Abstract: A system can arrange a transport service for a rider. The system can receive, from a first computing device of a first rider, a request for a transport service. The request can include a first pickup location and a first destination location. Based on the first pickup location and the first destination location, the system can determine a plurality of candidate drivers that are each currently assigned to provide a transport service for a respective rider. The system can perform a selection process to select a driver from the plurality of candidate drivers by, for each candidate driver, determining a set of possible travel sequences in which that candidate driver can provide both the transport service for the respective rider and the transport service for the first rider and computing a score for each possible travel sequence.

Abstract: A system can arrange a transport service for a rider. The system can receive, from a first computing device of a first rider, a request for a transport service. The request can include a first pickup location and a first destination location. Based on the first pickup location and the first destination location, the system can determine a plurality of candidate drivers that are each currently assigned to provide a transport service for a respective rider. The system can perform a selection process to select a driver from the plurality of candidate drivers by, for each candidate driver, determining a set of possible travel sequences in which that candidate driver can provide both the transport service for the respective rider and the transport service for the first rider and computing a score for each possible travel sequence.

Abstract: A system can arrange a transport service for a rider. The system can receive, from a first computing device of a first rider, a request for a transport service. The request can include a first pickup location and a first destination location. Based on the first pickup location and the first destination location, the system can determine a plurality of candidate drivers that are each currently assigned to provide a transport service for a respective rider. The system can perform a selection process to select a driver from the plurality of candidate drivers by, for each candidate driver, determining a set of possible travel sequences in which that candidate driver can provide both the transport service for the respective rider and the transport service for the first rider and computing a score for each possible travel sequence.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes functional membranes and a method for making a functional membrane. The method includes providing a porous substrate, applying the at least one graftable species to the porous substrate, and treating the coated porous substrate with electron beam radiation to provide a functionalized membrane. The method includes forming a functionalized membrane comprising a gradient of grafted species attached to the porous substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic methods for grafting hydrophilic chains onto polymers, particularly hydrophobic polymers such as poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and chlorinated polypropylene (cPP). Resulting polymers include comb polymers which can have a microphase-separated structure of hydrophilic domains provided by the hydrophilic chains. Articles prepared from these comb polymers, particularly derived from PVDF, include membranes for water filtration in which the hydrophilic domains provide a pathway for water transport. PVC can be plasticized by grafting the PVC with hydrophilic chains. In addition, such articles, particularly articles having biomedical applications, can display anti-thrombogenic properties.

Abstract: The invention is a display article having a flexible substrate which includes a writing surface capable of being used as a dry erase surface. A peripheral edge extends around the writing surface. A flexible framing strip is affixed to the writing surface at a position proximate to the peripheral edge. One embodiment of the display article can be made by forming a substrate having a writing surface. The substrate defines a periphery edge, a back surface, and a plurality of mushroom shaped hooks extending from the back surface substantially over the entire back surface. The writing surface is capable of being used as a dry erase surface. At least a portion of the periphery of the writing substrate is folded over to form a framing strip having a plurality of exposed mushroom shaped hooks. The framing strip is secured to the writing surface.

Abstract: The invention features integrated membrane assemblies for selectively transferring a constituent to or from a fluid. The assemblies include two or more flat sheet membrane elements and at least one common manifold connected to the interior regions of the membrane elements.