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Juneau, Alaska, part 2: Learn How to Fall

A game hunter consults his conscience, a Native Rights advocate remembers being separated from her heritage, a local chef plays host to TV personality Gordon Ramsay, a widow remembers her late husband’s grace and humor, a Native Youth Olympics coach connects kids to culture through athletics, plus an artist, a musician, a cross-country bicyclist, two roller-derby girls, and a family in a half-built cabin on an island in the wilderness

Special thanks this episode to Juneau field producer MK MacNaughton and the National Endowment for the Arts.




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Roger Penske closes nearly perfect motorsports season with 3rd consecutive NASCAR championship

There is no such a thing as a perfect season. At least that is what Roger Penske told The Associated Press hours after winning his third consecutive NASCAR championship.




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Notre Dame marks arrival of Paris Olympics' iconic trackside bell as cathedral reopening nears

Paris's Notre Dame cathedral, whose historic bells were silenced following 2019's devastating fire, will soon echo again with fresh chimes.




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From Barcode of Life Data Systems to scholarly publishing systems: a case study with ten Nearctic species of Microgastrinae

An innovative workflow reveals new research potential of the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD). A recently published article in the Biodiversity Data Journal (BDJ) used specimen records downloaded from BOLD in tabular format and imported these into a human-readable text developed in manuscript within the Pensoft Writting Tool (PWT). Data were used to study the species distributions of ten Nearctic species of braconid wasps from the Microgastrinae subfamily.

BOLD is originally designed to support the generation and application of DNA barcode data. However, the repository also holds unexplored treasures of additional data that provide unique potential for many other research uses.

Currently almost 4 million sequences (over 3.4 million of them DNA barcodes) are stored in BOLD, including coverage for more than 143K animal species, 53K plant species, and 16K fungi and other species, and this impressive storage of information is continuing to grow every day.

A team of researchers, led by Dr Jose Fernandez-Triana from the University of Guelph, Canada, have now explored how the unique amount of data stored on the BOLD platform can be utilised for new research purposes. Choosing tiny parasitic wasps for their case study they selected a sample of 630 specimens and 10 North American species. Data stored on BOLD were then used to uncover a significant number of new records of locality, provinces, territories and states.

The research was then secured a fast publication via BDJ, a community peer-reviewed, open-access, comprehensive online platform, designed to accelerate publishing, dissemination and sharing of biodiversity-related data of any kind.

"Import of structured data into human-readable text is important but it does not represent the whole story. More importantly, the data can be downloaded straight from the article text by anyone for further re-use, or be automatically exported to data aggregators, such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). In this way, data platforms could get more peer-reviewed content from scholarly publications and scientists will be properly credited for their efforts" said Prof. Lyubomir Penev, founder of Pensoft Publishers.

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Original Source:

Fernandez-Triana J, Penev L, Ratnasingham S, Smith M, Sones J, Telfer A, deWaard J, Hebert P (2014) Streamlining the use of BOLD specimen data to record species distributions: a case study with ten Nearctic species of Microgastrinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Biodiversity Data Journal 2: e4153. doi: 10.3897/BDJ.2.e4153

Additional information:

The workflow is part of the Data Publishing Toolkit elaborated within the EU FP7 funded project EU BON (Grant agreement No 308454).

 





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Postdoctoral position: Modelling of the land-sea nutrient transfer to the Mediterranean sea under different land management scenarios

Post-doctoral scientist position is open for the project "Towards an integrated prediction of Land & Sea Responses to global change in the Mediterranean Basin" (LaSeR-Med), which focusses on integrated socio-ecological modelling. The duration of the contract is initially one year, with a possible extension for a second year, depending on the initial results. The post-doc will be based within the Mediterranean Institute of marine and terrestrial Biodiversity and Ecology (IMBE) in Aix-en-Provence, France. The project is part of the Labex OT-Med (http://www.otmed.fr/).

Applicants should hold a doctoral degree in physics, chemistry, microbiology, geosciences, environmental sciences or a related field of science. They should be familiar with modelling biogeochemical interactions between ecosystems and capable to further develop existing numerical ecosystem models. Programming skills (C) and modelling experience are therefore mandatory. Knowledge of R and of Unix/Linux environment will be an advantage. The candidate should have good written and oral communication skills. For work, good skills in the English language will be essential.

