Tag Archives: D6

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Social networks and culture in birds

Birds are social creatures and many species have complex social networks. Social networks are defined as the patterns of social interactions between individuals within a population. Here are some things that are known about the social networks of birds:

  1. Flocking behavior: Many bird species form flocks, which are large groups of individuals that fly together and exhibit coordinated behavior. Flocking behavior is thought to help birds reduce the risk of predation, share information about food sources and mating opportunities, and maintain social connections with other birds.  §1202 of the International Building Code prohibits building envelope openings that encourage flocking behavior in attics, 
  2. Communication: Birds use a variety of vocal and visual cues to communicate with one another, such as calls, songs, displays, and body language. Communication plays an important role in establishing and maintaining social connections between individuals.
  3. Social hierarchies: Within bird flocks, there may be social hierarchies, where some individuals have more dominant positions than others. Dominant individuals may have access to better food sources, mating opportunities, and nesting sites.
  4. Mate choice: Many bird species choose mates based on social signals, such as displays, vocalizations, and courtship behavior. Mate choice can influence the structure of social networks within a population.
  5. Information sharing: Birds may share information about food sources and predator threats with one another. For example, some bird species engage in “public information use,” where they use the behavior of other individuals as a signal about the quality of a food source or the presence of predators.
  6. Family bonds: Some bird species form long-lasting family bonds, where parents and offspring remain together for extended periods of time. Family bonds can influence the social structure of bird populations and may contribute to the formation of social networks.

Overall, the social networks of birds are complex and dynamic, and play important roles in many aspects of bird behavior, including mating, foraging, and avoiding predators. Studying bird social networks can provide insights into the evolution of social behavior and the ecological factors that shape animal populations.  We examine the risks (and reward) of bird behavior on education community campuses.


Birds present several hazards to overhead electric and telecommunication circuits:

  • Electrocution: Birds that perch or nest on power lines or other electrical equipment can come into contact with live electrical wires and be electrocuted if their body presents a path to ground potential. 
  • Nesting: Birds may build nests on or near power lines or other electrical equipment, which can create a fire hazard if the nest materials come into contact with electrical components. Nests can also cause power outages if they interfere with the electrical flow or if birds build nests in inconvenient locations, such as on transformers or other important components.
  • Collisions: Birds may collide with power lines while in flight, which can cause injury or death to the birds and also damage power lines or equipment. In some cases, these collisions can also cause power outages or fires.
  • Droppings: Bird droppings can build up on power lines and electrical equipment, which can create a safety hazard if the droppings come into contact with electrical components. Droppings can also cause corrosion or damage to equipment over time.

Accordingly, the 2023 National Electrical Safety Code specifies minimum clearances between power lines and surrounding trees and vegetation to help prevent birds from coming into contact with the lines; requires the use of bird guards or other protective devices on power lines in areas where birds are likely to perch or nest and, where possible; removal of nests from power lines and equipment to prevent fire hazards and equipment damage.

Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has developed guidelines for the protection of birds and other wildlife from power line hazards.  These guidelines provide recommendations for utilities on how to identify and manage potential bird hazards on power lines and equipment.  The International Electrotechnical Commission has developed similar standards

Flight is the most complex form of movement in the animal kingdom. Bird research has informed how humans design airplanes.  For example:

  • Wing design: Bird wings have evolved over millions of years to provide efficient lift and maneuverability. Researchers have studied the shape, size, and structure of bird wings to design airplane wings that are more efficient and fuel-efficient. For example, the shape of the wings of the Albatross inspired the design of the wings of the Boeing 777, which has one of the highest fuel efficiencies of any commercial aircraft.
  • Flight control: Researchers have studied how birds control their flight, particularly during takeoff and landing. This research has led to the development of technologies such as wing flaps, slats, and spoilers, which help airplanes achieve better control during takeoff and landing.
  • Aerodynamics: The study of bird flight has also helped researchers understand the complex physics of aerodynamics, such as airflow patterns, lift, drag, and turbulence. This understanding has led to the development of more advanced computer simulations and wind tunnel testing, which are used to design airplanes that are more aerodynamically efficient.
  • Materials: Birds have lightweight but strong bones and feathers, which have inspired researchers to develop new lightweight materials for use in airplane construction. For example, carbon fiber composites, which are used extensively in modern airplanes, were inspired by the lightweight but strong structure of bird bones.

