- tdwg - lists.tdwg.org

TDWG's vision for 2008
by Lee Belbin 06 Nov '07

06 Nov '07

Dear taxacomers and tdwgians Donald Hobern, TDWG's incoming Chairman, has just posted his vision for TDWG for 2008 to http://www.tdwg.org/about-tdwg/news/article/the-new-chairmans-vision-for-200 8/ Best Wishes Lee Lee Belbin Manager, TDWG Infrastructure Project Email: lee(a)tdwg.org

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TDWG specimen RDF and browser project completion
by Kevin Richards 05 Nov '07

05 Nov '07

A new tool has been developed for searching, harvesting and browsing RDF and XML data within the TDWG domain. Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG: http://www.tdwg.org) recognised the urgent need to apply semantic web technologies to sharing biodiversity data. The endorsement of LSID (Life Science Identifiers) for use within the TDWG domain and associated development of RDF metadata has introduced semantic web protocols. This project was accomplished with funding from the TDWG Infrastructure Project (www.tdwg.org/activities/tip) funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (http://www.moore.org) The tool was developed in parallel with an LSID resolver for specimen-related data. The Herb IMI specimen database was used for the specimen records, which is closely related to the index of Fungi names, IndexFungorum (http://www.indexfungorum.org) Herb IMI contains nearly 400000 specimen records including location data, and is currently hosted by CABI in the UK. The tool's data sources are configurable and the protocols available include TDWG's TAPIR, OAI-PMH and LSID resolution. Multiple data sources can be configured using various protocols, then queried, harvested and stored in a local RDF-triple store cache. Semantic web inferences can then be derived from the cached RDF. The VB.NET code and documentation is located at the source forge project site, http://sourceforge.net/projects/tdwgrdfbrowser/. The code re-uses the TapirDotNET and LSIDDotNET Source Forge projects. An installation file allows for easy installation. The Herb IMI LSID resolver is set up at http://lsid.herbimi.info/authority/ - for example urn:lsid:herbimi.info:specimens:100069. The TAPIR provider (including a subset of the OAI-PMH protocol) is set up at http://lsid.herbimi.info/tapirdotnet/tapir.aspx. Any feedback is very welcome. Kevin Richards Landcare Research New Zealand

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The Global Biodiversity Information Facility and the TDWG Infrastructure Project
by Lee Belbin 01 Nov '07

01 Nov '07

Apologies for cross-postings (but I didn't want to miss anyone!)- The TDWG Infrastructure Project will complete at the end of 2007. Significant advances have been made, among them establishing a common architecture for standards and, as a component, the deployment of Life Science Identifiers (LSIDs). A brief news item on advances is now on the GBIF site- http://www.gbif.org/Stories/STORY1193926152 Many are asking "...where to now for TDWG?" Donald Hobern, as the incoming Chairman of TDWG will post a 'Vision for 2008' in the next week or so. Donald is also stepping down from his role as Deputy Director for Informatics at the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to become the Director of the Atlas of Living Australia project. I'm sure that all those who have had the pleasure of working with Donald wish him and his family (very) well! Lee Lee Belbin Manager, TDWG Infrastructure Project Email: lee(a)tdwg.org

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Error in Resource Directory (RDDL) for ABCD 2.06?
by Richardson, Ben 17 Oct '07

17 Oct '07

Hi When I've been constructing instance documents in XMLSpy lately, I've noticed an error that appears to be caused by the instructions on the following page http://www.tdwg.org/schemas/abcd/2.06 which redirects to http://rs.tdwg.org/abcd/2.06/rddl-2007-07-11.html The error is in the "Note 1" text below each normative XML Schema list item: E.g. 'Note 1: Although RDDL-aware processors may automatically detect a schema location, most processors require an explicit location. ABCD instance documents intended for validation should therefore contain the following attributes in the "Datasets" root element: xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.tdwg.org/schemas/2.06 http://rs.tdwg.org/abcd/2.06/ABCD_2.06.xsd".' The xsi:schemaLocation entry should read (as far as XMLSpy thinks): 'xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.tdwg.org/schemas/abcd/2.06 http://rs.tdwg.org/abcd/2.06/ABCD_2.06.xsd" The error text in XMLSpy is: "Schema at location 'http://rs.tdwg.org/abcd/2.06/ABCD_2.06.xsd' has target namespace 'http://www.tdwg.org/schemas/abcd/2.06' rather than 'http://www.tdwg.org/schemas/2.06'." Cheers, Ben -- Ben Richardson w=http://science.dec.wa.gov.au/people/?sid=98 e=ben.richardson(a)dec.wa.gov.au tz=AWST (UTC+8) t=+61 8 9334 0511 f=+61 8 9334 0515 This email, together with any attachments, is intended for the addressee only. It may contain confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, please notify the sender, delete the email and attachments from your system and destroy any copies you may have taken of the email and its attachments. Duplication or further distribution by hardcopy, by electronic means or verbally is not permitted without permission.

