Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for controlling online access by a user of a client to an account of an e-commerce provider, wherein the client, the e-commerce provider and an authentication service provider are interconnected by a computer network, includes: at the e-commerce provider, determining whether a first authentication factor from the user is valid for an identified customer associated with the account; receiving from the authentication service provider a determination as to whether a second authentication factor from the user is valid for the identified customer; permitting access by the user to the account if both of the first and second authentication factors are validated by the e-commerce provider and the authentication service provider, respectively; and denying access by the user to the account if either of the first and second authentication factors are not validated by the e-commerce provider and the authentication service provider, respectively.

Abstract: A user interface for use in managing business controls may be provided. A user may utilize the user interface to access a plurality of management tools in order to verify and manage information related to a business control. The management and verification may be used to ensure that the business control is in compliance with standard business practices. Using the user interface, the user may perform a formal signoff for one or more business controls indicating the user has reviewed the information and implemented compliance requirements associated with a standard business practice.

Abstract: Management of business controls may be provided. A user may utilize a plurality of management tools to verify and manage information related to a business control to ensure compliance with standard business practices. The user may perform a formal signoff for one or more business controls indicating the user has reviewed the information and implemented compliance requirements associated with a standard business practice.

Abstract: System and methods are disclosed that enable the detection and management of network assets. Such systems in accordance with the present invention include one or more asset detection systems and one or more asset repositories. Asset detection systems and asset repositories in accordance with the present invention each have an interface for exchanging information. For example, such an interface may enable asset registration information to be detected at an asset detection system and automatically sent to asset repository. Furthermore, for example, such an interface may enable asset registration information to be verified at an asset repository, and enable a verification to be sent to an asset detection system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for accessing and/or treating spinal cord nerve roots.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for preventing the activation of a screen saver for locking user access to a computer while a user is near the computer. A controller capable of generating signals corresponding to an input device is connected to a user interface of a computer. The controller is connected to computer input devices (such as a keyboard or a mouse) and serves as a pass-through to the user interface for the input devices. The controller also includes a motion sensor for detecting a user's activity within a predetermined perimeter of the computer. The controller then determines if the user activity is non-computer activity by determining if input signals are being received from one of the computer input devices. If input signals are not being received from the computer input devices, the controller generates a pseudo user input corresponding to a command from a computer input device to prevent the screen saver from activating.

Abstract: System and methods are disclosed that enable the detection and management of network assets. Such systems in accordance with the present invention include one or more asset detection systems and one or more asset repositories. Asset detection systems and asset repositories in accordance with the present invention each have an interface for exchanging information. For example, such an interface may enable asset registration information to be detected at an asset detection system and automatically sent to asset repository. Furthermore, for example, such an interface may enable asset registration information to be verified at an asset repository, and enable a verification to be sent to an asset detection system.

Abstract: A method of recovering coal liquids and producing metallurgical coke utilizes low ash, low sulfur coal as a parent for a coal char formed by pyrolysis with a volatile content of less than 8%. The char is briquetted and heated in an inert gas over a prescribed heat history to yield a high strength briquette with less than 2% volatile content.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for converting coal into useful motor fuels and metallurgical coke using a self-cleaning coal pyrolyzer wherein coal is heated in the absence of air at temperatures greater than 800.degree. F. to remove volatile hydrocarbon gases therefrom. Char remaining after such pyrolyzation is cooled and pulverized and mixed with selected binders at temperatures ranging from 125.degree. to 200.degree. F. to form briquettes. The briquettes are calcined at temperatures ranging from 1800.degree. to 2000.degree. F. to form metallurgical coke. The gaseous hydrocarbons are separated into liquid coal fuels, non-condensable gases and water vapor. The liquid coal fuels are further separated into various motor fuels while the non-condensable gases are used to fuel the coal pyrolyzer.