Abstract: Described is a system for using social media data to supplement survey data for discrete choice analysis. Survey data from consumers is segmented into demographic groups. Individual demographic attributes and consumer product attribute preferences are extracted from a set of social media data. Consumer product attribute preferences are determined for each demographic group using the set of social media data. Consumers' preference coefficients are generated for each demographic group. Finally, individualized incentives for a target consumer product are determined using the consumers' preference coefficients.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes an active material in operative communication with a seat surface configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to change at least one feature of the seat surface.

Abstract: A method for creating and maintaining ontologies. The method includes transmitting a two dimensional table to a requestor. The table includes domain concepts and semantic primitives related to a domain. A data value in the table at an intersection of a domain concept and a semantic primitive indicates that the domain concept is characterized by the semantic primitive. A command to modify the table is received from the requestor. The table is updated in response to the command. The updated table is stored as an ontology.

Abstract: A method comprising disposing an active device comprising a shape memory polymer upon a first surface; wherein the active device is operative to change at least one physical attribute in response to a thermal activation signal; activating the active device with a thermal activation signal to substantially decrease its modulus, contacting and compressing the active device with a second surface, and cooling the device to set a compressed geometry. In another embodiment, a method comprising disposing an active device comprising a shape memory polymer in a gap between two opposing surfaces; wherein the active device is operative to exhibit a memorized shape in response to a thermal activation signal; activating the active device with a thermal activation signal to increase a dimension of the active device; filling the gap between the opposing surfaces, and cooling the device to set a new gap filling dimension.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a programmable shim 28 for positioning a work piece 12 comprising a first plate 30; an optional reference frame 32; and an actuator 34 in operative communication with the first plate 30 and the reference frame 32. Disclosed herein too is a method of aligning a work piece 12 comprising disposing the work piece 12 upon a first plate 30 of a programmable shim 28; activating an actuator 34 with an external stimulus; wherein the actuator 34 is in operative communication with the first plate 30; and displacing the work piece 12.

Abstract: A method for building a new case or enhancing an established case for inclusion in a case base from log entries. The method includes identifying a current log entry, the current log entry including a status of a current diagnostic process. The method also includes identifying a previous log entry, the previous log entry including a status of either a current diagnostic process or a previous diagnostic process. A determination is made about whether the previous log entry is related to the current log entry. An inquiry is generated to create a link between the previous log entry and the current log entry in response to a determination that the previous log entry is related to the current log entry. The method further includes receiving a request to create a link in response to the inquiry. A link is created between the previous log entry and the current log entry in response to the request resulting in the case.