Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic container comprising: a lifting and lowering part which receives a cosmetic and has a guide protrusion disposed on the outside thereof; a guard ring which has a spiral groove coupled to the guide protrusion and formed on the inner circumferential surface thereof; and a frame which includes a body coupled to the inner side of the guard ring and having a guide hole through which the guide protrusion of the lifting and lowering part extends, a lower edge disposed in the lower portion of the body, and a flange plate disposed between the body and the lower edge to allow a lower end of the guard ring to be seated thereon, wherein the cosmetic container further comprises a plurality of anti-rolling members which are arranged in an area in which the flange plate is formed so as to support the lower end of the guard ring such that shaking of the guard ring is prevented when the guard ring is rotated by rotation of the frame in order to lift and lower the lifting and lowering

Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques for performing wavelength division multiplexing or demultiplexing using one or more metamaterials in an optical communications systems are described. An optical device may be configured to shift one or more phase profiles of an optical signal using one or more stages of metamaterials to multiplex or demultiplex wavelengths of optical signals. The optical device may be an example of a stacked design with two or more stages of metamaterials stacked on top of one another. The optical device may be an example of a folded design that reflects optical signals between different stages of metamaterials.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion having a first body portion piece with a first port, and a second body portion piece removably coupled to the first body portion piece and having a second port. The first body portion piece may be at least partially filled with a polymer material. The golf club head may also include a mass portion having a fastening portion. The first and second ports are configured to be axially aligned. The second port is configured to receive the mass portion to close the second port, and the fastening portion of the mass portion is configured to engage the first port to fasten the second body portion piece to the first body portion piece. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a current controlled oscillation circuit configured to generate an oscillation clock in response to a current supplied, a first circuit configured to output a first signal when a phase of the oscillation clock is later than a phase of reception data, and to output a second signal when a phase of the oscillation clock is earlier than a phase of the reception data, and a current control circuit configured to control a current to be supplied to the current controlled oscillation circuit such that the number of times of output of the first signal from the first circuit matches the number of times of output of the second signal from the first circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a non-transitory computer readable medium provide for intelligently managing distribution of certificates of transportations (COTs). In embodiments, an application server is configured to execute an algorithmic distribution application configured to manage distribution of available COTs based on a plurality of bid requests received from bidders. The algorithmic distribution application may not merely determine a winner of an online auction by determining a bidder that placed the largest bid, but may include functionality to intelligently determine whether all available COTs have been requested or not, and to adjust the allocation of the available COTs to the requesting bidders according to the availability of the COTs, as well as to dynamically determine a price of the allocated COTs, which may not always be a maximum bid of the winning but may be adjusted based on the allocation of the available COTs to the requested bids.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. In one example, the method includes bonding a first panel of a first material to a base panel in a first gas atmosphere, wherein multiple hermetically sealed first cavities encapsulating gas of the first gas atmosphere are formed between the first panel and the base panel. The method further includes bonding a second panel of a second material to at least one of the base panel and the first panel, wherein multiple second cavities are formed between the second panel and the at least one of the base panel and the first panel.

Abstract: A vehicle with an improved front aerodynamic characteristic includes a front exterior member disposed on a front surface of a vehicle body of the vehicle. The front exterior member includes a front inlet port, a funnel member, and a specially processed surface. The front inlet port is formed in the front exterior member. The front inlet port is configured to draw in an airflow in front of the front exterior member. The funnel member is formed around the front inlet port. The specially processed surface is formed on an inner surface of the funnel member, and has recesses that are arrayed.

Abstract: A deep learning-based offline autofocusing method and system is disclosed herein, termed a Deep-R trained neural network, that is trained to rapidly and blindly autofocus a single-shot microscopy image of a sample or specimen that is acquired at an arbitrary out-of-focus plane. The efficacy of Deep-R is illustrated using various tissue sections that were imaged using fluorescence and brightfield microscopy modalities and demonstrate single snapshot autofocusing under different scenarios, such as a uniform axial defocus as well as a sample tilt within the field-of-view. Deep-R is significantly faster when compared with standard online algorithmic autofocusing methods. This deep learning-based blind autofocusing framework opens up new opportunities for rapid microscopic imaging of large sample areas, also reducing the photon dose on the sample.

