Feature pyramid has been an efficient method to extract features at different scales. Development over this method mainly focuses on aggregating contextual information at different levels while seldom touching the inter-level correlation in the feature pyramid. Early computer vision methods extracted scale-invariant features by locating the feature extrema in both spatial and scale dimension. Inspired by this, a convolution across the pyramid level is proposed in this study, which is termed pyramid convolution and is a modified 3-D convolution. Stacked pyramid convolutions directly extract 3-D (scale and spatial) features and outperforms other meticulously designed feature fusion modules. Based on the viewpoint of 3-D convolution, an integrated batch normalization that collects statistics from the whole feature pyramid is naturally inserted after the pyramid convolution. Furthermore, we also show that the naive pyramid convolution, together with the design of RetinaNet head, actually best applies for extracting features from a Gaussian pyramid, whose properties can hardly be satisfied by a feature pyramid. In order to alleviate this discrepancy, we build a scale-equalizing pyramid convolution (SEPC) that aligns the shared pyramid convolution kernel only at high-level feature maps. Being computationally efficient and compatible with the head design of most single-stage object detectors, the SEPC module brings significant performance improvement ($>4$AP increase on MS-COCO2017 dataset) in state-of-the-art one-stage object detectors, and a light version of SEPC also has $sim3.5$AP gain with only around 7% inference time increase. The pyramid convolution also functions well as a stand-alone module in two-stage object detectors and is able to improve the performance by $sim2$AP. The source code can be found at https://github.com/jshilong/SEPC.

By learning from a MERS outbreak in 2015, South Korea was prepared and acted swiftly to ramp up testing when the new coronavirus appeared there. Meanwhile, the U.S., plagued by delay and dysfunction, wasted its advantage. By Stephen Engelberg, Lisa Song and Lydia DePillis ProPublica…

Described herein is a descriptive framework to facilitate large scale demand responsive transit. In accordance with one aspect of the framework, one or more trip requests from one or more commuter devices are received. A trip request indicates at least one start location and at least one end location. In addition, vehicle information is received from one or more available vehicles. The vehicle information indicates at least one current location of a vehicle. An adaptive route for the vehicle may be planned based on the one or more trip requests and the vehicle information. Update information of the adaptive route may be communicated to the vehicle and the one or more commuter devices.

This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for simulating physical active semiconductor components using in silico active semiconductor components. To simulate charge degradation effect(s) in a circuit simulation, a simulated defect signal level is produced. More specifically, the simulated defect signal level simulates at least one charge degradation effect in the in silico active semiconductor component as a function of simulation time and a simulated input signal level of a simulated input signal. As such, the charge degradation effect(s) are simulated externally with respect to the in silico active semiconductor component. In this manner, the in silico active semiconductor component does not need to be reprogrammed in order to simulate charge degradation effects.

An efficient process for synthesizing phosphaplatins in large quantities is disclosed by adding platinum complex to a concentrated pyrophosphate solution at pH from between about 6.0 to 8.5. After stirring, the temperature and pH are lowered to precipitate out desired phosphaplatins. Particularly, the disclosed processes reduce the need to use large volumes of starting materials, and shorten the reaction time. In addition, disclosed is a process for recycling un-reacted materials from a first phosphaplatins synthesis.

Systems and methods are provided for evaluating performance of forecasting models. A plurality of forecasting models may be generated using a set of in-sample data. Two or more forecasting models from the plurality of forecasting models may be selected for use in generating a combined forecast. An ex-ante combined forecast may be generated for an out-of-sample period using the selected two or more forecasting models. The ex-ante combined forecast may then be compared with a set of actual out-of-sample data to evaluate performance of the combined forecast.

A nanoprinthead including an array of nanotip cantilevers, where each nanotip cantilever includes a nanotip at an end of a cantilever, and a method for forming the nanoprinthead. Each nanotip may be individually addressable through use of an array of piezoelectric actuators. Embodiments for forming a nanoprinthead including an array of nanotip cantilevers can include an etching process from a material such as a silicon wafer, or the formation of a metal or dielectric nanotip cantilever over a substrate. The nanoprinthead may operate to provide uses for technologies such as dip-pen nanolithography, nanomachining, and nanoscratching, among others.

Template and method of making high aspect ratio template, stamp, and imprinting at nanoscale using nanostructures for the purpose of lithography, and to the use of the template to create perforations on materials and products.

The musical scale indicator according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is composed of two cooperating parts. A base is provided having thereon printed information pertaining to a particular musical instrument and which, in addition, has printed thereon fingering patterns for playing tones on that instrument arranged in a predetermined sequence indicative of any number of desired musical scales. A slidable, clear overlay is slidably connected with the base. The overlay has printed thereon the letter designations for the musical tones arranged in a predetermined sequence so as to cooperate with the fingering patterns indicated on the base in order to selectively indicate to the user the finger positions on the subject musical instrument that will produce the tones of a selected musical scale and simultaneously the finger positions on that instrument that will produce those tones.

