Abstract: A polyarylene sulfide (PAS) foam layer that circumscribes a hollow inner tube and may have a 50% or greater density reduction relative to the density of an un-foamed PAS polymer material and/or a 50% or greater thermal conductivity reduction relative to the thermal conductivity of an un-foamed PAS polymer material and/or 50% or greater thermal effusivity reduction relative to the thermal effusivity of an un-foamed PAS polymer material. The PAS foam layer may have a low density (e.g., less than 0.67 g/cc) and/or a low thermal conductivity (e.g., anywhere from 0.017 W/(m-K) to 0.145 W/(m-K)) and/or a low thermal effusivity (e.g., less than 316 Ws1/2/m2/K, optionally anywhere from 38 Ws1/2/m2/K to 316 Ws1/2/m2/K) even at high temperatures (e.g., above 400 degrees Fahrenheit (° F.) (about 204 degrees Celsius (° C.)). Such a PAS foam layer may have characteristics appropriate for use as part of a steam hose.

Abstract: A method of collaboratively solving a problem by holding group meetings. The group comprises members each being given equal status, a problem expert, a facilitator, and a scribe. The problem expert initially explains the problem to the group. Afterwards, he or she is available for questions from the group regarding the problem described, but is not permitted to propose solutions to the problem. Only after the group (exclusive of the problem expert) arrives at a viable solution will the problem expert participate in evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed. The problem expert rates the plan according to a scale. Only after the problem expert rates the plan at the top of the scale does his or her function as problem expert end. The problem expert then joins the team as a member to complete the rest of the plan. Meetings may be conducted either with or without the use of a computer to pace the meeting and to determine the order of business.