask patterns, the plurality of second initial mask patterns, and the plurality of third initial mask patterns is reduced. In an embodiment of the semiconductor patterning process of the invention, after the final mask pattern is formed, an anisotropic etching process is further performed using the final mask pattern as a mask to remove a portion of the substrate. In an embodiment of the semiconductor patterning process of the invention, after the final mask pattern is formed, the following steps are further included. A patterned photoresist layer is formed on the substrate, wherein the patterned photoresist layer covers a portion of the substrate. An anisotropic etching process is performed using the final mask pattern and the patterned photoresist layer as a mask to remove a portion of the substrate. Based on the above, in the invention, for the initial mask patterns with the same feature size, a pattern with a greater feature size may be formed as needed without additional complicated steps, and therefore greater design flexibility and simple process steps may be achieved. In addition, when defining a mask pattern with a greater feature size, the lithography process may have a greater process window. In addition, the mask pattern applied to a peripheral region may be defined without performing a plurality of lithography processes, and therefore influence to the pattern of the peripheral region from a plurality of lithography processes may be prevented.

11413199

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of mobility for individuals living with a disability, and relates more particularly to an electrical assistance device for a wheelchair. PRIOR ART In general, there are two known types of wheelchair. On the one hand, fully manual wheelchairs, which conventionally have two large rear wheels and two small front wheels. The front wheels are able to rotate about a transverse axis and the rear wheels are prevented from rotating about this same transverse axis. An annular hand rim is usually provided on the side of each rear wheel. The wheelchair is propelled and steered either by the user, using the annular hand rims to turn the rear wheels, or by a third party pushing the wheelchair. A second type of known wheelchair is the motorized wheelchair. These wheelchairs are often far bulkier and heavier than the manual wheelchairs. These wheelchairs traditionally comprise four or six wheels, smaller in diameter in comparison with the rear wheels of a manual wheelchair. Furthermore, the wheelchair incorporates electric motors, large batteries, and a steering system. This is because known motorized wheelchairs can be controlled only using a steering system. This is usually of the “joystick” type. This arrangement makes the wheelchair particularly useful for individuals with multiple disabilities, but prevents any manual manoeuvring. Furthermore, as the wheelchair is able to move only under the propulsion of the motors, it is necessary to have batteries of large capacity, which adds enormously to the weight of the wheelchair. A third type of wheelchair, which is not as commonplace, is a manual wheelchair converted into an electric wheelchair. Thus, for example, manual wheelchairs are known in which a motor is incorporated into the hub of each rear wheel. The motor is an electrical assistance motor. That means that the motors are not sufficient in themselves to move the wheelchair but provide a force top-up, so that less effort is demanded of the user. The wheelchair is still controlled using the annular hand rims. This solution is particularly advantageous because it provides the user with assistance when climbing a slope, for example, or to avoid fatigue over long distances. Nevertheless, this solution can be used only on a wheelchair specifically adapted for that. In other words, this solution cannot be adapted to any non-specific manual wheelchair. Another solution for motorizing a manual wheelchair is to add to the wheelchair a device that has a motorized wheel. This device usually takes the form of a front wheel, with a handlebar. The device is therefore fixed at the front of the wheelchair. The handlebar works like a motorbike handlebar with one rotary handgrip to control the speed of the motor, and another handgrip for braking. This device is not an assistance system but rather an actual full motorization system. Thus, the user no longer uses their arms to propel and steer the wheelchair. In the event of a breakdown, just as in a standard motorized wheelchair, it is impossible for the user to move the wheelchair. Utility Certificate application FR1860425 filed by one of the applicants addresses these deficiencies by providing a novel electrical assistance solution that can be adapted universally to suit a large number of wheelchairs, and which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art. This application describes an electrical assistance device for a wheelchair which comprises at least one motor having a rotor connected to a pinion designed to mesh with a complementary toothset of a tyre of a wheel of the wheelchair. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an objective of the present invention to improve an electrical assistance device for a wheelchair. To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention proposes an electrical assistance device for a wheelchair having a seat, and at least one rear wheel having a tyre. The electrical assistance device comprises:at least one motor having a rotor connected to a pinion designed to mesh with a complementary toothset of the tyre, anda mobile arm connecting said motor to the wheelchair. The mobile arm allows said motor to be manoeuvred between an engaged position in which the pinion is in contact with the complementary toothset of said tyre, a disengaged position in which the pinion is not in contact with the complementary toothset of said tyre, and a transport position in which the pinion is distanced from the tyre and retracted beneath the seat. The mobile arm able to move between three positions (engaged, disengaged, and transport position) both allows the device to be engaged/disengaged at will, and allows the device to be placed in a retracted position, beneath the seat, particularly suitable for transport. Specifically, in the transport position, there is less risk of the device being damaged, for example when the wheelchair is in the luggage compartment of a vehicle. Thus, the mobile arm allows the device to be protected. The arm may comprise a cam allowing the electrical assistance device to be positioned and held in the engaged position, in the disengaged position, or in the transport position. The cam may have at least three cutouts and a substantially planar surface, all of which are designed to collaborate with a cam-follower belonging to a mobile lever, so as to hold the electrical assistance device in the engaged position, in the disengaged position, or in the transport position. The mobile lever capable of rotating with respect to the arm may comprise the cam-follower designed to be engaged in a cutout or on the substantially planar surface of the cam so as to hold the electrical assistance device in the engaged position, in the disengaged position, or in the transport position. The lever may comprise, at one end, the cam-follower that maintains pressure against the cam through the agency of a return spring. The arm may comprise a distal part intended to be connected to the wheelchair, and a proximal part connected to the motor. The distal part and the proximal part being able to be articulated to one another by an articulation concentric with the cam. According to another aspect, the invention proposes a wheelchair comprising a seat and two rear wheels each having a tyre. The wheelchair comprises at least one electrical assistance device according to the invention. The wheelchair may comprise a chassis made up of a plurality of tubes, a seat, and two rear wheels, and two electrical assistance devices, positioned on the underside of the seat, each connected to a tube and each designed to mesh with a tyre of a corresponding rear wheel. The wheelchair may comprise an electrical assistance device wherein the distal part of the arm of each electrical assistance device is connected to a tube.

11536590

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-119521, filed on Jun. 27, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD A certain aspect of embodiments described herein relates to an offset correction device and a position measuring device. BACKGROUND Known is a method using 2-phase sinusoidal signals as a position detection signal in encoders for detecting a relative position between a scale and a detector head (for example, see Miniaturized linear encoder “FIBER SCALE”, Mitutoyo, Hiroatsu MORI, Hiroaki KAWADA, Tomotaka TAKAHASHI). In these encoders, the intensity of the detection signal may vary due to a change in the relative attitude between the scale and the detector head. As a countermeasure against the above, automatic gain control (AGC) that automatically adjusts the gain of the detection signal is performed so that the intensity of the detection signal is within the predetermined range. However, the amplitude center of the detection signal may be offset by the AGC. As a countermeasure against the above, the technique automatically adjusting the offset is disclosed (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-25871). SUMMARY However, the above technique needs measurement points within a certain range in the period of the sine wave for correction. Thus, there is a time lag from the timing of gain switching until the offset is corrected. In one aspect of the present invention, it is an object to provide an offset correction device and a position measuring device that reduce a time lag and correct an offset. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an offset correction device including: an amplitude adjuster that adjusts an amplitude of a detection signal output from an encoder by adjusting a gain of the detection signal so that the amplitude is within a predetermined range; an offset corrector that corrects an offset of an amplitude center of the detection signal; and a storage that stores a relationship between the gain and an offset amount in advance, wherein the offset corrector refers to the relationship stored in the storage when the amplitude adjuster changes the gain, obtains the offset amount corresponding to the changed gain, and corrects the offset based on the obtained offset amount. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a position measuring device including: the above offset correction device; the encoder; and an arithmetic device that calculates a position based on the detection signal of which the offset is corrected by the offset correction device.

11398667

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to an electronic device capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE For the sake of aesthetics and robustness, an exterior casing of an electronic device is mostly made of a metal material. However, due to the characteristics of a metal casing, antenna modules within the electronic device are easily negatively affected, thereby decreasing a communication quality of a mobile device. Therefore, how the communication quality of the electronic device can be improved and the aforementioned deficiencies can be overcome through reworking of the structural design, has become an important issue to be solved in this technical field. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE In response to the above-referenced technical inadequacies, the present disclosure provides an electronic device. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an electronic device including a first radiation element, a second radiation element, a grounding element and a feeding element. The first radiation element includes a first radiation portion and a feeding portion electrically connected to the first radiation portion. The second radiation element is coupled to the first radiation element and is separate from the first radiation element. The grounding element is electrically connected to the second radiation element. The feeding element includes a feeding end and a grounding end, the feeding end is electrically connected to the feeding portion, and the grounding end is electrically connected to the grounding element. An operating frequency band generated by the first radiation element is greater than an operating frequency band generated by the second radiation element. Therefore, by virtue of “the second radiation element is coupled to the first radiation element and is separate from the first radiation element”, the first radiation element and the second radiation element of the electronic device of the present disclosure respectively generates two different operating frequency bands, and the operating frequency band generated by the first radiation element is greater than the operating frequency band generated by the second radiation element. These and other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the embodiment taken in conjunction with the following drawings and their captions, although variations and modifications therein may be affected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

11295260

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Digitizing a workflow process can often increase the efficiency of performing the process. For example, converting a series of tasks to a digital and automated process can save a significant amount of time and resources. This can be especially true when the tasks are complex, repetitive, and/or include many individual steps. Typically, a workflow is digitized by programmers and/or someone with intimate knowledge of the digital tools used to execute the digitalized workflow. The conversion can apply to a variety of different tasks such as business processes, structured activities that require specific sequences, process-oriented objectives, etc. In many cases, the digitizing and automating of tasks results in a more consistent user experience.

11371209

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) Not applicable. STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not applicable. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to a work vehicle and, more particularly, to a work vehicle propulsion control system that provides switchable propulsion control. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Work vehicles are used in the construction, agricultural, and forestry industries to carry out various work functions. Excavators, for example, are operative to move soil, sand, gravel, rock, or other suitable material at a jobsite. Excavators require a certain amount of skill, concentration, and stamina to operate via a combination of joysticks, levers, pedals, and the like. At times, operators may attempt to operate the excavator in a manner that is more convenient or comfortable but that may not be ideal for the excavator. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure provides a system and method for controlling propulsion of a work vehicle. In one aspect the disclosure provides a propulsion control system for a work vehicle with a track assembly. The propulsion control system includes a travel motor configured to be actuated in a forward travel direction to drive the track assembly in the forward travel direction and in a reverse travel direction to drive the track assembly in the reverse travel direction; at least one propulsion control device configured to be actuated by an operator in a first input direction and a second input direction; and a propulsion switching mechanism coupled to the travel motor and the at least one propulsion control device. The propulsion switching mechanism is configured to be operated in a first propulsion direction mode in which, when the at least one propulsion control device is actuated in the first input direction, the travel motor is actuated to drive the track assembly in the forward travel direction, and when the at least one propulsion control device is actuated in the second input direction, the travel motor is actuated to drive the track assembly in the reverse travel direction. The hydraulic circuit is configured to be operated in a second propulsion direction mode in which, when the at least one propulsion control device is actuated in the first input direction, the travel motor is actuated to drive the track assembly in the reverse travel direction, and when the at least one propulsion control device is actuated in the second input direction, the travel motor is actuated to drive the track assembly in the forward travel direction. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a work vehicle that includes a work vehicle includes a frame; a cabin mounted on the frame; a propulsion control device arranged within the cabin and configured to be actuated by an operator in a first input direction and a second input direction; a ground engaging mechanism mounted to the frame; a travel motor coupled to the frame and the ground engaging mechanism, the travel motor configured to selectively drive the ground engaging mechanism based on commands from the propulsion control device in a forward travel direction and in a reverse travel direction; and a propulsion switching mechanism coupled to the travel motor and the at least one propulsion control device. The propulsion switching mechanism is configured to be operated in a first propulsion direction mode in which, when the at least one propulsion control device is actuated in the first input direction, the travel motor is actuated to drive the ground engaging mechanism in the forward travel direction, and when the at least one propulsion control device is actuated in the second input direction, the travel motor is actuated to drive the ground engaging mechanism in the reverse travel direction. The propulsion switching mechanism is configured to be operated in a second propulsion direction mode in which, when the at least one propulsion control device is actuated in the first input direction, the travel motor is actuated to drive the ground engaging mechanism in the reverse travel direction, and when the at least one propulsion control device is actuated in the second input direction, the travel motor is actuated to drive the ground engaging mechanism in the forward travel direction. The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

11339786

BACKGROUND Scroll type positive displacement compressors and pumps include spiral wraps (scrolls) for compressing or pumping a fluid or gas, such as for refrigeration and other applications. Typically, a scroll type compressor or pump includes a stationary scroll, an orbiting scroll, an anti-rotation device (e.g., an Oldham ring) to prevent rotation of the orbiting scroll and bearings, a crankshaft, and an eccentrically mounted shaft. Generally, the scroll shape consists of a spiral wall with a radius increasing in proportion to the wrap angle. The scroll walls begin adjacent to a discharge port near the center of the scroll plate to minimize dead space, maximize compression ratio, and provide a flow path to the discharge port. SUMMARY A scroll type positive displacement assembly includes a first scroll and a second scroll, where the second scroll is configured to orbit with respect to a center of the first scroll without rotating with respect to the first scroll. Together, the first scroll and the second scroll define a compression chamber between two seal points where the first scroll and the second scroll contact one another as the second scroll orbits with respect to the first scroll during a compression cycle, and the two seal points come together proximate to a discharge port between the first scroll and the second scroll such that there is at least substantially no dead space between the first scroll and the second scroll at an end of the compression cycle. For example, the two seal points remain in sealing contact during at least one hundred and eighty (180) degrees of the compression cycle. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

11391683

BACKGROUND Hydrocarbon fluids in microscopic spaces in porous reservoir sedimentary rocks flow to the wellbore for extraction during production. Accurate quantification of such microscopic spaces is essential to understand the rock storage capacity and ability for the fluids to flow during production operations. These spaces consist of microscopic and interconnected pores that are formed during deposition and subsequently modified by diagenesis. Methods based on geometry and/or capillary pressures are used to measure the pore size distribution in porous reservoir sedimentary rocks. SUMMARY In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a method for determining a pore size distribution in a rock sample. The method includes saturating the rock sample with a fluid, acquiring a first set of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of the rock sample, generating, by a computer processor and based on a first T2 distribution of the first set of NMR measurements, a first saturation measure, the first saturation measure representing an initial amount of the fluid stored in the rock sample, applying, subsequent to acquiring the first set of NMR measurements, a first external force to the rock sample to expel the fluid from a first plurality of pores of the rock sample, acquiring, subsequent to applying the first external force, a second set of NMR measurements of the rock sample, identifying, by the computer processor based on comparing a second T2 distribution of the second set of NMR measurements and the first T2 distribution, a portion of the second T2 distribution that corresponds to the fluid remaining on interior surfaces of the first plurality of pores, generating, by the computer processor and based on the second T2 distribution and excluding the identified portion, a second saturation measure of the rock sample, the second saturation measure representing a remaining amount of the fluid remained in a second plurality of pores of the rock sample, and determining, by the computer processor and based at least on the first saturation measure and the second saturation measure, the pore size distribution. In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a computer system for determining a pore size distribution in a rock sample. The system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory storing instructions, when executed, include functionality for acquiring a first set of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of a rock sample saturated with a fluid, wherein a first external force is applied, subsequent to acquiring the first set of NMR measurements, to the rock sample to expel the fluid from a first plurality of pores of the rock sample, generating, based on a first T2 distribution of the first set of NMR measurements, a first saturation measure, the first saturation measure representing an initial amount of the fluid stored in the rock sample, acquiring, subsequent to applying the first external force, a second set of NMR measurements of the rock sample, identifying, by comparing a second T2 distribution of the second set of NMR measurements and the first T2 distribution, a portion of the second T2 distribution that corresponds to the fluid remaining on interior surfaces of the first plurality of pores, generating, based on the second T2 distribution and excluding the identified portion, a second saturation measure of the rock sample, the second saturation measure representing a remaining amount of the fluid remained in a second plurality of pores of the rock sample, and determining, based at least on the first saturation measure and the second saturation measure, the pore size distribution. In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions executable by a computer processor for determining a pore size distribution in a rock sample. The instructions, when executed by the computer processor, include functionality for acquiring a first set of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of a rock sample saturated with a fluid, wherein a first external force is applied, subsequent to acquiring the first set of NMR measurements, to the rock sample to expel the fluid from a first plurality of pores of the rock sample, generating, based on a first T2 distribution of the first set of NMR measurements, a first saturation measure, the first saturation measure representing an initial amount of the fluid stored in the rock sample, acquiring, subsequent to applying the first external force, a second set of NMR measurements of the rock sample, identifying, by comparing a second T2 distribution of the second set of NMR measurements and the first T2 distribution, a portion of the second T2 distribution that corresponds to the fluid remaining on interior surfaces of the first plurality of pores, generating, based on the second T2 distribution and excluding the identified portion, a second saturation measure of the rock sample, the second saturation measure representing a remaining amount of the fluid remained in a second plurality of pores of the rock sample, and determining, based at least on the first saturation measure and the second saturation measure, the pore size distribution. Other aspects and advantages will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

11276794

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a back-illuminated semiconductor photodetector. BACKGROUND ART Known back-illuminated semiconductor photodetectors that include a semiconductor substrate including a first main surface and a second main surface opposing each other (see Patent Literatures 1 and 2, for example). In a back-illuminated semiconductor photodetector described in Patent Literature 2, a semiconductor substrate includes a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type and a plurality of second semiconductor regions of a second conductivity type. The semiconductor substrate includes the plurality of second semiconductor regions in a side of the second main surface. Each of the second semiconductor regions constitutes a pn junction with the first semiconductor region. The first main surface is a light incident surface of the semiconductor substrate. The plurality of second semiconductor regions include a textured surface. CITATION LIST Patent Literature Patent Literature 1: US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0313204 Patent Literature 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-023417 SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a back-illuminated semiconductor photodetector that reduces generation of dark currents even when mounted on an electronic component. The electronic component includes a wiring board or ASIC, for example. Solution to Problem A back-illuminated semiconductor photodetector according to one aspect of the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of bump electrodes. The semiconductor substrate includes a first main surface and a second main surface opposing each other. The first main surface is a light incident surface of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate includes a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type and a plurality of second semiconductor regions of a second conductivity type. The plurality of second semiconductor regions are provided in a side of the second main surface and constitute pn junctions with the first semiconductor region. Each of the plurality of second semiconductor regions includes a first region including a textured surface, and a second region where a corresponding bump electrode of the plurality of bump electrodes is disposed. The plurality of second semiconductor regions are two-dimensionally distributed in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to each other when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the semiconductor substrate. The first region and the second region are adjacent to each other in a direction crossing the first direction and the second direction. The textured surface of the first region is located toward the first main surface in comparison to the surface of the second region in a thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate. In the back-illuminated semiconductor photodetector according to the one aspect, the first region of the second semiconductor region includes the textured surface. Light in a long wavelength range has a small absorption coefficient as compared with light in a short wavelength range. For example, the long wavelength range includes a near infrared wavelength range. Therefore, light in a long wavelength range that is incident on the semiconductor substrate from the first main surface travels in the semiconductor substrate and reaches the textured surface. The light having reached the textured surface is reflected or diffused at the textured surface, and further travels in the semiconductor substrate. The light in the long wavelength range travels a long distance within the semiconductor substrate, and thus is absorbed by the semiconductor substrate. Consequently, the one aspect improves spectral sensitivity characteristics in the long wavelength range. In a case where stress acts on the semiconductor substrate, carriers that are not attributable to incidence of light may be generated. Carriers that are not attributable to incidence of light produce dark currents. The back-illuminated semiconductor photodetector according to the one aspect is mounted on an electronic component via the bump electrodes. Therefore, stress acts on the second region when the back-illuminated semiconductor photodetector is mounted on the electronic component. Since the textured surface of the first region is located toward the first main surface in comparison to the surface of the second region in the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate, the stress tends not to act on the first region even in a case where stress acts on the second region. Consequently, generation of carriers that are not attributable to entrance of light is reduced in the first region. The one aspect reduces generation of the dark currents. In a case where the bump electrode is crushed at the time when the back-illuminated semiconductor photodetector is mounted on an electronic component, the crushed bump electrode may physically interfere with a portion of the semiconductor photodetector other than the bump electrode. For example, the electronic component includes a wiring board or ASIC. For example, the portion other than the bump electrode includes a wiring conductor or the textured surface. In a case where the bump electrode physically interferes with the wiring conductor, the bump electrode and the wiring conductor may be short-circuited. In a case where the bump electrode physically interferes with the textured surface, the textured surface may be physically damaged, so that the spectral sensitivity characteristics in the long wavelength range may be adversely affected. In the one aspect, the textured surface of the first region is located toward the first main surface in comparison to the surface of the second region in the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate. A step is formed by the textured surface of the first region and the surface of the second region. Therefore, the crushed bump electrode tends not to interfere with the portion of the semiconductor photodetector other than the bump electrode when the back-illuminated semiconductor photodetector is mounted on the electronic component. The one aspect achieves reduction of generation of a short circuit between the bump electrode and the wiring conductor, and reduction of adverse effects on the spectral sensitivity characteristics in the long wavelength range. A device that forms the bump electrode may physically interfere with the textured surface of the first region when forming the bump electrode. In a case where the device that forms the bump electrode physically interferes with the textured surface of the first region, the textured surface may be physically damaged, so that the spectral sensitivity characteristics in the long wavelength range may be adversely affected. In the one aspect, the textured surface of the first region is located toward the first main surface in comparison to the surface of the second region in the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate. Therefore, the device that forms the bump electrode tends not to physically interfere with the textured surface of the first region. The one aspect reduces adverse effects on the spectral sensitivity characteristics in the long wavelength range when forming the bump electrode. In the one aspect, a thickness of the second region in the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate may be larger than a thickness of the first region in the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate. Stress tends to act on the second region as compared with on the first region. Therefore, carriers that are not attributable to incidence of light tend to be generated in the second region as compared with in the first region. In the configuration where the thickness of the second region is larger than the thickness of the first region, recombination of carriers that are not attributable to incidence of light tends to occur in the second region as compared with in a configuration where the thickness of the second region is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the first region. Therefore, this configuration reduces generation of dark currents. The one aspect may include a pad electrode disposed on the second region and in contact with the second region. The second region and the bump electrode may be electrically connected via the pad electrode. In this configuration, the pad electrode is in contact with the second region that has a larger thickness than the thickness of the first region in the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate. In a case where the pad electrode and the semiconductor substrate are in contact with each other, a material forming the pad electrode and a material forming the semiconductor substrate are alloyed with each other, so that an alloy spike may be produced in the semiconductor substrate. The alloy spike having reached the pn junction increases leakage currents. In the configuration where the thickness of the second region is larger than the thickness of the first region, the alloy spike tends not to reach the pn junction as compared with in a configuration where the thickness of the second region is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the first region. Therefore, this configuration reduces an increase in leakage currents. In the one aspect, an edge region of the textured surface of the first region may be continuous with the surface of the second region, and may be inclined to the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate. In a case where the textured surface of the first region is located toward the first main surface in comparison to the surface of the second region in the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate, stress tends to act on the second region further. In the configuration where the edge region of the textured surface of the first region is inclined to the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate, stress acting on the second region tends to be dispersed as compared with in a configuration where the edge region of the textured surface of the first region is parallel to the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate. Therefore, even in a case where stress acts on the second region, concentration of the stress on the second region decreases. This configuration reduces generation of carriers that are not attributable to incidence of light. Consequently, this configuration further reduces generation of the dark currents. In the one aspect, a thickness of the first region at a deepest position of recesses of the textured surface may be smaller than a distance between a surface of the second region and the deepest position in a thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate. In this configuration, a distance between the textured surface and the pn junction is smaller than that distance in a configuration where the thickness of the first region at the deepest position of the recesses of the textured surface is equal to or larger than the distance between the surface of the second region and the deepest position in the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate. Therefore, recombination of carriers generated by light incident on the semiconductor substrate decreases in the second semiconductor region. Consequently, this configuration further improves the spectral sensitivity characteristics in the long wavelength range. In the one aspect, the second region may include no textured surface. In this configuration, the electrode is easily formed on the second region as compared with in a configuration where the second region includes the textured surface. In this case, the electrode includes a pad electrode, for example. Advantageous Effects of Invention One aspect of the present invention provides a back-illuminated semiconductor photodetector that reduces generation of dark currents even when mounted on an electronic component.

11308432

BACKGROUND The present invention relates to managing ordering and preparation of restaurant food items, and more particularly to using augmented reality to identify ingredients being ordered for restaurant food items and determining a sequence of the identified ingredients to optimize food preparation. There is a ubiquitous presence of fast casual restaurants that each serve hundreds of customers daily. Employees at fast casual restaurants are tasked with attempting to meet a quality standard while also trying to optimize an assembly line to reduce wait times, especially during peak hours and at popular locations. Many fast-casual restaurants offer build to order meals. A build to order meal is prepared specifically when a customer requests the meal, so that the meal can be customized as desired by the customer. In some restaurants, a customer can direct an employee to select multiple ingredients for a build to order meal from a set of ingredients placed in a food preparation area that is visible to the customer. SUMMARY In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method generating an interface. The method includes using a natural language processing (NLP) module, a natural language understanding (NLU) module, and a database that associates ingredient names with pronunciations, keywords, and recipes, deriving, by one or more processors, ingredients of a food item from audio data. The audio data is received from a spoken order of a customer who is ordering the food item. The method further includes identifying, by the one or more processors, locations of the ingredients in a preparation area in the restaurant, the preparation area including (i) the ingredients included in the spoken order and (ii) other ingredients. The method further includes determining, by the one or more processors, a current location of an employee who is assigned to prepare the food item. The method further includes calculating, by the one or more processors, distances of the locations of the ingredients to the current location of the employee. The method further includes based on the calculated distances, determining, by the one or more processors, a sequence of selecting the ingredients, so that the employee selecting the ingredients in the sequence optimizes a speed at which the food item is prepared by the employee. The method further includes generating and displaying, by the one or more processors, an overlay to an interface for viewing in an augmented reality (AR) headset worn by the employee. The overlay includes visual indicators overlaying an image of the preparation area. The visual indicators mark the ingredients, mark the sequence of selecting the ingredients, and distinguish the ingredients from the other ingredients in the preparation area. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a computer program product which includes one or more computer readable storage media having computer readable program code collectively stored on the one or more computer readable storage media. The computer readable program code is executed by a central processing unit (CPU) of a computer system to cause the computer system to perform a method analogous to the method summarized above. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a computer system including a central processing unit (CPU); a memory coupled to the CPU; and one or more computer readable storage media coupled to the CPU. The one or more computer readable storage media collectively contain instructions that are executed by the CPU via the memory to implement a method analogous to the method summarized above.

11364163

BACKGROUND The present disclosure relates to transport chairs and, more particularly, a transport chair that can be provided in parts that can be easily assembled and disassembled without the need for tools. The disassembled parts can be stored and carried as a relatively small package, for example, all of the dissembled parts may be stowable in a carry-on bag having dimensions no larger than 9 inches deep×14 inches wide×22 inches long (22 centimeters×35 centimeters×56 centimeters). Transport chairs in general and wheelchairs in particular tend to be large with accessories and, in some instances, can be motorized. Such chairs are used for disabled persons or medical patients who may be unable to walk comfortably or are easily fatigued by walking. Wheelchairs are conventionally constructed with a pair of large rear wheels accessible to the user and a pair of smaller front wheels that swivel. The large rear wheels can be manipulated by the occupant of the chair or the chair may be pushed by another person. Some wheelchairs are designed to collapse axially, resulting in a narrower volume that can be stored or transported. However, wheelchairs are difficult to stow and can be quite heavy and difficult to maneuver during storage. Unlike wheelchairs, transport chairs do not have the pair of large rear wheels and usually require assistance from another person to push the chair. Some however permit the user, while seated, to propel the chair with their feet. While transport chairs are lighter and easier to store than wheelchairs, neither type of chair folds compactly enough to stow in carry-on luggage which meets passenger aircraft guidelines. If checked as baggage by airlines, the chair is subject to the luggage handling treatment normally afforded checked baggage and may be damaged as a result. Unless especially designed to be accommodated by passenger aircraft, a transport chair may not be provided when on the aircraft. Although passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) has required public facilities to be accessible to transport chairs, a great many activities are still beyond the convenient reach of persons with debilitating conditions. What is needed is a transport chair where:1. No moving parts are required to assemble or collapse;2. No tools are needed to collapse or assemble the chair;3. Less than 15 parts must be “snapped” or fitted together with no springs or catches;4. Numbered, color-coded or otherwise associated parts are not interchangeable, thus making it impossible to misconnect any pieces;5. No physical strength is required to assemble or collapse the chair (e.g., a senior citizen with severe arthritis and very little finger mobility should be able to assemble and collapse the chair);6. No higher-order thinking skills are needed to assemble or collapse the chair, just an ability to match numbered, color-coded, or otherwise associated parts to their mating part;7. The chair and its carrying case together will fit within both the weight (e.g. less than 22 pounds, less than 15 pounds) and size limitations of most airlines for carry-on baggage, meaning the chair is not subjected to airline baggage handling systems and the chair will never be outside of sight or possession of its user;8. The chair and its carrying case together fit into the trunk or back seat of the smallest compact and sports cars, and may be stowed under a bed;9. The chair may be brought anywhere, for example, on a cruise ship where staff only provides assistance with getting a person in need of transport on or off the ship but do not provide chairs when on the ship; and10. Serves other purposes, such as but not limited to a stroller for small children, making travel easier for parents who would otherwise travel with bulky strollers. US 2018/0168898 A1 to Foonberg et al. discloses a kit of parts that when assembled provide a wheeled chair and include a central frame member to which all of the parts are connected. However, assembly and disassembly depend upon quick connect/disconnect locking pins. For example, the central frame member includes two front and two rear cross members connected by locking pins to left and right rigid (fixed) frame units. Because each cross member of the front two cross members is independent of the other, four locking pins must be used to connect the cross members to the rigid frame. The same is true of the rear cross members. Although the disassembled chair can fit into a carrying case, the chairs assembly and disassembly is not as fast or as user friendly as it could be. SUMMARY In embodiments of this disclosure, a kit of parts is created which, when assembled, result in a wheeled chair of a size that can transport an adult but is easily accommodated when in a stowed state by most passenger aircraft, buses, vans and other vehicles. The individual parts may be constructed of tubing which may be square, rectangular, circular, or some combination thereof. The parts may mate with one another telescopically and may include indexing features that avoid the possibility of a mismatch. By way of a non-limiting example, round tubing may be used with reduced diameters for the male end that is to fit into the female end. Printed or etched lines may be used to gauge the extent of insertion. Splines and grooves may be utilized to assure that apertures in the mated parts are aligned. Embodiments of a transport chair of this disclosure include a frame having a first fixed side and a second fixed side, each fixed side arranged opposite one another and defining a first dimension of the frame, the first dimension being a same size when the frame is in the stowed state and the deployed state; a first hinged side and a second hinged side, each hinged side arranged opposite one another, pivotally mounted to a corresponding one of the fixed sides, and defining a second dimension of the frame, the second dimension being a different size when the frame is in the stowed state than when it is in the deployed state. The frame may also include wheel receiving means located at a lowest end of the frame; and armrest assembly receiving means located at a highest end of the frame. The first and second hinge sides of the frame each include a pair of cross-members; and a hinge located between the pair of cross-members, each hinge arranged such that its corresponding cross-members fold inwardly relative to the frame. The cross-members of the first hinged side are inverted relative to the cross members of the second hinged side and arranged such that when the frame is in the stowed state, a portion of the first hinged side overlaps a corresponding portion of the second hinged side. The chair also includes a bar that extends between the first and second hinged sides and is connectable to, and detachable from, each hinge. The bar has a first end at a first elevation and a second end at a second elevation different than that of the first elevation, such that the ends meet with corresponding hinges of the hinge sides (whose cross-members are inverted relative to those of the other hinge side). When the bar is connected to the first and second hinged sides, the frame is locked in the deployed state. Quick release clamps or spring-loaded pins may be used to assist with assembly and disassembly. However, assembly and disassembly do not require the use of the quick connect/disconnect locking pins of US 2018/0168898 A1 to Foonberg et al. The chair, when in its disassembled and stowed state, fits within an envelope 9 inches deep×14 inches wide×22 inches long. The total weight of the chair may be in a range of 15 to 22 pounds and, in some embodiments, no greater than 15 pounds. The frame may be stowed in baggage separately from that containing the armrest, push handles, and wheels. In some embodiments, the chair may include footrests connectable to, and detachable from, the frame and stowed along with the dissembled chair. Quick connect/disconnect clamps may be used to connect the footrests to the frame. One or more motors, and a power source, may be provided to drive the wheels. Embodiments of a chair of this disclosure permit persons who require a transport or wheel chair to more easily travel out of their residences and into the world. Because of its compact size, a higher quantity of chairs can be shipped to disaster sites or warehoused for deployment to disaster sites. The novel features which are characteristic of embodiments of this disclosure, both as to structure and method of operation thereof, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will be understood from the following description, considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. The drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and they are not intended as a definition of the limits of the claimed invention.

11364517

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Contemporary fluid dispense systems are well suited for dispensing precise amounts of fluid at precise positions on a substrate. A pump transports the fluid to a dispense tip, also referred to as a “pin” or “needle”, which is positioned over the substrate by a micropositioner, thereby providing patterns of fluid on the substrate as needed. As an example application, fluid delivery systems can be utilized for depositing precise volumes of adhesives, for example, glue, resin, or paste, during a circuit board assembly process, in the form of dots for high-speed applications, or in the form of lines for providing underfill or encapsulation. Early dispensing pumps included a syringe with a dispense tip and a pressured air/vacuum source. Air pressure was applied to a plunger in the syringe, causing the plunger to engage a fluid in the syringe, thereby initiating a dispensing operation by forcing the fluid out of the dispense tip. To halt operation, a vacuum was drawn on the plunger. In this manner, dispensing operations were controlled by regulating the air pressure/vacuum applied to the syringe. While this embodiment was adequate for certain applications, as technology evolved to demanded higher dispensing accuracy, its application became somewhat limited. Contemporary dispensing pumps improved capability by increasing control over the timing and volume of the dispensing operation. This was accomplished through the integration of the feed screw into the dispensing pump system. Such systems comprise a syringe, a feed tube, a dispense cartridge, and pump drive mechanism. The syringe contains fluid for dispensing, and has an opening at its distal end at which a feed tube is connected. The feed tube is a flexible, hollow tube for delivering the fluid to the cartridge. The cartridge is hollow and cylindrical and includes an inlet neck at which the opposite end of the feed tube is connected. The inlet neck directs the fluid into the hollow, central cartridge chamber. A feed screw disposed longitudinally through the center of the cylindrical chamber transports the fluid in Archimedes principle fashion from the inlet to a dispensing needle attached to the chamber outlet. A continuously-running motor drives the feed screw via a rotary clutch, which is selectively actuated to engage the feed screw and thereby effect dispensing. A bellows linkage between the motor and cartridge allows for flexibility in system alignment. Pump systems can be characterized generally as “fixed-z” or “floating-z” (floating-z is also referred to as “compliant-z”). Fixed-z systems are adapted for applications that do not require contact between the dispense tip and the substrate during dispensing. In fixed-z applications, the dispense tip is positioned and suspended above the substrate by a predetermined distance, and the fluid is dropped onto the substrate from above. In floating-z applications, the tip is provided with a standoff, or “foot”, designed to contact the substrate as fluid is delivered by the pump through the tip. Such floating-z systems allow for tip travel, relative to the pump body, such that the entire weight of the pump does not bear down on the substrate. Such conventional pump systems suffer from several limitations. The motor and rotary clutch mechanisms are bulky and heavy, and are therefore limited in application for modern dispensing applications requiring increasingly precise, efficient, and fast operation. The excessive weight limits use for those applications that require contact of the pump with the substrate, and limits system speed and accuracy, attributed to the high g-forces required for quick movement of the system. The mechanical clutch is difficult to control, and coasts to a stop when disengaged, resulting in deposit of excess fluid. Clutch coasting can be mitigated by a longitudinal spring mounted about the body of the feed screw and urged against the chamber end to offer rotational resistance. However, the spring adds to the length of the cartridge, and contributes to system complexity. The inlet neck feeds directly into the side of the feed screw or “auger”. Consequently, as the auger collects material from the small and circular inlet port, high pressure is required for driving the material into the auger body, because the auger threads periodically pass in front of the feed opening, preventing material from entering. This leads to inconsistent material flow. Additionally, the inlet neck is commonly perpendicular to the auger screw, requiring the fluid to make a 90 degree turn upon entering the pump. This further limits material flow and can contribute to material “balling” and clogging. Overnight storage of dispensed fluids often requires refrigeration of the fluid and cleaning of the system. The syringe is typically mounted directly to a mounting bracket on the pump body such that the output port of the syringe passes through an aperture on the mounting bracket. The feed tube is then coupled to the output port on the opposite face of the bracket. Since the tube and bracket are on opposite sides of the bracket, removal of the syringe from the pump body requires dismantling of the tube and syringe, which can contaminate fluid material positioned at the interface during disassembly. Further, since the syringe and cartridge can not be removed and stored together as a unit, disassembly and cleaning of the cartridge is required. Additionally, the inlet neck is narrow and therefore difficult to clean. Dispense pumps are commonly mounted on a positioning platform, or gantry system, that positions the pump along the Cartesian x, y and z axes, relative to the substrate. A computer, or controller, performs various dispensing tasks using the positioning platform to control the pump position according to commands that are programmed by an operator. As explained above, pump/platform systems currently in use in the field employ the aforementioned brush motor or clutch-based pumps. Such pumps operate in response to a time-period-based signal from the controller, the duration of which dictates the length of time the motor is on (or, for a continuously-running motor system, the length of time the clutch is engaged), and therefore the amount of fluid that is dispensed. For example, the rising edge of the signal may initiate rotation of the brush motor (or engage the clutch), and the falling edge may turn off the motor (or disengage the clutch). While such pumps are adequate for operations requiring relatively large dispensing volumes, at smaller volumes the system resolution is relatively limited, since the timing signal is relatively inaccurate at shorter time periods, and since residual motion in the clutch or brush motor is difficult to predict. Assuming the platform/pump controller to be a computer-based system, the time-period-based signal may be subject to even further variability, since initiation of the signal may be delayed while other tasks are processed by the computer. Conventional dispensing pumps are further limited in that following a dispensing operation, or in between dispensing operations, material can continue to flow, or drip, from the pump and dispense tip. This can lead to excessive dispensing of the fluid, for example in the form of greater dispensed fluid volume than desired, or the dripping of fluid at undesired locations on the substrate. This is especially problematic for dispensing of materials of relatively low viscosity, which tend to flow or drip more freely. Others have attempted to address this problem, with limited success. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,983 proposes a pump embodiment having a auger screw that is axially moveable between a flow position, in which material is permitted to flow through the outlet, and a sealed position, in which material is prevented from flowing. A pneumatic system is used to drive the screw downward and upward between the flow position and the sealed position. This system is however mechanically complex, owing to the number of moving parts, and can cause eventual wear on the inlet of the dispensing needle, where the auger screw comes in contact with the needle when in a sealed position. In addition, the vertical position of the auger must be set, which can further complicate setup and maintenance of the system. Wear and improper settings can lead to inaccurate volume dispensing, and mechanical complexity can lead to jamming. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a fluid pump and cartridge system that overcomes the limitations of conventional systems set forth above, by providing a pump that includes a drip prevention mechanism and a method of operating the same that mitigate or prevent undesired release of the dispensed fluid. In one example, the fluid path is sealed. Positive pressure is applied to the fluid during a dispensing operation to present the fluid to the auger-style pump at a desired rate. Between dispensing operations, or when dispensing is completed, the fluid is placed in suspension, for example by applying a negative pressure, thereby preventing the fluid from being inadvertently released at the dispense tip. In addition, following a dispensing operation, the pump dispensing controller can be programmed to reverse the rotation of the feed screw, in order to draw the material in a reverse direction and to thereby further suspend the fluid. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a material dispensing pump comprising a feed screw including a helical feed path defined between a major diameter and a minor diameter of the feed screw; the feed screw being driven in a first direction of rotation during a dispensing operation of material to be dispensed. A feed screw housing includes a cavity, the feed screw extending through the cavity. The feed screw housing further includes an inlet port and an outlet port in communication with the cavity, the helical feed path being substantially sealed from ambient air between the inlet port and the outlet port. A pressure unit applies positive pressure to cause material to be presented to the inlet port at a desired rate during a dispensing operation such that the material flows through the helical feed path toward the outlet port. A material suspension unit places the material in suspension following the dispensing operation. In one embodiment, the material suspension unit applies negative pressure to the material to place the material in suspension. In another embodiment, the material suspension unit comprises means for constricting the material flow path, such as rollers or pinchers. A material reservoir is in communication with the inlet port, the material reservoir containing the material to be dispensed during the dispensing operation. A feed tube is coupled between the material reservoir and the inlet port. The feed tube may be formed of an elastically compressible material and means may be provided for constricting the feed tube to place the material under suspension. The material reservoir, in one embodiment, comprises a syringe, in which case, the positive pressure is applied to a plunger of the syringe. The positive pressure may comprise pumped air provided by the pressure unit and applied to the plunger, and the negative pressure may comprise a vacuum provided by the pressure unit and drawn on the plunger. A motor may be coupled to the feed screw for driving the feed screw in the first direction of rotation during a dispensing operation. The motor further drives the feed screw in a second direction of rotation opposite the first direction following the dispensing operation. The movement of the screw in the second direction operates in conjunction with the negative pressure to suspend the flow of material. The motor may comprise a closed-loop servo-motor. The feed screw includes a cylindrical neck, in which case the seal comprises an O-ring about the neck between the neck and the feed screw housing. The feed screw has a longitudinal axis, and the inlet port is elongated in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the feed screw. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for dispensing material. During a dispensing operation of material to be dispensed, a feed screw including a helical feed path is driven in a first direction of rotation, the feed screw being disposed in a cavity of a feed screw housing such that the helical feed path is substantially sealed from ambient air. Positive pressure is applied to the material to cause material to be presented to the helical feed path at a desired rate. Following the dispensing operation, the material is placed under suspension.

