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Online consultation to fill gaps in the global indicator framework for the Aichi Biodiversity Targets

The Biodiversity Indicators Partnership (BIP) Secretariat is looking for indicators to fill gaps in the global suite of biodiversity indicators and allow a full understanding of progress towards globally agreed targets.

They are inviting experts and organisations to participate in an open online consultation to fill the gaps in the global indicator framework for the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020. Through this short online survey they want to hear about any existing indicators (both global and sub-global in scale), indicators under development, potentially useful datasets or key experts or organisations in the fields. The main focus is on indicators that respond to the gaps in the global framework, which are listed on the attached flyer, but they are also keen to hear about any other indicators that could potentially enhance the existing indicator suite.

The consultation is open until 30 June 2016. Further information on the consultation is available in the attached flyer, the BIP website http://www.bipindicators.net/gaps, and the CBD notification SCBD/OES/RH/KNM/85710.





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New EU BON research reviews the most relevant sources for European biodiversity observation data to identifying important barriers and fill gaps

Recently published in Biological Conservation, the new EU BON supported paper is titled "Unlocking biodiversity data: Prioritization and filling the gaps in biodiversity observation data in Europe".
 
Abstract:
 
Large quantities of biodiversity data are required to assess the current status of species, to identify drivers of population and distributional change, and to predict changes to biodiversity under future scenarios. Nevertheless, currently-available data are often not well-suited to these purposes. To highlight existing gaps, we assess the availability of species observation data in Europe, their geographic and temporal range, and their quality. We do so by reviewing the most relevant sources for European biodiversity observation data, and identifying important barriers to filling gaps. We suggest strategies, tools and frameworks to continue to fill these gaps, in addition to producing data suitable for generating Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs). Our review of data sources shows that only around a third of data-providers provide unrestricted data access. Particularly large geographic gaps exist in Eastern European countries and many datasets are not suitable for generating EBVs due to the absence of long-term data. We highlight examples built on recent experiences from large data integrators, publishers and networks that help to efficiently improve data availability, adopt open science principles and close existing data gaps. Future strategies must urgently consider the needs of relevant data stakeholders, particularly science- and policy-related needs, and provide incentives for data-providers. Hence, sustainable, longterm infrastructures and a European biodiversity network are needed to provide such efficient workflows, incentives for data-provision and tools.
 
 

 





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Unlocking biodiversity data: Prioritization and filling the gaps in biodiversity observation data in Europe




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Workers and opioids: A snapshot

Using recent data and analysis from NIOSH, the Workers Compensation Research Institute and other organizations, Safety+Health presents an infographic showing the impact of the opioid crisis on the workplace.




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A Snapshot of Sustainability in the Security Industry: 2014

The time certainly is ripe for security industry businesses that are involved in sustainability. First movers are blazing a profitable path to the sustainable future and demonstrating the value of going green to companies that are preparing to dive into what will soon be the “new normal.”




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Preventing trench collapses

Workers caught in trench collapses rarely survive because soil can be extremely heavy. A cubic yard of soil can weigh up to 3,000 pounds – roughly the weight of a small motor vehicle, according to OSHA.




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Fortinet Survey: 70% of Firms Report Employee Security Gaps

As malicious actors use AI to increase the volume and velocity of their attacks, leaders believe these threats will be harder for their employees to spot, according to the Fortinet survey.




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Biden taps Deputy Labor Secretary Julie Su to lead DOL

Washington — President Joe Biden has announced his intent to nominate Julie Su for labor secretary.




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Biden again taps acting Labor Secretary Julie Su to lead DOL

Washington — President Joe Biden has renominated Julie Su for labor secretary, but Su’s path to confirmation remains murky.




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OSHA issues temporary enforcement policy after crane operator certification organization’s accreditation lapses

Washington — OSHA has issued a temporary enforcement policy for the construction industry after being informed by the Sanford, FL-based Crane Institute Certification that the organization no longer is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency, as required under section 1926.1427(d) of OSHA’s Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard.




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Seattle construction company owner faces manslaughter charge after fatal trench collapse

Olympia, WA — The owner of a Seattle construction company is facing a second-degree manslaughter charge stemming from a 2016 employee death, marking the first time a workplace fatality in Washington state has prompted a felony charge, according to the Washington Department of Labor & Industries.




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Construction company owner receives jail sentence after worker dies in trench collapse

Seattle — The owner of a West Seattle construction company has been sentenced to 45 days in jail for his role in a fatal trench collapse, according to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.




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OSHA issues hazard bulletin on grease traps

Washington — In an effort to prevent injuries related to commercial grease traps, OSHA has issued a hazard bulletin.




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Safety Snapshot: Construction

Safety+Health presents a look at safety in the construction industry.




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'No one ever just snaps'

A workplace shooting or other violent incident can harm employees and damage morale. What signs should employers look for to recognize potentially dangerous employees, and how should they respond to the threat?




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FACEValue: Worker killed in trench collapse

A 29-year-old construction worker was killed when the trench he was in collapsed.




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FACEValue: Tower climbers killed when cell tower collapses; firefighter dies in rescue attempt

On the day of the incident, two tower climbers were killed when a 340-foot cellular tower collapsed during upgrading and construction activities.




