Abstract: A Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME) key material publication system that converts cryptographic material extracted from digitally signed and validated S/MIME messages it receives into key material formats suitable for populating email address books. Publication of the address book contents both internal and external to an organization is done using the standard address book lightweight database access protocol (LDAP). The wide availability and coordination of such automated address books distributing key material across the Internet allows the large installed base of S/MIME email clients to immediately send secure encrypted email across organizational boundaries. The system serves the role of public key server thus removing a barrier to ubiquitous secure encrypted email by simplifying global key management.

Abstract: A Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME) key material publication system that converts cryptographic material extracted from digitally signed and validated S/MIME messages it receives into key material formats suitable for populating email address books. Publication of the address book contents both internal and external to an organization is done using the standard address book lightweight database access protocol (LDAP). The wide availability and coordination of such automated address books distributing key material across the Internet allows the large installed base of S/MIME email clients to immediately send secure encrypted email across organizational boundaries. The system serves the role of public key server thus removing a barrier to ubiquitous secure encrypted email by simplifying global key management.

Abstract: A system that translates between Internet of Things (IoT) protocols and Internet name management protocols (domain name system—DNS) so as to allow the secure exchange of short messages through WiFi hotspots. Applications include but are not limited to remote configuration, control, tracking, telemetry, synchronization, emergency communication. The system is operated as an independent service or is integrated into hotspot or IoT management operations for public use or private use in an enterprise or home. The widespread installed base of hotspots, standardized IoT and DNS protocols allows the IoT ecosystem as a whole to immediately reap the benefits of greater communication capabilities.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a seed, soil, or plant treatment composition comprising yeast extract. Embodiments of the present disclosure describe methods of making a treatment composition comprising contacting yeast extract and a solvent to form a solution, adding one or more chemical species to the solution, and mixing the solution to form the seed, soil, or plant treatment composition. Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a method of treating seeds, soil, or a plant comprising applying a treatment composition to one or more of seeds, soil, and a plant, wherein the treatment composition includes yeast extract.

Abstract: A system that translates between Internet of Things (IoT) protocols and Internet name management protocols (domain name system—DNS) so as to allow the secure exchange of short messages through WiFi hotspots. Applications include but are not limited to remote configuration, control, tracking, telemetry, synchronization, emergency communication. The system is operated as an independent service or is integrated into hotspot or IoT management operations for public use or private use in an enterprise or home. The widespread installed base of hotspots, standardized IoT and DNS protocols allows the IoT ecosystem as a whole to immediately reap the benefits of greater communication capabilities.

Abstract: A system that converts standardized lightweight database access protocol (LDAP) requests into a series of domain name system (DNS) requests to look up requested information. DNS responses are validated using DNS security extensions (DNSSEC) to ensure their validity, then converted into standardized LDAP responses. The system is either operated as a service for public use on the Internet or private use in an enterprise; or as an application running on end user machines, e.g., laptops, mobile phones, to guarantee end-to-end security by validating responses on the end user machine. The standardized, widespread nature of the LDAP allows existing applications to immediately reap the benefits of global, ubiquitous, cross-organizational, trans-national data distribution via DNS secured by DNSSEC.

Abstract: Self-monitoring analysis and reporting techniques are described. Within an educational environment, a teacher computer and one or more student workstations are communicatively connected via a network. The student workstations are implemented to include one or more sensors and a neural network to analyze data from the sensors to determine a cognitive or affective state of the student. Based on the state of the student, a student user interface can be updated to maintain the student's attention and/or to prompt the student to seek out help or additional resources when confused. Furthermore, based on the state of the student, a teacher user interface can be updated to provide real-time visualization of the current state of each student in the educational environment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for insuring better query consistency between at least two different databases, where one faster database has more up-to-date information than another slower database, and wherein updates are typically applied to the faster database first and then to the slower database. In embodiments, the systems and methods also insure that a query to the slower database is not performed until a set of one or more updates from the faster database have been applied to that slower database.