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for determination of ion concentrations, particularly in downhole water from hydrocarbon wells, aquifers etc. It is useful in a wide range of applications, including predicting the formation of scale and fingerprinting waters from different sources. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of ligands whose electronic configuration is altered by the binding of the scaling ions within a water sample. These alterations are detected electrochemically by applying varying potential to electrodes and measuring current flow as potential is varied, from which is derived the concentration of scaling ions in the fluid.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for driving a PDP (plasma display panel). An image signal processor of the apparatus performs gamma correction and error diffusion processes of input image signals. A quantization error compensator compensates quantization errors with respect to an automatic power control (APC) level of image data output from the image signal processor. An error diffuser sets part of the image data output from the quantization error compensator as display errors and diffuses the display errors to peripheral pixels. A memory control and address driver generates sub-field and address data corresponding to image data that have undergone error diffusion by the error diffuser, and applies the data to the PDP. An APC and sustain/scan pulse generator generates a sub-field arrangement structure according to the APC level, generates control signals based on the generated sub-field arrangement, and applies the control signals to the PDP.

Methods for preventing or reducing the formation of scale in a wet-process phosphoric acid production process by intermixing a water-soluble functional organic reagent with a phosphoric acid at one or more step of the phosphoric acid production process in an amount sufficient to prevent or reduce at least one species of scale are provided.

An apparatus for providing magnetic fluid treatment is described. The apparatus includes a serial coupling of conduit segments forming a conduit. At least two of the conduit segments are constructed of a magnetically conductive material and at least one of the conduit segments is constructed of a non-magnetically conductive material and positioned in between the conduit segments constructed of the magnetically conductive material to establish a non-magnetically conductive region. At least one electrical conductor encircles at least a section of the outer surface of the serial coupling of conduit segments. Energizing the electrical conductor establishes a magnetic field having lines of flux directed along a flow path of the conduit and concentrated in the non-magnetically conductive region of the conduit.

Provided is a scale-shaped filmy fines dispersion. More specifically, scale-shaped filmy fines are subjected to a treatment for keeping the scale-shaped filmy fines from easily settling out. In the case of a metallic pigment using the scale-shaped filmy fines, the scale-shaped filmy fines are dispersed in the ink. As a result, nozzle clogging can be prevented, and the obtained print can achieve abundant metallic luster. The scale-shaped filmy fines dispersion contains, in a solvent, scale-shaped filmy fines obtained by finely grinding a simple metal, an alloy, or a metal compound. The scale-shaped filmy fines have a mean length of 0.5 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less, a maximum length of 10 μm or less, a mean thickness of 5 nm or more and 100 nm or less, and an aspect ratio of 20 or more.

An electro hydrodynamic pump apparatus includes a cartridge body member including an interior cavity portion and openings on either end of the cartridge body member; a first electrode member disposed within the interior cavity portion of the cartridge body member, the first electrode member including a conductive bar member with a plurality of spaced apart elements extending therefrom; a second electrode member disposed within the interior cavity portion of the cartridge body member, the second electrode member including a conductive bar with a plurality of spaced apart element extending therefrom; and wherein the elements of the first electrode member are configure to be interspersed with the elements of the second electrode member when the first electrode member and the second electrode member are disposed within the interior cavity portion of the cartridge body member.

Methods and apparatus for implementing time synchronization across exascale fabrics. A master clock node is coupled to a plurality of slave nodes via a fabric comprising a plurality of fabric switches and a plurality of fabric links, wherein each slave node is connected to the master clock node via a respective clock tree path that traverses at least one fabric switch. The fabric switches are configured to selectively forward master clock time data internally along paths with fixed latencies that bypass the switches' buffers and switch circuitry, which enables the entire clock tree paths to also have fixed latencies. The fixed latency of the clock tree path is determined for each slave node. The local clocks of the slave nodes are then synchronized with the master clock by using master clock time data received by each slave node and the fixed latency of the clock tree path from the master clock node to the slave node that is determined. Techniques for determining a clock rate mismatch between the master clock and a local clock is also provided.

