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Migratory birds flying freely under the wings of its guardians

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BEIJING, Aug. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A news report by China.org.cn on the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China:

 

The East Asian–Australasian Flyway is one of the world’s busiest flyways, with tens of millions of birds migrating via this route every year. On this flyway, the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China, boasting a diverse ecological system, has been an important resting habitat for the migratory birds.

These birds and their guardians have been the witness of what has unfolded here.

Two decades ago, the Oriental storks were rare to be seen in the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in Dongying, Shandong province. Oriental storks are peculiar about their living environments. To satisfy these storks, staff at the nature reserve considerately placed safe bowl-shaped crowns on the tips of utility poles, to attract the Oriental storks to build their nest there, since the birds tend to nest at high spots. While, what really got the Oriental storks to stay was the restoration of the wetlands. In recent years, 17 wetland restoration projects have been launched in Dongying, with the total restoration area covering about 300, 000 mu (over 49,400 acres). In the past, the total number of Oriental storks worldwide was less than 3,000, but now, more than 3,000 Oriental storks have already been born here at the nature. Such an ecological-friendly spectacle makes it hard to link Dongying with its nickname – “the city of petroleum.”

Another hard-to-believe truth comes from Shanghai: This Metropolis with soaring land prices has set aside a “fairyland” for the migratory birds measuring more than 7,500 acres –  the Chongming Dongtan Birds National Nature Reserve. Here, a special guardian for the birds, Jin Weiguo, can whistle in the pitches of dozens of bird species, dialoguing with them. He is special because he was once a bird captor. In 1998, the Chongming Dongtan Birds National Nature Reserve was founded, and since then invasive species have been eliminated and poaching cracked down upon. That’s also when Jin Weiguo’s whistling tricks became a great enabler in the scientific research and protection of birds. Jin also talked other former bird captors into joining the bird protection teams, and they have kept up the efforts for several decades. At present, 300 bird species have been recorded in the nature reserve; bird-watching festivals have been held for years, and the nature reserve has become a public education base for birds.

The traits of migratory birds mean every measure taken along their migratory routes determines the outcome of protection efforts. On the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, the spoon-billed sandpipers are the most endangered and hence, the rarest type of wader. They breed in Russia, rest and molt in China’s Yellow-Sea and Bohai region, and spend the winter in Myanmar. In 2020, Yancheng in Jiangsu province set aside a 720-mu area in the polders nearest to the foraging area of migratory birds, offering the birds a perch at high tides, turning the area into a concentrated habitat for the spoon-billed sandpipers on their way south. In the meantime, China’s bird scientific research teams have engaged in the investigation and protection work at the birds’ breeding places and winter shelters in Russia and Myanmar.

Spring is gone but the flowers remain blooming, humans arrive yet birds stay singing. Scenes of harmony between humanity and nature are being painted at the nature reserves for birds.

After the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2019, five nominated sites including Migratory Bird Habitats at Chongming Dongtan in Shanghai and Yellow River Estuary in Dongying were added to the list. The addition recognizes the ecological value of the “paradise for migratory birds,” while reflecting the outcome of China’s decades-long efforts in ecological restoration. Transformation, innovation, collaboration, as well as these natural treasures, are properties of all humanity.

Migratory birds are flying freely, because the guardianship keep them safe and well.

China Mosaic 
http://chinamosaic.china.com.cn/index.htm
Migratory birds flying freely under the wings of its guardians
http://www.china.org.cn/video/2024-08/16/content_117371727.htm 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/migratory-birds-flying-freely-under-the-wings-of-its-guardians-302224267.html

SOURCE China.org.cn

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Pavlov Media Employees Give Back Through Nationwide Day of Service, Contributing More Than 500 Volunteer Hours

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November 6, 2026

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More than 100 team members supported local nonprofits, community organizations, and environmental initiatives across the United States.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pavlov Media, a leading provider of fiber-optic Internet and managed Wi-Fi solutions, recently brought employees together for a company-wide Day of Service, contributing more than 500 hours of volunteer work to communities across the United States. The event builds on the company’s ongoing commitment to giving back through Pavlov Cares, its community outreach and philanthropic program.

More than 100 Pavlov Media employees participated in the initiative, dedicating their time to supporting local nonprofits, environmental conservation efforts, food assistance programs, and other community-focused organizations.

The Day of Service brought employees together around a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities where they live and work. From supporting food banks and animal rescue organizations to maintaining public spaces and assisting local nonprofits, team members stepped away from their daily responsibilities to give back.

