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AHAA Webinars
AHAA makes training and professional development simple and easy. You can access these on-demand sessions right from your desk at anytime!
AHAA's Total Market Benchmark Study: What Do Clients Think? (Members Only)
December17th, 2013
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Watch the presentation (WebEx)!
Did you miss our session at ANA Multicultural? You're in luck. AHAA is hosting a research session to provide you key insights from our latest study. In Q1 of 2014, agency results will be revealed to AHAA members only. Remember to renew or join today!
In the last decade, multicultural populations have grown to wield enormous power both on Wall Street and on Main Street. Not only are they influencing pop culture, entertainment and cuisine, but they are also driving significant changes in corporate board rooms and evolving the marketing industry. Today, marketing strategies are under great scrutiny in response to the explosive growth of multicultural populations. As many companies seek to reconcile and recalibrate efforts toward multiple market segments, questions arise with regards to the potential of defining and addressing a Total Market Strategy.
Moderator: Gaby Alcantara-Diaz – President, G ADMarketing Communications, Inc.
Speaker: Carlos Santiago, President & CEO, Santiago Solutions Group
THE DEMOGRAPHIC FUTURE: Are brands ready for the next American revolution? (Members Only)
November 14th, 2013
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Watch the presentation (WebEx)
2042—the year that America is poised to become a majority-minority nation—is just around the corner. But these massive demographic changes are already causing seismic shifts in consumer expectations, parenting, media, politics and the workforce—and these will only grow in intensity as the tipping point grows closer. Is your brand in tune with the realities of this reinvented America?
Join The Futures Company as we discuss what you need to do to prepare as we enter the next chapter of our country's future—one that's pluralist, globalist and fundamentally different in looks, tastes, traditions and beliefs? You'll also get a sneak peek at the new themes discussed in the 2014 State of the Multicultural Consumer report including:
- The M2—Multicultural Millennials
- How—and When—to Talk to the Total Market
- Health & Wellness—A Multicultural Perspective
- Blurred Lines—Marketing in an Age Beyond Boxes
Speaker: Camille Leak, Associate Head of Multicultural Insights, The Futures Co.
Download the four page 2014 road map!
Hispanic Infinite Dial Launch (Members Only)
October 15th, 2013
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Watch the presentation (WebEx)
Nielsen Audio, formerly Arbitron, is launching it's Hispanic Infinite Dial results exclusively to AHAA members before the general market dissemination. Get the scoop before everyone else!
About the Infinite Dial 2013 Series:
The Infinite Dial series from Arbitron and Edison Media Research has offered an unparalleled view of digital media trends since 1998 and has become a highly anticipated annual report. Some of the trends highlighted in the study are:
•Growing penetration of smartphones and tablets and the ways people use these devices
•The continued growth of online radio usage and time spent listening
•An update on social media use by brand and age demos
•Which devices people use to wake up in the morning
Moderator: Gaby Alcantara-Diaz, President, G ADMarketing Communications, Inc.
Speaker: Bill Rose, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Arbitron
The AHAA Generational & Cultural Study: Beyond the Data
(Members Only)
September 24th, 2013
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Watch the presentation (WebEx)
The latest and final webinar takes new data to further understand the dimensions of bicultural duality. The authors will contrast the limitations of traditional Acculturation unidimensional models and how Cultural Orientation's bidimensional approach expands marketers understanding of behavior and preferences beyond demographics.
What You'll Learn:
• Key cultural orientation dimensions
• The difference between acculturation and cultural orientation; and their application
• Language and media usage by Hispanic generational segment
• How this data can be to develop stronger creative messages and deeper consumer insights
With underwriting from AARP, AHAA: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing's recently commissioned study is the first to examine the buying habits and Cultural Orientation of Hispanics and non-Hispanics across three generational groups—Millennials (18-29), Generation X (30-44), and Boomers (45-65).
Moderator: Gaby Alcantara-Diaz, President, G ADMarketing Communications, Inc.
Carlos Santiago, President & CEO, Santiago Solutions Group
Dr. Jake Beniflah, Study Academic Counsel, Exec Dir, Center for Multicultural Science
Scott Willoth, SVP Methods & Analytics, Scarborough Research
Session sponsor: AARP. Study underwriter: AARP. Research Partner: Scarborough.
The Upscale Latino Segment: Beyond the Data (Members Only)
September 18th, 2013
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Download the Q&A Whitepaper (PDF)
Watch the presentation (WebEx)
You asked for more information on the Upscale Latino segment, and AHAA & Nielsen are delivering! Please join us for an exclusive session that will provide a deeper dive on this influential segment with NEW INFORMATION, based on questions posed during the last webinar covering this topic. We will go beyond basic demographics, spending habits and programming preferences to reveal comprehensive data on…
·The definition of "upscale" and family dynamics that are helping to build combined aggregate household income
·The future of this segment, including college graduate projections and the growth of the upscale Spanish-dominant
·A deeper dive on demographic composition across primary markets with an emphasis on New York, Texas and Washington D.C.
·A closer look at media criteria and digital usage
You will be able to ask questions throughout the presentation and will receive a summary whitepaper in advance of its release to the public. Get your actionable data at this member-only event!
Moderator: Gaby Alcantara-Diaz, President, G ADMarketing Communications, Inc.
- Reny Diaz, Director of Research, Fusion + UniNoticias
- Carlos Santiago, President & CEO, Santiago Solutions Group
The effies: An Inside Look at the Entry Process (Members Only)
September 12th, 2013
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Watch the presentation (WebEx)
AHAA and Effie Worldwide are teaming up to provide a webinar event exclusively for AHAA members. Learn what it takes to have a winning case as Effie Worldwide gives you an inside look at the 2014 North American Effie Awards.
The webinar will outline entry requirements, provide insight into how entries will be judged, and share tips from last year's jury. Insights specific to the Hispanic Effie category will be revealed.
It will also provide the opportunity for you to have any and all of your questions answered. Whether you are new to the process or a veteran at winning Effies – this is a great learning opportunity to have a better understanding of the Effie competition and to hear about the changes they have made for this year's program.
Entry materials for the 2014 North American Effie Awards competition will be available in late August. Entry deadlines run from October 8-October 30. A New Entrant Discount will be available to agencies that have not submitted entries into the 2011, 2012, or 2013 competitions. Competition details will be available at http://www.effie.org/.
Moderator: Gaby Alcantara-Diaz, President, G ADMarketing Communications, Inc.
Speaker: Steph Jones, Senior Program Manager, Effie Worldwide
Elevating the Role of Marketing Procurement --
What Even Agencies Need to Know (Members Only)
Original Presentation: June 18, 2013-- 1 hour
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The discipline of marketing procurement has existed in the industry for well over a decade now. Some companies have more mature marketing procurement teams while others are just starting out. At many companies, the focus continues to be on cost. But some more enlightened firms are now evolving the conversation to strategic metrics, like driving marketing ROI. Recently, ANA took the pulse of its members to better understand the metrics used to gauge the success of marketing procurement. That research and follow-up qualitative interviews help to provide a roadmap for marketers as well as agencies to maximize the contribution of marketing procurement.
Speaker: Bill Duggan, Group EVP, Association of National Advertisers
Winning the Hearts, Minds and Wallets of the Hispanic Customer Using Mobile
Original Presentation: March 20, 2013 -- 1 hour
Download the Presentation (PDF)
Watch the Presentation (Vimeo)
HISPANIC CONSUMERS ARE clearly becoming the most important prospects for marketers, across all sectors. Walmart has reported that 100% of its sales growth is now coming from the multicultural customers. In this webinar we'll provide an overview of the HISPANIC customers and strategies on how engage this MAJORITY-MINORITY throughout the path to purchase in order to win their HEARTS, MINDS and WALLETS.
Moderator: Michael Becker, Managing Director, North America, Mobile Marketing Association
James Briggs, CEO and Co-Founder, Briabe Mobile
Diana Valencia, SVP of Mulitcultural Communications, Porter Novelli
Gaby Alcántara-Diaz, President, G ADMarketing Communications
A Deep Dive Into the Latino Influence Project
Original Presentation: February 28, 2013 -- 1 hour
Download the Presentation (PDF)
Watch the session (WebEx)
The United States is under the influence of the rapid growth of the Latino population. Fashion, music, entertainment, food, and pop culture are key areas in which Latinos are driving mainstream culture and creating nationwide trends.
Most likely you've inevitably heard that "tortillas and salsa now outsell bread and ketchup" and that "dulce de leche is Häagen-Dazs' top-selling flavor of ice cream." In fact, Cheerios, a quintessentially American cereal, recently launched their own "dulce de leche" flavor. Ricky Martin appeared on Glee, Sofia Vergara launched a clothing line at K-Mart, and Victor Cruz is teaching the world to salsa every time he scores a touchdown.
The Influence Project from Wing and Experian set out to quantify the extent to which Latinos are influencing the non-Latinos around them. The findings show that Hispanic influence extends far beyond tortillas and jalapeńos into attitudes and beliefs around health, technology, and even the environment. The Online University session will take a deeper dive into the results of this study.
Holly McGavock - Director of Planning, Wing
She has over 7 years of experience in multiple categories including Spirits, Automotive, Airlines, Retail, CPG, and Pharma. Holly also teaches Hispanic Marketing, Multicultural Marketing and Account Planning courses online for Florida State University students and marketing professionals. -
Dr. Max Kilger -Chief Behavioral Scientist, Experian Marketing Services
He received his doctorate in Social Psychology from Stanford University and directs Experian Marketing Services' efforts in developing new methodologies from both quantitative as well as qualitative fields. Max specializes in applying theoretical and statistical expertise in creating specialized measurement and behavioral systems. His research interests include devising effective measurements for sensitive topical areas, the association between psychographic data and consumption patterns, cultural differences in consumer behavior and the relationship of people to digital technology.
