Abstract: Aspects of data management are described. During an update procedure for serially updating a cluster of storage nodes, a storage node of the cluster of storage nodes may enter a quiescent state. While in the quiescent state, the storage node may refrain from obtaining new jobs and may continue to execute jobs that were initiated at the storage node prior to entering the quiescent state. The storage node may enter the quiescent state while another storage node enters an update state for installing the update version. The storage node may also post, to a job queue, jobs running at the storage node that are terminated at an end of the quiescent state.

Abstract: A method implemented by an electronic verification system for verifying that an advertisement to engage in an activity is placed by a particular validated user whose identity is validated. The method comprises the electronic verification system receiving information that describes an advertisement to engage in an activity and that indicates when the particular validated user has or will place that advertisement. The method comprises creating referral information configured to be published in conjunction with the advertisement and to direct an advertisee to an electronic log of one or more advertisements placed by the particular validated user. The method comprises generating the electronic log to indicate when the particular validated user has or will place the advertisement described by the received information. The method comprises publishing the electronic log to be accessible in accordance with the referral information.

Abstract: A planar wound dressing for the heel of the foot, having an adhesive layer with a backing layer, and three slits which can be reversibly closed and joined to form a non-planar wound dressing that conforms to and adheres to the heel of the foot. The wound dressing is constructed so that one slit is placed over the Achilles tendon, the second slit is placed over the inner ankle, and the third slit is placed over the outer ankle. With this orientation after closure of the slits the wound dressing covers the heel uniformly without wrinkles, gaps, leakage, contamination, or infection. The wound dressing is particularly useful in protecting and preventing blisters on the heel that occur in sports such as soccer, track, and the like.

Abstract: An automated activity-based management system and method (10) for making thereof are provided. A business organization has costs associated with its employees, facilities, equipment, and overhead to produce products or provide services. Such a business organization typically generates traditional general ledger accounting information (152) and human resources information (150). This traditional accounting information (150, 152, 154) is used along with information directed to activities, equipment usage and facilities utilization to generate costs associated with activities performed by the organization. A computer workstation (40) with a graphical user interface (42) is used to accept entries of activity information (74). The activity information and traditional accounting information are fed to a relational database (12). The information is processed and costs associated with the employee, facilities, equipment, and overhead components (20, 22, 24, 26) of activities are computed.