Abstract: A VCM (voice coil motor) is disclosed, the VCM including: a rotor including a cylindrical bobbin for accommodating a lens and protruded at a bottom end with a boss, and a coil block arranged at a periphery of the bobbin; a stator including a magnet facing the coil block and a yoke fixing the magnet; and an elastic member including a first elastic member formed with a through hole coupled to the boss of the bobbin and a second elastic member coupled to an upper end facing the bottom end of the bobbin; wherein the boss is formed with a disengagement prevention unit inhibiting the first elastic member from being disengaged from the boss, and the first elastic member is formed with a coupling unit contacting a joint where the disengagement prevention unit and the coupling unit meet.

Abstract: Methods and systems for information exchange of a vehicle in a multiagent system are disclosed. The methods and systems include: receiving one or more neighboring states broadcast by one or more neighboring vehicles; transmitting a last broadcast state of the vehicle to the one or more neighboring vehicles; determining a current state of the vehicle based on the one or more neighboring states and the last broadcast state; determining a norm-free information exchange triggering condition based on the last broadcast state, the current state, and an estimated command; and in response to the current state violating the norm-free information exchange triggering condition, transmitting the current state to the one or more neighboring vehicles. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed that can easily reach and be engaged with a uterine artery or a prostate artery from a radial artery and a treatment method. The catheter includes a tubular body having a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The tubular body includes, at a distal portion of the tubular body, a shaped portion shaped in a manner of being bent on substantially the same plane. The shaped portion includes a proximal bent portion bent to define a first angle, a distal bent portion defining a second angle distal of the proximal bent portion, an intermediate linear portion that is linear, and a distal linear portion that is linear. A first minimum curvature radius of the proximal bent portion is greater than 3 times and less than 11 times a second minimum curvature radius of the distal bent portion.

Abstract: A method for an automatic inspection of a plurality of plate-like plastic carriers, whereby each plastic carrier is closed by a cover and has a unique identification code and a culture medium. A storage container including a multiplicity of plastic carriers is provided, and a computer-controlled handling unit including an optical inspection system is provided. While performing the automatic inspection in an inspection routine, a plastic carrier is removed from the storage container with the aid of the handling unit, the cover of the plastic carrier is subsequently removed, the plastic carrier is supplied to the inspection system, the identification code is read, and at least one image of the plastic carrier, including the surface of the culture solution is recorded. The image is evaluated for a growth of germs and/or faults in the plastic carrier and the result of the evaluation is stored for each plastic carrier.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds, compositions, kits, uses, and methods for assessing the viability of cells and/or quantifying the amount of live and dead cells in a mixture using differential stains. In some embodiments, the compounds are used in culture media or can function independently of fixation and/or permeabilization. In some embodiments, the compounds comprise a platinum atom. In some embodiments, the compounds comprise a nitrogen mustard moiety.

Abstract: An intra-ocular lens having an air-filled collapsible cavity situated between two optical elements wherein air is transferred from optical regions of the collapsible cavity to its peripheral haptic regions after being compressed by external force.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a CAR comprising a tumor antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain comprising an intracellular signaling domain of an interleukin-9 receptor alpha (IL9Ra), and modified cell(s), i.e., immune cell(s) or precursor cell(s) thereof, engineered to express the CAR. Also provided are methods and uses of the modified cells, e.g., for treating at least one sign and/or symptom of cancer. Related nucleic acids, vectors, and pharmaceutical compositions are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes multiple dual cladding waveguides each having a single-mode interior section that transports one of multiple outgoing optical signals and a multimode section at least partially surrounding the interior section that transports one of multiple incoming optical signals. Different outgoing signals have different polarizations, and different incoming signals have different polarizations. The apparatus also includes a polarization beamsplitter that combines the multiple outgoing signals to produce transmit optical signals and separates receive optical signals to produce the multiple incoming signals.

