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Blog

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrating our city’s rich history through storytelling

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    As part of National Storytelling Week, Edinburgh 900 invites people and communities to share their connection with the capital city.

    As part of National Storytelling Week, the Edinburgh 900 programme invites individuals, communities, and historians to share and explore their unique connections to the city’s fascinating past.

    The Edinburgh and Scottish Collection at Central Library boasts one of the world’s largest and most unique collections of materials on Edinburgh, including rare books, maps, prints, photographs, and more.

    Through a dedicated website users can access images and maps from the collection online. Our Town Stories features curated stories across various themes and partners with organisations to highlight Edinburgh’s rich and diverse past.

    As part of the Edinburgh 900 celebrations, Our Town Stories offers an engaging and interactive journey through the city’s heritage with dynamic maps and timelines. These tools highlight significant objects, photographs, and people from the collections of Libraries, Archives, Archaeology Services, and Museums and Galleries. Over the coming months, more Edinburgh 900 themed captivating stories will be unveiled that span the centuries, offering new insights into Edinburgh’s evolution from the 1100s to the modern-day.

    Some highlights already published include:

    Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, said:

    These stories delve into the pivotal moments in Edinburgh’s history, shedding light on the people, places, and events that have helped shape our extraordinary city.

    Our Town Stories makes exploring Edinburgh’s past easy—its interactive map brings the city’s rich history to life with images and maps from our collections. Whether you’re zooming in on a familiar street or discovering hidden corners of the city, this tool connects you with Edinburgh’s heritage in an accessible way.

    If you’re inspired and have a personal, historical, or cultural story to share that could enhance our understanding of Edinburgh’s past, we’d love to hear from you. Your contribution could become part of our ongoing narrative, helping to celebrate the city’s identity, creativity, and resilience, ensuring that Edinburgh’s 900-year story is preserved for future generations.

    For more information or to contribute your story, please get in touch at informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk You can also join the Edinburgh Collected community archive and contribute your pictures and memories to help shape the city’s collective history.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft expands contactless fuel payment in Siberia via Yandex Zapravki service

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft continues to develop cooperation with the Yandex Zapravki service and expands the geography of remote payment for fuel. The service has become available to customers at all 70 of the Company’s gas stations in the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic. Today, Rosneft is the largest retail network in Russia with the possibility of contactless payment at almost 2,700 gas stations.

    Yandex Gas Stations are integrated into Yandex Go, Maps and Navigator, and are also available in a separate application. The service informs users about the types and cost of fuel at each gas station. Motorists can select the pump number, fuel brand, volume and pay for refueling remotely via a mobile phone.

    At Rosneft filling stations in the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic, a special offer will be available to all motorists who fill up their cars before March 1, 2025, using the digital service. Participants in the Family Team loyalty program will also be able to add their card details to Yandex Gas Stations to earn points, and motorists with an active Yandex subscription will be able to accumulate and spend Plus points when filling up at the network’s filling stations.

    Developing convenient customer services to increase the speed and improve the quality of customer service is one of the priority goals of Rosneft’s retail business. The Company’s petrol stations provide motorists with the opportunity to use various methods to pay for fuel and related products: by bank card, in cash, by QR code through the Fast Payment System, using the Yandex Zapravki service, as well as accumulated points upon presentation of the Family Team card.

    Reference:

    Rosneft has one of the largest retail sales networks in Russia, including about 3,000 petrol stations/gas stations. The geography of the Company’s retail business covers 61 regions of Russia. In Altai, the Company’s retail business is the most extensive network in the region. It covers all major highways in the directions from Novosibirsk Region to the Altai Republic, as well as to Kazakhstan and Mongolia. The petrol station network provides wide coverage of the territory and has high social significance.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft February 3, 2025

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE leads efforts to protect the environment on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River: another batch of dangerous chemicals removed from Moldova

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE leads efforts to protect the environment on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River: another batch of dangerous chemicals removed from Moldova

    OSCE leads efforts to protect the environment on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River: another batch of dangerous chemicals removed from Moldova | OSCE
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    Home Newsroom News and press releases OSCE leads efforts to protect the environment on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River: another batch of dangerous chemicals removed from Moldova

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ivanhoe Man Sentenced to 72 Months on Drug, Gun Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ABINGDON, Va. – A previously convicted felon who illegally possessed a firearm and possessed distribution quantities of methamphetamine was sentenced last week to 72 months in federal prison.

