Abstract: A method and system to convert user activities performed in a real world into virtual world activity. The system includes a virtual world environment with a virtual activity tracker to obtain virtual activity performance data for an activity performed by a user in the virtual world environment; and a virtual world database to store the virtual activity performance data in a virtual profile of the user. The system also includes a real world activity tracker to obtain real world activity performance data for a real world activity performed by the user; and an activity convertor to convert the real world activity performance data into an amount of converted virtual activity performance data and add the converted virtual activity performance data to the virtual profile of the user.

Abstract: Valve disc assemblies for fluid valves having soft seats are disclosed herein. An example valve disc assembly for a fluid valve comprises a first portion to slidably engage a wall of the fluid valve to guide movement of the valve disc assembly and a second portion to receive a valve stem to control a position of the valve disc assembly, the second portion including an angled surface to retain a seal between the first and second portions.

Abstract: In a method of making a semiconductor device, the method includes: forming a first conductive layer over a substrate; forming an insulating layer on the first conductive layer; forming a via through the insulating layer to expose the first conductive layer; forming a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) over a bottom of the via; forming a barrier layer at a sidewall of the via; removing the SAM over the bottom of the via; and forming a second conductive layer over the barrier layer and the bottom of the via such that the first conductive layer is electrically connected to the second conductive layer without the barrier layer between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer at the bottom of the via.

Abstract: Processes and associated reaction systems for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane are provided. In particular, a process is provided that comprises supplying a feed gas comprising ethane and oxygen to a multitubular fixed-bed reactor and allowing the ethane and oxygen to react in the presence of an oxidative dehydrogenation catalyst to yield a reactor effluent comprising ethylene; and supplying a coolant to an interior shell space of the multitubular fixed-bed reactor in a flow pattern that is co-current with the flow of the feed gas through reactor.

Abstract: A gravity-fed filtration apparatus includes a filter housing having a water inlet near an upper portion of the filter housing and a water outlet near a lower portion of the filter housing. A water filter having a plurality of discs is removably stacked within an interior cavity of the filter housing between the water inlet and the water outlet. An outer perimeter portion of each of the plurality of discs sealingly engages with an inner surface of the filter housing. A first disc of the plurality of discs comprises a first plurality of diffusers and a disinfectant media. A second disc of the plurality of discs comprises a mesh. The lower portion of the filter housing is configured to be disposed in the mouth of a water vessel.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine that includes a turbomachinery core operable to produce a core gas flow and that includes a combustor. A first duct is positioned downstream of and in flow communication with the combustor. A component is positioned within the first duct and extends between radially outward and radially inward walls of the first duct. The component that includes a first cooling passageway formed therein. The first cooling passageway extends between an inlet communicating with the first duct and positioned facing towards the turbomachinery core, and an outlet communicating with a pressure sink.

Abstract: A method of determining whether an individual is infected with mycobacteria. The method comprising the steps of (a) providing a system which comprises at least two different mycolic-acid derived antigens; (b) introducing a sample obtained from the individual into the system and into contact with each of the at least two different mycolic-acid derived antigens; and (c) detecting the presence or absence of the binding of a biomarker in the sample with each antigen in the system. The method may be particularly suitable for determining the presence or absence of a disease antibody indicative of infection with any disease caused by infection with mycobacteria, for example tuberculosis, leprosy, pulmonary disease, burili ulcer, Johne's disease and bovine tuberculosis. A kit and device are also described. The present invention may provide an over the counter device to allow individuals to check on a routine basis that they have normal immune responses.

Abstract: A turbomachine airfoil element includes an airfoil that has pressure and suction sides spaced apart from one another in a thickness direction and joined to one another at leading and trailing edges. The airfoil extends in a radial direction a span that is in a range of 2.59-2.89 inch (65.7-73.3 mm). A chord length extends in a chordwise direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge at 50% span and is in a range of 1.46-1.76 inch (37.1-44.7 mm). The airfoil element includes at least two of a first mode with a frequency of 703±10% Hz, a second mode with a frequency of 3574±10% Hz, a third mode with a frequency of 8100±10% Hz, a fourth mode with a frequency of 9450±10% Hz, a fifth mode with a frequency of 11116±10% Hz and a sixth mode with a frequency of 11620±10% Hz.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a method of expanding storage for filesystems in a fine-grained, scalable manner. The method includes determining, by a file server, a run bias for a span, wherein the run bias indicates a number of contiguous chunks of memory associated with an entry in an address translation table for a filesystem. The method includes receiving, by the file server, a request for an expansion of memory for the filesystem. The method includes scoring, by the chunk allocator, each stripe set in a group of stripe sets based at least in part on a number of unused chunks on the stripeset and a number of chunks on the stripeset being used by the filesystem. The method includes allocating, by the chunk allocator, a chunk on the stripeset with the highest score, wherein the allocated chunk lies outside of runs reserved for other filesystems.

