Abstract: A computer-implemented method for retrieving information from information services and providing it to a public application programming interface (API) includes receiving a first request data message using a core discovery agent, the request data message including at least one requested datum, for which a value is sought, and at least one known datum, for which a value is known; calling a resource locator to request a location of an information service that provides a value for the requested datum; calling a resource façade to contact the information service; transmitting a first information service message including the requested datum and known datum from the resource façade to the information service; receiving a second information service message from the information service including a value for the requested datum; and transmitting a resolved data message including the requested datum and its value from the core discovery agent to the public API.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for retrieving information from information services and providing it to a public application programming interface (API) includes receiving a first request data message using a core discovery agent, the request data message including at least one requested datum, for which a value is sought, and at least one known datum, for which a value is known; calling a resource locator to request a location of an information service that provides a value for the requested datum; calling a resource façade to contact the information service; transmitting a first information service message including the requested datum and known datum from the resource façade to the information service; receiving a second information service message from the information service including a value for the requested datum; and transmitting a resolved data message including the requested datum and its value from the core discovery agent to the public API.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for retrieving information from information services and providing it to a public application programming interface (API) includes receiving a first request data message using a core discovery agent, the request data message including at least one requested datum, for which a value is sought, and at least one known datum, for which a value is known; calling a resource locator to request a location of an information service that provides a value for the requested datum; calling a resource façade to contact the information service; transmitting a first information service message including the requested datum and known datum from the resource façade to the information service; receiving a second information service message from the information service including a value for the requested datum; and transmitting a resolved data message including the requested datum and its value from the core discovery agent to the public API.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of a nested cartridge system configured to store and/or dispense particulate food products, such as spices and herbs. The system houses one or more cartridge assemblies, which provide a secure and sanitary container for the food product. When stored in the nested container, the cartridge assemblies are oriented at an angle, and organized to be easily identified and grasped. The system includes a compatible measuring tool, which provides multiple measurement units for convenience.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for retrieving information from information services and providing it to a public application programming interface (API) includes receiving a first request data message using a core discovery agent, the request data message including at least one requested datum, for which a value is sought, and at least one known datum, for which a value is known; calling a resource locator to request a location of an information service that provides a value for the requested datum; calling a resource façade to contact the information service; transmitting a first information service message including the requested datum and known datum from the resource façade to the information service; receiving a second information service message from the information service including a value for the requested datum; and transmitting a resolved data message including the requested datum and its value from the core discovery agent to the public API.

Abstract: A method includes retrieving a first data set from a switch within a network, the first data set including a set of switch records. Among the switch records included in the first data set is a first switch record associated with and including a field identifying a first trunk group from a set of trunk groups included within the switch. A second data set is retrieved from a configuration management system configured to facilitate an operation associated with the network. The second data set includes a plurality of configuration records, which includes a first configuration record associated with and including a field identifying the first trunk group. When the field included in the first configuration record differs from the field included in the first switch record a report is produced.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the exchange of consumer data between consumers and providers is disclosed. The method includes collecting and storing consumer supplied data on a computer network, providing the consumer supplied data to one or more providers, providing consumer personal data to a provider having the highest bid, collecting the bid amount from the provider having the highest bid and providing a portion of the collected bid amount to the consumer.

Abstract: A method includes retrieving a first data set from a switch within a network, the first data set including a set of switch records. Among the switch records included in the first data set is a first switch record associated with and including a field identifying a first trunk group from a set of trunk groups included within the switch. A second data set is retrieved from a configuration management system configured to facilitate an operation associated with the network. The second data set includes a plurality of configuration records, which includes a first configuration record associated with and including a field identifying the first trunk group. When the field included in the first configuration record differs from the field included in the first switch record a report is produced.

Abstract: A method includes retrieving a first data set from a switch within a network, the first data set including a set of switch records. Among the switch records included in the first data set is a first switch record associated with and including a field identifying a first trunk group from a set of trunk groups included within the switch. A second data set is retrieved from a configuration management system configured to facilitate an operation associated with the network. The second data set includes a plurality of configuration records, which includes a first configuration record associated with and including a field identifying the first trunk group. When the field included in the first configuration record differs from the field included in the first switch record a report is produced.

Abstract: A method for comparing image portions of at least two images, comprising the steps of: displaying a first digital image on a display; determining gaze data of a user viewing the first digital image displayed on the display; determining the portion of the first digital image being viewed by the user corresponding to the determined gaze data to identify a first gaze region; accessing a second digital image; determining, in the second digital image, a second region corresponding to the first gaze region; and displaying the first and second gaze regions on the display.

Abstract: A method of modifying a portion of a digital image. In one arrangement, a digital image is displayed on a display, and the gaze data of a user viewing the image on the display is determined. The portion of the image being viewed by the user corresponding to the determined gaze data to identify a gaze region is then determined. The identified gaze region is modified to generate a modified gaze region, and the resulting modified gaze region is displayed on the display.