The 10 Principles of Hispanic Print Advertising - What Works? (MEMBERS)
Original Presentation: January 30, 2013 -- 1 hour
Download the Presentation (PDF)
Watch the Presentation (WebEx)
In the USA, Hispanic media is under increasing pressure to more fully prove the return-on-investment (ROI) for advertising. Among the Hispanic magazine industry specifically, there is increasing pressure to prove the power of print and move to a more meaningful measure of advertising effectiveness including the stopping power of creative.
This session will present actionable learnings from an extensive analysis of over 4,000 ads across a dozen Hispanic titles that were measured by Starch en Espańol, a syndicated advertising effectiveness service. It will advance the industry by answering the industry's question: What works in Hispanic print advertising? Starch's Ten Principles are a widely applicable and actionable guide for Hispanic advertisers to create more effective print advertisements.
Susan Nuńez
V.P. Advertiser Sales | GfK MRI
GfK Mediamark Research & Intelligence, LLC
The Latino Radio Listener Landscape (MEMBERS)
Original Presentation: December 12, 2012 -- 1 hour
Download the Presentation (PDF)
Watch the Presentation (WebEx)
The torrent of political advertising has finally come to an end and our airwaves are getting back to normal. This session will look back at how the different political parties utilized radio to reach Hispanic voters in an effort to get ahead. Which candidate spent the most, where did the ads run and when? We will also examine implications for advertisers and the increasing role Hispanics could have on future elections.
- Tony Hereau, Media Insights Manager, Arbitron
- Mary Beth Garber, EVP of Radio Analysis and Insights, Katz
It's Better Out... (MEMBERS)
Original Presentation: November 14, 2012 -- 1 hour
Download the Presentation (Large file!)
Watch the Presentation (WebEx)
When the medium is the message out of home creative simply must inspire, intrigue and challenge. What better way to describe the urban gallery, the visual stew above the asphalt, that poster on the street, sign, billboard or hand-held cardboard; good, bad or governement induced; multi-million dollar flashing lights or bumper stickers on a vespa - the urban, sub-urban or Chevy Suburban imagery we expose is seen, absorbed prohibited, and, when done well, praised.
Join Sean Robertson, Chief creative Officer and idea inciter for an out of this world creative web stroll far along the roadside for a fun and informative look at the good, the bad and the WTF...
About the speaker:
Sean Robertson, Chief Creative Officer and Idea Inciter at RROAM – a San Francisco Bay Area based media and marketing boutique, has found challenge, fulfillment and hair loss developing and promoting all types of creative and specializing in the "Art of the Poster." Sean began his advertising career in 1986 and began his outdoor career 17 years ago as an assistant, part-time, temporary art director for Gannett Outdoor. After inhaling his fair share of toxic fumes, he became Creative Director for Gannett Outdoor SF, Outdoor Systems, and Infinity Outdoor, Viacom Outdoor and previously CBS Outdoor. He is a three-time Obie Awards Judge, part of the industry's Speakers Bureau, and former Chairman of the OAAA Creative Committee.
The Effies: An Inside Look At The Entry Process
Original Presentation: October 15, 2012 -- 1 hour
Watch the Presentation (WebEx)
AHAA and Effie Worldwide have teamed up to present an exclusive webinar event only for AHAA members. This session normally costs $99 but will be provided at NO CHARGE!
At this time, agency and client teams should be deep in preparation of their entries for the 2013 North American competition. Though there is time to make some edits and final touches to ensure you have an effective entry.
Effie Worldwide will present an Entry Webinar, exclusive to AHAA members, that will provide insight into how entries will be judged and tips and insight from last year's jury on what it takes to have a winning case.
The webinar will also provide the opportunity for you to have any and all of your questions answered. Whether you are new to the process, or a veteran at winning Effies – this is a great learning opportunity to have a better understanding of the Effie competition and to understand the changes they have made for this year's program.
Speaker From Effie Worldwide: Steph Jones, Senior Program Coordinator
Original Presentation: October 10, 2012 -- 1 hour
Watch the Presentation (WebEx)
In this exclusive webinar, find out from Skyline Communications on how they won this challenge by planning a mobile app that caught FOX Deportes eye. The winners were announced at the AHAA conference and received a $4,000 scholarship for their efforts.
About the competition: FOX Deportes, in partnership with Florida State University and University of Houston challenged ten group of students to devise a campaign that would leverage the use of digital platforms in the effort of improving the brand's communication and engagement practice with the Hispanic community.
Session Overview:
- Hispanic Communications Challenge
- Today's Digital Landscape (social media, digital & mobile platforms)
- Recognizing trends
- From a faculty standpoint
- From a business standpoint
- Best Practices
- Connecting with millenials and acculturated Hispanics
- How has Fox Deportes evolved in this digital age and how they incorporate social media in their marketing efforts
- Open Forum/ Q&A
- Describe how the Hispanic market is today compared to the US Hispanic from 10 years ago or 10 years from now?
- How to stay truthful to your message/brand and building rapport with the Hispanic audience.
- Robert Rodriguez from FOX Deportes
- Antonieta Reyes Echezuria from the Florida State University
- Marisa Smith, Florida State University & Skyline Communications, the winning team
New Business Development for Multicultural Agencies in Today's Marketing Environment
Original Presentation: September 27, 2012 -- 1 hour
Watch the Presentation (WebEx)
New Rules For Pitching And Winning New Business (Whitepaper)
A successful multicultural agency must remain true to its ethnic heritage and cultural understanding of the target audience, while adopting the tactics that have made general market agencies successful - strategically disciplined, insightful and creative. The speaker will cover the basics that work for all agencies, but add additional insights for multicultural marketing agencies.
Don Morgan is President and Head Rainmaker of Raindance Consulting, a Seattle-based company specializing in new business development, social media and branding consulting for ad agencies. He is a 30+ years veteran of the ad wars.
Understanding and Targeting Affluent Hispanics: From Macro to Micro Market
Original Presentation: September 13, 2012 --1 hour
Learn where the best markets are
See how markets differ based on size and concentration at the county level
Get demographic and assimilation profiles
Get perspective on growth potential
His expertise is in market intelligence and its applications within sales and marketing organizations, and B2B and B2C information product marketing. He has built a 20-year marketing, sales, and business development career in the information and direct marketing industries at D&B, McGraw-Hill, SRI International, and USADATA. Bill has an MBA from Columbia University Graduate School of Business and a B.A. from Bowdoin College.
Hispanic Media Insights - From Advertising To Online Behavior
Original Presentation: July 31, 2012 --1 hour
Download Presentation (3.45 Mb PDF)
Watch the Presentation (WebEx)
Kantar Media, a provider of Internet, TV and radio audience measurement in 59 countries, presented an overview of trends in Hispanic advertising creative for select, high value product categories that includes an analysis of message themes; comparisons versus messaging targeted at Anglo audiences; and what these trends suggest for the future.
Presented by:
Jon Swallen, CRO, Kantar Media Intelligence
Jon leads initiatives into the development of digital methodologies for ad supported online video, social and mobile advertising, as well as spearhead data integration programs and thought leadership efforts in varied industry vertical markets. He was previously SVP of Research for Kantar Media Intelligence and prior to joining Kantar Media Intelligence in 2004, Jon held senior research positions in the media departments of the Universal McCann and Ogilvy & Mather advertising agencies.
Yaakov Kimelfeld, CRO, Kantar Media Compete
Dr. Kimelfeld was most recently SVP, Digital Research and Analytics Director for MediaVest. He is an industry thought leader in digital and traditional media analytics and attribution, and has previously developed numerous custom media planning and research tools working with media partners such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Yahoo! He has received numerous industry recognitions, including the Advertising Research Foundation David Ogilvy Awards in 2009 and 2010.
Realizing the Hispanic Opportunity
Original Presentation: June 28, 2012 -- 1 hour
Download the Presenation (PDF)
Watch the Presentation (WebEx)
Presented by Camille Leak, Associate Head of Multicultural MONITOR, The Futures Co.
The Futures Company presented "Realizing the Hispanic Opportunity." Camille Leak, Associate Head of Multicultural MONITOR will dive into Hispanic consumers' unique mindset, shopping behaviors and market segments exposed by the forces of the recession, including:
- Their sharply higher level of fiscal resilience—which allows them to adapt more rapidly to shifting economic conditions;
- They are a reliable source of demand for certain basic categories of goods and services due to their unique cultural preferences and lifestage needs;
- The emergence of a smart and uncompromising group of Hispanic consumers that represent a major source of discretionary demand: The Ready-to-Spends.
Aribtron Hispanics Insights & Training
Original presentation: June 5, 2012 -- 1 hour
Presented by Jenny Griffith, Arbitron Trainer
Radio offers a lot of unique attributes in the multi-media landscape. Join us at 2pm EST on June 5th to learn more about radio today. This session will look at the trends and evolution of the medium, review basic measurements and terminology, and uncover some of the nuances of Hispanic radio.
Download the presentation (PDF)
Watch the Presentation (WebEx)
Winning Hispanic Customer Acquisition and Customer Care
Original presentation: May 23, 2012 -- 1 hour
Watch the Presentation (WebEx)
Presented by Neal Topf, President, Callzilla
Neal fully understands how culture affects the sales process and helps Callzilla's clients to do a better job of understanding the nuances of this sometimes fragmented marketplace to better position their Hispanic call center programs for success. He will speak to Hispanic customer acquisition and customer care as told from the other side of the fence.