Abstract: Methods and/or systems for power management by a user equipment (UE) in an uplink transmission. The method may include determining, whether feedback related to transmit power of the UE, from a network entity is available and determining a first transmit power of the UE based on the determination and at least one of a plurality of transmitting parameters associated with the UE, evaluating a first spectral efficiency of the UE upon transmitting data at the first transmit power in a predefined time duration, determining a plurality of second transmit power. The method may include evaluating a plurality of second spectral efficiencies and determining a maximum spectral efficiency among the first and the plurality of second spectral efficiencies and transmitting the data at final transmit power among the first and the second plurality of second spectral efficiencies, the final transmit power corresponds to the maximum spectral efficiency.

Abstract: A network node signals to a wireless communication device which precoders in a codebook are restricted from being used. The network node in this regard generates codebook subset restriction signaling that, for each of one or more groups of precoders, jointly restricts the precoders in the group by restricting a certain component (e.g., a certain beam precoder) that the precoders in the group have in common. This signaling may be for instance rank-agnostic signaling that jointly restricts the precoders in a group without regard to the precoders transmission rank. Regardless, the network node sends the generated signaling to the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a buried power rail, a buried oxide (BOX) layer formed on the buried power rail, a plurality of channel fins formed on the BOX layer, a bottom epitaxial layer formed on the BOX layer and between the channel fins such that the BOX layer is between the buried power rail and the bottom epitaxial layer, a gate stack formed over the bottom epitaxial layer and contacting the channel fins, the gate stack including a work function metal (WFM) layer and a high-? layer, and a top epitaxial layer formed on the gate stack. In the semiconductor device, between two adjacent ones of the channel fins the BOX layer has an opening so that the bottom epitaxial layer is electrically connected to the buried power rail.

Abstract: A contact element for an electric vehicle (EV) connector that is configured to connect a charging wire to a connector interface on a vehicle side includes a front part and at least one base. The front part comprises walls having an inner and an outer side that enclose a hollow chamber, which is partly filled with a fluid, and the inner side of the walls are designed having a capillary structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a technical field of optical lenses, and discloses a camera optical lens. The camera optical lens includes six lenses. An order of the seven lenses is sequentially from an object side to an image side, which is shown as follows: a first lens having a positive refractive power, a second lens having a negative refractive power, a third lens having a refractive power, a fourth lens having a negative refractive power, a fifth lens having a positive refractive power, and a sixth lens having a negative refractive power. While the camera optical lens has good optical performance, the camera optical lens further meets design requirements of large aperture, wide-angle, and ultra-thinness. In addition, on-axis and off-axis chromatic aberrations are fully corrected and the camera optical lens has excellent optical characteristics.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed that includes pure silk fibroin-based protein fragments that are substantially devoid of sericin, wherein the composition has an average weight average molecular weight ranging from about 17 kDa to about 38 kDa, wherein the composition has a polydispersity of between about 1.5 and about 3.0, wherein the composition is substantially homogeneous, wherein the composition between 0 ppm to about 500 ppm of inorganic residuals, and wherein the composition includes between 0 ppm to about 500 ppm of organic residuals.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for 3D flight tracking of objects include a method including determining a golf ball trajectory based on observations by sensor(s), extrapolating the trajectory backward in time, calculating distance measure(s) between the extrapolated trajectory and physical locations, determining one of the physical locations to be an origin of the golf ball based on the distance measure(s) and two types of separately estimated errors, wherein a first of the two types of separately estimated errors affects ball positional error for the initial observations, and a second of the two types of separately estimated errors affects an angle of the extrapolated trajectory; and presenting golf ball data on a display device associated with the origin of the golf ball.

Abstract: A method including determining, by a device, a sharing decryption key based at least in part on an assigned private key associated with the device and a folder access public key associated with a folder; decrypting, by the device, a folder access private key associated with the folder by utilizing the sharing decryption key; and decrypting, by the device, encrypted content associated with the folder by utilizing the folder access private key associated with the folder. Various other aspects are contemplated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid cycling luminescence reagent excellent in stability. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a liquid composition for measuring ATP and AMP and/or ADP in a sample after storage of the liquid composition, wherein (i) the liquid composition comprises luciferase, luciferin, an enzyme that catalyzes a reaction that produces ATP from AMP, a substrate of the enzyme that catalyzes a reaction that produces ATP from AMP, and a cofactor, or when at least one of these components is not contained in the liquid composition, the component that is not contained in the liquid composition is added to the liquid composition before or during measurement, and (ii) the relative luminescence level of the liquid composition during storage is 5500 RLU or less, and the relative level of luminescence is a value determined by subtracting a control value from a measurement value.

