Abstract: Disclosed is a program and project management system. The program and project management system typically includes a processor, a memory, and a program module stored in the memory. The program and project management system is typically configured for: prompting a user to complete predefined program plan phase tasks; receiving risk information regarding the program, rigor level information regarding the program, and one or more defined business outcomes for the program; calculating a program risk score; determining a rigor level; based on the program risk score not exceeding a predefined risk score threshold and each defined business outcome including one or more associated metrics, initiating a program plan tollgate; based on successful completion of program plan tollgate, prompting the user to complete predefined program execution phase tasks; and determining whether the metrics associated with each defined business outcome have been satisfied.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for extending a business process model.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for simulating risk tolerance and associated adversary costs in a distributed business process are disclosed. The methods and apparatus simulate an interdependent business process, such as a financial transaction system, in a secure distributed manner. Each business entity that is part of the interdependent business process models itself on a local client device at any chosen level of detail. A simulation server connects the separate client based simulations into one large simulation. Details of each local simulation may be hidden from other simulation participants. However, interruptions in business flow caused by simulated disruptions introduced at the simulation server and/or a client device are propagated to all of the effected simulation participants via the simulation server. In addition, the simulation server receives inputs from users indicative of risk tolerance levels and associated response actions.

Abstract: A method for risk mitigation comprises calculating on at least one processor, a likelihood of occurrence for a risk event, a degree of disruption for the risk event and a disruption time for the risk event. Each risk event is in a list of risk events. The likelihood of occurrence is based on a frequency of risk of the risk event. The degree of disruption is based on a severity of risk of the risk event. The disruption time is based on a duration of restoring an asset to a condition prior to the risk event. A value at risk based on the likelihood of occurrence, the degree of disruption and the disruption time is determined for the risk event. A mitigation action is determined to reduce the value at risk. An indication of the mitigating action is presented on a user interface.

Abstract: A risk measurement system according to an embodiment includes a measurement unit that obtains a distance between a mechanical device and an operator; a control device that controls the mechanical device, a display device; a risk table database that has a risk table indicating a risk value that depends on a size of damage due to a risk, a frequency of access to the mechanical device according to an operation mode, and a risk avoiding possibility; and a risk measurement device that obtains the risk value based on the avoiding possibility obtained based on the distance, the frequency of access obtained based on the operation mode of the mechanical device acquired from the control device, and the risk table, records temporal changes of the risk value, and displays the temporal changes of the risk value on the display device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide a fraud detection system which may be used by fraud investigators to prove/disprove fraud. The system may scan business documents and generate a list of alerts associated with suspicious documents based on detection strategy business objects. The system may include a graphical user interface which may enable fraud investigators to analyze the alerts and determine whether suspicious business documents are related to fraudulent activity. The graphical user interface may display fraud pattern and investigation recipe business objects to enable fraud investigators to efficiently and accurately investigate potentially fraudulent activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for calculating an overall risk associated with a project. A set of activities of the project are extracted by an interface module, where the set of activities are assorted into a set of predetermined categories, each category comprising a plurality of phases of execution of the project. A risk value of the each activity can be retrieved from the database. Further, an associated risk value of the each activity can be aggregated by an aggregating module, for calculation of the overall risk.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of calculating a cost impact. The method includes associating cost amounts with various rules, using the rules to identify bad data, and calculating an aggregate cost of the bad data. In this manner, the Data Steward can prioritize various data quality improvement projects.

Abstract: A computer implemented method optimizes a configuration of an information technology (IT) infrastructure. A processor establishes a technology rule set, which defines technology weights of an IT infrastructure by mapping capabilities of IT infrastructure components to IT infrastructure attributes needed to execute a specific workload. A candidate IT infrastructure for executing the specific workload is then configured. The processor then receives responses, provided by a customer, to an attribute questionnaire. Each question in the attribute questionnaire is mapped to an IT infrastructure attribute of the candidate IT infrastructure, and the responses define a customer's level of agreement/disagreement with the technology weights. In response to the processor determining that the candidate IT infrastructure fails to meet the customer's expectations, the candidate IT infrastructure is reconfigured until the customer's expectations are met.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to proactive computer simulation of portable product failures, and more specifically, to determining the likely cause of an outbreak of foodborne disease or other geographically distributed symptoms of a failure or contamination of a portable product. In one embodiment, a method of and computer program product for simulating portable product failures is provided. Data regarding the locations of consumers of a portable product within a geographic region is received from a data store. A probability density map is determined from the data, indicating where the portable product is likely to be consumed within the geographical region. For each of a plurality of simulated failures of the portable product, the locations of a plurality of simulated incidents arising from the simulated failure are determined.