"The little bird that doesn’t fly dies in the nest." (Toni Morrison, 'Song of Solomon')

There are standards and regulations for bird control in various industries and settings. These standards and regulations aim to prevent bird strikes, which can be dangerous for aircraft, and to manage bird populations that can cause damage or spread disease.  For example:

  • The Federal Aviation Administration in the United States requires airports to have a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan that includes bird control measures. This plan must address the potential for bird strikes and detail strategies for reducing the risk, such as habitat modification, bird scaring techniques, and lethal control methods in extreme cases.
  • In the agriculture industry, there are guidelines and regulations for bird control to prevent crop damage and protect public health. The US Environmental Protection Agency regulates the use of bird repellents and bird poisons to ensure that they are used safely and do not harm non-target species or the environment.  
  • There are also international standards for bird control in certain industries, such as the oil and gas industry, which has guidelines for managing bird populations that could be impacted by oil spills.

“A Girl Writing; The Pet Goldfinch” 1870 Henriette Browne

Bird control on college and university campuses should prioritize humane and non-lethal methods to manage bird populations and prevent bird-related hazards. Here are some best practices for bird control on college and university campuses:

  • Habitat modification: Modify the campus environment to make it less attractive to birds. This may involve removing or trimming trees and vegetation that provide food and shelter for birds, reducing open water sources, and using bird netting or barriers to block access to areas where birds may nest.
  • Education: Educate students, faculty, and staff about the importance of bird control and the negative impacts of feeding birds on campus. Encourage the campus community to report bird-related hazards, such as bird nests in building ventilation systems or bird droppings on walkways.
  • Non-lethal deterrents: Use non-lethal bird deterrents, such as visual scare devices, noise makers, and bird repellents, to discourage birds from congregating on campus. These methods are often effective in the short term but may need to be rotated or changed periodically to maintain their effectiveness.
  • Integrated pest management: Implement an integrated pest management (IPM) plan that includes bird control measures. IPM is a holistic approach that combines multiple strategies to manage pests, including birds, in an environmentally responsible and effective manner.
  • Monitoring and evaluation: Monitor the effectiveness of bird control measures on campus and evaluate their impact on bird populations and hazards. Adjust strategies as needed to ensure that they are effective and humane.

Overall, a comprehensive and humane approach to bird control on college and university campuses should prioritize prevention and management of bird hazards while minimizing negative impacts on bird populations and the environment.

Related Research

Design and Improvement of Anti-Bird Devices for Transmission Line Towers

Research on bird droppings flashover of 110kV transmission line composite insulator insulation-coated grading ring

Application and Challenges of an IoT Bird Repeller System As a result of Bird Behavior

Bird-caused Damage Risk Assessment System for Power Grid Based on Intelligent Data Platform

Research and Implementation of Birds and Floating Objects Target Detection Technology in Transmission Lines

 

Quidditch

The real-life sport of Quidditch was inspired by the Harry Potter franchise but has since changed its name to Quadball.  Organizers hope the name change distances the sport from the social positions of author J,K. Rowling, perhaps growing the sport.

Quadball refers to the number of balls and positions in the sport; its playfield governed largely by field sport codes and standards.


Athletic Equipment Safety Standards

Lacrosse Field Lighting

Sports Equipment & Surfaces

Sports Turf Management

Automated Sports Court Drawing Bot

Readings: The “30-30” Rule for Outdoor Athletic Events Lightning Hazard

Readings / Sport, Culture & Society

Arenas, Lecture Halls & Theaters

National Fire Protection Association | 2022 Revenue $82M

2026 NEC Code Panel 15 Public Input Report with Committee Response

Note in the transcript above that the four proposals submitted by Standards Michigan relate to healthcare facilities.  Code Panel 15 receives proposals for healthcare and assembly occupancy wiring safety concepts.