Synovate Diversity: Every 30 seconds, a Latino turns 18 in America…
Original presentation: September 28, 2011
Original presentation: July 14, 2011
Nielsen Local Custom Toolbox (co-sponsored by WSCV-Telemundo51)
Original presentation: January 13, 2011


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Related Pages
Religious Studies
The Religious Studies Department at Beaconsfield High School is a thriving and successful Department, with outstanding examination results at both GCSE and A Level. The subject is taught by experienced specialist teachers who aim to provide opportunities for young people to engage with relevant contemporary and challenging questions that impact on all of our lives; questions about spirtuality, meaning and purpose, equality and diversity, morality, authority, global citizenship and sustainability. Religious Studies helps young people to be more informed about the traditions, practices and values of religious adherents in our society and in cultures across the globe; thus encouraging better understanding and greater community cohesion. We follow the Buckinghamshire Agreed Syllabus 2011-16 entitled 'Challenging RE'.
Key Stage 3
Year 7
Students follow an introductory unit about why we study religion. Students then explore the development of Christianity from its original roots in Roman Palestine to its current role as the World's largest religion and the fact that religious traditions in this country are in the main Christians. Students then move on to study Sikhism, from its historical roots through to the challenges of applying its core belief in equality in modern Britain today.
Year 8
The students follow a unit that explores the perceived conflicts between Science and Religion and refers to Global issues concerning religious responses to the environment. They then move onto an introduction to Buddhism, involving a study of its core beliefs and practices and Buddhists responses to some ultimate questions. The students then return to Christianity, exploring both the key teachings of Jesus and the central beliefs of Christians about the significance of his death and resurrection.
Year 9
The students have an introduction to Judaism, its origins, core beliefs and practices, and in particular its responses to suffering throught the study of the Holocaust. The unit continues by covering other examples of prejudice and discrimination which includes an examination of the roles of people with faith such as William Wilberforce, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. This unit finishes with an examination of the continuing slave trade in the twenty first century.
Key Stage 4
At the end of Year 9, students can opt to do our full course GCSE and it is usual to have two GCSE sets in Year 10. Those who do take the GCSE course currently study Judaism and Christianity Ethics but from September 2012, this will change to Philosophy of Religion and Christian Ethics. Currently we take AQA Religious Studies Specification A.
All Year 10 and 11 students, including those who take the GCSE course have one compulsory period every other week, timetabled against Enrichment (our PSHE & Citizenship course). In Year 10, we explore the development of Islam and its current role as a Global Religion and then consider issues of identity in a Media driven and celebrity obsessed world. In Year 11, we explore a variety of moral issues which currently dominate the headlines, specifically the ethical debates surrounding current Laws and practices of Abortion and Euthanasia/Assisted Suide.
Key Stage 5
We have a thriving AS/A2 level. We take the OCR syllabus and study Philosophy of Religion and Religious Ethics. Please see Sixth Form for AS/A2 subject information.

subset: commoncrawl


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Microsoft Surface RT 10.1" 32GB Tablet and Microsoft Black Touch Cover Bundle
Item#: M17-101200 A | Model#: 7XR-00001 BundleCurrently Out Of Stock!
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Enjoy seamless entertainment with this impressive Microsoft tablet. Featuring the Windows RT and Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT, this awesome tablet enables you to keep tabs on news, friends, and entertainment by getting the latest apps and games at Windows Store. This Microsoft RT tablet is equipped with the impressive NVIDIA Tegra 3 CPU and 2GB of RAM for lightning-fast performance of todays applications. Worry no more if you have to store lots of media files and applications because this tablet possesses 32GB storage. It can even be expanded for up to 64GB using a MicroSDXC Card Slot. Using its 10.6-inch 5-point Multi-Touch Display, you can navigate every feature or view images and videos in seamless quality. The Touch Cover of this table automatically disables keystrokes when folded and turns off when closed. It comes with an HD Video Ouput for integrating larger displays, a Dual MMO Antenna for connecting to the web, and USB ports and Bluetooth 4.0 Technology for securing clutter-free connections of a wireless mic and headset. Of course, the tablet is ready to snap beautiful moments using its dual webcams, which is essential for online video conferences. Buy this Surface Tablet from Microsoft for an incredible entertainment wherever you go.
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- Windows RT and Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT; lets you discover numerous apps and games at Windows Store
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This sleek touch cover from Microsoft also acts as a very good dual-purpose pressure-response keyboard. It is ideal to use for your Microsoft Surface tablet and ensures impressive typing experience. Folding the touch cover back allows you to toggle full-touch mode with ease. Plus, this cover is made from amazing materials, preventing moisture or dirt. Closing the touch cover, on the other hand, automatically turns off the Surface display. Choose this Touch Cover for your Microsoft Surface tablet today.
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- Touch Cover; works with Microsoft Surface
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Well, I am sitting in the hotel room in Manakau (man-ah-cow) and I'm a bit confused about this week in New Zealand with the STILLEN team competing in the Targa Rally. In 2006 I packed some board shorts, t-shirts, shorts, a couple pairs of jeans and a light wind breaker. I immediately went down and bought myself a heavy jacket, jeans, and some rain gear. In 2008 I was optimistic and brought down a pair of board shorts, couple pair of shorts and some t-shirts along with a heavy jacket and jeans.
Upon my arrival I dumped the T-shirts, shorts, and boardshorts at the house as I realized I wouldn't need any of it for the week. Just stuck with the jeans and jackets and was good all week. This year when I packed I laughed when I saw my clean boardshorts sitting in the closet, grabbed all my jeans, my heavy jackets, and one pair of shorts and a few shirts. Now I'm convinced that New Zealand is messing with me. We haven't had a drop of rain or even a menacing cloud and the weather reports are good for most the week with some rain possible towards the end of the week. Just my luck!!!


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Securely and Easily Transfer Files, Anywhere
SEEBURGER Managed File Transfer is a centralized, secure and scalable data transfer solution for large and sensitive files. Now, you can transfer files to the right people at the right time, every time – and prove it to yourself and your auditors. You can protect your growing amounts of unstructured data and transfer files with confidence – to the farthest edges of your business network.
- Reduce the threat of misdirected, late, lost or stolen data
- Ensure compliance with government, industry, and customer privacy and security mandates
- Further streamline, protect and accelerate supply chain and business operations
- Replace patch-worked, unsecure file transfer solutions (FTP servers, Web services such as Box and YouSendIt)
- Reduce administrative overhead and TCO of file transfers
Streamlined, Secure and Simplified File Transfer
SEEBURGER Managed File Transfer is the industry's first single, comprehensive solution suite for exchanging large and/or sensitive files with full security, visibility, governance and regulatory compliance protections. It gives you single-vendor accountability for MFT – and a whole lot more.
- Encrypts, monitors, secures and documents all data transfers — with full audit trail for non-repudiation
- Handles system-to-system, human-to-human, and system-to-human transfers from a single user interface
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Enterprise-Ready for Rapid Deployment
SEEBURGER Managed File Transfer runs on the SEEBURGER Business Integration Server (BIS), sharing a common GUI with BIS and using its built-in best practices and automation for business process management (BPM), messaging, trading partner management, and governance/compliance.
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Wildlife surveys
1.0 Purpose of the Guidelines
These guidelines have been written to provide guidance for members of Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) and investigators who carry out wildlife surveys, including those for Species Impact Statements or Environmental Impact Statements required under environmental protection legislation (National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995).
There are no general texts which describe the ethical capture and handling of Australian wildlife in the field, although some have been published overseas (see Section 14.0.). There is Australian information on the care of captive wildlife [for example, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 1990] and on first aid for injured wildlife (for example, Walraven 1990).
The guidelines are not meant to be exhaustive or prescriptive. Their aim is to provide some general principles for reducing the impact on wildlife during surveys, to promote good practice and to raise issues which AECs need to consider when discussing such proposals. The information they contain is taken from the scientific literature and from animal care statements provided by existing licence holders.
A list of terms used in the text is provided in Section 11.0
2.0 The Regulation of Animal Care during Wildlife Surveys in NSW.
In NSW, the welfare of animals used for animal research is protected by the Animal Research Act 1985 and the Animal Research Regulation 2005. Wildlife surveys are considered as animal research and are hence subject to the provisions of these Acts. The legislation also requires that the conduct of animal research must be consistent with the provisions of the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (seventh edition, NHMRC 2004), hereafter referred to as the Code of Practice.
Wildlife surveyors and AEC members should be conversant with both pieces of legislation and the Code of Practice.
In addition to the legislation and the Code of Practice, the Animal Research Review Panel (the Panel) has a number of policies and guidelines relevant to wildlife surveys that should be consulted (see Section 13.0). Investigators should obtain copies and be familiar with the contents of all these documents. Along with general information on the legislation, AECs, the Panel and the Code of Practice, the policies and guidelines are available on the Animal Ethics Infolink website.
The intent of the legislation to protect the welfare of animals is implemented through the requirement that all animal research must be approved by an AEC before the work commences. The AEC considers the ethical aspects of the study such as the justification for the survey, the methods used and the impact of all procedures on the animals. To assist the AEC in its deliberations, application is made by the investigator on a proposal form that aims to ensure that AEC members have the information they need for their discussions, written in plain English.
