Abstract: Computational systems and methods employ characteristics of a quantum processor determined or sampled between a start and an end of an annealing evolution per an annealing schedule. The annealing evolution can be reinitialized, reversed or continued after determination. The annealing evolution can be interrupted. The annealing evolution can be ramped immediately prior to or as part of determining the characteristics. The annealing evolution can be paused or not paused immediately prior to ramping. A second representation of a problem can be generated based at least in part on the determined characteristics from an annealing evolution performed on a first representation of the problem. The determined characteristics can be autonomously compared to an expected behavior, and alerts optionally provided and/or the annealing evolution optionally terminated based on the comparison. Iterations of annealing evolutions may be performed until an exit condition occurs.

Abstract: When metal inert gas (MIG) welding is carried out at normal atmospheric pressure, the electrode is made positive with respect to the workpiece because the use of a negative electrode gives little penetration. In undersea welding, as the pressure increases the arc stability and metal transfer in MIG welding become erratic and there is copious fume evolution. According to the present invention, MIG welding at pressures greater than 7 bars is carried out with the electrode negative with respect to the workpiece and with an electrode wire of diameter not greater than 1.4 mm; the slope of the power supply, as seen from the welding arc, is preferably between 6 and 15 V/100 A, which is higher than the 3 to 4 V/100 A used in positive-electrode MIG welding at normal atmospheric pressure.