Abstract: Systems, methods and software merge a Virtual World, Live Event and Entertainment Channel, thus creating “The Perfect Storm” of gaming and entertainment whereby the characters of a social network game (e.g., an online fantasy sports league) are represented by human beings who register to be avatars of characters supported by a “Character Service Center,” while players compete to bring avatars to life in a Real World event (e.g., a Real World sports league), where the human beings behind the avatars compete for prizes while staying in character, as these competitors and players are incentivized by a “Collaboration Incentive Platform.

Abstract: Systems, methods and software merge a Virtual World, Live Event and Entertainment Channel, thus creating “The Perfect Storm” of gaming and entertainment whereby the characters of a social network game (e.g., an online fantasy sports league) are represented by human beings who register to be avatars of characters supported by a “Character Service Center,” while players compete to bring avatars to life in a Real World event (e.g., a Real World sports league), where the human beings behind the avatars compete for prizes while staying in character, as these competitors and players are incentivized by a “Collaboration Incentive Platform.

Abstract: A superhydrophilic thin film is formed on a metal surface of a boiler vessel to alter the wettability and roughness of the surface, which, in turn, changes the boiling behavior at the surface. The superhydrophilic film is formed by depositing a layer of a first ionic species on the surface from a solution. A second ionic species having a charge opposite to the that of the first ionic species is then deposited from solution onto the surface to produce a bilayer of the first ionic species and the oppositely charged second ionic species. The depositions are then repeated to form a plurality of bilayers, on top of the preceding bilayer. The bilayers are then heated, leaving the second ionic species on the metal surface to form a superhydrophilic film.

Abstract: A superhydrophilic thin film is formed on a metal surface of a boiler vessel to alter the wettability and roughness of the surface, which, in turn, changes the boiling behavior at the surface. The superhydrophilic film is formed by depositing a layer of a first ionic species on the surface from a solution. A second ionic species having a charge opposite to the that of the first ionic species is then deposited from solution onto the surface to produce a bilayer of the first ionic species and the oppositely charged second ionic species. The depositions are then repeated to form a plurality of bilayers, on top of the preceding bilayer. The bilayers are then heated, leaving the second ionic species on the metal surface to form a superhydrophilic film.

Abstract: A route followed by a person is managed. A data store is configured to store data streams corresponding to different kinds of information of a route followed by a person. Data output means is operable to output the data streams to a user such that they are co-related to the route followed by the person. Data handling means is operable to provide the stored data streams to the data output means. The data streams correspond to different route information and can be cross referenced. The data handling means is operable to provide a first data stream and further data stream in a predetermined manner to the data output means and in dependence upon the cross-referable data such that the first and further data streams are output by the data output means in a substantially co-related manner.

Abstract: A resilient, impact-resistant, one-piece ballast apparatus is useful to provide external weight and stability for portable barricades and signs. The ballast is a solid, compression molded rubber device having a predetermined weight and design features including thickness, shape, perimeter contour and holes that permit the ballast device to be easily handled, quickly and securely affixed to or removed from barricade and sign structures, and stored for transport or between uses. The flat surface of the ballast permits application of identifying indicia of ownership that prevents loss and promotes reuse with resultant savings of economy and resources.

Abstract: An actuator controlled switch mounted on an electronic component module is operative to remove electrical power from the module during plug-in or removal of the module from a support frame. A latch and the actuator are pivotally mounted in parallel relation on the module and the latch is urged against a fixed support frame member. During plug-in and removal, a lateral extension of the latch forces the actuator to hold the module switch off. When the module is fully engaged, the latch is removably displaced from the actuator whereby the actutor can be pivoted to turn the module switch on and off.