Abstract: The present invention provide apparatus, systems and/or methods for use in controlling a distributed network of main powered devices and battery powered devices. The devices control the operation of one or more appliances. In one embodiment, an adaptive network comprises a main powered device, a battery powered device and a network control device. The network uses a wireless network protocol that includes at least one of a group, network, unit, group flag, mood and/or mask identifier. The network may include a data storage device having a data structure comprising a listing of at least one battery powered device with which the main powered device can communicate on the network, and/or a connectivity rating and ranking of networked devices. The network may also include: a network traffic manager, a routing and a controller identifier.

Abstract: New yeast strains providing for an enhanced rate of the fermentation of sugars, and a process to obtain such yeasts and the use of these yeasts. Yeasts capable of improved fermentation of sugars, a process to obtain these yeasts and the use of these yeasts are provided. The yeasts show higher rates of metabolism resulting in for example higher carbon dioxide and ethanol production in media containing sugars, such as maltose, as main carbon and energy source. The fermentation rate of sugars is improved by the introduction into a yeast of one or more DNA constructs comprising at least one gene encoding a protein promoting the uptake and/or initial metabolic conversion of a transported sugar substrate.