Abstract: There are provided a method, a system and a computer program product for maintaining an asset. The system receives data associated with an one asset and other assets to which the one asset is directly or indirectly physically connected. The system determines, based on the received data, a dependency between the one asset and one or more of the other assets. The system predicts, based on the determined dependency, a failure of the one asset within a future time period.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for generating a health profile of an industrial asset based upon data pertaining to such an industrial asset. The health profile describes an expected condition of the industrial asset during a prediction period, a predicted cause of the expected condition, and/or a predicted impact of the expected condition. In some embodiments, the health profile is generated using a model that is configured to be periodically and/or intermittently updated. Further, in some embodiments, a diagnostic profile may be generated describing diagnostic actions that may be taken to improve predictions included within a health profile and/or to improve a confidence in one or more of those predictions.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for resource dependency planning. A method is provided for resource dependency planning including receiving resource dependency logic. The resource dependency logic may define a dependency relationship among a plurality of resources. The method may also include receiving a set of resource input data. The resource input data may indicate a status of at least one of the plurality of resources. The method may further include determining a status of each of the plurality of resources based on the set of resource input data and the resource dependency logic, and providing the status of the plurality of the plurality of resources via a resource dependency planning interface. Various other means including a system, apparatus, and computer readable medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a device for monitoring risks associated with at least one business process, including: evaluating at least one of a plurality of document instances, wherein each of the document instances includes, in association therewith, a plurality of document values, against a plurality of risk categories; implementing the plurality of risk categories pursuant to at least one acceptable risk policy approved for the at least one business process; and qualifying at least one of the at least one of the plurality of documents pursuant to an approval rating of the at least one document in at least one risk category. The system, method, and device efficiently monitor risk, and allow for flexibility in modifying or updating risk policy.

Abstract: Assessing the impact of an incident in a Service Level Agreement (SLA) by a system including a plurality of nodes organized in a hierarchical structure is disclosed. An incident record for an incident related to a service at a first node is received and an actual impact of the incident at the first node is calculated. The calculated actual impact is transferred to a parent node until a root node is reached. The actual impact of the incident is calculated at the parent node and a final actual impact and a total financial impact for the SLA are calculated at the root node. The actual impact at each node, the final actual impact, and the total financial impact are calculated dynamically while the incident is in progress.

