Abstract: A computer-implemented technique is described herein for rescheduling events within calendars to achieve a target objective with respect to target occurrences of a particular kind in the calendars. For instance, the target occurrences may correspond to instances of free time, and the target objective is to increase the amount of minimum-sized free-time blocks within the calendars, e.g., by favoring the introduction of large free-time blocks of minimum size (e.g., two-hour blocks), and disfavoring the presence of smaller-sized free-time blocks scattered among calendar events. In other words, the technique defragments the calendars with respect to free time expressed in those calendars. At the same time, the technique honors (when possible) participant-related constraints associated with calendar events. Further, the technique penalizes modification of an event as a function of a temporal distance over which the event is moved; this penalization has the effect of reducing disruption to the calendars.

Abstract: Techniques and technologies for determining and enhancing productivity are described. In at least some embodiments, a system for includes a processing component operatively coupled to a memory; a productivity analyzer at least partially disposed in the memory, the productivity analyzer including one or more instructions that when executed by the processing component perform operations including: receive productivity data associated with usage of one or more productivity tools by at least one user during a time period; receive biometric data associated with one or more biometric aspects of the at least one user during the time period; analyze one or more aspects of the productivity data and the biometric data; and determine based on the analysis at least one productivity-related operation intended to enhance at least one productivity metric of the at least one user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique is described herein that assists an end-user in setting up an event that involves a set of participants. The technique identifies a proposed time slot that satisfies two objectives. First, the time slot satisfies participant-related constraints pertaining to the event. Second, the time slot satisfies a target objective that is defined as a function of target calendar occurrences of a particular kind, as measured across all of the calendars of the participants. The computer-implemented technique has the effect, upon repeated scheduling of events, of defragmenting the calendars with respect to target occurrences that appear in the calendars. In one implementation, the target objective is a free-time objective, and the technique operates by favoring the introduction of large free-time blocks of minimum size (e.g., two-hour blocks), and disfavoring the presence of smaller-sized free-time blocks scattered among events.

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique is described herein for rescheduling events within calendars to achieve a target objective with respect to target occurrences of a particular kind in the calendars. For instance, the target occurrences may correspond to instances of free time, and the target objective is to increase the amount of minimum-sized free-time blocks within the calendars, e.g., by favoring the introduction of large free-time blocks of minimum size (e.g., two-hour blocks), and disfavoring the presence of smaller-sized free-time blocks scattered among calendar events. In other words, the technique defragments the calendars with respect to free time expressed in those calendars. At the same time, the technique honors (when possible) participant-related constraints associated with calendar events. Further, the technique penalizes modification of an event as a function of a temporal distance over which the event is moved; this penalization has the effect of reducing disruption to the calendars.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and improved, environmentally acceptable and negligibly corrosive deicing composition comprising steepwater solubles produced, for example, as by-products from a wet milling process of corn, which by-products are biodegradable. The invention also relates to the use of a deicing composition to reduce the buildup of snow and ice on roads, bridges and other outdoor surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and improved, environmentally acceptable and negligibly corrosive deicing composition comprising by-products from the fermentation and production of wine from grapes and other fruit, as well as from grains. The main ingredients of the present invention are the solubles that settle during the fermentation process, said solubles being commonly known in the wine making industry as "Vintners' Condensed Solubles", and less technically known as "wine bottoms" and "lees". The invention also relates to the use of a deicing composition in a manner that helps to reduce the buildup of snow and ice on roads, bridges and other outdoor surfaces. The invention also relates to a corrosion-inhibiting composition which comprises vintner's condensed solubles. Other embodiments and uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specific practice of the invention disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and improved, environmentally acceptable and negligibly corrosive deicing composition comprising by-products from the production of cheese from various milks. The present invention is directed to the liquids that remain after the coagulated cheese has been removed from the milks, said liquids being commonly known in the cheese making industry as "whey." The invention also relates to the use of a deicing composition in a manner that helps to reduce the buildup of snow and ice on roads, bridges and other outdoor surfaces. The invention also relates to a corrosion-inhibiting composition comprising whey.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and improved, environmentally acceptable and negligibly corrosive deicing composition comprising by-products from the fermentation and production of wine from grapes and other fruit, as well as from grains. The active ingredients of the present invention are the the solubles that settle during the fermentation process, said solubles being commonly known in the wine making industry as "Vintners' Condensed Solubles", and less technically known as "wine bottoms" and "lees". The invention also relates to the use of a deicing composition in a manner that helps to reduce the buildup of snow and ice on roads, bridges and other outdoor surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and improved, environmentally acceptable and negligibly corrosive deicing composition comprising by-products from the production of cheese from various milks. The active ingredients of the present invention are the liquids that remain after the coagulated cheese has been removed from the milks, said liquids being commonly known in the cheese making industry as "whey." The invention also relates to the use of a deicing composition in a manner that helps to reduce the buildup of snow and ice on roads, bridges and other outdoor surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and improved, environmentally acceptable and negligibly corrosive deicing composition comprising by-products from a wet milling process of corn, which by-products are biodegradable. The invention also relates to the use of a deicing composition in a manner that helps to reduce the buildup of snow and ice on roads, bridges and other outdoor surfaces.