Abstract: The unauthorized access of database nodes by application nodes within an electronic computing and communications system can be prevented using an access table that stores access table records indicating that at least some of the application nodes are authorized to access at least some of the database nodes. The access table records can be generated by identifying connections between application nodes and database nodes within a configuration management database. Responsive to receiving a request to access a database node sent from a first application node, the access table can be queried to determine whether an access table record indicating that the first application node is authorized to access the database node is stored in the access table. If that access table record is not stored in the access table, the request is denied. Otherwise, the request is allowed.

Abstract: A distributed backup method includes defining a server group having a plurality of server computers, and providing each server computer with an identical backup policy and an identical storage policy. The method also includes transmitting, at each server computer of the server group to every other server computer of the server group, advertisement messages describing available storage space for storing backups, and receiving, at each server computer from the server, at least some of the advertisement messages. The method also includes identifying, at a first server computer using the backup policy, at least a first service to be backed up, selecting a second server computer using the received advertisement messages, transmitting, from the first server computer to the second server computer, a backup including information corresponding to the at least one service, and storing the backup, by the second server computer using the storage policy.

Abstract: A distributed backup method includes defining a server group having a plurality of server computers, and providing each server computer with an identical backup policy and an identical storage policy. The method also includes transmitting, at each server computer of the server group to every other server computer of the server group, advertisement messages describing available storage space for storing backups, and receiving, at each server computer from the server, at least some of the advertisement messages. The method also includes identifying, at a first server computer using the backup policy, at least a first service to be backed up, selecting a second server computer using the received advertisement messages, transmitting, from the first server computer to the second server computer, a backup including information corresponding to the at least one service, and storing the backup, by the second server computer using the storage policy.

Abstract: A node of an application instance in a distributed computing environment can be selectively hibernated and the execution of the node selectively restarted by first detecting a condition of the node that satisfies a criterion for hibernating the node. The node may then be hibernated by suspending execution of the node on a server and initiating execution of a listener. The listener can use a network port that the node used before the execution of the node was suspended. At a later time, a request from a client to the application instance can be received by the listener. The request can be a request to restart execution of the node. Responsive to the request and a determination that the server has a predefined amount of resources for permitting execution of the node, the execution of the node on the server can be restarted.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for assuming control over a processor in response to an operating system (OS) request to transition the processor into a sleeping state and transitioning the processor into an intermediate state that has a shorter wake latency than the sleeping state. Additionally, the processor may be maintained in the intermediate state until a wake event is detected. In one example, one or more power lowering operations may be reversed in response to the wake event.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for minimizing latency due to garbage collection in a distributed system. Time data is stored at a computing device. The time data indicates when each of multiple computing nodes (e.g., servers) in the distributed system might be performing (or is scheduled to perform) a garbage collection operation. The computing device receives a first request and, in response, determines, based on the time data, one or more computing nodes to process a second (e.g., related) request, which may contain identical content as in the first request. The second request is sent to the one or more computing nodes.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for minimizing latency due to garbage collection in a distributed system. Time data is stored at a computing device. The time data indicates when each of multiple computing nodes (e.g., servers) in the distributed system might be performing (or is scheduled to perform) a garbage collection operation. The computing device receives a first request and, in response, determines, based on the time data, one or more computing nodes to process a second (e.g., related) request, which may contain identical content as in the first request. The second request is sent to the one or more computing nodes.

Abstract: A distributed backup method includes defining a server group having a plurality of server computers, and providing each server computer with an identical backup policy and an identical storage policy. The method also includes transmitting, at each server computer of the server group to every other server computer of the server group, advertisement messages describing available storage space for storing backups, and receiving, at each server computer from the server, at least some of the advertisement messages. The method also includes identifying, at a first server computer using the backup policy, at least a first service to be backed up, selecting a second server computer using the received advertisement messages, transmitting, from the first server computer to the second server computer, a backup including information corresponding to the at least one service, and storing the backup, by the second server computer using the storage policy.

Abstract: A distributed backup method includes defining a server group having a plurality of server computers, and providing each server computer with an identical backup policy and an identical storage policy. The method also includes transmitting, at each server computer of the server group to every other server computer of the server group, advertisement messages describing available storage space for storing backups, and receiving, at each server computer from the server, at least some of the advertisement messages. The method also includes identifying, at a first server computer using the backup policy, at least a first service to be backed up, selecting a second server computer using the received advertisement messages, transmitting, from the first server computer to the second server computer, a backup including information corresponding to the at least one service, and storing the backup, by the second server computer using the storage policy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to determine a pattern of emitting scents uniquely tailored to a particular user, and to emit fragrances in response to environmental conditions. A wearable fragrance emission device in wireless communication with a mobile device periodically emits one or more fragrances in response to receiving instructions from the mobile device. The mobile device sends such instructions in response to detecting one or more environmental conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for assuming control over a processor in response to an operating system (OS) request to transition the processor into a sleeping state and transitioning the processor into an intermediate state that has a shorter wake latency than the sleeping state. Additionally, the processor may be maintained in the intermediate state until a wake event is detected. In one example, one or more power lowering operations may be reversed in response to the wake event.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for generating a forward-looking, goal seeking marketing plan that links prior media purchase transactions to predicted future financial results for a brand, product market, or campaign. A computing device is configured to receive input data associated with one or more marketing elements, such as television ads, print ads, and online ads. From the input data, response factors corresponding to each marketing element can be calculated. These response factors can be used to generate a model upon which future marketing transactions can be planned in accordance with scenarios associated with a particular marketing campaign. A marketing plan can be generated from the model in which some or all marketing elements are ordered in a flighting schedule that provides optimum financial results for a selected scenario.

Abstract: An advertisement shown on a device with a touch-sensitive display may be activated via gestures performed on the touch-sensitive display. The advertisement is activated if contact with the display corresponds to a predefined gesture for activating the advertisement. The device may display on the touch-sensitive display an indication of a user's progress toward activating the advertisement. The device may also display visual cues of the predefined gesture on the touch-sensitive display to remind a user of the gesture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a controlled release modifying complex for solid oral controlled release pharmaceutical compositions suitable for once-a-day administration. The composition comprises an active pharmaceutical ingredient, a release modifying complex and other required pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The release modifying complex comprises a primary release modifying agent, a secondary release modifying agent and an auxiliary release modifying agent or varying combinations thereof, wherein said primary, secondary and auxiliary release modifying agents are present in amounts that synergistically effect and extend the release of active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Abstract: A manway handling apparatus for handling heavy sealing manways in large shells without damaging sealing surface means therefor is provided which includes a support arm pivotally mountable on equipment having elliptical manway access openings. The support arm when mounted is swingable toward and away from an access opening and carries a bearing block supporting bracket which is longitudinal adjustably positionable on the arm. A bearing block is vertically adjustably positionable in the bracket and slidably supports a shaft which is attachable to an elliptical cover. Structure is provided for longitudinally actuating and rotating the shaft to position and rotate the cover to facilitate installation and removal of the cover through the elliptical opening. The shaft carries structure means which when actuated by turning of a crank handle is effective for tilting the cover also to facilitate its installation and removal.