Abstract: An improved analyte system where a temperature sensor and heater element combination are placed within a protective sheath. The sheath, temperature sensor, and heater element are placed within a reaction vessel so as to provide an internal heating source for reactive materials contained within the reaction vessel. The sheath extends through the reaction vessel into a reaction volume area of the vessel where an analytes-reagent reaction takes place. Further, the sheath is coated with a catalytic material, preferably platinum. The heater and sheath assembly may be introduced to any number of reaction schemes where reaction rate and detection acceleration is desired. The heater and sheath assembly works in conjunction with software to tune heating rates, optimum temperature, cooling rates, and detection analysis.

Abstract: Aqueous dilutions of acidic ternary compositions having unusually synergistic antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella choleraesuis microorganisms are disclosed. The compositions encompass ternary component mixtures of an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid, a monohydric water soluble alkanol and an anionic tenside having a Ternary Ratio residing within a defined phase region wherein synergistic antimicrobial activity is observed; whereas mixtures outside of the defined phase region and those lacking any one of the components do not exhibit synergistic activity. Compositions, methods and articles employing the inventive ternary synergistic compositions, and their utility in sanitizing and disinfecting hard surfaces are described.

Abstract: A cleaning composition with a 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid and a food safe nonionic surfactant gives good antimicrobial performance with improved filming and streaking performance combined with low residue and high grease cleaning capability for use on and around food contact surfaces. The composition may contain an anionic surfactant to provide improved wetting performances, and may optionally contain a solvent, additional surfactants, and other adjuncts. The food safe nonionic surfactant is preferably food safe or of low toxicological concern for use on animal, human and food contact surfaces. The composition can be used directly, diluted for use or impregnated and used on a wipe or other substrate, and require no rinsing or removal from the surface following application and cleaning.

Abstract: A batch processing method for enhancing an appearance of a face located in a digital image, where the image is one of a large number of images that are being processed through a batch process, comprises the steps of: (a) providing a script file that identifies one or more original digital images that have been selected for enhancement, wherein the script file includes an instruction for the location of each original digital image; (b) using the instructions in the script file, acquiring an original digital image containing one or more faces; (c) detecting a location of facial feature points in the one or more faces, said facial feature points including points identifying salient features including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, and hair; (d) using the location of the facial feature points to segment the face into different regions, said different regions including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, neck and hair regions; (e) determining one or more facially relevant character

Abstract: A batch processing method for enhancing an appearance of a face located in a digital image, where the image is one of a large number of images that are being processed through a batch process, comprises the steps of: (a) providing a script file that identifies one or more original digital images that have been selected for enhancement, wherein the script file includes an instruction for the location of each original digital image; (b) using the instructions in the script file, acquiring an original digital image containing one or more faces; (c) detecting a location of facial feature points in the one or more faces, said facial feature points including points identifying salient features including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, and hair; (d) using the location of the facial feature points to segment the face into different regions, said different regions including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, neck and hair regions; (e) determining one or more facially relevant character

Abstract: A batch processing method for enhancing an appearance of a face located in a digital image, where the image is one of a large number of images that are being processed through a batch process, comprises the steps of: (a) providing a script file that identifies one or more original digital images that have been selected for enhancement, wherein the script file includes an instruction for the location of each original digital image; (b) using the instructions in the script file, acquiring an original digital image containing one or more faces; (c) detecting a location of facial feature points in the one or more faces, said facial feature points including points identifying salient features including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, and hair; (d) using the location of the facial feature points to segment the face into different regions, said different regions including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, neck and hair regions; (e) determining one or more facially relevant character

Abstract: A batch processing method for enhancing an appearance of a face located in a digital image, where the image is one of a large number of images that are being processed through a batch process, comprises the steps of: (a) providing a script file that identifies one or more original digital images that have been selected for enhancement, wherein the script file includes an instruction for the location of each original digital image; (b) using the instructions in the script file, acquiring an original digital image containing one or more faces; (c) detecting a location of facial feature points in the one or more faces, said facial feature points including points identifying salient features including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, and hair; (d) using the location of the facial feature points to segment the face into different regions, said different regions including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, neck and hair regions; (e) determining one or more facially relevant character

Abstract: A batch processing method for enhancing an appearance of a face located in a digital image, where the image is one of a large number of images that are being processed through a batch process, comprises the steps of: (a) providing a script file that identifies one or more original digital images that have been selected for enhancement, wherein the script file includes an instruction for the location of each original digital image; (b) using the instructions in the script file, acquiring an original digital image containing one or more faces; (c) detecting a location of facial feature points in the one or more faces, said facial feature points including points identifying salient features including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, and hair; (d) using the location of the facial feature points to segment the face into different regions, said different regions including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, neck and hair regions; (e) determining one or more facially relevant character

Abstract: A method of modifying a portion of a digital image. In one arrangement, a digital image is displayed on a display, and the gaze data of a user viewing the image on the display is determined. The portion of the image being viewed by the user corresponding to the determined gaze data to identify a gaze region is then determined. The identified gaze region is modified to generate a modified gaze region, and the resulting modified gaze region is displayed on the display.