Abstract: Disclosed is a system for, and method of, calculating parameters used to determine whether records and entity representations should be linked. The system and method utilize blended field weights to account for certain types of partial matches. The system and method apply iterative techniques such that parameters from each linking iteration are used in the next linking iteration. The system and method need no human interaction in order to calibrate and utilize record matching formulas used for the linking decisions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for, and method of, calculating parameters used to determine whether records and entity representations should be linked. Such parameters may be set as negative to account for fields that do not match. The system and method apply iterative techniques such that parameters from each linking iteration are used in the next linking iteration. The system and method need no human interaction in order to calibrate and utilize record matching formulas used for the linking decisions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for, and method of, determining whether records and entity representations should be linked. The system and method include assigning to each pair of entity references a match value reflecting the likelihood that the entity references are related. Based on the match values, each entity reference may then associated with a preferred entity reference. Pairs of entity references that are mutually preferred may then be identified and linked. The process may be iterated to generate further links.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for, and method of, calculating parameters used to determine whether records and entity representations should be linked. The system and method use a symmetric, transitive and reflexive function to allow for linking records and entity representations whose field values differ. The system and method apply iterative techniques such that parameters from each linking iteration are used in the next linking iteration. The system and method need no human interaction in order to calibrate and utilize record matching formulas used for the linking decisions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for, and method of, calculating parameters used to determine whether records and entity representations should be linked. The system and method use a symmetric and reflexive function to allow for linking records and entity representations whose field values differ. The system and method apply iterative techniques such that parameters from each linking iteration are used in the next linking iteration. The system and method need no human interaction in order to calibrate and utilize record matching formulas used for the linking decisions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for, and method of, calculating parameters used to determine whether records and entity representations should be linked. The system and method apply iterative techniques such that parameters from each linking iteration are used in the next linking iteration. The system and method need no human interaction in order to calibrate and utilize record matching formulas used for the linking decisions.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems for, and methods of, automatically detecting and treating field values of a particular field as null field values in records of a database. The system and method provide automatic treatment of these field values as null field values by calculating a critical frequency for the field. Based on the critical frequency of the field, the system and method treats field values that occur more than the critical frequency of the field as null field values and treats field values that occur less than the critical frequency as non-null field values.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for, and method of, calculating parameters used to determine whether records and entity representations should be linked. The system and method take into consideration interdependent fields, e.g., fields whose constituent field values may be positively or negatively correlated. The system and method apply iterative techniques such that parameters from each linking iteration are used in the next linking iteration. The system and method need no human interaction in order to calibrate and utilize record matching formulas used for the linking decisions.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for a financial activity network that includes a central managing system connected to a plurality of participant terminals. Rules governing operation of the financial activity are stored for future reference. A participant provides investment information such as a map location for the predicted strike by the natural event and, optionally, one or more secondary parameters relating to the natural event, such as the time interval between the time of investment and the time of all event strike and/or the severity of the event strike according to an established scale. Graphical user interfaces are described for such activities.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for a financial activity network that includes a central managing system connected to a plurality of participant terminals. Rules governing operation of the financial activity are stored for future reference. A participant provides investment information such as a map location for the predicted strike by the natural event and, optionally, one or more secondary parameters relating to the natural event, such as the time interval between the time of investment and the time of all event strike and/or the severity of the event strike according to an established scale. The graphical user interface provides the user with the ability to select options and view data from a screen display, with recalculations of data being displayed on an ongoing basis, reflecting the user's current selections.

Abstract: A financial activity network includes a central managing system connected to a plurality of participant terminals. Rules governing operation of the financial activity are stored for future reference. A participant provides investment information such as a map location for the predicted strike by the natural event and, optionally, one or more secondary parameters relating to the natural event, such as the time interval between the time of investment and the time of all event strike and/or the severity of the event strike according to an established scale. In one example, an external objective independent information source is consulted, with the external objective independent information source providing monitoring, interpretation and derived determination of parameters pertaining to the natural event. Methods and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optimizer of interdependent information for storing fragments of interdependent information based on their sequential interdependence, and input and output parameters based on address information about zones of location of input and output information of the interdependent information. Dynamic processing of interdependent information is enabled by translation and storage of information about the fragments of the interdependent information.

Abstract: An application for a loan comprising information about a buyer is received. An amount of funds to be contributed to the holdback pool by the seller based on the information about the buyer is determined. Approval of the amount of funds is received from the seller. The application for the loan is approved responsive to the approval from the seller.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of locking-in investment gains can include initializing an investment fund having a net asset value per share. The investment fund can include assets allocated to at least a discount instrument and a derivative instrument, where the discount instrument provides a floor value of the net asset value per share. The method can further include selecting a target value for the investment fund. In addition, in some instances, the method can include reinitializing the investment fund in response to one or more of the following: (a) the investment fund at least achieving the target value and (b) expiration of an investment period of the investment fund. Reinitializing the investment fund can include rolling over the assets of the investment fund.

Abstract: Security profiles generated, amended, or deleted by an administrator are monitored to determine whether the administrator's actions are in compliance with known security policies. Out-of-compliance commands affecting the profiles are refused or otherwise modified to conform with the policies, depending on the circumstances. Feedback of the failure to comply may be provided and may take the form of a screen inquiry to the administrator, a notification to the administrator that the profile has been automatically modified, or a report of the transaction to a chief administrator. In this manner, negligent and intentional failures to comply with security policies by a local security administrator are mitigated or eliminated.

Abstract: A flammability test apparatus comprises a chamber, an inlet, an ignition source, a heater, and pressure and temperature sensors. In one embodiment, the chamber includes a horizontally-oriented, cylindrically-shaped section. The inlet allows a fluid to be introduced into the chamber. The ignition source ignites the fluid within the chamber, and the heater adjusts the temperature of the fluid within the chamber. The test apparatus includes a sparger for dispersing the fluid within the chamber, and the sparger disposed within the chamber and attached to the inlet. The test apparatus also includes a relief system for exhausting the chamber after the pressure of the fluid in the chamber exceeds a preset pressure.

Abstract: Sequential-correlational method of evaluation of probabilistic characteristics of a hierarchical functional structure comprising structural elements described by respective mathematical models of structural elements, that include input and output parameters, and dependencies between structural elements described by respective mathematical models of dependencies between structural elements, that include input and output parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow a user to specify states of influence variables with information from an expert system to perform assessment regarding probable damages caused by a terrorist attack to a property to which insurance premiums are to be established. The expert system provides information based on knowledge of terrorists, including their goals, methods, organization and financial structure. The systems and methods use quality information to establish a relevant set of variables and to subjectively define the probabilistic influences of the defined variables on the likelihood of attack and levels of damage.