Abstract: A flat spring (100) is disclosed, for use in a surge protection device (SPD) such as a fast activation thermal fuse, to be integrated with a thermal metal oxide varistor (TMOV). The flat spring (100) has a V-shaped protrusion (110) to enable ultra-high short circuit current protection under overvoltage condition.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) metal-insulator-metal capacitor (MIMCAP) includes a plurality of center studs disposed within cavity walls of a plurality of cavities in a top plate. The center studs and the cavity walls are oriented orthogonal to a first metal layer and extend through a first via layer and a second metal layer. Each center stud includes a metal layer stud in the second metal layer stacked on a via layer stud in the first via layer. A dielectric layer is disposed between the center studs and the cavity walls of the plurality of cavities in the top plate. The center studs are coupled to a first electrode, and the top plate is coupled to a second electrode in the interconnect layers. In some examples, the center studs can form vertically oriented cylindrical capacitive elements positioned for high capacitance density.

Abstract: This invention relates to agents that bind human Siglecs having inhibitory activity in immune cells, and that neutralize the inhibitory activity of such Siglec. Such agents can be used for the treatment of cancers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for implementing automatic taxonomy tags in an API microgateway. The API microgateway may receive a plurality of API requests for an API managed by a customer in a period of time and route the plurality of API request to an instance of the API according to a policy of the API. The API microgateway may aggregate metrics information related to the plurality of API requests. The aggregated metrics information may include request features, response features, policy features, and performance features. In response to a cluster of the metrics information corresponding to a tag in a tag prediction system, the aggregated metrics information may be labeled with the tag. The tag and the aggregated metrics information may be added to an access log and sent to the customer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for decolorizing a polyolefin composition, the process comprising the steps of a) providing a polyolefin composition comprising at least one polyolefin and at least one organic chromophore, b) mixing the polyolefin composition in a melt state at a temperature of 170 to 290° C. with an inorganic oxidizing agent, wherein the inorganic oxidizing agent is selected from the group of inorganic peroxides and hypochlorites, and c) obtaining a decolorized polyolefin composition.

Abstract: Provided is a method for processing channel state information (CSI), comprising that: a first device determines a channel type of a channel; and the first device determines channel state indication information of the channel based on first determination manner corresponding to the channel type.

Abstract: An apparatus detachably fixed on a glazing panel mounted on a stationary or mobile object, the apparatus includes a fixing frame having a fixing frame plane, FFplane, a functional device, a first motor to move the functional device in a first direction, and a second motor to move the functional device in a second direction. The apparatus has at least N suction means, including a suction end, detachably fixed to the glazing panel, defining a resting distance, Drest, between the FFplane and the suction end, and defining a working distance, Dwork, between the FFplane and the suction end, and at least M rigid pushing means, comprising a pushing end defining a pushing distance, Dpush, between the FFplane and the pushing end, where the sum of the positive integers M and N is equal to or greater than 3 and where Dpush is equal to or greater than Dwork.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first acquisition unit that acquires a first pixel signal output from a first pixel, a second acquisition unit that acquires a second pixel signal output from a second pixel having a size smaller than that of the first pixel, a temperature detection unit that detects temperature; a composition gain determination unit that determines a composition gain corresponding to the detected temperature, and a composition unit that composes the first pixel signal and the second pixel signal multiplied by the composition gain.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an AC circuit having a heater and a triac for load control connected in series with the heater in order to control the heater. In addition, an image forming apparatus includes an overcurrent operation circuit connected in parallel with the AC circuit and through which a current flows in a state where DC power is suppliable to the AC circuit, and a polyswitch connected in series with the AC circuit and the overcurrent operation circuit, in which the polyswitch shuts off the current when an overcurrent flows in the overcurrent operation circuit.

