Abstract: Example implementations relate to optimizing operation of microservice clusters comprising multiple nodes, each executing a common self-sufficient microservice instance. The method includes, at a first node having a database instance comprising a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, calculating a distinct hash per row to create a hash list, each hash identifying data contained in the respective row; publishing a distinct hash and/or the hash list to one or more of the plurality of nodes, each node having respective database instances and respective hash lists; at a second node, comparing the distinct hash and/the hash list published by the first node to the hash list of the second node to identify any missing rows of data; and, in response to identifying, based on the comparison, a missing row(s) in the second node's database instance, updating the second node's database instance to include the missing row(s) of data.

Abstract: A transaction terminal presents a new type of transaction through the transaction interface for cashing checks of unbanked consumers. The interface obtains a government identifier provided through input and/or government issued card read at the terminal. The check is imaged, and the government identifier is verified by a government verification service. Once verified, a name associated with the government identifier obtained from the verification service is matched to a payee name on the check obtained from an image of the check. The bank that the check is drawn on is provided the check account number and amount of the check and returns an authorization code when the check is authorized to be cashed. The authorization code is provided to the terminal and the terminal dispenses currency in the amount of the check to the unbanked consumer.

Abstract: Example implementations relate to optimizing operation of microservice clusters comprising multiple nodes, each executing a common self-sufficient microservice instance. The method includes, at a first node having a database instance comprising a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, calculating a distinct hash per row to create a hash list, each hash identifying data contained in the respective row; publishing a distinct hash and/or the hash list to one or more of the plurality of nodes, each node having respective database instances and respective hash lists; at a second node, comparing the distinct hash and/the hash list published by the first node to the hash list of the second node to identify any missing rows of data; and, in response to identifying, based on the comparison, a missing row(s) in the second node's database instance, updating the second node's database instance to include the missing row(s) of data.

Abstract: Advanced metering infrastructure integrated within electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). An example EVSE includes a housing, an AMI meter situated within the housing, an output terminal configured to connect to an electric vehicle, an output device, and an EVSE controller situated within the housing. The AMI meter is connected to a power grid. The EVSE controller is connected to the AMI meter, the output terminal, and the output device. The EVSE controller is configured to advertise a first charging current value to the output terminal and receive an indication of a high demand period of the power grid. The EVSE controller is configured to advertise, in response to the indication of the high demand period, a second charging current value to the output terminal, the second charging current value being less than the first charging current value, and provide, via the output device, a notification.

Abstract: A carpet stretcher comprising: a head mechanism; a tail mechanism; and an elongate extender; wherein the head mechanism is connected to a distal end of the elongate extender, and the tail mechanism is connected to a proximal end of the elongate extender; and wherein: the head mechanism comprises: a head element having a carpet engaging surface; an extension element for extending the elongate extender at its distal end so as to urge the head element distally; and a lever mechanism for actuating the extension element; characterised in that the tail mechanism comprises a tail element having a carpet engaging surface.

Abstract: A completion system apparatus having a body comprising a throughbore and lateral flow ports for providing access through a wall of the body and a valve arrangement including a first, uphole, valve assembly and a second, downhole, valve assembly. The valve arrangement is configurable between a first, open, configuration in which passage of fluid through the axial throughbore is permitted and a second, activated, configuration, the valve arrangement in the second, activated, configuration preventing passage of fluid in the first, downhole, direction so as to direct the fluid through the lateral flow ports while permitting the passage of fluid through the apparatus in a second, uphole, direction so as to permit return passage of the fluid through the apparatus. A bypass arrangement is configured to permit fluid travelling in the second direction to bypass the first valve assembly.

Abstract: A valve assembly can include a flow passage extending between an uphole end and a downhole end of the valve assembly, a flapper that pivots between an open position and a closed position, and a pump operable to pivot the flapper, the pump being positioned between the flapper and the downhole end. A method of testing a completion tubing string can include increasing pressure in the completion tubing string while a closure member of a valve assembly is in a closed position, thereby testing a pressure integrity of the completion tubing string on an uphole side of the closure member, and transmitting a pressure signal via a flow passage to a pressure sensor of the valve assembly, thereby causing the closure member to displace to an open position, the pressure sensor being connected to an electronic circuit positioned on a downhole side of the closure member.

