Abstract: A method and an apparatus for disposing wastes comprising the steps of conducting a hydrothermal decomposition reaction of the wastes, separating the products into a solid fuel and waste water, combusting the solid fuel, scrubbing the combustion gas, generating steam using the heat generated by the combustion, and purifying the waste water, exhibit a high energy-efficiency, while exhibiting a high removal rate of the pollutants generated during the combustion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, and machine-readable media for identifying and sharing common trends represented in a corpus of private information without revealing the private information. Identifying and sharing common trends can comprise reading a first set of private information and a second set of private information. The first set of private information can be compared to the second set of private information and common information between the first set of private information and the second set of private information can be identified. Once identified, a determination can be made as to whether the identified common information represents an emerging trend, i.e., the common information re-occurs or develops over time. In response to determining the identified common information represents an emerging trend, the emerging trend can be reported without revealing the first set of private information or the second set of private information.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for disposing wastes comprising the steps of conducting a hydrothermal decomposition reaction of the wastes, separating the products into a solid fuel and waste water, combusting the solid fuel, scrubbing the combustion gas, generating steam using the heat generated by the combustion, and purifying the waste water, exhibit a high energy-efficiency, while exhibiting a high removal rate of the pollutants generated during the combustion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, and machine-readable media for identifying and sharing common trends represented in a corpus of private information without revealing the private information. Identifying and sharing common trends can comprise reading a first set of private information and a second set of private information. The first set of private information can be compared to the second set of private information and common information between the first set of private information and the second set of private information can be identified. Once identified, a determination can be made as to whether the identified common information represents an emerging trend, i.e., the common information re-occurs or develops over time. In response to determining the identified common information represents an emerging trend, the emerging trend can be reported without revealing the first set of private information or the second set of private information.

Abstract: A predictive modeling system and methodology makes predictions using unstructured content as an input, either alone or in conjunction with structured content. Content transformation rules are selected for application to the unstructured content, such as emails, call center notes, and other forms of human communication, by identifying the rules that are likely to improve the performance of a predictive modeling system.

Abstract: A direct contact water heating system employs a vertical water tower having a sidewall with a combustion inlet opening spaced above the tower lower end. A generally horizontal combustion chamber has a sidewall in communication with the tower combustion inlet and an end wall spaced from the water tower. A burner has a combustion outlet in communication with an opening in the end wall, the combustion chamber end wall having an annular area surrounding the burner combustion outlet. Products of combustion flow from the burner, through the combustion chamber into the water tower through the combustion inlet opening. A shell has an inner end attached to the water tower sidewall. A sidewall portion of the shell surrounds the combustion chamber sidewall and an annular portion is spaced exteriorly of the annular area of the combustion chamber end wall. An interior surface of the outer shell and an exterior surface of the combustion chamber form a closed envelope having a water inlet and a water outlet.