Abstract: A winding system for winding up concatenated hollow fibers onto a winding core includes a winding core of a device for the mass transfer and/or heat exchange between two media and which winding core is to be inserted together with the hollow fibers wound thereon, into the housing of the device and to remain therein, and at least one coupling element, preferably two coupling elements, wherein the at least one coupling element has two axially opposing connecting regions and is temporarily connectable, by means of the first connecting region, to the winding core for conjoint rotation therewith, and is temporarily connectable, by means of the second connecting region, with a drive for conjoint rotation therewith, the drive being provided for the rotation of the winding core about a winding axis.

Abstract: A sealing element for a rotating control device includes an elastomeric body having a central bore for sealing against a pipe passing therethrough. The elastomeric body has an upper portion which is internally reinforced with a frame and a lower portion formed with a plurality of protrusions. The radial protrusions provide columnar support to the lower portion permitting the lower portion to resist centrifugal and frictional forces against the lower portion during drilling and other operations. The sealing element may be used to form an assembly with reusable parts for connecting the sealing element to a mandrel of a rotating control device.

Abstract: For each source process running on a source node, a rate of high-priority operations initiated by the first process during the period that require accessing a target node can be calculated. An average rate (e.g., an exponential moving average (EMA)) of high-priority operations initiated by the first process over a larger period of time that require accessing the target node can be calculated. Similarly, a rate of high-priority operations initiated by any process executing on a processing node during the period that require accessing the target node can be calculated, and an average rate (e.g., an EMA) of high-priority operations initiated by any such process over the larger period of time that require accessing the target node can be calculated. If one or more of the rates for the period or the average rates reach or exceed respective thresholds, corrective actions can be taken.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of transforming between a sleep aid and a tote bag is an apparatus that can be used to help the user to carry various personal objects while travelling. The apparatus can also be used for comfort while the user rests during the travel. To do so, the apparatus includes a tote bag, a plurality of heating devices, and a controller. The tote bag is a transformable structure that can be configured to be used as a storage structure or as a pillow-blanket combination. The tote bag also facilitates the transformation of the apparatus between the two configurations by the user on-the-go. The plurality of heating devices provides warm and comfort to the user when the user utilizes the apparatus as a pillow-blanket combination. The controller enables the user to control the operation of the plurality of heating devices while utilizing the apparatus as a pillow-blanket combination.

Abstract: A method for detecting security holograms on documents in a video stream is disclosed, including: searching for interest points and calculating descriptors in a frame; filtering of interest points in the previous frame so that only points located inside the quadrangle of the outer borders of the document remain; matching the descriptors of interest points of the current and previous frames; application of an algorithm for estimating the parameters of projective transformation between the frames; projective transformation of the quadrangle of the outer boundaries of the document from the previous frame to obtain the outer boundaries of the document in the current frame; document image normalization; calculating the color saturation and hue; updating the saturation and hue values; further considering the pixels of the normalized document image with brightness values not exceeding a preset threshold; filtration of the obtained image.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to resource allocation optimization. An example method includes receiving a resource allocation optimization request, the resource allocation optimization request comprising a plan identifier and a member data structure population identifier. The example method may further include retrieving a plurality of member data structures based at least in part on the member data structure population identifier. The example method may further include retrieving a plurality of measure data structures based at least in part on the plan identifier. The example method may further include, for each measure data structure of the plurality of measure data structures, generating an optimization score.

Abstract: One embodiment described herein takes the form of a wearable electronic device, such as a watch, including a housing, a memory and a processor located in the housing, and three or more sensors. Each sensor of the three or more sensors is configured to generate a measurement of a parameter. Each sensor of the three or more sensors is located in a different region in the housing. The processor is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory. In response to execution of the instructions by the processor, the processor is configured to generate an adjusted measurement of the biometric parameter using at least the measurements of the parameter generated by the three or more sensors. The parameter is a temperature, and the biometric parameter is a body temperature of a user.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of processing signals by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system. Especially, the method includes the steps of receiving a data signal including a data unit for a multicast/broadcast service (MBS) based on a control signal addressed with a Group-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI) from a network; identifying a logical channel for the MBS among two or more logical channels, based on the G-RNTI and a logical channel identifier; and transferring the data unit for the MBS to the identified logical channel.

