Abstract: The invention relates to a virtual queuing system for managing a virtual queue for a resource, the system comprising a plurality of user devices and a virtual queue management unit, where each user device is configured to: allow a user to join a virtual queue for the resource by creating a virtual queue entry associated with the user device; wherein the virtual queue management unit is configured to: maintain a virtual queue comprising a sequence of virtual queue entries; and manage the virtual queue by sequentially removing virtual queue entries from the virtual queue and providing each user device associated with a removed virtual queue entry with an access pass allowing the user to access the resource; wherein the virtual queue management unit is further configured to: receive user behaviour data associated with one or more virtual queue entries that are within the virtual queue or that have been removed from the virtual queue; and vary the management of the virtual queue in response to the received user b

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a person's native language and/or non-native language based on code-switched text and/or speech, are presented. The systems may be trained using various methods. For example, a language identification system may be trained using one or more code-switched corpora. Text and/or speech features may be extracted from the corpora and used, in combination with a per-word language identify of the text and/or speech, to train at least one machine learner. Code-switched text and/or speech may be received and processed by extracting text and/or speech features. These features may be fed into the at least one machine learner to identify the person's native language.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a subterranean formation using a tubular member with one or more burst disks therein.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a subterranean formation using a tubular member with one or more burst disks therein.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a subterranean formation using a tubular member with one or more burst disks therein.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a subterranean formation using a tubular member with one or more burst disks therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a process of preparing glycolaldehye by reacting formaldehyde with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst composition which is based on, a) a source of rhodium, and b) a ligand of general formula R1P—R2(I), wherein R1 is a bivalent radical that together with the phosphorous atom to which it is attached is an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1{3,7}]-decyl group, wherein from 1 to 5 of the carbon atoms has been replaced by a heteroatom, and wherein R2 is a monovalent radical which is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms; a catalyst composition of use in said process; and a process of preparing ethylene glycol from the glycolaldehyde thus prepared.

Abstract: A process for the carbonylation of unsaturated compounds by contacting the unsaturated compound with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst system comprising: (a) a source of palladium and/or platinum; and (b) an unsymmetrical bidentate diphosphine ligand of formula I, R1R2>P1?R3?P2<R4R5??(I) wherein P1 and P2 represent phosphorus atoms; R3 represents a divalent organic bridging group; and R1, R2, R4 and R5 each individually, or R1 and R2 jointly, and/or R4 and R5 jointly represent organic groups that are covalently linked to the phosphorus; and wherein R1, R2, R4 and R5 are chosen in such way, that the phosphino group R1R2>P1 differs from the phosphino group P2<R4R5.

Abstract: A process for the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound with carbon monoxide and a co-reactant. The carbonylation reaction is carried out in the presence of a novel catalyst involving: a) a source of a group VIII metal; b) a bidentate diphosphine of formula I, wherein R1 represents a bivalent radical that together with the phosphorus atom to which it is attached is an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1{3,7}]-decyl group or a derivative thereof in which one or more of the carbon atoms are replaced by heteroatoms (“2-PA” group); wherein R2 and R3 independently represent univalent radicals of up to 20 atoms or jointly form a bivalent radical of up to 20 atoms; and wherein A1 and A2 independently represent optionally substituted alkylene groups and R represents an optionally substituted aromatic group; and, c) a source of anions.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an carboxylic anhydride by reaction of an ethylenically unsaturated compound with carbon monoxide and an carboxylic acid in the presence of a catalyst involving: a) a source of a group VIII metal; b) a bidentate diphosphine of formula I, wherein R1 represents a bivalent radical that together with the phosphorus atom to which it is attached is an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1 {3,7}]-decyl group or a derivative thereof in which one or more of the carbon atoms are replaced by heteroatoms (“2-PA” group); wherein R2 and R3 independently represent univalent radicals of up to 20 atoms or jointly form a bivalent radical of up to 20 atoms; and wherein R represents a bivalent organic bridging group; and, c) a complexing anion; wherein the complexing anion is the anion of the carboxylic acid. A process wherein the carboxylic acid is prepared in-situ and use of the carboxylic anhydride as an acylation agent.

Abstract: An indicator for determining and indicating the fat and moisture content of human skin includes a substrate being colored other than white. An approximately white-tinted, fat-sensitive and moisture-sensitive substance is applied to the substrate. The substance at least partially changes its color after being applied to the skin by changing its physical refractive index when brought into contact with the skin as a function of the fat and moisture content of the skin, permitting the colored substrate underneath the substance to at least partially show through and be visible. An indicator assembly for determining and indicating the fat and moisture content of human skin includes a flat face mask having locations to be measured and a plurality of the indicators being removably fastened to the locations to be measured.

Abstract: An fuser apparatus for minimizing heat transfer between an end of a fuser roll and a fuser bearing includes a generally cylindrical fuser collar positioned between one end of the fuser roll and one of the fuser bearings and having an outer surface contacting the fuser bearing and an inner surface contacting the fuser roll. A plurality of protrusions are formed on either the inner surface or outer surface of the collar to reduce the heat transfer between the fuser roll and fuser bearing. Grooves supporting O-rings may also be formed in the collar or in an end of the fuser roll for allowing the fuser roll to move axially relative to the collar.

Abstract: Interface ciruitry for accomplishing a block transfer of information over a NuBus protocol bus having associated therewith a plurality of individual computer modules through the steps of testing to determine whether an addressed module is capable of accomplishing a NuBus protocol block transfer, conducting such a transfer if that module is capable of accomplishing a NuBus protocol block transfer, locking the bus if that module is not capable of accomplishing a NuBus protocol block transfer, conducting a series of individual data transfer operations during the period the bus is locked, terminating the individual operations, and unlocking the bus.

Abstract: An automatically controlled forced air ventilating device for installation in a structural wall and used in controlling the movement of air into and out of a prescribed area. A ventilator apparatus for the device includes a first stationary plate and a second movable plate, each of the plates including apertures therein and a control means for moving the second plate between first and second positions in which the apertures are aligned and not aligned. A fan is attached to the ventilator apparatus for moving air therethrough at times when the second plate is in the second position with the apertures aligned. A sensing means senses prescribed conditions of air and activates the fan and the control means responsive thereto when prescribed levels of air conditions have been exceeded.

Abstract: An automatically controlled, responsively to minimum temperature and humidity levels, ventilation system for crawl spaces beneath a house or other structure includes at least one intake unit and one exhaust unit. The intake unit includes at least one solenoid-operated ventilator and a temperature sensing device positioned to sense the temperature of outside air. The exhaust unit includes at least one solenoid-operated ventilator, a fan, and a remote humidistat positioned to sense the humidity level at a prescribed area of the crawl space. When the humidity rises above a prescribed level, the humidistat closes an electrical circuit to the thermostat. If the outside air temperature is above a prescribed level (at least above freezing), the thermostat closes the second circuit, energizing the solenoids and the fan. The solenoids cause the ventilators to open and the fan forces air through the crawl space to reduce moisture levels and dissipate any build-up of Radon gases beneath the structure.