11332303

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to coating compositions comprising epoxidized vegetable oil, an amine terminated polyamide and a silicone. Substrates, including packages, coated at least in part with such a coating are also within the scope of the present invention. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The application of various polymeric coatings to metallic substrates, including metal cans such as food, beverage and cosmetic containers, to retard or inhibit corrosion is well established. Coatings are applied to the interior of such containers to prevent the contents from contacting the metal of the container. Contact between the metal and the food, beverage or cosmetic can lead to corrosion of the metal container, which can then contaminate the product. This is particularly true when the contents of the container are acidic in nature, such as tomato-based products and soft drinks. Certain coatings, particularly in the packaging industry, must undergo extreme stresses in the course of preparation and use of the packaging containers. In addition to flexibility, packaging coatings may also need resistance to chemicals, solvents, and pasteurization processes used in the packaging of beer and other beverages, and may also need to withstand retort conditions commonly employed in food packaging. In addition to corrosion protection, coatings for food and beverage containers should be non-toxic, and should not adversely affect the taste of the food or beverage in the can. Resistance to “popping”, “blushing” and/or “blistering” may also be desired. Bisphenol A (“BPA”) contributes to many of the properties desired in packaging coating products. The use of BPA and related products such as bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (“BADGE”), however, has recently come under scrutiny in the packaging industry. Substantially BPA-free coatings having properties comparable to coatings comprising BPA are therefore desired. A reduced use of formaldehyde in coatings is also desired. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a coating comprising: a. epoxidized vegetable oil; b. an amine terminated polyamide; and c. a silicone resin; wherein the composition comprises 5 wt % or greater vegetable soy bean oil based on the total solid weight of the composition.

11469551

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to China Application Serial Number 2019/1031233.7, filed Oct. 28, 2019, which is herein incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND Technical Field The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a power distribution apparatus used therewith, and more particularly, to an electronic device and a power distribution apparatus for insertion of the electronic device. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART Generally speaking, male and female parts that can be plugged to each other and unplugged are usually designed with fool-proof design to prevent problems such as assembly errors or component damages. One conventional approach is to make a difference on the housings. That is, when manufacturing the male and female parts, specific housings are directly manufactured with matching foolproof mechanisms thereon. However, the aforementioned conventional approach cannot be applied to finished products that have been sold. If the aforementioned conventional approach is to be applied to these finished products, the housing of each finished product must be modified. However, if there are dozens of types of finished products currently sold, there will be too many factors involved, which may create issues such as shipment control, quality, and cost. Accordingly, how to provide an electronic device to solve the aforementioned problems becomes an important issue to be solved by those in the industry. SUMMARY According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device includes a first main body, a first electrical connector, and an insert member. The first main body has an insertion end and one or more holes located at the insertion end. The first electrical connector is disposed at the insertion end. The insert member is coupled to the first main body through the one or more holes and includes a plurality of ribs and a plurality of removed portions. Each of the ribs extends away from the insertion end. The ribs and the removed portions are sequentially and linearly arranged according to a coding pattern. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a power distribution apparatus includes a second main body, a second electrical connector, and a foolproof member. The second main body has a slot configured to be inserted by the abovementioned electronic device. The second electrical connector is disposed in the slot. The foolproof member is partially disposed in the slot and includes a plurality of blocking bars and a plurality of notches facing an entrance of the slot. The blocking bars and the notches are sequentially and linearly arranged according to the coding pattern. When the electronic device is inserted into the slot and the first electrical connector is connected to the second electrical connector, the ribs are at least partially located in the notches correspondingly, and the removed portions are aligned with the blocking bars correspondingly.

11287710

BACKGROUND The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device, and a method of inspecting pixels thereof, and relates to a liquid crystal display device and a method of inspecting pixels thereof which are suitable for quickly executing inspection of pixels. A liquid crystal display apparatus disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-223289 includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form, a plurality of sets of data lines provided so as to correspond to respective columns of the plurality of pixels, a plurality of gate lines provided so as to correspond to respective rows of the plurality of pixels, a plurality of switches for supplying positive-polarity and negative-polarity video signals to the plurality of sets of data lines in order in a set unit, and driving means for driving the plurality of switches and the plurality of gate lines. Incidentally, it is required for a liquid crystal display apparatus to inspect pixels for determining, for example, whether or not there are defects or deterioration in characteristics before shipping of products in order to improve reliability. However, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-223289 does not disclose a specific content regarding an inspection method of pixels. Therefore, in the liquid crystal display apparatus disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-223289, for example, it is considered that a video signal (pixel drive voltage) written into a pixel to be inspected is read out using a path for writing video signals into pixels in a normal operation, and the pixel is inspected based on the video signal that has been read out. In this inspection method, however, there is a problem that the video signal written into the pixel to be inspected cannot be quickly read out due to an influence of a large wiring capacity added to a propagation path of the video signal, so that it is impossible to quickly execute inspection of pixels. SUMMARY A liquid crystal display device according to an aspect of the present embodiment comprises: a plurality of pixels; a plurality of first data lines provided so as to correspond to respective columns of the plurality of pixels; a plurality of second data lines provided so as to correspond to respective columns of the plurality of pixels; a plurality of first switch elements configured to switch whether or not to supply a positive-polarity video signal to each of the plurality of first data lines and switch whether or not to supply a negative-polarity video signal to each of the plurality of second data lines; and a plurality of sense amplifiers for amplifying potential differences between a plurality of positive-polarity pixel drive voltages read out from the plurality of pixels of a row to be inspected to the plurality of respective first data lines and a plurality of negative-polarity pixel drive voltages read out from the plurality of pixels of the row to be inspected to the plurality of respective second data lines and output resulting voltages as a plurality of detection signals, wherein each of the pixels comprises: a first sample and hold circuit for sampling and holding the positive-polarity video signal supplied to the corresponding first data line; a second sample and hold circuit for sampling and holding the negative-polarity video signal supplied to the corresponding second data line; a liquid crystal display element including a pixel drive electrode, a common electrode, and liquid crystal sealed therebetween; a selection unit for selectively applying the voltage of the positive-polarity video signal held by the first sample and hold circuit and the voltage of the negative-polarity video signal held by the second sample and hold circuit to the pixel drive electrode; a first switch transistor for switching whether the voltage applied from the first sample and hold circuit to the pixel drive electrode via the selection unit is output to the corresponding first data line as the positive-polarity pixel drive voltage; and a second switch transistor for switching whether the voltage applied from the second sample and hold circuit to the pixel drive electrode via the selection unit is output to the corresponding second data line as the negative-polarity pixel drive voltage. A pixel inspection method for a liquid crystal display device according to an aspect of the present invention which comprises: a plurality of pixels; a plurality of first data lines provided so as to correspond to respective columns of the plurality of pixels; a plurality of second data lines provided so as to correspond to respective columns of the plurality of pixels; a plurality of first switch elements for switching whether or not to supply a positive-polarity video signal to each of the plurality of first data lines and switch whether or not to supply a negative-polarity video signal to each of the plurality of second data lines; and a plurality of sense amplifiers for amplifying potential differences between a plurality of positive-polarity pixel drive voltages read out from the plurality of pixels of a row to be inspected to the plurality of respective first data lines and a plurality of negative-polarity pixel drive voltages read out from the plurality of pixels of the row to be inspected to the plurality of respective second data lines and output resulting voltages as a plurality of detection signals, each of the pixels comprising: a first sample and hold circuit for sampling and holding the positive-polarity video signal supplied to the corresponding first data line; a second sample and hold circuit for sampling and holding the negative-polarity video signal supplied to the corresponding second data line; a liquid crystal display element including a pixel drive electrode, a common electrode, and liquid crystal sealed therebetween; a selection unit for selectively applying the voltage of the positive-polarity video signal held by the first sample and hold circuit and the voltage of the negative-polarity video signal held by the second sample and hold circuit to the pixel drive electrode; a first switch transistor for switching whether the voltage applied from the first sample and hold circuit to the pixel drive electrode via the selection unit is output to the corresponding first data line as the positive-polarity pixel drive voltage; and a second switch transistor for switching whether the voltage applied from the second sample and hold circuit to the pixel drive electrode via the selection unit is output to the corresponding second data line as the negative-polarity pixel drive voltage, the method comprising: turning on the plurality of first switch elements in a state where the first and second switch transistors provided in each of the pixels are turned off, thereby supplying the positive-polarity video signal to each of the plurality of first data lines and supplying the negative-polarity video signal to each of the plurality of second data lines; writing the positive-polarity video signal from the plurality of respective first data lines to the plurality of pixels of the row to be inspected and writing the negative-polarity video signal from the plurality of respective second data lines to the plurality of pixels of the row to be inspected; turning on the first switch transistor provided in each of the pixels of the row to be inspected in a state where the plurality of first switch elements are turned off, thereby reading out the plurality of positive-polarity pixel drive voltages from the plurality of pixels of the row to be inspected to the plurality of respective first data lines; turning on the second switch transistor provided in each of the pixels of the row to be inspected in a state where the plurality of first switch elements are turned off, thereby reading out the plurality of negative-polarity pixel drive voltages from the plurality of pixels of the row to be inspected to the plurality of respective second data lines; amplifying the respective potential differences between the plurality of positive-polarity pixel drive voltages read out from the plurality of pixels of the row to be inspected to the plurality of respective first data lines and the plurality of negative-polarity pixel drive voltages read out from the plurality of pixels of the row to be inspected to the plurality of respective second data lines using the plurality of sense amplifiers, and outputting resulting voltages as a plurality of detection signals; and detecting whether there is a failure in the plurality of pixels of the row to be inspected based on the plurality of detection signals output from the plurality of respective sense amplifiers.

11398235

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority of Chinese Application No. 201811009263.3 filed on Aug. 31, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND Technical Field The present disclosure relates to the technical field of data processing, and in particular to methods, apparatuses, systems, devices, and computer-readable storage media for processing speech signals. Description of the Related Art In speech recognition systems, correct and effective voice activity detection (VAD) can not only reduce the computation load and processing time of said systems, but can also eliminate the noise interference of silent segments and improve the accuracy of speech recognition performed by these systems. Since a speech signal contains not only the required useful speech sound segment but also useless background noise segments, VAD can detect the start and end points of speech sounds in a given speech signal. The speech signal is then divided into two categories, namely speech sound segments and silent segments (also referred to as background noise segments). In some current systems, a speech sound energy detector is usually used to perform VAD, but this speech sound segment detection method often fails in noisy environments, resulting in interfering speech sounds being sent to a speech recognition engine as target speech sounds. The inclusion of these interfering speech sounds consequently weakens the anti-interference capability of the speech recognition system. SUMMARY The disclosed embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, systems, devices, and computer-readable storage media for processing speech signals, which can improve the anti-interference capability of a speech recognition system in noisy environments containing multiple sources of interference. According to one embodiment, a method for processing speech signals is provided comprising: performing facial recognition within a visual range of an image capturing device, and detecting whether a target user makes speech sounds according to a facial recognition result; locating a sound source in a received sound signal under recognition, and determining a speech signal existing in a target area based on a sound source locating result and a detection result with respect to whether the target user makes speech sounds; and performing voice activity detection to the speech signal existing in the target area to obtain a speech sound segment under recognition in the speech signal. According to another embodiment, an apparatus for processing speech signals is provided, comprising: performing facial recognition within a visual range of an image capturing device, and detecting whether a target user makes speech sounds according to a facial recognition result; locating a sound source in a received sound signal under recognition, and determining a speech signal existing in a target area based on a sound source locating result and a detection result with respect to whether the target user makes speech sounds; and performing voice activity detection to the speech signal existing in the target area to obtain a speech sound segment under recognition in the speech signal. According to another embodiment, a device for processing speech signals is provided, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used for storing a program; and the processor is used for reading executable program codes stored in the memory to execute the above-described method for processing speech signals. According to another embodiment, a system for processing speech signals is provided, comprising: an image capturing device used for acquiring a real-time image; a speech sound acquisition device used for receiving an audio signal; and a data processing device used for performing facial recognition by using the real-time image, and detecting a period during which a target user makes speech sounds based on a facial recognition result; locating a sound source in an audio signal received by a microphone array, and determining the orientation information of a sound source in the audio signal; and based on the period during which the target user in the real-time image makes the speech sounds and the orientation information of the sound source, performing a speech sound start and end point analysis to determine start and end time points of the speech sounds in the audio signal. According to another embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to execute the above-described method for processing speech signals according to each of the aspects. The methods, apparatuses, systems, devices, and computer-readable storage media for processing speech signals according to the disclosed embodiments can perform voice activity detection on speech signals in noisy environments containing multiple sources of interference, thereby improving the anti-interference capability of the system.

11312987

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates methods for standardized sequencing of nucleic acids and uses thereof. BACKGROUND The identification of genetic information is becoming a key piece of information for the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. In order to make such diagnostic tool readily available, it is desired that this identification be as efficient and as inexpensive as possible. For diagnostic, medical, regulatory and ethical aspects, this identification should be as accurate as possible in order to rule out false measurements. In addition to the desire to acquire human genetic material information, there is great interest in acquiring genetic information on, for example, mitochondria, pathogens and organisms that cause diseases. One method for acquiring information is the Sanger sequencing method of genome analysis. Other methods are becoming available which provide an improved performance when compared with the Sanger sequencing method. These methods include a short high density parallel sequencing technology, next generation sequencing (i.e., NextGen or “NGS”), which are attempting to provide a more comprehensive and accurate view of RNA in biological samples than the Sanger sequence method. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is useful in a multitude of clinical applications by virtue of its automated and highly parallelized analysis of nucleic acid templates. However, the limit of clinical questions that NGS can address is largely determined by: i) the upstream source of nucleic acid template (e.g., human tissue, microbial sample, etc.), and ii) whether the clinically relevant biological variation in the nucleic acid template is greater than the technical variation (which is often introduced by such variants as workflow for sample preparation, sequencing and/or data analysis). The workflow for NGS library preparation varies widely, but can broadly be grouped into one of two approaches: 1) digestion or fragmentation of the nucleic acid sample with subsequent ligation to a universal adaptor sequence, or 2) PCR with target specific primers that incorporate a universal adaptor sequence at their 5′ ends. In both approaches, if a nucleic acid template is RNA, a reverse transcription step is used to create the requisite DNA template for sequencing. One concern with NGS is that these quantitative sequencing methods have high intra-lab and inter-lab variation. This problem thus reduces the value of any results, and has prevented the use of these sequencing methods in molecular diagnostics. For example, non-systematic (i.e., non-reproducible) biases (i.e., errors), are often inadvertently introduced during preparation of the sequencing library. These non-systemic biases are a major roadblock to implementing NGS as a reliable and efficient routine measurement of nucleic acid abundance (quantification) in the clinical setting. The most likely source of non-systematic bias (thus preventing inter-laboratory comparison, and hence routine clinical use, of quantitative NGS data) stems from issues arising from nucleic acid fragmentation, adaptor ligation and PCR. Also, although not explicitly required, the FDA has issued guidance and industry recommendations that PCR-based in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices should contain internal amplification controls (IAC) to control for interfering substances and verify that a negative result for a sample is not caused by inhibitors. In addition, in order to avoid stochastic sampling error and ensure reliable measurements, it is necessary to sequence (i.e., read) a sufficient number of copies of the analyte being measured. One problem is that the range of transcript representation following library preparation often remains very high, typically one million-fold or greater, imposing high cost. This is because the transcripts from each gene must be sequenced at least 10 times (ensure 10 “reads”). To ensure 10 reads for the least represented genes, it is necessary to read a gene represented at one million fold higher level at least 10 million times. Thus, a NGS method that reduces inter-experimental and inter-laboratory variation in measurement of nucleic acid copy number in samples will be of great use to both research and clinical applications. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Described herein is a method for providing reproducibility in measurement of nucleic acid copy number in samples, comprising measuring a proportional relationship of at least one native target sequencing event of at least one nucleic acid in a sample to the respective competitive internal amplification control (IAC) for that nucleic acid. Also described herein is a method where the at least one event comprises: an observation, a count and/or a read between the native target and its respective IAC. Also described herein is a method for controlling for non-systematic error in PCR-based NGS library preparation, comprising sharing identical priming sites to a native nucleic acid template of interest so as to mimic the kinetics of the native target in the PCR reaction, and thus control for target-specific variation in PCR efficiency. Also described herein is the use of a competitive IAC method to provide for the convergence of target analyte representation in a sample, while retaining quantitative information of the original representation of both low- and high-abundance target, enabling quantitative measurement of original representation with a low number of sequencing reads. In a particular embodiment, described herein is a method for determining an amount of a first nucleic acid, comprising: providing a series of serially-diluted standardized mixtures comprising a competitive template for said first nucleic acid and a competitive template for a second nucleic acid present in a number of samples comprising said first nucleic acid, wherein said competitive templates are at known concentrations relative to each other; combining one of said samples comprising said first nucleic acid with a first one of said serially-diluted standardized mixtures; co-amplifying said first nucleic acid and said competitive template for said first nucleic acid to produce amplified product thereof; obtaining a first relationship, said first relationship comparing said amplified product of said first nucleic acid to said amplified product of said competitive template for said first nucleic acid; determining whether said first relationship is within about 1:10 to about 10:1; if not, repeating said combining, co-amplifying, obtaining and determining steps with a second one of said serially-diluted standardized mixtures; co-amplifying said second nucleic acid and said competitive template for said second nucleic acid to produce amplified product thereof; obtaining a second relationship, said second relationship comparing said amplified product of said second nucleic acid to said amplified product of said competitive template for said second nucleic acid; and comparing said first and said second relationships. In one embodiment, the method includes comparing said amplified project of said first nucleic acid to said amplified project of said competitive template for said first nucleic, determining whether said first relationship is within about 1:100 to about 100:1, or 1:1000 to about 1000:1, or 1:10,000 to about 10,000 to 1, if not, repeating said combining, co-amplifying, obtaining and determining steps with a second one of said serially-diluted standardized mixtures; co-amplifying said second nucleic acid and said competitive template for said second nucleic acid to produce amplified product thereof; obtaining a second relationship; said second relationship comparing said amplified product of said second nucleic acid to said amplified project of said competitive template for said second nucleic acid; and comparing said first and said second relationships. Further, in certain embodiments, the products from the series of co-amplification reactions in claim2are combined and amplified in a second round using primer pairs that recognize each NT and CT product from first round of amplification and that also have gene specific barcode primer and universal primer at 5′ end to facilitate sequencing. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

11382383

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to smart footwear and more specifically to smart footwear for controlling an avatar in a virtual environment. 2. Description of the Prior Art It is generally known in the prior art to provide a shoe with pressure sensors. Prior art patent documents include the following: U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0261725 for article of footwear and a charging system for an article of footwear by inventor Beers et al., filed Feb. 27, 2019 and published Aug. 29, 2019, is directed to a charging system including provisions for providing power to various systems or components associated with the article of footwear. A charging system may include a charging device dimensioned to be used with one or more articles of footwear, where the articles of footwear can include different sizes. In some cases, the charging system can be used to facilitate the transfer of power to components in a motorized tensioning system. US Patent Publication No. 2014/0130381 for footwear able to be wirelessly charged and wireless charging device used for the same by inventor Jung, filed Nov. 7, 2013 and published May 15, 2014, is directed to a footwear able to be wirelessly charged, the footwear including: an insole; an outer cover installed on the insole and having a wear space formed therein; a heel attached to a lower surface of the insole; an ion generator installed in the wear space to create an ionization effect; a battery supplying a power to the ion generator; a secondary coil receiving a wireless power signal from an external wireless charging device; a rectifying module configured to rectify an induced electromotive force generated from the secondary coil; and a controller configured to charge the battery by receiving a power from the rectifying module, and to control an operation of the ion generator, and a wireless charging device used for the same. US Patent Publication No. 2014/0135591 for footwear capable of being wirelessly charged and transmitting biological information, method of managing health in wireless communication system including the footwear, and wireless communication system to which the method is applied, filed Nov. 7, 2013 and published May 15, 2014, is directed to a method for managing health in a wireless communication system including a footwear using a wireless charging technology, the method including obtaining a biological information of a user from a biological information detecting sensor of the footwear using a power obtained through a wireless power receiving device installed therein, and transmitting the biological information to an external electronic device via a communication module; a footwear able to be wirelessly charged and to transmit a biological information; and a wireless communication system which performs the method. U.S. Pat. No. 10,350,138 for mobile terminal, wireless charger and wearable device by inventor Eim et al., filed Aug. 14, 2015 and granted Jul. 16, 2019, is directed to a wearable mobile terminal that includes a base provided in an insole of a shoe, a pressure sensing unit provided in the base to sense a pressure selectively applied when a user walks, an acupressure unit provided to apply an acupressure to the user's foot, when the pressure is applied to the pressure sensing unit; and a wireless communication unit synchronized with an external mobile terminal. U.S. Pat. No. 10,292,453 for system and method for embedding a tracking device in a footwear insole by inventor Bertagna et al., filed Dec. 29, 2017 and issued May 21, 2019, is directed to a novel tracking system. In one embodiment, a long-range tracking device is incorporated into a removable footwear insole and a short-range tracking device is incorporated into another removable footwear insole. The long-range tracking device includes a location determining device, a wireless communication device, and a power source. In a more particular embodiment, the location determining device is a GPS receiver, and the communication device is a cellular modem. US Patent Publication No. 2012/0186101 for vibrating insole with Bluetooth wireless, rechargeable battery, and vibrate motors integrated by inventor Sanchez, filed Jan. 21, 2011 and published Jul. 26, 2012, is directed to vibrating insoles with Bluetooth wireless components, vibrate motors, and built in rechargeable battery all integrated in the insole. Slip on insoles that vibrate the feet and are remotely activated via Bluetooth wireless cell phone application. The vibrate motors oscillate and uses vibration to massage the feet. A remote control application from a cell phone uses Bluetooth wireless technology to power on the vibrating motors of the insoles. Vibrate motors get electricity from rechargeable battery that is inside the insoles. Bluetooth wireless activates the vibrate motors and insoles continues vibrating to massage and relax the feet while wearing shoes. Vibrating insole can be used with any shoe allowing user with Bluetooth wireless cell phone to remote control the massaging motion of the vibrating insoles to massage the feet anywhere on the go. Vibrating insole can be slipped into any shoe allow users to remote activate via Bluetooth wireless or wireless radio frequency that powers on the vibrating motors to massages the feet while walking. Portable cordless shoe insole that vibrates and massage the feet inside the shoe. U.S. Pat. No. 8,868,373 for adjustable virtual reality system by inventor Eng et al., filed Aug. 19, 2009 and issued Oct. 21, 2014, is directed to virtual reality systems, in particular immersive virtual reality systems, their parts, construction and use. The systems and/or parts thereof may be used by adults or children, and may be adapted to support, often within a single device, a large range of users of different sizes and medical condition. Users with physical disabilities have difficulties using existing immersive technologies such as those using accessories like head-mounted displays and data gloves. Such users are provided with immersive virtual reality outputs that allow them to see virtual representations of their body parts which appear in a correct spatial position relative to the users' viewpoint. US Patent Publication No. 2019/0204909 for apparatus and method of for natural, anti-motion-sickness interaction towards synchronized visual vestibular proprioception interaction including navigation (movement control) as well as target selection in immersive environments such as VR/AR/simulation/game, and modular multi-use sensing/processing system to satisfy different usage scenarios with different form of combination by inventor Xiao, filed Dec. 28, 2017 and published Jul. 4, 2019, is directed to a method and apparatus to provide realistic and anti-motion-sickness of movement/navigation simulation in VR. More specifically about using an innovated “user-intentional head/body motion/acc initiating/surge movement” detection method/apparatus to determine user's intention of movement (such as acceleration aptitude and speed) from user's self-motion and mapping to self-motion in the virtual worlds, with optional haptics/tactile feedback to enable “same spot” (single step range) navigation/movement in simulated environment that towards significantly reduced or eliminated motion sickness caused by the “artificial acceleration/deceleration (including rotation)” in virtual environment (that does not match 100% in real life). This could (optionally) with multi-use modular sensing/processing system to satisfy different usage scenarios requiring different ways of interaction with different form of combination of hardware. US Patent Publication No. 2018/0326286 for augmented and/or virtual reality footwear by inventor Rathi et al., filed May 9, 2018 and published Nov. 15, 2018, is directed to a physical position of motorized footwear in a physical environment may be tracked, and movement of the footwear may be translated into corresponding movement in a virtual environment. When a distance between the motorized footwear and a boundary of an operational zone defined in the physical environment is less than or equal to a threshold distance, a motor of the motorized shoe may be actuated. Actuation of the motor may in turn actuate a locomotion device of the motorized footwear, to move the motorized footwear back into a return zone defined within the operational zone. This may allow the user to walk, seemingly endlessly in the virtual environment, while remaining within a defined physical space in the physical environment. US Patent Publication No. 2015/0321086 for device for children's footwear including wireless sensor and control for games and applications by inventor Gracia, filed Mar. 11, 2015 and published Nov. 12, 2015, is directed to a wireless sensor and control for games and applications to be applied to children's footwear, including a microchip, a 20/32 battery, a PVC protective capsule, a cover, screws and orifices for the shoestring, to be used as a wireless sensor and control for games and applications to be applied to children footwear and clothes. US Publication No. 2010/0035688 for electronic game that detects and incorporates a user's foot movement by inventor Picunko, filed Nov. 9, 2007 and published Feb. 11, 2010, is directed to an electronic video system incorporating the foot movements of a user into a video program. The system includes a receiver and a computer processor. The receiver is configured to wirelessly receive signals transmitted from footwear worn by a user. The signals correspond to a series of foot movements of the user. The computer processor is operatively connected to the receiver and is configured to run the video program, which utilizes the signals received by the receiver as input data. The processor processes the input data to recognize the series of foot movements of the user, and outputs video signals simulating the series of foot movements. U.S. Pat. No. 7,454,309 for foot activated user interface by inventor Lawrence et al., filed Jun. 21, 2005 and issued Nov. 18, 2008, is directed to a wearable computing apparatus including a processor; a device for presenting information from the processor to a user, and a device for providing user input to the processor in response to the information presented to the user. The device is adapted to be activated wholly or partly by a foot of the user. US Patent Publication No. 2019/0339791 for foot controller computer input device by inventor Alanajadah et al., filed May 7, 2018 and published Nov. 7, 2019, is directed to a foot controller for use with a computer having a graphics display. The foot controller includes a foot platform to sense actions of a user's feet, the foot platform including left and right foot pads. Each foot pad includes a toe sensor, a heel sensor, a left-side sensor, and a right-side sensor. Sensor circuits provide a stream of time-based measurements from each foot pad sensor. The foot controller includes a controller circuit to receive signals from each sensor circuit. The foot controller also includes a communication interface to transmit signals from the controller circuit to application software. The foot controller can use standard commands, and can easily be programmed to interface with many types of application software. The foot controller enables the user to use his/her feet to control a computer having a graphics display, thereby providing an addition to, or an alternative to, hand-based interactions with the application software. U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,333 for foot force actuated computer input apparatus and method by inventor O'Heir, filed Feb. 26, 1996 and issued Jan. 26, 1999, is directed to an apparatus and method for generating control signals for manipulating viewpoints and other objects of a computer generated virtual three dimensional space according to forces exerted by the feet of the user. The apparatus includes shoes, or pads, used beneath the user's feet containing sensors and circuitry for detecting force balances within and between the feet. Force balance signals are input to the computer system and used for generating program control data thereto. The control data are used as thrust and torque vectors for manipulating the location of the viewpoint, and orientation of the view within the virtual space. By intermixing the assignment of force balance signals to thrust or torque vectors various methods are derived for operating the apparatus to navigate the virtual space. The invention also functions as a man-machine interface for vehicular control and other machine control based on a user's exerted foot force or weight balance. US Patent Publication No. 2008/0318679 for foot game controller with motion detection and/or position detection by inventor Tran et al., filed Jun. 21, 2007 and published Dec. 25, 2008, is directed to systems and methods are disclosed having a mesh network such as a ZigBee mesh network, a game controller coupled to the mesh network; and a display device coupled to the mesh network. US Patent Publication No. 2017/0336870 for foot gesture-based device by inventor Everett et al., filed Oct. 23, 2015 and published Nov. 23, 2017, is directed to a hands-free, heads up and discrete system and method for controlling a peripheral device using foot gestures. The system includes a foot-based sensory device that includes one or more sensors, such as pressure sensors, gyroscopes, and accelerometers, that receive sensory information from a user's foot, interpret the information as being linked to specific commands, and transmit the commands to at least one display device for controlling the display device. The system also includes a feedback system for providing tactile, visual and/or auditory feedback to the user based on the actions performed, information provided by the display device and/or information provided from another user. U.S. Pat. No. 9,002,680 for foot gestures for computer input and interface control by inventor Nurse et al., filed Mar. 18, 2011 and issued Apr. 7, 2015, is directed to non-video game computer user interfaces utilizing human foot action to generate input for controlling the interface (e.g., a graphical user interface). Computer systems that use such input may include: (a) at least one input system including one or more sensing devices for sensing action by one or more feet; (b) a data transmission system for transmitting the sensed foot action to (c) a processing system that utilizes the foot action input to provide control data input for a user interface; and (d) an output device for producing a non-video game computer output based, at least in part, on data provided by the processing system. The control data relating to the foot action is used, at least in part, for controlling a user interface associated with the computer output. U.S. Pat. No. 10,353,489 for foot input device and head-mounted display device by inventor Hiroi et al., filed Apr. 7, 2017 and issued Jul. 16, 2019, is directed to a foot input device worn on a foot of a user and configured to output an operation signal used by an external apparatus including an operation section configured to detect a state of a sole of the foot of the user and output the operation signal corresponding to the detected state of the sole of the foot. The operation section detects, as the state of the sole of the foot, a load received from the sole of the foot of the user and outputs the operation signal corresponding to the detected load. U.S. Pat. No. 10,416,756 for foot operated navigation and interaction for virtual reality experiences by inventor Perlin et al., filed Oct. 29, 2018 and issued Sep. 17, 2019, is directed to an apparatus for creating movement in a virtual reality for a user including a computer includes a virtual reality headset in communication with the computer that is worn on the head of the user so the user sees the virtual reality shown by the headset and produced by the computer in the headset. The apparatus includes a foot controller in communication with the computer against which the user moves at least one of his feet to create control signals with the foot to cause movement in the virtual reality. A method for creating movement in a virtual reality for a user having the steps of the user seeing the virtual reality shown by a virtual headset and produced by a computer in the headset, a virtual reality headset in communication with the computer that is worn on the head of the user. There is the step of the user moving at least one of his feet against a foot controller to create control signals with the foot to cause movement in the virtual reality by the computer, the foot controller in communication with the computer. A computer software program for creating movement in a virtual reality for a user. U.S. Pat. No. 10,314,361 for footwear having sensor system by inventor Amos et al., filed Oct. 7, 2016 and issued Jun. 11, 2019, is directed to a shoe that has a sensor system operably connected to a communication port. Performance data is collected by the system and can be transferred for further use via the communication port. The shoe may contain an electronic module configured to gather data from the sensors. The module may also transmit the data to an external device for further processing. Users can use the collected data for a variety of different uses or applications. US Patent Publication No. 2015/0226619 for footwear having sensor system/US by inventor Rice et al., filed Apr. 22, 2015 and published Aug. 13, 2015, is directed to a sensor system adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or compression sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port. U.S. Pat. No. 8,956,228 for game pod by inventor Shum et al., filed Feb. 10, 2005 and issued Feb. 17, 2015, is directed to a system for promoting physical activity for video game players. A video game player wears an article of footwear with a physical activity monitor or “game pod” mounted thereon while exercising or performing some other type of physical activity. The game pod measures the amount of the player's physical activity, and records that amount in a memory. When the player desires to play a video game according to the invention, the player disengages at least the memory from the article of footwear, and then engages the memory with the computer hosting the video game through a computer interface. The computer then obtains the recorded amount of physical activity, and provides a computer function associated with the recorded amount of physical activity. The computer function may include the initiation of the video game itself, the instantiation of a specified gaming environment within the video game, the instantiation of one or more specified characteristics for the player's avatar within the video game, a lengthened playing time for the user's avatar, allowing the player to access data associated with the video game, or a combination of two or more of these functions. U.S. Pat. No. 10,315,115 for gaming environment reward system by inventor Pawlowski et al., filed Nov. 21, 2014 and issued Jun. 11, 2019, is directed to systems and methods to track users' progression through an activity simulation, which may resemble related sporting events. One or more performance levels with respect to one or more measurable parameters may be monitored during the same or different times. Physical activity may be monitored. Exceeding a first performance level may provide an option to join a sponsoring organization and exceeding a second threshold (for the same or different parameter of interest) may result in transmitting a redemption code to a contact point for an option to obtain a physical item. The physical item may mimic equipment used in a simulated activity. US Patent Publication No. 2018/0224929 for home and portable augmented reality and virtual reality game consoles by inventor Mullen, filed Apr. 4, 2018 and published Aug. 9, 2018, is directed to systems and methods for portable or stationary virtual reality and augmented reality video game systems. A game system that is operable of providing visual information to numerous head mounted displays are provided. A game system that is operable to receive, and recharge, numerous rechargeable batteries is also provided. US Patent Publication No. 2011/0275956 for intelligent orthotic insoles by inventor Son et al., filed Jul. 19, 2011 and published Nov. 10, 2011, is directed to an intelligent insole for generating time sensitive information about the pressure on the foot. The insole includes a custom-made, semi-custom or generically sized orthotic component. The orthotic is laminated with a top cover and an intermediate pressure sensor having an array of capacitive pressure sensors. Signal processing equipment may be embedded in the insole or placed locally with the insole as on the side of a shoe. The processor also can connect to a wireless transmitter for relaying the information to a remote site. U.S. Pat. No. 9,795,884 for interactive gaming analysis systems and methods by investor Short et al., filed Jan. 11, 2016 and issued Oct. 24, 2017, is directed to an interactive gaming system. The system comprises at least one sensor that conveys information to the system about the physical, intellectual, mental, emotional, psychological or other type of ability of a user. The system uses the information to assess the existence and extent of a disability, and then implements a change to an aspect of the gaming environment, thus optimizing the gaming experience for the game player by accounting for the game player's disabilities. U.S. Pat. No. 10,238,959 for interactive gaming apparel for interactive gaming by inventor Shum et al., filed Nov. 8, 2016 and issued Mar. 26, 2019, is directed to apparel that can be worn to assist an interactive game in tracking the movement of the wearer. More particularly, the apparel may include one or more tracking marks formed of designs, patterns, or reflective materials that can be easily tracked by an interactive game employing one or more cameras or other detectors for detecting a change in position of an object. The apparel may take the form of, for example, hats, shirts, jackets, pants, gloves, and shoes. The apparel may use reflective materials, and the interactive game can employ a camera and a light source configuration where the camera is located within the observation angle of a player employing retroreflective materials reflecting light from the light source. U.S. Pat. No. 7,924,152 for interactive video gaming footwear including means for transmitting location information to a remote party by inventor Daniel, filed Feb. 1, 2007 and published Apr. 12, 2011, is directed to an article of footwear containing an integrated video gaming apparatus, a cellular phone, and a GPS receiver, whereby the footwear is able to encode and transmit its own location to a central monitoring station, along with a cell phone number (or other unique identifier) of a remote person. Using the encoded location information of the wearer of the footwear, and the encoded cell phone number of the remote person, the central monitoring station is able to look up the nearest street address corresponding to the location of the wearer and send an SMS text message with that address to the remote person. If the remote person is wearing the inventive footwear, the central monitoring station can send the remote person the street address of the wearer, or route information, with or without map data, for display on their video gaming device, such that they can “intercept” to meet up with one another. US Patent Publication No. 2011/0285853 for movement detection system and movement sensing footwear by inventor Chu, filed May 18, 2011 and published Nov. 24, 2011 is directed to a movement detection system including: a movement sensing footwear operable for providing an infrared signal, and for generating and wirelessly transmitting a footwear motion signal that corresponds to acceleration of the movement sensing footwear; an image acquisition module for capturing images that contain the infrared signal; and a data processing device connected electrically to the image acquisition module for receiving the images captured by the image acquisition module, including a wireless receiver module for receiving the footwear motion signal transmitted by the wireless transmitter module, and configured to acquire information corresponding to acceleration of the movement sensing footwear based on the footwear motion signal, and to acquire information corresponding to position of the movement sensing footwear relative to the image acquisition module based on the images captured by the image acquisition module. U.S. Pat. No. 9,267,793 for movement monitoring device for attachment to equipment by inventor Vock et al., filed Feb. 24, 2014 and issued Feb. 23, 2016, is directed to a movement monitoring device attaches to equipment and includes a housing and a transmitter. The housing includes an integrated circuit with (a) a detector sensitive to physical movement of the equipment when the housing is attached to the equipment and (b) a processor for processing data of the detector to determine an event experienced by the equipment. The transmitter communicatively couples with the integrated circuit for communicating the event to a remote receiver. US Patent Publication No. 2017/0188950 for shoe insert for monitoring of biomechanics and motion by inventor Gazdag et al., filed Dec. 29, 2016 and published Jul. 6, 2017, is directed to systems and methods for a self-contained shoe insole device to monitor biomechanics and motion. The systems and methods allow monitoring for orthopedic diagnostics, fitness tracking, and social/gaming activities using a shoe insole device with multiple sensor locations for pressure, acceleration, rotation rate, all forms of inertial data in three axes, position/location, heart rate, and other physical attributes. The shoe insole device can include a plurality of layers, with one layer containing a plurality of sensors, and an electronics component for collecting, reading, storing and transmitting the sensor data. The shoe insole device can wirelessly connect with external computing devices for monitoring and feedback directly to the user or a health care or fitness training professional, or across multiple users in a social or gaming situation. The system can further be provided for monitoring and tracking physical activity and enable a variety of interactions based upon the collected data. U.S. Pat. No. 7,927,253 for sports electronic training system with electronic gaming features, and applications thereof by inventor Vincent et al., filed Apr. 1, 2009 and issued Apr. 19, 2011, is directed to a sports electronic training system with electronic gaming features, and applications thereof. The system comprises at least one monitor and a portable electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors might include a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, et cetera. An input is provided to an electronic game based on data obtained from the at least one monitor that effects, for example, an avatar, a digitally created character, an action within the game, or a game score of the electronic game. U.S. Pat. No. 9,625,485 for sports electronic training system, and applications thereof by inventor Oleson et al., filed May 3, 2016 and issued Apr. 18, 2017, is directed to a sports electronic training system, and applications thereof. The system comprises at least one monitor and an electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. U.S. Pat. No. 9,625,485 for sports electronic training system, and applications thereof by inventor Oleson et al., filed May 3, 2016 and issued Apr. 18, 2017, is directed to a sports electronic training system, and applications thereof. The system comprises at least one monitor and an electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. US Patent Publication No. 2014/0031123 for systems for and methods of detecting and reproducing motions for video games by inventor Sarrafzadeh et al., filed Jan. 19, 2012 and published Jan. 30, 2014, is directed to an instrument that gathers and processes data from one or more capture devices. The data can thereafter be processed using one or more classification techniques to properly detect and/or reproduce motions for an application. The present invention can be used both outdoors and indoors. U.S. Pat. No. 6,646,643 for user control of simulated locomotion by inventor Templeman, filed Jan. 5, 2001 and issued Nov. 11, 2003, is directed to a method and apparatus for interfacing locomotive 3D movements of a user to a reference in a virtual or remote environment. Initially, a 3D motion of a body portion of a user is sensed as the user takes a gestural pace. This sensing includes the determining of a beginning and an end of the gestural pace taken by the user, the determining of a 3D direction characteristic of the body portion motion during the gestural pace, and the determining of a 3D extent characteristic of the body portion motion during the gestural pace. Next, a 3D direction and extent of motion in the environment corresponding to the determined direction and extent characteristics of the gestural pace is computed. Finally, the computed 3D motion is used to move the reference in the environment. U.S. Pat. No. 10,369,474 for virtual performance system by inventor Walling, filed May 10, 2017 and issued Aug. 6, 2019, is directed to rewarding users of an electronic game for real-world physical activity. Further aspects relate to altering virtual items based upon physical activity. An electronic game may comprise or otherwise relate to an online world (such as a “Virtual World”). Users may be represented through customized graphical representations, such as avatars. An account of a user (or entity) may be associated a “virtual region.” A threshold level of real-world physical activity may result in obtaining a reward that may be associated with a virtual item. A reward may be configured to result in: (1) altering visual appearance of a virtual item within a virtual region; (2) altering a virtual characteristic of a virtual item, such that the first user may engage in at least one additional virtual activity using that virtual item; and/or (3) acquiring a new virtual item for a virtual region. US Patent Publication No. 2017/0262049 for virtual reality display based on orientation offset by inventor Kim, filed Mar. 11, 2016 and published Sep. 14, 2017, is directed to technologies to orient virtual reality content based on user head and body orientations. In some examples, a virtual reality content display system may display different portions of virtual reality content to a user based on user head and/or body orientation. The virtual reality content display system may use a determined user body orientation to identify a first, forward portion of the virtual reality content. The virtual reality content display system may then determine where the head of the user is oriented with respect to the user body orientation, in the form of a head-body orientation offset. Upon determining a second portion of the virtual reality content corresponding to the user head orientation, the virtual reality content display system may display the second portion of the virtual reality content to the user. Portions of the virtual reality content may include distinct user interfaces of one or more applications. US Patent Publication No. 2018/0236352 for wearable inertial electronic device by inventor El-Sheimy et al., filed Aug. 26, 2016 and published Aug. 23, 2018, is directed to wearable electronic devices in game play applications. A method may include receiving a signal characteristic of movement of a MEMS inertial sensor configured to generate data in response to movement of a human foot. The method may also include processing the signal received from the MEMS inertial sensor, in a processing device, to generate a command input for an application processing device. Additionally, the method may include communicating the command input to the application processing device for control of an application hosted on the application processing device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to systems and methods for smart footwear. It is an object of this invention to provide a system for controlling an avatar in a virtual environment. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a smart footwear system including at least one smart footwear article and at least one remote device, wherein the at least one smart footwear article includes at least one processor, at least one memory, a transceiver, at least one sensor, at least one vibration motor, and at least one battery, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least one force sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is operable to generate, determine, and/or calculate sensor data, wherein the sensor data includes a magnitude, a duration, and at least one direction of at least one applied force to the at least one smart footwear article, wherein the at least one smart footwear article and the at least one remote device are operable to communicate via two-way communication in real-time or near real-time, and wherein the at least one smart footwear article is operable to transmit the sensor data to the at least one remote device. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a smart footwear system including at least one smart footwear article, at least one remote device, and at least one remote server, wherein the at least one smart footwear article includes at least one processor, at least one memory, a transceiver, at least one sensor, at least one vibration motor, and at least one battery, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least one force sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is operable to generate sensor data, wherein the sensor data includes a magnitude, a duration, and at least one direction of at least one applied force to the at least one smart footwear article, wherein the at least one smart footwear article and the at least one remote device are operable to communicate via two-way communication in real-time or near real-time, wherein the at least one remote device and the at least one remote server are operable to communicate via two-way communication in real-time or near real-time, and wherein the at least one smart footwear article is operable to transmit the sensor data to the at least one remote device and/or the at least one remote server. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a smart footwear system including at least one smart footwear article, at least one remote device, and at least one remote server, wherein the at least one smart footwear article includes at least one processor, at least one memory, a transceiver, at least one sensor, at least one vibration motor, and at least one battery, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least one force sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is operable to generate sensor data, wherein the sensor data includes a magnitude, a duration, and at least one direction of at least one applied force to the at least one smart footwear article, wherein the at least one smart footwear article and the at least one remote device are operable to communicate via two-way communication in real-time or near real-time, wherein the at least one remote device and the at least one remote server are operable to communicate via two-way communication in real-time or near real-time, wherein the at least one smart footwear article is operable to transmit the sensor data to the at least one remote device and/or the at least one remote server, wherein the at least one force sensor includes a first force sensor constructed to be positioned under a first phalange of a foot, a second force sensor constructed to be positioned underneath a second phalange, a third phalange, and a fourth phalange of the foot, a third force sensor constructed to be positioned under a first metatarsal, a fourth force sensor constructed to be positioned underneath a second metatarsal, a third metatarsal, and a fourth metatarsal, a fifth force sensor constructed to be positioned under a fifth metatarsal, a sixth force sensor constructed to be positioned under an arch of the foot, a seventh force sensor constructed to be positioned under a lateral column of the foot, and an eighth force sensor under a calcaneus of the foot, and wherein the at least one vibration motor includes a first vibration motor constructed to be positioned under a lateral plantar nerve and a second vibration motor constructed to be positioned under a medial plantar nerve. These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the drawings, as they support the claimed invention.