    Troy Alexander Stamper III, 34, of Ivanhoe, Virginia, pled guilty in October 2024 to one count of possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

    According to court documents, on June 23, 2023 the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in Fries, Virginia to locate a wanted subject. Upon arriving at the residence, a witness reported that the wanted subject, and Stamper, fled upon seeing sheriff’s deputies arriving. In addition, the witness further reported that Stamper was in possession of a pistol.

    The wanted subject was found hiding underneath the residence and stated that Stamper had stashed a duffel bag and a pistol underneath the porch of the residence. Deputies located the duffel bag, which contained a loaded, semiautomatic 9 mm pistol, 87 grams of methamphetamine, .873 grams of fentanyl, and 4 oxycodone tablets.

    Stamper was apprehended a short time later and admitted that the pistol and bag containing the drugs belonged to him.

    Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee and Anthony Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.

    The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the case.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Bill McLaughlin Named Thrive’s New CEO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thrive, a global technology outsourcing provider for cybersecurity, Cloud, and traditional managed service provider (MSP) services, today announced the long-planned leadership transition elevating Bill McLaughlin into the CEO role, effective immediately. McLaughlin succeeds Rob Stephenson, who has led Thrive for nearly a decade. Under Stephenson, Thrive has attained industry prominence, earned a reputation for excellence, and delivered a compounded annual growth rate above 30%. Stephenson will remain onboard as a member of Thrive’s leadership team, particularly focused on supporting McLaughlin and driving the company’s M&A strategy.

    “Bill came to Thrive over three and a half years ago with the plan to be my successor,” said Stephenson. “He has been running day-to-day sales and operations, is one of the most highly respected executives in our industry, and is responsible for much of Thrive’s success. It’s been a pleasure of a lifetime leading this company and there is nobody I would feel more confident in succeeding me than Bill McLaughlin. Under his leadership, Thrive will continue to set the pace for MSP and MSSP innovation and achievement.”

    With more than 20 years of experience in the managed services industry, McLaughlin brings deep knowledge and understanding of IT, customer success, and go-to-market strategy. Prior to joining Thrive as President in 2021, McLaughlin held senior leadership positions at companies like Kaseya, Atlantic Tomorrow’s Office, and NER Data Products, where he oversaw customer success, sales initiatives, and M&A activity.

    Throughout his time at Thrive, McLaughlin has partnered with leading organizations to ensure their digital transformations are secure, cost-effective, and future-ready. As President, he played a pivotal role in growing Thrive through acquisition – including the purchase of 11 companies over the past two years. Through its growth, Thrive has expanded the breadth and quality of its services, as well as its geographical footprint. The organization now has over 1,400 team members across the U.S., UK, Canada, and APAC regions.

    In January, the company received a strategic investment from Berkshire Partners and Court Square Capital Partners, supporting growth and continued opportunity in the outsourced IT space. As CEO, McLaughlin will continue to invest in Thrive’s team and capabilities as they serve their customers with excellence.

    “Thrive is redefining what it means to be a next-generation service provider – in terms of the solutions we deliver, the markets we serve, the problems we solve, and the way we take care of and upskill our people,” said McLaughlin. “While this is an exciting new chapter, our mission and vision remain the same: we’re going to keep delivering exceptional service and solutions to our customers, solving some of their most critical business problems – and we’re going to do it as a team.”

    To learn more about open positions at Thrive, visit the careers page.

