An image processing method takes advantage of the recursive rendering capabilities of graphics hardware devices to blur images in real-time, without a significant amount of computational precision. The measurement system comprising a light source directed along a first axis and configured to illuminate a sample volume. The invention also provides a process for producing arsenic trioxide formulations. For best results, a resistance in the tip assembly itself should range from 5\xd7104 or 105 to 1012 ohms. An optical detecting device is included in the optical apparatus that measures a characteristic of the at least one substance from the response of the reactive region when the reactive region is in contact with the at least one substance. In particular, it relates to identifying future activity options that are similar to a selected future activity, similar to past activities, that meet descriptive language criteria, that form compatible sequences of activities, or that form compatible multi-day sequences of activities.