Every American I know wants to visit Australia. It’s sometimes called “The Land of Milk and Honey” and it is. Next to Canada, Australia is more like the U.S. than any other country I can think of.

Since when did architects become responsible for ensuring occupant health resulting from exposure to building material ingredients?

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Energy began work on the development of a voluntary national scoring system used to quantify commercial building’s energy efficiency.

TellSpec and SCiO are about to release devices which will allow you “to get instant relevant information about the chemical make-up of just about anything around you.

The first LEED Platinum certified building is in danger of an imminent collapse.

According to a recent paper, the answer is no.

Do embodied energies deserve greater attention now that buildings are becoming “greener”?

How can Scotland re-establish its building stone industry?  British Geological Survey

According to ISHN’s 2015 EHS State of the Nation subscriber survey, much EHS programmatic work in 2015 centers on: 1) building and/or maintaining a safety culture for organizations (54%); 2) finding and fixing workplace hazards (48%); 3) conducting risk assessments and risk prioritization (43%); and 4) tracking safety and health performance measures other than counting injuries and illnesses (38%).

The data, information, and analytics economy runs on well-curated, structured data. No matter your industry?having good curated data and content is critical. It's increasingly important as more data and content are generated. Intelligent tools to sift through content are more robust and at the same time, more "needy." That means modern technology platforms, systems, and even content consumers require well-structured data and content to perform well. As most artificial intelligence (AI) practitioners state?"nothing starts without good data."

Missing Berlin’s gorgeous buildings again. ???? (at Berlin, Germany)

I had a fantastic conversation with Jem Sophia today (our first actual conversation after years of talking online!) who pointed me in the direction of this fantastic article. I love the sentiment and the metaphor. Creating software to scratch an itch without any ambitions of ScAlInG and turning it into a capitalistic enterprise.

Airtron Canada announced that it has been selected to perform HVAC and building automation systems (BAS) maintenance services for more than 600 Ontario government buildings. That translates into 21 million square feet of facilities in buildings such as office buildings, laboratories, and correctional facilities.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that Canada has topped its international rankings of the Top 10 Countries for LEED. The list highlights countries outside of the U.S. that are making significant strides in sustainable building.

Wyse Meter Solutions and Certified Building Systems (CBS) have announced a strategic partnership to give condominium owners more control over utility expenses. Wyse and CBS said they will integrate their capabilities in energy management, creating opportunities to reduce energy use by 25-to-40 percent.

Enercare Inc. has announced the introduction of its Preferred Customer Program for multifamily buildings. The program provides property managers, landlords, and developers with cost savings and a single point-of-contact for efficient delivery of services for their building’s sub-metering, water heating, and heating and cooling needs.

Enhancing the participation of women in conflict resolution and peace-building efforts is important to achieving security and stability in Ukraine.

Nataliya Mariychuk, a mother of three children aged three to eighteen is nostalgic for the life she had some 1,300 kilometres away in her native city of Alchevsk, in Luhansk region but now she has adjusted to her new life.

At the other end of Ukraine, in the village of Vorotsiv in Lviv region.

Nataliya is one of more than a million women displaced by the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The significant number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the challenges involved in integrating them into their new environments prompted her to co-found the Civic Movement of Donbas IDPs.

[node id="253816" preset="medium" align="left" description="Nataliya Mariychuk (c), Co-Founder of the Civic Movement of Donbas IDPs, helps individuals displaced by the conflict in eastern Ukraine integrate into their local community."]

The association works with local administrative authorities in Vorotsiv to address socio-economic problems including lack of housing and recreational facilities for children. They also work to build bridges between IDPs and their host communities in western Ukraine, where tensions have risen following the influx of people from the east.

“We offered the local authorities our volunteer support with initiatives such as cleaning up the local river, enhancing the road system and purchasing sports equipment for youngsters”, says Nataliya. “These efforts helped IDPs to better integrate into the local community and helped host communities see us as partners and not rivals”.

Women IDPs in Ukraine

• The number of IDPs in Ukraine is 1.8 million, according to Ukraine’s Ministry for Social Policy as of July 2016;
• Of this figure, 1.1 million are women (61 per cent);
• Women make up 73 per cent of IDPs residing in collective centres, according to Global Shelter Cluster figures as of May 2016. Collective centres are pre-existing buildings and structures intended for the long-term stay of IDPs. They include dormitories and sanatoriums, modular-type centres and rented houses.

Nadiya Kuramshina is another woman pushing the boundaries with her work.

The mother of a soldier in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the founder of the non-governmental organization (NGO) Unity of Mothers “Zakhyst” (Defence), Kuramshina works to establish contacts between women whose sons serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the mothers whose son  have become armed members of “Donetsk People’s Republic”.

