UPC and NPC

Usage Parameter Control (UPC) and Network Parameter Control (NPC) are functions performed in a computer network at the User-Network Interface (UNI) or the Network-Node Interface (NNI), respectively, that check and limit network traffic flows from a network host (user) or from another network for conformance to the expected levels. Generally the functions performed by UPC and NPC are the same. In the ITU-T's definition, for their use in Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks, they state that "Their main purpose is to protect network resources from malicious as well as unintentional misbehaviour which can affect the Quality of service (QOS) of other already established connections by detecting violations of negotiated parameter values or procedures [i.e. detecting excessive or excessively bursty traffic] and taking appropriate actions." UPC and NPC may involve traffic shaping, where traffic is retimed to conform to the expected levels and timing, or traffic policing, where non-conforming traffic is discarded or reduced in priority (so that it may be discarded downstream in the network if congestion occurs).

UPC

UPC may refer to:

Companies

Technology

Institutions

Universal Product Code

The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a barcode symbology (i.e., a specific type of barcode) that is widely used in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and in other countries for tracking trade items in stores.

The most common form, UPC-A, consists of 12 numerical digits, which are uniquely assigned to each trade item. Along with the related EAN barcode, the UPC is the barcode mainly used for scanning of trade items at the point of sale, per GS1 specifications. UPC data structures are a component of GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers). All of these data structures follow the global GS1 specification which is based on international standards. Some retailers (clothing, furniture) do not use the GS1 System (other bar code symbologies, other article number systems). Other retailers use the EAN/UPC bar code symbology but without using a GTIN (for products brands sold at such retailers only).

History

Wallace Flint proposed an automated checkout system in 1932 using punched cards. Bernard Silver and Norman Joseph Woodland, a graduate student from Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University), developed a bull's-eye style code and applied for the patent in 1949 (US patent 2612994, Norman J. Woodland and Bernard Silver, "Classifying Apparatus and Method", issued October 7, 1952 ).

NPC

NPC may stand for:

Computing

Corporations

Games

Medical

Political organizations

Research centers

Student organizations

2009 National People's Congress

The 2nd Plenary Session of the 11th National People's Congress is the annual meeting of the highest legislative body of the People's Republic of China, which was held in March 2009 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The event began on March 5 and lasted until March 13. The Congress was followed closely because of the possible impact any policy changes would have on the Chinese and world economy. Major issues discussed at the Congress include the global financial crisis, industrial revitalization, curbing unemployment, and social welfare.

Highlights of the Congress included Premier Wen Jiabao's expression of confidence in the growth of China's economy in 2009, conciliatory remarks towards Taiwan from Beijing, NPC Chairman Wu Bangguo's reiteration that China will not adopt Western-style democracy, and Wen's expressed doubts about U.S. treasury securities. The main issues raised by delegates included a strategy to adopt to face the current economic slowdown, the ways to continue to improve population's life standards (jobs, health), and continue efforts against corruption.

2008 National People's Congress

The 1st Plenary Session of the 11th National People's Congress held its annual meeting from March 5 to March 18, 2008 in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, in conjunction with the 2008 CPPCC.

The 10 day plenum elected China's new government leaders. Up for confirmation for a second term were President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao. The State Council went through important personnel and structural changes following the 17th Party Congress. Zeng Qinghong's Vice-Presidency came to an end and the position was taken by Xi Jinping. Three new Vice-Premiers were confirmed and took office, with rising star Li Keqiang ranking first in this group.

Government Report

Premier Wen Jiabao delivered the government report on March 5, 2008, reviewing the work from the past five years. The main points that come out of the report were