Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product for connecting computing components are disclosed. A computing component is selected from a plurality of computing components for communicatively coupling the computing component to a computing system. One or more application programming interfaces for communicatively coupling the selected computing component to the computing system are identified. Based on the identified application programming interfaces, one or more required application programming interfaces for communicatively coupling the selected computing component to the computing system are determined. One or more application programming interface drivers corresponding to the required application programming interfaces are identified. Using the identified application programming interface drivers, the selected computing component is communicatively coupled with the computing system. The selected component is activated for operation with the computing system.

Abstract: A method for detecting scratches and bumps applied to a vehicle uses an acceleration sensor. Signals of the sensor are analyzed and evaluated based on duration and frequency.

Abstract: A method of using blockchain technology to verify data items pertaining to a specimen of wild flora or fauna is disclosed. A blockchain is distributed across a plurality of machines and associated with a transaction pertaining to the specimen. A first group of the plurality of machines executes seller-side blockchain operations, including writing data items pertaining to origin and transfers of ownership of the specimen in a block of a plurality of blocks of the blockchain. A second group of the plurality of machines executes one or more buyer-side blockchain operations, including writing data items pertaining to additional transfers of ownership as one or more additional blocks of the plurality of blocks of the blockchain. A third group of the plurality of machines executes one or more verification applications to access one or more of the plurality of blocks of the blockchain to verify the one or more data items.

Abstract: One example of contract management using in-memory database systems includes an in-memory database computer system which receives an input including pricing parameters associated with a future contract for future purchases of an item. The system accesses an in-memory database storing a history of transactions associated with past purchases of the item under an existing contract. The system retrieves, from the in-memory database, the history of transactions including multiple past instances. A quantity of the item at a price was purchased at each past instance. The system determines a first purchasing value that represents the past purchases of the item. The system determines, using the pricing parameters associated with the future purchases of the item, a second purchasing value that represents the future purchases of the item. The system compares the first purchasing value and the second purchasing value, and provides a result of the comparing to the client computer system.