Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for authorizing user access to services provided by a first entity is disclosed. The method involves receiving a request to authorize a user, retrieving a plurality of user-related metrics from a database, generating a risk metric based on these metrics, and automatically determining the user's authorization based on the risk metric. The authorization decision involves a second entity assuming a portion of the risk for the services provided by the first entity and the first entity assuming a second portion of the risk for the services. The method further includes communicating the authorization decision to a graphical user interface, providing a clear indication of the user's authorized access.

Abstract: Cartridge packaging comprising a container having a plurality of loose rimfire cartridges contained in an unordered state therein. The bullets of the rimfire cartridges each having a polymer coating, and the bullets are of two or more colors. The container comprises a non-rectangular opening in a front panel of the container defining a window with a transparent material spanning the opening, such that the different colored bullets of the rimfire cartridges are viewable through the window when the container is on a retail store shelf.

Abstract: Resol beads are disclosed, having a relatively narrow size distribution, prepared in high yield by reaction of a phenol with an aldehyde, with a base as catalyst, in the presence of previously-formed resol beads, a colloidal stabilizer, and optionally a surfactant. The resol beads may be thermally treated to prevent sticking and clumping and have a variety of uses, such as in the formation of activated carbon beads.

Abstract: Processes for the liquid phase oxidation of one or more of a para- or a meta-substituted dialkyl aromatic compound are disclosed, the processes including a step of combining in a reaction medium the one or more para- or meta-substituted dialkyl aromatic compound, a solvent mixture comprising water and a saturated organic acid having from 2-4 carbon atoms, and an oxygen-containing gas, at a temperature from about 130° C. to about 180° C., in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising cobalt, manganese, bismuth, and bromine. The processes produce the corresponding aromatic dicarboxylic acid product with improved conversion, while reducing the formation of carbon oxides.

Abstract: Processes for producing aromatic dicarboxylic acids are disclosed, the processes including a step of combining in a reaction medium a dialkyl aromatic, a solvent comprising water and a saturated organic acid having from 2-4 carbon atoms, and an oxygen-containing gas, at a temperature from about 125° C. to about 155° C., in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising cobalt, manganese, zirconium, and bromine, wherein the weight ratio of cobalt to manganese in the reaction mixture is from about 10 to about 400. The processes provide improved conversion, while reducing the formation of carbon oxides and other by-products.

Abstract: Processes for producing terephthalic acid are disclosed, the processes comprising combining in a reaction medium p-xylene, a solvent comprising water and one or more saturated organic acids having from 2-4 carbon atoms, and an oxygen-containing gas, at a temperature from about 135° C. to about 165° C., in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising cobalt atoms and manganese atoms, with bromine atoms provided as a promoter. The amount of cobalt used may be from about 1,800 ppm to about 6,000 ppm, with respect to the total weight of the liquid in the reaction medium, and the weight ratio of cobalt to manganese may be from about 40 to about 400.

Abstract: A parking lot return system for shopping carts in a parking lot with a plurality of parking spaces. The parking lot return system for shopping carts has a plurality of central lanes with a front end, a back end, a left side and a right side with parking spaces provided on the left side and right side along the central lanes. There is also a plurality of shopping cart entrance lanes that feed into the central lanes from the left side and the right side of the central lanes as well as a plurality of curbing that forms the central lanes and separates the central lanes from the parking spaces and the parking lot.