Abstract: Embodiments are directed to improving performance criterion in a control session. Information associated with an agent may be obtained. A predicted expenditure may be generated based on the information and a performance model. The predicted expenditure may be transformed into specific-units amounts of multiple resource types based on the characteristics information. Each specific-units amount may be transformed into a normalized-units amount based on one or more normalized-units amounts of one or more other resource types. An instruction may be provided to the agent based on the normalized-units amounts. Metrics based on monitoring the agent may be obtained. One or more portions of the metrics may be compared to one or more outputs of the performance model. One or more outputs of the model may be modified based on the comparison to increase a correlation between one or more outputs and the metrics.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to improving performance criterion in a control session. Information associated with an agent may be obtained. A predicted expenditure may be generated based on the information and a performance model. The predicted expenditure may be transformed into specific-units amounts of multiple resource types based on the characteristics information. Each specific-units amount may be transformed into a normalized-units amount based on one or more normalized-units amounts of one or more other resource types. An instruction may be provided to the agent based on the normalized-units amounts. Metrics based on monitoring the agent may be obtained. One or more portions of the metrics may be compared to one or more outputs of the performance model. One or more outputs of the model may be modified based on the comparison to increase a correlation between one or more outputs and the metrics.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to improving performance criterion in a control session. Information associated with an agent may be obtained. A predicted expenditure may be generated based on the information and a performance model. The predicted expenditure may be transformed into specific-units amounts of multiple resource types based on the characteristics information. Each specific-units amount may be transformed into a normalized-units amount based on one or more normalized-units amounts of one or more other resource types. An instruction may be provided to the agent based on the normalized-units amounts. Metrics based on monitoring the agent may be obtained. One or more portions of the metrics may be compared to one or more outputs of the performance model. One or more outputs of the model may be modified based on the comparison to increase a correlation between one or more outputs and the metrics.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel insecticide/miticide/fungicide compositions, and methods for using same for safe, environmentally friendly control of insects, mites and fungal pests in, e.g., gardening and commercial growing. Preferably, the compositions comprise organic or pure ingredients. Particular embodiments comprise: a fatty acid soap base (e.g., saponified soap with retained glycerin; or fatty acid salts with glycerin); at least one essential oil; an optional food oil; and a bicarbonate reagent, along with water. Additional embodiments comprise: a soap base, and/or glycerin or other suitable base; at least one organic or pure plant essential oil; an organic or pure food oil; and a bicarbonate reagent, along with water as diluent and carrier, and methods for using same. Further aspects provide a method for controlling mite and fungal pests with a single composition comprising, along with an aqueous carrier or diluent: a non-petroleum-based food oil; and a bicarbonate agent.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel insecticide/miticide/fungicide compositions, and methods for using same for safe, environmentally friendly control of insects, mites and fungal pests in, e.g., gardening and commercial growing. Preferably, the compositions comprise organic or pure ingredients. Particular embodiments comprise: a fatty acid soap base (e.g., saponified soap with retained glycerin; or fatty acid salts with glycerin); at least one essential oil; an optional food oil; and a bicarbonate reagent, along with water. Additional embodiments comprise: a soap base, and/or glycerin or other suitable base; at least one organic or pure plant essential oil; an organic or pure food oil; and a bicarbonate reagent, along with water as diluent and carrier, and methods for using same. Further aspects provide a method for controlling mite and fungal pests with a single composition comprising, along with an aqueous carrier or diluent: a non-petroleum-based food oil; and a bicarbonate agent.

Abstract: Kaolin clay materials containing discoloring impurities can be beneficiated by microwave irradiation in the presence of water and a polyprotic acid component to produce a beneficiated kaolin clay material having improved color and brightness.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Campanula, ‘Pinkins’, characterized by its flowers that are deep lilac pink in color with lighter colored centers, its refined foliage that is rich green in color with reddish purple highlights under intense light conditions, its moderate and less invasive growth habit than is typical for this type of Campanula, and its cold hardiness in U.S.D.A. Zone 3.