Process and apparatus is disclosed for providing a chemical reaction between calcium oxide containing grit particles to produce calcium hydroxide and heat, capturing the heat of hydration and using it to preheat water initially at ambient temperature, to rise to an elevated temperature to increase the amount of lime present in the water to a supersaturated lime suspension level, with the chemical reaction running to completion, followed by cooling. Heat from a water jacket may be used to raise the temperature in the lime slaker. A process and apparatus is also provided for dissolving scale on internal surfaces of a lime slaker, a lime aging tank, grit separation device and piping and dosing sub-systems, by adding acid into the system with rinse water. A pressurized delivery system that is substantially closed to atmosphere delivers treating dosing under sufficient pressure conditions to maintain a relatively constant back pressure, by means of valving.

A method for manufacturing micrometer scale components comprises depositing a first metal on a substrate, depositing a second metal in a mold, and alloying the first and second metals together to form the component.

A piece of luggage has a body with a surface. A weight scale has a top surface and is disposed in the body of the luggage. The top surface of the weight scale is coplanar with the surface of the body of the luggage. The weight scale determines a weight of the piece of luggage when in an operating state. When the weight scale is in a non-operating state it is stored safely within the body of the luggage. Most importantly the weight scale does not stick out from the body of the luggage so as to be susceptible to damage during transport of the luggage.

A weighing machine (10) that may be scales employed in the packaging industry to deliver batches of product to a packaging machine below the weighing machine (10). The weighing machine (10) has a plurality of troughs (19) along which the product passes and that extend downwardly away from a generally central upright longitudinal axis (11). Each trough (19) extends downwardly from an inlet portion (21) to an outlet portion (22), with the outlet portion (22) spaced radially and angularly from the inlet portion (21) relative to the axis (11).

An apparatus for measuring dimensions of a micro-scale object includes a movable stylus, a probe and at least one acoustic emissions sensor. The movable stylus is positionable to contact an object to be measured. The probe is rotatably coupled to the stylus and has a distal end that circumscribes a circle when rotated. The acoustic emissions sensor is operatively coupled to the probe. The sensor is operative to detect acoustic emissions generated from contact between the distal end of the probe and the object, thereby allowing dimensions of the object to be determined.

Ultrasound scaler tip and ultrasound scaler has high sterilization effect. Toothbrush has reduced effect on mouth interior. An ultrasound scaler tip has tip body and optical fiber. Tip body has tubular shape with pointed-end opening and rear-end opening, rear end that can be attached to ultrasound scaler body, and intermediate curved part. Optical fiber is thinner than minimum inner diameter of tip body and has rear end toward which light from light source can enter. Optical fiber is inserted from rear-end opening to pointed-end opening of tip body, and has intermediate part that is in contact with curved part, so that end is vibrated by ultrasonic vibration of tip body. Ultrasound scaler body houses liquid supply device, ultrasound-generating device, and light source, which is attached to rear end of ultrasound scaler tip. Light source causes light for sterilization in predetermined wavelength range to enter rear end of optical fiber.

A flow battery includes a positive electrode, a positive electrode electrolyte, a negative electrode, a negative electrode electrolyte, and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The positive electrode electrolyte includes water and a first redox couple. The first redox couple includes a first organic compound which includes a first moiety in conjugation with a second moiety. The first organic compound is reduced during discharge while during charging the reduction product of the first organic compound is oxidized to the first organic compound. The negative electrode electrolyte includes water and a second redox couple. The second couple includes a second organic compound including a first moiety in conjugation with a second moiety. The reduction product of the second organic compound is oxidized to the second organic compound during discharge.

A new competitive indoor/outdoor skill game, based on a smaller table-top version. The patio/lawn-sized cup and ball game allows for various modifications and improvements to earlier versions. The game is played on a scale similar to traditional outdoor games, such as horseshoes and washers.

Cations that can precipitate from an aqueous composition to produce scaling are sequestered by adding a multi-dentate ligand to the aqueous composition. The multi-dentate ligand bonds with the cation to form a non-scaling ionic complex; and the aqueous solution with the ionic complex is used in a process that produces substantially pure water from the aqueous composition, where the cation, absent formation of the ionic complex, is subject to scaling. The pH of the aqueous composition (or a brine including components of the aqueous composition) is then reduced to release the cation from the multi-dentate ligand; and the multi-dentate ligand, after the cation is released, is then reused in a predominantly closed loop.

A process for inhibiting formation of calcium scale in a reverse osmosis desalination membrane during desalination involving desalinating an aqueous salt solution comprising water, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate with the reverse osmosis desalination membrane, while concurrently irradiating the aqueous salt solution with a UV light source that emits UV light with a wavelength of 250-400 nm. Scale formation is inhibited by treating a salt solution with the UV light in a continuous or a non-continuous process.

Multitalented musician Michael Emenau examines some of the benefits and pitfalls of using musical scales and offers some creative practices for using them.

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The post Music Theory Tutorial: Working with Scales appeared first on Dubspot Blog.