[node id="253821" preset="medium" align="left" description="Nadiya Kuramshina, founder of the Unity of Mothers “Zakhyst” (Defence) NGO, stands with other women whose sons serve in Armed Forces and formations."]

“For many of us, it is important to learn the views of the other side first-hand and to talk about the things that we have in common”, says Nadiya. “With very little outside help, we are working on delivering legal and social support to soldiers who have returned from the army and face difficulties in adjusting to civilian life.”

Women, Peace and Security

According to journalist Tamara Zlobina, despite these accomplishments women’s achievements in Ukraine continue to be seen through a patriarchal prism emphasizing the traditional role of women as caregivers instead of focusing on their contributions to peace-building efforts. “There are strong stereotypes about the role of women in society which significantly prevents them from realizing their full potential”, she says.

There are strong stereotypes about the role of women in society, which significantly prevents them from realizing their full potential.

Tamara Zlobina Journalist

Awareness of this fact has led international organizations such as the OSCE, through its Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), to seek structures and foundations upon which to build and strengthen opportunities for women.

This work is based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security (UNSCR 1325/2000) which recognized that men and women are affected by conflicts in different ways and that peace-building efforts must see the full involvement of both women and men.

The Mission also incorporates gender perspectives into facilitating dialogue, monitoring and reporting along the lines of its mandate.

Gender Dimensions of SMM’s Monitoring: One Year of Progress

This report sets out the gender-mainstreaming efforts of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) and outlines the relevant gender dimensions of the SMM’s monitoring, reporting and dialogue facilitation activities.

• Gender Dimensions of SMM’s Monitoring: One Year of Progress

See all the links

Laura Jaffrey, an SMM monitoring officer and gender focal point based in Lviv says that one approach to gender mainstreaming in the SMM’s work is to collect sex-disaggregated data. “In practical terms it involves talking with people of both sexes, of different ages and from different social spheres in order to reveal the realities faced by both women and men of different ages and backgrounds”, says Laura.

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In practical terms, it implies talking with people of both sexes, of different ages and from different social spheres in order to reveal the realities faced by both women and men of different ages and backgrounds.

Laura Jaffrey SMM Monitoring Officer

Within its mandate the SMM monitors the changes in gender dynamics regarding and including the challenges faced by IDPs. Monitoring through the gender lens can shed light on specific issues encountered by women, men, boys and girls and reveal a more accurate picture of the situation on the ground, according to Laura.

Breadwinners and politicians

The conflict is transforming the role of women. “Due to the compulsory mobilization of men into the army, women are left to supporting the families financially”, says Tamara.

Olena Cherenkova, an IDP from Luhansk, fled to Lutsk in Volyn region, with her 80-year-old mother and her teenage daughter. As her family’s sole breadwinner, Olena has gained a sense of confidence and independence which sees her challenging the traditional stereotypes of women in her work as the head of the local association of IDPs from Crimea and Donbas.

[node id="253801" preset="medium" align="left" description="Olena Cherenkova (c), head of the local association of internally displaced persons from Crimea and Donbas."]

On the other hand, Vira Pidhrushna saw her opportunity in politics and less than a year ago became the deputy head of the Brody village council in Lviv region. Focusing on the needs of families, her work has resulted in providing assistance to people returning to the area from combat duty in the east.

“I am very proud of my party for trusting me to lead the party list in the local elections”, says Vira, acknowledging that only five of the 34 deputies in the district council are women.

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Women will not be able to make much progress in achieving gender equality if they do it on their own, it has to be a joint effort by women and men.

Nataliya Mariychuk Co-Founder of the Civic Movement of Donbas IDPs

Yet both she and Nataliya from Vorotsiv village emphasize that women and men should not be competitors in their professional endeavours.

“Women will not be able to make much progress in achieving gender equality if they do it on their own”, says Nataliya. “It has to be a joint effort by both women and men”.

Giving women a real say in peace-building would certainly contribute to enhancing gender equality in a post-conflict society.

Related Stories

• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30, 4 August 2016
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30, 3 August 2016
• OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv tomorrow

PODGORICA, 3 May 2016 – On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Janina Hrebickova, stressed the media’s crucial role in building and sustaining democracy.

 “Free, independent, and professional media are an indispensable resource in any democratic society,” Hrebičkova said. “Members of the media must be able to perform their duties in a free and safe manner. The Mission expresses its support to all journalists in Montenegro, in their efforts to practice independent and professional journalism.”

This year's World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to the right of access to information.

