Abstract: A total number of messages in a set of messages that are processed by a computing node in a virtual computer cluster during a time interval is determined. The virtual computer cluster is deployed with a cloud computing service and includes the computing node and other computing nodes at an end time of the time interval. It is determined whether the total number of messages in the set of messages processed by the computing node is no less than a maximum per-interval message number threshold. In response to determining that the total number of messages is no less than a maximum per-interval message number threshold, the cloud computing service is caused to start an additional computing node in the virtual computer cluster after the time interval, wherein the additional computing node is used to process one or more subsequent messages to be processed after the time interval.

Abstract: A method by a computing system implementing a node within a cluster of nodes to load balance among the cluster of nodes using retroactive refusal. Each of the nodes within the cluster of nodes is capable of processing work items. The method includes accepting a work item to be processed by the node, monitoring a resource utilization of the node, determining whether the resource utilization of the node exceeds a predetermined threshold, and retroactively refusing the work item in response to a determination that the resource utilization of the node exceeds the predetermined threshold, wherein the retroactive refusal causes the work item to be reassigned from the node to another node within the cluster of nodes.

Abstract: A cloud computing service is used to deploy a virtual computer cluster. The virtual computer cluster is initialized with a set of one or more streaming nodes for processing first messages of one or more streaming jobs. It is determined whether the virtual computer cluster is to process second messages of a non-streaming job. In response to determining that the virtual computer cluster is to process the second messages of the non-streaming job, for example using control messages, the cloud computing service is caused to start a non-streaming node in the virtual computer cluster. The non-streaming node is tasked to process the second messages of the non-streaming job.

Abstract: A method is described for collapsing a plurality of detected changes to data in a database into a reduced set of changes. The method includes detecting a plurality of changes to the database; determining that one or more changes in the plurality of changes are superfluous to demonstrating the current state of data in the database to an external system; determining, in response to determining that one or more changes in the plurality of changes are superfluous, a reduced set of changes that demonstrates the current state of data in the database based on the plurality of changes, wherein a number of changes in the plurality of changes is greater than a number of changes in the reduced set of changes; and determining a set of messages to generate based on the reduced set of changes, wherein the set of messages demonstrate the current state of data.

Abstract: A total number of messages in a set of messages that are processed by a computing node in a virtual computer cluster during a time interval is determined. The virtual computer cluster is deployed with a cloud computing service and includes the computing node and other computing nodes at an end time of the time interval. It is determined whether the total number of messages in the set of messages processed by the computing node is no less than a maximum per-interval message number threshold. In response to determining that the total number of messages is no less than a maximum per-interval message number threshold, the cloud computing service is caused to start an additional computing node in the virtual computer cluster after the time interval, wherein the additional computing node is used to process one or more subsequent messages to be processed after the time interval.

Abstract: A cloud computing service is used to deploy a virtual computer cluster. The virtual computer cluster is initialized with a set of one or more streaming nodes for processing first messages of one or more streaming jobs. It is determined whether the virtual computer cluster is to process second messages of a non-streaming job. In response to determining that the virtual computer cluster is to process the second messages of the non-streaming job, for example using control messages, the cloud computing service is caused to start a non-streaming node in the virtual computer cluster. The non-streaming node is tasked to process the second messages of the non-streaming job.

Abstract: A method by a computing system implementing a node within a cluster of nodes to load balance among the cluster of nodes using retroactive refusal. Each of the nodes within the cluster of nodes is capable of processing work items. The method includes accepting a work item to be processed by the node, monitoring a resource utilization of the node, determining whether the resource utilization of the node exceeds a predetermined threshold, and retroactively refusing the work item in response to a determination that the resource utilization of the node exceeds the predetermined threshold, wherein the retroactive refusal causes the work item to be reassigned from the node to another node within the cluster of nodes.

Abstract: A method is described for collapsing a plurality of detected changes to data in a database into a reduced set of changes. The method includes detecting a plurality of changes to the database; determining that one or more changes in the plurality of changes are superfluous to demonstrating the current state of data in the database to an external system; determining, in response to determining that one or more changes in the plurality of changes are superfluous, a reduced set of changes that demonstrates the current state of data in the database based on the plurality of changes, wherein a number of changes in the plurality of changes is greater than a number of changes in the reduced set of changes; and determining a set of messages to generate based on the reduced set of changes, wherein the set of messages demonstrate the current state of data.

Abstract: A fire starting assembly receives and ignites charcoal and releases the charcoal when its temperature is suitable for cooking. It has a housing that is bound by a perimeter wall with an upper edge defining an upper opening and a lower edge defining a lower opening. A grate, located closer to the lower edge than the upper edge, is pivotally joined to the perimeter wall. The grate, in its closed position, intersects a lumen extending through the housing and through the openings defined by the upper and lower edges to hold charcoal. The grate, in its open position, releases the charcoal. A catch is releasably engaged with the grate to retain the grate in the closed position. The catch is releasable from the grate such that the grate pivots downwardly toward the lower edge and through the lower opening to define an open position.

Abstract: A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for processing code division multiple access (CDMA) signals. The WTRU includes a modem host and a high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) co-processor, which communicate over a plurality of customizable interfaces. The modem host operates in accordance with third generation partnership project (3GPP) Release 4 (R4) standards, and the HSDPA co-processor enhances the wireless communication capabilities of the WTRU as a whole such that the WTRU operates in accordance with 3GPP Release 5 (R5) standards.