Abstract: Project risk patterns modeling and risk mitigation. The method includes obtaining potential risk factors associated with a project. Further, at least one interacting potential risk factor influencing at least another potential risk factor may be ascertained. The ascertaining is performed based on interaction indicators. The interaction indicators are indicative of an interaction between the at least one interacting potential risk factor and the at least another potential risk factor. Further, a risk emergence pattern is identified based on the interaction between the at least one interacting potential risk factor and the at least another potential risk factor. The risk emergence pattern is indicative of a recurrent interaction between the at least one interacting potential risk factor and the at least another potential risk factor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for the risk management through ratio scale measures. The present invention identifies the risk of occurrence of events, develops ratio scale measures for impact of events and likelihood of events and deriving the risk of the events by multiplying the ratio scale measures for impacts with the ratio scale measures for likelihoods of the identified risk events. The ratio scale measures for impact of risk events is the sum-product of the ratio scale measures of the importance of the objectives and ratio scale measures of the impact of associated risk events on the objectives. The ratio scale measures for likelihoods of risk events is the sum-product of the probabilities of the identified causes times the probability of the risk events given the identified causes.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of workload scheduling under two different types of Service Level Agreements (SLAs), namely soft and hard SLA which employ both a deadline- and cost-aware scheduler called iCBS-DH. The scheduler is evaluated against deadline and cost performance of various scheduling policies under a large range of SLA cost function and deadline types.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for obtaining a first governance score that is a measure of federation for a platform, a first risk score that is a measure of risk tolerance for the platform, a first audit score that is a measure of record keeping ability for the platform, a first productivity score that is a measure of workforce productivity for the platform, and a first elasticity score that is a measure of change tolerance for the platform. The method further obtains operational readiness scores that are measures of processes used to manage the platform within an organization, adjusts the first scores based on the operational readiness scores, calculates respective corresponding second scores pertaining to the organization, calculates a respective assessment for each of the adjusted first scores based on a comparison of the adjusted first score with the corresponding second score, and provides a summary of the assessments.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for end user computing strategic planning. A described method includes obtaining a first governance score that is a measure of federation in an organization, obtaining a first risk score that is a measure of risk tolerance in the organization, obtaining a first audit score that is a measure of record keeping ability in the organization, obtaining a first productivity score that is a measure of workforce productivity in the organization, and obtaining a first elasticity score that is a measure of change tolerance within the organization. The described method further calculates, for each of the first scores, a respective corresponding second score pertaining to a user category, calculates a respective assessment for each of the first scores based on a comparison of the first score with the corresponding second score, and provides a summary of the assessments.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automated handling of at least one working step of a workflow in an automation and/or electrical engineering project via a data input interface, a processing unit and a data output interface connected to the processing unit for transmitting any data read in by the data input interface or generated by the processing unit to at least one of a data repository, another processing unit and/or a display unit. The data input interface can read in input values belonging to the at least one working step of the workflow, and an input uncertainty including a range of input values. The processing unit can generate an output value of the working step from the input value, and calculate an output uncertainty characterizing a range of the output value, by taking into account a parameter and/or a technical condition of the working step.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system for managing financial risk associated with weather-based service contracts, and more specifically, to a system based on the purchase of weather derivatives to select, manage, minimize, and redistribute financial burdens associated with costs incurred from the payment of services related to greater than average weather-based events. An option contract having a tick price, and an associated premium at a fixed strike price is selected at a desired coverage, in one embodiment, the desired coverage is associated with a payout with the associated tick price that covers the base price of performing the service for a nominal weather condition, the premium of buying the option, and the price of performing the services for exceptional weather precipitations of a three standard deviation from the nominal value. If a hedge trader offers this service rather than a service provider, the desired coverage will also cover the a commission for the trade.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine-readable media are disclosed for identification of an individual and evaluation of risk from doing business with that individual. In one embodiment a method of evaluating a risk from conducting business with an individual comprises receiving identity information related to the individual. The identity information includes information from an identity credential presented by the individual. The identity credential is validated based on the information from the identity credential and one or more positive databases. An identity of the individual is verified based on the identity information and the one or more positive databases. The identity information is screened against one or more negative databases indicating past losses to one or more entities. Results of the screening are reported based on one or more criteria of an entity considering doing business with the individual.

Abstract: A cloud-based risk assessment service collects industrial data from multiple relevant and connected sources for storage and analysis on a cloud platform. The service analyzes gathered data from internal and external sources and customers across different industries to identify operational trends as a function of industry type, application type, equipment in use, device configurations, and other such variables. Based on the analysis, the risk assessment service identifies risk factors inherent in a customer's particular industrial enterprise. The cloud-based system generates a risk profile for the customer that identifies the determined risks and recommends risk aversion strategies based on the customer's specific profile, compared to industry standards, product information, internal business expectations, external regulatory bodies, and/or past performance.

Abstract: A system for estimating a risk that a site will have deficiencies receives data relating to the site. The data comprises a plurality of previous inspection results of the site. The system determines a risk score that corresponds to the expected deficiencies that would be found if the site were inspected, where a poor risk score corresponds to a higher risk of having deficiencies. The risk score for the site is based upon the plurality of previous inspection results of the site, and previous deficiencies worsen the determined risk score for the site.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for finding and retrieving information within an enterprise that is relevant to enterprise problems, enterprise opportunities, and unexpected or interesting events. The method includes scanning content related to a process conducted by an enterprise, where the process includes one or more process steps; identifying a problem, opportunity or event associated with a process step (an enterprise stress point); indexing the scanned content with respect to the enterprise stress point; determining whether the scanned content is information relevant to the problem, opportunity or event; and providing relevant information to a user. The relevant information includes a description or discussion of a contemporaneous or previous experience of the enterprise regarding the problem, opportunity or event.

