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TOP STORY: Gecko-like climbing robot has potential for plant inspections Researchers at Simon Fraser University have created a robot with the ability to scale walls with tank-like moves using an adhesive that re-creates the ''sticky toes'' of a gecko. See photos and video... • Join PEM on Twitter @PEM_Maintenance

NEWS: Economy sheds 54,000 jobs in October, manufacturing behind most of the losses Canada's jobs market suffered its biggest loss in 2.5 years last month due mostly to job losses in manufacturing and construction. Get the full details... Spraying Systems launches new website Spraying Systems Co. has launched their new redesigned website, with better navigation, a new video library and expanded literature. Visit the new site... Sciemetric names Gescan as distributor in Ontario Sciemetric Instruments has announced a strategic alliance with Gescan Ontario, a division of Sonepar Canada. Learn what this means... Salaries to take big jump in 2012, thanks to skilled trades demand Rising demand for skilled trades and other workers in Western Canada's booming oil and gas sector will push national wages up by more than three per cent next year, the Conference Board of Canada predicts. Learn why this is the biggest jump in several years...

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FEATURE: Women in Engineering

You Respond! Article: "Women aren't becoming engineers because of confidence issues: U.S. study" In our previous newsletter, a U.S. study claimed the reason women are less likely than men to stay in engineering majors and to become engineers is their lack of ''professional role confidence.'' Among reader responses, John says, "This is almost completely a cultural issue. It is a bias most prevelent in North America." Glenn says male bravado leads men into the profession blind to their limitations: "Do women skip those years of bravado, and realize their limitations and reality sooner?" Do you have a response to the story or comments?

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PRODUCTS:

Trelleborg unit/hardness converter app Trelleborg's unit/hardness converter iPhone App has surpassed 100,000 downloads more than five months since its release. Link...	Retractable rotating gate Deken Power's retractable, sliding panel safety fence provides protection to an opening of 20 feet. Link...	12 rust-prevention options Corrosion-resistance comparison chart highlights Birchwood Casey's 12 rust-prevention options. Link...

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UPCOMING ONLINE SPOTLIGHTS

Nov. 15: CMMS
Nov. 22: Condition Monitoring
Nov. 29: Mobile Maintenance
Dec. 6: CMMS
Dec. 13: Power Transmission
Dec. 20: Condition Monitoring

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DIGITAL EDITION:

PEM's 2011 Salary Survey: Pay and job stability in an upswing What Does Air Cost You? Understand compressed-air system problems Safety in Motion: Conveyor safety tips from design to operation and maintenance Pump Rescue: Portable-pump preventive maintenance keeps liquid flowing Locked Out: Unilever Canada improves safety, downtime with RFID switches The War for Talent: Practical advice to tackle the skills shortage head on

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Feb. 13 to 16: MainTrain Toronto 2012 - Novotel Toronto.

Check out the Calendar of Events on the PEM website for more upcoming industry seminars, conferences, shows and training sessions.

Got an event you want us to include on the website? Please send an e-mail to editor André Voshart: avoshart@annexweb.com.