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E-scooters: A blessing or a curse?

Dave G. Houser Transportation Technology & Automotive

Once serving only as children’s toys, scooters have taken on a new life these days in cities across America. Powered by compact lithium-ion batteries, these stubby little two-wheelers have become the latest adult solution to urban congestion. The popularity of e-scooters is understandable. Foremost, they are easy and fun to ride. Eco-sensitive riders laud the fact that they produce no emissions and constitute a minimal carbon footprint. Nonetheless, the massive influx of e-scooters has created a groundswell of controversy. Critics cite safety issues, decrying scooters as risky to both riders and pedestrians.

Worldwide antibiotic resistance in farm animals is on the rise

Scott E. Rupp Food & Beverage

As worldwide demand grows for products delivered through animal husbandry, the industry has increasingly become more reliant upon antimicrobials to treat and prevent infections for animals raised in crowded conditions. These drugs rapidly increase weight gain for quicker delivery of products to market, thereby improving profitability. The use of antimicrobials has several downstream impacts, including prolific advancement of bacteria resistant to these compounds, which is a severe problem showing increased signs around the world.

What does GM owe workers?

Michelle R. Matisons Transportation Technology & Automotive

General Motors (GM) workers began a historic strike three weeks ago. The labor action has already cost the U.S.’ largest automaker $1 billion. This lost money — including "idle trucks and packed warehouses" for numerous related businesses — continues, threatening broad economic instability. The UAW presented GM with a proposal package on Oct. 5 that outlined a minimum of 35 hourly proposals and three salaried proposals. On Oct. 6, GM rejected the package, according to the UAW website, and the union has called for a detailed response from GM, which it has not yet received.

Travel2020: Construction causes pain at the airport, per new survey

Lark Gould Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

We have all seen the scaffolding and cranes, walled-off waiting areas and slowed traffic around our favorite gateway airports lately. That might have something to do with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s airport infrastructure grants. These infrastructure improvements are happening as record passenger volumes force major expansion efforts. However, the road closures, confusing signage and delays that come with these projects are making it hard on passengers.

Up, up and away at 6 top hot air balloon festivals

Dave G. Houser Recreation & Leisure

Few man-made sights are as colossal and colorful as hundreds of hot air balloons ascending from a picturesque natural setting into a clear blue sky. It’s an awe-inspiring spectacle that draws millions of attendees to hot air balloon festivals across the United States each year. Balloons may be the big attraction — but these festivals offer plenty more, including live music, food and other forms of family entertainment. So, if you’re ready for a truly uplifting experience — check out one or more of these top-notch hot air balloon festivals.

It’s true at work: No good deed goes unpunished

D. Albert Brannen Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Life is full of sayings that can apply to work. Some of them might include: "do unto others as you would have them do unto you," "turn the other cheek," "walk the high road," and "kill them with kindness." But, unfortunately, this employment lawyer has learned that when it comes to work, one adage always seems to ring true: "No good deed goes unpunished." It often seems that the more breaks an employer gives an employee, the more often the employee asks for a loan or pay advance, files a charge of discrimination, or starts a campaign to get a union into the workplace.

What’s driving diesel: 3 trends in engine development

Bianca Gibson Manufacturing

As the world turns, so does engine technology. The industry has experienced a great deal of change since Tier 4 Final standards for off-road equipment were introduced. Continuous efforts have been made to increase power, efficiency and reliability of diesel engines, all while keeping total cost of ownership down. How have manufacturers stacked up to meeting these tremendous challenges? A recent webinar, "What’s Next in Engine Development?" hosted representatives from Perkins, Genie Industries, John Deere and Kohler to discuss the demands fueling trends in diesel engine development.

How Hurricane Dorian affected tourism in the Bahamas, Florida and the Carolinas

Bambi Majumdar Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

Last month, Hurricane Dorian stalled for 36 hours over the Bahamas, injuring and killing many. The rampant destruction caused by the Category 5 hurricane had a huge, destructive impact on the tourism industry in the Bahamas. Organizations and members of the travel community are actively working together to revive businesses on the islands and bring tourists back. In a recent broadcast, travel leaders and government officials in the country announced that it was safe to travel to the Bahamas. They also mentioned how tourists could help the islands get back on their feet.

Research: Hospital faucets often increase spread of infection, bacteria

Scott E. Rupp Medical & Allied Healthcare

There is perhaps no more important place for hand hygiene than in healthcare. In hospitals and healthcare facilities, cleanliness is critical for infection prevention. According to research from the University of Michigan Health System presented at a gathering of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), sinks and other handwashing stations can spread infection and bacteria.

Beijing Daxing Airport opens, gives a big boost to Chinese aviation

Matt Falcus Transportation Technology & Automotive

Built to relieve pressure in one of the world's busiest cities for air travel, the new Daxing Airport near Beijing formally opened last week, with the first passengers boarding one of seven flights on the day of opening. With its iconic starfish-shaped terminal and world-class design, Daxing is set to become one of the world’s major air hubs. It was built as the city’s Capital Airport has started to reach a saturation point. China is expected to become the largest aviation market in the world by 2022.