Abstract: The present invention is applicable in the field of sales performance management coupled with corporate finance, corporate capital investments, economics, math, business risk analysis, simulation, decision analysis, qualitative risk analysis, risk management, quantitative risk analysis, and business statistics, and relates to the modeling and valuation of investment decisions and sales performance management and analysis under uncertainty and risk within all companies, allowing these firms to properly identify, assess, quantify, value, diversify, and hedge their corporate capital investment and sales management decisions and their associated risks. Specifically, the present invention looks at starting from comprehensive qualitative sales performance management and moving the analysis into the realms of quantitative risk-based sales performance modeling, simulation, and optimization.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and systems of safety analysis of engineering processes and may be used for safety analysis of nuclear power stations. According to the invention, distribution of risk factors is analysed on different stages of the engineering process, and safety intervals are determined where safety conditions remain invariable. The method further includes analysis of failures transitions from one safety interval into another by means of cause-effect analysis. Based on the results of this analysis, deterministic safety models are created for possible scenarios of transition of failures from one safety interval into another. A method and system according to the invention provide quantitative safety analysis and evaluation for engineering processes in variable safety conditions and enable creating valid safety requirements to perform optimisation of an engineering processes control system.

Abstract: A system and method for calculating a quantitative operational risk score and assisting an organization in the risk decision-making process is disclosed. The method may include identifying a plurality of instances of operational risk relevant to the organization to scrutinize, and storing the list of instances of operational risk in computer memory. For each instance of operational risk, the system may provide a rating value for each risk rating input category, and storing the rating values in computer memory. A processor of the system may calculate an operational risk score for each instance of operational risk in the list, and generate/display a risk decision-making matrix/chart. In addition, the system may calculate a portfolio/aggregated operational risk score for each portfolio of related instances of operational risk, and generate/display a risk decision-making matrix/chart accordingly for the portfolio scores.

Abstract: A method for estimating a risk associated with a project includes preparing a plurality of data models, where each of the plurality of data models examines a different dimension of the project, classifying each of the plurality of data models to produce a plurality of prediction models, where each of the plurality of prediction models is defined by a plurality of quality metrics, and where the plurality of quality metrics includes a preliminary estimate of the risk and a measure of confidence in the preliminary estimate, and computing a refined estimate of the risk based on a quality of the plurality of quality metrics.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing a business services dashboard. In some embodiments, a method might comprise defining relationship(s) between at least one technology service and at least one business service provided by an enterprise, and receiving data associated with real-time technical events corresponding to changed conditions in one or more technology services utilizing at least one technology asset. Each defined relationship might indicate a dependence on the one or more technology services by one or more business services. The method might further comprise identifying, based on the defined relationship(s), one or more business events that impact the one or more business services of the enterprise, as a result of the changed condition. Business user views and technical user views might be generated and sent to user devices associated with respective business and technical group users. Corresponding system and apparatus may be provided.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and apparatuses are disclosed for quantifying risk and control assessments. The risk includes both residual risk and direction of risk. Various aspects of the invention quantitatively compare the risk and control assessments against step-ahead losses using special regression models that are particularly applicable to this kind of data. The empirical comparison may be performed on both loss event frequency and severity in two different and separate dimensions. The empirical comparison may also be performed using losses extracted by even occurrence and event settlement dates in two separate dates.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media and apparatuses for providing additional information are disclosed. For example, a method receives from a device of a customer, an identification code identifying a product, obtains social media information regarding the customer from a social network, and provides the additional information to the device of the customer, wherein the additional information relates to the product, and wherein the additional information is based upon the social media information.

