Abstract: A computing appliance for geometric planimetry is provided, comprising a container, a vertical dividing rule, a horizontal dividing rule, a horizontal point line and a middle point line. A fluid is filled into the container, and the vertical dividing rule, the horizontal dividing rule, the horizontal point line and the middle point line are configured on a same instructing surface of the container and arranged on each of the periphery surrounding like a rectangle. When the container is vertically disposed, a fluid level is aligned with the horizontal point line. And, when the container is tilted to form at least one angle, an area of at least one geometric shape can be derived by employing the vertical dividing rule, the horizontal dividing rule, the horizontal point line and the middle point line.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and information handling system (IHS) for assessing storage device vulnerability to data unavailability or data loss. An embodiment of the method of the present invention begins by obtaining data regarding static and dynamic factors of the at least one storage device. Next, based on the obtained data, a risk score is calculated for the at least one storage device. Finally, using the obtained data, the risk score is presented to a user. In another example embodiment, a risk score indicator is associated with the at least one storage device based upon the calculated risk score.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a new didactic Pythagorean set, being in the field of didactic material, which enables the students of college and university levels, to work in an implicit way the Pythagoras theorem; this is possible since this didactic material sets out in an arithmetic, geometric and algebraic way such famous result. Also, it enables the students of high school and college levels to be introduced to the trigonometric functions subject. Besides the present invention provides the user with a didactic tool whereby he could design and implement additional activities with the students, and incorporate such activities in any of the levels of study, as appropriate.

Abstract: A plant peptide amidase from the flavedo of oranges is known; this can be obtained only in small quantities and is seasonal. The proposed new enzymes are microbial peptide amidases which can be obtained from micro-organisms recovered from soil samples in a "double screening" and grown. These microbial peptide amidases are particularly useful for (a) the production of peptides and N-terminal-protected amino acids, (b) racemate splitting of N-protected amino acid amides, (c) obtaining non-proteinogenous D-amino acids, and (d) obtaining new N.sub..alpha. -protected D-amino acid amides.

Abstract: A system for teaching proofs, including a set of playing cards and a playing field electronically displayed on a computer game screen. The playing field includes two boxes labelled "GIVEN" and "CONCLUSION" for entry of a premise and a conclusion from a theorem (or other problem). By selecting from a certain menu or submenu contained in a window, a card may be reviewed. To set up the playing field, a mathematical statement, displayed on a set-up card of a group of set-up cards containing each statement from the universe of statements known, is entered into the boxes. The statements may be custom labelled. Geometric figures associated with the theorem may also be electronically drawn on the screen by a user to complete the set-up. After set-up is complete, a user then chooses from a set of playing cards, each card displaying a specific mathematical concept from the universe of mathematical concepts such as definitions, postulates, constructions, properties and theorems, and places it on the playing field.

Abstract: The pictorial image transforming manipulatives are instructional visual aid devices adapted for use to demonstrate visually the applications of deductive reasoning in proving most of the geometry theorems in conjunction with a geometry course. The manipulatives can also be used to display visually many graphs which represent algebraic linear equations and inequalities in two variables, and compound inequalities on a number line. These applications of mathematical systems for demonstrated algebraic linear graphs, and other graphs, are designed in conjunction with algebra textbooks.Each device uses one or more transparent overlays which rotate, translate, translate and rotate, flip over, or flip over and rotate to another position relative to a stationary underlaid plate. The manipulative devices are adapted for use on the overhead projector or for use in direct demonstration without a projector. These devices can be produced in small sizes for student use or in large blackboard sizes.

Abstract: A mathematical teaching aid or game comprising a background grid having components and subcomponents each positioned within individual cells of the grid so that many mathematical arrangements and concepts can be displayed. Each component has a face color from a set of colors and contains on its face the outline of a geometric shape from a set of geometric shapes. Each component represents a unique pairing of color and shape outline. Each subcomponent has a shape congruent to the shape outline from the set of shapes and matches exactly one component with respect to color and shape outline. The components are mounted upon the grid cells and the subcomponents can be mounted upon either a grid cell or upon a corresponding shape outline.

Abstract: An expert data collection, analysis, and response system and method for providing user specific recommendations in a predetermined topic, including reading a data collection form which contains responses to questions in the predetermined topic and based on the responses, selecting user specific recommendations which are subsequently printed for the user.