Abstract: The present invention relates to stock options, and more specifically to a method and system for managing and optimizing stock options via a communications network. In an embodiment of the present invention, a method of optimizing the value of stock option grants using a communications network includes: receiving an option-exercising scenario for a stock option grant; calculating an estimate for the option-exercising scenario for the stock option grant; comparing the estimate for the option-exercising scenario for the stock option grant against an estimate based on a standard strategy option-exercising scenario; and calculating an optimal strategy to maximize the value of the stock option grant based on one of the estimate for the to option-exercising scenario for the stock option grant and the estimate based on the standard strategy option-exercising scenario.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the detection of small amounts of modern, highly-explosive nitrogen-based explosives, such as plastic explosives, hidden in airline baggage. Several techniques are employed either individually or combined in a hybrid system. One technique employed in combination is X-ray imaging. Another technique is interrogation with a pulsed neutron source in a two-phase mode of operation to image both nitrogen and oxygen densities. Another technique employed in combination is neutron interrogation to form a hydrogen density image or three-dimensional map. In addition, deliberately-placed neutron-absorbing materials can be detected.