Abstract: In a computer-implemented process modeling and simulating environment, an analyzer receives a process model with parameters in combination with data from previous or planned process performances. An analyzer receives a simulation target from a user, calculates evaluation results that represent the influence of the parameters in view of the simulation target, and presents the evaluation results as indicators to the user. Upon receiving modifications to the performance data, the process is simulated with modified performance data. Alternatively, the evaluation results are converted to computer instructions to automatically modify the process parameters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for simulating risk tolerance and associated adversary costs in a distributed business process are disclosed. The methods and apparatus simulate an interdependent business process, such as a financial transaction system, in a secure distributed manner. Each business entity that is part of the interdependent business process models itself on a local client device at any chosen level of detail. A simulation server connects the separate client based simulations into one large simulation. Details of each local simulation may be hidden from other simulation participants. However, interruptions in business flow caused by simulated disruptions introduced at the simulation server and/or a client device are propagated to all of the effected simulation participants via the simulation server. In addition, the simulation server receives inputs from users indicative of risk tolerance levels and associated response actions.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for integrating risk management concepts into a standard business process metamodel by defining a set of metamodel extensions to standard process modeling languages that incorporate risk information directly in the process model. The method includes collecting risk-relevant information for addition to a business process model, and enabling visualizing of a risk-extended business process model. using a notation to express notions as failure modes of resources, root cause events, and sources of execution failure and low job output quality directly in the context of process models. Additionally, the method enables the computation of risk-related impacts on the distribution of process performance measures using a Bayesian network model or a discrete-event simulation model.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention there is provided a computer-based method and a computer program product for automatically sorting customers who make purchases from merchants using a credit card. The computer-based method includes the following steps. An adjusted index is calculated for a customer based on an amount of money the customer spent across merchants during a time period. The adjusted index is compared to a cut-off value. The customer is classified based on the comparison of the adjusted index to the cut-off value. In an embodiment, the method also includes re-classifying the customer based on at least one of (i) information about the merchants, or (ii) a number of transactions in a predetermined industry.

Abstract: The disclosed architecture is an end-to-end supply chain audit and compliance architecture that enables users to capture pertinent supplier information throughout the entire supply chain, and conduct comprehensive risk analysis as part of due diligence compliance efforts. The architecture find particular applicability to monitoring the origin and introduction into the supply chain of conflict minerals, such as gold, diamonds, oil, etc., that have been obtained illegally or against moral and ethical standards. The architecture also enables the exposure of forced labor sources, counterfeit materials, and false quality certifications.

Abstract: A sentiment calculator uses social media messages for the real-time evaluation of publicly assets, in particular traded equities and commodities wherein a sentiment is an integer computed based upon pairs of lexical items in local syntactic context. The sentiment calculator includes a mechanism for determining polarity in social media messages and a mechanism for determining a strength value of lexical items used in social media messages.

Abstract: A risk management device includes: a memory for storing risk weighing data and a threshold risk amount, the risk weighing data including a plurality of scenario data each including a combination of a loss event content, loss occurrence frequency and a loss amount; and a processor. The processor is programmed to calculate post-change risk weighing data obtained by changing only loss occurrence frequency or a loss amount of one specific scenario data of the risk weighing data and transmit to a risk weighing device, and repeatedly executing a process of comparing a risk amount received from the risk weighing device with the threshold risk amount while changing a change width of the loss occurrence frequency or the loss amount, thereby performing calculation of an increase rate of the loss occurrence frequency or the loss amount of the specific scenario data such that a risk amount reaches the threshold risk amount.

Abstract: A system and method for conveniently dealing with various financial transactions, called Eyes on Control, relates generally to an accounting system and business method with related software programs which is designed to develop a streamlined process to gain a better risk management and more efficient process to run accounting system in terms of cash management, accounts receivable/payable, purchasing, payroll, and general ledger controls.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and apparatuses are disclosed for quantifying risk and control assessments. The risk includes both residual risk and direction of risk. Various aspects of the invention quantitatively compare the risk and control assessments against step-ahead losses using special regression models that are particularly applicable to this kind of data. The empirical comparison may be performed on both loss event frequency and severity in two different and separate dimensions. The empirical comparison may also be performed using losses extracted by even occurrence and event settlement dates in two separate dates.