The project:

Terrestrial and marine ecosystems are connected through groundwater, river discharge and nutrient outflows (especially N and P). River catchments in the Mediterranean are N-intensive regions, mostly due to intensive agriculture in the North and to crop N2 fixation or food & feed import in the South. The fraction of nutrient reaching the sea constitutes significant anthropogenic forcing of many marine biological processes. For simulating the dynamics of the first levels of the marine food web (from nutrients to jellyfishes), the ocean biogeochemical model, Eco3M-MED, used and developed by the Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) within OT-Med, currently uses N and P measurements at river mouths, e.g. for the Rhône.

In order to estimate the impacts of global change on the functioning of marine ecosystems, the project aims at modeling the dependency of N and P outflows to the Mediterreanean sea toward land management. Land management is modelled as part of the agro-ecosystem model LPJmL (Bondeau et al., 2007), that has been especially adapted to the Mediterranean cropping systems (Fader et al., 2015). Among others, LPJmL simulates the daily carbon and water cycles, and the river discharges to the sea. Following existing approaches in the scientific literature, the post-doc will implement the nutrient N and P transfer in LPJmL, covering the net nutrient inputs to the river catchments by accounting for the processes occurring at the agro-ecosystem level (N2 biological fixation, fertilization, atmospheric deposition) and the net food and feed imports. Since only a minor fraction of the net nutrient inputs from Mediterranean basins reaches the sea, the retention along the nutrient cascade will have to be added to the LPJmL river routing scheme, similarly to the method used by the Riverstrahler model. Once the nutrient transfers have been introduced into LPJmL, simulations will be validated using current climate and land use forcing for comparisons with the existing observations from river outlets. Finally, future conditions will be assessed by using the model with scenarios of changing regional climate and land use / land management.

Your application:

Applications should contain a suitable motivation letter describing your anticipated role in the project, a CV, a list of scientific publications and the names of at least two scientists that can be contacted for references. They must be sent to Ms. Gabriela Boéri (gabriela.boeri@imbe.fr). Please prepare your application as a single file in pdf-format.

Questions about the project or the position can be directed to Dr. Alberte Bondeau (alberte.bondeau@imbe.fr). The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate has been found – work should start soon after that date. The salary and contract conditions will be determined according to standards set by Aix-Marseille University – questions in this regard can be directed to Sophie Pekar (pekar@otmed.fr).





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Conference: Adapting to Global Change in the Mediterranean hotspot - AGCM

The Conference "Adapting to Global Change in the Mediterranean hotspot - AGCM" will be held in Seville, Spain on 18-20 September 2013. The conference is organised by Donana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC) within the FP7 funded  EcoGenes project.  Its main purpose is to explore and gather a variety of  independent research threads to reveal overall patterns on how the world around us is changing and the many ways different organisms respond to that change.

By bringing together researchers who investigate various aspects of this global change and the way individuals, populations and communities respond to it, and who employ a wide variety of experimental and theoretical tools, the conference aims at hope to make intellectual progress on particular issues and move research in the area forward.

The specific themes that will be addressed are:

  • Phenotypic responses to global change
  • Breakdown of species boundaries
  • Emergent diseases in changing environments
  • Responses to past global change
  • Adaptation and speciation in response to changing environments
  • Biological invasions: from species adaptation to ecosystem responses
  • Monitoring ecosystems responses
  • Consequences of global change in biotic interactions
  • Population responses to global change

AGCM is by invitation only regarding speakers; however participants are invited to submit a proposal for posters.