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FACE Report: Day laborer dies in a collapsed trench being dug to repair a sewer line

The process of digging the trench, which was not shored, exposed a 3-inch water line that was about 3 feet below grade and ran the length of the trench. No attempt was made to shut off the water line before work began or after it was uncovered.




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Avoid flame-resistant clothing mishaps

What are some common errors workers make regarding flame-resistant clothing?




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Obama taps NTSB’s Mark Rosekind to lead NHTSA

Washington – President Barack Obama has nominated Mark Rosekind to be administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.




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President-elect Joe Biden taps former OSHA head for COVID-19 advisory board

Washington — Former OSHA administrator David Michaels is among three new members named to President-elect Joe Biden’s Transition COVID-19 Advisory Board, Biden’s transition team announced in a Nov. 28 press release.




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Collapsible gate valve lockout devices

Collapsible Gate Valve Lockouts are durable and versatile lockout-covering devices available in three sizes to effectively secure valves with 3-inch to 18-inch diameter handles.




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Commutes are a time for unhealthy eating and ‘food mishaps,’ study finds

Miami — Unhealthy fast food – as well as risky driving while eating behind the wheel – is part of an estimated 122 million Americans’ commutes, results of a recent study suggest.




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Capsoil FoodTech: Gummy Solutions

Opening the door to the inclusion of soluble lipids will bring gummy producers new opportunities to offer ingredients such as MCT’s; omega fatty acids; vitamins A, D, E, K; coenzyme Q-10; carotenoids, and lipid-soluble botanicals, such as terpenes and cannabinoids, in flavorful chewy formats.




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Deep Indian Kitchen Kati Street Wraps

Deep Indian Kitchen's new Kati Street Wraps deliver a unique toasted texture and a vibrant, rich flavor experience - just like the Katis made famous by street carts in India and Indian restaurants in America.




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FITAID RX Zero Encapsulated Creatine Drink

The two new and naturally flavored options for their fitness enthusiasts are Blue Raspberry and Juicy Apple.




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Sherwin-Williams Announces 2025 Color Capsule of the Year

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of its Color of the Year, Sherwin-Williams created its first-ever Color Capsule of the Year, a curated assortment of hues that encapsulate a variety of eras and aesthetics. 




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Taylor Adhesive Zephyr Serves as a Moisture Vapor Barrier, Encapsulator and Primer Coating

Engineered to fight moisture, Zephyr can also be used as a primer, or even an encapsulator, eliminating the need to remove existing or cutback adhesive residue.




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MANA Nutrition Taps A M King for Georgia Facility

Integrated design-build firm A M King has begun a large-scale renovation of a Savannah, Ga.-area facility for MANA Nutrition Inc. that will produce the non-profit’s ready-to-use therapeutic food and ready-to-use supplemental food.





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Opioid substitution treatment, relapse and addiction-related outcomes in prison setting and after release: A longitudinal study

Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, Ahead of Print. Aims: Opioid addiction is a common problem among prisoners. The aim of this study was to examine differences between people who are incarcerated receiving opioid substitution treatment (OST) and those not receiving OST on addiction-related outcome variables during incarceration and after release from prison. Variables covered […]

The post Opioid substitution treatment, relapse and addiction-related outcomes in prison setting and after release: A longitudinal study was curated by information for practice.



  • Open Access Journal Articles


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Hints of snow emerging on the weather maps

A major November snow system has dumped tremendous snow in Colorado. The same system brings mainly rain to Minnesota this weekend.




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28 trombonists play 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' will send shivers down your spine

Recorded during the 2018 International Trombone Festival, this brass choir elevates the cover game.




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Lebanon Landfill's 11-Family Compost Pilot Diverts One Ton Of Food Scraps

Earlier this year, the city of Lebanon gave a small group of residents the chance to bring not their trash and recyclables to the local landfill, but their compost too. It makes Lebanon one of a few cities in the state helping residents reduce food waste, which is a major contributor to climate change.




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Trump taps former acting ICE director Tom Homan as 'border czar'

President-elect Donald Trump announced that former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Tom Homan will serve as "border czar" in his new administration.




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Three wars that caused the Russian Empire to collapse

Since 1478, Russia has taken part in 138 wars and suffered defeat in 18 of them. Three of those wars led to most severe territorial and human losses for Russia.  Livonian War (1558 - 1583) The conflict sparked after the Livonian Confederation refused to pay tribute that Russia had imposed  since the previous war in 1481. The Livonians actively obstructed the development of Russian trade in the Baltic Sea and concluded an offensive-defensive treaty with Poland and Lithuania. Having realised that the war with the Baltic would be inevitable, Ivan the Terrible organised a crusade to Livonia. At first, Russia was winning, and both Livonia and Lithuania were completely defeated. However, the European countries joined their forces in the face of the threat from the Russian army. 




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Several football players collapse as lightning strikes during match in Peru

A football player was killed when a flash of lightning struck him during a match between Juventud Bellavista and Familia Chocca in Peru. The incident occurred when the players were leaving the field due to bad weather. Thirty-nine-year-old defender Hugo de la Cruz Mesa died on the spot. Four other players were hospitalized, one of them remains in serious condition, Peruvian agency Andina said.