Intending wildlife surveyors associated with an accredited institution should seek approval from the institutional AEC. Those not associated with an accredited institution may apply to the Director-General's ACEC (contact Amanda Paul, Executive Officer at the Animal Welfare Branch of NSW Department of Primary Industries, Locked Bag 21, Orange NSW 2800). If the AEC approves the application, the investigator will be issued with an Animal Research Authority for the project.
3.0 General ethical considerations and wildlife surveys.
The Code of Practice advances three fundamental concepts for improving the welfare of animals used for scientific research. These are known as the Three Rs and are:
- The replacement of animals with other methods
- The reduction of the number of animals used.
- The refinement of the techniques used to reduce the impact on animals.
The Three Rs are as relevant to wildlife surveys as to laboratory studies of animals, and in this section examples of their implementation through good survey planning and design and appropriate methodology are discussed. Specific wildlife survey methods are discussed in later sections.
3.1 Survey planning
The existing knowledge of the fauna in the proposed study area should be used to determine if a new survey is both necessary and justified. Sources of such information include:
- Published records in scientific journals and the newsletters of scientific and natural history societies.
- Reports by NSW NPWS and State Forest.
- The NSW NPWS Wildlife Atlas.
- Australian Museum records.
- Birds Australia The New Atlas of Australian Birds (Barrett et al 2004).
- Previous Species Impact Statements and Environmental Impact Statements (available from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources).
- Local knowledge (local councils, land management groups, land holders).
The outcome of this background research will reveal the extent of the proposed survey necessary to meet the project objective. For example, there may already be sufficient information about some species, in which case there will be no need to re-survey these, thus reducing animal usage.
Reduction in animal usage by the application of existing knowledge depends on the availability and accessibility of that knowledge. For that reason, wildlife surveyors are encouraged to publish survey information whenever possible, and to lodge results where they can be accessed in the future. Examples of such repositories include the Australian Museum and the NPWS Wildlife Atlas.
3.2 Survey design and methodology
It is not the purpose of these guidelines to provide detailed technical advice about the design and methodology of wildlife surveys. Rather, the intent is to show how the welfare of animals can be increased during surveys by employing appropriate design and methodology. This section is a general discussion of these issues. In later sections more specific suggestions are made.
The following points should be considered when designing a wildlife survey:
- It should be appropriate to the objectives of the project
- It should be based on sound scientific and statistical principles so that the results are valid
- It should minimise the impact on animals
- Sample sizes should be kept to the minimum required and that number justified.
The following general points should be considered when determining the methods to be used in a wildlife survey.
- Surveyors must have practical training and be experienced and competent in all the techniques they intend to use.
- Whenever possible, methods that do not require animals to be captured should be used (for example, spotlight counts, AnaBat ™ detectors, hair tubes and playback calls).
- If animals must be captured, the least stressful methods available should be used. Consider the biology of the animal in relation to the time of year of the survey and the time of day of capture and release of the animals. Avoid periods when there are high environmental stresses. Ensure that animals are captive in traps for the minimum time.
- Animals that have to be handled should be restrained gently and the procedures completed as quickly as possible.
- Animals that have to be temporarily held after capture should be housed in a way appropriate to their biology and as free from environmental stresses as possible.
- If identification is necessary, methods used should be non-invasive and temporary whenever possible, and must not adversely interfere with the normal functioning of the animal.
Careful selection of a survey design and methodologies can greatly improve the welfare of animals during wildlife surveys. As examples, a good experimental design can reduce the number of animals necessary to achieve a valid result; the use of indirect survey methods such as spotlight counts, AnaBat ™ detectors, hair tubes and playback calls replace and reduce the number of animals used while the use of the least intrusive methods and short handling times refines the use of animals.
3.3 Voucher specimens
The collection of voucher specimens is a traditional part of scientific research. However, it is a practice of concern to some sections of the community. Wildlife surveyors intending to collect voucher specimens should consult the Panel's Guidelines for the collection of voucher specimens. Briefly, some important points are listed below.
- The collection of voucher specimens must be fully justified, the number of specimens collected kept to a minimum and the collection of animals from more than one site must be justified.
- Voucher specimens should not be routinely collected for species that are readily identifiable in the field. Where only confirmation of the field identification is necessary, this might be possible by other means. Examples include hair samples, photographs and sound recordings.
- The AEC must consider the potential conservation impact as part of the justification for collection of voucher specimens.
- The animal welfare requirements for the capture of voucher specimens are no different from those for animals that will be released.
- Euthanasia of animals to be used for voucher specimens must be by an approved method (see section 3.5 below).
- Voucher specimens must be fully and correctly documented and lodged with a publicly accessible scientific collection.
3.4 Emergency procedures
All applications to an AEC for wildlife research require a detailed description of emergency procedures. The purpose of these is to ensure that threats to the welfare of animals resulting from emergencies are mitigated. In the context of wildlife surveys, emergencies include events such as injuries to animals, inclement weather, floods, bushfires and the illness or injury of the surveyor.
- Investigators should be conversant with the Panel's policy, Emergency Procedures. Issues particularly relevant to wildlife surveys include the following.
- Arrangements must be made to clear and close all traps in the event of inclement weather, floods and bushfires.
- Arrangements must be made to clear and close traps in the event that illness or injury removes the investigator from the field.
- Investigators should have the appropriate skills and equipment to euthanase seriously injured animals in the field should this be necessary. Euthanasia must be by an approved method (see section 3.5 below).
- Arrangements must be made to appropriately transport seriously injured animals to the nearest veterinarian for treatment, noting that injured animals should be taken to veterinarians initially rather than to wildlife carers.
- Any unexpected problems should be reported to the AEC as soon as possible, including mortalities and injuries to animals. Future surveys may need to be modified in the light of these problems.
3.5 Euthanasia
Emergency euthanasia or killing of specimens for vouchers may need to be carried out by surveyors in the field. Investigators should be conversant with the Panel's policy, Acts of Veterinary Science and the use of restricted drugs, which details the legal requirements for using sodium pentobarbitone (see section 13.0). The following points about euthanasia need to be considered.
- Methods must be humane and produce a painless death as rapidly as possible.
- Methods which are acceptable are described in Reilly (2001), UFAW/WSPA (1989), UFAW (1996 and 1997) and AVMA (2000).
- Methods which are not acceptable include car exhaust fumes, cervical dislocation in animals larger than 150 g, drowning and freezing. Note that cooling reptiles and amphibians to make them easier to handle is acceptable but, even after cooling, freezing is not an acceptable method of euthanasia.
- Surveyors must be trained and competent in the use of the acceptable methods of euthanasia.
3.6 Diseases
Zoonotic diseases (those which affect both animals and humans and may be passed between them) are known to be present in Australian native animals e.g. Australian bat lyssavirus. Diseases may also be transferred between animals. Surveyors should therefore take basic precautions to prevent animal–animal, animal–human and human–animal transfer of disease. Such precautions include the following:
- High levels of personal hygiene.
- Not eating, drinking or smoking whilst handling animals.
- Washing field clothes and equipment that has come into contact with animals' blood or body fluids and cleaning all survey equipment between surveys.
- Basic first aid for treatment of cuts, bites and scratches.
- Observance of protocols to avoid transmission of frog chytrid fungus as outlined in NSW NPWS (2001).
- Obtaining vaccinations against Australian bat lyssavirus before handling microbats and/or flying foxes.
- Should anyone who handled animals become ill within 2 months of a survey, the attending medical practitioner should be informed of the potential exposure to zoonoses. Further information on zoonoses can be obtained from NSW Health.
4.0 Surveys of terrestrial and arboreal mammals
Catling et al (1997) provides general information on surveying mammals.
4.1 Methods not involving animal capture
4.1.1 Animal signs
Some mammal species leave signs (scats and tracks) sufficiently distinctive to provide positive identification. The sign of many Australian mammal species is described in Triggs (1996). Signs which indicate the presence of species or groups of species should be used in surveys wherever possible.
4.1.2 Hair tubes
The use of hair tubes is described by Scotts and Craig (1988), Lindenmayer et al (1999) and Mills et al (2002). Points to consider are as follows.
- Ensure that the floor of the tube is free of adhesive tape to prevent small lizards and frogs becoming stuck.
- If an animal does become stuck to the tape, do not try to pull the tape off, as this may seriously damage the skin. Either carefully trim the tape on the animal to as small a size as possible (the remaining tape will be shed during normal skin replacement) or gently ease vegetable oil under the tape and slide it off.
- Slope hair tubes with the entrance pointing slightly downwards to ensure drainage.
4.1.3 Spotlight counts
When spotlighting animals:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the light (ie more than 2 minutes).
- Use a light with a narrow beam.
- When practical, use a red filter or, preferably, a dimmer switch to reduce light intensity for prolonged observations once the animal has been spotted.
4.2 Methods involving animal capture
4.2.1 Trapping–general
In general, the following points apply to the use of traps:
- Use the trapping method with the least impact.
- Whenever possible, avoid trapping at times of the year when animals may be susceptible to greater stress, such as during breeding seasons or droughts. If animals are breeding, minimise their time in traps by checking more frequently and releasing pregnant or lactating females as a matter of priority.
- Select the type of trap which is appropriate to the species being targeted.
- Ensure all traps are in good working order and checked immediately prior to use.
- Limit the number of traps set per field worker to that which can be cleared in two hours.
- At any one site, unless justified otherwise, limit trapping periods to no more than four consecutive nights with a minimum of three nights between trapping periods to avoid continually trapping the same individuals.