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Position: Curator of Botany, Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia
by Alina Freire-Fierro 12 Oct '07

12 Oct '07

Dear all, Your help spreading the word about this position will be greatly appreciated. Many thanks and best wishes! Alina. **** Alina Freire-Fierro PH Collection Manager, Botany X 1157 freirefierro(a)ansp.org ************ Curator of Botany Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia The Center for Systematic Biology and Evolution at the Academy of Natural Sciences seeks a botanist to fill a career-track appointment as Curator in the Department of Botany. Rank of the appointment is open. Candidates must have a Ph.D. and a proven record of scientific achievement in collections-based research, and success in attracting external funding. In addition to taxonomic focus, we seek excellence in evolutionary biology in such areas as phylogenetics, comparative morphology, molecular evolution, biogeography, coevolution, or conservation. Beyond research, responsibilities include curation of the collections in the Academy¢s Herbarium, participation in public exhibit and education programs, and administration. The herbarium (PH) has about 1.4 million specimens including some of the oldest and most important plant collections in the Americas. Applications should include: (1) curriculum vitae, (2) statement of research and curatorial interests, (3) names and contact information for three referees, and (4) copies of up to 5 relevant publications. Review of applications will begin November 1. Send materials in pdf form to: botanysearch(a)ansp.org For information about the Academy, the Center, and the Department, see www.ansp.org, www.ansp.org/research/biodiv, and www.ansp.org/research/biodiv/botany. The Academy of Natural Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and encourages applications from women and minorities.

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FW: Don Hobern leaving GBIFS; Head of Informatics vacancy announcement
by Eamonn O Tuama 11 Oct '07

11 Oct '07

Dear TDWG Member, Apologies for any cross postings. This is the announcement of Donald Hobern's departure from GBIF with attached advert for the vacant position of Head of Informatics at the GBIF Secretariat. Éamonn Ó Tuama ________________________________________________________________ Éamonn Ó Tuama, Ph.D. (eotuama(a)gbif.org) Senior Programme Officer for Data Access & Database Interoperability (DADI), Global Biodiversity Information Facility Secretariat, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, DENMARK Phone: +45 3532 1494; Fax: +45 3532 1480 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- Dear All It is with much regret that we announce Donald Hoberns intended departure from the GBIF Secretariat towards the end of 2007. Donald is leaving to take up the role of Project Director for the Atlas of Living Australia, which is seeking to develop a web-based encyclopaedia integrating knowledge of Australias biodiversity. As such, not only do we wish Donald all the very best in his new venture whilst thanking him for his huge contribution to GBIFs success to date, we also look forward to continuing to work closely with Donald, the ALA and all contributors to ABIF and to his continued expert inputs to GBIFs further development. We will communicate more details on Donalds departure later, but in the meantime, request that you forward the accompanying vacancy advert for a Head of Informatics at the GBIF Secretariat to as wide a network of suitable candidates as possible this is a key position for GBIF and we need to source the best possible candidate. Best wishes Nick ----------------------------- Dr Nicholas King Executive Secretary/Director Global Biodiversity Information Facility Secretariat Universitetsparken 15 DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø Denmark www.gbif.org <http://www.gbif.org> nking(a)gbif.org Tel: +45 35 32 14 71 Fax: +45 35 32 14 80 Cell: +45 28 75 14 71

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TDWG promotional video?
by Mark Mayfield 10 Oct '07

10 Oct '07

The promotional video shown near the end of the TDWG conference would be useful for showing to administrators when asking for TDWG financial support through institutional membership. What is the status of the release, or is it possibly available already? I thought I heard during questions that it was going to be made available to TDWG members for use in promoting TDWG and TDWG standards before it is officially released. Am I right? I'm sure others would like to know. Thanks, Mark Mayfield Herbarium Kansas State University

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JOB ANNOUCEMENT: Invasive Species Coordinator - Plants, UGA Bugwood Network
by Chuck Bargeron 08 Oct '07