Marcel Jambon for an 1895 Paris production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Otello.

The standard of care for electrical system safety in dramatic art facilities in the education, and other industries, is largely established in Articles 518 through Article 540 of the National Electrical Code (NEC).   In some instances, dramatic art activity takes place in athletic arenas so we are mindful of parent standards for assembly occupancies generally; found in Chapter 3 of the International Building Code.

Free public access to the current 2023edition of the NEC is linked below:

2023 National Electrical Code

Of particular interest is the “technical power system” found in Article 640: Audio Signal Processing, Amplification, and Reproduction Equipment.

Access to the International Building Code on “related” occupancies is linked below (Chapter 3 Occupancy Classification and Use):

2021 International Building Code

Note the imperfect correlation between the NFPA and ICC occupancy definitions.  This never happens by design but is sometimes necessary.  Some risk aggregations have to be understood as terms of art; to be understood by seasoned experts in context.  Also, keep in mind that the NEC is a wiring installation safety code.

Proposals for revisions to assembly-related installations in the for 2023 is linked below:

NFPA 70 Public Input Report for 2023 Assembly Occupancies 

Second Draft Report for all articles assigned to CMP-15

The so called “song and dance” sections of the NEC have been fairly “stable” in recent cycles.  Changes to these articles in the NEC 2020 revision are incremental — i.e clarifications on grounding, wiring methods, cord wiring, illumination — and helpful for designers and inspectors.  Nothing budget busting.   Convergence of fire safety, mass notification,  environmental air and visual experiences continues as once-independent technologies continue integration.

2026 National Electrical Code Workspace

 

We collaborate with the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee which meets 4 times monthly in Europe and the Americas.   See our CALENDAR for the next online teleconferences; open to everyone.

Issue: [Various]

Category: Sport, Electrical, Telecommunications, Fire Protection, Arts & Entertainment Facilities, Lively Art

Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Matt Dozier, Jim Harvey


LEARN MORE:

BS 7827_2011 – Code of practice for designing, specifying, maintaining and operating emergency sound systems at sports venues

Requirements for Hybrid Media Production

Digital Content Production

Archive / Places of Assembly, Lecture Halls & Theaters

Viking Cafe

Mercer County is famous for the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolutionary War. On December 26, 1776, General George Washington led a surprise attack across the Delaware River, resulting in a crucial victory against the Hessian forces stationed in Trenton. This victory boosted the morale of the Continental Army and is considered a turning point in the Revolutionary War.

Mercer County Community College Financial Statement 2023: $82,503,849

2024 International Fire Code: Section 606 Commercial Cooking Equipment and Systems

Culinary Students Taught to Cook Up Plant-Based Cuisine

MCCC Welcomes You

Standards New Jersey


Roger Scruton Memorial Lectures

“Stand up for your friends especially when they’re right.  There is every reason in the world to do so but one is not obvious — although perhaps it should be — and it’s this:  it might be the only chance you get to show them how much they mean to you if you don’t seize this opportunity whenever it comes along. 

To save the truth of your feelings for their funeral or obituaries it’s not much use to anyone then but if you defend a friend while they’re alive you might just give them the slightest intimation of how much you value them and love them and how much other people love them too…”

Douglas Murray

 

Farm Electrical Power

ACTION ITEMS:

Article 547: Agricultural Buildings

Public Input with Responses from CMP-7 (Start at PDF Page 187)

Public Input with Responses from CMP-2 Article 220 Part V: Farm Load Calculations (Start at PDF Page 28)

Related: National Electrical Safety Code (Higher Voltage Distribution Wiring from Merchant Utility to Off-Campus Agricultural Outbuildings)

Sunday, Animal, Farm, Agri august

Many land grant colleges and universities are stewards of agricultural facilities that require reliable electrical power that is safe and sustainable for livestock and animal habitat for sporting.