    About Thrive 

    Thrive delivers global technology outsourcing for cybersecurity, Cloud, networking, and other complex IT requirements. Thrive’s NextGen platform enables customers to increase business efficiencies through standardization, scalability, and automation, delivering oversized technology returns on investment (ROI). They accomplish this with advisory services, vCISO, vCIO, consulting, project implementation, solution architects, and a best-in-class subscription-based technology platform. Thrive delivers exceptional high-touch service through its POD approach of subject matter experts and global 24x7x365 SOC, NOC, and centralized services teams. Learn more at www.thrivenextgen.com or follow us on LinkedIn.  

    Thrive Contact:  
    Amanda Maguire  
    thrive@v2comms.com   

    The MIL Network –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Vimeo to Report Q4 2024 Earnings and Host Earnings Video Event on February 19, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vimeo, Inc. (NASDAQ: VMEO) today announced the date for its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 earnings report and earnings video event. After the close of market trading on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Vimeo will post its results on the Investor Relations section of its website at https://www.vimeo.com/investors. On the same day, at 5:00 p.m. ET, Vimeo will livestream a video conference to answer questions. The live stream and replay of the video will be accessible to the public at https://www.vimeo.com/investors.

    About Vimeo

    Vimeo (NASDAQ: VMEO) is the world’s most innovative video experience platform. We enable anyone to create high-quality video experiences to better connect and bring ideas to life. We proudly serve our community of millions of users – from creative storytellers to globally distributed teams at the world’s largest companies – whose videos receive billions of views each month. Learn more at www.vimeo.com.

    Contact Us

    Vimeo Investor Relations
    ir@vimeo.com

    Vimeo Communications
    Ronda Morra
    press@vimeo.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Bel Fuse Schedules Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WEST ORANGE, N.J., Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bel Fuse Inc. (Nasdaq: BELFA and BELFB), a designer, manufacturer, and provider of products that power, protect and connect electronic circuits, today announced plans to release preliminary financial results for the fourth quarter after market close on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. An earnings conference call has been scheduled as follows:

    When: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET
       
    Dial in: 877.407.0784, or international: 201.689.8560
       
    Online: https://ir.belfuse.com/events-and-presentations
       
    How: Live over the internet – Simply log on to the web at the address above
       
    Replay: 844.512.2921, or international: 412.317.6671
       
      Conference ID: 13750153
       

    A replay will be available after 12:30 p.m. ET for 30 days following the call.

    About Bel
    Bel (www.belfuse.com) designs, manufactures and markets a broad array of products that power, protect and connect electronic circuits. These products are primarily used in the networking, telecommunications, computing, military, aerospace, medical, transportation and broadcasting industries. Bel’s product groups include Power Solutions and Protection (front-end, board-mount and industrial power products, module products and circuit protection), Connectivity Solutions (expanded beam fiber optic, copper-based, RF and RJ connectors and cable assemblies), and Magnetic Solutions (integrated connector modules, power transformers, power inductors and discrete components). The Company operates facilities around the world.

    Contacts:

    Bel Fuse Inc.

    Lynn Hutkin, VP Financial Reporting & Investor Relations
    ir@belf.com

    Three Part Advisors
    Jean Marie Young, Managing Director
    Steven Hooser, Partner
    jyoung@threepa.com
    shooser@threepa.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Concrete Pumping Holdings Announces Closing of Senior Secured Second Lien Notes Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: BBCP) (the “Company” or “CPH”), a leading provider of concrete pumping and concrete waste management services in the U.S. and U.K., announced that Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc. (the “Issuer”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, has successfully closed its private offering of $425.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior secured second lien notes due 2032 (the “Notes”). The Notes were issued at par and bear interest at a fixed rate of 7.500% per annum. The Issuer’s obligations under the Notes will be guaranteed by the Company, Concrete Pumping Intermediate Acquisition Corp. and each of the Issuer’s domestic, wholly-owned subsidiaries that is a borrower under or guarantees the ABL Facility.