- Use a bait appropriate to diet of the target species. The bait should not only lure the animal into the trap, but should also replace the food and moisture it would have consumed had it not been trapped. This is particularly important for small mammals which have high metabolic rates.
- Locate each trap to reduce exposure of trapped animals to the sun, wind, rain etc (for example, place traps under shrubs or beside logs).
- Avoid placing traps in areas of high ant activity.
- Do not trap during periods of inclement weather.
- Ensure all traps are located and checked each time a trap line is checked and that all traps are removed from the field or closed at the end of the trapping period. If individual traps are numbered and set in order, it makes it easier to ensure that all traps are checked.
- For nocturnal species, begin clearing traps at first light and where practical leave the traps closed until late afternoon. During periods of extremely cold weather, cease trapping completely or clear and close traps by 0200 hrs each day.
- For diurnal species, have an inspection schedule which minimises the impact on any trapped animals and locate the traps so as to minimise the possibilities of heat or cold stress.
- Release animals as soon as possible and where they were caught.
- Cease trapping immediately if there has been an unusually high mortality of animals.
4.2.2 Box traps (also known as Elliott traps)
In addition to the general points in 4.2.1 above, the following need to be considered:
- Provide bedding in the traps. Dry leaf litter and Dupont Hollofill ™ are suitable materials, although the latter sometimes wraps around the animals' feet. Cotton wool should not be used because it absorbs moisture, increasing the risk of hypothermia.
- In areas with wetter climates, place traps in a plastic bag, taking care to ensure adequate drainage (slope traps at 10o to the horizontal to allow drainage during rain).
- During periods of high temperatures in areas where traps cannot be sheltered from the sun, close traps during the day.
- Traps set in trees should be on the opposite side of the tree to the morning sun.
4.2.3 Cage traps
In addition to the general points in 4.2.1 above, the following need to be considered.
- Set traps in sheltered positions.
- Provide shelter for trapped animals by covering the trap with opaque plastic (cooler areas) or with shade cloth (hotter areas).
- If traps cannot be sheltered from the sun, they should be closed during the day if temperatures are high.
4.2.4 Dry pitfall traps
The Panel has developed guidelines for the use of pitfall traps, which should be observed (see section 13.0).In addition, consider the following points:
- To minimise drowning from flooding, a flat styrofoam disc, at least 2-3 cm thick, may be used which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the pit and placed at the base. As the water level rises the disc floats and the animal will escape if the water level rises high enough. Alternatively, use a flat piece of wood or bark or a small stick.
- Use suspended lids to reduce predation and close lids during adverse weather conditions.
- Provide dry leaf litter, Dupont Hollofill, raw wool and soil or 35 mm PVC tubing to protect trapped animals.
- Providing material for shelter may result in snakes using the traps as refuges. In these areas, traps without shelter material may be used if they are at least 400 mm deep (so that there is sufficient shade inside throughout the day).
- On the first day of setting pitfall traps, a small amount of water should be added to the trap as appropriate to provide moisture for trapped animals.
- Consider the need for insecticides to prevent ant attacks of trapped animals in drier areas (for example Rid Roll-on or Coopex residual ant killer around the rim of the trap). However, insecticides should be used with caution, bearing in mind that the toxic effects of insecticides on most native species are unknown. Move the trap if ants start entering in numbers.
4.2.5 Radio-tracking
Radio transmitters are rarely necessary for general wildlife surveys so their use is not covered here in depth. See the Panel guideline, Radio tracking in wildlife research.
5.0 Surveys of bats
A description of bat survey methods can be found in Helman and Churchill (1986). Surveys for bats should be carried out by an experienced bat investigator as (apart from the fruit bats) little is known of their biology or taxonomy and species can be difficult to identify.
5.1 Methods not involving animal capture
Ultrasound detectors (for example, the AnaBat ™) can be used to detect bats without any impact and should be used whenever possible.
5.2 Methods involving animal capture
5.2.1 General
The following general points need to be considered when trapping bats:
- Whenever possible avoid trapping during the breeding season.
- Bats should be released at the point of capture as soon as possible. However, they should not be released in daylight. Those which cannot be released before dawn should be held until the following dusk.
- When necessary, bats should be held separately in suspended cloth bags in a dark, quiet and warm place.
- Bats may go into torpor in the trap or while held in bags and will need to be re-warmed before release.
- Care should be taken when handling both flying foxes and microbats, due to the zoonotic disease Australian bat lyssavirus (see Section 3.6).
5.2.2 Harp traps
A description of the use of harp traps can be found in Tidemann and Woodside (1978). Points additional to those in 5.2.1 that need consideration are:
- Set traps in a sheltered spot in potential flyways.
- Clear within two hours of dusk and again after dawn but before the sun begins to warm the hessian.
- Harp traps must not be used where large numbers of bats could be caught (for example at entrances to roost sites) to avoid the overheating of bats in the collection bag.
5.2.3 Mist nets
Points additional to those in 5.2.1 that need consideration are listed below:
Because of the high risk of injury and death to bats, mist nets should only be used where other methods have already been rejected as unsuitable.
Mist nets must only be used by trained and competent personnel. An appropriate authority for the use of mist nets by the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme (ABBBS) is preferred.
- Only use mist nets after dark to avoid catching birds.
- The net must be attended at all times and captured bats removed immediately.
- Mist nets should not be used in areas where large numbers of bats could be caught (e.g. at entrances to roost sites).
- Nets should be closed when not attended and during the day.
5.3.4 Trip lines
Note that trip lines are ineffective for bats that can take off from water (eg fishing bats).
Points additional to those in 5.2.1 that need consideration are:
- Due to the risks of injury to bats, use other methods whenever possible.
- Monitor continually whenever the line is deployed.
- Be prepared to enter the water to rescue bats if necessary.
- Have at least one low-powered torch to collect bats since they will swim away from bright lights.
6.0 Platypus
- Before any trapping is undertaken, the likelihood of platypus being present should be ascertained from other sources.
- In deep water habitats, lightly weighted gill nets should be used in case platypus are present to allow them to swim to the surface.
- Trapping must not be carried out during the months of October-March, when females are laying eggs and raising young, unless justified to the AEC.
- Gill nets should be manned continuously to detect when a platypus is caught eg by the splashing.
- Gill nets should be lifted every hour to check for snags and entrapped large fish.
- Nets should have a stretched mesh size of at least 150 mm, or be fitted with an entrance grill with a mesh size of less than 35 mm, or be set so that there is an air space available along the length of the net.
- Due to the potential to cause deaths of platypus and turtles, note that it is illegal to use opera-house style traps in some NSW waterways; check with NSW Fisheries before deployment.
- Captured platypus should be transferred to a clean bag or secure box and held in a quiet place until all nets are closed for the night, to minimise the likelihood of hypothermia, attack by predators or by other platypus (particularly between males in the breeding season).
7.0 Surveys of birds
7.1 Methods not involving animal capture
7.1.1 Direct Observation
- Avoid close range inspection during breeding and feeding.
- Carry out searches for nests, mounds, display areas, characteristic scrapes and scratchings, visual and auditory searches such as breeding calls.
7.1.2 Playback calls
- Avoid prolonged exposure by limiting calling sessions to two 15 minute periods per night.
- Use of play back calls during the species' breeding season should be done with care so as not to disrupt the breeding of the resident pair.
7.1.3 Spotlighting owls
Examples of techniques to census owls can be found in Kavanagh and Peake (1993).
See also section 4.1.3 Spotlighting mammals.
7.2 Methods involving animal capture
7.2.1 Mist nets
Guidelines for using mist nets can be found in the Australian Bird Banders Manual (Lowe 1989).
- Because of the high risk of injury and death to birds, mist nets should only be used where other methods have already been rejected as unsuitable.
- Mist nets must only be used by trained and competent personnel. An appropriate authority for the use of mist nets by the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme (ABBBS) is preferred.
- Mist nets should be attended at least every 30 minutes and captured birds removed immediately.
- Nets must be closed when not attended.
8.0 Surveys of reptiles and amphibians
8.1 General
A summary of survey methods for reptiles can be found in Blomberg and Shine (1996).
Choosing the correct season is critical for effective surveys of amphibians (and to a lesser extent with reptiles). Most amphibian species are active only during the warmer months of the year (Spring–Summer–Autumn), although there are some which are active only during the cooler months (Autumn and Winter). Outside of their active season many frogs aestivate or go into torpor, usually in burrows, hollows in trees, crevices in timber or rocks or under loose soil. When in torpor, they are undetectable. To a lesser extent this may also occur during the active season when weather conditions are unsuitable (eg dry).
8.2 Surveys not involving animal capture
8.2.1 Spotlighting amphibians with or without using playback
- Avoid excessive foot traffic around the water body.
- Keep exposure to a minimum to prevent overheating.
- Use a lower intensity light held at a distance for further observations.
8.3 Surveys involving animal capture
8.3.1 General
- Consider that hand searches carried out by experienced personnel under suitable conditions will locate nearly all species of reptiles and amphibians in an area within a short period of time which may mean that fewer traps or no traps at all need be set.
- Frogs should be handled as little as possible because handling removes skin secretions and predisposes the frog to fungal infections (White 1990), while continuous holding in the hand can result in overheating.
- Hygiene precautions as detailed in NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001) must be observed when handling frogs and tadpoles, including the use of gloves.
- Gloved hands should be wetted in the local water or in wet grass/vegetation so that loss of skin secretions is minimised when frogs are first picked up.
- Frogs should be moistened with rainwater or water from the stream being surveyed after holding or can be held separately temporarily (up to 24 hours) in a new moist plastic bag containing some vegetation (although, in the dark, vegetation will absorb oxygen).
