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As part of an experiential learning trip, Clemson students went to Georgetown, South Carolina, where they visited the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, toured Hobcaw Barony and went to Sandy Island where they interacted with the Gullah-Geechee community and concluded their trip with a private visit to the Gullah Museum. As part of an experiential learning trip, Clemson students went to Georgetown, South Carolina, where they visited the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Cent... Doctoral students Akshit Suthar and Crystal Anderson have been working on an umbrella project at the James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center at Clemson University’s Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science in Georgetown. As part of their research, Suthar and Anderson co-teach an undergraduate class – Historical Rice Fields and Tidal Wetlands of Coastal South Carolina: Drones, Ducks and Decision Support. In speaking with Jim Anderson, director of the Kennedy Center and the Baruch Institute, Suthar and Crystal Anderson thought it would be good to get the undergrads into the field where they could better understand the wetlands and waterfowl, the history of the antebellum rice fields and the Gullah-Geechee community, as well as assist with data collecting for his and Anderson’s research. Suthar has been using drones for waterfowl research and wetlands management. It is the first waterfowl drone survey conducted in South Carolina. Crystal Anderson is currently conducting a social dimension survey to explore how waterfowl managers, the public and Gullah communities engage with antebellum rice fields and their perspectives on priorities for future management. To deepen their understanding of social surveys, students have been assigned to design their own survey focusing on hunter satisfaction with current hunting rules and regulations. Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access. “We designed the program for students to learn about the history, wildlife ecology and simultaneously they can go in the field and have real-world experience which will help them to be ready for the job market or their master’s program in the future,” Suthar said. “We teach about the different methodologies and how they can use drones for wildlife research. Also, our social dimension theme helps them design their social surveys and reach out to the people and collect their perceptions about the landscape.” From Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, the students went to Georgetown where they visited the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, toured Hobcaw Barony and went to Sandy Island where they interacted with the Gullah-Geechee community and concluded their trip with a private visit to the Gullah Museum. While at the Yawkey Wildlife Center, the students learned the background of what once was a historical rice field impoundment. This structure now continues the legacy established by Tom and Jean Yawkey of conducting pioneering waterfowl, wetlands and wildlife management activities supported by natural resources research. It also provides unique educational opportunities by interpreting the property’s diverse cultural and natural history. “The morning in the Yawkey Wildlife Center was my favorite part,” said Sarah Kolarik, a senior wildlife and fisheries biology major from Travelers Rest. “Jamie (Dozier, project leader of Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center) talked to us about management and what waterfowl are eating, and freshwater and saltwater fields and how they manage for that. What really made it memorable for me was just how wild it was. It was just a massive expanse of open land and native plants. I got to watch a northern harrier glide totally silently across the rice field for probably half an hour. There were just so many birds. All you could hear was bird song all around you. I think I’m probably going to hang onto that and carry it with me.” From there, the students toured Hobcaw Barony, a 16,000-acre research reserve with a rich diversity of every ecosystem found on the South Carolina coast. The students explored pine forests, hardwood bottomland forested wetlands, rice fields, a former slave village and coastal marshes. They also collected data using drone-based aerial surveys. On their final full day, the students visited the Sandy Island Gullah Community where they interacted with the Gullah-Geechee residents to collect social dimension data. They were treated to a traditional Gullah meal. “Sandy Island is a really unique place,” Kolarik said. “There’s land there held by The Nature Conservancy. We got to walk around and look at all the different ecosystems they have on the island, including maritime forests and sand hills. We talked to people who live on Sandy Island. The person leading the tour was Tyler Pratt, who was a Clemson graduate,” and currently works for the University of South Carolina on shared property with Clemson and Hobcaw Barony. That evening, the students had dinner with Jim Anderson at The Root in the historic waterfront of Georgetown where they discussed the course and future career objectives. Before returning to Clemson, the students stopped for a private tour of the Gullah Museum, led by Janette Rodrigues and her sister Beatrice. The students were given a comprehensive overview of Gullah history, language and culture, and were able to view art pieces associated with Gullah life. Suthar and Crystal Anderson said the trip gave the class a unique perspective into the program and the research being conducted on antebellum rice fields. “They learned about the history and the wildlife ecology,” Suthar said. “They also learned about the management. Many programs just take you into the field and you completely learn about the ecology or research. But they do not consider the social dimension. They also do not consider the management perspectives. “But on this trip, they experienced the people. They experienced the food. They experienced the culture. They experienced the exact area where these people used to work. This trip was more of an experience and holistic approach, how you can have ecology with imaging technology and human dimension.” Hannah