Abstract: The lottery administration entity typically maintains a retail network of terminals that can be used to purchase tickets as well as validate tickets. Each transaction at the retail locations, whether it is purchasing tickets or validating tickets, may be stored in a database or other data store. The data store may be used to search for ticket information, such as when or where a particular ticket was purchased. The stored data may processed in order to generate a risk profile of retailers.

Abstract: A Driver Risk Assessment System and Method Employing Selectively Automatic Event Scoring. The system and method provides robust and reliable event scoring and reporting, while also optimizing data transmission bandwidth. The system includes onboard vehicular driving event detectors that record data related to detected driving events, selectively store or transfer data related to said detected driving events. If elected, the onboard vehicular system will score a detected driving event, compare the local score to historical values previously stored within the onboard system, and upload selective data or data types to a remote server or user if the system concludes that a serious driving event has occurred. The system may further respond to independent user requests by transferring select data to said user at a variety of locations and formats.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented herein for managing contracts between a financial institution and its vendors, for preparation of associated vendor oversight reports, and for securing subscriptions for a financial institution/vendor relationship management system. In certain embodiments, the system provides a guided workflow-driven process for building a complete report for auditors and examiners. In certain embodiments, the system encourages subscriptions from financial institutions for a financial institution/vendor relationship management system.

Abstract: A Technology Asset Tracking System and Method tracks all technology assets including software, hardware and other devices and telecommunications equipment, plans, contracts and agreements, and usage of technology assets from acquisition and assignment to disposal/retirement. An asset database maintains details on each of the devices, including its costs and features. Business rules related to device usage, including compliance policies, are maintained and checked against phone usage to monitor compliance. The system is designed to provide enterprise level configuration and compliance management—to accumulate information about configurations, changes and other data from disparate sources and enable management and data providers to integrate their data into a coherent, seamless unit, using a familiar type of interface.

Abstract: A system includes a processor, a memory and a user interface. The processor has an input port to receive node data, path data, and spatial data. The node data corresponds to nodes in a system. A node is associated with a facility in a food supply chain. The path data corresponds to connectivity between nodes along paths. The paths are associated with nodes in the food supply chain. The spatial data corresponds to nodes or paths. The memory stores executable instructions for accessing risk data associated with at a node, a path, or a food item. The instructions generate output data based on the node data, the path data, the spatial data, and the risk data. The output corresponds to criticality of the food supply chain. The user interface receives user-selected input data as to the food supply chain and provides the output data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining risk in a supply chain and displaying risk to a user. A supply chain is defined in a database by linking one or more driver components to a monitored component. Each driver component is associated with one or more component indicators that provide an indication of an expected availability of the driver component. Each component indicator is assigned a risk score. An expected risk value and a worst case risk value are determined for each component indicator. A risk profile is then determined based on a ratio between the expected risk values of the component indicators and the worst case risk values of the component indicators. The risk profile may then be displayed on a web page through a database portal. If the risk profile exceeds a threshold, the database may transmit a notification to a subscriber to the database.

Abstract: A governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) computer system is provided that includes at least one processor, a user input device, and a storage system that stores meta-model. The meta-model includes at least one process element, a plurality of dynamic risk elements, and a plurality of dynamic control elements. The risk meta-model is loaded from the storage system. Input is accepted from the user input device for creating a new dynamic risk model based on the loaded extended risk meta-model. At least one process element is added to the new dynamic risk model based on user provided input and the extended risk meta-model. A first dynamic risk element is added from the plurality of dynamic risk elements based on user provided input. A risk type of the first dynamic risk element is determined based on user provided input.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to manage risk in an enterprise process by performing quantitative risk assessment for a plurality of enterprise resource categories, including a human resource category, that contribute to performance of the process. A plurality of risk values for the respective resource categories are thus determined. Risk assessment is performed based on a comparative analysis of the respective resource category risk values. Quantitative risk assessment for the human resource category comprises calculating an assessed knowledge metric value that indicates measured knowledge of people that contribute to the process, and quantifying a knowledge risk by correlating the assessed knowledge metric value with predefined knowledge metric thresholds.