“Access to information is a fundamental freedom and human right. It allows members of the media to seek and receive information on issues of importance to the public,” Hrebičkova said.

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• OSCE Mission to Montenegro marks World Press Freedom Day: Public Service Broadcaster hosts televised debate on media freedoms
• OSCE Mission to Montenegro clarifies role with regard to upcoming elections
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ALMATY, 5 July 2016 – The annual OSCE Central Asian Youth Network (CAYN) forum and seminar began today in Almaty.

The three-day event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana for some 35 university students and CAYN alumni from Central Asia, Afghanistan and Mongolia. Representatives of the OSCE and expert speakers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Norway and the Russian Federation are also taking part.

The topic of this year’s forum “Renewing dialogue, rebuilding trust, restoring security” was selected to reflect the priorities of Germany’s 2016 OSCE Chairmanship. The participants will discuss the key challenges for comprehensive security in Central Asia and beyond, and explore ways to address them in their communities and together with co-operation from neighbouring countries. They will also address the issue of civil society’s role in promoting fundamental freedoms and human rights, and re-examine co-operation in Central Asia on its way to integration with a special emphasis on connectivity and multilateral co-operation.

“Through CAYN we hope that when you begin to take responsibility for your communities and your countries you can say with confidence that you have learned about key security challenges in the region,” said Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana György Szabó. “Moreover, you have heard perspectives from some of the best minds in the region and experts from around the world on how to address them.”

Renate Schimkoreit, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany to Almaty presented the priorities of the German OSCE Chairmanship. Pal Dunay, Director of the OSCE Academy in Bishkek and Milena Stošić, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office on Youth and Security, will focus on engaging youth in promoting OSCE values and principles and in addressing security challenges and threats in the wider region. Special attention will be paid to youth involvement in the OSCE's 'United in Countering Violent Extremism' campaign.

The forum will be followed by training workshops focused on using technology for governance, civil society development, networking and data utilization. The event will culminate with an outdoor exercise to promote team building.

Nurlan Dulatbekov, a Member of Kazakhstan’s Parliament spoke about the role of promoting social security as part of national and regional security as well as initiatives to counter violent extremism through engaging youth at the grassroots level.

The event is part of the Office’s efforts to enhance young people’s understanding of contemporary security threats and challenges and to explain the OSCE’s role in addressing them.

Related Stories

• OSCE Programme Office supports training for defence lawyers in Kazakhstan on the new criminal procedure legislation
• OSCE Programme Office supports public hearings on libel and slander legislation in Kazakhstan
• OSCE promotes ‘green’ women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas of Kazakhstan

Building a career in Diesel Technology  South Texas College - News

[ENA] Addis Ababa -- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reviewed today the second phase of the Addis Ababa Corridor development underway on eight corridor pathways across the city.

Dozens of buildings destroyed in Zaporizhzhia after Russian strike

The rise of SaaS and cloud-based work environments has fundamentally altered the cyber risk landscape. With more than 90% of organizational network traffic flowing through browsers and web applications, companies are facing new and serious cybersecurity threats. These include phishing attacks, data leakage, and malicious extensions. As a result, the browser also becomes a vulnerability that

A Jacobean mansion is among 26 sites in the city to be added to Historic England's at-risk list.

Two people were killed Tuesday when a massive explosion took place in a food dye factory in Louisville, Kentucky. Twelve people were injured in the explosion, according to WLKY. Two […]

The post Deadly Explosion Decimates Kentucky Factory, Damages Nearby Buildings appeared first on The Western Journal.

TOKYO, Nov. 13, 2024 — NVIDIA has announced a series of collaborations with SoftBank Corp. designed to accelerate Japan’s sovereign AI initiatives and further its global technology leadership while also unlocking […]

The post NVIDIA Supports SoftBank in Building AI Supercomputer, Unveils AI-Driven Telecom Network appeared first on HPCwire.

Sorokin has 33 extra-time losses in just 202 NHL starts.

Chines battery supplier CATL could build a plant in the U.S. The decision would hinge on whether Trump's administration allows the Chinese to enter the market CATL wanted to invest in the U.S. but to date the government's said no Chinese battery supplier CATL is open to building a U.S. factory if the incoming Trump administration allows it, the...

EXCLUSIVE: As part of the celebrations, the team at Blizzard has a whole slew of announcements across the core strategy franchise, WoW, Hearthstone and Warcraft Rumble

When you look at the tallest buildings, you're not just gazing at steel and glass; you're witness to a place's aspirations for greatness. These record-breaking skyscrapers reshape urban space, optimize office space and serve as iconic landmarks.