FREE ACCESS: 2023 National Electrical Code

The premise wiring rules for hazardous university owned buildings have been relatively stable.  Electrical professionals are guided by:

  1. Farm Load Calculations of Part V of Article 220,
  2. Corrosion mitigation with appropriate specification of power chain wiring
  3. Stray voltage and the equipotential plane
  4. Interactivity with regulated utility power sources.

Public response to the First Draft of the 2026 National Electrical Code will be received until August 28, 2024.  We coordinate our approach to the entire NFPA electrical suite with the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee which meets 4 times monthly.  We typically refer to previous transcripts of technical committee actions to inform any changes (improvements) that we propose, if any.

2026 National Electrical Code Workspace

We maintain this issue on the standing agenda of our Power and Nourriture (Food) colloquia.  Feel free to join us with the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.


More:

2028 National Electrical Safety Code

Stray Voltage: Sources and Solutions

University of Nebraska: G87-845 Electrical Systems for Agricultural Buildings (Recommended Practices)

Cornell University Agricultural Safety and Health Program

Mike Holt

Fred Hartwell

National Safety Council  (22 deaths by electrocution on farms per 100,000 in 2017)

National Agricultural  Safety Database

 

The Intersection of Design and Engineering

Fashion of the future: the Intersection of Design and Engineering

Fuzzy Logic in Personalized Garment Design

Standards New York

An abbreviated list of fashion and textile design schools and colleges in the United States:

Parsons School of Design, New York
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York
Pratt Institute, New York
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Savannah, Atlanta, Hong Kong
California College of the Arts, San Francisco
Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles
Academy of Art University, San Francisco
Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
Drexel University, Philadelphia
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston
Columbia College Chicago, Chicago
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis
Iowa State University, Ames
University of Georgia, Athens
University of North Texas, Denton

Keep in mind that academies, schools, colleges, universities and institutes serve different purposes within the structure of college or university, with schools being larger and more general in focus, while departments are smaller and more specialized in their areas of study.

In all cases, textiles present elevated chemical, fire, noise and physical hazard associated with textile-related machinery.

Capra hircus

Goat farming is an important source of livelihood for many small-scale farmers in developing countries, particularly in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The FAO estimates that more than 90% of the world’s goats are raised in developing countries, where they provide a critical source of food and income for rural communities.

Overall, the global goat farming industry continues to grow, driven by increasing demand for goat meat and milk products, as well as the potential for sustainable agriculture practices.

Advantages:

Low start-up costs: Goat farming requires relatively low start-up costs compared to other types of agriculture. Goats are small animals that do not require much space, and they can be raised in a variety of environments, from small backyard farms to large commercial operations.

High productivity: Goats are known for their high reproductive rate, which allows farmers to increase their herd size quickly. They are also efficient at converting food into milk and meat, making them a profitable investment for farmers.

Multiple uses: Goats can be raised for meat, milk, and fiber, making them a versatile livestock option. Additionally, their manure can be used as fertilizer, and they can be used for weed control on farms and other properties.

Sustainable farming: Goat farming can be a sustainable agricultural practice, as goats do not require large amounts of feed or water, and they can be raised on marginal lands that are unsuitable for other types of agriculture.

Disadvantages:

Predation: Goats are vulnerable to predation by coyotes, dogs, and other predators, which can be a significant problem for farmers, especially in rural areas.

Disease susceptibility: Goats are susceptible to a variety of diseases, some of which can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Additionally, some diseases can be transmitted to humans, making it important for farmers to take precautions when handling their animals.

Market volatility: The demand for goat products can be volatile, and prices can fluctuate significantly based on supply and demand. This can make it challenging for farmers to predict their income and manage their finances.

Labor intensive: Goat farming can be labor-intensive, especially during kidding and milking seasons. This can make it difficult for farmers to manage their workload, especially if they have a large herd.

Girl with a Goat | Benton County Arkansas

 

Animal Safety

The tale of a tea rookie: London Fog

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