11344181

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field The present disclosure relates to an endoscope tip attachment that is attached to a distal end of an endoscope. 2. Related Art Endoscopes require to be cleaned and sterilized at each use. For example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 7-255666 describes that a portion at which a forceps raising base is arranged at a distal end of an endoscope is cleaned by using a syringe jetting out cleaning solution when an endoscope is cleaned. SUMMARY In some embodiments, an endoscope tip attachment includes: a cylindrical casing that is arranged to surround a distal end portion of an endoscope that includes a raising base to raise a treatment tool; and a fluid controller that is positioned at an opening of a treatment-tool insertion channel of the endoscope inside the casing in a state in which the casing is attached to the distal end portion of the endoscope, the fluid controller being configured to control a flow of solution that has flowed from the treatment-tool insertion channel of the endoscope toward the distal end portion of the endoscope to flow equally along an entire surface of the raising base provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope, and being movable by pressure received from the solution. The above and other features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of this disclosure will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

PP34746

Latin name of the genus and species:Portulaca oleracea. Variety denomination: ‘DPORMPZGL’. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The newPortulacacultivar is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventors, Pazit Sharoni, Amir Zuker and Gavriel Danziger in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel. The objective of the breeding program was to produce useful newPortulacavarieties for ornamental horticultural production. The open-pollination resulting in this new variety was made during 2016. The seed parent is the unpatented, propriety variety referred to asPortulaca‘PT-16-1356’. The pollen parent is unidentified. The new variety was discovered in July of 2017 by the inventor in a group of seedlings resulting from the 2016 open pollination, in a greenhouse in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel. After selection of the new variety, extensive confidential testing has been performed to determine and define the desirable characteristics of the new variety. Asexual propagation ofPortulaca‘DPORMPZGL’ was performed by vegetative basal cuttings during September of 2017 at a research greenhouse in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The cultivar ‘DPORMPZGL’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment such as temperature, day length, and light intensity, without, however, any variance in genotype. The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of ‘DPORMPZGL’. These characteristics in combination distinguish ‘DPORMPZGL’ as a new and distinctPortulacacultivar:1. Controlled, semi-trailing habit.2. Large flowers.3. Vivid yellow flower color.4. Dark green foliage. PARENT COMPARISON Plants of ‘DPORMPZGL’ are similar in some horticultural characteristics to the seed parent. The new variety, however, differs in the following:1. Flowers of the new variety are yellow; flowers of the seed parent are dark orange with a large yellow center.2. Flowers of the new variety are more open and nearly flat; flowers of the seed parent are more conical to funnel-shaped.3. Foliage of the new variety is darker than foliage of the seed parent. Comparison with the pollen parent is unavailable, as this variety resulted from an open pollination. COMMERCIAL COMPARISONS Plants of ‘DPORMPZGL’ are similar in some horticultural characteristics to the varietyPortulaca‘Nano Yellow’, unpatented. The new variety, however, differs in the following:1. This comparator has a more compact and dense habit than ‘DPORMPZGL’.2. The flowers color of this comparator is brighter yellow than flowers of ‘DPORMPZGL’.3. Foliage color of this comparator is brighter green than foliage of ‘DPORMPZGL’.4. Foliage color of this comparator is larger than foliage of ‘DPORMPZGL’. Plants of ‘DPORMPZGL’ are similar in some horticultural characteristics to the varietyPortulaca‘Cupcake Yellow Chrome’, unpatented. The new variety, however, differs in the following:1. The plant habit of ‘DPORMPZGL’ is semi-trailing; the plant habit of this comparator is trailing.2. ‘DPORMPZGL’ produces larger flowers than this comparator.3. ‘DPORMPZGL’ produces yellow flowers; this comparator produces yellow flowers with orange venation.

11246677

FIELD The disclosure relates to biopsy procedures and systems. In particular, the disclosure relates to methods, systems, and apparatus useful for planning and performing guided and free-handed transperineal prostate biopsies. BACKGROUND A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves sampling and removing tissues or cells from a living body for further examination and analysis. A prostate biopsy may be performed by a care provider for diagnosis and treatment of a patient's prostate. For example, the vast majority of patients with an abnormal prostate specific antigen (PSA) or suspicious results from a digital rectal examination (DRE) undergo biopsy. Typical biopsy procedures include transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsies and transperineal ultrasound-guided (TPUS) biopsies. TRUS involves obtaining tissue or cell specimens by passing a biopsy needle or other biopsy instruments through the rectal wall and into the prostate at various locations using a sagittal imaging plane. The biopsy needle or other biopsy instruments may be guided by ultrasound in a sagittal plane. There are disadvantages associated with TRUS. In particular, the patient may be required to take antibiotics prior to the procedure to reduce the risk of infections. Also, TRUS requires the patient to perform bowel preparation, which is a procedure usually undertaken before the biopsy, for cleansing the intestines of fecal matter and secretions. Further, the passage of the biopsy needle through the rectal wall may introduce bacteria from the rectum into the prostate, such as coliform bacteria that may lead to an infection or other complications. Additionally, many clinically significant prostate cancers are found in locations of the prostate that are often too difficult to access when using the transrectal approach. TPUS includes obtaining tissue or cells specimens by passing one or more biopsy needles through the perineum and into the prostate. TRUS has been favored over TPUS. Unlike TRUS, TPUS does not require a patient to take antibiotics prior to the procedure or to undergo the bowel preparation for lowering the risk of bacterial issues. Further, TPUS uses a more effective route to access the prostate and is capable of accessing target locations that may be difficult to access utilizing the transrectal approach in comparison with TRUS. In addition, the needle does not pass through the rectal wall which eliminates the risk associated with TRUS of coliform bacteria entering the prostate or the bloodstream. Systems configured for TPUS include a biopsy grid that may be fixed to, for example, a floor, platform, or table on which the patient receiving the biopsy lies. The biopsy grid may provide multiple apertures through which a biopsy needle or other biopsy instruments may be inserted. An ultrasound probe is fixed directly to the apparatus and is used to axially guide the biopsy needle or other instruments, for example other biopsy instruments. Thus, TPUS systems require imaging in an axial plane of the ultrasound or a transverse transducer for positioning the biopsy needle. SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS Related art systems and prostate biopsy TPUS methods do not allow free-hand movement of the ultrasound probe, and heavily rely on the axial ultrasound plane to confirm positioning of the biopsy needle or other instruments. Moreover, such systems and methods include extracting prostate tissue specimens by delivering separate punctures into the transperineal tissue. Also, a care provider executing TPUS procedure using related art systems may experience substantial difficulty in freely handling and positioning a biopsy needle at a desired target location of the prostate relying on the sagittal plane in using the TRUS methods. An apparatus in accordance with an embodiment may include an upper mount and a lower mount. The lower mount may be configured to connect with the upper mount to secure a transrectal probe therebetween. The upper mount may be configured to support an access needle, the access needle configured for perforation of subcutaneous tissue of a perineum at an access site of a target area of a patient. The upper mount may be configured to guide the access needle whereby movement of the access needle is fixed relative to movement of the transrectal probe. A system in accordance with an embodiment may include a biopsy guide and a transrectal transducer fixed to the biopsy guide. The biopsy guide may be configured to guide an access needle to perforate an access site in subcutaneous tissue of a perineum, whereby movement of the access needle is fixed relative to a movement of the transrectal transducer. A method of performing a prostate biopsy in accordance with an embodiment may include imaging a prostate in an axial plane and a sagittal plane with a transducer providing a real-time image, locating a target area of the prostate, and positioning an access needle and an access site in subcutaneous tissue of a perineum wherein the access site is at a midpoint between a lateral edge of the prostate and a urethra along a first axis and a midpoint between an anterior capsule and a posterior capsule along a second axis. The method may include guiding a biopsy instrument along a sagittal plane to the target using the real-time image, and obtaining one or more specimens of the prostate through the access needle with a biopsy instrument. Accordingly, there is a demand for transperineal biopsy methods, systems, and apparatus that enables a biopsy that is less burdensome for the patient and for the practitioner performing the biopsy, increased guidance of needle or other biopsy instruments, and with a higher rate of efficacy and lower rate of health risk than related art TPUS and TRUS systems and methods. Apparatus, systems, and methods disclosed herein satisfy these demands.

11273989

COPYRIGHT RIGHTS IN THE DRAWING A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The patent owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST Not Applicable. RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS This application claims priority under 35 U.S. C. § 119 (a)-(e) based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0032335, by Hun CHOE, filed on Mar. 17, 2020, entitled Chain Driving Sprocket for Trolley Conveyor, which issued as Korean Patent No. 10-2157485 on Sep. 14, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety, including the specification, claims, abstract, and drawing figures. TECHNICAL FIELD The invention(s) disclosed herein relate to a chain driving sprocket for driving a trolley conveyor in which vertical roller modules and horizontal roller modules are alternately arranged and flexibly connected to each other to provide a continuous trolley conveyor chain capable of navigating changes of direction in a trolley track in or on which the trolley conveyor chain travels. BACKGROUND In general, trolley conveyor chains used in trolley conveyors are driven by use of a driving sprocket which interacts with components of the trolley conveyor chain. Prior art sprockets for use in trolley conveyors have a configuration in which a plurality of teeth are formed on an outer surface of a main sprocket body in the form of a disc. When using such a design, a horizontal roller block is connected between vertical roller blocks to form a conveyor chain. The horizontal axles in the vertical roller blocks are engaged for firm meshing engagement with the teeth in the sprocket. The trolley conveyor chain moves according to the speed of rotation of the sprocket. An example of such a conventional chain drive sprocket for a trolley conveyor was disclosed as part of the conveyor chain used in the plant cultivation system using a trolley conveyor, disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-2053997, registered Dec. 3, 2019. In that prior art design, a trolley conveyor chain structure is provided in which vertical roller blocks and horizontal roller blocks are alternately arranged and connected, and the sprocket is driven while the shaft connecting the vertical rollers on each side of the vertical roller block is engaged with the teeth on the outer circumference of the sprocket. However, in that prior art design, the horizontal roller blocks move around the sprocket without receiving any support. I have found that when the horizontal roller blocks are not supported, and the chain shifts vertically downward, the chain may be separated from the sprocket, as a result of the displacement of the horizontal roller block. Also, it is difficult to increase the conveying speed of the trolley conveyor when such problems are encountered. Additionally, there is a problem in that the vibration of the roller blocks increases, and as a result, the stability of transport deteriorates, and noise is generated. Further, in the prior art design, the sprocket driving the chain portion of the trolley conveyor experiences excessive wear on teeth of the sprocket, since a load is applied on the teeth while the trolley conveyor chain continues to be pulled by the sprocket as the horizontal roller block sags. When sufficient wear has occurred, the entire prior art sprocket, as designed, has to be replaced. Consequently, there is an existing problem in that the burden of repair and maintenance cost is ongoing, due to the prior art sprocket design. Thus, there is an unmet need for a sprocket design which provides support for horizontal roller blocks which occur between vertical roller blocks, so that wear, tear, and noise can be reduced, and so that operational flexibility, i.e. speed adjustability, can be increased. Some Objects, Advantages, and Novel Features An object of the present invention is to reduce costs, by reducing the wear, tear, and maintenance problems of existing sprockets of conventional trolley conveyors, by providing a new sprocket design which provides support to horizontal roller blocks which are spaced between vertical roller blocks. It is another object of the present invention to reduce noise and increase controllability as to conveyor chain speed, by use of protrusions on a sprocket disc to support horizontal roller blocks. It is another object of the present invention to increase the stability of transport when adjusting conveyor chain speed, by use of protrusions on a sprocket disc to support horizontal roller blocks. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a sprocket design in which wear parts, namely teeth pairs which engage horizontal shafts connecting vertical rollers in vertical roller blocks for driving the trolley conveyor, can be easily replaced. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a repair kit for use in replacement of wear parts, namely teeth pairs which engage horizontal shafts connecting vertical rollers in vertical roller blocks for driving the trolley conveyor. An object of the invention(s) disclosed herein is to solve the above-described problem of excessive repair and component replacement costs, by providing a new sprocket design that dramatically reduces labor costs for initial fabrication and for repair, yet can still be implemented to reliably perform the same function in a trolley conveyor system. It is an advantage of the invention(s) disclosed herein that the cost of manufacturing a sprocket for a trolley chain is significantly reduced, as compared to prior art sprocket designs. It is yet another advantage of the invention(s) disclosed herein that the reliability of the sprockets built according to the designs disclosed herein are improved, and that speed control and adjustments are more reliable. The above objects and various advantages of the invention(s) as disclosed herein will become more apparent from the description provided and details of various embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. SUMMARY A novel multi-piece conveyor chain driving sprocket is provided. The conveyor chain driving sprocket is configured to drive a conveyor chain having alternating vertical roller units and horizontal roller units, where the vertical roller units each include a horizontal shaft which connects vertical rollers mounted on each side of a vertical roller unit, and where teeth pairs in the sprocket act on the horizontal shaft. The multi-piece sprocket includes (a) a disc shaped body, the disc shaped body having an obverse side, a reverse side, and a body portion between the obverse side and the reverse side, and a circumferential edge surface, (b) a first sprocket ring, the first sprocket ring removably affixed to the obverse side of the disc shaped body, and (c) a second sprocket ring, the second sprocket ring removably affixed to the reverse side of the disc shaped body. The first sprocket ring and the second sprocket ring each include a plurality of teeth pairs. Each of teeth pairs on the first sprocket ring and on the second sprocket ring have first and second teeth with a curved gap surface between the first and second teeth. The first and second teeth and the curved gap surface are sized and shaped for meshing engagement with a horizontal shaft connecting vertical rollers in a vertical roller unit. The first sprocket ring and the second sprocket ring each have a thickness T, and are spaced apart by the disc shaped body by a distance D, so that the curved gap surface in each one of the plurality of teeth pairs extends a height H above the circumferential edge surface of the disc shaped body, so that a horizontal shaft connecting vertical rollers is exposed for aligned meshing engagement with companion teeth pairs on the first sprocket ring and on the second sprocket ring. In an embodiment, the disc shaped body of the sprocket includes a plurality of protrusions spaced apart at intervals around the circumferential edge surface of the disc shaped body. Each one of the plurality of protrusions are circumferentially located for support of a vertical shaft connecting horizontal rollers mounted on each side of horizontal roller units, so as to support the horizontal rollers radially outward in the direction of distal ends of the teeth on the first sprocket ring and on the second sprocket ring. In an embodiment, each one of the plurality of protrusions is spaced equidistant between adjacent teeth pairs provided in the plurality of teeth pairs. In this design, the flow of horizontal roller units flows smoothly and evenly along the circumferential edge of the sprocket, even though, in an embodiment, the teeth of the sprocket do not engage the horizontal roller units. Such support reduces noise, and increases controllability of the linear velocity of the conveyor chain as it is urged along by the sprocket.

11267198

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The present invention concerns the field of the industrial methods for obtaining applicators for a cosmetic product. The application of a cosmetic product in liquid, fluid or powder form is generally carried out using an applicator comprising bristles or teeth making it possible to retain the cosmetic product like the bristles of a paintbrush. Although the invention is described in the context of the application of a mascara, cosmetic products in the present document encompass all make-up products for the skin, the lips or the superficial appendages. cosmetic products also encompass care products, in particular liquid care formulas, provided for application to the skin, the lips and the superficial appendages. The invention is of particular interest in the context of the application of cosmetic products near the eyes, in particular on the eyelashes or the eyelids For example, the cosmetic product may be mascara, eye shadow, or eye contour makeup commonly referred to as “eyeliner”. 2. Description of the Background An item of mascara, or “mascara”, conventionally comprises a case, a mascara reservoir and an applicator. Several types of applicator exist, those of “bottle brush” type, those that are injection molded and those produced by additive manufacturing (sometimes called “additive manufacture”). Additive manufacturing designates the methods of manufacturing by addition or aggregation of matter, also commonly designated by the expression “three-dimensional printing” or “3D printing”. An applicator of bottle brush type comprises a brush which has bristles formed by fibers trapped in a twisted metal wire forming the core of the applicator. An injection-molded applicator is generally formed of one piece and comprises bristles or teeth of plastic material for example. An applicator manufactured by additive manufacturing is also generally of one piece and can be formed for example from a powder of thermoplastic polymers. The conventional methods of obtaining a part by additive manufacturing enable parts to be obtained having very precise dimensional features. Nevertheless, the cosmetic product applicators obtained may present certain defects or drawbacks. In particular, these applicators may have roughness that is badly controlled, unsatisfactory or irregular, in particular at the location of the application bristles or teeth. Moreover, these applicators may have particles that are detached or liable to detach when application is carried out. This alters the quality of the application and may prove problematic in particular on application of a cosmetic product near the eyes, for example on the eyelids. In particular, particles having a certain size may be an irritant for the cornea. Lastly, the current methods are poorly adapted to mass production. SUMMARY The invention is thus directed to providing a method of manufacturing an applicator for a cosmetic product solving at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks. The invention thus relates to a method of manufacturing a cosmetic product applicator comprising a grip part and an application part comprising bristles or teeth, the grip part and the application part being formed as one piece. The method comprises additive manufacturing by sintering of a powder of plastic material followed by depowdering and a post-treatment for the elimination of the particles that are detached from said cosmetic product applicator or are partially sintered. The post-treatment comprises sand-blasting (S4) and ionizing blowing (S5). The method of manufacturing a cosmetic product applicator is thus envisioned according to the invention as a set of steps (i.e., “method parts”) of which the succession makes it possible to obtain desired properties for the applicator. In particular, the set of steps of the claimed method is necessary for obtaining a desired roughness at the location of the application part (comprising bristles, or teeth) of the applicator, while guaranteeing the absence of particles potentially irritant (for example for the user's eye) that are detached or that may detach on use of the applicator. The post-treatment may further comprise a final step of washing (S6), preferably in a non-aqueous solvent. The plastic material employed in the manufacturing method may be a polyamide, preferably an aliphatic polyamide, for example polyamide 11. The manufacturing method may comprise, prior to the additive manufacturing, a processing of the polyamide powder comprising:providing new powder having only grains of which the greatest dimension is less than or equal to 150 microns;providing so-called used powder, having already served for additive manufacturing, and the calibration of said used powder in order for it to have only grains of which the greatest dimension is less than or equal to 150 microns;mixing the new powder and the calibrated used powder in a new powder/used powder ratio comprised between 70/30 and 50/50, preferably of the order of 60/40. The additive manufacturing may comprise powder bed fusion by laser. The manufacturing method may comprise pre-blowing prior to the sand-blasting. The sand-blasting may be carried out by microsphere treatment with glass spheres of diameter comprised between 45 microns and 90 microns. The sand-blasting may be carried out in a rotary drum comprising two sand-blasting nozzles. The ionizing blowing (S5) may be carried out in a rotary drum comprising an internal ionizing bar and an external ionizing bar. The sand-blasting (S4) and ionizing blowing (S5) may for example be carried out in batches of 300 to 10 000 cosmetic product applicators. The invention also relates to a method of producing cosmetic product applicators comprising a manufacturing method as described earlier, and further comprising qualifying (S7) comprising determining, in a batch of a predetermined number of cosmetic product applicators, the number of residual particles that are detached or partially sintered of largest dimension greater than 500 microns, and, if said number particles is not zero, modifying at least one parameter of post-treatment, then the succession of such manufacturing methods and qualifying steps (S7) until said number of particles of largest dimension greater than 500 microns is zero. Still other particularities and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description.

11280809

BACKGROUND Technical Field The present application relates to the technical field of oscilloscopes, and in particular, to a method and an apparatus for processing an oscilloscope signal and an oscilloscope. Related Art An oscilloscope is a basic test and measurement device in the electronics industry, and may convert an electrical signal that is invisible to the naked eye into a visible image, which is convenient for people to study the changes in various electrical phenomena. An oscilloscope can be used to observe waveform curves of various signal amplitudes over time, and may further be used to measure different parameters such as a voltage, a current, a frequency, a phase and an amplitude of the electrical signal. The oscilloscope may generally be divided into an analog oscilloscope and a digital oscilloscope. Currently, as a high-performance oscilloscope, the digital oscilloscope is widely used in development and maintenance of electronic products. However, a traditional digital oscilloscope generally needs to convert an analog signal into a digital signal through a hardware device such as an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), to capture waveforms with a series of sample values and display the series of sample values. Moreover, the traditional digital oscilloscope is expensive and operated inconveniently. The oscilloscope has complicated buttons and display screens, causing the oscilloscope to be bulky and difficult to carry. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a software manner to convert the analog signal into the digital signal to resolve the foregoing problem, thereby reducing costs of the oscilloscope and facilitating user operation and carrying. SUMMARY The present invention is mainly intended to provide a method and an apparatus for processing an oscilloscope signal and an oscilloscope, so that a voltage signal can be converted into a digital signal in a software manner, thereby reducing costs of the oscilloscope and facilitating user operation and carrying. Embodiments of the present invention disclose the following technical solutions. According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for processing an oscilloscope signal, the method including: obtaining a voltage signal; determining high and low level signals in the voltage signal according to a reference voltage; determining a valid digital signal from the high and low level signals; and displaying a waveform image of the digital signal. In some embodiments, the determining a valid digital signal from the high and low level signals includes: obtaining a baud rate of a measured device; obtaining collection frequencies of the high and low level signals; and determining a valid digital signal from the high and low level signals according to the collection frequency and the baud rate. In some embodiments, the determining a valid digital signal from the high and low level signals according to the collection frequency and the baud rate includes: calculating a ratio of the frequency to the baud rate; and using, according to the ratio, a signal obtained through extraction from the high and low level signals at an equal interval as the digital signal. In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a user operation on the waveform image of the digital signal; and processing the waveform image according to the user operation. In some embodiments, the processing the waveform image according to the user operation includes: if the user operation is a scaling operation on the waveform image, scaling the waveform image; or if the user operation is a movement operation on the waveform image, adjusting a display segment of the waveform image; or if the user operation is a viewing operation on the waveform image, displaying a signal parameter that is related to an image area indicated by the viewing operation and that is in the waveform image. According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing an oscilloscope signal, the apparatus including: a voltage signal obtaining module configured to obtain a voltage signal; a high and low level signal determining module configured to determine high and low level signals in the voltage signal according to a reference voltage; and a digital signal determining module configured to determine a valid digital signal from the high and low level signals; and a waveform image display module configured to display a waveform image of the digital signal. In some embodiments, the digital signal determining module includes: a baud rate obtaining unit configured to obtain a baud rate of a measured device; a collection frequency obtaining unit configured to obtain collection frequencies of the high and low level signals; and a digital signal determining unit configured to determine a valid digital signal from the high and low level signals according to the collection frequency and the baud rate. In some embodiments, the digital signal determining unit is specifically configured to: calculate a ratio of the frequency to the baud rate; and use, according to the ratio, a signal obtained through extraction from the high and low level signals at an equal interval as the digital signal. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes: a user operation receiving module configured to receive a user operation on the waveform image of the digital signal; and a waveform image processing module configured to process the waveform image according to the user operation. In some embodiments, the waveform image processing module is specifically configured to: if the user operation is a scaling operation on the waveform image, scale the waveform image; or if the user operation is a movement operation on the waveform image, adjust a display segment of the waveform image; or if the user operation is a viewing operation on the waveform image, display a signal parameter that is related to an image area indicated by the viewing operation and that is in the waveform image. According to a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an oscilloscope, including: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor, where the memory stores instructions that may be executed by the at least one processor and that are executed by the at least one processor, so that the at least one processor can perform the foregoing method for processing the oscilloscope signal. According to a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer program product that includes a computer program stored in a non-volatile computer readable storage medium, the computer program including a program instruction that, when executed by an oscilloscope, causes the oscilloscope to perform the foregoing method for processing the oscilloscope signal. According to a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a non-volatile computer readable storage medium that stores a computer executable instruction that is used to cause an oscilloscope to perform the foregoing method for processing the oscilloscope signal. The beneficial effect of the embodiments of the present invention is that, in comparison to the prior art, in the embodiments of the present invention, the high and low level signals in the voltage signal are determined according to the reference voltage, and the valid digital signal is determined from the high and low level signals, so that the voltage signal may be converted into the digital signal without digital processing on the voltage signal via a hardware device such as an analog converter, thereby reducing costs of the oscilloscope and facilitating user operation and carrying.

