The weak dollar, which makes it cheaper for importers to buy dollar-denominated oil supplies, is one more factor working in favour of continued oil price strength.

BBC: Commodity boom continues to roll

Less of a surprise factor: European countries facing sovereign debt challenges are clearly aware of and working actively to solve the issues.

FORBES: Connect

"No other factor is involved which for those of us working in the field is very surprising, " said Dr Stefansson.

BBC: Older dads linked to rise in genetic disorder

These messenger molecules go on to act as the blueprints for protein production, so preventing a transcription factor from working can cause all sorts of problems.

ECONOMIST: Pollution and evolution

Mr Phillips said another factor contributing to feelings of isolation was that people were working harder than ever before.

BBC: 'Loneliness' increasing in Wales

The growing number of affluent people working overseas is a factor, as are changing tax codes, especially in some euro-stressed countries.

WSJ: Legal Hassles of Global Love Affairs | WSJ.Money Summer 2013

Here, we have the added factor of high housing costs, which deter many teachers from living and working in Surrey.

BBC: Teacher shortages warning to parents

In my experience, there is a key discriminating factor when selecting an agency , and that is the quality of the people working directly on your business.

FORBES: 10 Critical Decisions When Hiring An Agency

Apple remains publicly bullish about the east Asian markets and specifically China, but lack of leading appeal in developing markets may be one factor in the company reportedly working on a smaller, cheaper iPhone that would suit those markets.

FORBES: In Emerging Markets, Samsung Is King--While Nokia And BlackBerry Are Not Dead Yet

Some pet owners and veterinarians are concerned that dogs are becoming sick after eating jerky treats for pets, regulators say, and the Food and Drug Administration is working to nail down whether Chinese production of the treats is a factor.

WSJ: Dog Treats Come Under FDA Scrunity