Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer stores source files and source clone files in a source filesystem. The source clone files are shallow copies of the source files, which initially share the same data blocks as the source files. A source file or a source clone file may eventually be modified, where some of the shared blocks are replaced by modified blocks. In a first phase, all data blocks of all source files that are not clones are replicated to a standby filesystem. A second phase compares each clone file on the source filesystem with its base file to detect a set of differed blocks. The second phase copies the differed blocks into the standby filesystem and, in the standby filesystem, applies the differed blocks to a corresponding clone file. Efficiency of keeping the standby filesystem synchronized with the source filesystem is improved by transferring, from the source filesystem to the standby filesystem, only one copy of only data blocks that are modified.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer stores source files and source clone files in a source filesystem. The source clone files are shallow copies of the source files, which initially share the same data blocks as the source files. A source file or a source clone file may eventually be modified, where some of the shared blocks are replaced by modified blocks. In a first phase, all data blocks of all source files that are not clones are replicated to a standby filesystem. A second phase compares each clone file on the source filesystem with its base file to detect a set of differed blocks. The second phase copies the differed blocks into the standby filesystem and, in the standby filesystem, applies the differed blocks to a corresponding clone file.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for file storage defragmentation on a cluster of nodes. The method for self-governed, contention-aware scheduling of file defragmentation operations commences by calculating a score for candidate files of a storage volume, where the score is based on a fragmentation severity value. The process proceeds to determine an amount of contention for access to a candidate file (e.g., by accessing the candidate file to record the amount of time it takes to obtain access). If the fragmentation severity value and the amount of contention suggestion a benefit from defragmentation, then the method initiating defragmentation operations on the candidate file. The method delays for a calculated wait time before performing a second defragmentation operation. Real-time monitors are used to determine when the contention is too high or when system utilization is too high. Only files that have ever been opened are considered candidates for defragmentation.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for file storage defragmentation on a cluster of nodes. The method for self-governed, contention-aware scheduling of file defragmentation operations commences by calculating a score for candidate files of a storage volume, where the score is based on a fragmentation severity value. The process proceeds to determine an amount of contention for access to a candidate file (e.g., by accessing the candidate file to record the amount of time it takes to obtain access). If the fragmentation severity value and the amount of contention suggestion a benefit from defragmentation, then the method initiating defragmentation operations on the candidate file. The method delays for a calculated wait time before performing a second defragmentation operation. Real-time monitors are used to determine when the contention is too high or when system utilization is too high. Only files that have ever been opened are considered candidates for defragmentation.

Abstract: Methods of recovering hydrocarbons from an area that is contaminated or threatened with contamination with hydrocarbons may include deploying hydrophobic absorbent material such that at least some of the hydrophobic absorbent material contacts at least some of the hydrocarbons, allowing the hydrophobic absorbent material to absorb at least some of the hydrocarbons, and collecting the hydrophobic absorbent material from the area using a netting apparatus. The hydrophobic absorbent material may include cellulose treated with borax.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with selective tag-based file backup and recovery are described. One example method includes selectively tagging a file for inclusion in a snapshot-based backup image by associating a tag with the file. The associating may include encoding file metadata with a tag. The method may include selectively adding a file to the backup image upon determining that the file has experienced a write event and that the file is associated with a tag. The method may also include receiving a request to provide a recovery file from the backup image and selectively providing the recovery file upon determining that the recovery file is associated with a recovery tag specified in the request.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for associating administrative policies with user-definable groups of files is provided. The groups of files are defined by assigning tags to files or directories. Tags are a part of metadata stored by an operating system for the files and directories. Tags associated with files or directories remain as files or directories are moved or copied in the file system. Files created inside a directory that contains certain tags inherit tags of the parent directory. Command line and graphical interfaces for tag management are provided. The interfaces let users assign tags to files or directories, remove tags assigned to files or directories, or list tags already assigned to files or directories. The interfaces also let users associate services and administrative policies with tags.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with selective tag-based file backup and recovery are described. One example method includes selectively tagging a file for inclusion in a snapshot-based backup image by associating a tag with the file. The associating may include encoding file metadata with a tag. The method may include selectively adding a file to the backup image upon determining that the file has experienced a write event and that the file is associated with a tag. The method may also include receiving a request to provide a recovery file from the backup image and selectively providing the recovery file upon determining that the recovery file is associated with a recovery tag specified in the request.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for collecting samples from a flowing stream in which an elongated sampling device including inner and outer concentric, relatively rotatable tubular members is positioned in and extends across the stream. The tubular members each have a longitudinally extending slot at least as long as the transverse width of the stream, with the slots being wider, and preferably at least about three times wider than the dimension of the largest particles contained in the stream. To take a sample, the inner tubular member is rotated to position its slot facing upstream, then the outer tubular member is rotated to position its slot in alignment with the slot in the inner tubular member to permit material from the stream to flow into the inner tubular simultaneously across the full width of the stream. When samples are not being taken, at least the outer tubular member is rotated to so that its slot faces downstream.

Abstract: In response to receiving a first request for storage space for a file, an area of a storage medium is reserved. A data structure is stored in persistent storage to track the reserved area. A second request is subsequently received for storage space for the file. Free space in the reserved area is allocated to the file in response to the second request.

Abstract: File system metadata associated with a file system is stored. A snapshot of the file system metadata is created, and a change of the file system is allowed while the snapshot is being created. An error check is run with respect to the snapshot of the file system metadata to check for an error in the snapshot of the file system metadata while the file system remains available. Access of one or more files associated with the file system is enabled while the error check is being run with respect to the snapshot of the file system metadata.

Abstract: A system comprises software, a storage subsystem containing user data associated with file system metadata having a first metadata structure, and file system logic to convert the first metadata structure to a second, different metadata structure while the file system remains available such that the software continues to access the file system for accessing the user data.

Abstract: A system and method for mitigating an aircraft incident is provided. The invention includes an aircraft panic component coupled to a terminal component. The aircraft panic component facilitates identification of a panic situation and communicates information associated with the panic situation to the terminal component. The aircraft panic component is further operative to at least partially disable a navigation system and/or operational system of an aircraft. The aircraft can then be sent to a safe zone, navigated remotely and/or a course of action for the aircraft can be determined. A safe zone component is adapted to facilitate identification of a course of action for the aircraft based at least in part upon aircraft positional information, aircraft condition information and/or aircraft resource(s).