08 Oct '07

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE: Position: Invasive Species Coordinator Location: University of Georgia, Tifton, Georgia USA Appointment: Grant-funded full-time position (salary $39,781 with benefits). The position is currently funded for one year with renewal contingent upon availability of continuing grant funds and satisfactory progress of employee Available: Closing date for receipt of applications is November 1, 2007. Position could be available as early as December 1, 2007. Position Description: This is a grant-funded position in the Bugwood Network that will oversee the plant-related invasive species programs of the Bugwood Network, www.bugwood.org. The Bugwood Network is a technology-based working group collaboration between faculty in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources (WSFNR). The Bugwood Network focuses on developing and providing information on forest health, invasive and exotic species, entomology, silviculture, integrated pest management, agriculture, and natural resource management that operates and serves 20 web sites that receive 130 million hits a year (see www.bugwood.org/bugwood2007.pdf) Qualifications: MS or higher in one of the following or related fields: ecology, forestry, weed science, botany, horticulture or plant sciences. Cross-discipline experience with focus on invasive species preferred. Ability and experience using Windows-based computers, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and utilizing the Internet as a research tool. Experience using geographic information system (GIS) software such as ArcGIS and Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment is desired. A thorough understanding of scientific nomenclature and systematics is preferred. Candidates must have good communication skills, both written and verbal, the ability to work independently and with others. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: This position will serve as the plant-related invasive species coordinator for Bugwood Network projects and duties will include: classification of images and information into the Bugwood Image Database System (IDS), expanding the development and operation of the Georgia Invasive Species Task Force, overseeing components of the Georgia Cogongrass Cooperative Weed Management Area, development and training associated with the Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS), and working with aspects of the USDA-APHIS-PPQ-sponsored Georgia Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) program. The candidate will be required to develop and deliver presentations to groups including professional organizations at state, regional, and national levels. Some out-of-town and overnight travel will be required. Location: The University of Georgia Tifton Campus, Tifton, GA. The campus provides agricultural and environmental research, outreach and instruction with almost 100 UGA scientists working with USDA Agricultural Research Service researchers. Tifton is listed as one of the "100 Best Small Towns in America". Tifton is located 180 miles south of Atlanta and has a county population of 40,000. Applications: Interested persons must complete official online University application at: https://www.ugajobsearch.com; Select Search Postings, Enter Position Number: 20070628. Please direct any and all questions to: Dr. G. Keith Douce, Dr. David J. Moorhead or Chuck Bargeron The Bugwood Network The University of Georgia Phone: 229-386-3298 Fax: 229-386-3352 Email: cbargero(a)uga.edu

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Web Programmer Position -- Kansas Biodiversity Institute
by Beach, James H 03 Oct '07

03 Oct '07

Web Programmer Position Available Biodiversity Institute University of Kansas Lawrence, KS, USA The University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute seeks a full-time, web programmer to develop and oversee all aspects of the Institute's research and public web services and products. We require a Bachelor's degree, two years professional experience in software development with object-oriented languages, experience in software development using PHP or Python, web application servers, JavaScript and XML, CSS and web server/SQL database server configuration. For a complete position description and to apply, visit https://jobs.ku.edu (select "Search Postings" and then search on position number 00206451). Application review begins 26 October 2007. EO/AA. We celebrate diversity in all life forms. The workplace is located in Dyche Hall on the University campus within an open-office Informatics Department which includes a high-energy, friendly, smart, good-looking, and experienced group of 10 software engineers and associated technical staff. The BI is a healthy, dynamic, nourishing intellectual environment which values creativity, professional growth and collaborative interaction. The University of Kansas offers a fine health and retirement benefits package with this permanent full-time position. Lawrence Kansas is a progressive university town with a full complement of cultural, intellectual, athletic and spiritual options. Far from the traffic jams and maddening crowds of the U.S. east or west coast, average commute times are measured in seconds. Lawrence has an award winning micro-brewery, and amazingly good Japanese, Indian, Italian and Thai restaurants, as well as other satisfying regional and international dining options. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence,_Kansas http://www.larryville.com/ http://www.visitlawrence.com/ _____________________________ James H. Beach Biodiversity Research Center University of Kansas 1345 Jayhawk Boulevard Lawrence, KS 66045, USA T 785 864-4645, F 785 864-5335

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programmablebiodiversity.org ?
by Shorthouse, David 01 Oct '07

01 Oct '07

Now that GBIF is releasing lots of cool web services (thanks to Dave Martin, Tim Robertson, and others) and similar web services can be found in other organizations, ought we consider a www.programmableweb.com knock-off called something like www.programmablebiodiversity.org? This way, we can have a user-driven repository / show-and-tell for useful applications that can be built for the wider biodiversity informatics community. At the very least, this will provide some positive feedback for providers who can then point to examples of how the data can be used, mashed-up, or otherwise repurposed in imaginative ways. Plus, this could be like a communal grab-bag of tricks for organizations like EOL. If anyone wants to take the initiative on this, I'll most certainly contribute. The kinds of things I am thinking of are Rod Page's iSpecies (http://ispecies.org) or my temporary, development knock-off using nothing but JSON (http://ispiders.blogspot.com/2007/09/ispecies-clone.html) or Rod's bioGUID reference parser and my simple way to tap into this in real-time (http://tinyurl.com/ytqxo6) PygmyBrowse (http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/1125451.1125562) etc. Along the same sort of lines, the TDWG link to its "Biodiversity Projects of the World" is buried under "Activities". Shouldn't this be front and center on the TDWG homepage? Cheers, David P. Shorthouse ------------------------------------------------------ Department of Biological Sciences CW-403, Biological Sciences Centre University of Alberta Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9 mailto:dps1@ualberta.ca http://canadianarachnology.dyndns.org http://www.spiderwebwatch.org http://ispiders.blogspot.com ------------------------------------------------------

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