11295048

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the electrical, electronic and computer arts, and, more particularly, to geomechanical simulation of a reservoir. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION One of the most challenging problems in the petroleum industry is the understanding and prediction of subsidence at the surface due to formation compaction that happens as a result of fluid withdrawal from the reservoir. In some oil fields (e.g., poorly compacted reservoirs), stress changes associated with reservoir compaction can have beneficial results on fluid recovery (e.g., oil and gas production). However, reservoir compaction may also reduce permeability, causing surface subsidence and damaging well equipment. Subsidence phenomena can cause excessive stress at the well casing, which can result in casing buckling and/or casing sheer. Subsidence phenomena can also cause excessive stress within the completion zone, where collapse of structural integrity could lead to loss of production (e.g., due to pressure decline). Subsurface subsidence can result in problems at the wellhead or with pipeline systems and platform foundations. Mudline subsidence can cause fault activation or movement, which in turn can result in reduced wellbore stability (e.g., due to concrete cracking) or subsea wellhead failures. Open or closed fractures can occur in a production well or an injection well, or along a production length or an injection length. Progressive activation of faults and fractures affect phenomena such as stress arching and a nonlinear stress path. Unlike standard compaction drive simulation, there is no simple linear method to account for the effects of stress on permeability, especially for fractured systems, in which the changes of permeability might be directional, localized, and strongly nonlinear. As a result, fluid flow in a porous medium under such scenarios cannot be simplified to compressibility or pressure dependent porosity/permeability changes. Modeling of such processes is achieved by incorporation of geomechanical effects resulting from fluid flow in the porous medium. Thus, many applications in the petroleum industry require modeling of both the porous flow of reservoir fluids (reservoir simulation) and of mechanical deformation caused by reservoir stresses and displacements (geomechanical simulation) to produce realistic results of reservoirs under production and especially to simulate the behavior of naturally fractured reservoirs. For example, reservoir simulation coupled with geomechanical simulation is used to model reservoir fluid flows and physical phenomena such as compaction, subsidence, induced fracturing, enhancement of natural fractures and/or fault activation. This coupling may be implemented using an algorithm in which information is exchanged between a reservoir simulator and a geomechanical simulator in an iterative, staggered manner. The coupling of geomechanical and reservoir simulations in hydrocarbon or gas reservoir production induces variations in time and space of reservoir pressure, saturation and temperature. In turn, changes in thermal and hydraulic reservoir properties may cause a modification of the stress state in and around the reservoir. The stress changes may then alter the reservoir fluid flow parameters and then the reservoir production scenario. In conventional approaches, a reservoir model is selected, and then that reservoir model is utilized for the coupling (e.g., the model is utilized by both a reservoir simulator and a geomechanical simulator). Once a reservoir model is selected, then the coupling (e.g., both reservoir simulation and geomechanical simulation) must be fully implemented using only that model. Once coupling is completed using the selected model, if the coupling using the selected model leads to unsatisfactory results, the selected model is abandoned and a new (e.g., more complex) model is selected instead. Coupling must then be fully re-implemented using the new model. For example, after coupling (e.g., both reservoir simulation and geomechanical simulation) is completed using a “single porosity” model, if the results are unsatisfactory, the “single porosity” model is replaced with a more complex “dual porosity” model and the entire coupling process (e.g., both reservoir simulation and geomechanical simulation) is repeated using the new “dual porosity” model. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Principles of the invention provide techniques for use by at least one machine learning classifier. An illustrative embodiment of the present invention includes the machine learning classifier obtaining one or more recent results from at least one geomechanical simulation; the machine learning classifier comparing the recent results to stored historical data; and, based on the comparing, the machine learning classifier deciding at least one reservoir model for use by at least one reservoir simulation. As used herein, “facilitating” an action includes performing the action, making the action easier, helping to carry the action out, or causing the action to be performed. Thus, by way of example and not limitation, instructions executing on one processor might facilitate an action carried out by instructions executing on a remote processor, by sending appropriate data or commands to cause or aid the action to be performed. For the avoidance of doubt, where an actor facilitates an action by other than performing the action, the action is nevertheless performed by some entity or combination of entities. One or more embodiments of the invention or elements thereof can be implemented in the form of a computer program product including a computer readable storage medium with computer usable program code for performing the method steps indicated. Furthermore, one or more embodiments of the invention or elements thereof can be implemented in the form of a system (or apparatus) including a memory, and at least one processor that is coupled to the memory and operative to perform exemplary method steps. Yet further, in another aspect, one or more embodiments of the invention or elements thereof can be implemented in the form of means for carrying out one or more of the method steps described herein; the means can include (i) hardware module(s), (ii) software module(s) stored in a computer readable storage medium (or multiple such media) and implemented on a hardware processor, or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii); any of (i)-(iii) implement the specific techniques set forth herein. Techniques of the present invention can provide substantial beneficial technical effects; e.g. dynamic reconfiguration, including switching a reservoir model, during a coupled workflow. Thus, an illustrative embodiment of the invention may advantageously help professionals in interdisciplinary areas making decisions in oil exploration analysis. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

11501434

BACKGROUND Computer vision algorithms may be used to recognize and detect various features on digital images. Detection of features on a biomedical image may consume a significant amount of computing resources and time, due to the potentially enormous resolution and size of biomedical images. SUMMARY Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers for women in the United States. Analyzing the margin status of surgical procedures is important to evaluate surgery performance and implicates future treatment for breast cancer patients. Analysis of tissue is performed manually by pathologists reviewing glass slides with the margins of interest. Digital pathology has provided means to digitize the glass slides and generate whole slide images. Computational pathology enables whole slide images to be automatically analyzed to assist pathologists, especially with the advancement of deep learning. The whole slide images generally contain giga-pixels of data, so it is impractical to process the images at the whole-slide-level. Most of the current deep learning techniques process the images at the patch-level, but they may produce poor results by looking at individual patches with a narrow field-of-view at a single magnification. Presented herein are Deep Multi-Magnification Networks (DMMNs) to resemble how pathologists look at slides with their microscopes. The multi-class tissue segmentation architecture processes a set of patches from multiple magnifications to make more accurate predictions. For the supervised training, partial annotations may be used to reduce the burden of annotators. The segmentation architecture with multi-encoder, multi-decoder, and multi-concatenation outperforms other segmentation architectures on breast datasets, and can be used to facilitate pathologists' assessments of breast cancer in margin specimens. At least one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of segmenting biomedical images using multi-magnification encoder-decoder concatenation networks. A computing system having one or more processors may identify a biomedical image derived from a histopathological image preparer. The biomedical image may be divided into a plurality of tiles. Each tile of the plurality of tile may correspond to a portion of the biomedical image. The computing system may create a plurality of patches from at least one tile of the plurality of tiles of the biomedical image using a corresponding plurality of magnification factors. The plurality of patches may have: a first patch of a first magnification factor of the plurality of magnification factors, a second patch of a second magnification factor of the plurality of magnification factors, and a third patch of a third magnification factor of the plurality of magnification factors. Additionally, the computing system may apply a segmentation model to the plurality of patches from the at least one tile. The segmentation model may include a plurality of networks for the corresponding plurality of magnification factors. The plurality of networks may include a first network for patches of the first magnification factor. The first network may have a first set of encoders and a first set of decoders to transform the first patch into a first set of feature maps of the first magnification factor. Each decoder of the first set may have a concatenator to combine feature maps from successive networks. The plurality of networks may include a second network for patches of the second magnification factor. The second network may have a second set of encoders and a second set of decoders to transform the second patch into a second set of feature maps of the first magnification factor. Each encoder of the second set may feed output feature maps to the concatenator of a corresponding decoder of the first set in the first network. The plurality of networks may include a third network for patches of the third magnification factor. The third network may have a third set of encoders and a third set of decoders to transform the second patch into a third set of feature maps of the third magnification factor. At least one of the encoders of the third set may feed output feature maps to the concatenator of the corresponding decoder of the first set in the first network. The computing system may generate a segmented tile corresponding to the at least one tile of the first magnification factor using the first set of feature maps outputted by the first network of the plurality of networks of the segmentation model. At least one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to training multi-magnification encoder-decoder concatenation networks for segmenting biomedical images. A computing system having one or more processors may identify a training dataset. The training dataset may include a sample biomedical image derived from a histopathological image preparer. The sample biomedical image may be divided into a plurality of tiles. Each tile of the plurality of tile may correspond to a portion of the sample biomedical image. The sample biomedical image may have a region of interest. The training dataset may include an annotation labeling a portion of the region of interest. The annotation may indicate that at least the portion of region of interest within the sample biomedical image is to be segmented. The computing system may create a plurality of patches from each tile of the plurality of tiles of the sample biomedical image using a corresponding plurality of magnification factors. The plurality of patches may have a first patch of a first magnification factor of the plurality of magnification factors, a second patch of a second magnification factor of the plurality of magnification factors, and a third patch of a third magnification factor of the plurality of magnification factors. Additionally, the computing system may apply a segmentation model to the plurality of patches from the at least one tile. The segmentation model may include a plurality of networks for the corresponding plurality of magnification factors. The plurality of networks may include a first network for patches of the first magnification factor. The first network may have a first set of encoders and a first set of decoders to transform the first patch into a first set of feature maps of the first magnification factor. Each decoder of the first set may have a concatenator to combine feature maps from successive networks. The plurality of networks may include a second network for patches of the second magnification factor. The second network may have a second set of encoders and a second set of decoders to transform the second patch into a second set of feature maps of the first magnification factor. Each encoder of the second set may feed output feature maps to the concatenator of a corresponding decoder of the first set in the first network. The plurality of networks may include a third network for patches of the third magnification factor. The third network may have a third set of encoders and a third set of decoders to transform the second patch into a third set of feature maps of the third magnification factor. Furthermore, the computing system may generate a segmented biomedical image using the first set of feature maps outputted by the first network of the plurality of networks of the segmentation model over the plurality of tiles of the biomedical image. The computing system may determine an error metric between the segmented biomedical image and the sample biomedical image based on the annotation labeling the portion of the region of interest in the sample biomedical image. The computing system may modify at least one parameter in the plurality of networks of the segmentation model based on the error metric. At least one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of segmenting biomedical images. A computing system having one or more processors may identify, for at least one tile of a biomedical image, a first patch at a first magnification factor and a second patch at a second magnification factor. The computing system may apply a trained segmentation model to the first patch and the second patch to generate a segmented tile. The trained segmentation model may include a plurality of networks. The plurality of networks may include a first network to generate a plurality of first feature maps using the first patch at the first magnification factor. The plurality of networks may include a second network to generate a second feature map using the second patch at the second magnification factor and the one or more first feature maps from the first network. The computing system may store the segmented tile identifying a region of interest within the at least one tile of the biomedical image. In some embodiments, the plurality of networks of the segmentation model may include a third network. The third network may generate a plurality of third feature maps using a third patch of the at least one tile at a third magnification factor. The third network may provide the plurality of third feature maps to a corresponding plurality of decoders of the second network to generate the second feature map. In some embodiments, the second network may include a plurality of decoders arranged across a corresponding plurality of columns. Each of the plurality of decoders may process a corresponding feature map of the plurality of first maps from the first network. In some embodiments, the first network may include a plurality of encoders arranged across a corresponding plurality of columns. Each of the plurality of encoders may provide a corresponding feature map of the plurality of first networks to a respective decoder in the second network. In some embodiments, the second network may include a plurality of concatenators to combine the plurality of first feature maps from the first network with a corresponding plurality of intermediate feature maps in generating the second feature map. In some embodiments, the computing system may generate a segmented biomedical image using a plurality of segmented tiles from applying the segmentation model applied to a plurality of patches at corresponding plurality of magnification factors. Each patch may be identified from a corresponding tile of the plurality of tiles of the biomedical image. In some embodiments, the computing system may obtain the biomedical image derived from a histopathological image preparer. The biomedical image may be divided into a plurality of tiles. Each tile of the plurality of tile corresponding to a portion of the biomedical image. At least one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of training networks for segmenting biomedical images. A computing system having one or more processors may identify a training dataset. The training dataset may include at least one sample tile from a sample biomedical image. The sample biomedical image biomedical image may have a region of interest. The training dataset may include an annotation labeling at least a portion of the region of interest. The annotation may indicate that at least the portion of region of interest within the at least one sample tile. The computing system may generate, for the at least one sample tile of the sample biomedical image, a first patch at a first magnification factor and a second patch at a second magnification factor. The computing system may train a segmentation model using the first patch, the second patch, and the annotation of the at least one sample tile. The segmentation model may include a plurality of networks. The plurality of networks may include a first network to generate a plurality of first feature maps using the first patch at the first magnification factor. The plurality of networks may include a second network to generate a second feature map using the second patch at the second magnification factor and the one or more first feature maps from the first network. A segmented tile corresponding to the second feature map may be compared to the annotation. In some embodiments, the computing system may train the segmentation model by determining an error metric between the segmented tile and the sample tile based on the annotation labeling the portion of region of interest. In some embodiments, the computing system may train the segmentation model by updating at least one parameter in the plurality of networks of the segmentation model using the error metric. In some embodiments, the plurality of networks of the segmentation model may include a third network. The third network may generate a plurality of third feature maps using a third patch of the at least one tile at a third magnification factor. The third network may provide the plurality of third feature maps to a corresponding plurality of decoders of the second network to generate the second feature map. In some embodiments, the second network may include a plurality of decoders arranged across a corresponding plurality of columns. Each of the plurality of decoders may process a corresponding feature map of the plurality of first maps from the first network. In some embodiments, the first network may include a plurality of encoders arranged across a corresponding plurality of columns. Each of the plurality of encoders may provide a corresponding feature map of the plurality of first networks to a respective decoder in the second network. In some embodiments, the second network may include a plurality of concatenators to combine the plurality of first feature maps from the first network with a corresponding plurality of intermediate feature maps in generating the second feature map. In some embodiments, the annotation of the training dataset may label the portion less than an entirety of the region of interest within the sample biomedical image. The annotation may be separated from an edge of the entirety of the region of interest. In some embodiments, the computing system may generate a segmented biomedical image using a plurality of segmented tiles from applying the segmentation model applied to a plurality of patches at corresponding plurality of magnification factors. Each patch may be identified from a corresponding tile of the plurality of tiles of the sample biomedical image. In some embodiments, the sample biomedical image may be derived from a histopathological image preparer. The sample biomedical image may be divided into a plurality of tiles. Each tile of the plurality of tile may correspond to a portion of the sample biomedical image.

11315320

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION This application is a National Stage Patent Application of PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2018/034131 (filed on Sep. 14, 2018) under 35 U.S.C. § 371, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-189782 (filed on Sep. 29, 2017), which are all hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and, particularly, to an information processing apparatus and method that makes it possible to suppress a reduction in a subjective image quality. BACKGROUND ART There has been quantization using voxels, for example, such as an octree, as a compression method of a point cloud that represents a three-dimensional structure with position information, attribute information, etc. of a point group, or vertex data of meshes that are composed of vertices, edges, and faces and define a three-dimensional shape by means of polygonal representation (see, for example, NPTL 1). CITATION LIST Non Patent Literature NPTL 1: R. Mekuria, Student Member IEEE, K. Blom, P. Cesar., Member, IEEE, “Design, Implementation and Evaluation of a Point Cloud Codec for Tele-Immersive Video”, tcsvt_paper_submitted_february.pdf SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION However, in general, such quantization of position information is likely to cause distortion in geometry information and to shift the position of a point. Therefore, a positional relationship of attribute information, such as color information, is also distorted, and a point to be compared is changed, or the number of points to be compared is increased or decreased, and thus there is a possibility that the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) may be reduced. That is, there is a possibility that the subjective image quality of a point cloud may be reduced. The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and makes it possible to suppress the reduction in the subjective image quality. An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present technology is an information processing apparatus including: a search section that searches point cloud data before update of position information for a point to be compared, the point to be compared being a point to be compared with a current point, the current point being a processing target point of the point cloud data with the updated position information; and an attribute information setting section that compares the point to be compared retrieved by the search section with the current point, and sets attribute information of the current point. An information processing method according to an aspect of the present technology is an information processing method including: searching point cloud data before update of position information for a point to be compared, the point to be compared being a point to be compared with a current point, the current point being a processing target point of the point cloud data with the updated position information; and comparing the retrieved point to be compared with the current point and setting attribute information of the current point. According to an information processing apparatus and method according to an aspect of the present technology, point cloud data before update of position information is searched for a point to be compared that is a point to be compared with a current point that is a processing target point of the point cloud data with the updated position information, and the retrieved point to be compared is compared with the current point, and attribute information of the current point is set. According to the present disclosure, it is possible to process information. In particular, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the subjective image quality.

11225951

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to geothermal energy extraction, and more specifically, to extracting heat energy from geothermal briny fluid. BACKGROUND Heat energy lies beneath the surface of the Earth, in the form of geothermal energy. With the core of the Earth believed to be over 5,000° C., there is enough heat stored from the original formation of the Earth and generated by ongoing radioactive decay to provide a vast supply of energy. However, many problems commonly occur in attempting to utilize geothermal energy relate to accessing the geothermal energy, as the surface of the Earth is significantly cooler in temperature than the interior portions of the Earth. The average geothermal gradient is about 25° C. for every kilometer of depth below the Earth's surface. Accordingly, the temperature at the bottom of a well that is 5 km deep can be approximately 125° C. or more. In many cases, various entities can drill into the Earth for resources (e.g., oil) at similar depths (e.g., up to 12 km depths). However, to operate in a well of these depths can be extremely resource-intensive. Further, within a proximity to geological fault zones, fractures in the Earth's crust allow magma to come much closer to the surface. This may give rise to geothermal landforms such as volcanoes, natural hot springs, and geysers. As an example, in the seismically active Long Valley Caldera of California, magma at a temperature more than 700° C. is believed to lie at a depth of only 6 km below the Earth's surface. Alternatively, if lower temperatures can be utilized, a well at a depth less than 1 km in a geothermal zone can achieve temperatures over 100° C. A well only 1 km deep often be much less resource-intensive than operating a deeper well. At some sites, drilling may be unnecessary due to preexisting drilling activities. As an example, previous oil-prospecting areas have left many subterranean wells, where some of these wells may reach deep enough below the surface of the Earth to capture geothermal heat. For these wells, only surface infrastructure may need to be supplied to allow this source of heat to be captured. SUMMARY The disclosed technology involves transferring heat energy from a closed-loop briny fluid system to molten salt. The closed-loop briny fluid system may include an extraction well and an injection well extending deep into the Earth. The depth of the extraction and injection wells can be a function of a geothermal temperature gradient. Briny fluid extracted via the extraction well may be directed into a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat energy from the briny fluid to a molten salt system. Since a closed-loop system is used, all or substantially all briny fluid is returned to a geothermal source, via the injection well, after extracting heat energy. The molten salt can store heat energy for an extended period of time. The molten salt can also be used to transport the stored heat energy to another location. For example, the molten salt can be used to transfer the stored heat energy to a remote electric generating unit (EGU).

11423497

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and apparatus for controlling evidence and, more particularly, a method and apparatus for storing, retrieving, maintaining, deleting and tracking the chain of custody of digital evidence. Description of the Related Art In today's legal system, evidence is an essential aspect of litigation. Evidence must be carefully accumulated, stored under state or federal rules, and tracked throughout its existence. For a document or an object to be useable as evidence in a court room, such document or object must comply with all the laws applicable to evidence retrieval, maintenance, and tracking. In other words, evidence must remain authentic and its chain of custody must be maintained. From the point of its retrieval, evidence is handled or viewed by many individuals. For example, evidence is handled or viewed by investigators, police officers, attorneys, witnesses, or an evidence keeper. Such individuals may co-exist at the same location, in different buildings, even in different cities, states, or countries. Thus, with numerous people interacting with the evidence, it becomes challenging to maintain the authenticity and the chain of custody of evidence. If authenticity or chain of custody of a piece of evidence is challenged, the court may disallow the use of such evidence in a court room. In some cases, such as criminal cases, the cost of improper space handling of evidence maybe someone's freedom or life. The challenges of handling evidence are exacerbated when the evidence is digital evidence, i.e., information stored upon a disk drive, compact disk (CD), or other digital media. Such digital evidence, if not properly handled, can be easily corrupted or destroyed. Furthermore, due to the intangible nature of digital evidence, tracking the chain of custody of digital evidence is difficult. Therefore, there is a need for a system that would allow individuals, in different locations to access evidence without interfering with the authenticity of evidence, while simultaneously, providing a simple process for maintaining the chain of custody of a piece of evidence. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a method and apparatus for controlling digital evidence. The method and apparatus comprises creating a case record comprising information about an investigative case, electronically storing at least one piece of digital evidence into memory, and associating the stored at least one piece of evidence with the case record.

11526664

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY This application relates to the field of computer technologies, and specifically, to a message digest generation method and apparatus, an electronic device, and a storage medium. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Currently, when digests of messages in social media are extracted, each message is usually used as an article (for example, each status in WeChat Moments is regarded as an article), and then a digest of the message is extracted using a content-based multi-article summarization method. However, due to characteristics such as short text, loud noise, and informal language of the messages in the social media, ideal effects cannot be achieved by directly using the content-based multi-article summarization method. The information disclosed in the background is merely used to enhance understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information of the related art not known by a person of ordinary skill in the art. SUMMARY Embodiments of this application provide a message digest generation method and apparatus, an electronic device, and a storage medium, to overcome, at least to some extent, the problem in the related art that a message digest cannot be accurately obtained. Other features and advantages of this application become obvious through the following detailed descriptions or partially learned through practice in this application. According to an aspect of the embodiments of this application, a message digest generation method is provided, including: obtaining a plurality of associated messages from a to-be-processed message set; generating a function label distribution model, a sentiment label distribution model, a word category label distribution model, and a word sentiment polarity label distribution model corresponding to each of the plurality of associated messages, the word category label distribution model representing a probability that messages having different function labels include words with respective categories, and the word sentiment polarity label distribution model representing a probability that messages having different sentiment labels include words with respective sentiment polarities, determining, based on the function label distribution model, the sentiment label distribution model, the word category label distribution model, and the word sentiment polarity label distribution model, a distribution probability that a category of a word included in the plurality of associated messages is a subject content word; and generating a digest of the plurality of associated messages according to the distribution probability of the subject content word. According to an aspect of the embodiments of this application, a message digest generation apparatus is provided, including: a memory operable to store program code; and a processor operable to read the program code. The processor is configured to: obtain a plurality of associated messages from a to-be-processed message set; generate a function label distribution model, a sentiment label distribution model, a word category label distribution model, and a word sentiment polarity label distribution model corresponding to each of the plurality of associated messages, the word category label distribution model representing a probability that messages having different function labels include words with respective categories, and the word sentiment polarity label distribution model representing a probability that messages having different sentiment labels include words with respective sentiment polarities; determine, based on the function label distribution model, the sentiment label distribution model, the word category label distribution model, and the word sentiment polarity label distribution model, a distribution probability that a category of a word included in the plurality of associated messages is a subject content word; and generate a digest of the plurality of associated messages according to the distribution probability of the subject content word. According to an aspect of the embodiments of this application, an electronic device is provided, including one or more processors and a storage apparatus, the storage apparatus being configured to store one or more executable program instructions; and the one or more processors being configured to execute the one or more executable program instructions in the storage apparatus, to implement the message digest generation method according to the foregoing embodiment. According to an aspect of the embodiments of this application, a non-transitory machine-readable media is provided, storing a processor-executable instructions for causing a processor to: obtain a plurality of associated messages from a to-be-processed message set; generate a function label distribution model, a sentiment label distribution model, a word category label distribution model, and a word sentiment polarity label distribution model corresponding to each of the plurality of associated messages, the word category label distribution model representing a probability that messages having different function labels comprise words with respective categories, and the word sentiment polarity label distribution model representing a probability that messages having different sentiment labels comprise words with respective sentiment polarities; determine, based on the function label distribution model, the sentiment label distribution model, the word category label distribution model, and the word sentiment polarity label distribution model, a distribution probability that a category of a word in the plurality of associated messages is a subject content word; and generate a digest of the plurality of associated messages according to the distribution probability of the subject content word. It is to be understood that the above general descriptions and the following detailed descriptions are merely for exemplary and explanatory purposes, and cannot limit this application.

11269349

BACKGROUND Technical Field The present invention relates to an automatic working system and a control method thereof, and in particular, to an automatic lawn mower system that does not require arrangement of a boundary line and a control method of the automatic lawn mower system. Related Art In an automatic working system, a self-moving device can automatically travel and work within a particular area to complete a specific task. The automatic working system works without manual operation, and some safety problems may occur during the running of the self-moving device. For example, the self-moving device may travel into an unexpected area of a user. An automatic lawn mower is used as an example. The automatic lawn mower may travel into an area outside a lawn or travel into a pit area. An automatic working system to which an automatic lawn mower belongs is used as an example. In a method for resolving the foregoing problem, a sensor is mounted on an automatic lawn mower to detect a boundary or an obstacle. In this method, a user needs to arrange a boundary line on a lawn. An electrical signal is transmitted in the boundary line to generate an electromagnetic field. A boundary sensor on the automatic lawn mower detects the electromagnetic field. A controller of the automatic lawn mower determines, according to the electromagnetic field detected by the boundary sensor, whether the automatic lawn mower is working within a working area defined by the boundary line. In this method, it is not easy to arrange a boundary line, and a boundary line compromises the look of a lawn. In another method, a working area map is created to control an automatic lawn mower to move within a working area defined by the map. In one of those map creation methods that can be used, a coordinate system is created to record the position coordinates of a working area, and the recorded position coordinates within the working area is used to define a safe working area for the automatic lawn mower. During working, the controller of the automatic lawn mower determines a relationship between a current position of the automatic lawn mower and the position coordinates within the working area stored in the controller. If it is found that the automatic lawn mower is about to travel to a position outside the safe working area, the automatic lawn mower is controlled to steer towards the working area, to ensure safe working of the automatic lawn mower. Certainly, in a map creation method, images of a working area may be collected to create an image library, and a position inside the working area, a position outside the working area, a boundary, and the like are defined for images that include different features. During working of the automatic working system, a camera mounted on the automatic lawn mower captures an image of the ground in front of the automatic lawn mower. The controller analyzes an image feature to determine whether the automatic lawn mower is located in a safe working area. It is not necessary to arrange a boundary line on a lawn in a map creation method, thereby saving a user the trouble of arranging a boundary line. However, the accuracy of a created map is a bottleneck in this method. For example, the position coordinates of a working area recorded on a map are offset from position coordinates of an actual working area. The safe working area indicated by the map is larger than an actual safe working area of the automatic lawn mower. As a result, during working of the automatic working system, the automatic lawn mower travels to unsafe working area and a safety problem occurs. For another example, the safe working area indicated by the map may be smaller than the actual safe working area of the automatic lawn mower, during working of the automatic working system, the automatic lawn mower may fail to reach an area that is not included in the safe working area defined by the map, and as a result a part of a lawn is left uncut. In such a map creation method, a created map may still be inaccurate even if a high-precision positioning device is used. Moreover, when a positioning device having higher positioning precision is used, the automatic working system correspondingly has higher costs. It is impossible to keep improving the precision of a positioning device. Therefore, it is urgent to work out a method that can be used to create an accurate map. SUMMARY To create an accurate map for a working area map of an automatic working system, the technical solution used in the present invention is as follows: An automatic working system, comprising a self-moving device and a positioning device, wherein the self-moving device comprises a movement module, a task execution module, and a drive circuit connected to the movement module and the task execution module, and the drive circuit drives the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move, and drives the task execution module to execute a working task; the positioning device is configured to detect a current position of the self-moving device; and the automatic working system comprises: a storage unit, configured to store a working area map, and: a map confirmation procedure, the map confirmation procedure comprising: providing a drive circuit instruction to move along a working area boundary, and receiving a confirmation signal from a user to complete the map confirmation procedure; and a working procedure comprising providing a drive circuit instruction to move within a working area defined by the map and execute the working task; and a control module, configured to monitor an output of the positioning device to execute the map confirmation procedure and execute the working procedure after the map confirmation procedure is completed. In one embodiment, the positioning device comprises a satellite positioning device. In one embodiment, the satellite positioning device comprises a differential satellite positioning device. In one embodiment, the differential satellite positioning device comprises a real-time kinematic (RTK)-Global Positioning System (GPS) positioning device. In one embodiment, the positioning device is fixedly connected to the self-moving device, or the positioning device is detachably connected to the self-moving device. In one embodiment, the map confirmation procedure further comprises providing a drive circuit instruction to keep the task execution module from executing the working task. In one embodiment, the task execution module comprises a cutting assembly, and the map confirmation procedure comprises providing a drive circuit instruction to keep the cutting assembly from executing cutting work. In one embodiment, the map confirmation procedure further comprises: after the drive circuit instruction is provided to move along the working area boundary, providing a drive circuit instruction to move within a working area defined by the boundary. In one embodiment, the automatic working system comprises an alarm unit, configured to output an alarm signal indicating a working area exception. In one embodiment, the automatic working system comprises an environmental sensor, at least partially mounted at the self-moving device, and configured to detect the working area exception when the self-moving device moves within the working area; and the control module monitors an output of the environmental sensor and control the alarm unit to output the alarm signal. In one embodiment, the map confirmation procedure further comprises: receiving a control signal from the user, and providing a drive circuit instruction according to the control signal to control a movement manner. In one embodiment, the control signal comprises a movement stop signal, the map confirmation procedure comprises: receiving the movement stop signal from the user, and providing a drive circuit instruction according to the movement stop signal to control to stop moving. In one embodiment, the map confirmation procedure further comprises receiving a map modification signal from the user to modify the working area map. In one embodiment, the automatic working system comprising a communications module, communicating with a smart terminal of the user, and configured to receive the confirmation signal from the user. A control method of an automatic working system, the automatic working system comprising a self-moving device and a positioning device, wherein the self-moving device comprises a movement module and a task execution module; the positioning device is configured to detect a current position of the self-moving device; and the control method comprises the following steps: storing a working area map; controlling to enter a map confirmation mode, and in the map confirmation mode: monitoring the current position of the self-moving device, controlling the movement module based on the working area map to enable the self-moving device to move along a working area boundary; and receiving a confirmation signal from a user; and only after the confirmation signal from the user is received, controlling to enter a working mode; and in the working mode, monitoring the current position of the self-moving device, controlling the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move within a working area defined by the map, and controlling the task execution module to execute a working task. In one embodiment, the positioning device comprises a satellite positioning device. In one embodiment, the satellite positioning device comprises a differential satellite positioning device. In one embodiment, the differential satellite positioning device comprises a real-time kinematic (RTK)-Global Positioning System (GPS) positioning device. In one embodiment, the positioning device is fixedly connected to the self-moving device, or the positioning device is detachably connected to the self-moving device. In one embodiment, in the map confirmation mode, the task execution module is controlled not to execute the working task. In one embodiment, the task execution module comprises a cutting assembly, and in the map confirmation mode, the cutting assembly is controlled not to execute cutting work. In one embodiment, in the map confirmation mode, after the movement module is controlled based on the working area map to enable the self-moving device to move along a working area boundary, the control method further comprises the following step: controlling the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move within a working area defined by the boundary. In one embodiment, an alarm unit is provided, and the alarm unit outputs an alarm signal indicating a working area exception. In one embodiment, an environmental sensor is provided, and the environmental sensor is at least partially mounted at the self-moving device, and detects the working area exception when the self-moving device moves within the working area; and an output of the environmental sensor is monitored to control the alarm unit to output the alarm signal. In one embodiment, in the map confirmation mode, a control signal from the user is received, and the movement module is controlled according to the control signal to enable the self-moving device to change a movement manner. In one embodiment, the control signal comprises a movement stop signal, and the movement module is controlled according to the movement stop signal to enable the self-moving device to stop moving. In one embodiment, in the map confirmation mode, a map modification signal from the user is received, and the working area map is modified according to the map modification signal. In one embodiment, a communications module is provided, and the communications module communicates with a smart terminal of the user, and is configured to receive the confirmation signal from the user. An automatic working system includes: a self-moving device, the self-moving device including a movement module, a task execution module, and a control module, where the movement module enables the self-moving device to move; the task execution module executes a working task; the control module is electrically connected to the movement module and the task execution module; the control module includes a storage unit, storing a working area map; the control module controls the self-moving device to move within a working area defined by the map; the automatic working system includes a manual observation mode, and in the manual observation mode, the automatic working system works under the observation of a user; after the storage unit stores the map, and before the control module controls the task execution module to execute the working task, the control module controls the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move to examine the map; and when the control module controls the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move to examine the map, the automatic working system works in the manual observation mode. In one embodiment, when the control module controls the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move to examine the map, the movement module is controlled to enable the self-moving device to move along a boundary recorded on the map. In one embodiment, when the control module controls the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move to examine the map, the movement module is controlled to enable the self-moving device to move to cover the working area defined by the map. In one embodiment, when the control module controls the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move to examine the map, the control module controls the task execution module to keep a nonworking state. In one embodiment, the control module modifies the map stored in the storage unit based on an observation result of the user. In one embodiment, the automatic working system includes an interaction module, when the control module controls the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move to examine the map, the interaction module is electrically connected to the control module and is configured to perform interaction between the self-moving device and the user, and the control module modifies, based on an output of the interaction module, the map stored in the storage unit. In one embodiment, the interaction module includes a communications module, configured to perform communication between the self-moving device and a smart terminal of the user. In one embodiment, the interaction module includes an input/output device for observation or operation by the user. In one embodiment, the self-moving device includes an obstacle detection sensor, electrically connected to the control module, when the control module controls the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move to examine the map, the obstacle detection sensor is configured to detect an obstacle within the working area defined by the map, and the control module modifies, based on a detection result of the obstacle detection sensor, the map stored in the storage unit. In one embodiment, the self-moving device includes a slope detection sensor, electrically connected to the control module, when the control module controls the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move to examine the map, the slope detection sensor is configured to detect slope information within the working area defined by the map, and the control module modifies, based on a detection result of the slope detection sensor, the map stored in the storage unit. In one embodiment, the automatic working system includes a positioning device, when the control module controls the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move to examine the map, and the positioning device is configured to output a current position of the self-moving device. In one embodiment, the control module modifies, according to the current position of the self-moving device output by the positioning device and the reliability of a signal output by the positioning device, the map stored in the storage unit. In one embodiment, the control module controls the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move to examine the modified map. Embodiments of the present invention further provide a control method of a self-moving device, wherein the self-moving device includes: a movement module, enabling the self-moving device to move; and a task execution module, executing a working task; and the control method of a self-moving device includes the following steps: recording and storing a working area map; after the map is stored, and before the task execution module is controlled to execute the working task, the movement module is controlled to enable the self-moving device to move within a working area defined by the map, to examine the map; and when the map is being examined, enabling the self-moving device to move under the observation by a user. In one embodiment, a map examination process includes the following step: controlling the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move along a boundary recorded on the map. In one embodiment, a map examination process includes the following step: controlling the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move to cover the working area defined by the map. In one embodiment, a map examination process includes the following steps: locating a current position of the self-moving device, comparing the current position of the self-moving device with a position recorded on the stored map, and determining whether the self-moving device is located within the working area defined by the map. In one embodiment, when the map is being examined, the task execution module is controlled to keep a nonworking state. In one embodiment, the map is modified based on an observation result of the user. In one embodiment, a map examination process includes the following steps: controlling the self-moving device to interact with the user, and modifying the map based on an interaction result. In one embodiment, the movement module is controlled to enable the self-moving device to move to examine the modified map. Embodiments of the present invention further provide a self-moving device, automatically moving within a working area based on a working area map, and including a housing, a movement module, a task execution module, and a control module, where the control module controls the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move, and controls the task execution module to execute a working task; the control module obtains the current position of the self-moving device from a positioning device; the working area map includes position information of one or more positions in the working area; the self-moving device includes a map confirmation mode, and in the map confirmation mode, the control module controls the self-moving device to automatically move based on the working area map, and controls the task execution module not to execute the working task. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: After the storage unit stores the map, and before the control module controls the task execution module to execute the working task, the control module controls the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move to examine the map, to prevent a safety problem caused by an inaccurate map when the self-moving device executes the working task. A map examination process takes place under manual observation, so that the reliability of map examination is ensured. In a map examination process, the task execution module is kept from working, so that the safety of an examination process is ensured. Embodiments of the present invention further provide an automatic lawn mower that requires simplified use preparation and implements a fast return. An automatic lawn mower includes: a working area recognition module, configured to determine whether an area that the automatic lawn mower is about to cover is a working area; a drive module, configured to drive the automatic lawn mower to walk within the working area; a positioning module, configured to receive a positioning signal, to obtain the coordinates of a current position of the automatic lawn mower or a coordinate area formed of a plurality of coordinates; a map construction and storage module, configured to: determine whether the coordinates are stored on a working map, and when it is determined that the coordinates are not stored, add the coordinates to the working map to obtain an updated working map; a return path planning module, configured to: receive a return instruction, generate a return path according to the updated working map, and control the automatic lawn mower to return from a position before returning to a predetermined position along the return path. The automatic lawn mower can start rapidly to work and improve a working map during working. After finishing work, the automatic lawn mower can navigate according to an existing working map to implement a fast return. A user does not need to train the automatic lawn mower in advance to learn about all working areas. In one embodiment, the predetermined position is a charging station. In one embodiment, the working area recognition module includes a grassland detection module, used to recognize whether an area that the automatic lawn mower is about to cover is grassland. In one embodiment, the positioning module has a communications module used to receive the positioning signal, and the communications module includes one or more of a Global Positioning System (GPS) module, a Differential GPS (DGPS) module, an ultra-wideband (UWB) module, a Zigbee module, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) module, an ultrasound receiving module, an inertial navigation module, an odometer, an electronic map, and an acceleration sensor. In one embodiment, the return path is the shortest path that is from the position before returning to the predetermined position and is defined by known coordinates on the working map. In one embodiment, the return path planning module is further configured to record the numbers of times that known coordinates on the working map have been covered by the automatic lawn mower, and the return path is determined by the position coordinates before returning, the coordinates of the predetermined position, and known coordinates that have been least often covered by the automatic lawn mower between the position before returning and the predetermined position. A walking method of an automatic lawn mower is further provided, and includes the following steps: determining whether an area that an automatic lawn mower is about to cover is a working area; driving the automatic lawn mower to walk within the working area; receiving a positioning signal, to obtain the coordinates of a current position of the automatic lawn mower or a coordinate area formed of a plurality of coordinates; determining whether the coordinates are stored on a working map, and when it is determined that the coordinates are not stored, adding the coordinates to the working map to obtain an updated working map; and receiving a return instruction, generating a return path according to the updated working map, and controlling the automatic lawn mower to return from a position before returning to a predetermined position along the return path. In one embodiment, the return path is the shortest path that is from the position before returning to the predetermined position and is defined by known coordinates on the working map. In one embodiment, the step of receiving a return instruction, generating a return path according to the updated working map, and controlling the automatic lawn mower to return from a position before returning to a predetermined position along the return path includes: recording the numbers of times that known coordinates on the working map have been covered by the automatic lawn mower; and generating the return path according to the position coordinates before returning, the coordinates of the predetermined position, and known coordinates that have been least often covered by the automatic lawn mower between the position before returning and the predetermined position. In one embodiment, the origin of a coordinate system of the coordinates is the predetermined position.

11220873

BACKGROUND Drilling fluids may be circulated through a wellbore during a drilling operation, for example, to remove cuttings (i.e., small pieces of the formation that break away during drilling) and to cool the drill bit. In some instances, drilling fluids are an oil-based fluid that includes a weighting agent. Drilling fluids may also be referred to as drilling muds and the terms are interchangeable. Typically, weighting agents include particles of high-density minerals that increase the density of the drilling fluid. Increasing the density of the drilling fluid may help to stabilize the wellbore and mitigate formation fluid intrusion into the wellbore. As drilling fluids are circulated through the wellbore during the drilling process, the drilling fluids collect drilled solids or “cuttings.” These cuttings may affect the properties of the drilling fluid and therefore should be removed before the drilling fluid can be returned to the drill string. Oftentimes mechanical methods such as vibrating screens and centrifuges may be employed to remove cuttings from drilling fluids. Mechanical methods may be effective at removing relatively larger sized drill cuttings. However, as drilling is continued the cuttings may be broken down into smaller and smaller particle sizes which may become difficult to remove by mechanical means such as filtering and centrifuging. As the particle size of cuttings becomes sufficiently small, surface effects may become a significant determining factor in the feasibility of separation. The small particle size drill cuttings may be suspended in the drilling fluid in a similar manner to a colloid. Eventually the drilling fluid becomes loaded with drill cutting particles that cannot be removed through mechanical means and the drilling fluid may be considered spent. The solids that are not removed from the drilling fluid may change the physical properties of the drilling fluids thereby rendering the drilling fluid unsuitable for use. Conventional methods for treating spent drilling fluids include diluting the drilling fluid to reduce the concentration of solids. However, dilution has several drawbacks including that the storage requirements for drilling fluid increase with every dilution. Additionally, since the small particle size cuttings are not removed, the drilling fluids remain contaminated and thus can retain some undesirable properties.