Kern, a junior from Charleston, majoring in environmental and natural resources, said the trip was invaluable. “It was cool to get my name out there as a junior undergraduate and to be able to meet with so many different people,” Kern said. “I learned how to interact in those research environments. So much stuff is taught in class, but this was the first time that I was in a meeting where we talked and learned how to interact in those conference rooms. I got to see a lot more about what I want to do and don’t want to do post-grad.” Kern said she also got a chance to connect with members of her research team. Prior to the trip, most of their interactions were through text messages or via Zoom. “Being able to stay in the cabin together at Hobcaw Barony was a fantastic experience and we got so much done with our research because we were able to communicate with each other the whole time.” After compiling the data collected for the social dimension survey on hunter satisfaction, the students will have their findings published and they will be listed as co-authors, a rare experience for undergraduates. For the drone survey, they collected aerial images of the waterfowl and merged the color images with the thermal image, calculating and counting the birds using both images. “I’ve also gotten a recreational drone pilot license, which is a good step up,” Kolarik said. “The next one would be a commercial drone pilot license and that would be valuable and applicable to my future as a wildlife biologist. These things are preparing me for either continuing in academia or going straight into the workforce. I’ve gained a lot.” Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox.IND vs AUS: Shubman Gill Participates In Fun Fielding Drill With Abhishek Nayar After Recovering From Injury Ahead Of Adelaide Test| Watch
Maharashtra's Political Power Play: Fadnavis in the LeadAir Canada to bar carry-on bags for lowest-fare customersHow good would Matthew Boyd look in Guardians’ rotation? The week in baseballGoogle has just unveiled Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking, an AI model that combines the speed of its Flash technology with the same kind of chain of thought reasoning of OpenAI’s o1 model. The new model is available to everyone right now on Google’s AI Studio platform, free of charge. This free version comes with a token limit of 32,767 tokens, so it’s somewhat limited compared to other Gemini models, but what’s remarkable is how fast it deals with complicated problems that typically stump conventional AI models. The launch demos include riddles, probability problems and other examples needing complex thought. It’s not perfect, some of the examples from members of the public show it can still make mistakes, and miss key aspects of some problem prompts. However considering that this release is no more than a few hours old, it’s once again an impressive demonstration of what the DeepMind AI architecture can deliver. What is Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking One of the key differences with OpenAI ’s approach is the fact that Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking displays its reasoning as it goes, while o1 is much more bashful and hides its thoughts away. This is an important distinction for those who need to follow along to ensure no hallucinations are happening in very long thought chains. The new model already leapt to the number one spot in the Lmarena Chatbot Arena . That is a spectacular result for a model this new, in such a short period of time. I tested Flash Thinking with a riddle cheekily lifted from the OpenAI community 50 Really Hard Riddles web page, and it managed to nail the answer in 9.2 seconds. While this is not the kind of test that will prove anything meaningful, it's a fairly decent example of how competent this model seems to be. The other main difference between Google’s new reasoning model and OpenAI is the fact that Google AI Studio allows you to adjust safety settings to check for different responses. So for instance you can tweak harassment, hate, dangerous and explicit content and see how those changes affect the model’s reasoning abilities. It’s still too early to definitively state an opinion one way or the other on this new model. However first indications are that Google has once again stepped up to the plate and delivered a smashing vindication of its core AI technology and abilities. Those interested in trying out the new model for free can sign up on Google’s AI Studio platform, and select it from the model box in the right-hand sidebar. More from Tom's Guide
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RFK Jr. to meet Romanian presidential frontrunner in Bucharest next week, local TV saysTwo teams aiming to secure playoff berths meet when the Atlanta Falcons visit the Washington Commanders on Sunday night in Landover, Md. The Falcons (8-7) can clinch the NFC South with a win over the Commanders and a loss by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) against the visiting Carolina Panthers. The Commanders (10-5) can clinch a wild-card spot - their first playoff berth since 2020 - before they play if the Panthers beat the Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon. If Tampa Bay wins, Washington can clinch with a win over Atlanta. Atlanta is searching for its third straight victory while Washington has won three in a row and could get to 11 wins for the first time since 1991. According to NBC Sports, Sunday night will be the first time in NFL history that two first-round rookie quarterbacks will start in a primetime game as Washington's Jayden Daniels opposes Atlanta's Michael Penix Jr. Daniels was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, six selections before Penix. Penix will make his second career start after replacing Kirk Cousins last week. He completed 18 of 27 passes (66.7 percent) for 202 yards with an interception and led the Falcons to four scoring drives in a 34-7 home win against the New York Giants. "Me and Mike are boys," Daniels said this week. "Obviously, we trained together. We went through the draft process together, so we built the relationship over that time, and I'm happy for him, you know, he waited his time. He's a phenomenal player in my eyes and, you know, I'm excited to be