Abstract: A method involves receiving, at a Global Resource Catalog (GRC) controller, credentials for one or more target networks within a distributed cloud network. For each target network, the GRC controller uses a respective network access methodology associated with that target network to identify and store a first set of target network resources associated with that network at a GRC database. The GRC controller links or groups a second set of target network resources of the first set of target network resources in the GRC database based on target network resource dependencies determined by the GRC controller. The GRC controller updates the second set of target network resources in the GRC database based on a received event or at a scheduled interval. A distributed cloud network is then updated based on the second set of target network resources stored at the GRC database.

Abstract: A method involves receiving, at a Global Resource Catalog (GRC) controller, credentials for one or more target networks within a distributed cloud network. For each target network, the GRC controller uses a respective network access methodology associated with that target network to identify and store a first set of target network resources associated with that network at a GRC database. The GRC controller links or groups a second set of target network resources of the first set of target network resources in the GRC database based on target network resource dependencies determined by the GRC controller. The GRC controller updates the second set of target network resources in the GRC database based on a received event or at a scheduled interval. A distributed cloud network is then updated based on the second set of target network resources stored at the GRC database.

Abstract: A method involves receiving data identifying a set of information technology (IT) resources of an IT infrastructure and generating a first IT resource dependency graph using the set of IT resources. First INCLUDES and EXCLUDES configuration data indicating one or more IT resources that should either be included or excluded from an IT resource group is received. Initial selection statuses for IT resources in the first dependency graph are set based on the first INCLUDES and EXCLUDES configuration data. A breadth-first search of the first dependency graph is performed to generate the IT resource group based on the initial selection status for the IT resources in the first dependency graph, and the IT infrastructure is updated or managed using the IT resource group.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system (100, 200) for processing at least concurrent audio signals (ASs) and image signals (ISs) to generate corresponding analysis data including emotional measurements. The system (100, 200) includes a computing arrangement (102) to include at least audio processing module (APM, 104) and image processing module (IPM, 106) for processing AS and IS. Each module (104, 106) uses artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm(s). The IPM (106) is configured to process facial image information present in IS identifying key facial image points indicative of facial expression and to generate temporal facial status data (TFSD). The APM (104) is configured to process speech present in AS by parsing speech to correlate against a database (108) of words to generate text data (TD), and by processing speech to determine temporal speech frequency information (TSFI), to temporally related TSFI with TD.

Abstract: A method involves receiving, at a Global Resource Catalog (GRC) controller, credentials for one or more target networks within a distributed cloud network. For each target network, the GRC controller uses a respective network access methodology associated with that target network to identify and store a first set of target network resources associated with that network at a GRC database. The GRC controller links or groups a second set of target network resources of the first set of target network resources in the GRC database based on target network resource dependencies determined by the GRC controller. The GRC controller updates the second set of target network resources in the GRC database based on a received event or at a scheduled interval. A distributed cloud network is then updated based on the second set of target network resources stored at the GRC database.

Abstract: A method for self-monitored universal scaling of software network functions involves receiving, at a switch of a network, one or more batches of data units. The network further includes one or more network function (NF) instances of an NF service, and a scaling controller. The switch transmits first data units to an NF instance of the NF service during a first time period. A first distribution associated with the NF instance is updated using the first transmitted data units. Upon determining that the updated distribution has changed such that a first measure of the first distribution is outside of a first confidence interval threshold, the first distribution is reinitialized. The switch transmits second data units to the NF instance during a second time period. The reinitialized first distribution is updated using the second transmitted data units to produce a second distribution associated with the NF instance.

Abstract: A method for self-monitored universal scaling of software network functions involves receiving, at a switch of a network, one or more batches of data units. The network further includes one or more network function (NF) instances of an NF service, and a scaling controller. The switch transmits first data units to an NF instance of the NF service during a first time period. A first distribution associated with the NF instance is updated using the first transmitted data units. Upon determining that the updated distribution has changed such that a first measure of the first distribution is outside of a first confidence interval threshold, the first distribution is reinitialized. The switch transmits second data units to the NF instance during a second time period. The reinitialized first distribution is updated using the second transmitted data units to produce a second distribution associated with the NF instance.