11489300

RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 62/979,878, filed Feb. 21, 2020 and U.S. provisional application No. 62/979,259, filed Feb. 20, 2020, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/871,114, filed on May 11, 2020, each of which is entitled High Frequency Electrical Connector, and the subject matter of each of which is herein incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND CATV networks are used to deliver high speed data (e.g. internet and entertainment) to households and businesses. The need for increased data speeds and bandwidth is driving the development and deployment of enhanced or upgraded networks. Current networks are defined by DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification). Many of the current networks use a version of DOCSIS entitled DOCSIS 3.1, which has a maximum frequency of 1.2 GHz. Next generation networks may use DOCSIS 4.0, which will include “ESD” (Extended Spectrum DOCSIS) and increase the maximum frequency to 1.8 GHz. These systems are expected to deploy soon and will require upgrades to the entire “plant” (wired network) to operate to the higher frequencies, e.g., the maximum frequencies of DOCSIS 3.1 and 4.0. There is an increased need to prevent RF leakage and RF ingress for all enclosures and transmission lines in CATV networks, including RF connectors and cables, to improve RF performance. This need is increasing because, as more RF spectrum is licensed for commercial use, there is increased opportunity for crosstalk between systems operating in the same spectrum. For optimal RF performance, the connector interfaces and cable transmission lines need to prevent ingress of these wireless signals into wired broadband systems. The legacy Type F connectors for CATV typically do not perform well at higher frequencies. There is also a well-known robustness and reliability concern with Type F connectors. This is particularly a concern if an installer fails to properly tighten the connector to its mating component, which allows considerable RF leakage resulting in a degraded RF performance. The legacy type F connectors commonly fail CATV networks due to inconsistent and unreliable sealing in outdoor applications. SUMMARY The present disclosure provides a connector that comprises a conductive shell supporting at least one signal contact therein. The shell comprises a front end for mating with a mating connector and a back end opposite the front end for connecting to a power or data transmission cable. A coupling member is configured to engage the conductive shell and also engage a corresponding component associated with the mating connector to mechanically couple the connector to the mating connector. A plurality of ground connections are provided at the front end of the conductive shell and the front section of the coupling member that are configured to connect the mating connector with the connector and the cable. In certain examples, the coupling member is disposed on the conductive shell; the coupling member is rotatably coupled to the conductive shell; the coupling member is a sleeve that includes a front section configured to engage the corresponding component associated with the mating connector and a back section configured to engage the back end of the conductive shell; the connector further comprises a retaining member disposed on the coupling sleeve, the retaining member being slidable with respect to the coupling member between unlocked and locked positions; the retaining member comprises a ring body disposed on the coupling sleeve; and/or the ring body includes an end portion that extends beyond the back section of the coupling member. In other examples, the front section of the coupling member includes inner threads; the plurality of ground connections define a plurality of grounding paths through the connector to electrically engage the mating connector with the connector and the cable; the coupling member is a spring clip that engages an outer annular groove of the conductive shell; the conductive shell includes a dielectric insert that supports the at least one signal contact; and/or the connector is an electrical connector. The present disclosure may also provide a connector that comprises a conductive shell supporting at least one signal contact therein. The shell comprises a front end for mating with a mating connector and a back end opposite the front end for connecting to a power or data transmission cable. A coupling sleeve is disposed on the conductive shell. The coupling sleeve includes a front section configured to engage a corresponding component associated with the mating connector and a back section configured to engage the conductive shell. A retaining member is disposed on at least a portion of the coupling sleeve that is slidable with respect to the coupling sleeve between unlocked and locked positions. In some examples, the coupling sleeve comprises an elongated body with an outer gripping surface, the front section of the coupling sleeve includes inner threads, and the back section is configured to cover the back end of the conductive shell; the coupling sleeve includes one or more flexible latches for engaging the conductive shell and one or more flexible protection tines adjacent to the one or more flexible latches; the retaining member comprises a ring body disposed over the one or more flexible protection tines; the ring body is configured to slide axially with respect to the back end of the conductive shell between the unlocked and locked positions; the ring body includes one or more windows that correspond to the one or more flexible protection tines of the back section of the coupling sleeve; the ring body includes an end portion that extends beyond the back section of the coupling sleeve, the end portion includes an end face in a plane generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the coupling sleeve; and/or the ring body includes one or more tabs opposite the end face that are configured to engage corresponding notches on an outer surface of the coupling sleeve. In other embodiments, the connector further comprises a plurality of ground connections that define a plurality of grounding paths; the plurality of grounding paths are electrically coupled to form a combined ground path within the connector; the plurality of ground paths are electrically coupled to form a combined ground path outside of the connector; and/or the connector is an electrical connector. The present disclosure may further provide a connector that comprises a conductive shell supporting at least one signal contact therein. The shell comprises a front end for mating with a mating connector and a back end opposite the front end for electrically connecting to a power or data transmission cable. The front end includes a primary ground connection configured to electrically connect the mating connector with the cable. A coupling sleeve is disposed on the conductive shell. The coupling sleeve includes a front section that has inner threads configured to engage a corresponding component associated with the mating connector, and a back section that has one or more flexible snap latches configured to engage the back end of the conductive shell. The front section of the coupling sleeve includes a secondary ground connection configured to electrically connect the mating connector with the cable. A retaining ring is disposed on the back section of the coupling sleeve that is slidable with respect to the coupling sleeve between unlocked and locked positions. In certain examples, the back section of the coupling sleeve includes one or more flexible protection tines adjacent to the one or more flexible snap latches; each flexible protection tine includes a ramped surface configured to facilitate sliding of the retaining ring to the locked position; the retaining ring includes one or more windows corresponding to the one or more flexible protection tines; and/or the retaining ring includes an end portion that extends past the back section of the coupling sleeve, and the end portion includes an end face in a plane generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the coupling sleeve. In other examples, the corresponding component of the mating connector is an engagement feature of a support panel or wall in which the mating connector is mounted; the primary and secondary ground connections are separate contact points, at least one of the contact points being on an outer surface of the front end of the conductive shell and another of the contact points being on an inner surface of the front section of the coupling member; the primary and secondary ground connections define a plurality of grounding paths; the plurality of grounding paths combine to form a combined ground path within the electrical connector; the plurality of ground paths combine to form a combined ground path outside of the electrical connector; and/or the connector is an electrical connector. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the disclosure.

11451974

BACKGROUND The present disclosure relates to server management. In a more particular example, the disclosure relates managing regionalized vehicular communication. Today, some modern computing systems rely on servers to provide vehicle applications to vehicles. However, in these computing systems, the areas covered by the servers usually cannot be adjusted while the traffic condition in these areas often drastically change over time. As a result, a server assigned to a particular area may not have sufficient computational resources to provide the vehicle applications to a large number of vehicles located within its coverage area in heavy traffic condition. On the other hand, the computational resources of the server may not be efficiently utilized when the traffic in the area covered is low. In addition, as the area of the server is generally fixed, the data received from the vehicles located within the area of the area may be irrelevant or inadequate for the vehicle applications implemented on the server to accurately operate given the specific traffic condition. Furthermore, it is generally impractical or impossible for these existing solutions to flexibly provide a particular vehicle application to the vehicles located within a specific area during a certain time period, because the areas of the servers on which the vehicle application can be implemented typically remain unchanged. SUMMARY The subject matter described in this disclosure overcomes the deficiencies and limitations of the existing solutions by providing novel technology for efficiently managing electronic vehicular communication. According to one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure, a computer-implemented method comprises: determining a topology modification for a geographical area; determining a set of one or more coverage regions in the geographical area that are adjacent to a target coverage region, the target coverage region being associated with a first regionalized server configured to communicate with vehicular traffic in the target coverage region, the set of one or more coverage regions being respectively associated with a set of one or more second regionalized servers, each second regionalized server of the set of one or more second regionalized servers being configured to communicate with vehicular traffic in a corresponding coverage region of the set of one or more coverage regions; determining that a region count of the set of one or more coverage regions satisfies a region count threshold; responsive to determining that the region count of the set of one or more coverage regions satisfies the region count threshold, determining a morphing portion for each coverage region in the set of one or more coverage regions; and morphing the set of one or more coverage regions associated with the set of one or more second regionalized servers based on the corresponding morphing portions. In general, another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be embodied in computer-implemented methods comprising: detecting a traffic trigger event associated with a geographical area, the geographical area including a set of one or more coverage regions that are respectively associated with a set of one or more regionalized servers; determining a topology modification for the geographical area based on a traffic condition associated with the traffic trigger event; modifying a coverage region topology of the geographical area based on the topology modification by one or more of creating an additional coverage region for the geographical area and associating the additional coverage region with an additional regionalized server, and morphing one or more coverage regions in the set of one or more coverage regions. In general, another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be embodied in systems comprising: one or more processors; and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to: determine a topology modification for a geographical area; determine a set of one or more coverage regions in the geographical area that are adjacent to a target coverage region, the target coverage region being associated with a first regionalized server configured to communicate with vehicular traffic in the target coverage region, the set of one or more coverage regions being respectively associated with a set of one or more second regionalized servers, each second regionalized server of the set of one or more second regionalized servers being configured to communicate with vehicular traffic in a corresponding coverage region of the set of one or more coverage regions; determine that a region count of the set of one or more coverage regions satisfies a region count threshold; responsive to determining that the region count of the set of one or more coverage regions satisfies the region count threshold, determine a morphing portion for each coverage region in the set of one or more coverage regions; and morph the set of one or more coverage regions associated with the set of one or more second regionalized servers based on the corresponding morphing portions. These and other implementations may each optionally include one or more of the following features: that the topology modification of the geographical area includes a creation of the target coverage region for the first regionalized server, the first regionalized server being initiated, or an expansion of a first coverage region associated with the first regionalized server to the target coverage region, and determining the morphing portion of a coverage region of the set of one or more coverage regions to include an area where the coverage region associated with a second regionalized server overlaps with the target coverage region of the first regionalized server; that morphing the set of one or more coverage regions associated with the set of one or more second regionalized servers includes reducing the coverage region associated with the second regionalized server to exclude the morphing portion corresponding to the coverage region, transmitting data associated with the morphing portion from the second regionalized server to the first regionalized server, and instructing a plurality of vehicles located within the morphing portion to communicate with the first regionalized server; that the topology modification of the geographical area includes an elimination of a first coverage region associated with the first regionalized server, the first regionalized server being removed, or a reduction of the first coverage region associated with the first regionalized server to the target coverage region, and determining the set of one or more coverage regions in the geographical area includes determining a difference region between the first coverage region associated with the first regionalized server and the target coverage region, and determining that a resource amount of the set of one or more second regionalized servers satisfies a resource amount to accommodate a plurality of vehicles located within the set of one or more coverage regions associated with the set of one or more second regionalized servers and the difference region; that determining the morphing portion for each coverage region in the set of one or more coverage regions includes determining, from the difference region, a morphing portion for a coverage region associated with a second regionalized server based on a resource amount of the second regionalized server and a traffic condition in the difference region; that morphing the set of one or more coverage regions associated with the set of one or more second regionalized servers includes expanding the coverage region associated with the second regionalized server to include the morphing portion corresponding to the coverage region, transmitting data associated with the morphing portion from the first regionalized server to the second regionalized server, and instructing a plurality of vehicles located within the morphing portion to communicate with the second regionalized server; that determining that the region count of the set of one or more coverage regions does not satisfy the region count threshold, responsive to determining that the region count of the set of one or more coverage regions does not satisfy the region count threshold, determining, from the first regionalized server and the set of one or more second regionalized servers, a set of one or more third regionalized servers based on the topology modification of the geographical area, determining a set of one or more third coverage regions in the geographical area for the set of one or more third regionalized servers, and respectively assigning the set of one or more third coverage regions to the set of one or more third regionalized servers; that determining the set of one or more third coverage regions in the geographical area includes determining a third coverage region for a third regionalized server based on a resource amount of the third regionalized server and a traffic condition in the third coverage region; that classifying the first regionalized server and the set of one or more second regionalized servers into one or more physical regionalized servers and one or more virtual regionalized servers, initiating one or more temporary virtual regionalized servers corresponding to the one or more physical regionalized servers, transmitting data associated with each physical regionalized server to a temporary virtual regionalized server corresponding to the physical regionalized server, and responsive to respectively assigning the set of one or more third coverage regions to the set of one or more third regionalized servers, transmitting, from the one or more virtual regionalized servers and the one or more temporary virtual regionalized servers, data associated with each third coverage region to a third regionalized server associated with the third coverage region; that responsive to transmitting the data associated with each third coverage region to the third regionalized server associated with the third coverage region, instructing a plurality of vehicles located within the third coverage region associated with the third regionalized server to communicate with the third regionalized server, and removing the one or more temporary virtual regionalized servers; that the topology modification of the geographical area is associated with a trigger event, the trigger event including one or more of a change of roadway condition, a change of traffic condition, and a change of traffic condition reflected in a traffic pattern of a road segment in the geographical area, an implementation of a vehicle application that is temporarily accessible in an application accessible area within the geographical area, and an unavailability of a regionalized server associated with a coverage region in the geographical area; that determining the topology modification for the geographical area includes determining a road segment in the geographical area that has a vehicle density of the road segment satisfying a vehicle density threshold, and determining the target coverage region for the first regionalized server based on the road segment; that determining the topology modification for the geographical area includes determining an application accessible area for a vehicle application temporarily implemented on the first regionalized server, and determining the target coverage region for the first regionalized server based on the application accessible area of the vehicle application; that determining the topology modification for the geographical area includes estimating a number of vehicles that are accommodatable by the first regionalized server based on a resource amount of the first regionalized server and operation requirements of a vehicle application, determining a vehicle density of a road segment that includes a first coverage region associated with the first regionalized server, and determining the target coverage region for the first regionalized server based on the number of vehicles that are accommodatable by the first regionalized server and the vehicle density of the road segment. These and other implementations may each optionally include one or more of the following features: that the traffic trigger event includes one or more of a change of roadway condition, a change of traffic condition, and a change of traffic condition reflected in a traffic pattern of a road segment in the geographical area, and the traffic condition associated with the traffic trigger event includes one or more of a vehicle density, a traffic flow rate, an average vehicle speed, an average following distance associated with the road segment; that determining the topology modification for the geographical area includes determining a target coverage region in the geographical area for a first regionalized server based on the traffic condition associated with the traffic trigger event, and modifying the coverage region topology of the geographical area based on the topology modification includes modifying the coverage region topology by one or more of creating the target coverage region in the geographical area and associating the target coverage region with the first regionalized server, the first regionalized server being initiated, morphing a first coverage region associated with the first regionalized server into the target coverage region, and eliminating the first coverage region associated with the first regionalized server, the first regionalized server being removed; that determining, from the set of one or more coverage regions associated with the set of one or more regionalized servers, a set of one or more second coverage regions that are adjacent to the target coverage region of the first regionalized server, the set of one or more second coverage regions being respectively associated with a set of one or more second regionalized servers, and morphing the set of one or more second coverage regions associated with the set of one or more second regionalized servers based on the target coverage region of the first regionalized server; that determining the target coverage region in the geographical area for the first regionalized server based on the traffic condition associated with the traffic trigger event includes one or more of determining the target coverage region for the first regionalized server based on a road segment in the geographical area that has a vehicle density of the road segment satisfying a vehicle density threshold, and determining the target coverage region for the first regionalized server based on a number of vehicles that are accommodatable by the first regionalized server and a vehicle density of a road segment that includes a first coverage region associated with the first regionalized server. Other implementations of one or more of these and other aspects include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer programs, configured to perform the actions of methods, encoded on non-transitory computer storage devices. The novel technology for managing coverage regions of regionalized servers presented in this disclosure is particularly advantageous in a number of respects. For example, the technology described herein is capable of dynamically morphing or re-establishing the coverage regions of the regionalized servers based on the traffic condition in the coverage regions. Thus, as the traffic condition changes over time, the coverage regions associated with the regionalized servers may be dynamically adjusted and/or redefined so that the regionalized servers may have sufficient computational resources to provide vehicle applications to the vehicles located within their corresponding coverage regions. As a result, the efficiency in utilizing the computational resources of the regionalized servers can be significantly improved. As a further example, the present technology is capable of morphing or re-establishing the coverage area of the regionalized server based on the traffic condition so that the data received from multiple vehicles located within the coverage region may be relevant and/or adequate to facilitate the operation of the vehicle applications implemented on the regionalized server, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of these vehicle applications. In addition, the technology described herein can morph or re-establish the coverage regions of the regionalized servers to dynamically and temporarily allocate a specific region to a particular regionalized server during a certain time period. Therefore, the present technology can flexibly implement one or more vehicle applications on the particular regionalized server during this time period, and thus these vehicle applications can be provided to the vehicles located within the specific region associated with the particular regionalized server on a temporary basis as needed. It should be understood that the foregoing advantages are provided by way of example and that the technology may have numerous other advantages and benefits. The disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals are used to refer to similar elements.

11420045

TECHNICAL FIELD The present technology is directed generally to leads having sidewall openings for receiving stylets, e.g., to steer and position the leads within a patient and/or with respect to a pulse generator, and associated systems and methods. BACKGROUND Neurological stimulators have been developed to treat pain, movement disorders, functional disorders, spasticity, cancer, cardiac disorders, and various other medical conditions. Implantable neurological stimulation systems generally have an implantable pulse generator and one or more leads that deliver electrical pulses to neurological tissue or muscle tissue. For example, several neurological stimulation systems for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) have cylindrical leads that include a lead body with a circular cross-sectional shape and multiple conductive rings spaced apart from each other at the distal end of the lead body. The conductive rings operate as individual electrodes or contacts and the SCS leads are typically implanted either surgically or externally through a needle inserted into the epidural space, often with the assistance of a stylet. Once implanted, the pulse generator applies electrical pulses to the electrodes, which in turn modify the function of the patient's nervous system, such as by altering the patient's responsiveness to sensory stimuli and/or altering the patient's motor-circuit output. The electrical pulses can generate sensations that mask or otherwise alter the patient's sensation of pain. For example, in many cases, patients report a tingling or paresthesia that is perceived as more pleasant and/or less uncomfortable than the underlying pain sensation. In other cases, the patients can receive pain relief without paresthesia or other sensations.

11298284

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to therapeutic and exercise devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a recumbent style therapeutic and exercise device having a hand actuation or crank system and a foot actuation or crank system. BACKGROUND Therapeutic devices are used in a variety of manners: from assistive medical devices (e.g., hearing aids, etc.) to physical therapy equipment (e.g., resistance bands), which is often used to rehabilitate injuries. Such physical therapy equipment often relates to equipment intended to work joints and muscles that may be plagued from injury and/or illness. Often, coordinated exercises and in some cases the physical therapy equipment is used to work, stretch, and strengthen the affected body areas. For example, a person with a rotator cuff injury may be instructed to do a prescribed number of arm circles twice a day to stretch and strength the affected rotator cuff. Over time, that person may be instructed to begin to do shoulder presses (i.e., holding a dumbbell and lifting the dumbbell from the person's shoulder to an overhead position) with a relatively low weight to strength the shoulder. The objects of the exercises are to reduce recovery time and to put the person back to a position that they would have been but for the injury. Physical therapy equipment can include walking aids (e.g., walkers and crutches, etc.), exercise devices intended to manipulate or work certain body areas (e.g., a stationary bicycle, etc.), resistance bands, treadmills, and the like. While physical therapy equipment is primarily intended to rehabilitate injuries or counteract debilitating illnesses, exercise equipment is typically intended to promote the fitness and health of a person. Of course, like physical therapy equipment, exercise equipment is typically directed towards specific muscle groups, such as a bench press being directed to pectoral muscles of a user. Such exercise equipment may be similar to and even include various physical therapy equipment such as treadmills, resistance bands, elliptical machines, a bench press, a squat rack, etc. SUMMARY One implementation of the present disclosure is a device for therapy and exercise. The device includes a frame, a base at least partially supporting and extending from the frame, a user support moveably coupled to the base and positioned adjacent the frame, a foot crank system coupled to the frame, a hand crank system coupled to the frame, and a motor coupled to at least one of the foot crank system and the hand crank system. The motor selectively power the at least one foot crank system and the hand crank system in one of an active mode of operation and a passive mode of operation. In some embodiments, the device for therapy and exercise further includes a display device configured to allow a user to select a mode of operation of the device and to display performance data relating to the mode of operation. In some embodiments, the device for therapy and exercise further includes a transmission configured to selectively couple the foot crank system and the hand crank system to the motor. In some embodiments, the foot crank system includes a pair of foot pedals coupled to a pair of pedal arms, a pedal shaft coupled to each of the pair of pedal arms, and a pedal pulley coupled to the pedal shaft, wherein rotation of the pedal pulley causes rotation of the pedal shaft and rotation of the pedal arms and the pedals. In some embodiments, the hand crank system includes a pair of hand grips coupled to a pair of crank arms, a crank shaft coupled to each of the pair of crank arms, and a crank pulley coupled to the crank shaft, wherein rotation of the crank pulley causes rotation of the crank shaft and rotation of the crank arms and the hand grips. In some embodiments, the active mode includes a powering sub-mode and a resistance sub-mode. In some embodiments, operation of the motor in the powering-sub mode includes providing a driving force via the motor to at least one of the foot crank system and the hand crank system to cause a rotation of at least one of the foot crank system and the hand crank system at a predefined speed. In some embodiments, the motor provides a driving force to both the foot crank and the hand crank system to cause a rotation of the foot crank system and the hand crank system. In some embodiments, operation of the motor in the resistance sub-mode includes providing a resistive force via the motor to at least one of the foot crank system and the hand crank system. In some embodiments, the motor provides a resistive force to both the foot crank system and the hand crank system. In some embodiments, operation of the motor in the passive mode includes providing a powering force via the motor to at least one of the foot crank system and the hand crank system to cause a rotation of at least one of the foot crank system and the hand crank system at a predefined speed. In some embodiments, the motor provides a powering force to both the foot crank system and the hand crank system to cause a rotation of both the foot crank system and the hand crank system. In some embodiments, the active mode is configured to provide a specified workout to the user. In some embodiments, the passive mode is configured to provide a specified therapeutic program to the user. Another implementation of the present disclosure is device for therapy or exercise. The device includes a frame, a user support coupled to the frame, a foot crank system coupled to the frame, a hand crank system coupled to the frame, and a motor configured to selectively power the foot crank system and the hand crank system in one of an active mode of operation and a passive mode of operation. The active mode includes a powering sub-mode and a resistance sub-mode. In some embodiments, the device for therapy or exercise further includes a display device coupled to the frame, wherein a user may select via the display device an operation mode of the device. In some embodiments, operation of the motor in the powering sub-mode provides a driving force to the foot crank system and the hand crank system to cause a rotation of at least one of the foot crank system and the hand crank system at a set speed, wherein the user may select the speed via the display device. In some embodiments, operation of the motor in the resistive sub-mode provides a resistive force to at least one of the foot crank system and the hand crank system, wherein the user may select a level of resistance via the display device. In some embodiments, operation of the motor in the passive mode provides a powering force to at least one of the foot crank system and the hand crank system to cause a rotation of at least one of the foot crank system and the hand crank system. In some embodiments, the device for therapy and exercise further comprises a transmission configured to selectively couple the foot crank system and the hand crank system to the motor. In some embodiments, the active mode and the passive mode have predefined settings that direct the motor to operate at set speeds and to cause rotation of the foot crank system and hand crank system in set directions for a predefined period of time. Another implementation of the present disclosure is a method for therapy or exercise. The method includes providing a therapeutic and exercise device, the therapeutic and exercise device having a housing, a base at least partially supporting the housing, and a chair movably coupled to the base. The method further includes providing a foot crank system and a hand crank system coupled to the housing. The method further includes providing a motor configured to selectively power the foot crank system and the hand crank system. The method further includes operating the motor in a first mode of operation, wherein the first mode comprises providing one of a driving force and a resistive force to the foot crank system and the hand crank system via the motor. The method further includes operating the motor in a second mode of operation, wherein the second mode comprises providing a powering force to the foot crank system and the hand crank system via the motor.

11520194

FIELD OF INVENTION The present disclosure relates to a field of liquid crystal display technology, and more particularly, to a liquid crystal display panel and a display device. BACKGROUND For liquid crystal cells of conventional display devices that employ a black matrix on array (BOA) technique or black photo spacer (BPS) technique, a black matrix (BM) or a BPS is formed on a thin film transistor array substrate (i.e., a lower substrate mentioned in the following description). In addition, in a non-display area where gold balls (Au balls) are configured to connect a first metal layer of the thin film transistor array substrate to a common electrode layer of a color filter substrate (i.e., an upper substrate mentioned in the following description), the BPS, and a passivation (PV) layer or a polymer film on array (PFA) have to be removed to expose the first metal layer and make the first metal layer function as a connection terminal. With the connection terminal, the first metal layer of the thin film transistor array substrate and the common electrode layer of the color filter substrate are connected to each via gold balls. However, the connection terminal formed in the conventional display devices has a square shape or a square-like shape. For example, as shown inFIG.1, the connection terminal has a square-like shape of 1190 μm*1990 μm. Thus, if the first metal layer that constitutes the connection terminal is mesh-shaped, an area of the display device that corresponds to this region will cause light-leaking issues. On the other hand, if the first metal layer is formed to have a whole plane made of metal, an area of the display device that corresponds to this region will cause light-reflection issues. Therefore, user experiences of using the display devices are unsatisfactory. That is, conventional display devices have technical problems that user experiences of using the display devices are unsatisfactory because the connection terminal in the conventional display devices causes light-reflection issues. SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE The present disclosure provides a liquid crystal display panel and a display device in order to solve problems existing in prior art, where connection terminal in conventional display device causes light-reflection issues. To solve the above-said problems, the present disclosure provides the technical schemes below. The present disclosure provides a liquid crystal display panel, comprising: an upper substrate; and a lower substrate disposed opposite to the upper substrate, wherein the lower substrate includes a display area overlapping with the upper substrate and a non-display area having a connection terminal disposed therein, a space between the connection terminal and a common electrode layer of the upper substrate is filled with an electrically conductive material, a first metal layer of the lower substrate is electrically connected to the common electrode layer of the upper substrate via the connection terminal and the electrically conductive material; wherein the connection terminal has an elongated stripe shape. In the liquid crystal display panel of the present disclosure, a width of the connection terminal is not greater than 200 μm, and a length of the connection terminal is not less than 5000 μm. In the liquid crystal display panel of the present disclosure, the connection terminal is constituted by the first metal layer of the lower substrate, where the first metal layer is exposed. In the liquid crystal display panel of the present disclosure, the connection terminal is constituted by an auxiliary conductive layer disposed on a light-shielding layer of the lower substrate, and the auxiliary conductive layer is electrically connected to the first metal layer via a through-hole passing through the light-shielding layer and a planarization layer of the lower substrate. In the liquid crystal display panel of the present disclosure, the connection terminal is constituted by an electrically conductive electrode layer of the lower substrate, where the electrically conductive electrode layer is exposed, the electrically conductive electrode layer is electrically connected to the first metal layer via a through-hole, and a photoresist layer is disposed between the connection terminal and the first metal layer. In the liquid crystal display panel of the present disclosure, the photoresist layer comprises at least a first photoresist layer and a second photoresist layer stacked on each other, and the first photoresist layer and the second photoresist layer block light having different colors. In the liquid crystal display panel of the present disclosure, the first photoresist layer is selected from one of a red color resist block, a green color resist block, and a blue color resist block, and the second photoresist layer is selected from one of the red color resist block, the green color resist block, and the blue color resist block, and is different from the first photoresist layer. In the liquid crystal display panel of the present disclosure, the photoresist layer extends between a light-shielding layer of the lower substrate and the first metal layer. In the liquid crystal display panel of the present disclosure, the electrically conductive electrode layer includes an extension portion positioned between a light-shielding layer of the lower substrate and a planarization layer of the lower substrate, and the extension portion is electrically connected to the first metal layer via the through-hole passing through the planarization layer of the lower substrate. In the liquid crystal display panel of the present disclosure, the liquid crystal display panel further comprises a spacer element and a sealant glue disposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate, the spacer element is disposed around the electrically conductive material, and the sealant glue surrounds the spacer element and the electrically conductive material. In addition, the present disclosure provides a display device including a liquid crystal display panel, the liquid crystal display panel comprising: an upper substrate; and a lower substrate disposed opposite to the upper substrate, wherein the lower substrate includes a display area overlapping with the upper substrate and a non-display area having a connection terminal disposed therein, a space between the connection terminal and a common electrode layer of the upper substrate is filled with an electrically conductive material, a first metal layer of the lower substrate is electrically connected to the common electrode layer of the upper substrate via the connection terminal and the electrically conductive material; wherein the connection terminal has an elongated stripe shape. In the display device of the present disclosure, a width of the connection terminal is not greater than 200 μm, and a length of the connection terminal is not less than 5000 μm. In the display device of the present disclosure, the connection terminal is constituted by the first metal layer of the lower substrate, where the first metal layer is exposed. In the display device of the present disclosure, the connection terminal is constituted by an auxiliary conductive layer disposed on a light-shielding layer of the lower substrate, and the auxiliary conductive layer is electrically connected to the first metal layer via a through-hole passing through the light-shielding layer and a planarization layer of the lower substrate. In the display device of the present disclosure, the connection terminal is constituted by an electrically conductive electrode layer of the lower substrate, where the electrically conductive electrode layer is exposed, the electrically conductive electrode layer is electrically connected to the first metal layer via a through-hole, and a photoresist layer is disposed between the connection terminal and the first metal layer. In the display device of the present disclosure, the photoresist layer comprises at least a first photoresist layer and a second photoresist layer stacked on each other, and the first photoresist layer and the second photoresist layer block light having different colors. In the display device of the present disclosure, the first photoresist layer is selected from one of a red color resist block, a green color resist block, and a blue color resist block, and the second photoresist layer is selected from one of the red color resist block, the green color resist block, and the blue color resist block, and is different from the first photoresist layer. In the display device of the present disclosure, the photoresist layer extends between a light-shielding layer of the lower substrate and the first metal layer. In the display device of the present disclosure, the electrically conductive electrode layer includes an extension portion positioned between a light-shielding layer of the lower substrate and a planarization layer of the lower substrate, and the extension portion is electrically connected to the first metal layer via the through-hole passing through the planarization layer of the lower substrate. In the display device of the present disclosure, the liquid crystal display panel further comprises a spacer element and a sealant glue disposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate, the spacer element is disposed around the electrically conductive material, and the sealant glue surrounds the spacer element and the electrically conductive material. The present disclosure provides advantageous effects, as described below. The present disclosure provides a liquid crystal display panel and a display device. The liquid crystal display panel includes an upper substrate and a lower substrate disposed opposite to each other. The lower substrate includes a non-display area having a connection terminal disposed therein. The connection terminal has an elongated stripe shape. By replacing the connection terminal having a square shape or a square-like shape with a connection terminal having an elongated stripe shape, light-reflection issues caused by metal having large area in local region is mitigated. As such, sensation felt by human eyes is not obvious. Therefore, the technical problem that user experiences of using display devices are unsatisfactory because of light-reflection issues caused by connection terminal in conventional display device, is solved.

11441963

BACKGROUND The present disclosure relates generally to aircraft pressure measurement devices, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for clearing debris from aircraft pressure measurement devices. Flush pressure ports are pressure ports positioned along the skin of an aircraft that are configured to gather air data measurements. Air from outside the aircraft skin enters the flush pressure ports and a pressure sensor within the aircraft gathers the air data measurements. Current flush pressure ports are subject to blockage due to the aircraft operating environment. More specifically, the flush pressure ports include small port holes for receiving air for pressure measurement. These small ports can become blocked by material such as sand, dust, ice, rain, de-icing fluid, insects, etc. This material is pulled into and becomes lodged in the small ports, blocking the air path and causing inaccurate pressure measurements by the pressure sensor. Current devices attempt to address this problem by using multiple ports to create a redundant pressure path to the pressure sensor. This approach offers only a temporary solution, as more ports become obstructed over the course of operation. SUMMARY According to one aspect of the disclosure, a pressure measurement device for use on an aircraft is disclosed. The pressure measurement device includes a pressure sensor positioned within the aircraft, a pressure measurement path, a valve, and a fluid port. The pressure measurement path extends between the pressure sensor and an air inlet situated at a skin of the aircraft. The pressure measurement path allows air to flow from outside the skin of the aircraft to the pressure sensor. The valve is fluidly coupled to the pressure measurement path between the skin of the aircraft and the pressure sensor. The fluid port is configured to supply a clearing fluid, and is selectively fluidly coupled to the pressure measurement path via the valve. The valve is actuatable between at least two states: a closed state wherein the fluid port is fluidly isolated from the pressure measurement path, and an open state wherein the fluid port is fluidly connected to the pressure measurement path. According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of clearing debris from a pressure measurement device positioned adjacent a skin of an aircraft is disclosed. The pressure measurement device includes a pressure measurement path connecting an inlet to an inboard pressure sensor. The method includes fluidly connecting a source of clearing fluid to the pressure measurement path at a location inboard of the inlet and between the inlet and the pressure sensor; flushing the debris out the inlet by flow of the clearing fluid through the pressure measurement path, toward the inlet; and fluidly decoupling the source of clearing fluid from the pressure measurement path.

11528754

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus used in a wireless communication system. BACKGROUND Wireless communication systems are being widely deployed to provide various types of communication services such as voice and data. In general, a wireless communication system is multiple access system that can support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmission power and the like). Examples of the multiple access system include CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) system, FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access) system, TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) system, OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) system, and SC-FDMA (Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access) system and the like. SUMMARY An technical problem of the present disclosure is to provide a method for receiving and transmitting a signal for efficiently performing a random access procedure in a wireless communication system and an apparatus therefor. The technical problem of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described technical problem, and other technical problems may be inferred from the embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is to provide a method and an apparatus for receiving and transmitting a signal in a wireless communication system. As an aspect of the present disclosure, a method for transmitting and receiving a signal by a user equipment (UE) operating in a wireless communication system comprises receiving a message B based on a message A, and transmitting a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) on a PUCCH resource based on the message B and the PUCCH includes hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information for the Message B, and a channel access type for the PUCCH resource for shared spectrum channel access is determined based on a specific field of a success random access response (RAR) in the message B. As an another aspect of the present disclosure, a user equipment (UE) for transmitting and receiving a signal in a wireless communication system comprises at least one transceiver; at least one processor; and at least one memory operatively coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions that, based on being executed, cause the at least one processor to perform a specific operation, and the specific operation includes: receiving a message B based on a message A, and transmitting a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) on a PUCCH resource based on the message B, and the PUCCH includes hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information for the Message B, and the a channel access type for the PUCCH resource for shared spectrum channel access is determined based on a specific field of a success random access response (RAR) in the message B. As an another aspect of the present disclosure, a device for a user equipment (UE) comprises at least one processor; and at least one computer memory operatively coupled to the at least one processor and based on being executed, causing the at least one processor to perform an operation, AND the operation includes: receiving a message B based on a message A, and transmitting a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) on a PUCCH resource based on the message B, and the PUCCH includes hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information for the Message B, and a channel access type for the PUCCH resource for shared spectrum channel access is determined based on a specific field of a success random access response (RAR) in the message B. As an another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium comprising at least one computer program for causing at least one processor to perform an operation, the operation comprises receiving a message B based on a message A, and transmitting a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) on a PUCCH resource based on the message B, and the PUCCH includes hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information for the Message B, and a channel access type for the PUCCH resource for shared spectrum channel access is determined based on a specific field of a success random access response (RAR) in the message B. As an aspect of the present disclosure, a method for transmitting and receiving a signal by a base station in a wireless communication, the method comprises transmitting a message B based on a message A, and receiving a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) on a PUCCH resource based on the message B, and the PUCCH includes hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information for the Message B, and a channel access type for the PUCCH resource for shared spectrum channel access is determined based on a specific field of a success random access response (RAR) in the message B. As an another aspect of the present disclosure, a base station for transmitting and receiving a signal in a wireless communication system comprises at least one transceiver; at least one processor; and at least one memory operatively coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions that, based on being executed, cause the at least one processor to perform a specific operation, and the specific operation includes: transmitting a message B based on a message A, and receiving a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) on a PUCCH resource based on the message B, and the PUCCH includes hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information for the Message B, and a channel access type for the PUCCH resource for shared spectrum channel access is determined based on a specific field of a success random access response (RAR) in the message B. In methods and devices, the success RAR may be transmitted from a base station to a UE in a UE-specific. In methods and devices, a channel access may be performed by a UE based on the channel access type. In methods and devices, the specific field may be included for the success RAR only in a shared spectrum and may be a reserved field for a non-shared spectrum. The communication devices may include at least a terminal, a network, and an autonomous vehicle capable of communicating with an autonomous vehicle other than the communication device. The above-described aspects of the present disclosure are only some of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and various embodiments in which the technical features of the present disclosure are reflected may be derived and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the detailed description of the present disclosure to be described below. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the random access procedure between a UE and a base station is performed, there is an advantage that a more efficient random access procedure may be performed through an operation differentiated from the conventional disclosure. The technical effects of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described technical effects, and other technical effects may be inferred from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

11403523

PRIORITY CLAIM This U.S. patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Indian Application No. 201921022724, filed on Jun. 7, 2019. The entire contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD The disclosure herein generally relates to neural networks, and, more particularly, to sparsity constraints and knowledge distillation based learning of sparser and compressed neural networks. BACKGROUND The Cambrian explosion of machine learning applications over the past decade is largely due to deep neural networks (DNN) contributing to dramatic performance improvements in the domains of speech, vision and text. Despite the active interest in deep learning, miniaturization of devices (smartphones, drones, head-mounts etc.) and significant progress in augmented/virtual reality devices, pose constraints on CPU/GPU, memory and battery life, is thus making it harder to deploy these models on resource constrained portable devices. To address these requirements, compressing DNN and accelerating their performance in such constrained environments is considered inevitable to the acceptable criteria. SUMMARY Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems recognized by the inventors in conventional systems. For example, in one aspect, there is provided a processor implemented method that utilizes sparsity constraints and knowledge distillation for learning sparser and compressed trained neural networks. The method comprises initializing, by one or more hardware processors, a first neural network with a plurality of weights; training, by the one or more hardware processors, the first neural network by iteratively performing: passing through the first neural network, (i) a subset of an input data received corresponding to a specific domain and (ii) ground truth information corresponding to the subset of the input data; dynamically updating, by the one or more hardware processors, the plurality of weights of the first neural network based on a first difference in an output generated by the first neural network and the corresponding ground truth information of the subset of an input data; dynamically updating, by the one or more hardware processors, the plurality of weights of the first network based on a second different (e.g., another difference) in an output generated by (i) the first neural network and (ii) a second neural network for the subset; and applying, by the one or more hardware processors, one or more sparsity constraints by utilizing block sparse regularization and a variational dropout techniques, on the plurality of weights of the first neural network with reference to a set of weights of the second neural network to determine one or more weights to be dropped or retained, from or in, the plurality of weights of the first neural network; until a final loss function converges a predefined threshold to obtain a trained compressed and sparser neural network. In an embodiment, the first difference in an output and the corresponding ground truth information of the subset of an input data is estimated using a cross-entropy loss function. In an embodiment, the second difference in an output generated by (i) the first neural network and (ii) a second neural network for the subset is estimated using a Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence function. In an embodiment, the one or more weights to be dropped or retained are determined by solving the final loss function. In an embodiment, the final loss function is optimized to obtain the trained compressed and sparser neural network comprising the determined one or more weights being less than the plurality of weights in the second neural network, and wherein selection of the first neural network is based on number of parameters in one or more layers in a neural network. In an embodiment, the second neural network is a pre-trained neural network. In one aspect, there is provided a processor implemented system that utilizes sparsity constraints and knowledge distillation for learning sparser and compressed trained neural networks. The system comprises: a memory storing instructions; one or more communication interfaces; and one or more hardware processors coupled to the memory via the one or more communication interfaces, wherein the one or more hardware processors are configured by the instructions to: initialize a first neural network with a plurality of weights, wherein the first neural network is comprised in the memory and executed by the one or more hardware processors; train the first neural network by iteratively performing: passing through the first neural network, (i) a subset of an input data received corresponding to a specific domain and (ii) ground truth information corresponding to the subset of the input data; dynamically updating the plurality of weights of the first neural network based on a first difference in an output generated by the first neural network and the corresponding ground truth information of the subset of an input data; dynamically updating the plurality of weights of the first network based on a second different (e.g., another difference) in an output generated by (i) the first neural network and (ii) a second neural network for the subset, wherein the first neural network is comprised in the memory and executed by the one or more hardware processors; and applying, by the one or more hardware processors, one or more sparsity constraints by utilizing block sparse regularization and a variational dropout techniques, on the plurality of weights of the first neural network with reference to a set of weights of the second neural network to determine one or more weights to be dropped or retained, from or in, the plurality of weights of the first neural network; until a final loss function converges a predefined threshold to obtain a trained compressed and sparser neural network. In an embodiment, the first difference in an output and the corresponding ground truth information of the subset of an input data is estimated using a cross-entropy loss function. In an embodiment, the second difference in an output generated by (i) the first neural network and (ii) a second neural network for the subset is estimated using a Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence function. In an embodiment, the one or more weights to be dropped or retained are determined by solving the final loss function. In an embodiment, the final loss function is optimized to obtain the trained compressed and sparser neural network comprising the determined one or more weights being less than the plurality of weights in the second neural network, and wherein selection of the first neural network is based on number of parameters in one or more layers in a neural network. In an embodiment, the second neural network is a pre-trained neural network. In yet another aspect, there are provided one or more non-transitory machine readable information storage mediums comprising one or more instructions which when executed by one or more hardware processors cause utilizing sparsity constraints and knowledge distillation for learning sparser and compressed trained neural networks by initializing, by one or more hardware processors, a first neural network with a plurality of weights; training, by the one or more hardware processors, the first neural network by iteratively performing: passing through the first neural network, (i) a subset of an input data received corresponding to a specific domain and (ii) ground truth information corresponding to the subset of the input data; dynamically updating, by the one or more hardware processors, the plurality of weights of the first neural network based on a first difference in an output generated by the first neural network and the corresponding ground truth information of the subset of an input data; dynamically updating, by the one or more hardware processors, the plurality of weights of the first network based on a second different (e.g., another difference) in an output generated by (i) the first neural network and (ii) a second neural network for the subset; and applying, by the one or more hardware processors, one or more sparsity constraints by utilizing block sparse regularization and a variational dropout techniques, on the plurality of weights of the first neural network with reference to a set of weights of the second neural network to determine one or more weights to be dropped or retained, from or in, the plurality of weights of the first neural network; until a final loss function converges a predefined threshold to obtain a trained compressed and sparser neural network. In an embodiment, the first difference in an output and the corresponding ground truth information of the subset of an input data is estimated using a cross-entropy loss function. In an embodiment, the second difference in an output generated by (i) the first neural network and (ii) a second neural network for the subset is estimated using a Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence function. In an embodiment, the one or more weights to be dropped or retained are determined by solving the final loss function. In an embodiment, the final loss function is optimized to obtain the trained compressed and sparser neural network comprising the determined one or more weights being less than the plurality of weights in the second neural network, and wherein selection of the first neural network is based on number of parameters in one or more layers in a neural network. In an embodiment, the second neural network is a pre-trained neural network. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