Abstract: A method of determining whether an individual is infected with a mycobacterial disease, the method comprising: (a) providing a system which comprises an antigen; (b) contacting the system with a sample obtained from the individual; and (c) detecting the presence or absence of binding of a biomarker in the sample with the antigen; wherein the antigen is a mycolic acid wax ester derived antigen.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a combustor section arranged between a compressor section and a turbine section. The compressor section includes at least a low pressure compressor and a high pressure compressor. The high pressure compressor is arranged upstream of the combustor section. A fan section has an array of twenty-six or fewer fan blades. The low pressure compressor is downstream from the fan section. An airfoil is arranged in the low pressure compressor and includes pressure and suction sides that extend in a radial direction from a 0% span position to a 100% span position. The airfoil has a relationship between an axial stacking offset and span position that includes a curve with a negative slope from 90% span to 100% span. The negative slope leans forward relative to an engine axis.

Abstract: A turbomachine airfoil element includes an airfoil that has pressure and suction sides spaced apart from one another in a thickness direction and is joined to one another at leading and trailing edges. The airfoil extends in a radial direction a span that is in a range of 3.18-3.48 inch (80.7-88.4 mm). A chord length extends in a chordwise direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge at 50% span and is in a range of 1.17-1.47 inch (29.6-37.3 mm). The airfoil element includes at least two of a first mode with a frequency of 333±10% Hz, a second mode with a frequency of 1554±10% Hz, a third mode with a frequency of 2356±10% Hz, a fourth mode with a frequency of 2830±10% Hz, a fifth mode with a frequency of 4075±10% Hz and a sixth mode with a frequency of 5239±10% Hz.

Abstract: A turbomachine airfoil element includes an airfoil that has pressure and suction sides spaced apart from one another in a thickness direction and joined to one another at leading and trailing edges. The airfoil extends in a radial direction a span that is in a range of 3.84-4.14 inch (97.5-105.1 mm). A chord length extends in a chordwise direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge at 50% span and is in a range of 1.16-1.46 inch (29.5-37.1 mm). The airfoil element includes at least two of a first mode with a frequency of 326±10% Hz, a second mode with a frequency of 1252±10% Hz, a third mode with a frequency of 2475±10% Hz, a fourth mode with a frequency of 2951±10% Hz, a fifth mode with a frequency of 4356±10% Hz and a sixth mode with a frequency of 6086±10% Hz.

Abstract: Methods of preparing, and solid forms of N-(1-((2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)amino)-2-methyl-1-oxopropan-2-yl)-4-(4-(2-methyl-5-((2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(methylthio)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)benzyl)phenyl)butanamide, and salts, solvates and cocrystals thereof, are disclosed.

Abstract: An oil blending system for a marine diesel two-stroke engine and/or generator comprises a blender having at least one inlet for receiving a lubrication oil and at least one other component and at least one outlet for outputting a mixed lubrication oil composition to the engine or generator. A blender controller is configured to receive parameter data on the current lubrication oil status used in the engine or generator and receive parameter data on the current engine and/or generator status. The blender controller is also configured to automatically determine whether the currently used lubrication oil is within a predetermined parameter range based on the current engine and/or generator status. If the current lubrication oil is outside a predetermined parameter threshold, the blender controller is configured to determine a new lubrication oil composition for the engine or generator.

Abstract: A component system of a gas turbine engine including: a first component having an outer surface; a second component having an outer surface, the second component and the first component being in a facing spaced relationship defining an air passageway therebetween; and a first recess located in at least one of the outer surface of the first component proximate the air passage and the outer surface of the first component proximate the air passage, wherein the first recess is located proximate a throat within the air passageway stretching between the first component and the second component.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a combustor section arranged between a compressor section and a turbine section. A fan section has an array of twenty-six or fewer fan blades. An airfoil includes pressure and suction sides and extends in a radial direction from a 0% span position to a 100% span position. The airfoil has a relationship between a leading edge angle and span position that defines a curve with the leading edge angle of less than 40° at 100% span.

Abstract: An answer evaluation system has an answer tablet, having a plurality of holes forming a grid, wherein a colored translucent bead is insertable into hole. The answer tablet is received by an enclosure. The enclosure is adapted to direct light from a light sourced positioned below the answer tablet to the camera of a device. Further, the answer evaluation system processes images of the answer tablet to evaluate and score a corresponding test.

Abstract: A turbomachine airfoil element includes an airfoil that has pressure and suction sides spaced apart from one another in a thickness direction and joined to one another at leading and trailing edges. The airfoil extends in a radial direction a span that is in a range of 2.13-2.43 inch (54.2-61.8 mm). A chord length extends in a chordwise direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge at 50% span and is in a range of 3.56-3.86 inch (90.3-97.9 mm). The airfoil element includes at least one of a first mode with a frequency of 1049±10% Hz and a second mode with a frequency of 1271±10% Hz.