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US puppets in Europe nervous as Ukraine may collapse by September

The Ukrainian army will be able to hold out until the beginning of autumn at most. Most likely, though, everything will collapse in June-July, observers believe. France Presse wrote that Zelensky's office repeatedly used Western weapons to strike the Russian Federation. For the last time, Kyiv struck targets in the Krasnodar Territory (Southern Russia). The US has gauthorised Kyiv to use US-made weapons to strike deep into Russia too. Is further escalation with the West coming? "The real strategy of the West is logical and consistent. They understand it in the West very well that they will have to switch to strategic defense, because there are not enough troops and losses have been growing catastrophically. The Ukrainian army lacks weapons and military equipment. Therefore, they want the Armed Forces of Ukraine to hold out, and this is only possible by switching to strategic defense. In other words, they want Ukrainian to maintain relative stability at least for several months,” Director of the Center for Military-Political Studies of MGIMO Alexey Podberezkin told Ukraina.ru publication.




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FIFA Slaps 10-match Ban on Marco Curto for Making Racist Comments to Hwang Hee-chan

[Sports] :
FIFA has slapped a ten-match ban on Italian footballer Marco Curto for making racist comments to Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan during a pre-season friendly against Como 1907 back in July.  British sports media outlet, Sky Sports, quoted a spokesperson for the international football ...

[more...]




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Badger Maps Review: Navigating Your Sales Territory

Badger Maps is a cutting-edge sales territory management software that has revolutionized the way sales professionals plan and optimize their routes. With its innovative features and user-friendly interface, Badger Maps has become an indispensable tool for sales teams across various industries. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Badger Maps, exploring its features and benefits, comparing it to traditional route planning methods, analyzing its pros and cons, and providing tips for maximizing productivity with this powerful tool.






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BGS maps portal - British Geological Survey

BGS maps portal  British Geological Survey







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Similarity score for screening phase-retrieved maps in X-ray diffraction imaging – characterization in reciprocal space

X-ray diffraction imaging (XDI) is utilized for visualizing the structures of non-crystalline particles in material sciences and biology. In the structural analysis, phase-retrieval (PR) algorithms are applied to the diffraction amplitude data alone to reconstruct the electron density map of a specimen particle projected along the direction of the incident X-rays. However, PR calculations may not lead to good convergence because of a lack of diffraction patterns in small-angle regions and Poisson noise in X-ray detection. Therefore, the PR calculation is still a bottleneck for the efficient application of XDI in the structural analyses of non-crystalline particles. For screening maps from hundreds of trial PR calculations, we have been using a score and measuring the similarity between a pair of retrieved maps. Empirically, probable maps approximating the particle structures gave a score smaller than a threshold value, but the reasons for the effectiveness of the score are still unclear. In this study, the score is characterized in terms of the phase differences between the structure factors of the retrieved maps, the usefulness of the score in screening the maps retrieved from experimental diffraction patterns is demonstrated, and the effective resolution of similarity-score-selected maps is discussed.




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Introduction of the Capsules environment to support further growth of the SBGrid structural biology software collection

The expansive scientific software ecosystem, characterized by millions of titles across various platforms and formats, poses significant challenges in maintaining reproducibility and provenance in scientific research. The diversity of independently developed applications, evolving versions and heterogeneous components highlights the need for rigorous methodologies to navigate these complexities. In response to these challenges, the SBGrid team builds, installs and configures over 530 specialized software applications for use in the on-premises and cloud-based computing environments of SBGrid Consortium members. To address the intricacies of supporting this diverse application collection, the team has developed the Capsule Software Execution Environment, generally referred to as Capsules. Capsules rely on a collection of programmatically generated bash scripts that work together to isolate the runtime environment of one application from all other applications, thereby providing a transparent cross-platform solution without requiring specialized tools or elevated account privileges for researchers. Capsules facilitate modular, secure software distribution while maintaining a centralized, conflict-free environment. The SBGrid platform, which combines Capsules with the SBGrid collection of structural biology applications, aligns with FAIR goals by enhancing the findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability of scientific software, ensuring seamless functionality across diverse computing environments. Its adaptability enables application beyond structural biology into other scientific fields.




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Validation of electron-microscopy maps using solution small-angle X-ray scattering

The determination of the atomic resolution structure of biomacromolecules is essential for understanding details of their function. Traditionally, such a structure determination has been performed with crystallographic or nuclear resonance methods, but during the last decade, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) has become an equally important tool. As the blotting and flash-freezing of the samples can induce conformational changes, external validation tools are required to ensure that the vitrified samples are representative of the solution. Although many validation tools have already been developed, most of them rely on fully resolved atomic models, which prevents early screening of the cryo-TEM maps. Here, a novel and automated method for performing such a validation utilizing small-angle X-ray scattering measurements, publicly available through the new software package AUSAXS, is introduced and implemented. The method has been tested on both simulated and experimental data, where it was shown to work remarkably well as a validation tool. The method provides a dummy atomic model derived from the EM map which best represents the solution structure.