11364271

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to methods of treatingPseudomonas aeruginosarespiratory tract infections. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Pseudomonas aeruginosa(PA) leads to chronic respiratory infections especially in patients with cystic fibrosis patients and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by a high morbidity (Langan K M,Current opin Infect Dise2015, Saiman,Clin Microbiol Rev2004); this bacteria is also the main pathogen of ventilated acquired pneumonia (VAP), associated with a high mortality (Fujitani,Chest2011). Rates of antibiotic resistance in PA are increasing (EARSS data . . . ) leading to therapeutic deadlock. Among the antibiotherapy alternative solutions are the probiotics, defined as live microbial food components which are beneficial for human health (Erickson,J Nutr2000; Alexandre,MMI2013). Lactobacilli, the most studied probiotic are non-pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria, their natural reservoir are food (milk, cheese . . . ) and human (intestine, vagina . . . ). They can exert their beneficial effect on the host through different ways especially their immunomodulatory or their antibacterial activity (Liévin-Le Moal, Servin,Clin MicrobiolRev). Valdez et al (CMI,2005) showed thatL. plantaruminhibited two PA virulence factors controlled by quorum sensing (elastase and biofilm). Among Lactobacilli from oral human cavities and from raws milk, 8 strains were screened harbouring anti-elastase and anti-biofilm properties (Alexandre,BMC Microbiol2014). Khailova et al (Shok, 2013), showed that oral administration ofL. rhamnosusGG improved outcome 7-day survival following PA-induced pneumonia; regulatory T cells may play a role in that protection. Randomized trials suggest that probiotics (one or severalLactobacillusspecies most of the time) decrease the incidence of VAP (Bo,Cochrane revue,2014) but many bias are reported: single centre study, route of administration and duration of intake are different . . . (Bo,Cochrane,2014; Cook,Trials2016). If the oral route is often studied to analyse the Lactobacilli effect, the nasal route could provide benefits for the respiratory infection by stimulating Nasopharynx Associated Lymphoid Tissue (NALT) instead of GALT (Kiyono,Nat Rev Immunol2004). The intranasal administration ofLactobacillusspecies before intranasal inoculation of Influenza Virus or Pneumonia virus of mice decreased the mortality on these two pneumonia murine models (Izumo,Internat Immunopharmacol2010; Dyer,J of Virol2016 . . . ). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to methods of treatingPseudomonas aeruginosarespiratory tract infections. In particular, the present invention is defined by the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION After screening Lactobacilli coming from CF expectorations, on their capacity to inhibit twoPseudomonas aeruginosa(PA) virulence factors (elastase, pyocyanin), the inventors evaluated the effect of intranasal administration of Lactobacilli on PA murine pneumonia. The primary outcome was the bacterial lung load 24 hours after PA induced pneumonia. To understand the role ofLactobacillus, the chemokines, the pro and anti-inflammatory BAL rates were also measured. The administration of Lactobacilli cocktail 18 h prior the PA lung infection decreases significantly the lung bacterial load at 24 h post-infection. Although the mechanisms need to be deeply explored, an immunomodulation effect may be involved, notably through the recruitment of neutrophils. Accordingly, a first object of the present invention relates to a method of treating aPseudomonas aeruginosarespiratory tract infection in a patient in need thereof comprising administering to the patient's respiratory tract a therapeutically effective amount of at least oneLactobacillusstrain. As used herein, the term “Pseudomonas aeruginosa” or “PA” has its general meaning in the art and refers to a common Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium. As used herein, the term “treatment” or “treat” refer to both prophylactic or preventive treatment as well as curative or disease modifying treatment, including treatment of patient at risk of contracting the disease or suspected to have contracted the disease as well as patients who are ill or have been diagnosed as suffering from a disease or medical condition, and includes suppression of clinical relapse. The treatment may be administered to a subject having a medical disorder or who ultimately may acquire the disorder, in order to prevent, cure, delay the onset of, reduce the severity of, or ameliorate one or more symptoms of a disorder or recurring disorder, or in order to prolong the survival of a subject beyond that expected in the absence of such treatment. By “therapeutic regimen” is meant the pattern of treatment of an illness, e.g., the pattern of dosing used during therapy. A therapeutic regimen may include an induction regimen and a maintenance regimen. The phrase “induction regimen” or “induction period” refers to a therapeutic regimen (or the portion of a therapeutic regimen) that is used for the initial treatment of a disease. The general goal of an induction regimen is to provide a high level of drug to a patient during the initial period of a treatment regimen. An induction regimen may employ (in part or in whole) a “loading regimen”, which may include administering a greater dose of the drug than a physician would employ during a maintenance regimen, administering a drug more frequently than a physician would administer the drug during a maintenance regimen, or both. The phrase “maintenance regimen” or “maintenance period” refers to a therapeutic regimen (or the portion of a therapeutic regimen) that is used for the maintenance of a patient during treatment of an illness, e.g., to keep the patient in remission for long periods of time (months or years). A maintenance regimen may employ continuous therapy (e.g., administering a drug at a regular intervals, e.g., weekly, monthly, yearly, etc.) or intermittent therapy (e.g., interrupted treatment, intermittent treatment, treatment at relapse, or treatment upon achievement of a particular predetermined criteria [e.g., pain, disease manifestation, etc.]). In some embodiments, the subject suffers from a chronic pulmonary disease selected from the group consisting of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ventilated acquired pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, recurrent bronchitis, acute bronchitis, rhinosinusitis, mild pulmonary disease, hereditary emphysema, and cystic fibrosis. In some embodiments, the patient suffers from or is at risk of suffering from cystic fibrosis. In some embodiments, the subject suffers or is at risk of suffering from a disease associated with reduced CFTR function due to mutations in the gene encoding CFTR or environmental factors (e.g., smoke). A mutation thereof capable of regulator activity, including, but not limited to, F508del-CFTR, R117H CFTR, and G551D CFTR (see, e.g., http://www.genet.sickkids.on.ca/cftr, for CFTR mutations). These diseases include, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, recurrent bronchitis, acute bronchitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and asthma. In some embodiments, the subject harbors at least one mutation in the CFTR gene, including, but not limited to F508del-CFTR, R117H CFTR, and G551D CFTR As used herein, the term “Lactobacillus” refers to members of the genusLactobacillus, in the family Lactobacillaceae. These bacteria are Gram-positive optionally anaerobic bacteria that represent a major part of the bacterial group often referred to as “lactic acid bacteria”. The genus includes any of the following species:Lactobacillus acetotolerans, Lactobacillus acidifarinae, Lactobacillus acidipiscis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus agilis, Lactobacillus algidus, Lactobacillus alimentarius, Lactobacillus allii, Lactobacillus amylolyticus, Lactobacillus amylophilus, Lactobacillus amylotrophicus, Lactobacillus amylovorus, Lactobacillus animalis, Lactobacillus antri, Lactobacillus apinorum, Lactobacillus apis, Lactobacillus apodemi, Lactobacillus aquaticus, Lactobacillus arizonensis, Lactobacillus aviarius, Lactobacillus aviariussubsp.araffinosus, Lactobacillus aviariussubsp.aviaries, Lactobacillus backii, Lactobacillus bambusae, Lactobacillus bavaricus, Lactobacillus bifermentans, Lactobacillus bobalius, Lactobacillus bombi, Lactobacillus bombicola, Lactobacillus brantae, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus cacaonum, Lactobacillus camelliae, Lactobacillus capillatus, Lactobacillus carnis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus caseisubsp.alactosus, Lactobacillus caseisubsp.casei, Lactobacillus caseisubsp.pseudoplantarum, Lactobacillus caseisubsp.rhamnosus, Lactobacillus caseisubsp.tolerans, Lactobacillus catenaformis, Lactobacillus caviae, Lactobacillus cellobiosus, Lactobacillus cerevisiae, Lactobacillus ceti, Lactobacillus coelohominis, Lactobacillus colini, Lactobacillus collinoides, Lactobacillus composti, Lactobacillus concavus, Lactobacillus confuses, Lactobacillus coryniformis, Lactobacillus coryniformissubsp.coryniformis, Lactobacillus coryniformissubsp.torquens, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus crustorum, Lactobacillus curieae, Lactobacillus curtus, Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus curvatussubsp.curvatus, Lactobacillus curvatussubsp.melibiosus, Lactobacillus cypricasei, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus delbrueckiisubsp.bulgaricus, Lactobacillus delbrueckiisubspdelbrueckii, Lactobacillus delbrueckiisubsp.indicus, Lactobacillus delbrueckiisubsp.jakobsenii, Lactobacillus delbrueckiisubsp.lactis, Lactobacillus delbrueckiisubsp.sunkii, Lactobacillus dextrinicus, Lactobacillus diolivorans, Lactobacillus divergens, Lactobacillus durianus, Lactobacillus equi, Lactobacillus equicursoris, Lactobacillus equigenerosi, Lactobacillus fabifermentans, Lactobacillus faecis, Lactobacillus farciminis, Lactobacillus farraginis, Lactobacillus ferintoshensis, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus floricola, Lactobacillus florum, Lactobacillus formosensis, Lactobacillus formicalis, Lactobacillus fructivorans, Lactobacillus fructosus, Lactobacillus frumenti, Lactobacillus fuchuensis, Lactobacillus furfuricola, Lactobacillus futsaii, Lactobacillus gallinarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus gastricus, Lactobacillus ghanensis, Lactobacillus gigeriorum, Lactobacillus gorillae, Lactobacillus graminis, Lactobacillus halotolerans, Lactobacillus hammesii, Lactobacillus hamsteri, Lactobacillus harbinensis, Lactobacillus hayakitensis, Lactobacillus heilongjiangensis, Lactobacillus helsingborgensis, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus helveticussubsp.jugurti, Lactobacillus herbarum, Lactobacillus heterohiochii, Lactobacillus hilgardii, Lactobacillus hokkaidonensis, Lactobacillus hominis, Lactobacillus homohiochii, Lactobacillus hordei, Lactobacillus iners, Lactobacillus ingluviei, Lactobacillus insicii, Lactobacillus intestinalis, Lactobacillus iwatensis, Lactobacillus ixorae, Lactobacillus japonicus, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus kalixensis, Lactobacillus kandleri, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefiranofacienssubsp.kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefiranofacienssubsp.kefirgranum, Lactobacillus kefirgranum, Lactobacillus kefiri, Lactobacillus kimbladii, Lactobacillus kimchicus, Lactobacillus kimchiensis, Lactobacillus kimchii, Lactobacillus kisonensis, Lactobacillus kitasatonis, Lactobacillus koreensis, Lactobacillus kullabergensis, Lactobacillus kunkeei, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus leichmannii, Lactobacillus letivazi, Lactobacillus lindneri, Lactobacillus malefermentans, Lactobacillus mali, Lactobacillus maltaromicus, Lactobacillus manihotivorans, Lactobacillus mellifer, Lactobacillus mellis, Lactobacillus melliventris, Lactobacillus metriopterae, Lactobacillus micheneri, Lactobacillus mindensis, Lactobacillus minor, Lactobacillus minutus, Lactobacillus mixtipabuli, Lactobacillus modestisalitolerans, Lactobacillus mucosae, Lactobacillus murinus, Lactobacillus musae, Lactobacillus nagelii, Lactobacillus namurensis, Lactobacillus nantensis, Lactobacillus nasuensis, Lactobacillus nenjiangensis, Lactobacillus nodensis, Lactobacillus odoratitofui, Lactobacillus oeni, Lactobacillus oligofermentans, Lactobacillus oris, Lactobacillus oryzae, Lactobacillus otakiensis, Lactobacillus ozensis, Lactobacillus panis, Lactobacillus panisapium, Lactobacillus pantheri, Lactobacillus parabrevis, Lactobacillus parabuchneri, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus paracaseisubsp.paracasei, Lactobacillus paracaseisubsp.pseudoplantarum, Lactobacillus paracaseisubsp.tolerans, Lactobacillus paracollinoides, Lactobacillus parafarraginis, Lactobacillus parakefiri, Lactobacillus paralimentarius, Lactobacillus paraplantarum, Lactobacillus pasteurii, Lactobacillus paucivorans, Lactobacillus pentosiphilus, Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus perolens, Lactobacillus piscicola, Lactobacillus plajomi, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus plantarumsubsp.argentoratensis, Lactobacillus plantarumsubsp.plantarum, Lactobacillus plantarumsubsp.plantarum, Lactobacillus pontis, Lactobacillus porcinae, Lactobacillus psittaci, Lactobacillus quenuiae, Lactobacillus rapi, Lactobacillus rennini, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus rimae, Lactobacillus rodentium, Lactobacillus rogosae, Lactobacillus rossiae, Lactobacillus ruminis, Lactobacillus saerimneri, Lactobacillus sakei, Lactobacillus sakeisubsp.carnosus, Lactobacillus sakeisubsp.sakei, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus salivariussubsp.salicinius, Lactobacillus salivariussubsp.salivarius, Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis, Lactobacillus saniviri, Lactobacillus satsumensis, Lactobacillus secaliphilus, Lactobacillus selangorensis, Lactobacillus senioris, Lactobacillus senmaizukei, Lactobacillus sharpeae, Lactobacillus shenzhenensis, Lactobacillus sicerae, Lactobacillus silagei, Lactobacillus silagincola, Lactobacillus siliginis, Lactobacillus similis, Lactobacillus sobrius, Lactobacillus songhuajiangensis, Lactobacillus spicheri, Lactobacillus sucicola, Lactobacillus suebicus, Lactobacillus sunkii, Lactobacillus suntoryeus, Lactobacillus taiwanensis, Lactobacillus thailandensis, Lactobacillus thermophilus, Lactobacillus thermotolerans, Lactobacillus timberlakei, Lactobacillus trichodes, Lactobacillus tucceti, Lactobacillus uli, Lactobacillus ultunensis, Lactobacillus uvarum, Lactobacillus vaccinostercus, Lactobacillus vaginalis, Lactobacillus versmoldensis, Lactobacillus vespulae, Lactobacillus vini, Lactobacillus viridescens, Lactobacillus vitulinus, Lactobacillus vermiforme, Lactobacillus wasatchensis, Lactobacillus xiangfangensis, Lactobacillus xylosus, Lactobacillus yamanashiensis, Lactobacillus yamanashiensissubsp.mali, Lactobacillus yamanashiensissubsp.yamanashiensis, Lactobacillus yonginensis, Lactobacillus zeae, Lactobacillus zymae. In some embodiments,Lactobacillus salivarius(Ls) is administered to the patient. In some embodiments,Lactobacillus brevis(Lb) is administered to the patient. In some embodiments, at least 2, 3, 4 or 5Lactobacillusstrains are administered to the patient. In some embodiments,Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus salivariusandLactobacillus brevis(Lpsb or WL) are administered to the patient. In some embodiments,Lactobacillus salivariusandLactobacillus brevisare administered to the patient. In some embodiments, theLactobacillusstrain is a probiotic strain. As used herein the term “probiotic” is meant to designate live microorganisms which, they are integrated in a sufficient amount, exert a positive effect on health, comfort and wellness beyond traditional nutritional effects. Probiotic microorganisms have been defined as “Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host” (FAO/WHO 2001). As used herein the expression “probioticLactobacillusstrain” denotes aLactobacillusstrain that has a beneficial effect on the health and well-being of the host. In some embodiments, the probioticLactobacillusstrain of the present invention is a viable probioticLactobacillusstrain. The expression “viable probioticLactobacillusstrain” means a microorganism which is metabolically active and that is able to colonize the respiratory tract of the subject. Typically, the probioticLactobacillusstrain of the present invention is produced with any appropriate culture medium well known in the art. Various fermentation media are suitable according to the invention, such as (but not limited to) e.g. firstly an industrial medium, in which the strain(s) is/are grown, and that is used as is or after concentration (e.g. drying) or after addition to another food base or product. Alternatively, bacterial cells, or bacterial cells with medium (e.g. the fermentation broth), or fractions of such cell comprising medium (i.e. medium with said bacterial strain/s) may be used. The cells or the cell comprising medium comprise live or viable bacterial cells and/or dead or non-viable bacterial cells of the strain(s). The medium may thus be treated by, but not limited to, heating or sonication. Also lyophilized, or frozen, bacteria and/or cell-free media (which may be concentrated) are encompassed in the methods for preparing the probioticLactobacillusstrain of the present invention. As used herein, the term “effective amount” refers to a quantity sufficient of theLactobacillusstrain to achieve the beneficial effect. In the context of the present invention, the amount of theLactobacillusstrain administered to the subject will depend on the characteristics of the individual, such as general health, age, sex, body weight . . . . The skilled artisan will be able to determine appropriate dosages depending on these and other factors. For example, theLactobacillusstrain shall be able to generate a colony is sufficient to generate a beneficial effect on the subject. The composition comprising the effective amount ofLactobacillusmay conveniently be administered by any method that allows administration to the respiratory tract (e.g. lungs). For example, nasal drops can be instilled in the nasal cavity by tilting the head back sufficiently and apply the drops into the nares. The drops may also be inhaled through the nose. Alternatively, a liquid preparation may be placed into an appropriate device so that it may be aerosolized for inhalation through the nasal or buccal cavity. For administration by inhalation the compositions may be delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation from pressurized packs or a nebulizer, with the use of a suitable propellant. Administered spray and drops can be a single dose or multiple doses. These procedures may involve mixing, granulating and compressing or dissolving the ingredients as appropriate to the desired preparation. It will be appreciated that the form and character of the pharmaceutically acceptable diluent is dictated by the amount ofLactobacillusactive ingredient with which it is to be combined, the route of administration and other well-known variables. The carrier(s) must be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof. “Carriers” or “vehicles” mean materials suitable for administration and include any such material known in the art such as, for example, any liquid, gel, solvent, liquid diluent, solubilizer, or the like, which is non-toxic and which does not interact with any components of the composition in a deleterious manner. Examples of nutritionally acceptable carriers include, for example, water, salt solutions, alcohol, silicone, waxes, petroleum jelly, vegetable oils, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycol, liposomes, sugars, gelatin, lactose, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, surfactants, silicic acid, viscous paraffin, perfume oil, fatty acid monoglycerides and diglycerides, petroethral fatty acid esters, hydroxymethyl-cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and the like. Spray compositions for topical delivery to the lung by inhalation may for example be formulated as aqueous solutions or suspensions or as aerosols delivered from pressurized packs, such as a metered dose inhaler, with the use of a suitable liquefied propellant. Aerosol compositions suitable for inhalation can be either a suspension or a solution and generally contain the compositions of the present invention and a suitable propellant such as a fluorocarbon or hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon or mixtures thereof, particularly hydrofluoroalkanes, e.g. dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetra-fluoroethane, especially 1, 1, 1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1, 1, 1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoro-n-propane or a mixture thereof. Carbon dioxide or other suitable gas may also be used as propellant. The aerosol composition may be excipient free or may optionally contain additional formulation excipients well known in the art such as surfactants, e.g., oleic acid or lecithin and cosolvents, e.g. ethanol. Pressurized formulations will generally be retained in a canister (e.g. an aluminum canister) closed with a valve (e.g. a metering valve) and fitted into an actuator provided with a mouthpiece. The invention will be further illustrated by the following figures and examples. However, these examples and figures should not be interpreted in any way as limiting the scope of the present invention.

11301336

FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to computer architecture and methods for a data management platform and, in some more particular aspects, to methods of node level recovery using filtered and incremental phases for clustered databases or node clusters. BACKGROUND The volume and complexity of data that is collected, analyzed and stored is increasing rapidly over time. The computer infrastructure used to handle this data is also becoming more complex, with more processing power and more portability. As a result, data management and storage is becoming increasingly important. Significant issues of these processes include access to reliable data backup and storage, and fast data recovery in cases of failure. Other aspects include data portability across locations and platforms. Node level recovery in clustered databases can be expensive. Recovery is initiated when a hardware or virtual machine or container hosting a node fails and a new node has to replace the failed node. When such a situation occurs, data has to be copied from a subset of the remaining nodes to the new node, following which the new node is joined to the cluster. This can often take days for the reason that while the data is being copied to the new node, applications continue to write new data to the remaining nodes in the cluster. Furthermore, this form of node recovery is very disruptive to the cluster. More significantly, such a node-level recovery can have a significant impact on application performance due to the movement of data between the nodes. BRIEF SUMMARY The present disclosure relates generally to computer architecture and methods for a data management platform and, in some more particular aspects, to node level recovery for clustered databases using filtered and incremental phases. Some examples employ a combination of filtered and incremental recovery phases to recover a failed node. A logical backup of the cluster is used as a source for recovery. The latest backup is selected for all the databases and tables in the cluster and the backup is restored to the new node by applying a node-level filter. The filter identifies which rows in the backup—those that are associated with the failed node—are to be copied to the new node and then copies only those rows to the new node. During the period that the backup is being restored to the new node, applications may continue to write new data to the cluster. To capture the new data, some examples take an on-demand backup of all the databases and tables in the cluster. Following this operation, some examples restore the on-demand backup to the new node using the same node-level filter discussed above. In some examples, the new data backed up and restored is smaller, often much smaller, than the main data as the new data is accumulated in only a few hours (say), while the main data has been accumulating for the lifetime of the cluster (in typical cases). Complicating this situation is that during the backup and restore phases of the new data, even more new data (additional new data) might have been written to the cluster by the applications. Thus, in some examples, the backup and restore operations for the new data are repeated for the additional new data and repeated over and over until a point is reached at which no (or negligible) additional new data is written to the cluster. When a point is reached at which no data has been written to the cluster during the on-demand backup and recovery operations, the new node can be said to be in sync with the cluster and can be added back to the cluster. Thus, in some examples a networked computing system comprises a node cluster; a database; at least one processor configured by instructions to perform operations in a method of node level recovery, the method comprising operations including at least: identifying a failed node among existing nodes in the node cluster; identifying and initiating a replacement node as a new node for the node cluster; accessing at the database a logical backup of the node cluster; retrieving logical backup data of the node cluster from the logical backup and applying a node level filter to identify rows of backup data associated with the failed node; and restoring the data rows identified by the node level filter to the new node. In some examples, the operations further comprise identifying new data written by applications to the existing nodes of the node cluster during restoration of the new node. In some examples, the operations further comprise accessing supplementary back up data included in an on-demand supplementary logical backup of the node cluster and applying the node level filter to the supplementary backup data to identify supplementary data rows associated with the new data written by the applications. In some examples, the operations further comprise restoring the supplementary data rows identified by the node level filter to the new node. In some examples, the operations further comprise repeating at least some of the operations summarized above until no new data, written by applications to the existing nodes during restoration of the new node, is identified. In some examples, a networked computing system is provided for iterative node level recovery. An example system may comprise a node cluster; a database; at least one processor configured by instructions to perform operations comprising at least: identifying a failed node among existing nodes in the node cluster; identifying and initiating a replacement node as a new node for the node cluster; accessing at the database a logical backup of the node cluster: retrieving logical backup data of the node cluster and identifying specific rows of backup data to be restored to the new node; restoring the specific data rows to the new node; identifying new data written by applications, to the existing nodes of the node cluster, during restoration of the new node; iteratively accessing supplementary back up data to identify supplementary data rows to be restored to the new node; and iteratively restoring the supplementary data rows to the new node until the new node is synchronized with the existing nodes in the node cluster. In some examples, identifying specific rows of backup data to be restored to the new node includes applying a node level filter to identify the specific rows of backup data to be restored to the new node. In some examples, the specific rows of backup data include data associated with the failed node and devoid of data associated with the existing nodes of the node cluster. In some examples, the supplementary backup data is included in an on-demand supplementary logical backup of the node cluster. In some examples, the operations further comprise accessing the supplementary back up data included in the on-demand supplementary logical backup of the node cluster and applying the node level filter to the supplementary backup data to identify the supplementary data rows associated with the new data written by the applications during restoration of the new node. In some examples, the operations further comprise repeating at least some of the operations summarized above until no new data, written by applications to the existing nodes during restoration of the new node, is identified. In some examples, a networked computing system for filtered node level recovery is provided. An example may comprise: a node cluster; a database; at least one processor configured by instructions to perform operations comprising at least: identifying a failed node among existing nodes in the node cluster; identifying and initiating a replacement node as a new node for the node cluster; accessing at the database a logical backup of the node cluster; retrieving logical backup data of the node cluster and applying a node-level filter to identify specific rows of backup data to be restored to the new node; restoring the specific data rows to the new node; identifying new data written by applications, to the existing nodes of the node cluster, during restoration of the new node; accessing supplementary back up data and applying the node-level filter to identify supplementary data rows to be restored to the new node; and restoring the supplementary data rows to the new node. In some examples, the specific rows of backup data include data associated with the failed node and devoid of data associated with the existing nodes of the node cluster. In some examples, the supplementary backup data is included in an on-demand supplementary logical backup of the node cluster. In some examples, the operations further comprise accessing the supplementary back up data included in the on-demand supplementary logical backup of the node cluster and applying the node level filter to the supplementary backup data to identify the supplementary data rows associated with the new data written by the applications during restoration of the new node. In some examples, the operations further comprise iteratively accessing supplementary back up data and applying the node-level filter to identify supplementary data rows to be restored to the new node; and iteratively restoring the supplementary data rows to the new node until the new node is synchronized with the existing nodes in the node cluster.

11236976

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of arrows, and more specifically, to a fixed-blade broadhead. BACKGROUND An arrow is a fin-stabilized projectile that is launched via a bow and usually consists of a long straight rigid shaft with stabilizers called fletchings, as well as a heavy arrowhead attached to the front end, and a slot at the rear end defined as a nock for engaging a bowstring. The use of bows and arrows by humans predates recorded history and is common to most cultures. The arrowhead or projectile point is the primary functional part of the arrow and plays the largest role in determining its purpose. Some arrows may simply use a sharpened tip of the solid shaft, but it is far more common for separate arrowheads to be made, usually from metal, or some other hard material such as stainless steel. Broadheads are used for primarily hunting purposes. Typical broadhead arrows have two to four sharp blades that inflict bodily destruction to the hunted animal—resulting in severe bodily injury and/or death. Their function is to deliver a wide cutting edge so as to kill as quickly as possible by cleanly cutting major blood vessels and tissue such as the heart, lungs, and other vital organs as well as promote the loss of blood, wherein the animal may be tracked. There are two main types of broadheads used by hunters: the fixed-blade and the mechanical type. While the fixed-blade are rigid and unmovable at all times, the mechanical broadhead deploys its blades upon contact with the target, wherein the blades swing out to wound the target. The mechanical head flies more efficiently because it is more streamlined throughout its flight path but has less penetration as it uses some of the kinetic energy in the arrow to deploy its blades. Generally, fixed-blades excel in strength and are more reliable at staying intact, despite impacting bone or other dense material of an intended target when compared to the mechanical blade. However, fixed-blades severely lack in desired flight characteristics and generally have overall poor flight performance. For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an improved fixed-blade broadhead which provides superior flight characteristics while maintaining structural integrity. SUMMARY The current application is directed towards a fixed-blade arrowhead that includes an aerodynamic control surface which assists imparting rotation of the arrow during flight, which improves efficiency, flight characteristics, and accuracy while other features ensure proper weight, speed and balance throughout the flightpath. In a version of the application, the arrowhead generally comprises a central body which has a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, a front end and a rear end configured for attachment to a shaft of an arrow; and a plurality of wing blades attached to the central body. Each wing blade extends radially at an angle from the front end of the central body, each spaced equidistantly about a circumference of the central body. In certain versions, each wing blade may include a blade element comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a root edge defined where the wing blade meets the central body. The leading edge is at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central body and the trailing edge is parallel to the leading edge defining a constant width therebetween. Further, a steering portion is provided which includes an aerodynamic control surface defined by a leading edge, a trailing edge, an inner edge, and an outer edge. Preferably, the leading edge of the steering portion is colinear with the leading edge of the blade element and merges at a point with the root edge of the blade element. In certain versions, the aerodynamic control surface diverges from the blade element upper surface extending rearward from the leading edge and the trailing edge of the aerodynamic control surface is positioned aftward of the trailing edge of the upper surface. These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

11421991

FIELD The present invention relates to a yaw-rate sensor. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Yaw-rate sensors are special micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), with which yaw rates are able to be measured. Typically, sensors of this kind are produced on silicon-based substrates. Particularly in automotive applications, yaw-rate sensors are often used which typically are able to measure yaw rates about only one axis. Two-axis yaw-rate sensors for automotive applications are also conventional. However, sensors familiar from the related art have the disadvantage that yaw rates, which may prevail in different directions, are not able to be measured with high precision and with high reliability/robustness. SUMMARY An object of the present invention is to provide a yaw-rate sensor that allows yaw-rate measurements about three axes, and at the same time, is robust with respect to outer linear- and/or rotational accelerations, in order, namely, to ensure advantageous reliability/safety. An example yaw-rate sensor of the present invention may have the advantage that the yaw-rate sensor has a sensor assembly, the sensor assembly being designed for detecting a yaw rate prevailing perpendicular to a main extension plane of the substrate, both the sensor assembly and the rotation-element assembly, which is designed for detecting yaw rates prevailing in a first main extension axis of the substrate and a second main extension axis of the substrate perpendicular to the first main extension axis, being able to be driven with the aid of a drive assembly, the drive assembly being designed for driving movement along the first main extension axis. According to the present invention, it is thereby advantageously possible that both the rotation-element assembly and the sensor assembly are able to be driven with the aid of the same drive assembly (e.g., the same drive frame). This yields the advantage that it is possible to save on other drive structures as well as terminal pads and the associated wiring in the sensor cores. Owing to the mutual drive, the application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) involved may also be made more compact, especially since only one drive control circuit must be provided. In particular, the advantage of the mutual drive lies also in the avoidance of different drive frequencies of the individual sensor cores. According to the present invention, reciprocal influencing, e.g., due to parasitic cross-talk of the driving forces, is thus able to be minimized. In addition, the packaging becomes simpler and possible incorrect positions of the measuring axes relative to each other, owing to the tolerances of the monolithic sensor production, are determined, so that they are reducible by orders of magnitude compared to the layout of individual cores with the aid of mounting- and interconnection technology. A further advantage of a multi-axis sensor design according to the present invention is the avoidance of spurious modes, which in various ways may lead to a false signal of the sensor, e.g., due to (resonant) excitation by outer forces (vibration) or due to nonlinear cross-talk in the mechanics or the electrostatics of the system. According to the present invention, particularly advantageous reliability and safety of the yaw-rate sensor are attainable, permitting its use in the automotive sector, for example. By contrast, in using conventional systems from the related art having three (identical) single-axis sensors (and separate drive structures), all sensors have the same spurious modes which, owing to the process, lie at slightly different frequencies, so that in the case of such sensors known from the related art, the total number of spurious modes triples disadvantageously in a contemplated frequency range. In a multiaxis sensor element according to the present invention, it is possible to design the sensor element in such a way that it has less than the triple number of spurious modes. In the case of a three-axis sensor element, a marked reduction of the spurious modes is possible particularly if the same detection structures are designed in each instance to be sensitive for more than just one measuring axis. According to the present invention, a yaw rate prevailing perpendicular to the main extension plane of the substrate is understood to mean that the axis of rotation of the yaw rate in question is perpendicular to the main extension plane of the substrate. The equivalent holds true for the yaw rates prevailing in the first or second main extension axis of the substrate. Because the rotation-element assembly includes a first rotation element and a second rotation element, the first rotation element being drivable about a first axis of rotation with the aid of the drive assembly, the second rotation element being drivable about a second axis of rotation with the aid of the drive assembly, the first axis of rotation being perpendicular to the main extension plane, the second axis of rotation being perpendicular to the main extension plane, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, it is advantageously possible that outer linear- and rotational accelerations generate no (or a minimized) differential signal. It is thereby feasible to perform a vibrationally robust measurement of the yaw rate about two axes (first and second main extension axes of the substrate). In addition, it is thereby possible that spurious modes occur only at a reduced level. Furthermore, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, it is possible that detection electrodes are disposed below the first and second rotation elements, with whose aid tilting of the rotation elements about the first and/or second main extension axis is measurable. Owing to the fact that the sensor assembly includes a first mass, a second mass and a third mass, the first and the second mass, at least in part, being designed to move in the same direction during the driving movement, the third mass, at least in part, being designed to move in the opposite direction relative to the movement of the first and second mass during the driving movement, and the third mass being disposed specifically in a direction parallel to the second main extension axis of the substrate between the first mass and the second mass, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize a particularly advantageous embodiment of the sensor assembly with three masses. In this context, movement in the same direction is understood to mean that the first and second mass move simultaneously in one (the same) direction along the first main extension axis. Meanwhile, the third mass moves in the direction opposite to that, thus, in the reverse direction. It is possible that the first, second and third masses—in each case completely or in each case only partially (e.g., only a drive-frame component of the respective mass)—carry out the respective driving movement. It is especially preferred that the third mass is essentially twice as heavy as the first and second mass, respectively. Because a first drive structure of the drive assembly is assigned to the first mass, the first drive structure being connected mechanically to the first rotation element, and a second drive structure of the drive assembly is assigned to the second mass, the second drive structure being connected mechanically to the second rotation element, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to enable an advantageous coupling of the sensor assembly and the rotation-element assembly. This allows an especially advantageous bilateral drive of the two rotation elements. In this connection, it is possible, for example, to couple the first mass to the first rotation element with the aid of a first bar or web (and especially via a spring, as well) and to couple the second mass to the second rotation element with the aid of a second bar or web (and especially via a spring, as well). This yields the possibility that during the driving movement, a parallel driving movement of the first and second mass along the first main extension axis is able to be executed, and this movement of the masses continues in a rotational movement of the first and second rotation elements, and to be more precise, specifically in such a way that the first and second rotation elements execute a rotational movement, in phase opposition relative to each other, about the first and second axis of rotation, respectively. Because the first rotation element and the second rotation element are connected with the aid of the spring structure, especially in such a way that a parallel tilt of the first and second rotation elements about the first main extension axis is suppressed and an anti-parallel tilt of the first and second rotation elements about the first main extension axis is made possible, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize an especially advantageous coupling of the first and second rotation elements. Preferably, it is possible that the spring structure is connected to at least one web structure of the third drive structure, namely, in such a way that with the aid of the spring structure and the web structure, a mechanical connection is produced between the third mass and the first rotation element as well as the second rotation element. Owing to the fact that the first rotation element and the second rotation element are connected mechanically with the aid of a coupling structure, in particular, the coupling structure including at least one rocker structure, the rocker structure being formed in such a way that a parallel tilt of the first and second rotation elements about the second main extension axis is suppressed and an anti-parallel tilt of the first and second rotation elements about the second main extension axis is made possible, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, it is feasible that only anti-parallel tilting of the first and second rotation elements is possible in the direction of the second main extension axis, which advantageously allows a purely anti-parallel detection movement of the two rotation elements. Because the first rotation element and the second rotation element are connected mechanically with the aid of a further coupling structure, the further coupling structure being intersected by at least one web structure of the third drive structure, the web structure preferably being situated in the intersection area in an additional layer below the further coupling structure, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, it is possible that the third drive structure is connected preferably to the first and second rotation elements, particularly in the area between the first and second rotation elements (in the direction of the second main extension axis). It is especially preferred that the third drive structure is connected to the spring structure disposed between the first and second rotation elements. Because the first rotation element is connected to the substrate with the aid of a first suspension, the second rotation element being connected to the substrate with the aid of a second suspension, the first suspension in particular being situated partially in a central cutout in the first rotation element, the second suspension in particular being situated partially in a central cutout in the second rotation element, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, an advantageous rotation of the first and second rotation elements about the first and second axis of rotation, respectively, is possible. Specifically, the first and second suspensions are formed in such a way that in each instance, the first and second rotation elements are able to rotate about the first and second axis of rotation, respectively, and at the same time, are tiltable about the first and second main extension axis. Owing to the fact that the first mass is connected to the third mass with the aid of a first spring assembly, the second mass being connected to the third mass with the aid of a second spring assembly, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, it is possible that the sensor assembly is designed in particularly advantageous manner to detect yaw rates prevailing perpendicular to the main extension plane of the substrate. In this connection, it is especially preferred that the first and second spring assemblies are designed in such a way that they allow an anti-phase movement of the first and third masses as well as of the second and third masses in the second main extension axis. In particular, it is preferred that a section of the first drive assembly (a first part of a drive frame) included by the first mass is connected to a section of the third drive assembly (a third part of a drive frame) included by the third mass with the aid of the first spring assembly. Likewise, it is preferred that a section of the second drive assembly (a second part of a drive frame) included by the second mass is connected to a section of the third drive assembly (a third part of a drive frame) included by the third mass with the aid of the second spring assembly. Compared to the related art, an example method of the present invention for manufacturing a yaw-rate sensor according to one specific embodiment of the present invention has the advantages already described in connection with the yaw-rate sensor of the present invention or a specific embodiment of the yaw-rate sensor of the present invention. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are represented in the figures and explained in greater detail below.

