PASSWORD CHECKING SYSTEM

A password checking system can be used to log into a device or service by entering a password in the form of a character sequence on a first keyboard layout. In case a user enters a password that does not match the correct password, the system retrieves a list of alternate keyboard layouts. Then the system uses the user’s touch location pattern from the password entry on one of the alternate keyboard layouts in the list, and the system converts the touch location pattern to another character sequence. The system then checks whether the converted character sequence matches the correct password. Then, if the converted character sequence matches the correct password, the system unlocks the device or service. Thus, if a user attempts to unlock a device or service fails due to incorrect password entry, the system tries the converted character codes based on other keyboard layouts and checks for a password match

Automatic detection of spurious touch inputs

Many users rest the palm of their hand on the screen when writing or interacting with a tablet or other touchscreen device. Spurious strokes can be generated from such touch, causing problems such as accidental activation of application modes or incorrect input. This disclosure describes the use of machine learning techniques to differentiate between valid and spurious strokes

Using a convertible device as desktop peripheral

The techniques of this disclosure enable input devices, e.g., keyboard and trackpad of a convertible laptop and other computing devices to act as peripherals for an external display, e.g., external monitor, television, etc. The techniques, as disclosed herein, determine if a convertible laptop is connected to an external monitor, whether it is in a particular mode, and is upside down. When these conditions are met, the keyboard and trackpad of the convertible laptop are configured to act as peripherals for the external display

How to address sustainability at the city level

A brief analysis of the environmental, social and economic paradigm of nowadays cities, allows reaching a conclusion: current cities are not sustainable. Considering this, it is very important to study the causes of such unsustainability and to develop models for sustainable cities. There are a limited number of studies in this area, but the scientific community lacks even more studies related to the implementation of these models in current cities. Consequently there is the need to explore this field. This work emerges with the objective of analysing how it is possible to implement sustainability in cities throw the development of a sustainable city model and an urban regeneration plan. The development of sustainable city models is a very complex topic. The analysis of the state of the art shows that one must consider the relation between environmental and social aspects in the development of sustainable cities, while taking special concerns when considering the economic issues. It was also concluded that cities should be subject to performance assessments. It was also demonstrated that a city can only be sustainable if its population behaves in harmony with the city’s sustainability model and that the behavior of a community is determinant in the sustainability level that a model can achieve

User Activity Prediction for Device Screen and Power Management

To save battery, consumer devices, e.g., laptops, smartphones, etc., enter low-power states based on user inactivity. Typically, a device enters a low-power state after a fixed time has elapsed since the last user activity, e.g., keyboard or touchscreen activity. However, a fixed timeout does not work evenly for all users; for example, it is found that a substantial fraction of users reactivate the device immediately after the device screen is dimmed or the device has entered sleep state. This disclosure describes machine learning techniques to predict the transition to a low-power state based on user activity patterns and the state of the device. The techniques result in improved user experience due to better prediction of the start of user inactivity and increased battery life due to accurate power management

Smart interior design of buildings and its relationship to land use

Architectural design is often associated with aesthetics and style, but it is also very important to building performance and sustainability. There are some studies associating architectural design to the choice for materials from sustainable sources, to indoor air quality, to energy efficiency and productivity. This article takes a step further to analyse how the use of efficient interior design techniques can impact the habitable space in order to improve building sustainability in land use. Smart interior design, a current trend related to the use of efficient and flexible furniture and movable walls in tiny or compact apartments, is analysed. A building with a standard design is used as a case study reference building and compared to a proposed theoretical design alternative using smart interior design techniques. In order to correctly assess sustainability performance, a quantifiable and verified method is used. Results showed that the use of smart interior design techniques can greatly reduce buildingsâ impact on the environment

The British National Union of Teachers (NUT) against the background of the Cold War: An International Peace Conference between teachers in Western and Eastern Europe

The aim of this article is to explain the political and trade union stance of the British National Union of Teachers (NUT) – representing the teachers of England and Wales – against the arms race and nuclear warheads set up in the European Continent during the Cold War (1947-1991). After adopting resolutions in support of «Education for Peace» at its Annual Conferences (Jersey, 1983 and Blackpool, 1984), the NUT held an International Peace Conference (1984) involving Western and Eastern European countries in which teachers’ unions from the following countries participated: the United States, Finland, the Soviet Union, the German Democratic Republic and Bulgaria. The international event was held in Stoke Rochford Hall (England) during the British miners’ national strike against the socioeconomic reforms instituted under the governments of Margaret Thatcher (1979-1990). The article started from the methodological presupposition based on the principle of political connection on an international scale within the scope of the trade union movement of teachers. Indeed, despite differences in nationalities, the educational processes institutionalized by schooling have acquired a universal character. Thus, teachers, irrespective of their nationality, are workers who are politically committed to the cultural values consecrated by the knowledge accumulated by humanity throughout history, especially when it comes to peace among peoples. It should be emphasized that the topic addressed has never before been analysed on an international level, and that primary sources that fall within the historical context of the facts studied were used in the production of the article

Memory Management Using Tab Discard and Reload Prediction

Browsers and other multi-tab applications discard tabs when there is insufficient memory. When a tab has been discarded, the user is forced to reload the tab to continue interaction. Selection of tabs to discard can be based on simple heuristics; however, such selection can lead to discarding tabs that the user is likely to use. Incorrectly discarded tabs are disruptive to users. This disclosure describes the use of machine learning techniques to generate more accurate predictions to select the tab to be discarded. Selectively discarding tabs in this manner can improve memory management while also providing a better user experience

Análise da disponibilidade de investimento em projetos de reabilitação portugueses

The importance of implementing sustainable practices in buildings is duly proved and understood by the majority of the population. However, its implementation is not yet a reality. Some studies have been performed with the goal of understand this lack of use of sustainable solutions, among building sector stakeholders. The conclusion is that one of the main factors contributing to this is related with economic constraints. Several studies have proven that many sustainable practices correspond to minor costs than traditional practices in a life cycle perspective. However, the building sector stakeholders are not aware of this and do not implement sustainable practices commonly. In this paper a costâ benefit methodology willing to cross this barrier and promote the sustainable practices implementation is presented.Apesar da importância da implementação de práticas sustentáveis estar devidamente comprovada e ser compreendida por grande parte da população, a ampla aplicação e implementação dos conceitos de construção sustentável ainda não é uma realidade. Diversos estudos têm sido realizados com o objetivo de compreender o porquê desta fraca aplicação tendo concluído que um dos principais fatores para tal é o facto de as práticas sustentáveis serem consideradas mais caras. Vários estudos provaram que muitas das medidas de sustentabilidade possuem custos inferiores às tradicionais numa perspetiva do ciclo de vida. Contudo, os profissionais do sector ainda não estão consciencializados deste facto e por isso não implementam medidas de construção sustentável. Neste artigo é apresentada uma metodologia de análise de custoͲbenefício de medidas de reabilitação sustentável, que pretende ultrapassar esta barreira e promover a implementação de práticas sustentáveis