- Reptiles should be held separately in appropriately sized secure bags or boxes with some vegetation, or a moist paper towel, as appropriate, in a cool place.
- Tadpoles are often easier to find than adults and provide important information about habitats used and other measures of environmental quality. However, care needs to be taken when handling tadpoles, as handling can result in a high level of injury and death of the tadpoles. See Anstis (2002) for identification keys.
8.3.2 Hand searching for reptiles and amphibia
- Take care to uncover and reposition rocks and logs to prevent animal injuries and to avoid causing habitat disturbance which may affect the subsequent abundance of the species.
- Wash hands without soap (for instance in the water of the water body being surveyed or with rainwater) to reduce contamination from chemicals.
- Noose type devices to catch large reptiles should be used with care and sticks to pin snakes need to be padded to avoid causing damage.
- While all personnel must use gloves to handle frogs, smokers must use gloves when handling any amphibians to prevent absorption of nicotine through the animals' skin.
8.3.3 Pitfall traps
Note that the Panel's Guidelines for the Use of pitfall traps should be followed.
See also section 4.2.5 Dry pitfall traps.
- PVC tubing or objects such as a piece of wood, may be placed at the bottom to provide a perch or shelter for trapped animals. Burrowing animals prefer loose soil and, in western areas when trapping for lizards, provide a layer of sand.
- Use a saturated sponge to provide high moisture levels for trapped amphibians or provide water plus a dry area by using a rock or by tipping the trap so that the bottom has a dry and a wet area.
- Insecticides may be used where ants are prevalent (for example Rid Roll-on or Coopex residual ant killer around the rim of the trap). However, insecticides should be used with caution, bearing in mind that the toxic effects of insecticides on most reptiles and amphibians are unknown. Move the trap if ants start entering in numbers.
- Check twice a day.
8.3.4 Spider burrows
- Small drainage holes should be placed in the bottom.
- Keep handling time to a minimum.
9.0 Surveys of turtles
9.1 Freshwater turtles
- Set traps with an air space to prevent drowning of turtles or by-catch such as platypus, water rats or water birds. The air space can be maintained by use of a float (eg an empty drink container) or by tying the trap to an overhanging tree or log. Opera-house style traps can be tied to a stake on the bank. Note that is illegal to use opera-house style traps in some NSW waterways; check with NSW Fisheries before deployment.
- Traps should be checked at least at dawn and dusk. They should be checked more frequently if turtle numbers are high and during summer.
- Transport animals separately to avoid the risk of shell damage and hence infection. Keep cool during transport to avoid heat stress.
9.2 Marine turtles
- Marine turtles are very susceptible to heat stress, especially during transport. They can be cooled by the use of wet hessian bags.
- Confining the animals in small spaces increases the risk of abrasions, and hence infections. Marine turtles are best restrained by placing them on their backs in a cool place.
- During transport, insulate from heat and also from vibration. They are best transported within a vehicle rather than in the tray of a utility.
10.0 Surveys of fish
General information is available in Barker et al (2002) and Merrick 1990.
- Consider that fish are usually in their best condition in spring and early summer and will be able to cope with the shock of capture and recover more quickly than in the winter or in mid-summer after spawning.
- Use nets with soft mesh (for example, cotton or nylon) to reduce damage to the fish.
- Use appropriately sized and weighted traps to reduce the risk of non-target animals being caught.
- Fyke nets should have an air space by being set partially out of the water to prevent drowning of trapped mammals (such as platypus and water rats) or waterfowl. Otherwise they should have a means of escape.
- If possible, avoid using gill nets because fish caught in these often die (or are so damaged during removal that they are unlikely to survive) and because they have the potential to trap many non target species.
- Check and empty traps regularly.
- Handle the fish as little as possible.
- Minimise the removal of the fish's protective mucous covering and reduce temperature shock by wetting hands first in the water from which the fish was caught.
- If electro fishing is being used for sampling, operators should have appropriate training and follow guidelines set out in NSW Fisheries (1997).
11.0 Definitions
Any live non-human vertebrate, that is fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, and encompassing domestic animals, purpose bred animals, livestock and wildlife.
Animal Ethics Committee
A committee constituted in accordance with the terms of reference and membership laid down by the Australian Code for Practice for the Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (NHMRC 2004).
Anabat ™ detector
An electronic device designed to record the echolocation calls of bats (which are usually beyond human hearing) and analyse the characteristic calls of specific species. There are some limitations to this equipment such as inability to distinguish all species. For example it will not detect fruit bats which do not use echolocation. Direct observation can be used for these species.
Box trap
A box made from sheet metal with an open door that is released and closes when an animal interferes with the bait in the trap. Sizes vary from quite small (for catching mice) to traps large enough to bandicoots. Because the most commonly used brand is Elliot, these are often referred to as Elliot traps.
Cage trap
Similar to a box trap except that the trap is made from steel mesh. Sizes vary from quite small (for catching mice) to traps large enough to trap dogs. The most commonly used size is 60 x 30 x 30 cm.
Direct observation
Standing and watching or walking in a particular direction for certain lengths of time using binoculars or a spotting scope to detect the range and number of birds or large mammals.
An acute or chronic response of an animal caused by stimuli that produce biological stress, which manifests as observable, abnormal physiological or behavioural responses.
The process of producing a painless death.
Elliott trap
See box trap.
Fyke net
A net constructed of hoops decreasing in size with webbing between to form a cone shape and one or more funnels inside which prevent trapped fish from swimming out, (ie a 'hoop net') and which also has wings of one or two pieces of netting at the first hoop which are anchored into position with poles. These wings guide the fish into the net. Also known as wing, frame, trap or hoop nets.
Gill net
A net of diamond shaped mesh which is set vertically. The fish is unable to back out because its gill covers get caught in the mesh.
Hair tubes
Small PVC tubes lined with double sided sticky tape with an internal compartment where bait is placed. They may be more efficient and cost effective than the other methods for some rare or trap shy mammals.
Harp trap
An array of thin nylon fishing lines tensioned between two horizontal poles with an escape-proof hessian pocket located below. Bats fly into the lines, fall down undamaged into the pocket and crawl up to roost under a hessian flap.
Hoop net
See fyke net.
Mist net
Large very fine nylon nets which are strung across potential flyways close to the ground between the vegetation in order to catch birds or bats which fly into them. It is very easy for both birds and bats to injure themselves or become distressed whilst being disentangled from these nets.
Playback calls
Pre-recordings of the calls of nocturnal birds (such as owls), frogs and arboreal mammals (such as the koala) which are then played back at night in order to elicit a response from any member of the target species present which may be a reply (or call back) or an approach. They are usually broadcast at various locations over a specified duration (eg 10 minutes initial listening, 15 minutes playing of the recording and 10 minutes listening for a response).
Pitfall trap
A glass, metal or plastic container sunk into the ground so that the mouth is level with the soil surface. Ground dwelling animals fall into the trap and are unable to escape.
A written outline of a project put forward for consideration by an AEC.
Scientific purposes
All those activities performed to acquire, develop or demonstrate knowledge or techniques in any scientific discipline, including activities for the purposes of teaching, field trials, environmental studies, research, diagnosis, product testing, and the production of biological products.
Spider burrows
Small PVC tubes installed into the ground, covered by a metal or canvas roof. Tubes are checked for sheltering individuals which can be captured by hand for identification.
Trip line
A single nylon line stretched 1.5-3cm above the surface of a body of water where bats are likely to fly, causing bats in flight to fall into the water and swim out where they are captured. These have much greater potential for damage to the animal than harp traps.
Voucher specimen
Any specimen, usually, but not always, a dead animal, which serves as a basis of study and is retained as a reference. A "type" specimen is a particular voucher specimen that serves as a basis for taxonomic description of that subspecies.
Free-living vertebrates of native, non-indigenous and feral species including captive bred animals and those captured from free-living populations.
12.0 References
American Society of Mammalogists Animal Care and Use Committee (1998)
Guidelines for the capture, handling and care of mammals as approved by the American Society of Mammalogists.
American Veterinary Medical Association (2000)
2000 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 218:669-696.
Anstis M. (2002) Tadpoles of South-east Australia. New Holland Publishers, Frenchs Forest, NSW
Bali R., Delaney R. (1996) Assessment of Koala Radiocollaring Studies in South eastern Australia. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville.
Barker D., Allan GL., Rowland SJ., Pickles JM. (2002) A Guide to Acceptable Procedures and Practices for Aquaculture and Fisheries Research. NSW Fisheries Animal Care and Ethics Committee, Nelson Bay NSW
Barrett G., Barry S., Cunningham R., Poulter R., Silcocks A. (2004) The New Atlas of Australian Birds CSIRO, Melbourne.
Blomberg S., Shine R. in Sutherland, J (ed.) (1996) Ecological Census Techniques: a handbook. Cambridge University Press pp.218 - 226.
Catling PC., Burt RJ., Kooyman R. (1997) A comparison of techniques used in survey of the ground-dwelling and arboreal mammals in forests in north-eastern New South Wales. Wildlife Research 24: 217-432
Helman P., Churchill S. (1986) Bat capture techniques and their use in surveys. Macroderma 2:32-53.
Kavanagh R., Peake P. (1993) Survey procedures for nocturnal forest birds: an evaluation of the variability in census results due to temporal factors, weather and technique in P. Olsen (editor) Australian Raptor Studies. Australian Raptor Association, RAOU, Melbourne, pp 86-100.