able to match up against him." After several drops and missed throws against the Giants, the Falcons were looking forward to another week of practice with Penix. "I mean, it takes a lot of reps," Penix said. "That's the biggest thing. Just getting those reps in practice, as many live reps as we can -- and we did a lot of reps this past week. We're going to continue to grow.' Daniels is coming off a five-touchdown performance, including the game-winner with six seconds remaining, to lead Washington to an upset win over the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. He passed for 258 yards and ran for 81 more. The Falcons realize the danger presented by Daniels' running ability, as he has rushed for a team-high 737 yards along with six touchdowns. Washington entered Week 17 third in rushing (152.7 yards per game) and 16th in passing (220.9 yards per game). "It adds an extra gap up front. Now, you have to make sure you get up there to make sure you stop that gap," Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake said. "And now, you get too many guys up there, here comes the play-action pass and you leave your guys in the back end open. So, it's going to be a chess match all night long." Daniels has completed nearly 70 percent of his passes (301 of 432) for 3,303 yards with 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Both teams saw their leading receivers on the injury report Thursday. Atlanta's Drake London (83 catches, 978 yards, seven touchdowns) was limited because of knee injury but told reporters he will be good to go on Sunday. Washington's Terry McLaurin (73 catches, 1,029 yards, 12 touchdowns) was limited with an ankle injury after sitting out practice Wednesday. Atlanta cornerbacks Kevin King (concussion) and Antonio Hamilton Sr. (quad) did not participate in Thursday's practice. Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (pectoral) was a full participant and could be activated from injured reserve to play Sunday. Washington cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) remained out of practice Thursday along with wide receiver Dyami Brown (hamstring), linebacker Jordan Magee (hamstring), safety Tyler Owens (ankle) and tackle Andrew Wylie (groin). Defensive end Clelin Ferrell (knee) was limited after not practicing Wednesday. --Field Level Media
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Making 2024 count economically After years of economic turmoil, Pakistan’s stabilisation efforts began yielding tangible results A man counts dollars and other currency notes. — AFP/File A pivotal year which may become a turning point for Pakistan’s economy, 2024 saw significant progress in achieving macroeconomic stabilisation. The country made strides in controlling inflation, reducing interest rates, and achieving a historic current account surplus. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); These achievements were bolstered by a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) arrangement that averted a financial crisis and stabilised the balance of payments. However, systemic and structural flaws – excessive taxation, high energy costs, mismanagement in key sectors like agriculture, poor governance of social services, and government-imposed restrictions on the digital economy – continued to undermine sustainable growth and investment. After years of economic turmoil, Pakistan’s stabilization efforts began yielding tangible results. Inflation, which had peaked at 29 per cent in FY 22-23 and 20 per cent in FY 23-24, dropped below 5.0 per cent by November 2024, surpassing the government’s target of 12 per cent. This decline provided significant relief for businesses and consumers. Complementing these improvements, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) implemented aggressive monetary easing, reducing the policy rate from 22 per cent to 13 per cent and lowering interest rates to 12 per cent. These measures are expected to save the government over Rs1.2 trillion in interest costs, easing fiscal pressures and creating space for development initiatives. A noteworthy achievement in 2024 was the government’s decision to avoid budgetary borrowing in the first half of the fiscal year, instead retiring Rs2.03 trillion in debt. This unprecedented step, supported by the SBP’s record profit of Rs3.42 trillion, eased fiscal pressures and unleashed excess liquidity into the banking system. This liquidity, combined with lower interest rates, has created an opportunity to channel funds into productive sectors such as industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. However, realising the potential of this progress depends on decisive government policies and actions to drive job creation and sustainable economic momentum. The current account surplus reached over $730 million in November, marking the fourth consecutive month of surpluses and the largest in nearly a decade. Projections for FY24-25 suggest the surplus could exceed $2 billion, fueled by rising remittances, improved exports, and a stable rupee. These developments spurred significant investment in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), with the KSE index surging by 80 per cent during the year and market capitalisation expanding substantially. Despite these positive developments, several systemic challenges persist. Excessive taxation remains a significant obstacle. Instead of broadening the tax base or improving compliance, the FY25 budget further increased tax rates, disproportionately burdening businesses and households. This approach discourages investment in the formal sector, stifles economic activity, and fails to address underlying inefficiencies in the revenue system. Similarly, Pakistan’s energy costs remain among the highest globally, making the cost of doing business prohibitively expensive. This undermines the competitiveness of Pakistani goods in international markets and deters foreign and domestic investment. Repeated coercive renegotiations of power purchase agreements have further eroded investor confidence, discouraging the long-term investments needed to address circular debt and energy insecurity. Agriculture, a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, also faced significant challenges. Early in 2024, increased wheat production was initially a