Statistics

Surviving fishing gear entanglement isn’t enough for endangered right whales – females still don’t breed afterward

Retrieved on: 
Mercredi, mars 13, 2024

On Feb. 14, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that the whale was #5120 in a catalog that tracks individual right whales.

Key Points: 
  • On Feb. 14, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that the whale was #5120 in a catalog that tracks individual right whales.
  • Further, the agency said, rope that had been deeply embedded in the whale’s tail had likely come from lobster fishing gear in Maine.
  • Entanglement in fishing gear is a deadly threat to these critically endangered animals.
  • Scientists estimate that before commercial whaling scaled up in the 18th and 19th centuries, there may have been as many as 10,000 North Atlantic right whales.
  • When whales become entangled in fishing gear, they use extra energy dragging it as they swim.

Smaller females are having fewer young

  • By 2018 there were only about 73 breeding females left, representing roughly half of all females and a sixth of the entire species.
  • Other research has shown that poor health and physical condition are making it harder for these females to even start breeding.
  • Smaller whales have fewer calves.
  • Many organizations are involved in tracking North Atlantic right whales, including government agencies, aquariums and conservation groups.
  • Even females who have previously reproduced are less likely to breed again following an entanglement event.
  • By identifying and photographing whales repeatedly over time, scientists can estimate different stages of their life, such as when females give birth.

Weakness of current regulations

  • If they are larger and enter the blubber, they are classified as moderate.
  • Our research makes it clear that such value-laden terms are potentially misleading because even minor entanglements can threaten whales’ successful reproduction.
  • In our view, these measures do not give enough weight to preventing all types of entanglements, regardless of severity.
  • And the plan closes trap fishing areas seasonally when whales are known to be present in those zones.

Coming back from the brink

  • While these estimates seem promising, females need to start and continue producing calves to increase whales’ numbers.
  • From our work, it is very clear that both lethal and sublethal impacts of entanglements are of grave concern for these whales.
  • She also is a member of the International Whaling Commission Scientific Committee.
  • Peter Corkeron consults for Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility on right whale conservation issues.
  • Rob Harcourt receives funding from the Australian Federal Government Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water for research on right whales.

Petrol, pricing and parking: why so many outer suburban residents are opting for EVs

Retrieved on: 
Mercredi, mars 13, 2024

Teslas and Polestars are expensive, leaving them as playthings for wealthier Australians and out of reach for the mortgage belt.

Key Points: 
  • Teslas and Polestars are expensive, leaving them as playthings for wealthier Australians and out of reach for the mortgage belt.
  • As residents in the outer suburbs reel from price rises seemingly everywhere, more and more are turning to electric vehicles (EVs) to slash their fuel bill.
  • Last year, EV orders for outer suburban residents (43%) overtook inner suburban residents (39%) for the first time.

Outer suburbs rely on cars

  • Research from 2020 shows most outer suburban residents who commute have to travel between 10 and 30 kilometres.
  • This affects outer suburban, rural and regional residents the most, given they cover the most distance.
  • Outer suburban residents are more likely to have solar on their rooftops than inner suburban residents in Sydney and Melbourne.
  • In fact, the outer suburbs are better placed than inner suburbs in terms of charging cheaply.
  • In the inner suburbs, space is at a premium and many houses do not have off-street parking.
  • But outer suburban homes tend to have off street parking or a garage, which means you can charge cheaply at home.

EVs versus the cost of living

  • It would make financial sense for many of us to switch to EVs to take advantage of much cheaper running and maintenance costs.
  • But the higher up-front cost of EVs has long been a disincentive.
  • In Australia, the cheapest EVs now start from A$40,000, though most still cost $60,000–$90,000.

What are governments doing?

  • Some state governments are trying to accelerate adoption with a range of incentives for EV owners, from subsidies to cheaper registration.
  • The interest was so strong in Victoria and South Australia that these governments have wound back some subsidies.
  • At a federal level, the proposed new vehicle efficiency standards will encourage carmakers to sell more fuel-efficient vehicles.

What’s next?

  • Outer suburban residents are buying electric vehicles for very good reasons: financial prudence, practicality and a cleaner future.
  • Read more:
    Electric vehicles are suddenly hot − but the industry has traveled a long road to relevance


Park Thaichon does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

China Hongqiao (01378.HK) Profits Surge, New Offshore Bond Issuance Expected

Retrieved on: 
Mercredi, mars 13, 2024

China Hongqiao (01378.HK) Profits Surge, New Offshore Bond Issuance Expected

Key Points: 
  • China Hongqiao (01378.HK) Profits Surge, New Offshore Bond Issuance Expected
    In 2023, China's aluminum industry has witnessed significant growth, fueled by the gradual recovery of the real estate sector and the rapid expansion of the renewable energy industry.
  • The widening gap between supply and demand for electrolytic aluminum led to a rise in aluminum prices, subsequently boosting profits and profitability for China Hongqiao Group Limited(referred to as "China Hongqiao").
  • Therefore, to fulfill investors' demand for high-quality Chinese offshore assets, investment institutions are actively seeking ongoing issuance of offshore debt by China Hongqiao.
  • Currently, China Hongqiao has only two outstanding USD bonds: namely HONGQI 6.25 06/08/24 (senior bond) and HONGQI 5.25 01/25/26 (convertible bond).