Lindenmayer DB., Incoll RD., Cunningham RB., Pope ML., Donnelly CF., MacGregor CI., Tribolet C., Triggs BE. (1999) Comparison of hairtube types for the detection of mammals. Wildlife Research 26:745-753
Lowe KW. (1989) The Australian Bird and Bat Banders Manual. Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Canberra.
Merrick JR. in Hand S. (ed) (1990) Care and Handling of Australian Native Animals: Emergency Care and Capture Management. Surrey Beatty and Sons, pp.7 - 15.
Mills DJ., Harris B., Claridge AW., Barry SC. (2002) Efficacy of hair-sampling techniques for the detection of medium-sized terrestrial mammals. I. A comparison between hair-funnels, hair tubes and indirect signs. Wildlife Research 29:379-387
NHMRC (2004) The Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes. Australian Government Publishing Service, PO Box 84, Canberra ACT 2601.
NHMRC (1990) Guide to the use of Australian native mammals in biomedical research. Section One to Three and Section Four (1995), Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra.
NSW Fisheries (1997) Australian Code of Electrofishing Practice. NSW Fisheries Management Publication No. 1
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001) NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville.
Hygiene protocol for the control of disease in frogs. Threatened Species Management Circular No. 6.
Parnaby H. (1992) Summary of the ultrasonic survey of the microbats of north east New South Wales, 1991/1992. Report to the NSW NPWS, August 1992.
Reilly J. (ed) (2001) Euthanasia of animals used for scientific purposes. ANZCCART, Glen Osmond, South Australia
Scotts DJ., Craig SA. (1988) Improved hair sampling tube for detection of rare mammals. Australian Wildlife Research 15: 469-72.
Strahan R. (1983) The Australian Museum Complete Book of Australian Mammals. Angus and Robertson, Sydney.
Tidemann CR., Woodside DP. (1978) A collapsible bat trap and a comparison of results obtained with the trap and mist nets. Australian Wildlife Research 5:355-362.
Triggs B. (1996) Tracks scats and other traces, A field guide to Australian mammals. Oxford University Press, Melbourne
Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (1996) Recommendations for euthanasia of experimental animals: Part 1. Laboratory Animals 30:293-316
Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (1997) Recommendations for euthanasia of experimental animals: Part 2. Laboratory Animals 31:1-32
Universities Federation for Animal Welfare /World Society for the Protection of Animals (1989) Euthanasia of Amphibians and Reptiles: Report of a Joint UFAW/WSPA Working Party. UFAW, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Herts, UK. And WSPA, London, UK.
Walraven E. (1990) Taronga Zoo's Guide to the Care of Urban Wildlife Allen and Unwin, Sydney.
White A. in Hand S. (ed) (1990) Care and Handling of Australian Native Animals: Emergency Care and Capture Management. Surrey Beatty and Sons pp.17-40.
13.0 Relevant Animal Research Review Panel Policies and Guidelines
Collection of voucher specimens
Opportunistic research on free-living wildlife
Radio tracking in wildlife research
Use of feral animals in research
Acts of Veterinary Science and the use of restricted drugs
14.0 Overseas guidelines
American Society of Mammalogists Animal Care and Use Committee (1998)
Guidelines for the capture, handling and care of mammals as approved by the American Society of Mammalogists.
American Ornithologists Union (1988) Report of committee on use of wild birds in research. Auk 105 (1 Supplement) 1A-41A.
American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, the Herpetologists League and the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (2001) Guidelines for the use of live amphibians and reptiles in field research. Available only online.
Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) Guidelines on the Care and Use of Wildlife
DeTolla LJ., Srinivas S., Whitaker BR., Andrews C., Hecker B., Kane AS., Reimschuessel R. (1995) Guidelines for the Care and Use of Fish in Research. ILAR Journal 37: 159-173.
Fisheries Society of the British Isles.
Fish Welfare Briefing Paper 2. Available online.
Orlans FB. (1988) Field research guidelines. Impact on animal care and use committees. Scientist's Centre for Animal Welfare, Bethesda, Maryland.
Thanks to M. Murray, P. Burcher, A. Adair, K. Kendall, L. Lim, ERM Mitchell McCotter, B. Harden, the Australian Platypus Conservancy, the Victorian Department of Natural Resources and Environment, members of the Wildlife Advisory Group and the ethics committees they represent.
Revised in 2004 by Mr Bob Harden, Manager Vertebrate Pests Unit, NPWS and Mrs Amanda Paul, Veterinary Officer, Animal Welfare Branch, NSW Department of Primary Industries. Thanks to Dr G Körtner and Prof F Geiser for their contribution to the 2004 revision.
Animal Research Review Panel Guideline 10


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Thu, Jun 3, 10 at 9:28
I've had this plant for a few months and I've tried to ID to no avail. Could someone here please help me ID this plant? I've uploaded pics to a Picasa album:
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Ficus lyrata I do believe. |
It sure is :) It's also called, Fiddle Leaf Fig. Because those beautiful Leafs look like a Fiddle :) |
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Updated: August 6, 2013 6:20AM
Gov. Pat Quinn used his amendatory veto power this week to propose some sweeping and sensible changes to the concealed-carry gun measure the Legislature overwhelmingly approved this spring.
Like it or not, Quinn's move is probably an exercise in futility. Its practical effect is less likely to change the nature of Illinois' concealed-carry law than it is to draw a political battle line for the upcoming gubernatorial race.
Tuesday is the deadline set by a federal appeals court for Illinois to adopt a law allowing its citizens to carry a gun in public, in effect forcing the state to join all other states in permitting concealed carry.
After much debate and horse-trading on the controversial issue, legislators in May overcame strong political and geographic divisions, mostly between downstate and Chicago-area members, and approved a compromise bill by strong margins.
In vetoing that legislation on Tuesday, only a week before the court deadline, Quinn made several major changes that place more restrictions on who can carry a gun and where. Some of them — such as limiting to one the number of guns people can conceal on their person — make sense.
We hope at least some of his changes are adopted and don't cause the painstakingly crafted compromise on the bill to crumble. But that appears to be wishful thinking. Quinn's proposals are unlikely to get far when legislators convene on Tuesday.
As some lawmakers have asked, why did the governor wait as long as he did to issue his veto? Why didn't he press more forcefully for these proposals when the bill was being finalized? The vote on the law in May makes it seem certain that lawmakers will override Quinn's veto.
There will be political fallout over this both for Quinn and for those who oppose his proposed changes.
Quinn faces a tough re-election fight, including at least one strong challenge from within his party. His veto would appear to bolster him in Chicago and Cook County, where support for concealed carry is weaker than elsewhere.
We're not sure it does much for the issue at hand.


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Blog Posts in Category: bad cholesterol
November 4, 2013
If there was one thing that I learned in Italy this summer, it is that all fats should NOT be treated equally. It is important to be able to recognize healthier fats and try to minimize certain less healthy fats in your diet. For a general rule of thumb, saturated fats are solid at room temperature. They can be found in many animal products such as cheese, meat, milk, etc. Foods that have lots of butter and shortening are also high in saturated fat. The American Heart Association recommends... Read More
Recent Posts
As the wind blows and the snow falls, staying indoors next to fireplace seems like the place to be... Read more
In need of some mid semester mental therapy?
Interaction with gentle and friendly animals has... Read more
Did you know that as a full time degree student at UNH you are required to have adequate health... Read more


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MBC President Reacts to DPH Regulations
MBC President & CEO Robert K. Coughlin did a series of media interviews in response to the Department of Public Health's draft sales and marketing disclosure regulations.
"We continue to be concerned that Massachusetts will now be known as the state with the strictest regulations for our industry. This is not a distinction we think will assist us in our mission to position biotech companies to succeed - which in turn strengthens our economic outlook and improves the lives of patients," Coughlin said.
"As we have stated throughout this process, we fully support the need for transparency and we commend the Governor for his leadership on this issue.
It is clear that we all agree that a narrow focus on sales and marketing activities allows us to address the legislature's concerns, but we strongly maintain that we must protect what has made the Commonwealth a leader in healthcare and life sciences - our world-class research and commitment to clinical trials."
The Public Health Commission will be accepting testimony on the regulations.
Here is a schedule of hearings and directions to submit written testimony.
To review the DPH's draft regulations, click here.
For the DPH presentation on the regulations, click here.
For DPH's press release, click here.


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The Maximo Mukelabai award nominations deadline has ended. The committee will be reviewing nominations and notify each nominee in July 2014.
Maximo Mukelabai was a member of the inaugural class of the AICPA Leadership Academy. Tragically, Maximo's life ended abruptly at the age of 36. He was an extraordinary individual filled with passion, intellect and inspiration; traits immediately recognized by anyone who met him. Maximo's most recent accomplishment was made official on May 4th, 2011 when he became the youngest and first African-American chair for the North Carolina Association of CPAs board of directors and was to become President of NCACPA. Maximo's influence and leadership was felt by so many and will be sorely missed.
In tribute to Maximo's legacy, the AICPA has founded the Maximo Mukelabai Award. An award that will recognize a deserving CPA under the age of 40, for his/her passion and contributions towards building the CPA pipeline, serving as an advocate of the accounting profession and performing outstanding community service.
Journal of Accountancy - Last Word Start Here Go Places CPA Profile
During the application process, you may only select "next" or "previous" pages. After selecting "submit" on the final page, you will not be able to return to the application questions or uploads. Click here to begin the application.
Questions: Contact the AICPA at firstname.lastname@example.com or email@example.com.


