Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for the prediction of the merit of at least one individual in a population, the method comprising the steps of: (a) in the population, where information of individuals are known, using dimension reduction on the information to project the information to a low dimensional space whilst retaining the complexity of the information to generate a set of explanatory variables; (b) utilising the explanatory variables to generate a predictor function with respect to merit; and (c) utilising the predictor function to predict the merit of the individual.

Abstract: A computer system is disclosed for tracking and transferring product service records using a product service history database. The computer system includes a computer readable medium having instructions for receiving service information associated with a product. The medium also has instructions for receiving service dealers' demographic information and receiving an indication of a transfer of the product from a first location to a second location. The medium further has instructions for determining a service dealer associated with the second location and providing the service information to the service dealer.

Abstract: Electrical contact members 20, 22 for supplying transverse electrical current to a tubular furnace member (22) for electrothermal atomization of samples for analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, the tubular furnace member having diametrically opposite, longitudinally-extending contact ribs (84, 86). The contact members (20, 22) form, in operative assembly, a cavity 88 in which tubular furnace member (24) is accommodated and is held between V-shaped channels (44, 76) in contact members (20, 22). Cavity 88 is formed by a recess (36) in one contact member (20) and covered, except for a separating gap, by the other contact member (22). Respective inert protective gas passages (62, 82) terminate at one end in channels 44, 76.