“At Pavlov Media, our commitment to the communities we serve extends beyond providing Internet,” says Cory Douglas, CEO of Pavlov Media. “Through our Pavlov Cares program, we support organizations that strengthen the places where we live and work. Seeing more than 100 employees come together for this initiative is a reflection of the people who make up our organization.”

Making an Impact Across Communities

Employees volunteered with a variety of organizations and community initiatives, including:

Salt & Light (Champaign/Urbana, IL): Supporting community assistance programs in Central Illinois.Eastern Illinois Foodbank (Urbana, IL): Contributing to efforts addressing food insecurity.Champaign Public Library (Champaign, IL): Supporting a valuable community resource.Champaign County Forest Preserve District (Champaign County, IL): Assisting with invasive plant removal and botanical garden maintenance.Moore’s Rescue Ranch/Kitty Crib (Urbana, IL): Supporting local animal rescue and care efforts.Aikman Wildlife Adventure (Arcola, IL): Enhancing visitor spaces through grounds maintenance and revitalizing the indoor play area.Atlanta Food Bank (Atlanta, GA): Supporting efforts to address food insecurity in Georgia.GRACE Marketplace (Gainesville, FL): Supporting programs assisting individuals experiencing homelessness.Corinth Park District (Corinth, TX): Helping maintain community parks and recreational spaces. 

Connecting Through Community Service

Pavlov Media’s Day of Service provided employees with an opportunity to collaborate outside the workplace while supporting organizations that make a difference in their communities.

With more than 500 hours of service contributed nationwide, the initiative reflects the collective impact employees can make when they come together for a shared purpose.

Through our Pavlov Cares program, Pavlov Media continues to support local and national organizations dedicated to strengthening communities and improving lives. The company’s Day of Service reflects this ongoing commitment, bringing employees together to make a meaningful difference beyond their everyday work.

Learn more about Pavlov Cares at www.pavlovmedia.com/pavlov-cares/.

About Pavlov Media

Pavlov Media is a provider of fiber-optic Internet and managed Wi-Fi solutions serving residential communities, multifamily properties, student housing, and businesses across the United States. With a focus on connectivity, innovation, and customer experience, Pavlov Media delivers Internet solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

Learn more at https://mdu.pavlovmedia.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pavlov-media-employees-give-back-through-nationwide-day-of-service-contributing-more-than-500-volunteer-hours-302930898.html

SOURCE Pavlov Media

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Urban Outfitters Invites Everyone to the Party with “All Together Now: More the Merrier” Holiday Campaign

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November 6, 2026

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Rooted in Gen Z insights, UO celebrates the season with the most coveted gifts, festive fashion, and community experiences, kicking off with a holiday celebration in partnership with DoorDash.

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Urban Outfitters is inviting everyone to the party this holiday season with the launch of “All Together Now: More the Merrier,” an omnichannel campaign that taps into the personal style and shared experiences that make the season special. Building on the brand’s All Together Now platform, the campaign celebrates the joy of coming together and captures the excitement of the season, from getting ready and finding the perfect outfit to showing up and celebrating with friends.

At the heart of the campaign is UO’s understanding of how Gen Z lives, shops, and celebrates. Insights from UO Insiders, the brand’s community of more than 10,000 Gen Z shoppers, students, and influencers, reveal that 85% of Gen Z shoppers self-gift during the holidays—purchasing an average of seven to eight items for themselves. Alongside self-gifting, 78% of Gen Z prefer to shop with someone else, underscoring this generation’s focus on community and togetherness.

“At Urban Outfitters, everything starts with understanding our customer,” said Shea Jensen, President of Urban Outfitters. “More the Merrier brings together the products, brands, and experiences they love, with new ways to discover and make the holiday season even more memorable.”

The campaign kicked off with an exclusive launch party in Los Angeles on November 5, reuniting members of UO’s always-on community, including Meet Me@UO Joshua Tree attendees, All Together Now commercial cast members, and Game Day student ambassadors. Designed for connection, creativity, and community, the evening featured seasonal activations, including white elephant, customization stations, and a surprise UO Live performance by Grammy-nominated artist DESTIN CONRAD. The party was brought to life in partnership with DoorDash, building on the UO’s strategy to make last-minute gifting and getting-ready essentials more accessible through on-demand delivery.

Extending the celebration beyond Los Angeles, UO brings the ultimate holiday house party to life across its digital channels and stores through doorbell-inspired creative, festive editorial imagery and specialized gift shops. Content from the campaign’s editorial shoot extends the house party atmosphere across social and digital channels, with select video content featured on connected TV (CTV) platforms, including Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+ and Peacock.

