Abstract: A method for identifying conflicting and duplicate rules in a decision support system is provided. The method includes establishing a first subsystem including a protocol of existing rules, each existing rule includes an input feature. The method also includes creating a new rule that includes an input feature, and comparing terminology in the input feature of the new rule against terminology in the input feature of each existing rule of the protocol using a second subsystem and determining whether the new rule and at least one existing rule from the protocol are similar.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for managing power usage in a data processing system. Power usage by a set of input/output devices attached to the data processing system is monitored. If it is determined that the power usage requires a change in power consumption by a processing unit, the clock speed of the processing unit is changed to change the power consumption by the processing unit.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and computer program product for detecting and communicating boot failures in a client device. A Dynamic Host Control Protocol server is configured to monitor Dynamic Host Control Protocol communications from one or more client devices, wherein the client devices are configured to boot from local media. A boot request is received from a client device in response to a failure of the client device to boot from the local media. Responsive to receiving the boot request, a determination is made that a boot failure has occurred on the client device.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments describe a system and a method for performing the functions of a PCI Express feature card remotely from a data processing system. The system is comprised of a circuit board connected to a PCI-E feature card. The PCI-E feature card is remotely located in comparison to the circuit board. Architecturally, the PCI-E feature card appears to the circuit board to be located at the circuit board.

Abstract: A monitored area is provided multiple RFID tags placed at defined coordinates/locations throughout the extended area. These RFID tags respond to receipt of a RF signal by transmitting/broadcasting their unique identifier (ID) within the specific area in which the tag is located. A device, whose location within the monitored area is desired, is equipped with an RFID interrogating device, such as an RF transceiver, which periodically broadcasts RF interrogation signals. The multiple RFID tags are positioned at specific areas within the environment to allow the RF interrogating device to (1) receive the RFID signal and (2) utilized the received data to independently determine the device's location.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and system for storing or updating authentications, e.g., passwords, in a boot code image, i.e., binary executable boot code, stored within a Read Only Memory (ROM), e.g., flash ROM, of a terminal from a remote central site. An authentication may be stored in the boot code image in a terminal from a central site by creating a file comprising a boot code image storing the authentication at the central site and then storing the created file in ROM in the terminal. The file may be downloaded from a server at the central site to the terminal. An authentication in the boot code image in a terminal may be updated remotely from a central site by updating the file associated with the boot code image, i.e., updating the authentication, at the central site and then downloading the updated file to the terminal.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and system for storing or updating authentications, e.g., passwords, in a boot code image, i.e., binary executable boot code, stored within a Read Only Memory (ROM), e.g., flash ROM, of a terminal from a remote central site. An authentication may be stored in the boot code image in a terminal from a central site by creating a file comprising a boot code image storing the authentication at the central site and then storing the created file in ROM in the terminal. The file may be downloaded from a server at the central site to the terminal. An authentication in the boot code image in a terminal may be updated remotely from a central site by updating the file associated with the boot code image, i.e., updating the authentication, at the central site and then downloading the updated file to the terminal.

Abstract: A laser ablation process is described for removing the polymeric buffer layer from glass optical fibers. The ablation takes place within a flow of substantially non-oxidizing gas. In preferred embodiments, the fiber cable is flushed with dry nitrogen and irradiated by a sequence of laser pulses 200-800 .mu.s in width. A currently preferred laser is a carbon-dioxide laser emitting in the infrared portion of the spectrum. The irradiating wavelength is preferably chosen to be 90% absorbed at a depth of 0.5 to 1.0 times the thickness of the buffer layer. The polymeric buffer layer can be removed without previously treating the optical fiber with a chemical softening agent, and without causing any significant reduction in the tensile strength of the fiber.

Abstract: The apparatus and technique enable a fisherman to store a batch of fish bait morsels on his body in such a way that when he needs one, he can isolate it from the batch and pluck it out of storage on the hook of his line, or between the thumb and one finger of his free hand. According to the technique, a support is formed on his body opposite the front thereof, and a device is pivotally mounted on the support which is adaptable to form an open-ended container for the morsels. The device is swingable between a first position in which the morsels are retained in the container against discharge through the end opening of the same by gravity, and a second position in which one or more morsels tend to discharge through the end opening of the container by gravity. In addition, a recess is formed on the device into which a morsel or morsels can discharge from the end opening of the container when the container is swung between the first and second positions thereof, respectively.