Ravi Theja Kambhampati's insights highlight the enduring impact of these principles, essential for developing robust, future-ready networks that meet the demands of an increasingly connected world

This is a guest post by Thomas Smale from FE International, a website brokerage with an emphasis on SaaS apps. At FE International we speak to website owners on a daily basis who are looking to sell their businesses. Unfortunately, many of these businesses are not sellable for a number of very avoidable reasons. PlanningRead More →

The post Building a SaaS Business You Can Sell first appeared on Rob Walling - Serial Entrepreneur.

Data transparency isn’t just compliance. It's a trust-building strategy that enhances brand loyalty, empowers customers with control and delivers lasting value.

Danny Hawkins, CTO and Co-Founder at Quiqup explores integrated logistics and what it means for food delivery at Post&Parcel Live: The Food Delivery Seminar.

Österreichische Post AG has rolled out over 11,000 handhelds from February to July 2024.

The OM Russia Discipleship Centre opens its doors to 13 new students in September and opens a second OM building on the site.

OM Russia partners with local churches to respond to the needs of Ukrainian refugees in Novosibirsk, Siberia.

“I have always wanted to do more than coach specific sport skills,” Joseph said. “This approach touches all areas of fitness: physical, emotional and spiritual–all aspects of a human being.”

From doing their lessons on the ground to learning at desks in classrooms, the students at Makwati Community School have come a long way.

Teens attending TeenStreet Europe in July will raise money for a project to bring reconciliation to the ethnically divided youth of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Economic growth prospects in Gurgaon have stricken the interests of several people who are ambitious and wish to prosper. It is known as the mini Singapore owing to stunning designs of high rises...

There was a time when the name Dharavi would paint a concerning picture. Today there is hope, there are aspirations. Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) is poised to be one of the most transformative urban renewal projects in India. It promises to

The shares of Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL) were trading at ₹1,206.20 down by ₹35.45 or 2.86 per cent on the NSE today at 10.20 am

I recently attended a talk by author, Bijoy Goswami. Bijoy covered team building as based on his book "The Human Fabric". I have to admit that I'm generally skeptical of the practicality of these kinds of talks, especially in cases where modern artwork is posted. Boy was I *wrong* (about both the content and the artwork - the artwork really drove some points home for me - sorry blog readers, no visual reference). All of it turns out to be great stuff. Bijoy's frameworks are useful and can be applied much like Myers-Briggs stuff can be applied (as opposed to being only descriptive).

Although I'm going to botch some of Bijoy's specific nomenclature, Bijoy's talk centered around building teams, and he talked about how successful teams need to build around three archetypes of people: the Maven, Evangelist, and Relater.

As I come from spending a good amount of time in the software world, people that are Maven-types are basically "Tools". Mavens are geniuses when it comes to technology and love architecturally cool stuff like gmail. They tend not to be good marketers.

Evangelists are thought of as people that come across as flashy, and they know exactly how to pitch a product with the one, two, and three top business points why one should buy.

Lastly, there are the Relater-types that are emphathetic and maintain relationships. They put people at ease and seek first to understand before seeking to be understood. They hate gmail, but they love Outlook because it helps the Relater stay connected with people.

In any case, Bijoy's claim is that teams (whether the team consists of two people) need to cover all bases.

As I think about my own archetype (a Relater-Evangelist), I realize that one of my past business relationships had been successful because my counterpart is an Evangelist-Maven. In one of my past client projects, I realize I plugged a key gap because of my Relater background. Now that I'm helping a friend recruit a key person for his company, aside from covering the nuts and bolts during the interview process, I'm thinking about how the new hire will round out the executive team.

Anyway, please check out Bijoy's book. I'm a believer now, and may end up buying the book for some of my clients.

Update (2/17/05): Bijoy has let me know offline that readers can take a look at the art and his website at http://www.thehumanfabric.com . Thanks, Bijoy!

Steve Shu Managing Director S4 Management Group Email: sshu@s4management.com Web: http://www.s4management.com

Many small businesses will turn to local developers when it comes to building their first business website, while others will rely on agencies, or even step up and take on the challenge themselves. Today, we want to help those who're brave enough to be building their own website.

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Being a business owner is a dream of many; but a reality of only a few. Especially when it comes to actually making it in the small business space. It requires persistence, preparation and dedication.

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For tips on keeping your business customer focused and more, check out this recent content from members of the online small business community.

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There is something incredibly important in life that I do not hear enough people talking about. It is called your personal brand and it goes far beyond your career.

I started learning about personal branding over 10 years ago when I got into the entrepreneurial world. I noticed a big difference between some peoples brands and others. So I started taking notes.

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