positive development. However, poor procurement policies (more specifically federal and Punjab governments reluctance to purchase at price they had guaranteed to the farmer) led to a collapse in wheat prices, falling below Rs3000 per maund against the committed minimum price of Rs3900. This caused substantial losses for farmers, many of whom are now expected to shift to alternative crops. Such failures highlight the urgent need for better planning, fair procurement practices, and investments in agricultural technology to ensure food security and protect the livelihoods of rural communities. The digital economy, a vital driver of innovation and growth, was hindered by government-imposed restrictions on internet access and social media platforms. These measures disrupted entrepreneurial activity, discouraged investment, and weakened Pakistan’s position in the global digital economy. In an era defined by technological transformation, such actions have significantly limited the country’s potential to harness digital tools for economic resilience and innovation. Poor governance in social sectors like education, healthcare, and skill development further undermines Pakistan’s long-term growth potential. A lack of investment in these areas has left the country with a workforce ill-equipped to meet the demands of a globalised economy. Education, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, lags behind, restricting opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. In the same way, inadequate healthcare and insufficient vocational training programmes exacerbate inequality and limit productivity. Political instability and security challenges compound these economic issues. Post-election disputes, allegations of rigging, and controversial constitutional amendments eroded public trust in democratic institutions, creating an environment of uncertainty unattractive to investors. Security concerns, including insurgent violence and militant activities, further disrupt economic activity, particularly in vulnerable regions, and deter foreign direct investment. To transition from stabilisation to sustainable growth, Pakistan must implement bold and comprehensive reforms. Governance reform is crucial for improving efficiency, reducing bureaucracy, and fostering transparency. Streamlining government operations, cutting redundant departments, and ensuring accountability for outcomes will create a more business-friendly environment and restore investor confidence. The tax system must be overhauled to broaden the base, improve compliance, and reduce reliance on high tax rates. Expanding the tax net to include under-taxed sectors and addressing exemptions for influential groups can create a fairer and more effective revenue system. The energy sector requires immediate reform, including major privatisation of generation, transmission and distribution sub-sectors to reduce the role of the public sector, and enhance efficiency and productivity through competition. Transparent, long-term policies must replace ad-hoc measures, encouraging investments in renewable energy and domestic resources like coal. Modernising the power grid and privatising utilities to enhance competition will reduce costs and improve efficiency. Investing in human capital is essential. Prioritising education, vocational training and healthcare will equip Pakistan’s population with the skills needed to compete in a global economy. Special emphasis on STEM education can foster innovation and entrepreneurship, preparing the workforce for the digital transformation of industries. The digital economy offers immense potential for growth. Removing restrictions on internet access and social media platforms is a necessary first step. Beyond this, the government must invest in digital infrastructure and foster public-private partnerships to create a thriving ecosystem for tech-enabled entrepreneurship. Supporting startups with seed funding, incubators, and reduced regulatory hurdles will stimulate innovation and diversify the economy. A strategic focus on adopting artificial intelligence (AI) can further enhance productivity and competitiveness. Agricultural modernisation is also critical. Policies ensuring fair prices to the farmer mainly through market mechanisms, investing in technology, and improving supply chain logistics can stabilise the sector and maximise its potential. Addressing inefficiencies in agriculture will enhance food security and contribute to rural development. While the IMF programme has helped Pakistan in achieving much needed stabilisation, it is important to appreciate that such programmes address immediate crises but fail to tackle systemic issues in governance, taxation, energy policy, and human capital development. Without meaningful structural reforms, the progress achieved in 2024 risks being short-lived. By fostering innovation, investing in its people, and embracing structural reforms, Pakistan can transition from stabilisation to enduring growth. The choices made today will determine whether 2024 becomes a fleeting moment of relief or a foundation for long-term resilience. The stakes have never been higher. The writer is a former managing partner of a leading professional services firm and has done extensive work on governance in the public and private sectors. He tweets/posts @Asad_AshahGILBERT, AZ — Game over! The owners of Level 1 Arcade Bar in downtown Gilbert have announced its closure. In a social media post, the owners announced the bar will shut down for good on January 18, writing, "Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for the fun times. Thank you for the parties and for the costume nights and the friendships and even for the tears as we write this..." In the post, the owners cite the end of their five-year lease as one of the reasons for the closing. Level 1 opened in 2019 and TJ Tillman, one of five partners on the project, told ABC15 at the time , “We’re all 80s and 90s kids that grew up on arcade games, and just sometimes want to go back to that carefree time where you can go and chill with your friends, play some old arcade games like you used to, and have a drink." The owners say they have plans for their next Gilbert location and an announcement will come soon. 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