Abstract: A system that converts standardized lightweight database access protocol (LDAP) requests into a series of domain name system (DNS) requests to look up requested information. DNS responses are validated using DNS security extensions (DNSSEC) to ensure their validity, then converted into standardized LDAP responses. The system is either operated as a service for public use on the Internet or private use in an enterprise; or as an application running on end user machines, e.g., laptops, mobile phones, to guarantee end-to-end security by validating responses on the end user machine. The standardized, widespread nature of the LDAP allows existing applications to immediately reap the benefits of global, ubiquitous, cross-organizational, trans-national data distribution via DNS secured by DNSSEC.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for insuring better query consistency between at least two different databases, where one faster database has more up-to-date information than another slower database, and wherein updates are typically applied to the faster database first and then to the slower database. In embodiments, the systems and methods also insure that a query to the slower database is not performed until a set of one or more updates from the faster database have been applied to that slower database.

Abstract: A system and method that maintains a secure chain of trust from domain name owner to publication by extending the trust placed in existing cryptographic identity systems to the records published in the Internet's Domain Name System (DNS) and secured by its DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) infrastructure. Automated validation and processing occur within a secured processing environment to capture and preserve the cryptographic security from the source request.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for insuring better query consistency between at least two different databases, where one faster database has more up-to-date information than another slower database, and wherein updates are typically applied to the faster database first and then to the slower database. In embodiments, the systems and methods also insure that a query to the slower database is not performed until a set of one or more updates from the faster database have been applied to that slower database.

Abstract: A system and method that accepts material from the Internet, computes and maintains a computationally unique representation of the received material in a database, computes a computationally unique representation of the updated database state as a whole, publishes material and database representations in various forms for the global Internet audience to witness, and returns a time stamped attestation to the submitter of material as proof of the material being witnessed on the Internet along with unique database state and revenue generating advertisements. Published representations may include pictures, common words, or hexadecimal character string to facilitate Internet searching mechanisms.

Abstract: A system and method that accepts material from the Internet, computes and maintains a computationally unique representation of the received material in a database, computes a computationally unique representation of the updated database state as a whole, publishes material and database representations in various forms for the global Internet audience to witness, and returns a time stamped attestation to the submitter of material as proof of the material being witnessed on the Internet along with unique database state and revenue generating advertisements. Published representations may include pictures, common words, or hexadecimal character string to facilitate Internet searching mechanisms.

Abstract: A system and method that maintains a secure chain of trust from domain name owner to publication by extending the trust placed in existing cryptographic identity systems to the records published in the Internet's Domain Name System (DNS) and secured by its DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) infrastructure. Automated validation and processing occur within a secured processing environment to capture and preserve the cryptographic security from the source request.

Abstract: An architecture that can provide for improved network content filtering is described herein. In particular, access to remote resources can be controlled by a remote mechanism. In accordance therewith, a gateway can seamlessly and/or transparently redirect packets from a client that are meant for an intended destination to an access control component. The access control component can determine whether the client has access to the resources requested. In addition, the gateway can provide IPSec features on behalf to the client.

Abstract: An architecture that can provide for improved network content filtering is described herein. In particular, access to remote resources can be controlled by a remote mechanism. In accordance therewith, a gateway can seamlessly and/or transparently redirect packets from a client that are meant for an intended destination to an access control component. The access control component can determine whether the client has access to the resources requested. In addition, the gateway can provide IPSec features on behalf to the client.

Abstract: An improved network content filtering system and method utilize the network address translation functionality of a shared network connection to redirect outgoing packets from a client intended for a destination web server to an access controlling web server instead. Before a session to the destination web server is established, the access controlling web server either approves or refuses the connection, providing a content filtering mechanism. If the connection is refused, the access controlling web server may substitute other content for a filtered URL. In order to identify the client, the shared connection may additionally embed an identifier token in the redirected traffic, so as to customize the filtering action or to facilitate billing functions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for managing network nodes, such as the nodes of a network, which communicate via connectivity services of a service provider. An exemplary method includes discovering status and configuration information for each set of nodes grouped by the service provider; and assigning a name to each set of nodes.

Abstract: A method and system for providing on-line game competition are provided. Players select their favorite teams, join with other fans of the team, and compete against players on the opposite team. Teams compete against each other in matches, where matches are based on schedules of real-life events, such as sports schedules or entertainment schedules. Players are grouped with other players associated with their favorite teams, and matches are organized. Various trivia questions may be presented, and players have a predetermined period of time to answer the questions. Points may be awarded based on a player's success in competition and the overall teams success in matches. Further, prizes are awarded based on points received by a player.