Abstract: Provided are compositions including delivery vehicles with at least one mucus-penetrating property and mucus-penetrating peptides. Also disclosed are such compositions including a cargo and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: An intraoral surgical prop is manufactured entirely from two different Shore A hardness variants of the same high performance biocompatible sterilisable thermoplastic elastomer. It comprises an outer anatomically shaped compressible surgical prop body component (1) and an inner integrally-moulded, permanently attached, flexible and extensible tether and tether grip component (2, 3) with a thumb grip indentation (4) moulded such that it retains a permanently curved profile.

Abstract: A completion system apparatus having a body comprising a throughbore and lateral flow ports for providing access through a wall of the body and a valve arrangement including a first, uphole, valve assembly and a second, downhole, valve assembly. The valve arrangement is configurable between a first, open, configuration in which passage of fluid through the axial throughbore is permitted and a second, activated, configuration, the valve arrangement in the second, activated, configuration preventing passage of fluid in the first, downhole, direction so as to direct the fluid through the lateral flow ports while permitting the passage of fluid through the apparatus in a second, uphole, direction so as to permit return passage of the fluid through the apparatus. A bypass arrangement is configured to permit fluid travelling in the second direction to bypass the first valve assembly.

Abstract: A valve assembly can include a flow passage extending between an uphole end and a downhole end of the valve assembly, a flapper that pivots between an open position and a closed position, and a pump operable to pivot the flapper, the pump being positioned between the flapper and the downhole end. A method of testing a completion tubing string can include increasing pressure in the completion tubing string while a closure member of a valve assembly is in a closed position, thereby testing a pressure integrity of the completion tubing string on an uphole side of the closure member, and transmitting a pressure signal via a flow passage to a pressure sensor of the valve assembly, thereby causing the closure member to displace to an open position, the pressure sensor being connected to an electronic circuit positioned on a downhole side of the closure member.

Abstract: A two-stage valve assembly for a turbocharger includes a movable primary valve adapted to open and close a valve seat of the turbocharger. The primary valve has at least one opening extending axially therethrough. The two-stage valve assembly also includes a movable secondary valve coupled to the primary valve to open and close the at least one opening of the primary valve. The two-stage valve assembly further includes a spring disposed between the primary valve and the secondary valve to seat the secondary valve against the primary valve. The secondary valve is adapted to be coupled to a valve arm of the turbocharger such that relative small movement of the valve arm causes the secondary valve to move and open the opening to allow some exhaust gas of the turbocharger to escape through the at least one opening without moving the primary valve relative to the valve seat.

Abstract: Provided are liposomal structures comprising polynucleic acids. Also disclosed are polypeptides encoded by polynucleic acids, pharmaceutical compositions of liposomal structures, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A two-stage valve assembly for a turbocharger includes a movable primary valve adapted to open and close a valve seat of the turbocharger. The primary valve has at least one opening extending axially therethrough. The two-stage valve assembly also includes a movable secondary valve coupled to the primary valve to open and close the at least one opening of the primary valve. The two-stage valve assembly further includes a spring disposed between the primary valve and the secondary valve to seat the secondary valve against the primary valve. The secondary valve is adapted to be coupled to a valve arm of the turbocharger such that relative small movement of the valve arm causes the secondary valve to move and open the opening to allow some exhaust gas of the turbocharger to escape through the at least one opening without moving the primary valve relative to the valve seat.

Abstract: A liquid flow system includes a dosing device for introduction of a chemical additive into a liquid flow circuit, the dosing device including an inlet port in fluid communication with the liquid flow circuit and a container of chemical additive secured or adapted to be secured to the inlet port, the container including a radio frequency identification (RFID) device which stores data of a parameter related to the correct operation of the liquid flow circuit, and the system including a communication device to receive data from the container whereby the liquid flow system is responsive to data received by the communication device.

Abstract: An apparatus for installation in a borehole comprises a well component and a sleeve. The well component has a through-bore and is permeable to the borehole. For example, the well component can be a well screen having a perforated basepipe with a filter disposed thereabout or can be a liner defining a plurality of openings therein. The sleeve is disposed external to the well component. The sleeve is at least temporarily impermeable to obstruct the well component during run in the borehole and becomes permeable in response to an agent, such as a hydrochloric acid, a hydrofluoric acid, an acid stimulation, a wellbore fluid, or a drilling fluid, for example.

Abstract: In a heat transfer system (10) including a liquid flow circuit (14) within which a liquid containing a chemical additive is circulated to flow through one or more transfer devices (11, 12) the circuit is provided with a sensor (17) operable to provide an output signal in the event of liquid flow into the liquid flow circuit.