Poster submission deadline: 17 July 2013
Registration Deadline: 6 September 2013

For more information visit the AGCM website: http://ebdecogenes.ebd.csic.es





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Adaptation Strategies to Global Environmental Change in the Mediterranean City (Athens, Greece)

The international Conference will explore the potential of earth observations and thrust climate information transfer from the science to the stakeholder application realm, in order to develop suitable adaptation measures at national and regional levels. It will identify best adaptation programs and approaches to global environmental change in Mediterranean-climate cities. It will enhance and strengthen European and international cooperation in the context of the activities within the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), and promote tools and options for adaptation strategies. The Conference will help local and regional authorities and stakeholders to gain insight on the role of EO-based services in adapting to climate chance impacts in urban hot- spot areas. The Conference will be followed for one and a half day by the 8th GEO European Project Workshop which will be the opportunity to present concrete examples of Earth Observation activities relevant to adaptation strategies.

Information and registration: www.mariolopoulosfoundation.gr/medcity2014







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Indicators of the impact of land use changes using large-scale birdsurveys: Land abandonment in a Mediterranean region




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Streamlining the use of BOLD specimen data to record species distributions: a case study with ten Nearctic species of Microgastrinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)




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Predicting the future effectiveness of protected areas for bird conservation in Mediterranean ecosystems under climate change and novel fire regime scenarios





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Assessing impacts of land abandonment on Mediterranean biodiversity using indicators based on bird and butterfly monitoring data





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Fauna Europaea: Annelida – Hirudinea, incl. Acanthobdellea and Branchiobdellea




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An assessment of soil erosion prevention in Mediterranean Europe: current trends of ecosystem service provision





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Salinity is the major factor influencing the sediment bacterial communities in a Mediterranean lagoonal complex (Amvrakikos Gulf, Ionian Sea)





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Sulfate-reducing microorganisms in a Mediterranean lagoonal complex (Amvrakikos Gulf, Ionian Sea)





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When the Keto and Mediterranean Diets Marry

PROBLEM-SOLVING Dr. Don Colbert is known for helping people live a healthy lifestyle by following the Ketogenic diet. As a medical doctor who has treated over 50,000 patients, he says the answers to people's ailments are almost always linked to what they eat.  Unexpectantly, Dr. Colbert noticed many people who said they were on the Keto Diet, including some of his patients, were placed on statins for high cholesterol. Some were also suffering from joint pain, muscle aches, fatigue, gut issues,...




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Find a Power Tool Battery Recycler Near You Using an Online Tool

An important part of responsible power tool ownership is to appropriately dispose of rechargeable batteries at the end of their service life. Yes, lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized power tools and other devices by providing long-lasting, reliable power. However, no battery lasts forever.




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Architect Profile: John Paul Minear, AIA, NCARB

Vision, innovation, and dedication, are all hallmarks of Detroit, Michigan-based firm BEI Architect & Engineers. 




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Nearly 350 Building Enclosure Professionals Attend 2024 IIBEC/OBEC BES

The 2024 IIBEC/OBEC BES — the fall’s premier building enclosure industry event — wrapped on Oct. 1. Nearly 350 attendees were on hand to experience 21 education sessions, interact with 35 exhibitors and network with like-minded colleagues.




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Linear Wood Ceiling Panels and Grilles

The company is expanding its line of wood ceiling options with its new Linear Wood Ceiling Panels and Grilles.




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Michigan OSHA issues hazard alert about working near ice

Lansing, MI – Even though winter is in its final weeks, workers need to keep taking proper precautions around ice, Michigan OSHA states in a hazard alert released in February.




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FMCSA awards nearly $81 million in high-priority safety grants

Washington — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has awarded almost $81 million in grants via its High Priority Grant Program.




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California suspends nearly 200 medical providers from state workers’ comp system

San Francisco — The California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Workers’ Compensation has suspended 178 medical providers from its workers’ comp system during the first eight months of the year.




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HiveWatch & Genea Partner to Provide Cloud-based Solutions

Genea offers a cloud-based access control and visitor management platform built on non-proprietary hardware that empowers users with the ability to monitor their buildings and provision credentials from anywhere.




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OSHA to employers: Injury and illness reporting period nearing

Washington — OSHA is reminding employers of the upcoming window to submit 2022 Form 300A data.




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Nearly All U.S. Households Have Smoke Alarms, But CO Alarm Awareness Lags

Although 90 percent of households surveyed by the CPSC viewed smoke alarms as “extremely necessary,” only 66 percent felt the same about CO alarms.





