The other promise of tri-dual technology relates to battery life, which is a frequent complaint among smartphone owners and an issue that has plagued some dual-core handsets.

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Complicating the issue is the largely dual-use nature of space technology, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

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If the situation weren't complex enough, another issue's arisen lately - what you might call "dual-use" research.

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Mr Thoburn, who is now using dual measure scales, gathered support from shoppers to hand over a 5, 000-signature petition on the issue to Downing Street.

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