Abstract: A multi-modality fluorescence reference plate comprising wells coated with a fluorogenic compound is described, together with a method of producing such a plate. The plate has utility for calibrating fluorescent plate readers and imaging systems for measuring steady-state fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime and/or fluorescence polarisation.

Abstract: A multi-modality fluorescence reference plate comprising wells coated with a fluorogenic compound is described, together with a method of producing such a plate. The plate has utility for calibrating fluorescent plate readers and imaging systems for measuring steady-state fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime and/or fluorescence polarisation.

Abstract: A recycled building system consisting of various interlocking and non-interlocking building blocks (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C) and building panels (FIG. 5A) made with recycled materials used to replace wood, cement, adobe brick or other typical building materials in the construction of real estate, further providing means to recycle waste in large quantities.

Abstract: A business management method integrates a complex, long cycle business into a common, concise format and set of order fulfillment metrics that provide clear status as well as predictive indicators of issues across all functional areas to all levels of management throughout an organization. The uniformity of the approach across all business functions allows for a standard comparison of the fulfillment risks and status across the entire business. The business management method utilizes statistical analysis, variation based metrics, mean based metrics, line rate analysis indicators and key quality indicators to facilitate proactive actions at the senior management level before issues become systemic and/or impact a company's ability to timely deliver products to its customers.

Abstract: A flexible communications systems provides users with additional communication channels without requiring additional transmitters or receivers by using variable rate Walsh coding. Additionally, the assignment of these additional communication channels is easily managed at the base station by monitoring data backlog and receiver error rates.

Abstract: When a laser beam interacts with a workpiece to be welded by the beam, a plume of optical radiation is generated. An apparatus and method is disclosed in which radiation from the plume is received back through a beam delivery path comprising optical elements (L1,L2) having chromatic aberration. This alters the focus of different spectral bands of the plume radiation and a discriminating aperture is formed by a face of an optical fibre (3). After passing through the fibre, the plume radiation is separated from any laser radiation and the respective powers of the different spectral bands are measured (5). By subtraction, an error signal is obtained which is used to control the focus of the laser beam.