Abstract: A cuffed tracheal tube has a shaft (10) with an inner component (30) having an inflation lumen (23) extending along a rib (33) along the outside of the component. The rib (33) terminates a short distance rearwardly of the patient end (14) of the inner component. The inflation lumen (23) is closed by an outer layer (51) applied over the inner component (30) and covering the patient end of the rib. Two closely spaced openings (54) through the rib (33) are spaced in the inflatable region of a silicone sealing cuff (13) secured around the patient end of the shaft.

Abstract: A consumable is provided. The consumable includes (a) at least one sweetener, and (b) a sweetness modifier comprising an extract or fraction from Gnaphalium affine or at least one flavonoid compound. The at least one sweetener is present is a sweetening amount.

Abstract: A system and method for forecasting shrinkage of employees is provided. According to one embodiment, scheduled shrinkage values are identified from a work schedule and stored in a data file. A command is received by a processor to predict shrinkage of employees for a future forecast period. Selection of the data file is received, and in response, the processor is configured to automatically populate shrinkage fields for the forecast period with the scheduled shrinkage values retrieved from the data file. According to one embodiment, the scheduled shrinkage values are set as the shrinkage values that are forecast for the forecast period. A work schedule of employees is the generated for the forecast period taking into account the forecast shrinkage values. According to one embodiment, the processor may also engage of automatic shrinkage forecasting based on analysis of historic shrinkage data.

Abstract: A system and method for forecasting shrinkage of employees is provided. According to one embodiment, scheduled shrinkage values are identified from a work schedule and stored in a data file. A command is received by a processor to predict shrinkage of employees for a future forecast period. Selection of the data file is received, and in response, the processor is configured to automatically populate shrinkage fields for the forecast period with the scheduled shrinkage values retrieved from the data file. According to one embodiment, the scheduled shrinkage values are set as the shrinkage values that are forecast for the forecast period. A work schedule of employees is the generated for the forecast period taking into account the forecast shrinkage values. According to one embodiment, the processor may also engage of automatic shrinkage forecasting based on analysis of historic shrinkage data.

Abstract: An educational word game includes a plurality of answer pads. Each of the answer pads includes a first column composed of a plurality of short lines on which selected word fragments are written and a second column composed of a plurality of long lines on which players' answers are written next to the first column of the plurality of short lines creating distinct rows. The game further includes a plurality of writing implements, a timer, and a plurality of playing cards. Each of the playing cards includes a backside identical to the backside of all other playing cards and a front side printed with a word fragment used in playing the present word. The game is played by providing each player with an answer pad and a writing implement; selecting playing cards having word fragments printed thereon; recording the word fragments from the playing cards on the answer pad; forming words including the word fragments; and comparing the words and awarding points.