    The proceeds of the Notes were used to pay the redemption price for all of the Company’s outstanding 6.000% senior secured second lien notes due 2026 and to pay related fees and expenses thereto. In addition, the remainder of the net proceeds of the Notes, together with cash on hand, will be used to pay a special one-time dividend of $1.00 per share of the common stock of the Company (approximately $53 million in the aggregate) on or about February 3, 2025.

    “The closing of our senior notes refinancing strengthens our balance sheet and represents a significant milestone in our evolution, underscoring our consistent operating performance and healthy free cash flow generation,” said Bruce Young, CEO of CPH. “In the past, we have executed a range of capital allocation priorities, including organic growth investments in our concrete pumping fleet and Eco-Pan, opportunistic M&A, debt reduction and share buybacks. Now, returning excess capital to our shareholders in the form of a special dividend augments our capital allocation strategy and highlights our commitment to driving superior shareholder value. The special dividend also reflects our confidence in the Company’s strong and consistent free cash flow generation, all while maintaining prudent leverage and ample liquidity to invest in our long-term growth strategy.”    

    The Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to any U.S. persons absent registration under the Securities Act, or pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Notes were offered and sold only to “qualified institutional buyers” in the United States pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities Act or, outside the United States, to persons other than “U.S. persons” in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.

    About Concrete Pumping Holdings

    Concrete Pumping Holdings is a leading provider of concrete pumping services and concrete waste management services in the U.S. and U.K. markets based on fleet size, primarily operating under what we believe are the only established, national brands in both geographies – Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping, Inc. for concrete pumping in the U.S., Camfaud Group Limited in the U.K., and Eco-Pan, Inc. for waste management services in both the U.S. and U.K. The Company’s large fleet of specialized pumping equipment and trained operators position it to deliver concrete placement solutions that facilitate substantial labor cost savings to customers, shorten concrete placement times, enhance worksite safety and improve construction quality. Highly complementary to its core concrete pumping service, Eco-Pan provides a full-service, cost-effective, regulatory-compliant solution to manage environmental issues caused by concrete washout. As of October 31, 2024, the Company provided concrete pumping services in the U.S. from a footprint of approximately 90 locations across 22 states, concrete pumping services in the U.K. from 35 locations, and route-based concrete waste management services from 20 locations in the U.S. and one shared location in the U.K.

    Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may be identified by terminology such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s reasonable current assumptions, expectations and plans regarding the Company’s and the Issuer’s current or future results and future business and economic conditions more generally. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including the Company’s ability to execute on its strategic growth plan and other factors disclosed in the risk factor sections of the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, any of which may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievement of the Company or the Issuer to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, and there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from management’s expectations. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements as predictors of future events.

    All forward-looking statements contained in this release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are or were made, and the Company does not intend to update or otherwise revise the forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. 

    Contact:

    Company:
    Iain Humphries
    Chief Financial Officer
    1-303-289-7497    		 Investor Relations:
    Gateway Investor Relations
    Cody Slach
    1-949-574-3860
    BBCP@gatewayir.com 

    The MIL Network –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Banzai Completes Acquisition of Vidello, Growing TTM Revenue 59% and Adding $2M in EBITDA

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Expands Portfolio with Next-Generation Video Creation, Editing, and Marketing Suite

    SEATTLE, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Banzai International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNZI) (“Banzai” or the “Company”), a leading marketing technology company that provides essential marketing and sales solutions, today announced that it has successfully closed its previously announced acquisition of Vidello, a technology provider of video hosting and marketing suite solutions for businesses.

    The acquisition is expected to increase Banzai’s revenue by $6.5 million and increase EBITDA by $2 million for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2024, on a pro-forma basis. Vidello financials are preliminary and unaudited and subject to adjustment.

    Based in London, Vidello offers a comprehensive video hosting and marketing suite that provides entrepreneurs, startups, agencies, and online businesses with tools to grow their businesses.