The in-store and online UO Holiday Gift Shop features a curated assortment of exclusive collections and seasonal must-haves across apparel, footwear, beauty, and home. New Analog Gifting, Scent Shop, and Cozy Shop destinations bring the season’s most coveted gifts to life, curated around Gen Z’s evolving shopping habits and interests.

With giving at the heart of the season, UO is continuing to put community first through its three-month Giving Season initiative, running November to January. Alongside ongoing brand donations, customers can make contributions at checkout to support six of UO’s longstanding nonprofit partners: Altadena Girls, Active Minds, Creatives Want Change, Glisten, Rock to the Future, and Asian Arts Initiative.

For more information, visit urbanoutfitters.com.

About Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters is a global lifestyle brand dedicated to fueling the next generation’s individuality through a unique blend of product, creativity, music, and youth culture. Founded in 1970 in a small space across from the University of Pennsylvania, Urban Outfitters now operates over 200 stores across the United States, Canada, and Europe, alongside a dynamic digital presence. Empowering bold self-expression, Urban Outfitters leads with its distinctive designs and curated selection of women’s, men’s, accessories, and home products, and best-in-class brand partnerships. For more information, visit Urban Outfitters at www.urbanoutfitters.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/urban-outfitters-invites-everyone-to-the-party-with-all-together-now-more-the-merrier-holiday-campaign-302931715.html

SOURCE Urban Outfitters

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ExpertCrowd and HUD Collaborate to Advance AI Training and Evaluation, Release SWE Benchmark

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November 6, 2026

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SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ExpertCrowd, Toptal‘s platform for training and improving AI models and systems, today announced a collaboration with HUD, a Y Combinator-backed startup that provides tools for building AI training data through its DataVendor™ marketplace. Together, the teams released ExpertCrowd-SWE, a software engineering benchmark that evaluates the performance of frontier-grade LLMs and coding agents.

As AI systems take on increasingly complex work, measuring their capabilities requires tasks that reflect professional practice and grading criteria that capture what successful execution actually means. This collaboration brings together ExpertCrowd’s expert-led task development and HUD’s infrastructure for running complex RL environments.

ExpertCrowd and HUD co-developed ExpertCrowd-SWE, bringing together engineers from Toptal’s global network of highly skilled domain experts with HUD’s experience collaborating with frontier research teams. After Toptal’s experts authored tasks and grading rubrics, HUD’s infrastructure hosted task-run environments and verified the benchmarks against internal quality assurance pipelines. HUD and Toptal’s AI research teams, composed of more than a dozen PhDs and researchers with educational or professional experience at Harvard, EPFL, the University of Liège, DeepMind, Qwen, and ByteDance, reviewed and assessed the methodology and results to build one of the most robust software engineering benchmarks in the industry.

“ExpertCrowd puts practitioners at the center of defining the work AI systems should perform and judging how well they perform it. By combining that specialized expertise with HUD’s testing infrastructure, we’re advancing what AI systems can achieve and setting a higher standard for real-world performance,” said Taso Du Val, founder and CEO of Toptal.

ExpertCrowd-SWE is the first release of an ongoing Toptal-HUD collaboration, with additional initiatives in development and further announcements coming soon. Building on this foundation, ExpertCrowd and HUD will bring more specialized human expertise into the tasks, environments, and evaluations that support the next generation of AI.

“We built HUD’s infrastructure to give research teams the tools to create realistic RL training environments, run evaluations across AI models, and inspect model performance. ExpertCrowd put that infrastructure to work, bringing the professional expertise to translate complex, real-world workflows into rigorous tasks, reference outputs, and evaluation frameworks that test the limits of today’s leading AI models,” said Jay Ram, founder and CEO of HUD.

About ExpertCrowd

ExpertCrowd is Toptal’s platform for training and improving AI models and systems through RLHF, RL data generation, data labeling, and model evaluation. It is powered by Toptal’s global talent network, with more than 30,000 specialized domain experts across 140+ countries, including more than 2,000 AI and big data specialists, 12,000 professionals with advanced degrees, and 1,000 PhD-level AI specialists, available on demand. For more information, please visit ExpertCrowd.com.

About HUD

HUD is a platform for building reinforcement learning environments, used by startups, Fortune 500 companies, and frontier labs. It provides infrastructure for training models, evaluating AI agents, and creating the post-training data that aligns AI to organizations’ work. HUD’s mission is to build reliable, fair, and open infrastructure for AI data with the goal of making data valuable for the people who create it and trustworthy for the labs that train on it. DataVendor™ is HUD’s marketplace, which allows AI labs to license training and evaluation data directly from the companies that created it. For more information, please visit HUD.ai.

Contact

Luiz Baia
SVP of Marketing Strategy
luiz.baia@toptal.com

SOURCE Toptal

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