Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium including instructions for predicting a characteristic of an object is described. The system includes an object model comprising a thin crack geometry representation of at least a portion of the object; a boundary condition model of a predetermined process applicable to the object (FIG. 8, Input Data); and a simulator module (FIG. 8, Run the EPD Simulator) for simulating the application of the output (FIG. 8, Output Results) a predicted value of a predetermined characteristic of the object.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating the efficacy of a molecule against a target population, the target population, including a strain resistant to a first toxin. The method comprising determining a susceptible strain in the target population. The susceptible strain being susceptible to the first toxin. The method further comprising selecting for a resistant strain in the target population. The resistant strain being resistant to the first toxin. The method further comprising evaluating the efficacy of the resistant strain with a plurality of molecules to determine a second toxin that is more toxic to the resistant strain than to the susceptible strain. Wherein the target population is at least one of an insect, a fungi, a plant, and a nematode. Methods and systems are provided for determining and developing negative cross resistance factors.

Abstract: A one-handed knife system in which a knife having a blade instantly deployed by pulling on the heel section thereof includes a separable tether which separates under a force greater than the force required to deploy the blade.