Abstract: A method for universal scaling of software network functions involves receiving, at a switch of a network, a batch of data units during a first period. The network further includes one or more network function (NF) instances of an NF service, and a scaling controller. The switch transmits one or more units of data during the first period to an NF instance of the NF service. An estimated maximum safe data unit rate is determined for the NF instance, and a representative safe data unit rate is determined for the NF service. A total number of data units designated to be received by the NF service during the first period is determined, and a total number of NF instances of the NF service to be provisioned in the network is determined at the scaling controller using the estimated total number of data units and the representative safe data unit rate.

Abstract: The grounded modular heated cover is disclosed with a first pliable outer layer and a second pliable outer layer, wherein the outer layers provide durable protection, an electrical heating element between the first and the second outer layers, the electrical heating element configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy, a heat spreading layer, and a thermal insulation layer positioned above the active electrical heating element. Beneficially, such a device provides radiant heat, weather isolation, temperature insulation, and solar heat absorption efficiently and cost effectively. The modular heated cover quickly and efficiently removes ice, snow, and frost from surfaces, and penetrates soil and other material to thaw the material to a suitable depth. A plurality of modular heated covers can be connected on a single 120 Volt circuit protected by a 20 Amp breaker. The modular heated covers are grounded for safety using the conductive heat spreading layer.

Abstract: A method, a system and computer program products for securely enabling in-network functionality over encrypted data sessions, the method involving establishing an encrypted data session between a client communication application (100) and a server communication application (200) over a communication network; receiving and/or transmitting, by the client communication application (100), in the established encrypted data session, at least one encrypted communication data (D) from/to the server communication application (200) through a computing network element (M); and performing, by the computing network element (M), different actions other than data packet forwarding from one communication application to the other on the encrypted communication data (D). The encrypted communication data (D) has a plurality of data portions, or contexts, (CTX), each encrypted by a context key, and the different actions being specific for the computing network element (M) and for one or more of the contexts (CTX_X).

Abstract: A method of providing route information to a plurality of users by means of a data processing device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: receiving a first location and a second location; analysing mapping services and/or geographical or other databases or information and thereby determining a pair of routes, each route comprising a start point, an end point and a defined path from the start point to the end point, the step of analysing comprising determining the routes such that (a) a first one of the routes is in the vicinity of the first location and a second one of the routes is in the vicinity of the second location and (b) the routes are of comparable difficulty for the users to complete; and providing the first route to a first one of the users and providing the second route to a second one of the users. These and other embodiments are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for universal scaling of software network functions involves receiving, at a switch of a network, a batch of data units during a first period. The network further includes one or more network function (NF) instances of an NF service, and a scaling controller. The switch transmits one or more units of data during the first period to an NF instance of the NF service. An estimated maximum safe data unit rate is determined for the NF instance, and a representative safe data unit rate is determined for the NF service. A total number of data units designated to be received by the NF service during the first period is determined, and a total number of NF instances of the NF service to be provisioned in the network is determined at the scaling controller using the estimated total number of data units and the representative safe data unit rate.

Abstract: The grounded modular heated cover is disclosed with a first pliable outer layer and a second pliable outer layer, wherein the outer layers provide durable protection, an electrical heating element between the first and the second outer layers, the electrical heating element configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy, a heat spreading layer, and a thermal insulation layer positioned above the active electrical heating element. Beneficially, such a device provides radiant heat, weather isolation, temperature insulation, and solar heat absorption efficiently and cost effectively. The modular heated cover quickly and efficiently removes ice, snow, and frost from surfaces, and penetrates soil and other material to thaw the material to a suitable depth. A plurality of modular heated covers can be connected on a single 120 Volt circuit protected by a 20 Amp breaker. The modular heated covers are grounded for safety using the conductive heat spreading layer.

