Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide systems including linear material and tracking tags. A first tracking tag may be at least initially arranged on the liner material. The first tracking tag may also include beacon transmission circuitry including one or more batteries, a top layer, a bottom layer including an adhesive, and an activation mechanism. The activation mechanism may be configured to activate the first tracking tag and cause the beacon transmission circuitry to transmit beacon signals in order to enable tracking of the object.

Abstract: The specification provides methods for introducing a desired genetic change in a nucleotide sequence using a double-strand break (DSB)-inducing genome editing system, the method comprising: identifying one or more available cut sites in a nucleotide sequence; analyzing the nucleotide sequence and available cut sites with a computational model to identify the optimal cut site for introducing the desired genetic change into the nucleotide sequence; and contacting the nucleotide sequence with a DSB-inducing genome editing system, thereby introducing the desired genetic change in the nucleotide sequence at the cut site.

Abstract: The specification provides a machine-learning model which predicts, based on input that can include a given target DNA sequence and a CRISPR/Cas cut site location, repair genotype outcomes associated with template-free repair processes (e.g., MMEJ or NHEJ) acting on Cas9-induced double-stranded DNA breaks. The specification further provides for the use of a machine-learning model for conducting genome editing based on a template-free CRISPR/Cas system, including the selection of an appropriate guide RNA (gRNA) to achieve a desired repaired genotype outcome.

Abstract: A method and system for retaining customers with interrupted payment streams includes identifying an at-risk-for-lapse customer based on at least one failed billing attempt. The at-risk-for-lapse customer by use of at least one communication channel. A billing information database is updated with updated billing information provided by the at-risk-for-lapse customer as a result of the communication, and a transaction record, which is indicative of the failed billing attempt, is recorded in a transaction history for future reference. This method is enabled by use of a specialized software application capable of retrieving, analyzing, and storing customer information from a central database. The software application is capable of identifying the at-risk-for-lapse customer based on certain factors, as well as selecting an appropriate customer contact strategy.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for the sale of insurance products using a telemarketing system combined with a voice response unit (“VRU”) housed at a licensed agency to efficiently offer, make, and close the sale of insurance products. The direct marketing process includes providing a lead file to an agency, operating a dialer from the agency to call a consumer, obtaining an indication of interest in an insurance product using an unlicensed agent, and passing the consumer to a VRU housed in a licensed agency to offer and close sale using a pre-approved script. Also, the apparatus for direct marketing of insurance products includes an outbound autodialer, a VRU at a licensed agency, telephonic or computer interfaces, and related connection equipment.