Abstract: A computerized system for transacting the purchase and sale of consumer motor fuels between motor fuel merchants and retail consumers through software on a mobile or desktop connected device for periods in the future through the simultaneous execution of multi-party, multi-layered contingent transactions and pricing algorithms to ensure that all inter-related motor fuel merchant transactions are simultaneously transacted upon a retail consumer purchase execution. Motor fuels include refined products such as gasoline and diesel fuel, renewable fuels (e.g. ethanol, biodiesel), natural gas (including liquefied natural gas), jet fuel and electricity.

Abstract: An approach is provided for managing facilities (e.g., wire centers) based on weather vulnerability analysis. Data representing trouble tickets associated with a plurality of facilities is received. Weather information relating to the facilities is received. A determination is made of the vulnerability of the facilities to weather based on the data and the weather information. The facilities are prioritized based on the determined vulnerability. Preventative maintenance activities (as well as financial forecasts) can be performed for one or more of the facilities based on the prioritization of the facilities.

Abstract: A fraud detection system receives information that identifies healthcare claims associated with providers and beneficiaries, and determines, based on the healthcare claims, first fraud sets associated with postulated classes of fraud. The fraud detection system determines, based on the healthcare claims, second fraud sets using one or more data mining techniques, and calculates probabilities that the first fraud sets and the second fraud sets are similar to no fraud observations. The fraud detection system ranks the first fraud sets and the second fraud sets based on the calculated probabilities, and outputs a ranked list of suspected fraud cases, associated with the healthcare claims, based on the ranking of the first fraud sets and the second fraud sets.

Abstract: A device may estimate a probability that each video recording, of a group of video recordings, will be played back at the device during a time interval. The group of video recordings may include video recordings stored locally at the device and video recording stored at a remote location. The device may also determine whether to transfer a video recording to the remote location or retrieve a video recording from the remote location based on the estimated probabilities.

Abstract: A method for generating business targets includes accessing data (300) corresponding to a number of customers. The data includes variables (310-330) associated with each of the customers and an observed value for each of the customers. The observed value for a customer may represent revenue associated with that particular customer. The method also includes identifying a neighborhood that includes a first customer and a number of the other customers. The method further includes calculating a target for each of the customers in the neighborhood, where the target may represent the potential revenue from each of the customers.

Abstract: A device may estimate a probability that each video recording, of a group of video recordings, will be played back at the device during a time interval. The group of video recordings may include video recordings stored locally at the device and video recording stored at a remote location. The device may also determine whether to transfer a video recording to the remote location or retrieve a video recording from the remote location based on the estimated probabilities.

Abstract: A set of data obtained from a plurality of traceroutes is received in a computer. A set of variables indicating characteristics of the traceroutes is generated. The variables are used as input to a decision tree, the decision tree being configured to recursively partition the variables into groups according to respective round-trip times associated with the groups. Output is obtained from the decision tree reflecting an association of one or more network elements with a round-trip time.

Abstract: Workforce and workload prediction is provided. A portal is configured to receive input from a user, wherein the input relates to forecasting workload and workforce for providing a communication service. The workload includes ticket loads relating to repair and provisioning, and the workforce includes human resources and equipment. A load prediction is output in response to the input, wherein the load prediction is generated by a forecast model that utilizes regression analysis of historical data and real-time information that includes workforce availability data and one or more factors impacting the workload.

Abstract: An approach is provided for managing facilities (e.g., wire centers) based on weather vulnerability analysis. Data representing trouble tickets associated with a plurality of facilities is received. Weather information relating to the facilities is received. A determination is made of the vulnerability of the facilities to weather based on the data and the weather information. The facilities are prioritized based on the determined vulnerability. Preventative maintenance activities (as well as financial forecasts) can be performed for one or more of the facilities based on the prioritization of the facilities.

Abstract: A method determines a threshold for increasing telephone line capacity in a telecommunications system. The method includes receiving a group of parameters that relate to at least one of a telephone line management policy (1030), environmental parameters (1020), and cost parameters (1010) and determining the threshold based on the received parameters.

Abstract: A strip of general admission tickets having a transferrable "body tattoo" on each ticket for transfer to the skin for purposes of identifying a person as having paid for admission. The ticket strip is divided into separable individual tickets by widthwise rows of perforations. Each ticket in the strip includes a substrate and ink indicia coated onto said substrate, which indicia are transferrable to the skin of the party paying admission by wetting with a transfer solution and pressing the ink indicia against the skin.

Abstract: Hollow polyester undrawn filaments having excellent mechanical quality and uniformity are prepared by a simplified post-coalescence melt spinning process at speeds of e.g. 2-5 km/min by selection of polymer and spinning conditions whereby the void content of the undrawn filaments can be essentially maintained or even increased when drawn cold or hot, with or without post heat-treatment.

Abstract: Hollow polyester undrawn filaments having excellent mechanical quality and uniformity are prepared by a simplified post-coalescence melt spinning process at speeds of e.g. 2-5 km/min by selection of polymer and spinning conditions whereby the void content of the undrawn filaments can be essentially maintained or even increased when drawn cold or hot, with or without post heat-treatment.

Abstract: Segmented slotted spinning capillaries for producing hollow filaments afford enhanced fiber coalescence when the entrance angle to the capillary is unsymmetrical with respect to the center line of the slot.

Abstract: In the disclosed embodiments the bench of the invention has six components or sections. Two sections are A-shaped support members, i.e. leg sections, each having a horizontal brace. A third section is a seat section which provides two parallel bench seats separated by a space which receives the two A-shaped support sections. More specifically, the A-shaped sections are received into the space between parallel rails, two sets of which support the bench seats. At least one rail at each end of the bench seats rests on a horizontal brace of an A-shaped support. The abutting rail and horizontal brace pair are locked together by insertion between blocks fixed to a stud with the spacing of the blocks providing a snug fit for the abutting rail and horizontal brace. The end of the stud opposite the blocks extends vertically to approximately the apex of the A-shaped support members.