Abstract: Low-cost, robust, and high performance microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) acoustic sensors are described. Described MEMS acoustic sensors can comprise a set of etch release structures in the acoustic sensor membrane that facilitates rapid and/or uniform etch release of the acoustic sensor membrane. In addition, MEMS acoustic sensors can comprise a set of membrane position control structures of the acoustic sensor membrane that can reduce the bending stress of the acoustic sensor membrane. MEMS acoustic sensors can further comprise a three layer acoustic sensor membrane that provides increased robustness. Further design flexibility and improvements are described that provide increased robustness and/or cost savings, and a low cost fabrication process for MEMS acoustic sensors is provided.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods for handling requests to execute software applications. A system and method can be configured to include a set of pointers that are created for both referencing data associated with the requested software application's associated image and data associated with changes made during execution of the requested software application. A mapping is generated to indicate with which physical computer processing unit the created set of pointers is associated.

Abstract: A game board and appurtenances represent various aspects of an educational geographical enterprise and of an educational world finance enterprise. The object of the game is to acquire world domination through acquisition of various countries or continents as shown on a map of the world by means of purchase when permitted. The apparatus includes country and continent indicators and playing pieces. Dice provide the number of spaces for movement of the playing piece along a designated path along the game board. Certain designated spaces bear indicators of a country or continent available for purchase. Instruction cards of varying type are included as well as quantities of distributed play money used for the purchase of countries or payment of penalties.