11377668

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of plant molecular biology, more particularly to influencing male fertility. REFERENCE TO ELECTRONICALLY-SUBMITTED SEQUENCE LISTING The official copy of the sequence listing is submitted electronically via EFS-Web as an ASCII formatted sequence listing with a file named 5282-PCT ST25.txt, last modified on Sep. 6, 2013, having a size of 42 KB, and is filed concurrently with the specification. The sequence listing contained in this ASCII formatted document is part of the specification and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Development of hybrid plant breeding has made possible considerable advances in quality and quantity of crops produced. Increased yield and combination of desirable characteristics, such as resistance to disease and insects, heat and drought tolerance, along with variations in plant composition are all possible because of hybridization procedures. These procedures frequently rely heavily on providing for a male parent contributing pollen to a female parent to produce the resulting hybrid. Field crops are bred through techniques that take advantage of the plant's method of pollination. A plant is self-pollinated if pollen from one flower is transferred to the same or another flower of the same plant or a genetically identical plant. A plant is cross-pollinated if the pollen comes from a flower on a genetically different plant. In certain species, such asBrassica campestris, the plant is normally self-sterile and can only be cross-pollinated. In self-pollinating species, such as soybeans and cotton, the male and female plants are anatomically juxtaposed. During natural pollination, the male reproductive organs of a given flower pollinate the female reproductive organs of the same flower. Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a hexaploid plant having three pairs of homologous chromosomes defining genomes A, B and D. The endosperm of wheat grain comprises 2 haploid complements from a maternal cell and 1 from a paternal cell. The embryo of wheat grain comprises one haploid complement from each of the maternal and paternal cells. Hexaploidy has been considered a significant obstacle in researching and developing useful variants of wheat. In fact, very little is known regarding how homologous genes of wheat interact, how their expression is regulated, and how the different proteins produced by homologous genes function separately or in concert. An essential aspect of much of the work underway with genetic male sterility systems is the identification of genes influencing male fertility. Such a gene can be used in a variety of systems to control male fertility including those described herein. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Compositions and methods for modulating male fertility in a plant are provided. Compositions comprise nucleotide sequences, and active fragments and variants thereof, which modulate male fertility. Further provided are expression cassettes comprising one or more of the male fertility polynucleotides, or active fragments or variants thereof, operably linked to a promoter, wherein expression of the polynucleotides modulates the male fertility of a plant. Various methods are provided wherein the level and/or activity of a polynucleotide that influences male fertility is modulated in a plant or plant part.

11292287

The present invention relates to a decal for producing a decoration as well as a method for producing a decal. Many articles such as glasses, dishware, or molded plastic pieces are provided with a decoration. In particular for the production of high-value porcelain and glass, so-called precious metal gloss preparations are often used, which can be pressed directly onto the articles to achieve a valuable decoration. These precious metal gloss preparations contain large amounts of precious metals, such as gold, so that their use involves high costs. Moreover, the obtained decorations are baked into the substrate at a high temperature (usually above 490° C.), so that high costs result and therefore they are only suitable for substrates which are resistant to these high temperatures. Such precious metal gloss preparations are described for example in DE 10 2004 031692 A1. Moreover, the use of pigments to achieve glossy effects is known, generally making use of leafing pigments to obtain a specular surface. However, this embodiment has the drawback that the adherence of the pigments to the substrate is relatively slight and the pigment layer lies on the outside, so that it can easily become damaged. Non-leafing pigments are generally employed as a single-coat lacquer or primer, for example in order to achieve a corrosion protection (see Benda-Lutz: Lacquers and Coatings). However, the drawback is that the specular effect is so slight that one generally cannot achieve any appropriate decoration, but only colored, relatively dull lacquer. In view of the prior art, the problem which the present invention proposes to solve is to provide a method for producing a decoration that solves the above explained problems. In particular, a metallic specular effect, preferably a shiny gold, shiny lemon gold, shiny platinum and shiny palladium effect should be obtained, such as can be produced for example by precious metal gloss preparations, without the need for high baking temperatures. Moreover, the decoration should be produced as easily and economically as possible. The properties of the coatings by which a decoration is produced should not be adversely affected. Thus, the coating should have the highest possible adherence to different materials. Moreover, the decoration which can be obtained by the method should have good image sharpness. These problems as well as others not explicitly mentioned, yet which are clearly deducible or evident from the situation mentioned at the outset, are solved by a decal with all the features of patent claim1. Advisable modifications of the decal according to the invention are protected by dependent claims2to13. In regard to the method, the subject matter of claim14provides a solution for the underlying problem. The subject matter of the present invention is a decal for producing a decoration, comprising a non-leafing pigment layer and a first protective layer, characterized in that the decal is designed so that the non-leafing pigment layer can be applied closer to a substrate that the first protective layer. Thanks to this embodiment a decoration can be obtained in easy manner, which produces a metallic specular effect, preferably a shiny gold, shiny lemon gold, shiny platinum and shiny palladium effect. In this way, a decoration can be easily and simply applied to various surfaces, without this requiring a high baking temperature. Moreover, the decoration can be produced in advance by the use of economical printing methods, even for small production lots, without any special restrictions in regard to the substrate. In this way, surprisingly, a shiny gold, shiny lemon gold, shiny platinum and shiny palladium effect can be achieved in an especially simple and economical way, without having to use precious metals. The decoration therefore constitutes an economical shiny gold, shiny lemon gold, shiny platinum and shiny palladium imitation. Preferably the non-leafing pigment layer is designed so that it produces a metallic specular effect, preferably a shiny gold, shiny lemon gold, shiny platinum and shiny palladium effect. In one particular embodiment, the metallic specular effect is manifested by a high gloss. Preferably, the decoration produced by the decal can [have] a gloss of at least 200 GE, preferably at least 300 GE, especially preferably at least 400 GE, specially preferably 500 GE and most specially preferably 650 GE. The gloss is determined in this case by a measurement at 200 of the directed degree of reflection, preferably in accordance with DIN EN ISO 7668:2011-03, where GE stands for units of gloss. Preferably, a micro-TRI-gloss meter from the Byk Gardner Company can be used for this, and further information will be found in the device description. The aforementioned high gloss depends, among other things, on the specific configuration of the pigments used, especially their shape and their composition. Gloss values of at least 200 GE, preferably at least 300 GE, especially preferably at least 400 GE, specially preferably 500 GE and most specially preferably 650 GE are preferably achieved with aluminum pigments, preferably flake-like aluminum pigments, which can be produced for example by PVD methods. With the aforementioned PVD pigments, gloss values of even most especially preferred at least 1000 GE can be achieved. In the decals according to the invention with colored protective varnish and aluminum pigment to achieve a gold color, the achieved gloss values are often less than the aforementioned values, while the configuration according to the invention, i.e., the fact that the non-leafing pigment layer can be applied closer to a substrate than the first protective layer, results in higher gloss values than a configuration not having this feature. Preferably, the decoration obtained with the decal can have a gloss of at least 100 GE, preferably at least 150 GE, especially preferably at least 200 GE, especially preferred at least 400 GE and most especially preferred at least 600 GE, if aluminum pigments are used in combination with a colored first protective layer. Brass and/or gold bronze pigments in decals according to the invention often result in values lower than the aforementioned ones, while the configuration according to the invention, i.e., the fact that the non-leafing pigment layer can be applied closer to a substrate than the first protective layer, results in higher gloss values than a configuration not having this feature. Preferably, the decoration obtained with the decal can have a gloss of at least 100 GE, preferably at least 150 GE, especially preferably at least 200 GE, especially preferred at least 400 GE and most especially preferred at least 600 GE, if brass and/or gold bronze pigments are used, for example. The decal has a first protective layer, which may preferably be formed by a varnish, preferably a cross-linked varnish. The preferred varnishes from which the first protective layer can be produced include varnishes which can be hardened by irradiation with light, preferably ultraviolet light (UV varnishes) and 2-component varnishes (2K varnishes). UV varnishes may be radical-hardening or cation-hardening. Cation-hardening UV varnishes are preferable. These varnishes preferably have as their resin base a compound containing an oxiran group, generally a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin (see Edwin Tafelmeier, UV-radiation hardening technologies, Coates Screen, SN-Online). Cation-hardening UV varnishes generally comprise epoxy resins, modified resins (for flexibility or toughness), reactive diluents, photoinitiators (preferably blocked Lewis or Broensted acids), optionally pigments, additives (wetting, flow) and sometimes polyols (polyester polyols and/or polyether polyols). A discussion of preferred 2K varnishes will be found in Paolo Nanetti, The science of varnish raw materials, Vincentz 1977, chap. 1.4.1 Isocyanate resins 2 (polyurethanes, PUR materials), p. 78-85. Among the preferred 2K varnishes are, in particular, varnishes based on aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic polyisocyanates and OH-functional polyacrylic acid esters and/or OH-functional polymethacrylic acid esters or OH-functional acrylic or methacrylic copolymers. Moreover, it may be provided that the first protective layer has a thickness in the range of 0.3 μm to 6 μm, preferably 0.4 μm to 4.0 μm, especially preferably 0.5 μm to 3 μm (dry film thickness). The dry film thickness can be measured for example per DIN 50981: 1979-05 and DIN 50982:1987-08, preferably with a Hommel tester T 8000. In one preferred embodiment, the first protective layer may have a roughness Rz less than 0.60 μm, preferably less than 0.55 μm, especially preferably less than 0.50 μm, especially preferably less than 0.45 μm, particularly preferably less than 0.40 μm. The roughness Rz describes the mean roughness (averaged depth of roughness, ten-point height) and can be measured per DIN 4768: 1990-05. The averaged roughness (Rz) pertains to a dimension and is determined as follows. A defined measurement length on the surface of the workpiece is divided into seven equal-size single measurement lengths. But the evaluation is done only for five of these lengths, since the Gaussian filter used requires one single-measurement half-length at the start and end, or one convolution has a not negligible inlet and outlet behavior. From the five single depths of roughness so determined, the average is formed. Preferably, it may be provided that the first protective layer is configured such that, upon applying the composition with which the layer with a non-leafing pigment is applied, [it] is not significantly affected in its properties. Accordingly, there is preferably a clear layer transition in passing from the first protective layer to the non-leafing pigment layer. This occurs when a broad transitional layer is not present between the first protective layer and the non-leafing pigment layer. Broad transitional layers occur when applying the non-leafing pigment layer to the first protective layer if the latter is subjected to an attack, for example because the solvent used in the composition to apply the non-leafing pigment layer can attack the first protective layer and/or because the first protective layer is not sufficiently cross-linked. Broad transitional layers are often visible as cloudiness. The first protective layer may be colorless or have a color. In one preferred embodiment, for example, a coloring agent may be used, preferably a dye or color pigment, producing a yellow coloration of the first protective layer. Especially preferably, the first protective layer may be transparent. Besides a first protective layer, a decal according to the invention has at least one non-leafing pigment layer. Preferably, the non-leafing pigment layer lies in contact with the first protective layer, so that the two layers are neighboring each other. The non-leafing pigment layer comprises non-leafing pigments. Non-leafing pigments are known in the industry and are distinguished by a good compatibility with the components of a varnish, especially the binder, so that non-leafing pigments can be homogeneously distributed in a varnish layer. Preferably, the non-leafing pigments may be configured as metal-effect pigments and have a flake-like form. The non-leafing pigments can be produced in the usual manner. Preferred non-leafing pigments with metal effect can be made for example through dry grinding, wet grinding, and Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), wherein PVD-pigments may be used especially preferably. Preferably, the non-leafing pigments may have a mean diameter (D50) in the range of 2 to 24 μm, preferably 4 to 20 μm, especially preferably 6 to 15 m, measured by laser diffiaction, preferably by ISO 13320:2009-10, where a CILAS laser granulometer (CILAS 1064) can be used in particular. Instructions for the measurement will be found for example in Partikelwelt No. 1, September 2002, page 2 to 4 (Particle analysis with CILAS laser diffraction). In the flake-like pigments used preferably, these values pertain to the diameter of the flakes, not the particle thickness. The D50value is the median of the distribution (50% of particles are larger, 50% of particles are smaller). Moreover, it may be provided that the non-leafing pigments have an especially narrow particle size distribution, which can be described by the difference between the D10value and the D90value (D10value: 10% of particles are smaller, 90% of particles are larger, D90value: 90% of particles are smaller, 10% of particles are larger). Preferably, it may be provided that the difference between the D10value and the D90value is at most 25 μm, preferably at most 15 μm, especially preferably at most 10 μm. Moreover, it may be provided that the non-leafing pigments of the non-leafing pigment layer contain aluminum, brass and/or gold bronze pigments, preferably flake-like aluminum pigments. Besides the non-leafing pigments, the non-leafing pigment layer generally contains at least one binder which is compatible with the non-leafing pigments. These binders are generally known. They include among others polyolefins, vinyl, acrylic or methacrylic polymers, copolymers based on acrylates, methacrylates and/or vinyl monomers, polyester, polyamide or phenolformaldehyde resins, polyethylene urea, polyether, preferably cellulose or cellulose derivates, especially preferably cellulose ether and/or cellulose ester. Preferably, the weight ratio of non-leafing pigments to binder may be in the range of 100:1 to 1:2, preferably 30:1 to 1:1.5, especially preferably 15:1 to 1:1, most preferably 8:1 to 1:1. Besides the non-leafing pigments, the non-leafing pigment layer may contain fractions of leafing pigments. Leafing pigments are incompatible with the binder of the non-leafing pigment layer, so that leafing pigments accumulate on the surface of the varnish upon drying. Preferably, the weight ratio of non-leafing pigments to leafing pigments in the non-leafing pigment layer may be less than 1:1, preferably less than 5:1, especially preferably less than 10:1, especially preferably less than 20:1 and most preferably less than 100:1. In another embodiment, it may be provided that the non-leafing pigment layer contains no leafing pigments. Moreover, it may be provided that the non-leafing pigment layer has a thickness (dry film thickness) in the range of 0.3 μm to 5 μm, preferably 0.4 μm to 3.0 μm, especially preferably 0.5 μm to 2 μm, measured by means of DIN 50981: 1979-05 and DIN 50982:1987-08, preferably with a Hommel tester T 8000. Surprising benefits can be achieved when the thickness of the first protective layer is at least 30% of the thickness of the non-leafing pigment layer, preferably at least 50% and especially preferably at least 100%. In another embodiment, it may be provided that the non-leafing pigments contain aluminum pigments, preferably consist of aluminum pigments, and the first protective layer is colored, preferably using a yellow dye or a yellow pigment. Preferably the decal may have a second protective layer, which is applied to the non-leafing pigment layer, so that the non-leafing pigment layer is arranged between the first and the second protective layer. This second protective layer may be composed of the same materials as the first protective layer, especially UV varnishes and/or 2K varnishes. Moreover, the second protective layer may be formed by a conventional colored layer, wherein compositions for production of colored layers are available, among others, from Ferro GmbH under the brand Xpression. Moreover, it may be provided that the second protective layer has a thickness in the range of 0.3 μm to 6 μm, preferably 0.4 μm to 4.0 μm, especially preferably 0.5 μm to 3 μm (dry film thickness). The second protective layer may be colorless or colored. Furthermore, the decal may contain a colored layer which is arranged between the first protective layer or the non-leafing pigment layer and the second protective layer. Suitable compositions for the production of colored layers are commercially available, among others, from Ferro GmbH under the brand Xpression. If the colored layer is arranged between the first protective layer and the non-leafing pigment layer, it may preferably be provided that this colored layer has the properties described above and in the following for the first protective layer, especially in regard to roughness and/or swelling capacity. Moreover, it may be provided that the decal is applied to a substrate, preferably a dextrin substrate, especially preferably a paper with dextrin coating. Alternatively, paper with a polyvinyl alcohol coating may also be used. Moreover, it may be provided that the decal is applied to a substrate and has a strippable layer, which is arranged between the non-leafing pigment layer and a substrate. Materials from which a strippable layer can be produced are widely known in the industry and are commercially available, among others, from Ferro GmbH in the Xpression series under the brand Strippable Coat, Numbers 80 2039 or 80 2070. For example, it may be provided that the strippable layer has a thickness (dry film thickness) in the range of 24 μm to 54 μm, preferably 26 μm to 40 μm, especially preferably 28 m to 30 μm, as measured by DIN 50981: 1979-05 and DIN 50982:1987-08, preferably with a Hommel tester T 8000. Preferably, the decal may contain a bonding layer, which is applied to the non-leafing pigment layer, a second protective layer or a further layer, so that the non-leafing pigment layer is arranged between the first protective layer and the bonding layer. The bonding layer is chosen according to the purpose of the application, so that a good adherence to the substrate is achieved. Thus, for adherence to plastics one may apply a base coat, such as 80 4520 from Ferro GmbH, as the last layer of the decal. To improve the adherence on glassy surfaces (glass, ceramics, enamel), the use of a primer is alternatively possible. Prior to the application of the decal, the surface being decorated is treated with a primer. Silanes, among others, may be used as the primer. For example, the primers 80 415 or 80416 from Ferro GmbH may be used. The decal may contain further layers, but in general these are not necessary. Thus, for example, an adhesive layer may be omitted, so that a preferred decal has no adhesive layer. An adhesive layer here means a layer producing an independent adhesion to a substrate in the dry state, without a hardening step needing to be performed, so that an adhesive layer generally contains an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive. Another subject matter of the present invention is a method for producing the decals according to the invention. Preferably for this a layer with a non-leafing pigment can be applied on a first protective layer and dried. Moreover, it may be provided that the composition with which the layer with a non-leafing pigment is applied contains no solvent in which the first protective layer is dissolved or swelled. Preferably, the solvent in the composition with which the layer with a non-leafing pigment is applied results in a swelling of the first protective layer of at most 8%, preferably at most 6%, especially preferably at most 4% and most preferably at most 2%, measured at 25° C. after a time of action of around 10 hours. Swelling pertains here to the volume increase of a corresponding layer whose thickness may amount to around 100 μm. In another preferred embodiment, it may be provided that the first protective layer is cross-linked. A cross-linking can be accomplished in particular by the above-described methods. The composition with which the layer with a non-leafing pigment is applied is preferably applied to the first protective layer only at a time when an adequate cross-linking is present. This time may easily be determined by the person skilled in the art and is dependent on many factors. Thus, the use of hardening catalysts may significantly decrease the hardening time. Moreover, the hardening time depends on the chosen components. When using one or more hardening catalysts, a hardening time of 1 h for example, preferably 4 h, especially preferably 7 h and most preferably 24 h may be enough to prevent a swelling when applying the non-leafing pigment-containing composition. Without the use of hardening catalysts, a longer hardening time should be observed. For example, acceptable results may be obtained after 12 hours, preferably 24 hours, especially preferably 36 hours, and most preferably after 48 hours. Preferably, it may accordingly be provided that the first protective layer is designed so that its properties are not significantly impaired upon applying the composition with which the layer with a non-leafing pigment is applied. To avoid an impairment, the above discussed measures can be carried out, especially an adequate hardening or the use of appropriate solvents. In this way, excellent gloss values can be achieved in particular. Preferably, it may be provided that the first protective layer is applied such that the surface has a roughness Rz less than 0.60 μm, preferably less than 0.55 μm, especially preferably less than 0.50 μm, most preferably less than 0.45 μm, especially preferably less than 0.40 μm. The roughness Rz of the first protective layer may be influenced in particular by additives such as flow agents or defoamers. The printing during silkscreen printing may also have influence on the roughness, due to bubble formation. In order to keep the transmission losses as low as possible, during a silkscreen printing process the first protective layer is applied preferably by a screen mesh in the range of 90 to 180 T, especially preferably 100 to 140 T and most preferably 120 T. Preferably, the first protective layer may be applied with a wet film thickness in the range of 8 μm to 70 μm, preferably 9 μm to 50 μm, especially preferably 10 μm to 30 μm. The wet film thickness can be determined per ISO 2808:2007-05. Preferably, the composition with which the first protective layer is applied has a viscosity in the range of 400 to 4500 mPas, especially preferably in the range of 410 to 2000 mPas, most preferably in the range of 450 to 1100 mPas, measured at 23° C., with a shear rate of 200 s−1, measured by a plate and cone. Moreover, it may be provided that the composition with which the first protective layer is applied has a solvent content in the range of 10% to 40%, especially preferably in the range of 15% to 35%, most preferably in the range of 17% to 30%. Suitable solvents include, among others, aromatic hydrocarbons, hydroaromatic hydrocarbons, esters and glycol ether. Preferably the composition with which the layer with a non-leafing pigment is applied has a viscosity in the range of 80 to 8000 mPas, especially preferably in the range of 120 to 4000 mPas, most preferably in the range of 170 to 2500 mPas, measured at 23° C., with a shear rate of 200 s−1, measured by a plate and cone. The pastes exhibit a structural viscosity, that is, they show a viscosity between 2 Pas and 30 Pas at a shear rate of 1.1 s−1, measured with a plate and cone at 23° C. Moreover, it may be provided that the non-leafing pigment layer is applied with a wet film thickness in the range of 6 μm to 40 μm, preferably 9 μm to 30 μm, especially preferably 10 μm to 25 μm. Moreover, it may be provided that the composition with which the layer with a non-leafing pigment is applied has a solvent content in the range of 70% to 95%, preferably in the range of 80 to 92% and most preferably in the range of 85% to 90%. The suitable solvents include, among others, especially esters, glycol ether, ethers and alcohols. In another embodiment of the present method, at first a strippable layer may be applied to a substrate, on which a first protective layer is applied. The substrate may be a paper with dextrin coating. Moreover, it may be provided that a first protective layer is applied to a substrate, preferably a paper with dextrin coating or a coating with polyvinyl alcohol. Another subject matter is a decal which can be obtained with a method according to the invention. Another subject matter is the use of a decal according to the invention to produce a decoration, wherein the decal can be applied in particular to glass, ceramic, metal, wood or plastic. Preferably, the decal may be applied to the substrate with the last printed layer. Preferably, after applying the decal on a substrate, hardening is done, wherein the hardening preferably occurs at a temperature in the range of 50° C. to 230° C., especially preferably 60 to 220° C. It is recommended to first strip off the strippable layer in event of a tempering above 60° C. Moreover, it may be provided that a primer is applied to the substrate, onto which the decal is later applied, the primer improving the adherence of the decal. The invention is explained more closely below with the aid of examples, without this producing a limitation of the invention.

11268707

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to the technical field of air conditioning equipment, and in particular, to an air conditioner indoor unit and an air conditioner using the indoor unit. BACKGROUND A traditional air conditioner indoor unit usually has a non-detachable housing, which faces the air passage member. After the air conditioner has been used for a long time, dust is likely to accumulate in the wall of the air passage member and the cross-flow wind wheel, it is difficult to clean the air passage member without removing the face frame. Besides, when there is a problem with the motor of the air guiding structure, it is also not easy to replace and repair the motor. SUMMARY The main objective of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner indoor unit, aiming at improving the convenience of cleaning the air conditioner indoor unit. In order to achieve the above objective, the present disclosure provides an air conditioner indoor unit, including: a housing including a chassis, and a face frame connected to the chassis, a lower portion of the face frame including an opening; an air passage member disposed at the chassis and exposed from the opening; and a lower panel including an air outlet communicating with the air passage member, a side of the lower panel on a front-rear direction is rotatably connected to a side edge of the opening or a side of the air passage member, and another side of the lower panel is detachably connected to another side edge of the opening or another side of the air passage member, and the lower panel is rotated to open or cover the opening for exposing or shielding the air passage member. Optionally, the air conditioner indoor unit further includes a heat exchanger installed in the housing, a refrigerant pipe connected with the heat exchanger and including a connector, and a cover plate. The chassis includes a dismounting hole, the lower panel includes an avoiding hole corresponding to the dismounting hole, and the connector of the refrigerant pipe is exposed from the dismounting hole and the avoiding hole, and the cover plate is detachably connected to a lower periphery of the avoiding hole for closing or opening the avoiding hole and the dismounting hole. Optionally, an outer periphery of the avoiding hole includes a first locking structure, an inner side wall of the cover plate includes a second locking structure, and the cover plate is detachably connected to the lower panel through the first locking structure and the second locking structure. Optionally, the air conditioner indoor unit further includes a locking member, a periphery of the air outlet includes a connecting hole, the air passage member includes a mounting hole corresponding to the connecting hole, and the locking member passes through the connecting hole and the mounting hole for connecting the lower panel with the air passage member. Optionally, a side of the lower panel on the front-rear direction includes a rotation shaft, an edge of the opening near a front side of the face frame includes a shaft hole matching the rotation shaft, and the lower panel is rotated from rear to front to open the opening. Optionally, the lower panel includes at least one pair of rotation shafts, and the rotation shaft is one of the rotation shafts, the opening includes at least one pair of shaft holes, and the shaft hole is one of the shaft holes. Openings of one pair of the shaft holes are faced with each other, and one pair of the rotation shafts are spaced apart from each other and rotatably cooperating with the shaft holes, each rotation shaft is rotatably received in one corresponding shaft hole; and/or the rotation shaft is connected to the lower panel through a rotation arm, and a side edge of the shaft hole is provided with a limiting protrusion, and the limiting protrusion is configured to abut the rotation arm to position the lower panel after the lower panel is rotated to a limiting angle. Optionally, an outer periphery of the shaft hole includes a guiding surface, and the rotation shaft is slid into the shaft hole along the guiding surface. Optionally, an end surface of the rotation shaft includes a mating surface, and the rotation shaft is slid into the shaft hole along the mating surface. Optionally, an outer periphery of the shaft hole includes a guiding surface, an end surface of the rotation shaft includes a mating surface, and the rotation shaft is slid into the shaft hole with the mating surface against the guiding surface. Optionally, an edge of the opening near a rear side of the chassis includes a buckle hole, and another side of the lower panel includes a buckle inserted in the buckle hole. Optionally, the buckle is in a plate shape and vertically protruded from an inner side of the lower panel, and a free end of the buckle is bent rearwards, and the buckle hole is flared in shape. Optionally, an edge of the opening near a rear side of the chassis includes a snap fastener assembly, and another side of the lower panel includes a lock head locked with the snap fastener assembly. Optionally, the lock head has a columnar structure with different diameters in different areas; the snap fastener assembly includes: a cylinder structure, an end of the cylindrical structure including a hole; a large slider installed in the cylinder structure and internally provided with a circulating guide; a spring disposed between the large slider and the cylinder structure; two jaws connected with the large slider and exposed out of the hole of the cylinder structure; and a swinging needle connected with the cylinder structure and the large slider, the swinging needle is hooked in the circulating guide. Optionally, one of a middle portion of each end of the lower panel on a left-right direction and a middle portion of the corresponding edge of the opening in the left-right direction includes a clamping hole, and other one includes a clamping member cooperating with the clamping hole. Optionally, the air conditioner indoor unit further includes an upper panel, a side of the upper panel is rotatably connected to an upper side of the face frame, and another side of the upper panel is fitted to the lower panel. Optionally, the front side of the face frame includes a mounting hole, the mounting hole being covered by the upper panel. Optionally, both ends of the upper panel include a cover, the covers covering outer side walls of the face frame, and both ends of the lower panel include a flange protruded towards the face frame, and an outer wall surfaces of each of the flanges is coplanar with one corresponding outer wall surface of the cover after the opening is covered by the lower panel. Optionally, the air conditioner indoor unit further includes an air guiding assembly, the air guiding assembly is detachably connected to an edge of the air outlet; or the air guiding assembly is mounted at the face frame and disposed facing the air outlet. Optionally, the air passage member includes a wind wheel, a volute tongue and a volute both provided on the chassis, the volute tongue cooperates with the volute to form an air passage communicating with the air outlet, and the wind wheel is located within the air passage. The present disclosure further provides an air conditioner including an air conditioner indoor unit, the air conditioner indoor unit including: a housing including a chassis, and a face frame connected to the chassis, a lower portion of the face frame including an opening; an air passage member disposed at the chassis and exposed from the opening; and a lower panel including an air outlet communicating with the air passage member, a side of the lower panel on a front-rear direction is rotatably connected to a side edge of the opening or a side of the air passage member, and another side of the lower panel is detachably connected to another side edge of the opening or another side of the air passage member, and the lower panel is rotated to open or cover the opening for exposing or shielding the air passage member. In the technical solutions of the present disclosure, a lower portion of a housing of an air conditioner indoor unit includes an opening, an air passage member can be exposed from the opening, a lower panel is rotatably connected to the opening or an edge of the air passage member, and the lower panel is rotated to open the opening for exposing the air passage member. As such, a large space is left for cleaning the air passage member, which improves the convenience of cleaning. Besides, another side of the lower panel is detachably connected to the housing or the air passage member, such that the installation of the lower panel on the housing is more stable, thereby preventing the lower panel from being accidentally opened to cause danger. Therefore, the structural stability of the air conditioner indoor unit is improved, and the working performance is improved.

11455171

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to electronic circuits, and relates more specifically to, e.g., computer architecture, processor design and implementation, processor microarchitecture, out-of-order instruction scheduling and execution, pipelined, superpipelined, superscalar, and multithreaded execution, field-programmable-gate-array (FPGA) circuit design and implementation, instruction and memory latency tolerance, integration of custom instructions, function units, and accelerators, and electronic design-automation tools. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART The present disclosure pertains to the design and implementation of high-performance microprocessors, also called “processors” herein. A processor executes instructions. Under the covers, at the microarchitecture level, the processor may perform instructions piecewise concurrently and/or in different time steps or orders, so long as (from the perspective of the software) instructions appear to execute one after another. A processor includes a register file of one or more logical registers (here named “x0,” “x1,” “x2,” and so on). A register may hold a value (typically a 32-bit or 64-bit word.) An instruction, such as add x3, x1,x2 (i.e. read registers x1 and x2, add them together, and write the sum to register x3) reads source registers (here x1 and x2) and writes destination registers (here x3). At the microarchitecture level, instruction execution includes steps such as instruction fetch, instruction decode, decoded-instruction execute, and result writeback. A simple processor architecture sequentially performs these steps for the first instruction, then for the second, and so forth. A processor may employ pipelining, analogous to a factory assembly line, to overlap execution of the steps and thus run the software program in less time than the processor would take to execute the software-program instructions sequentially without pipelining. Each step of instruction execution (e.g., performing an instruction) is called, herein, a pipeline stage. So in a given clock cycle, running a program including the instruction sequence I1, I2, I3, I4, the processor may be writing back to a register in the register file any results of instruction I1, executing decoded I2, decoding I3, and fetching I4. That is, during the time window of this given clock cycle, I4 is in the instruction fetch (“IF”) stage, I3 is in the decode (“DC”) stage, I2 is in the execute (“EX”) stage, and I1 in the writeback (“WB”) stage. In some embodiments an instruction pipeline may have fewer stages, in others, more stages. Ideally, this simple (“scalar”) pipelined execution proceeds at the rate of one instruction pipeline stage per clock cycle. However, some time-consuming (“long latency”) instruction operations can temporarily stall the steady flow of the pipeline until they complete. For example, some operations, such as integer divide, are inherently slower in digital logic than simpler operations like integer add, and, therefore, may take several clock cycles. Other operations, such as load from memory, may take several clock cycles to convey the memory-read-request operation to memory or to a data cache, perform access checks, and convey the memory-read-result data back to the processor. When long-latency operations cause a pipeline stall, instruction execution stalls, and so performance (expressed as instructions per cycle or instructions per second) suffers. But it is often the case that the destination register of the long-latency instruction is not immediately used as a source register of a subsequent instruction. Consider these two assembly code sequences:I0: ld x1,0(x2)I1: add x3,x4,x5I2: add x6,x7,x8I3: add x9,x10,x1vs.I10: ld x1,0(x2)I11: add x9,x10,x1I12: add x3,x4,x5I13: add x6,x7,x8 In the first sequence I0 . . . I3, I0 loads a value from memory into x1. x1 is not used as a source register until I3, three instructions later. In the second sequence, I10 loads a value from memory into x1, but then this new value of x1 is immediately used as a source register of the next instruction, I11. Here I0's load takes three cycles, but that value isn't used for three cycles, so the pipeline might proceed without stalling, issuing I1 and I2 (which neither read x1 nor write x1) as the load progresses, overlapping the I1 and I2 operations with the load operation underway. In this schedule, instructions issue in order I0, I1, I2, I3, but complete out of order (here load I0 completes, and writes back its results, after add instruction I1 does). Conversely, this approach does not apply for the I10 . . . I13 sequence. If I11 were to issue before I10's load into x1 completes, I11's add might operate on some old value of x1 instead of the load result. Here I1 1 should await the load result arriving in register x1—the pipeline should stall for two cycles. To distinguish the two cases and to allow instructions to issue in-order (“in-order issue”) but sometimes complete out-of-order (“out-of-order completion”), a processor may employ a busy-register scoreboard (herein, “scoreboard”). In an embodiment, a scoreboard tracks which registers are busy because they are the destination register of an instruction operation which has not yet completed. In an embodiment, a scoreboard is a general structure used to associate some respective state with each of some items. In an embodiment, the scoreboard associates a respective busy bit with each register of a processor register file. Alternatively, one could say that the scoreboard circuit associates a respective not-busy bit with each register. Other terms for “busy” include, but are not limited to, “in-progress,” “invalid,” “issued-but-not-completed,” “not-ready,” and other terms for “not-busy” include, but are not limited to, “ready,” “valid,” “present,” and “available.” In an embodiment, after an instruction is decoded but before it issues to the execute stage, the instruction scheduler, a component of the processor's overall pipeline controller, determines whether the instruction can issue (begin execution) in the current clock cycle. In an embodiment, in a processor with in-order issue and out-of-order completion, the instruction scheduler uses the busy-register scoreboard to determine whether the instruction's source register(s) is/are busy and whether the instruction's destination register(s) is/are busy. If no source register nor destination register is busy, it is safe and correct for the processor to issue the current instruction to the execute pipeline stage. If a source register is busy because it is the destination register of some prior instruction operation which has not yet completed, the present instruction exhibits a RAW (read after write) dependency hazard, and the pipeline stalls awaiting completion of the prior operation. If the destination register is busy (again because it is the destination register of some prior instruction operation which has not yet completed), the present instruction exhibits a WAW (write after write) dependency hazard. Here too the pipeline stalls lest the present instruction complete and write to the destination, only for that result to be erroneously overwritten by the prior instruction-operation result when it finally completes. SUMMARY A scoreboard is a general circuit structure or topology used to associate some respective state with each of some items, and to update and retrieve items' states as they change over time. One aspect described in the present disclosure is an apparatus and method to implement small, fast, highly multiported scoreboard circuits. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of memories, each keeping partial state information, i.e. shards or aspects of the overall true state of each of a plurality of items. The state of an item may be determined by reading from the various memories all the partial state entries for the item and combining them under, or otherwise according to, some function. The states of various items may be updated concurrently by concurrently writing the separate partial state updates into the various memories. In an embodiment, w concurrent writers of partial state information use w separate one-write-per-cycle memories. In another embodiment, w concurrent writers of partial state information use ceiling(w/k) k-write-per-cycle memories. Another aspect described in the present disclosure uses multiple copies (replicas) of the sets of memories to enable multiple concurrent read accesses to the scoreboard-item state. A first reader reads all the partial state for a first item from the first set of memories, and combines them to determine the first item's state; a second reader reads all the partial state for a second item from the second set of memories, and combines them to determine the second item's state; and so on. In an embodiment, instead of keeping c copies of the sets of memories, ceiling(c/k) sets of k-read-1-write/cycle memories hold the replicated partial-state entries to facilitate k reads of all the partial state information per cycle. In an embodiment, a 3-read, 2-write scoreboard stores partial-state entries across two 3-read-1-write/cycle memories. In an embodiment, a busy-register scoreboard associates a busy state with each register in a processor register file. In an embodiment, a busy state is a one-bit quantity: 0 means the register is idle, 1 means the register is busy. In an embodiment, a first scoreboard writer may toggle a first register's entry in a first memory from 0 to 1, or from 1 to 0, indicating an operation has begun and the first register has become busy; at the same time, a second writer may toggle a second register's entry in a second memory, from 0 to 1, or from 1 to 0, indicating an operation has completed and the second register has become idle (unbusy). At the same time a first reader can read the partial-state-information entry for a register (which may be the first or second register, or a third register that an instruction specifies) from the first and second memory circuits, and take the Boolean exclusive-or (XOR) of the entries, to recover the true ‘busy’ state of the register. Assuming that the initial state of the first and second memories is 0, 0 or 1, 1, if the two entries are 0,0, or 1,1, the register is presently (during the present clock cycle) idle. Alternatively, if the two entries are 0, 1 or 1,0, the register is presently busy. In an embodiment, the busy-register scoreboard has three read ports. That is, each cycle, the instruction scheduler uses the scoreboard to determine whether any of a first source register, a second source register, and a destination register of an instruction are busy. In an embodiment, the busy-register scoreboard has one write port. That is, each cycle, the instruction scheduler may update the scoreboard to reflect that either it has issued a long-latency operation that will write some destination register, or it has just completed a long-latency operation that has written some destination register. In another embodiment, the busy-register scoreboard has two write ports. That is, each cycle, the instruction scheduler may update the scoreboard to indicate that it has issued an operation that will write some destination register, and it may update the scoreboard to indicate that it has just completed an operation that has written some destination register. An embodiment of a busy-register scoreboard with three read ports and two write ports will typically exhibit higher performance (instructions per clock) than one with three read ports and one write port, because in a one-write-port-scoreboard design, when the processor instruction pipeline issues a long-latency-instruction operation just as some prior long-latency-instruction operation completes, it may take two clock cycles to update these two busy conditions in the scoreboard. A fast and resource-efficient multiported scoreboard can be the linchpin of a high-performance processor, i.e., a processor with a high-clock-frequency operation and a high number of instructions executed per clock cycle, a processor that is tolerant of multi-cycle-function-unit latencies and memory-access latencies and/or that supports out-of-order instruction execution or completion. But it can be challenging to implement a scoreboard that provides multiple read and multiple write operations per clock cycle and that is both compact (uses relatively few logic gates or FPGA lookup tables (LUTs)) and fast (incurs few gate delays or FPGA LUT delays, thus enabling a relatively high-frequency operation). To appreciate the utility and one or more advantages of embodiments such as those described in the present disclosure, consider the following various ways to implement a busy-register scoreboard. In an embodiment, a busy-register-scoreboard implementation might use one flip-flop to represent the busy state for one register. Therefore, an n-entry register file uses n flip-flops. So checking whether any of up to m registers are busy in a given cycle uses m n-input multiplexers (indexed by source or destination register number), i.e. m read ports across the “array” of flip-flops. In other words, that is m instances of n-bit multiplexers. In an embodiment, for a processor with a register file of 32 or 64 registers, this uses 32-to-1 or 64-to-1 multiplexers, which typically take three LUT delays in a 6-LUT FPGA. Also, on a given cycle, if x instructions may issue (each busying its destination register) and y instructions may complete (each un-busying its destination register), then w=x+y writes may update various flip-flops in the scoreboard each cycle. This incurs O(n×w) write-enable-decode subcircuits. This can be relatively large and slow in an FPGA, particularly as FPGAs have control-set restrictions, in which all the flip-flops within a logic cluster such as a Xilinx CLB share a common clock enable signal. In another embodiment, a busy-register-scoreboard implementation might use a small static RAM (SRAM) memory. In an embodiment, each entry in the memory is a one-bit busy value. Then issuing an instruction sets its destination register's busy bit in the memory, and subsequently completing (“retiring”) an instruction clears (e.g., zeroes) its destination register's busy bit. If, as is usually the case, the memory supports up to one write per clock cycle, it will take two cycles to set and later clear the register's busy bit. This limits processor performance to a maximum of one instruction per two cycles. In another embodiment, the scoreboard's memory is double pumped. That is, the processor pipeline operates from a clock with some frequency f and the scoreboard memory operates from a “clk2x” clock at frequency 2f. This allows two write accesses to the memory per pipeline clock cycle. However, this constrains the maximum clock frequency of the processor pipeline to half the maximum frequency of SRAM write cycles. Furthermore, in an embodiment of a superscalar processor capable of issuing two instructions per cycle and retiring (completing) two instructions per cycle, the processor could perform up to four updates to the busy-register-scoreboard memory per cycle, potentially capping the maximum clock frequency of the processor pipeline to one fourth of the maximum frequency of SRAM write cycles. In contrast, an embodiment provides r scoreboard-read accesses per clock cycle, and w scoreboard-write accesses per clock cycle. Instead of n flip-flops, the scoreboard circuitry includes a few small SRAM memories. In an embodiment implemented in FPGAs, the scoreboard keeps partial busy-state information in 1-read/1-write/cycle LUT-RAM memories. In another embodiment implemented in FPGAs, the scoreboard keeps partial busy-state information in k-read/1-write/cycle LUT-RAM memory. In yet another embodiment, the scoreboard keeps partial busy-state information in FPGA block BRAM memories. In keeping the state in a memory instead of flip-flops, the scoreboard leverages RAM structures' built-in write decoders and output multiplexers, delivering typically greater than 16x density vs. so many flop-flops, and retrieving busy-state readouts in two LUT delays (one for the LUT-RAM, one for the ready-state logic) versus at least three LUT delays for a many-flip-flops approach. And in keeping the scoreboard circuit simple and compact, the number and lengths of FPGA programmable interconnect wires is reduced, simplifying routing and reducing interconnect delays, which may be significantly larger than LUT delays. Unlike other approaches, in an embodiment, using one partial-state memory per write access per cycle, an embodiment described in the present disclosure enables several scoreboard-state updates per cycle, at frequencies approaching FPGA LUT-RAM write-cycle-time maximum frequency. The present disclosure, in an embodiment, describes an implementation of a three-read, two-write-per-cycle scoreboard, including “instruction ready logic,” for 64 registers, in just six 1-read/1-write/cycle RAM64x1D 64b LUT-RAMs and four 6-LUTs, or 16 LUTs in all. The latency to check that none of an instruction's three specified registers are busy is two LUT delays. Both the resource use and LUT delay are suitable for this scenario and a Xilinx FPGA architecture. In an embodiment, a busy-register scoreboard that supports w updates per cycle keeps partial-busy-state entries for registers across w memories, and the busy state of a register is the Boolean exclusive-or (XOR) reduction across these partial-busy-state values. In an embodiment, a register is busy if the XOR of the partial states equals 1. This is equivalent to computing the parity of the partial busy state values—in an embodiment, a register is busy if its partial-busy-state entries have odd parity. An embodiment is an implementation of a six-read, four-write-per-cycle scoreboard, suitable for a two-issue, two-retire-per-cycle superscalar processor, including “instruction-ready logic” for two instructions, for a machine with 64 registers, in just four 7-read/1-write/cycle RAM64M8 64b LUT-RAMs and eight 6-LUTs, or 40 6-LUTs in all. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of these features:1) A scoreboard keeping item state in a memory.2) A scoreboard keeping item state as partial-item states stored across a plurality of memories.3) A scoreboard that retrieves item state by reading the item's partial-item-state entries across a plurality of memories and by combining said partial item states into an item state by means of a function or algorithm.4) A scoreboard memory with a partial item state of one bit.5) A scoreboard memory with a partial item state of one bit wherein a writer updates a partial-item-state entry by toggling the partial-item-state entry.6) A scoreboard memory with a partial item state of one bit wherein a writer updates a partial-item-state entry by toggling the entry or by initializing the entry to a constant value.7) A circuit to initialize all partial-item-state entries across all scoreboard memories by means of iteratively writing all entries with one or more constant values.8) A scoreboard memory with a partial item state as an n-bit version number.9) A scoreboard memory with a partial item state as an n-bit version number wherein a writer updates a partial-item-state entry by incrementing the entry.10) A scoreboard memory with a partial item state as an n-bit version number wherein a writer updates a partial-item-state entry by writing an arbitrary n-bit value.11) A scoreboard memory implemented in an ASIC SRAM.12) A scoreboard memory implemented in an FPGA LUT-RAM (e.g., Xilinx RAM32X1D), FPGA LUT-RAM complex (e.g., Xilinx RAM64M8, RAM32M16, Intel MLAB, etc.), or FPGA block RAM (e.g., Xilinx RAMB36E2).13) A scoreboard configured to use a Boolean function across two or more partial item states to determine item state.14) A scoreboard configured to use exclusive-or (XOR) reduction across partial item states to determine item state.15) A scoreboard configured to use equality reduction across partial item states to determine item state.16) A scoreboard configured to use add reduction across partial item states to determine item state.17) A scoreboard configured to use maximum or minimum reduction across partial item states to determine item state.18) A scoreboard configured for use as a busy-register scoreboard.19) A busy-register scoreboard with a read port for each source or destination register of one or more program instructions to issue.20) A busy-register scoreboard with a write port for each destination register to issue and for each destination register to retire.21) A scoreboard configured for use as a busy-function-unit scoreboard.22) A scoreboard configured for use as a valid-state-per-line-in-a-cache scoreboard.23) A scoreboard configured for use as a miss-in-progress-state-per-line-in-a-cache scoreboard.24) A scoreboard configured for use as a credit-per-buffer-entry scoreboard or a credit-per-remote-load/store-queue-entry scoreboard in a system.25) A scoreboard configured for use as an empty/full-state-per-slot scoreboard in a multi-slot mailbox.26) A scoreboard configured for supporting multiple writes per cycle by means of each writer writing to a different partial-item-state entry in a different memory of the scoreboard.27) Including a busy-register scoreboard for instruction scheduling in a scalar processor, a LIW (long-instruction-word) processor, a pipelined processor, a superpipelined processor (in which the latency of the processor ALU is greater than one cycle), a superscalar processor, a superpipelined superscalar processor, a multithreaded processor, a superpipelined multithreaded processor, or a superpipelined superscalar multithreaded processor.28) A busy-register scoreboard configured as a busy-integer-register scoreboard, a busy-floating-point-register scoreboard, or a busy-vector-register scoreboard.29) An instruction scheduler configured to use a scoreboard to schedule long-latency or unknown-latency operations but configured to avoid use of a scoreboard for single-cycle-latency or fixed-cycle-latency operations.30) Multiprocessors, systems, systems-on-chips, networks-on-chips, and other integrated circuits that incorporate processors or accelerators that incorporate one or more embodiments described in the present disclosure.31) Tools that generate software and hardware description systems to implement embodiments, including soft-processor and soft-processor-array generators that configure or generate designs that can be instantiated as one or more embodiments.32) Computer-readable media that store, or otherwise include, an FPGA configuration bitstream (e.g., firmware) to configure the FPGA to instantiate one or more embodiments.