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MSHA cautions miners about working near oil and gas wells

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration is reminding miners working near oil and gas wells to remain aware that “an inadvertent intersection with one of these wells” could be hazardous.




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Men’s work sneaker

The Kenton is a retro-inspired work sneaker that offers lightweight protection for all-day workflow.




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Work sneakers

Modeled after classic Reeboks, Harman Work suede leather work sneakers offer wearers an iconic look as well as ample protection.




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Nearly half of workers with work-related asthma don’t receive pneumonia shot, study shows

Washington – Adults with occupational asthma face a higher risk of developing pneumococcal disease, but only 54 percent of them are vaccinated to help ward off an infection, according to a new study from NIOSH.




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Nearly 2 million health care workers have asthma, NIOSH study shows

Washington — The health care and social assistance industry has the highest percentage of workers with asthma among major industry groups, according to a recent study from NIOSH’s Respiratory Health Division.




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Fall protection near exposed edges: Washington state issues hazard alert

Tumwater, WA — A new hazard alert from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is intended for employers and workers who use personal fall arrest systems positioned near exposed edges.




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Transit agency aims to make workers safer near train tracks

Washington — The Federal Transit Administration is accepting comment on a proposed rule that would establish mandatory minimum safety standards for rail transit employees who work on or near tracks.




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OSHA: No update to Hazard Communication Standard in near future

Washington – Any long-awaited update to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is not forthcoming, an agency official said June 20.




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Gig workers make up nearly 1 in 8 on-the-job deaths: BLS

Washington — Independent workers – defined as people who are likely self-employed and performing short-term jobs with “no guarantee of future work beyond the task” – accounted for 12.3% of worker fatalities in 2016 and 2017, according to Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries data released Aug. 9 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.




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BLS: On-the-job deaths jump nearly 6% in 2022

Washington — A total of 5,486 workers died from on-the-job injuries in 2022 – a 5.7% increase from the previous year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released Dec. 19.




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Arcules & Genea Integrate Cloud-Based Security Solutions for a Powerful SaaS Combination

Arcules, a provider of unified, intelligent video-surveillance-as-a-service solutions, announced the integration of its cloud-based video platform with the Genea access control platform.




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Practice ladder safety near overhead power lines

Between 1992 and 2005 at least 154 workers were killed by electrocution when a metal ladder came into contact with overhead power wires, according to the most recent data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.




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LED linear fixtures

Vigilant and SafeSite Low Profile/Top Conduit LED Linear fixtures feature an industry-leading 10-year warranty.




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Prevent falls when working near rooftop hatches

Guarding floor and wall openings and holes is a requirement under OSHA’s fall protection standard. Hatches, which provide workers with direct access to a rooftop where equipment is often stored, fall under this requirement.




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Shift work sleep disorder raises risk of traffic crashes by nearly 300%: study

Columbia, MO — Individuals who develop shift work sleep disorder – a condition involving insomnia or excessive sleepiness as a result of working nontraditional hours – may be almost three times more likely to be involved in a traffic crash, according to a recent study by researchers from the University of Missouri.




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Near misses

Are near misses leading or lagging indicators?




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Reporting near misses

Observing and abating hazards before someone gets hurt is vital to ensuring worker safety, and a near-miss program can help. Learn what near misses are, how they work, and how to collect reports on them.




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Implementing a near-miss reporting system

An employee may recount a story of a “close call” at work. He or she also may describe the incident as a “near collision” or “narrow escape.” All these terms refer to a near miss.




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Understanding – and avoiding – near misses

A roofing contractor forgoes fall protection because he finds it uncomfortable. Later that day, he slips and nearly falls off the roof of the two-story house he is working on.




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NSC offering nearly $300K in grants in push to reduce work-related MSDs

Itasca, IL — The National Safety Council has announced two new grant programs to encourage development of safety solutions targeting work-related musculoskeletal disorders.




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When you suspect a corneal abrasion

A corneal abrasion occurs when a person’s cornea – the clear, domed covering over the eye’s iris and pupil – is scraped or scratched.