In a parallel computing environment comprising a network of SMP nodes each having at least one processor, a parallel-aware co-scheduling method and system for improving the performance and scalability of a dedicated parallel job having synchronizing collective operations. By using a predetermined conversion factor and a permissible delta between the two adjacent data, energy may be shifted from the higher valued data to the lower valued data to reduce the noise level without changing the total intensity of the signal array. Tail piece aligns with a respective port and provides a space between consecutive projectiles into which the propellant gas expands after ignition. A purge gas supply subsystem is coupled to the chamber for supplying a flow of purge gas to the chamber, and a control unit is arranged to switch the purge gas supply subsystem between at least two different modes of operation. The process provides electronic transmission to local, state and Federal elected representatives based on physical location, providesgathers issue-based opinions from the public, and consolidates the opinions in a relational database for dissemination to the public andor elected officials andor other decision makers. The SSU monitors a free capacity of its own data accumulation unit such that the free capacity cannot be smaller than a predetermined value, and automatically transfers stored data to the SSP through a network when the free capacity becomes close to the predetermined value.