Production Engineering Research Association

Saliva is a complex multifunctional fluid that bathes the oral cavity to assist in soft and hard tissue maintenance, lubrication, buffering, defense against microbes, and initiating digestion of foods. It has been extensively characterized in humans but its protein composition in dogs remains poorly characterized, yet saliva composition could explain (patho) physiological differences between individuals, breeds and with humans. This pilot discovery study aimed to characterize canine saliva from two breeds, Labrador retrievers and Beagles, and to compare this with human saliva using quantitative mass spectrometry. The analysis demonstrated considerable inter‐individual variation and difference between breeds; however these were small in comparison to the differences between species. Functional mapping suggested roles of detected proteins similar to those found in human saliva with the exception of the initiation of digestion as salivary amylase was lacking or at very low abundance in canine saliva samples. Many potential anti‐microbial proteins were detected agreeing with the notion that the oral cavity is under continuous microbial challenge.

Today engineered nano-materials have attracted a great deal of attention due to their important properties which have given birth to vast technological and economic growth in a number of industrial sectors. Nano-materials are indeed expected to become the cornerstone of a number of sectors such as microelectronics, materials, textiles, energy, healthcare and cosmetic goods. Nanotechnology applications will give rise to cleaner energy production, lighter and more durable materials, inexpensive clean water production and will benefit medical applications such as smart drugs and diagnostics. However, one has to be mindful of the risks involved concerning potential toxicity and exposure route and the verdict is still out on a number of nano-materials as to the relative dangers to humans and the environment. This brief review hopes to describe some of the main contenders and their real world applications but it should only be considered a snapshot of the industry and its relative potential.

Abstract The primary objective for drilling the Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana Transform Margin during ODP Leg 159 was to assess the sedimentary and deformation processes resulting from the different stages of continental break-up and related transform tectonism. In view of the structural importance of the leg, integration of logging and core data is important to help understand the main tectonic and deformation events that occurred. The effect of the transform deformation can be seen in physical properties data, for instance the porosity data derived from index properties measurements. Major breaks in porosity are associated with the tectonized lower Cretaceous and Cenozoic boundary, a trend also reflected in the P-wave velocity measurements. At each site, core and well log data show the presence of a major unconformity between the Cretaceous and Cenozoic, marked by an offset in porosity, density and P-wave data. The physical properties of log data are also heterogeneous, reflecting variations in consolidation, age and lithology. Another interesting aspect covered by core-log integration was the structural relationship within the sediments. As well as the direct measurements made on cores, in situ structural measurements have been obtained using the Formation MicroScanner (FMS; Mark of Schlumberger) logging tool in two of the holes. The measurements cover the Eocene to Turonian-upper Santonian limestones. Bedding planes dip predominantly towards NWNNW and show an increase with depth which can be interpreted to be the result of steady subsidence of the Deep Ivorian Basin. Break-outs and fracturing were also observed. Breakout occurrences depend on sediment type and their axes are perpendicular to the maximum compressive horizontal stress east-northeast west-southwest. Fracturing occurs as normal and reverse microfaults, with dispersion of dips and azimuth directions in these zones. The presence of fault zones are also correlated with changes in the physical properties of the sediments.

The paper gives some impressions obtained during a five-week tour of the Soviet Union, Poland and Czechoslovakia by a delegation from the Production Engineering Research Association of Great Britain. The observations mainly concern production engineering research and development, general industrial development such as automation, and the engineering and scientific information services. Comments are also made on working conditions, wages, incentives and general standards of living.The paper was presented to The Institution of Production Engineers in London on 10th December, 1959.