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Monthly Archives: June 2009
Ho Lotta Fun – Windy City Weekend
It sure would have been fun to be at Sunday's walk-off Cubs victory over the Twins on a beautiful sunny Chicago day; however I was on a plane back to Arizona. Instead the Mesa Hohokams and my family witnessed a…
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Hello Chicago
As mentioned in my last blog, I'll be joining the Hohokams on their annual trip to Chicago…that means I'll be seeing two games at Wrigley, this Friday and Saturday against the Minnesota Twins. Seeing the Cubs play in the friendly…
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In the News
Original journalism from the Center's OpenSecrets Blog
Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 30: Federal Unions Growing, Hillary's Biggest Fan, and Samsung Opens DC Lobbying Office
January 30, 2013 | Public employee unions continue growing, and so (for the most part) does the amount they spend to lobby Washington. Also, one university professor has started two pro-Hillary super PACs.
Latest Inaugural Donors: Lawmakers, Unions, Corporations — But Few Details
January 20, 2013 | Labor unions finally show up on the list of inaugural donors, along with more big-name corporations and a sprinkling of celebrities. But once again, the Friday-night release of contributors is devoid of info to help viewers figure out who they are -- details like hometown and employer. And the list doesn't reveal how much each donor kicked in.
Unions Finally Make a Showing On Super PAC Stage
April 22, 2012 | Labor unions injected themselves into the super PAC story line in March to a greater degree than at any time yet this election cycle, increasing by 50 percent the amount given by organized labor in the previous 14 months.
American Bridge: Spanning the Gender Gap, Coastally
April 16, 2012 | Conservatives love to mock liberals as snobby elites from a handful of progressive coastal bastions -- places like Boston, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Sometimes stereotypes bear out: The fundraising haul for the most successful liberal super PAC in the first quarter of 2012, American Bridge 21st Century, came almost exclusively from big donors in, well, Boston, New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Many were women.
Delivering Postal Reform
April 12, 2012 | Congress may stir up a hornet's nest in the next few weeks when it takes up the matter of overhauling the postal service. The issue has brought out an array of special interests, including lobbyists for the envelope industry.
Darrell Issa Turns Against Postal Unions That Once Backed His Campaign
September 27, 2011 | Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), chairman of the committee that oversees the Postal Service, was once a top beneficiary of money from postal union PACs. But now, after pushing his Postal Reform Act through a House subcommittee, postal unions consider Issa their greatest foe.
Rise of the Retirees, Postal Unions Seek to 'Save' USPS and More in Capital Eye Opener: Sept. 21
September 21, 2011 | The future of Medicare is a hot political topic. And as President Barack Obama, his potential GOP rivals and members of Congress debate the future of the program, it's likely that campaign cash from retired Americans will also be on their minds.
Potential Ted Kennedy Replacements Bring New Mix of Special Interest Support
September 2, 2009 | The death of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) has left Democratic lawmakers scrambling to fill his seat in the midst of intense debate over one of Kennedy's highest legislative priorities -- health care reform. We thought we'd take a look at some of the possible candidates and how their fundraising compares to that of the late senator.
Obama's Choice For Army Secretary Received Money from Labor & Defense Interests, Including PMA Group
June 2, 2009 | President Barack Obama's choice for the Secretary of the Army, Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.) would bring with him strong ties to the defense industry's checkbooks and lobbyists, including Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and PMA Group.
Congressional Preview
April 7, 2007 | New leadership in the 110th Congress means newfound influence for interests friendly to Democrats By Miranda Blue and Lindsay Renick Mayer January 04, 2007 | With the changing of the guard on Capitol Hill comes a shift in lobbying efforts. In December, the Republican-led 109th Congress closed with a late-night flurry of bills to appease…
Feel free to distribute or cite this material, but please credit the Center for Responsive Politics. For permission to reprint for commercial uses, such as textbooks, contact the Center.


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Hi everyone,
As you may have noticed, we've been sprucing up the site a bit. Among other things, we've added new ways to upload photos and email notifications of post replies. We are still cleaning out cobwebs and weeding some areas of the site, but we are also working on some bigger projects like a better search engine (yay!) and a mobile app. We'd also like to get some feedback from you. What enhancements or additions would you like to see? What do you love? What do you hate? Think big and small! We can't promise the moon, but please know that we will read and consider every one of your ideas and suggestions. We appreciate your loyalty and dedication to our site and we know how important your community is to you. Help us make it even better! Please use this post to offer your feedback. But, as always, you are welcome to contact me directly by clicking on my profile page. Best regards, Tamara Amey
Follow-Up Postings:
A swap forum for the Trees and Shrubs Forums (possibly combined as a Woody Plant Exchange Forum) would be great. Seems as if the regular Seed Exchange and Plant Exchange forums get people mainly interested in annuals, perennials, and houseplants. The few woody plant offerings get lost in the shuffle. Also, I would suggest the possible removal of the Gallery Forums in both the Trees and Shrubs Forums. These are seldom used and posts there often go unnoticed/unanswered. Now that GW has the built-in picture adding tool, these gallery forums seem superfluous. |
brandon7 has it right on. This has been the best advice offered. The galleries are no longer needed in ANY of the forums since photos can be posted with each post now. Newbies too often think if they are posting a photo to go there and their questions are missed. Also stop some of the bullying that goes on in some of the other forums. |
- Posted by gwAnnouncements none (My Page) on Thu, Nov 29, 12 at 10:21
Hi everyone! You asked and we listened. Today we are very excited to be debuting our newest feature -- post editing! To use this feature, go back to the post you wish to correct and you'll find the link under the 'My Clippings' links on the right side of the page. I want to give a special shout out to all the testers who tried to break the editing tool. ;) Your feedback was insightful and invaluable. Thank you! You may have also noticed that we adjusted the login cookie awhile back so that you should not have to login repeatedly. Stay tuned -- we have more cool things in the works! As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Best regards, |
Well, I didn't see any type of edit link under on any of my older posts. I guess I'll look at this one when it posts. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It does work (on new posts)!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Tamara! |
This post was edited by brandon7 on Thu, Nov 29, 12 at 22:13
BTW, when people do this, they'll probably have to refresh the page to see the results. |
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Goodbye, Space Shuttle: Now the Space Race Can Really Begin
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- 5:58 am |
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Shuttles Down
It took the crash of Challenger in 1986, after which all surviving space shuttles were grounded for three years, to convince the military that it could not rely on the huge, complex craft for all its orbital missions. That was the beginning of the end of the Pentagon's love affair with the shuttle, and in its autumn years, it did very little military work that we know of.
The vehicle survived as NASA's sole astronaut transport until the second crash — Columbia in 2003 — forced the space agency to rent Russian capsules for the first time. That's when NASA also began seriously looking into homegrown capsules as the shuttle's successor, eventually settling on Lockheed Martin's Orion design.
For routine sorties placing satellites and other space vehicles into orbit, NASA will use unmanned rockets, from the 1.6-million-pound Delta IV to the 1,300-pound Minotaur. That's the Pentagon's preferred approach, as well. NASA is trying a more commercial approach for resupplying the space station. For example, they've agreed to 12 resupply missions with SpaceX worth at least $1.6 billion.
But the military is also experimenting with the Boeing X-37B, a robotic space plane that Gary Payton, the Air Force's space boss, described as "an updated version of the space shuttle."
That's not quite an accurate characterization. In fact, the X-37B ditches the shuttle's most extravagant features in favor of more modest capabilities that work far better. For starters, the X-37B is small — just 28 feet from tip to tail. It can't carry giant satellites and was never meant to — that's a task for Delta IVs and other big rockets.
Instead, the X-37B duplicates the shuttle's ability to carry small experiments into orbit and return them safely — but at much lower cost: just $100 million per flight, barely 7 percent of the shuttle's per-flight cost. The robot space plane can also function as an orbital spy and even a space weapon, although the latter role is unlikely.
Most impressively, the X-37B can remain in orbit up to nine months since it doesn't have to keep people alive. The longest shuttle flight was 17 days, in 1996.
So here's to the space shuttle — the most visually impressive high-tech boondoggle in American history. With the deadly, giant space plane consigned to museums where it belongs, America's civil and military space agencies can get about the business of winning the space race, with orbital craft far better suited to the job.
Photo: NASA
See Also:
- Inside SpaceX: A Hint of Life After the Space Shuttle
- The Space Shuttle Program's Oddest Passengers
- The Last Space Shuttle Launches Safely Into Orbit
- Air Force Launches Secretive Space Plane; 'We Don't Know When It's Coming Back
- Secret U.S. Space Plane May Be Too Mysterious
- Gallery: Inside the Secret Space Plane Landing
- Russia Working on Mysterious Space Plane of Its Own
- Video Fix: Shuttle Launch's Extreme Close-Up


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profit sharing
profit sharing
noun: a system in which employees receive a part of the company's profits
Full Definition of PROFIT SHARING
First Known Use of PROFIT SHARING
Rhymes with PROFIT SHARING
profit sharing
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)System by which employees are paid a share of the profits of the business enterprise in which they are employed, in keeping with a plan outlined in advance. These payments, which may vary according to salary or wage, are in addition to regular earnings. Profit-sharing plans were probably first developed in France in the early 19th century as worker incentives. Today such plans are used by businesses in Western Europe, the U.S., and parts of Latin America. Profit shares may be distributed on a current or deferred basis or through some combination of the two. Under current distribution, profits are paid out to employees immediately in the form of cash or company stock. In deferred-payment plans, profit shares may be paid into a trust fund from which employees can draw annuities in later years.
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