Abstract: Leaderboard promotions in gaming systems which provide one or more players one or more benefits in association with maintaining one or more designated positions on a leaderboard for a designated duration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for modulation of telomere length in cells. Aspects are directed to reduction in telomere shortening rate, stabilization of telomere shortening, and/or telomere elongation using fibroblasts or fibroblast-derived products. In some cases, provided are methods for treatment of telomere-associated conditions using fibroblasts or fibroblast-derived products. Fibroblasts may be provided to modulate telomere length in cells of a subject, thereby treating a telomere-associated condition such as, for example, cancer, aging, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Abstract: A foldable clipboard includes a two panel foldable clipboard in which the two panels cooperate to form a single planar surface when in an extended position, and at least one of the two panels are configured to pivotally move to overlap the other when in a folded position, such that the foldable clipboard is folded into a size to fit into a pocket of a garment. The foldable clipboard includes a clip and a holder for a pen or pencil.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a rapid digestion process (“RDP”) product are described. The method includes receiving a bitumen compound and first heating the bitumen compound to 320° F. to 420° F. The method then proceeds to add tire rubber to the bitumen compound. The bitumen compound and the tire rubber are mixed for 5 minutes to 360 minutes during a second heating to 525° F. to 700° F. Further, sulfur is added to the mixture of tire rubber and bitumen compound. These steps generate the RDP product. The RDP product is then cooled for transfer to a storage vessel.

Abstract: Phase noise is a limiting factor in high-frequency 5G and 6G communications. Disclosed is a multiplexed amplitude-phase modulation scheme that can provide extremely wide phase noise margins at high frequencies. The transmitter can transmit a wave modulated in amplitude and phase, configured to provide a wide separation of phase states. The receiver, on the other hand, demodulates the message using quadrature amplitude modulation QAM, since that is generally more economical and technically preferred for signal processing. The demodulated message, however, still retains the large phase margins. As a further benefit, the examples illustrate non-square and asymmetric modulation schemes, which can extend the noise margins even further. By modulating with amplitude and phase, but demodulating with orthogonal branch signals, wireless networks can expand into high-frequency bandwidths while retaining high reliability and high throughput, as required for wireless applications of tomorrow.

Abstract: Method, systems, and devices, disclosed herein can leverage noise and aggressive quantization of in-memory computing (IMC) to provide robust deep neural network (DNN) hardware against adversarial input and weight attacks. IMC substantially improves the energy efficiency of DNN hardware by activating many rows together and performing analog computing. The noisy analog IMC induces some amount of accuracy drop in hardware acceleration, which is generally considered as a negative effect. However, this disclosure demonstrates that such hardware intrinsic noise can, on the contrary, play a positive role in enhancing adversarial robustness. To achieve this, a new DNN training scheme is proposed that integrates measured IMC hardware noise and aggressive partial sum quantization at the IMC crossbar. It is shown that this effectively improves the robustness of IMC DNN hardware against both adversarial input and weight attacks.

Abstract: A composition of the present disclosure includes an aqueous dispersion of epoxy resin particles. The epoxy resin particles include at least two 1,2-epoxide groups. The composition further includes one or more anti-adhesive agents, one or more anti-microbial agents, or a combination of one or more anti-adhesive agents and one or more anti-microbial agents.

Abstract: A hot water supplier monitoring system includes a monitoring server monitoring hot water suppliers via a communication network. The hot water supplier supplies hot water by adjusting temperature of hot water heated by a heat exchange unit using combustion heat from combustion operation. The monitoring server accumulates operation data of combustion operation transmitted from the suppliers, and predicts and notifies malfunction occurrence for each supplier based on trend of change in the data over time. The data includes number of flame quenchings of the combustion unit in combustion operation. The monitoring server divides the suppliers into groups according to installation areas, compares the number of quenchings of same period among the groups, compares with previous number of quenchings of same group, and, for a specific group determined having an abnormal number of quenchings, excludes the data determined having an abnormal number of quenchings and predicts malfunction occurrence for each supplier.