Another cog in the supply chain disrupted by the pandemic: diapers. And as struggling families with young children face more challenges to making ends meet, one local group has stepped up to help. Just over five years ago, Jamie Lackey was a social worker, nonprofit professional and mother, when she noticed gaps in services for families in need, particularly when it came to baby supplies. Financial assistance programs like SNAP, for example, don’t allow for purchasing diapers and other essentials.

With winter ice largely gone for two years, a food chain is at risk. What lies ahead for a body of water that produces some of the world’s biggest seafood harvests and helps sustain communities ranging from Alaska to Seattle, homeport for much of the Bering Sea fleet?

Redguide, published: Fri, 17 Apr 2020

This IBM Redpaper™ publication introduces the IBM Spectrum Scale immutability function.

Draft Redpaper, last updated: Wed, 29 Apr 2020

Having appropriate storage for hosting business-critical data and advanced Security Information and Event Management software for deep inspection, detection, and prioritization of threats has become a necessity of any business.

In this tutorial, you will learn about implementing scalable Node.js applications when you are using the App ID service. This IBM Cloud service allows you to add authentication to your mobile and web apps and protect your APIs and back-ends running on IBM Cloud. App ID provides authentication with email/password through a scalable user registry or you can add social login, so that users can sign in with their Facebook or Google credentials. With App ID, you can also host user profile info that you can use to build engaging experiences.

Former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says Australia should "scale down the rhetoric" towards China and an international coronavirus inquiry, suggesting instead "more calm and quiet diplomacy" would be more effective.

The southern Queensland town of Yelarbon is the latest to put itself on the map with a large-scale silo mural, but visitors will have to wait until COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted.

A group of wool makers launches a new trademark to recognise textile producers whose homegrown fibre is 100 per cent Australian from the farm right through to the finished product.

Hon Leung Chu, who laundered the proceeds of a nationwide prostitution ring from his apartment is spared jail, but could still face deportation.

A research project is underway to determine the impact of the controversial Lord Howe Island rodent eradication program on a threatened currawong species and wider ecosystem.

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have used fine-scale 3D bioprinting to grow cells that are highly uniform in shape and size, and potentially with certain functions.

Nearly 34 years to the day since Uluru was handed back to the Anangu traditional owners, their wishes will now be enforced by law, and anyone caught ascending the culturally significant site will face thousands in fines.

Police call off the search for five people missing in the Torres Strait since Wednesday after they set off by boat from Badu Island to Dauan Island, prompting a large-scale operation.

An incredible show of community spirit brings locals together in the Gold Coast Hinterland with dozens of Canungra residents rescuing animals from the fire front at nearby Binna Burra.

It's going to be a little bit until the big shows.

The post Live Nation CEO Outlines Reopening Strategy: Experimenting with Shows In The Fall, Be On Sale in Q3/Q4, Full Scale By 2021 appeared first on Metal Injection.

Large-scale, complex airport construction projects have the same issues as construction projects on a smaller scale, but they present a series of specialized legal issues. The TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program's ACRP Legal Research Digest 38: Legal Issues Related to Large-Scale Airport Construction Projects focuses on those legal issues causing the most significant risks during planning, design, permitting, procurement, and construction.

One of the most fascinating things about planet Earth is the way that life shapes the Earth and the Earth shapes life. We only have to look back to the Great Oxygenation Event (GOE) of 2.4 billion years ago to see how lifeforms have shaped the Earth. In that event, phytoplanktons called cyanobacteria pumped the …

Continue reading "New Data Show How Phytoplankton Pumps Carbon Out of the Atmosphere at an Enormous Scale"

The post New Data Show How Phytoplankton Pumps Carbon Out of the Atmosphere at an Enormous Scale appeared first on Universe Today.

[Image: Diamond nanowires produced by physicist William Gilpin, used only for the purpose of illustration.] As part of some early prep, just putting notes together for a workshop I’ll be leading in Moscow later this summer, I thought I’d link back to this 2014 post by Paul Gilster on Centauri Dreams about “SETI at the … Continue reading "Synthetic at Every Scale"

EnergyAustralia, the country’s largest electricity distribution network, today announced an agreement with IBM for the implementation of an energy network monitoring and control solution.

The Scouts acknowledged the necessity to "Be Prepared" over 100 years (!) ago; the industry should have, as well. Yet COVID-19 took businesses – more like the entire world – by surprise. Very few were prepared for the explosion of remote access, and the challenge of instantly shifting an entire organization to work from anywhere. Cato Networks shared its increase in remote access usage post

The West Adams restaurant Alta Adams reopens with a sliding price scale so people in need can dine for free.

High Road Kitchens funds restaurants to provide low-cost food and re-employ staff.