Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to managing reservation modifications using machine-learning analysis. The system trains a modification probability model to determine probabilities for modification option acceptance. The system performs machine learning analysis by applying attributes associated with an item to the modification probability model to generate modification recommendations. Modification options are established for the item based on the modification recommendations. Subsequently, in response to a modification request from a customer, a modification user interface is provided to the customer using the modification options. The modification user interface includes blocked off time periods that cannot be selected and available time periods for modification along with a fee associated with each available time period. If an alternative start time or end time (e.g., an available time period) is selected, the system processes the selection and provides a confirmation to the customer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to managing reservation modifications using machine-learning analysis. The system trains a modification probability model to determine probabilities for modification option acceptance. The system performs machine learning analysis by applying attributes associated with an item to the modification probability model to generate modification recommendations. Modification options are established for the item based on the modification recommendations. Subsequently, in response to a modification request from a customer, a modification user interface is provided to the customer using the modification options. The modification user interface includes blocked off time periods that cannot be selected and available time periods for modification along with a fee associated with each available time period. If an alternative start time or end time (e.g., an available time period) is selected, the system processes the selection and provides a confirmation to the customer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, computer program, and system for modifying the start time or the end time for an existing reservation of a good or service are provided.

Abstract: A system for presenting advertising materials including group sales offers within the context of a network-accessible document such as a Web page. One embodiment stores a plurality of ads, including some group sales offers. Fulfillment of each group sales offer is conditioned upon acceptance of the offer by a prescribed minimum number of viewers. The system receives a request for online content from a client computer operated by a viewer, where the requested online content is unrelated to group sales offers. Responsive to the request, the system selects a group sales offer from the plurality of ads based on the nature of the requested content and/or viewer characteristics or past behavior accumulated from past communications with the viewer. The system automatically delivers the selected group sales offer and the requested content to the client computer for display.

Abstract: A system for presenting advertising materials including group sales offers within the context of a network-accessible document such as a Web page. One embodiment stores a plurality of ads, including some group sales offers. Fulfillment of each group sales offer is conditioned upon acceptance of the offer by a prescribed minimum number of viewers. The system receives a request for online content from a client computer operated by a viewer, where the requested online content is unrelated to group sales offers. Responsive to the request, the system selects a group sales offer from the plurality of ads based on the nature of the requested content and/or viewer characteristics or past behavior accumulated from past communications with the viewer. The system automatically delivers the selected group sales offer and the requested content to the client computer for display.

Abstract: A system and method for context-sensitive federated search across multiple heterogeneous data sources in real-time are disclosed. A user interface receives search query context information from a user. A decision engine interprets the search query context through an internal query classification system. Data sources relevant to the search query are identified for searching. The identification of data sources is aided by dynamically updated source statistics where relevance factors of various sources with respect to different input search categories are stored. These data sources are suggested to the user. Based on the user selection, search queries are formulated for each source and search results are retrieved via associated communication protocols. These search results are consolidated and formatted for presenting to the user. Further, the relevance of the sources to the input categories are automatically updated based on the result sets and user selections.

Abstract: A pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (Hez-PBAN) hormone, controlling sex pheromone production in moths and controlling melanizing in larvae, was isolated from the brain-suboesophageal ganglion complexes of adult corn earworm Heliothis zea. Hez-PBAN has 33 amino acide residues and a molecular weight of 3900; its amino acid sequence is unique among the fully characterized peptide hormones. Synthetic PBAN and related structures induced production of sex pheromone in ligated H. zea females and other moth species and melanization in larvae that resulted in morphological changes or death.

Abstract: Pesticides, insect growth regulators and other substances are encapsulated by dissolving the substance to be encapsulated and a biodegradable polymer in a suitable organic solvent, dispersing the solution in an aqueous medium and stirring until the solvent evaporates to form a matrix of the substance in the polymer.