AGTech Announces Second Interim Results Ended December 31, 2023, Revenue Increases 69% Year-on-Year

Retrieved on: 
Mercredi, mars 13, 2024

AGTech Announces Second Interim Results Ended December 31, 2023, Revenue Increases 69% Year-on-Year

Key Points: 
  • AGTech Announces Second Interim Results Ended December 31, 2023, Revenue Increases 69% Year-on-Year
    (Hong Kong, February 23, 2024) – AGTech Holdings Limited (“AGTech” or the “Group”, HKEX stock code: 8279) today announced its second interim results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.
  • • EBITDA of the Group for the 12-Month Period was approximately HK$39.5 million (Twelve months ended December 31, 2022: Negative EBITDA of approximately HK$37.7 million).
  • The profit for the 12-Month Period was approximately HK$29 million (12 months ended December 31, 2022: loss of approximately HK$131 million).
  • The change from operating loss to profit was mainly due to: (1) the increase in total revenue; (2) the increase in net finance income.

Canadian Institute of Actuaries Highlights Direct Link Between Education and Longevity

Retrieved on: 
Mardi, mars 5, 2024

But recent studies say that education is now a bigger factor than wealth."

Key Points: 
  • But recent studies say that education is now a bigger factor than wealth."
  • The CIA has published its latest insight statement, Education and Longevity , prepared by CIA members Peter Gorham (FCIA), Jie (Jessica) Ji (FCIA) and Shantel Aris (ACIA).
  • Key highlights of Education and Longevity include:
    The statement is available in English and French on the CIA's website.
  • The Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) is the qualifying and governing body of the actuarial profession in Canada.

Digitalization Empowering Foreign Trade Shipping - Nanhua Logistics, a COSCO Shipping Group Subsidiary, Partners with Bravowhale Technology to Spearhead the Online Implementation of ESG Compliance Standards

Retrieved on: 
Mardi, février 27, 2024

As the main artery for international freight transportation, maritime shipping shoulders nearly 90% of China's foreign trade transport volume.

Key Points: 
  • As the main artery for international freight transportation, maritime shipping shoulders nearly 90% of China's foreign trade transport volume.
  • Against this backdrop, aiming to assist foreign trade enterprises in tackling export ESG compliance challenges, Nanhua Logistics under COSCO Shipping partnered with Shanghai Bravowhale Information Technology Co., Ltd. (referred to as "Bravowhle Technology") on February 22nd.
  • By providing a streamlined pathway for ESG compliance processes, COSCO Shipping aims to offer standardized compliance services to Chinese foreign trade enterprises.
  • The collaboration with COSCO Shipping represents a significant step forward for Bravowhale Technology in expanding its online ESG compliance services.

red violet Appoints Jonathan McDonald as Executive Vice President of Public Sector Division

Retrieved on: 
Jeudi, mars 7, 2024

BOCA RATON, Fla., March 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Violet, Inc. (NASDAQ: RDVT), a leading analytics and information solutions provider, today announced the appointment of Jonathan McDonald as Executive Vice President, Public Sector.

Key Points: 
  • BOCA RATON, Fla., March 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Violet, Inc. (NASDAQ: RDVT), a leading analytics and information solutions provider, today announced the appointment of Jonathan McDonald as Executive Vice President, Public Sector.
  • McDonald joins red violet from Clarivate where he was Senior Vice President, Global Public Sector.
  • Prior to Clarivate, McDonald was at TransUnion, where he served as Executive Vice President, U.S. Public Sector.
  • Commenting on his appointment, Jonathan McDonald stated, “I am thrilled to join red violet during this exciting period of growth and transformation.

Detection of Suicide-Related Emergencies Among Children Using Real-World Clinical Data: A Free Webinar from the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

Retrieved on: 
Lundi, mars 4, 2024

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) is hosting a free webinar, “ Detection of Suicide-Related Emergencies Among Children Using Real-World Clinical Data ” on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm ET to discuss how we can improve prediction and prevention of youth suicide.

Key Points: 
  • The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) is hosting a free webinar, “ Detection of Suicide-Related Emergencies Among Children Using Real-World Clinical Data ” on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm ET to discuss how we can improve prediction and prevention of youth suicide.
  • Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D., President & CEO of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, and host of the public television series Healthy Minds will be the webinar host.
  • Register today at BBRFoundation.org
    Suicide is a national and international public health priority, and suicidal behavior among children is common, costly, and preventable.
  • Systematic, accurate, and equitable detection of children who exhibit suicidal thoughts and behaviors to medical personnel is challenging.

AB INTL Reports Forecast Revenues from Its Participated Chinese Market Film Sales

Retrieved on: 
Lundi, mars 4, 2024

AB reports excellent sales exceeding revenue forecasts for 2024 to date and release subsequent impressive annual future revenue projections.

Key Points: 
  • AB reports excellent sales exceeding revenue forecasts for 2024 to date and release subsequent impressive annual future revenue projections.
  • This forecast reflects AB's confidence in its strategic direction and its unwavering commitment to delivering sustainable growth and shareholder value.
  • With a concerted effort to broaden its business partners base and enhance operational efficiency, AB is positioned to accelerate revenue growth.
  • 2024 is destined to be full of substantial updates as AB continues to execute its growth and expansion strategy.

Silver's Dual Nature as a Financial Asset and an Industrial Commodity Requires a Multi-Factor Analysis to Understand and Predict Movements in the Price

Retrieved on: 
Mardi, février 27, 2024

To explore and better understand this complex set of factors, the Silver Institute has commissioned a new Market Trend Report, "Factors that Determine the Silver Price," produced by Precious Metals Insights.

Key Points: 
  • To explore and better understand this complex set of factors, the Silver Institute has commissioned a new Market Trend Report, "Factors that Determine the Silver Price," produced by Precious Metals Insights.
  • The Report finds that no magic formula or combination of factors consistently and accurately explains the level of or change in the silver price.
  • While the price of silver is not a random walk, neither is its future path entirely predictable based on past trends.
  • The Report identifies and explains the principal factors behind movements in the silver price over recent decades.