Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to providing versions of user data that correspond to different virtual user presence fidelities. Implementations provide multiple versions of user state data, generated from tracked real-world user movements, to subscriber systems. The subscriber systems can display a virtual user presence (e.g., avatar) that mimics the tracked user movements based on each subscribed version of the user state data. Different subscriber systems can comprise different display capabilities and/or display the virtual user presence in different scenarios. The different versions of the user state data can correspond to different virtual user presence fidelities. Each subscriber system can subscribe to a given version of the user state data that fits this subscriber system's particular display capabilities and/or virtual user presence display scenario.

Abstract: A variable hardness punching bag is disclosed herein. The punching bag comprises a core having a first hardness profile; and at least one auxiliary shell attachable to the core, wherein the at least one auxiliary shell has a second hardness profile different to the first hardness profile. The auxiliary shells include a punching shell and a kicking shell, wherein the punching shell is denser and harder relative to the kicking shell. The punching and kicking shells include attachment straps for facilitating attachment to the core.

Abstract: A variable hardness punching bag is disclosed herein. The punching bag comprises a core having a first hardness profile; and at least one auxiliary shell attachable to the core, wherein the at least one auxiliary shell has a second hardness profile different to the first hardness profile. The auxiliary shells include a punching shell and a kicking shell, wherein the punching shell is denser and harder relative to the kicking shell. The punching and kicking shells include attachment straps for facilitating attachment to the core.

Abstract: An energy storage and retrieval system is disclosed. The system includes a heat generating layer for generating thermal energy based on input electrical energy, a thermal energy storage layer located to receive thermal energy from the heat generating layer, the thermal energy storage section layer including a thermal energy storage material to store thermal energy. The system also includes a thermal energy retrieval layer thermally connectable to the thermal energy storage material and configurable to retrieve thermal energy from the thermal energy storage layer where the heat generating layer and the thermal energy retrieval layer are separated by the thermal energy storage layer.

Abstract: An energy storage and retrieval system is disclosed. The system includes a heat generating layer for generating thermal energy based on input electrical energy, a thermal energy storage layer located to receive thermal energy from the heat generating layer, the thermal energy storage section layer including a thermal energy storage material to store thermal energy. The system also includes a thermal energy retrieval layer thermally connectable to the thermal energy storage material and configurable to retrieve thermal energy from the thermal energy storage layer where the heat generating layer and the thermal energy retrieval layer are separated by the thermal energy storage layer.

Abstract: A system includes identification of a group of records of a plurality of records of a database table associated with a plurality of columns, each of the plurality of records including zero or one value for each column, determination of a plurality of rules, each rule associated with one or more of the plurality of columns and for determining a record from which to select values for the associated one or more columns, evaluation of each of the plurality of rules to determine, for each rule, a record of the group of records, and determination of a first record of the group of records based on the record determined for each rule.

Abstract: A system includes identification of a group of records of a plurality of records of a database table associated with a plurality of columns, each of the plurality of records including zero or one value for each column, determination of a plurality of rules, each rule associated with one or more of the plurality of columns and for determining a record from which to select values for the associated one or more columns, evaluation of each of the plurality of rules to determine, for each rule, a record of the group of records, and determination of a first record of the group of records based on the record determined for each rule.

Abstract: A fuel fired, atmospheric water heater has a burner positioned inside a combustion chamber. All combustion air entering the combustion chamber must pass through a damper. The damper is operable to adjust the flow resistance to combustion air entering the combustion chamber. The damper is biased to a closed position such that during non-firing periods of the water heater, the damper significantly reduces the flow rate of combustion air being provided to the combustion chamber reducing standby heat loss. An actuator is in fluid communication with a fuel supply line such that when pressurized fuel is provided to the burner, the pressurized fuel causes the actuator to move the damper to an open position to permit operative combustion air delivery to the combustion chamber during firing periods of the water heater.