Abstract: A fast face capture system and process for identifying an individual as the individual walks through a designated area is described. A set of raw images is streamed from at least one camera for detecting individuals entering the designated area. The images are searched for a face. If a face is detected, a tracking ID is assigned; and a timer and face tracking is commenced to obtain a sequence of candidate images for each individual as the individual walks through the designated area. A maximum quality image is selected from the sequence of candidate images for each individual based on at least one quality metric, the elapsed time, and the quality select count in the sequence of the candidate images. The maximum quality image is submitted for matching with a verified image of the person. The invention has particular application to security check points for quickly matching the face of the moving person with a previously acquired and verified identity.

Abstract: A framework disclosed herein extends a relaxed, scoped memory model to a system that includes nodes across a commodity network and maintains coherency across the system. A new scope, cluster scope, is defined, that allows for memory accesses at scopes less than cluster scope to operate on locally cached versions of remote data from across the commodity network without having to issue expensive network operations. Cluster scope operations generate network commands that are used to synchronize memory across the commodity network.

Abstract: A framework disclosed herein extends a relaxed, scoped memory model to a system that includes nodes across a commodity network and maintains coherency across the system. A new scope, cluster scope, is defined, that allows for memory accesses at scopes less than cluster scope to operate on locally cached versions of remote data from across the commodity network without having to issue expensive network operations. Cluster scope operations generate network commands that are used to synchronize memory across the commodity network.

Abstract: A framework disclosed herein extends a relaxed, scoped memory model to a system that includes nodes across a commodity network and maintains coherency across the system. A new scope, cluster scope, is defined, that allows for memory accesses at scopes less than cluster scope to operate on locally cached versions of remote data from across the commodity network without having to issue expensive network operations. Cluster scope operations generate network commands that are used to synchronize memory across the commodity network.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention pertains to methods of detecting a contamination of an environment by a fracture fluid that comprises magnetic particles. In some embodiments, such methods include: (1) collecting a sample from the environment; and (2) measuring a magnetic susceptibility of the sample in order to detect the presence or absence of the magnetic particles. Further embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of tracing fracture fluids in a mineral formation. In some embodiments, such methods include: (1) associating the fracture fluids with magnetic particles; (2) introducing the fracture fluids into the mineral formation; and (3) measuring a magnetic susceptibility of the fracture fluids. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to fracture fluids containing the aforementioned magnetic particles, the actual magnetic particles, and methods of making said magnetic particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the dehydration of one or more alcohols, which process comprises contacting one or more alcohols in the presence of one or more ethers with a supported heteropolyacid catalyst, characterised in that: (i) the heteropolyacid is tungstosilicic acid in the form of the free acid and supported on a silica support, (ii) said supported heteropolyacid catalyst has a heteropolyacid loading of from 0.5 to 0.9 mg/m2 of catalyst support surface area, and (iii) that said process comprises passing the one or more alcohols and one or more ethers in the vapour phase over a bed of the supported heteropolyacid catalyst at a temperature between 200° C. and 280° C.

Abstract: An apparatus used with a vehicle one way ventilation exhaust valve with a plurality of flexible flaps is provided comprising a retainer with a frame and a plurality of flap retention members connected across U-shaped members attached to the frame such that when the apparatus is positioned proximate the valve, the retention members bias the flaps in the closed direction to prevent excessive movement of the flaps.