11441913

FIELD The document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to devices, systems, and methods for operating an autonomous vehicle. BACKGROUND An autonomous vehicle is a vehicle that is capable of sensing its environment and operating some or all of the vehicle's controls based on the sensed environment. An autonomous vehicle includes sensors that capture signals describing the environment surrounding the vehicle. The autonomous vehicle processes the captured sensor signals to comprehend the environment and automatically operates some or all of the vehicle's controls based on the resulting information.

11214598

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY This application incorporates by reference a Sequence Listing submitted with this application as text file entitled “Sequence_Listing_13194-014-228.TXT” created on Nov. 2, 2016 and having a size of 128,899 bytes. 1. INTRODUCTION Provided herein are genetically modified arenaviruses suitable as vaccines for prevention and treatment of Hepatitis B virus infections. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of Hepatitis B virus infections. Specifically, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines, and methods of treating Hepatitis B virus infections. As such, the present application provides immunotherapies for Hepatitis B virus infections. 2. BACKGROUND 2.1 the Pathogen and the Disease Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a double-stranded enveloped virus of the Hepadnaviridae family. The virus particle consists of an outer lipid envelope and an icosahedral nucleocapsid core composed of protein. The nucleocapsid encloses the viral DNA and a DNA polymerase that has reverse transcriptase activity. The outer envelope contains embedded proteins which are involved in viral binding of, and entry into, susceptible cells. HBV replicates in the hepatocytes of humans and other higher primates, but does not grow in artificial cell cultures. The outcomes of HBV infection are age-dependent and include asymptomatic infection, acute hepatitis B, chronic HBV infection, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Acute hepatitis B occurs in approximately 1% of perinatal infections, 10% of early childhood infections (children aged 1-5 years) and 30% of late infections (people aged >5 years). Fulminant hepatitis develops in 0.1-0.6% of acute hepatitis cases; mortality from fulminant hepatitis B is approximately 70%. The development of chronic HBV infection is inversely related to the age of acquisition, occurring in approximately 80-90% of people infected perinatally, about 30% of children infected before the age of 6 years, and in <5% of infections occurring in otherwise healthy adults (Hyams et al., 1995, Clinical Infections Diseases 20:992-1000). Comorbidities, including concurrent HIV infection and ingestion of alcohol or aflotoxins, or both, may have an important role in the development of morbidity related to hepatitis B. It is estimated that 10% of the 40 million people infected with HIV worldwide are coinfected with HBV. People with chronic HBV infection have a 15-25% risk of dying prematurely from HBV-related cirrhosis and HCC (Beasley and Hwang, 1991, Proceedings of the 1990 International Symposium on Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease: Contemporary Issues and Future Prospects 532-535). Acute HBV infection is characterized by the presence of HBsAg, the surface antigen of HBV, and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody to the core antigen, HBcAg. During the initial, highly replicative phase of infection, patients are also seropositive for HBeAg, the extracellular and secreted form of HBcAg which can be found in the serum of patients where it serves as a marker of active replication in chronic hepatitis. Antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) is discernible after a few weeks and is followed by clearance of the HBsAg. Chronic infection is characterized by the persistence (>6 months) of HBsAg (with or without concurrent HBeAg). Persistence of HBsAg is the principal marker of risk for developing chronic liver disease and HCC later in life. The presence of HBeAg indicates that the blood and body fluids of the infected individual are highly contagious. 2.2 Epidemiology and Public Health Diseases caused by the hepatitis B virus have a worldwide distribution. It is estimated that two billion people have at some time been infected with HBV. Of these, approximately 360 million individuals are chronically infected and at risk of serious illness and death, mainly from liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mathematical modeling for the year 2000 estimated the number of deaths from HBV-related diseases at about 600 000 each year worldwide (Goldstein et al., 2005, International J. Epidemiology 34:1329-1339). Humans are the only reservoir of HBV. The virus is transmitted by percutaneous and permucosal exposure to infected blood and other body fluids, mainly semen and vaginal fluid. The incubation period is 75 days on average, but may vary from about 30 days to 180 days. The surface antigen of HBV (HBsAg) may be detected in serum 30-60 days following infection and may persist for widely variable periods of time. The endemicity of hepatitis B is described by the prevalence of HBsAg in the general population of a defined geographical area, and it varies considerably globally: HBsAg prevalences of >8% are typical of highly endemic areas, prevalences of 2-7% are found in areas of intermediate endemicity, whereas in areas with low endemicity <2% of the population is HBsAg-positive. In highly endemic areas, HBV is most commonly spread from mother to child at birth, or from person to person in early childhood (Goldstein et al., 2005, International J. Epidemiology 34:1329-1339; Wong et al., 1984, Lancet 1:921-926; de la Hoz et al., 2008 International J. Infectious Diseases 12:183-189). Perinatal or early childhood transmission may also account for more than one third of chronic infections in areas of low endemicity (Margolis et al., 1995, JAMA 274:1201-1208) although in those settings, sexual transmission and the use of contaminated needles, especially among injecting drug users, are the major routes of infection (Goldstein et al., 2002, J. Infectious Diseases 185:713-719). 2.3 Current Treatment Universal hepatitis B vaccination has been shown to reduce the rates of HBV infection and HCC significantly. However, once chronic HBV infection is established, treatment still poses a major challenge as traditional therapies usually fail to provide sustained control of viral replication and liver damage in most patients. Currently approved antiviral treatments for chronic hepatitis B include pegylated (PEG) recombinant interferon-α and viral DNA polymerase inhibitors. These agents decrease viral replication and have been shown to delay progression of cirrhosis, reduce the incidence of HCC and improve long-term survival. However, treatment is complicated by the toxicity of the agents and it can only cure a small subset of chronically infected individuals. Although viral levels in the blood plummet to almost undetectable levels in individuals receiving standard therapies, reductions of intrahepatic viral DNA are only modest. As a consequence, rebound of viraemia frequently occurs after discontinuation of treatment and people with chronic HBV infections must stay on lifelong treatment. However, even after ten years on antiviral therapy, drugs reduce liver failure by only 40-70%, and mortality from cirrhosis and liver cancer remains high. 2.4 Hepatitis B and the Immune System Chronic hepatitis B infection is characterized by dysfunctional innate and adaptive antiviral immunity (Bertoletti & Ferrari, 2012, Gut 61:1754-1764). In contrast, HBV-specific immunity in patients with resolved HBV infection is robust and multifunctional. Several mechanisms might contribute to the dysfunction of HBV-specific T-cell immunity in chronic hepatitis B patients, including high levels of viral antigenaemia, and the tolerizing microenvironment of the liver (Jenne & Kubes, 2013, Nat. Immunol. 14:996-1006). Previous studies have demonstrated that suppression of viral replication can transiently and partially restore antiviral T-cell immunity, which supports the hypothesis that long-term exposure to high levels of antigenaemia might cause dysfunction of antiviral T cells (Boni et al., 2003, J. Hepatol. 39:595-605). Therapeutic vaccines that could reverse the dysfunctional immune state of chronic hepatitis B and restore antiviral immunity, would theoretically have the potential to eliminate viremia and reduce intrahepatic levels of HBV DNA to zero, thus holding great promise for HBV cure. Recently, HBV vaccines have been identified as a promising therapeutic strategy for treatment and control of HBV infection in HBV carriers and persistently infected patients (Michel & Tiollais, 2010, Pathol. Biol. (Paris) 58:288-295; Liu et al., 2014, Virol. Sin. 29:10-16). In about 50% of chronic active HBV patients specific therapy by conventional anti-HBV vaccination effectively reduced the replication of HBV and inhibited the immune tolerance to HBsAg protein (Couillin et al., 1999, J. Infect. Dis. 180:15-26). However, so far monotherapy with HBsAg based vaccines did not lead to sustained control of HBV replication and/or liver damage (Akbar et al., 2013, Hepatobiliary Pancreat. Dis. Int. 12:363-369) and new therapy strategies are needed to provide potent and durable antiviral immune responses and long-term control of HBV replication. The failure of previous therapeutic vaccine approaches highlights the challenges and limitations of current knowledge regarding immune responses in chronic HBV infection (Michel et al., 2011, J. Hepatol. 54:1286-1296). The combination of a high viral load condition such as chronic hepatitis B with the tolerizing liver microenvironment might make it difficult to achieve full recovery of antiviral T-cell immunity. Intensive research is currently concentrated on a better understanding of immune responses in hepatocytes, on mechanisms by which HBV evades innate immunity and on proper selection of patients susceptible to benefit from immune therapy, which could increase the efficacy of therapeutic vaccination (Michel et al., 2015, Med. Microbiol. Immunol. 204:121-129). 3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present application provides immunotherapies for Hepatitis B virus infections. Provided herein is an infectious arenavirus viral vector comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of:a. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV pre-S2/S protein or an antigenic fragment thereof;b. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV HBc protein or an antigenic fragment thereof;c. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV HBs protein or an antigenic fragment thereof;d. a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion of HBV HBs and HBc proteins or antigenic fragments thereof; ande. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV HBe protein or an antigenic fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the infectious arenavirus viral vector is replication-deficient (See Section 6.1(a)). In certain embodiments, the infectious arenavirus viral vector is replication-competent (See Section 6.1(b)). In certain embodiments, the infectious, replication-deficient arenavirus viral vector is bisegmented. In certain embodiments, the infectious, replication-deficient arenavirus viral vector is trisegmented. In certain embodiments, the infectious, replication-competent arenavirus viral vector is trisegmented. In certain embodiments, provided herein is an arenavirus viral vector comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of:a. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV pre-S2/S protein or an antigenic fragment thereof;b. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV HBc protein or an antigenic fragment thereof;c. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV HBs protein or an antigenic fragment thereof;d. a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion of HBV HBs and HBc proteins or antigenic fragments thereof; ande. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV HBe protein or an antigenic fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the arenavirus viral vector is replication-deficient. In certain embodiments, the arenavirus viral vector is replication-competent. In certain embodiments, a viral vector as provided herein is infectious, i.e., is capable of entering into or injecting its genetic material into a host cell. In certain more specific embodiments, a viral vector as provided herein is infectious, i.e., is capable of entering into or injecting its genetic material into a host cell followed by amplification and expression of its genetic information inside the host cell. In certain embodiments, the viral vector is an infectious, replication-deficient arenavirus viral vector engineered to contain a genome with the ability to amplify and express its genetic information in infected cells but unable to produce further infectious progeny particles in normal, not genetically engineered cells. In certain embodiments, provided herein is a cell line that supports viral growth of a wild type virus but does not express the complementing viral protein, thus is unable to produce further infectious viral progeny particles. In certain embodiments, the infectious arenavirus viral vector is replication-competent and able to produce further infectious progeny particles in normal, not genetically engineered cells. In certain embodiments, the pre-S2/S protein or the antigenic fragment thereof comprises an amino acid sequence that is 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the fragment is antigenic when it is capable of (i) eliciting an antibody immune response in a host (e.g., mouse, rabbit, goat, or donkey) wherein the resulting antibodies bind specifically to human HBV pre-S2/S protein; and/or (ii) eliciting a specific T cell immune response. In certain embodiments, the HBc protein or the antigenic fragment thereof comprises an amino acid sequence that is 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In certain embodiments, the fragment is antigenic when it is capable of (i) eliciting an antibody immune response in a host (e.g., mouse, rabbit, goat, or donkey) wherein the resulting antibodies bind specifically to human HBV HBc protein; and/or (ii) eliciting a specific T cell immune response. In certain embodiments, the fusion of HBV HBs and HBc proteins or antigenic fragments thereof comprises an amino acid sequence that is 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. In certain embodiments, the fragment is antigenic when it is capable of (i) eliciting an antibody immune response in a host (e.g., mouse, rabbit, goat, or donkey) wherein the resulting antibodies bind specifically to human HBV HBs, HBc or both HBs and HBc; and/or (ii) eliciting a specific T cell immune response. In certain embodiments, the HBe protein or the antigenic fragment thereof comprises an amino acid sequence that is 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26. In certain embodiments, the fragment is antigenic when it is capable of (i) eliciting an antibody immune response in a host (e.g., mouse, rabbit, goat, or donkey) wherein the resulting antibodies bind specifically to human HBV HBe protein; and/or (ii) eliciting a specific T cell immune response. In certain embodiments, the viral vector comprises at least two of:a. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV pre-S2/S protein or an antigenic fragment thereof;b. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV HBc protein or an antigenic fragment thereof;c. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV HBs protein or an antigenic fragment thereof;d. a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion of HBV HBs and HBc proteins or antigenic fragments thereof; ande. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV HBe protein or an antigenic fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the viral vector comprises at least three of:a. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV pre-S2/S protein or an antigenic fragment thereof;b. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV HBc protein or an antigenic fragment thereof;c. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV HBs protein or an antigenic fragment thereof;d. a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion of HBV HBs and HBc proteins or antigenic fragments thereof; ande. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV HBe protein or an antigenic fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, an open reading frame (ORF) of the arenavirus is deleted or functionally inactivated and replaced with a nucleic acid encoding an HBV antigen as described herein. In a specific embodiment, the ORF that encodes the glycoprotein GP of the arenavirus is deleted or functionally inactivated. In certain embodiments, functional inactivation of a gene eliminates any translation product. In certain embodiments, functional inactivation refers to a genetic alteration that allows some translation, the translation product, however, is not longer functional and cannot replace the wild type protein. In certain embodiments, the viral vector can amplify and express its genetic information in a cell that has been infected by the viral vector but the viral vector is unable to produce further infectious progeny particles in a non-complementing cell. In certain embodiments, a viral vector as provided herein is infectious, i.e., is capable of entering into or injecting its genetic material into a host cell. In certain more specific embodiments, a viral vector as provided herein is infectious, i.e., is capable of entering into or injecting its genetic material into a host cell followed by amplification and expression of its genetic information inside the host cell. In certain embodiments, the genomic information encoding the infectious arenavirus particle is derived from the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) Clone 13 strain or the LCMV MP strain. The nucleotide sequence of the S segment and of the L segment of Clone 13 are set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 12 and 7, respectively. In certain embodiments, provided herein is a viral vector whose genome is or has been derived from the genome of Clone 13 (SEQ ID NOs: 12 and 7) by deleting an ORF of the Clone 13 genome (e.g., the ORF of the GP protein) and replacing it with a heterologous ORF that encodes an antigen (e.g., an HBV antigen) such that the remaining LCMV genome is at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the nucleotide sequence of Clone 13 (SEQ ID NOs: 12 and 7). In certain embodiments, provided herein is a viral vector whose genome has been derived from the genome of the LCMV strain MP (SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14) by deleting an ORF of the LCMV strain MP genome (e.g., the ORF of the GP protein) and replacing it with a heterologous ORF that encodes an antigen (e.g., an HBV antigen) such that the remaining LCMV genome is at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, at least 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, at least 99.9% or 100% identical to the nucleotide sequence of LCMV strain MP (SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 14). In a more specific embodiment, the viral vector comprises a genomic segment, wherein the genomic segment comprises a nucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the sequence of nucleotide 1639 to 3315 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or 1640 to 3316 of SEQ ID NO: 12. In certain embodiments, the viral vector comprises a genomic segment comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an expression product whose amino acid sequence is at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence encoded by 1639 to 3315 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or 1640 to 3316 of SEQ ID NO: 12. Also provided herein are isolated nucleic acids, wherein the nucleic acid is a cDNA of an arenavirus genomic segment wherein one ORF of the genomic segment is deleted or functionally inactivated and wherein the genomic segment comprises one or any combination of:a. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV pre-S2/S protein or an antigenic fragment thereof;b. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV HBc protein or an antigenic fragment thereof;c. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV HBs protein or an antigenic fragment thereof;d. a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion of HBV HBs and HBc proteins or antigenic fragments thereof; ande. a nucleotide sequence encoding an HBV HBe protein or an antigenic fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the genomic segment is the short segment, wherein the ORF encoding the GP is deleted. In one aspect, provided herein are methods for generating an infectious, replication-deficient arenavirus particle comprising:a. transfecting into a host cell a nucleic acid described herein;b. maintaining the host cell under conditions suitable for virus formation; andc. harvesting the infectious, replication-deficient arenavirus particle; wherein the host cell expresses the ORF that is deleted or functionally inactivated on the genomic segment. In certain embodiments, any additional nucleic acids required for the rescue of a viral particle are also transfected into the host cell in step a. Such additional nucleic acids can be: the cDNA of the second arenavirus genomic segment, a nucleic acid comprising the L ORF, and/or a nucleic acid comprising the NP ORF. In another aspect, provided herein are compositions, e.g., pharmaceutical, immunogenic or vaccine compositions, comprising a viral vector described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also provided herein are compositions (e.g., vaccine compositions) that comprise two or more different viral vectors described herein (i.e., wherein the viral vectors encode different HBV antigens). In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a nucleic acid or fusion protein described herein. In a further aspect, provided herein are methods of treating or preventing HBV infection in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a viral vector, a pharmaceutical composition, an immunogenic composition, or a vaccine described herein. In yet another aspect, provided herein is use of a viral vector, a pharmaceutical composition, an immunogenic composition, or a vaccine described herein for the treatment or prevention of HBV. In certain embodiments, an infectious arenavirus expressing an HBV antigen or a fragment thereof is capable of preventing transmission and/or infection of HBV from a mother to an unborn child. In certain embodiments, one or more infectious arenaviruses expressing an HBV antigen or a fragment thereof are capable of preventing transmission and/or infection of HBV from a mother to an unborn child. In certain embodiments, the infectious arenavirus viral vector is replication-deficient (See Section 6.1(a)). In certain embodiments, the infectious arenavirus viral vector is replication-competent (See Section 6.1(b)). In certain embodiments, administering to a patient an infectious arenavirus expressing an HBV antigen or a fragment thereof induces a long-lasting immune response. In certain embodiments, the infectious arenavirus viral vector is replication-deficient (See Section 6.1(a)). In certain embodiments, the infectious arenavirus viral vector is replication-competent (See Section 6.1(b)). In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods of treating and or preventing HBV infection in a patient, comprising administering to the patient two or more arenaviruses expressing an HBV antigen or fragment thereof. In a more specific embodiment, each arenavirus expresses a different HBV antigen or fragment thereof. In other embodiments, each arenavirus expresses an HBV antigen or a derivative thereof. In some embodiments the derivative thereof is an HBV antigen fragment. In yet another embodiment provided herein are compositions that comprise two or more arenaviruses each expressing a different HBV antigen or fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the infectious arenavirus viral vector is replication-deficient (See Section 6.1(a)). In certain embodiments, the infectious arenavirus viral vector is replication-competent (See Section 6.1(b)). In certain embodiments, the arenavirus is lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) or Junin virus (JUNV). In certain embodiments, provided herein is an infectious arenavirus viral vector, wherein an arenavirus open reading frame is removed and replaced by a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion of HBV HBs and HBc proteins or antigenic fragments thereof. In specific embodiments, the arenavirus is lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. In specific embodiments, the open reading frame that encodes the glycoprotein of the arenavirus is deleted or functionally inactivated. In specific embodiments, the viral vector is replication-deficient. In specific embodiments, the viral vector is replication-competent. In specific embodiments, the viral vector is trisegmented. In certain embodiments, provided herein is a method of treating or preventing a Hepatitis B virus infection in a patient, wherein said method comprises administering to the patient the viral vector from which an arenavirus open reading frame is removed and replaced by a nucleotide sequence encoding a fusion of HBV HBs and HBc proteins or antigenic fragments thereof. 3.1 Conventions and Abbreviations AFPAlpha-fetoproteinALTAlanine aminotransferaseAPCAntigen presenting cellsASTAspartate aminotransferaseC-cellComplementing cell lineCD4Cluster of Differentiation 4CD8Cluster of Differentiation 8CMICell-mediated immunityGS-plasmidPlasmid expressing genome segmentsHBc or HBcAgHBV core antigenHBe or HBeAgExtracellular HBV core antigenHBs or HBsAgHBV (large) surface antigenHBVHepatitis B virusHCCHepatocellular carcinomaHRPHorse radish peroxidaseIFN-γInterferon-γIGRIntergenic regionJUNVJunin virusLCMVLymphocytic choriomeningitis virusLDHLactate dehydrogenaseMHCMajor Histocompatibility ComplexNPNucleoproteinORFOpen reading framePre-S2/SHBV middle surface antigenTF-plasmidPlasmid expressing transacting factorsTNF-αTumor necrosis factor-αUTRUntranslated regionZMatrix Protein from LCMV 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE SEQUENCE LISTING The following sequences are illustrative amino acid sequences and nucleotide sequences that can be used with the methods and compositions described herein. In some instances a DNA sequence is used to describe the RNA sequence of a viral genomic segment. The RNA sequence can be readily deduced from the DNA sequence. The sequences themselves may also be found in Table 3 of Section 6.10. SEQ ID NO: 1 is the nucleotide sequence of the HBV pre-S2/S ORF. SEQ ID NO: 2 is the nucleotide sequence of the HBV HBc ORF. SEQ ID NO: 3 is the nucleotide sequence of the HBV HBs-HBc fusion protein ORF. SEQ ID NO: 4 is the nucleotide sequence of the LCMV S segment expressing HBV HBs-HBc fusion protein in cDNA form. The genomic segment is RNA, the sequence in SEQ ID NO:4 is shown for DNA; however, exchanging all thymidines (“T”) in SEQ ID NO:4 for uridines (“U”) provides the RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO: 5 is the nucleotide sequence of the LCMV S segment expressing the HBc ORF, in cDNA form. The genomic segment is RNA, the sequence in SEQ ID NO:5 is shown for DNA; however, exchanging all thymidines (“T”) in SEQ ID NO:5 for uridines (“U”) provides the RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO: 6 is the nucleotide sequence of the LCMV S segment expressing the pre-S2/S ORF, in cDNA form. The genomic segment is RNA, the sequence in SEQ ID NO:6 is shown for DNA; however, exchanging all thymidines (“T”) in SEQ ID NO:6 for uridines (“U”) provides the RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO: 7 is the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus clone 13 segment L, complete sequence (GenBank: DQ361066.1). The genomic segment is RNA, the sequence in SEQ ID NO: 7 is shown for DNA; however, exchanging all thymidines (“T”) in SEQ ID NO: 7 for uridines (“U”) provides the RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO: 8 is the amino acid sequence of an HBV HBs protein-derived epitope. SEQ ID NO: 9 is the amino acid sequence of an HBV HBs protein-derived epitope. SEQ ID NO: 10 is the amino acid sequence of an HBV HBc protein-derived epitope. SEQ ID NO: 11 is the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus segment S, complete sequence. The genomic segment is RNA, the sequence in SEQ ID NO: 11 is shown for DNA; however, exchanging all thymidines (“T”) in SEQ ID NO:11 for uridines (“U”) provides the RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO: 12 is the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus clone 13 segment S, complete sequence (GenBank: DQ361065.2). The genomic segment is RNA, the sequence in SEQ ID NO: 12 is shown for DNA; however, exchanging all thymidines (“T”) in SEQ ID NO: 12 for uridines (“U”) provides the RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO: 13 is the lymphocytic choriomeningitis strain MP segment L, complete sequence. The genomic segment is RNA, the sequence in SEQ ID NO:13 is shown for DNA; however, exchanging all thymidines (“T”) in SEQ ID NO:13 for uridines (“U”) provides the RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO: 14 is the lymphocytic choriomeningitis strain MP segment S, complete sequence. The genomic segment is RNA, the sequence in SEQ ID NO:14 is shown for DNA; however, exchanging all thymidines (“T”) in SEQ ID NO:14 for uridines (“U”) provides the RNA sequence. SEQ ID NO: 15 is the amino acid sequence of the NP protein of the MP strain of LCMV. SEQ ID NO: 16 is the amino acid sequence of the GP protein of the MP strain of LCMV. SEQ ID NO: 17 is the amino acid sequence of the L protein of the MP strain of LCMV. SEQ ID NO: 18 is the amino acid sequence of the Z protein of the MP strain of LCMV. SEQ ID NO: 19 is Junin virus Candid #1 strain segment L, complete sequence. SEQ ID NO: 20 is Junin virus Candid #1 strain segment S, complete sequence. SEQ ID NO: 21 is the amino acid sequence of the NP protein of the Clone 13 strain of LCMV. SEQ ID NO: 22 is the amino acid sequence of the GP protein of the Clone 13 strain of LCMV. SEQ ID NO: 23 is the amino acid sequence of the L protein of the Clone 13 strain of LCMV. SEQ ID NO: 24 is the amino acid sequence of the Z protein of the Clone 13 strain of LCMV SEQ ID NO: 25 is the amino acid sequence of the GP protein of the WE strain of LCMV. SEQ ID NO: 26 is the nucleotide sequence of the HBV HBe antigen.

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USAGE AND TERMINOLOGY In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified and/or unless the particular context clearly dictates otherwise, the terms “a” or “an” mean at least one, and the term “the” means the at least one. SUMMARY In one aspect, a method includes determining, by a computing system, over a particular time-period and at a periodic interval, a viewer count defined by an amount of content-presentation devices that are receiving content on a particular channel from a non-local content-distribution system. The method also includes based on the determined viewer count, identifying, by the computing system, within the particular time-period: (i) a first time-period where there is a threshold consistent viewer count for a first threshold duration, (ii) a second time-period following the first time-period where (a) there is a drop in the viewer count by a threshold amount and (b) the drop lasts for a second threshold duration, and (iii) a third time-period following the second time-period where the viewer count returns to an amount that is within a threshold range of the threshold consistent viewer count for a third threshold duration. The method also includes based on the identified first, second, and third time-periods, detecting, by the computing system, within the content, a portion of the content that serves as a placeholder for local content to be inserted by a local content-distribution system. The method also includes performing, by the computing system, an action associated with the detected portion. In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium has stored thereon program instructions that, upon execution by a processor, cause performance of a set of operations. The set of operations includes determining, over a particular time-period and at a periodic interval, a viewer count defined by an amount of content-presentation devices that are receiving content on a particular channel from a non-local content-distribution system. The set of operations also includes based on the determined viewer count, identifying, within the particular time-period: (i) a first time-period where there is a threshold consistent viewer count for a first threshold duration, (ii) a second time-period following the first time-period where (a) there is a drop in the viewer count by a threshold amount and (b) the drop lasts for a second threshold duration, and (iii) a third time-period following the second time-period where the viewer count returns to an amount that is within a threshold range of the threshold consistent viewer count for a third threshold duration. The set of operations also includes based on the identified first, second, and third time-periods, detecting, within the content, a portion of the content that serves as a placeholder for local content to be inserted by a local content-distribution system. The set of operations also includes performing an action associated with the detected portion. In another aspect, a computing system includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, having stored thereon program instructions that, upon execution by the processor, cause performance of a set of operations. The set of operations includes determining, over a particular time-period and at a periodic interval, a viewer count defined by an amount of content-presentation devices that are receiving content on a particular channel from a non-local content-distribution system. The set of operations also includes based on the determined viewer count, identifying, within the particular time-period: (i) a first time-period where there is a threshold consistent viewer count for a first threshold duration, (ii) a second time-period following the first time-period where (a) there is a drop in the viewer count by a threshold amount and (b) the drop lasts for a second threshold duration, and (iii) a third time-period following the second time-period where the viewer count returns to an amount that is within a threshold range of the threshold consistent viewer count for a third threshold duration. The set of operations also includes based on the identified first, second, and third time-periods, detecting, within the content, a portion of the content that serves as a placeholder for local content to be inserted by a local content-distribution system. The set of operations also includes performing an action associated with the detected portion. In another aspect, a method includes detecting, by a computing system, over a particular time-period and at a periodic interval, match data indicating whether reference fingerprint data representing content transmitted by a non-local content-distribution system on a particular channel matches query fingerprint data representing content received by a content-presentation device on the particular channel. The method also includes based on the detected match data, identifying, by the computing system, within the particular time-period: (i) a first time-period where there is threshold consistent fingerprint data matching occurring for a first threshold duration, (ii) a second time-period following the first time-period where (a) there is a threshold consistent lack of matching for a second threshold duration, and (b) the second time-period corresponds to a detected portion of the content received by the content-presentation device that serves as a placeholder for local content to be inserted by a local content-distribution system, and (iii) a third time-period following the second time-period where there is threshold consistent fingerprint data matching occurring for a third threshold duration. The method also includes based on the identified first, second, and third time-periods, detecting, by the computing system, that the local content-distribution system inserted local content into the content received on the particular channel in connection with the detected portion. The method also includes in response to the detected insertion, performing, by the computing system, an action. In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium has stored thereon program instructions that, upon execution by a processor, cause performance of a set of operations. The set of operations includes detecting, over a particular time-period and at a periodic interval, match data indicating whether reference fingerprint data representing content transmitted by a non-local content-distribution system on a particular channel matches query fingerprint data representing content received by a content-presentation device on the particular channel. The set of operations also includes based on the detected match data, identifying, within the particular time-period: (i) a first time-period where there is threshold consistent fingerprint data matching occurring for a first threshold duration, (ii) a second time-period following the first time-period where (a) there is a threshold consistent lack of matching for a second threshold duration, and (b) the second time-period corresponds to a detected portion of the content received by the content-presentation device that serves as a placeholder for local content to be inserted by a local content-distribution system, and (iii) a third time-period following the second time-period where there is threshold consistent fingerprint data matching occurring for a third threshold duration. The set of operations also includes based on the identified first, second, and third time-periods, identifying that the local content-distribution system inserted local content into the content received on the particular channel in connection with the detected portion. The set of operations also includes performing an action based on the detected insertion. In another aspect, a computing system includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, having stored thereon program instructions that, upon execution by the processor, cause performance of a set of operations. The set of operations includes detecting, over a particular time-period and at a periodic interval, match data indicating whether reference fingerprint data representing content transmitted by a non-local content-distribution system on a particular channel matches query fingerprint data representing content received by a content-presentation device on the particular channel. The set of operations also includes based on the detected match data, identifying, within the particular time-period: (i) a first time-period where there is threshold consistent fingerprint data matching occurring for a first threshold duration, (ii) a second time-period following the first time-period where (a) there is a threshold consistent lack of matching for a second threshold duration, and (b) the second time-period corresponds to a detected portion of the content received by the content-presentation device that serves as a placeholder for local content to be inserted by a local content-distribution system, and (iii) a third time-period following the second time-period where there is threshold consistent fingerprint data matching occurring for a third threshold duration. The set of operations also includes based on the identified first, second, and third time-periods, identifying that the local content-distribution system inserted local content into the content received on the particular channel in connection with the detected portion. The set of operations also includes performing an action based on the detected insertion.