Abstract: A method allows a random sample of a large population of voters to cast votes and for both the unpredictability/un-manipulability of the sample selection and the integrity of the tally to be verified by any interested parties using public information. The problem of vote selling is addressed. Also, a variant allows voters to remain substantially anonymous.

Abstract: An intermediary device disposed in a contact center environment is provided. The intermediary device can receive a first data message. A lobby assignment mechanism can assign the first data message to a default lobby construct, and can obtain, from a contact center agent computing device, an indication of assignment of the first data message to a destination lobby construct that is different than the default lobby construct. The lobby assignment mechanism can link the first data message with the destination lobby construct based on a characteristic of the first data message. The intermediary device can receive a second data message, and can bypass the default lobby construct to assign the second data message to the destination lobby construct based on a characteristic of the second data message and the characteristic of the first data message.

Abstract: A method of making a subunit cable includes providing at least two subunits along a process direction, each subunit comprising a plurality of optical fibers, compressing the subunits so that at least one of the subunits has a cross-section with a minor outside dimension and a major outside dimension, and the ratio of the minor dimension to the major dimension is less than 0.9, and extruding a subunit cable jacket around the subunits, wherein the subunits are compressed within the subunit cable jacket.