The third test involved passively viewing images of faces and places.

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Puerto Rico, like so many places, faces real challenges to improve its public education system.

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The industry says there need to be rules to protect the privacy of people whose faces are scanned in public places, but argues that harsh new realities require vigorous, technology-based responses that include biometrics.

CNN: graphic

Universities have been calling for extra funding to provide more places, but the government faces its own pressures on public spending.

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They worry, and rightly so, that America faces budgetary meltdown, as its ageing population places unbearable strains on pensions and health-care systems.

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Mr. Younghein says Meridrew developed the cloth two years ago originally for the iPhone at the request of Apple, because the company was worried about people holding the phone close to their faces after touching cab doors, elevator buttons and other places where germs could be lurking.

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Now even in places that President Bush carried easily in 2004 his administration now faces some opposition.

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Moreover, up to 40% of Cherokee voters live in such far-flung places as California, Texas and Missouri, so any candidate faces an expensive campaign.

ECONOMIST: The Cherokee nation