Abstract: A method of communicating over a network between first and second endpoints, one being and the other being a server. The method comprises: establishing a first secure transport layer channel between the first and second endpoints, establishing a second secure transport layer channel between the first endpoint and a middlebox to which the first endpoint is to delegate processing of the traffic sent over the first secure transport layer channel; the first endpoint validating the middlebox via the respective second secure transport layer channel, and on condition of said validation sharing the encryption key of the first channel with the middlebox via the second secure transport layer channel; and causing the traffic sent over the channel to be routed via the middlebox. The method thereby enables the middlebox to process, in the clear, content of the traffic sent over the first channel.

Abstract: A method for universal scaling of software network functions involves receiving, at a switch of a network, a batch of data units during a first period. The network further includes one or more network function (NF) instances of an NF service, and a scaling controller. The switch transmits one or more units of data during the first period to an NF instance of the NF service. An estimated maximum safe data unit rate is determined for the NF instance, and a representative safe data unit rate is determined for the NF service. A total number of data units designated to be received by the NF service during the first period is determined, and a total number of NF instances of the NF service to be provisioned in the network is determined at the scaling controller using the estimated total number of data units and the representative safe data unit rate.

Abstract: A method of providing route information to a plurality of users by means of a data processing device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: receiving a first location and a second location; analysing mapping services and/or geographical or other databases or information and thereby determining a pair of routes, each route comprising a start point, an end point and a defined path from the start point to the end point, the step of analysing comprising determining the routes such that (a) a first one of the routes is in the vicinity of the first location and a second one of the routes is in the vicinity of the second location and (b) the routes are of comparable difficulty for the users to complete; and providing the first route to a first one of the users and providing the second route to a second one of the users. These and other embodiments are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of communicating over a network between first and second endpoints, one being and the other being a server. The method comprises: establishing a first secure transport layer channel between the first and second endpoints, establishing a second secure transport layer channel between the first endpoint and a middlebox to which the first endpoint is to delegate processing of the traffic sent over the first secure transport layer channel; the first endpoint validating the middlebox via the respective second secure transport layer channel, and on condition of said validation sharing the encryption key of the first channel with the middlebox via the second secure transport layer channel; and causing the traffic sent over the channel to be routed via the middlebox. The method thereby enables the middlebox to process, in the clear, content of the traffic sent over the first channel.

Abstract: A method, a system and computer program products for securely enabling in-network functionality over encrypted data sessions, the method involving establishing an encrypted data session between a client communication application (100) and a server communication application (200) over a communication network; receiving and/or transmitting, by the client communication application (100), in the established encrypted data session, at least one encrypted communication data (D) from/to the server communication application (200) through a computing network element (M); and performing, by the computing network element (M), different actions other than data packet forwarding from one communication application to the other on the encrypted communication data (D). The encrypted communication data (D) has a plurality of data portions, or contexts, (CTX), each encrypted by a context key, and the different actions being specific for the computing network element (M) and for one or more of the contexts (CTX_X).

Abstract: A method of providing route information to a plurality of users by means of a data processing device, the method comprising: receiving a first location and a second location; analyzing mapping services and/or geographical or other databases or information and thereby determining a pair of routes, each route comprising a start point, an end point and a defined path from the start point to the end point, the step of analyzing comprising determining the routes such that (a) a first one of the routes is in the vicinity of the first location and a second one of the routes is in the vicinity of the second location and (b) the routes are of comparable difficulty for the users to complete; and providing the first route to a first one of the users and providing the second route to a second one of the users.

Abstract: The grounded modular heated cover is disclosed with a first pliable outer layer and a second pliable outer layer, wherein the outer layers provide durable protection, an electrical heating element between the first and the second outer layers, the electrical heating element configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy, a heat spreading layer, and a thermal insulation layer positioned above the active electrical heating element. Beneficially, such a device provides radiant heat, weather isolation, temperature insulation, and solar heat absorption efficiently and cost effectively. The modular heated cover quickly and efficiently removes ice, snow, and frost from surfaces, and penetrates soil and other material to thaw the material to a suitable depth. A plurality of modular heated covers can be connected on a single 120 Volt circuit protected by a 20 Amp breaker. The modular heated covers are grounded for safety using the conductive heat spreading layer.