Abstract: A virtual management system for completing a project, wherein the project includes a function having one or more tasks associated therewith, the system comprising: a database object (VC) for the function, wherein the database object includes a pair of database object parts (Struc and Mat); wherein a first part of the pair of database object parts relate to a structure for the or each task and a second part of the pair of database object parts relate to a content element for the or each task; and wherein the first part undergoes an evolution in response to user input to enable improvements to be implemented for a particular function, such that the evolution applies to the particular function in any project managed by the virtual management system; and further wherein the second part can be replicated for a subsequent function to generate a subsequent database object for the subsequent function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing vehicle maintenance client notification within a telematics equipped mobile vehicle that includes monitoring the mobile vehicle for vehicle system maintenance information, determining an oil-life value based on the vehicle system maintenance information, determining when the oil-life value exceeds at least one oil-life threshold level, sending the vehicle system maintenance information to a call center responsive to the oil-life threshold level determination, and generating a service reminder, at the call center, based on the received vehicle system maintenance information. The step of determining when the oil-life value exceeds the oil-life threshold level may include comparing the determined oil-life value with the at least one oil-life threshold level, determining at least one oil-life threshold level that is exceeded by the oil-life value, and initiating a vehicle data upload based on the at least one exceeded oil-life threshold level.

Abstract: The invention provides an analytical apparatus comprising: (i) supply means (14) for supplying a sample (30) to be analysed; (ii) analysing means (32, 36) for analysing at least one property of the sample (30) to be analysed; and (iii) conveying means (16) for conveying the sample (30) between the supply means (14) and the analysing means (32, 36) wherein the conveying means (16) comprises an oxidized surface (18) layer which receives the sample (30). Preferably the conveying means (16) is a wire or tape, such as titanium.