Abstract: A database is stored as a plurality of database shards in a distributed database grid comprising a plurality of grid elements, each including a mid-tier database system. A first grid element receives, from an application executing in the same memory as a mid-tier database system of the first grid element, a first database transaction including at least one database operation on specific data stored in a first database shard that belongs to the first grid element. The first grid element performs and commits the first database transaction without participation of another grid element of the plurality of grid elements. The first grid element receives a second database transaction that requires access to another database shard that does not belong to the first grid element. Multiple grid elements of the plurality of grid elements perform the second database transaction and commit the second database transaction using a two-phase commit protocol.

Abstract: A method to install a wire fence includes providing horizontal and vertical wires and connecting them to form a wire fence. The method further includes providing a post to form a termination of the wire fence, providing one hole for each horizontal wire in the post, and driving the post into the ground. The method further includes inserting the horizontal wire ends through the holes in the post, attaching wire tensioning devices to some of the horizontal wire ends, and stretching the horizontal wires by the tensioning devices. The method further includes keeping the tensioning devices on the horizontal wire ends. The tensioning devices keep the horizontal wires attached to the pole, and placing a cover plate to the post to cover the tensioning devices and the horizontal wire ends.

Abstract: A wire fence comprises horizontal and vertical wires. The horizontal wires have horizontal wire ends.

Abstract: A strand (20) for a cable bolt (14) comprises a plurality of metallic elongated members (22, 24) twisted together. At least one of the elongated members has a corrosion resistant coating (54) and surface deformation, so as to improve the bodig efficiency and the anchorage of the strand.

Abstract: A database is stored as a plurality of database shards in a distributed database grid comprising a plurality of grid elements, each including a mid-tier database system. A first grid element receives, from an application executing in the same memory as a mid-tier database system of the first grid element, a first database transaction including at least one database operation on specific data stored in a first database shard that belongs to the first grid element. The first grid element performs and commits the first database transaction without participation of another grid element of the plurality of grid elements. The first grid element receives a second database transaction that requires access to another database shard that does not belong to the first grid element. Multiple grid elements of the plurality of grid elements perform the second database transaction and commit the second database transaction using a two-phase commit protocol.

Abstract: A method for lining mining and tunnel constructions with a support material (20) comprises the steps of: •a. providing a plurality of lay wires (24) in the long direction; •b. providing a plurality of stay wires (22) in the cross direction, the stay wires making intersections with said lay wires (24); •c. providing knot wires (28) to attach the lay wires (24) to the stay wires (22) in at least some of the intersections so as to form the support material; •d. installing the support material (20) against a ceiling or a wall of a mining or tunnel construction by means of bolts.

Abstract: A strand (20) for a cable bolt (14) comprises a plurality of metallic elongated members (22, 24) twisted together. At least one of the elongated members has a corrosion resistant coating (54) and surface deformation, so as to improve the bodig efficiency and the anchorage of the strand.

Abstract: In order to avoid excessive internal stress and micro structure problems inherent with previous fusion welding techniques utilised for component structure fabrication, the present method creates a relatively thin in situ brazing alloy layer upon first and second component edges which are brought together in order to create a component joint. This in situ brazing alloy layer 6, 23, 26 is created by deposition of brazing elements, such as copper or nickel, from an electrical discharge cutting process electrode depletion utilised in order to cut the component edges. A subsequent brazing technique then creates through interstitial migration between that brazing alloy layer and the underlying material substrate of the components a robust component joint. Furthermore, the in situ brazing alloy layer penetrates the respective component cut edge surface to only a limited depth such that the geometric effect is similarly limited, and the properties of the underlying component material structure are maintained.