    Vidello’s key offerings include:

    • CreateStudio: An award-winning video creation app that allows users to easily produce eye-catching 3D character video content for social media and websites.
    • PhotoVibrance: A tool that transforms static images into moving motion pictures to capture attention.
    • Twinkle: An all-in-one audio platform for creators and agencies, featuring premium royalty-free music tailored for video projects.
    • Vidello: A 3-in-1 video hosting, player, and collaboration tool that allows users to showcase videos with a customizable, lightning-fast player. Features include a collaboration portal and in-play marketing calls-to-action for lead generation and sales optimization.

    Vidello has over 90,000 customers, and their flagship CreateStudio product has been named a Top 3 Best Rated product in the video maker category by Capterra1, and a High Performer by G22.

    Banzai’s vision is to build a comprehensive suite of AI-powered marketing tools that make marketers’ lives faster and easier. The Vidello acquisition is pivotal in accelerating revenue growth by delivering innovative solutions to our customers.

    Transaction Details

    Under the terms of the agreement, Banzai will issue approximately $2.7M in cash ($2.5M is held back for varying time periods and for indemnification, transition and revenue earnout purposes) and 868,204 shares of Banzai Class A Common Stock. Additional details regarding the acquisition are included in the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2024, and January 31, 2025.

    About Vidello

    Vidello is a video hosting and marketing suite which provides online businesses with the essential marketing and hosting tools to assist in growing business through video. To learn more about the company visit www.vidello.com.

    About Banzai

    Banzai is a marketing technology company that provides AI-enabled marketing and sales solutions for businesses of all sizes. On a mission to help their customers grow, Banzai enables companies of all sizes to target, engage, and measure both new and existing customers more effectively. Banzai customers include Cisco, New York Life, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Thinkific, Doodle and ActiveCampaign, among thousands of others. Learn more at www.banzai.io. For investors, please visit https://ir.banzai.io.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “target,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “propose,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar variations and expressions. Forward-looking statements are those that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Examples of forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding Banzai International, Inc.’s (the “Company’s”): future financial, business and operating performance and goals; annualized recurring revenue and customer retention; ongoing, future or ability to maintain or improve its financial position, cash flows, and liquidity and its expected financial needs; potential financing and ability to obtain financing; acquisition strategy and proposed acquisitions and, if completed, their potential success and financial contributions; strategy and strategic goals, including being able to capitalize on opportunities; expectations relating to the Company’s industry, outlook and market trends; total addressable market and serviceable addressable market and related projections; plans, strategies and expectations for retaining existing or acquiring new customers, increasing revenue and executing growth initiatives; and product areas of focus and additional products that may be sold in the future. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and development of the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, investors should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include changes in the markets in which the Company operates, customer demand, the financial markets, economic, business and regulatory and other factors, such as the Company’s ability to execute on its strategy. More detailed information about risk factors can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors,” and in other reports filed by the Company, including reports on Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.

    Investor Relations
    Chris Tyson
    Executive Vice President
    MZ Group – MZ North America
    949-491-8235
    BNZI@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    Media
    Rachel Meyrowitz
    Director, Demand Generation, Banzai
    media@banzai.io

    1 Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/203897/Create-Studio/
    2 Source: https://www.g2.com/products/create-studio/reviews

    The MIL Network –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Izotropic to Present at Investor Conference February 6th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – CEO to present overview of Company value proposition, unique catalysts, and near-term objectives –

    – Event includes live Q and A, attendance is complimentary –

    – Individual and institutional investors, advisors, and analysts welcome –

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia and SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Izotropic Corporation (CSE: IZO) (OTCQB: IZOZF) (FSE: 1R3) (“Izotropic” or the “Company“), a medical device company commercializing imaging-based products utilizing innovative and emerging technologies for the more accurate screening, diagnoses, and treatment of breast cancers, is pleased to announce that CEO Robert Thast will be presenting at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference this week and will be covering key aspects of the Company’s recent achievements, U.S. and EU regulatory approvals, near-term-objectives, and funding options.

    Date: February 6, 2025
    Time: 3:00 – 3:30 pm EST / 12:00 – 12:30 pm PST
    1 x 1 Meetings: See availability here: https://calendly.com/izotropic/meeting-with-ceo

    This will be the first public presentation by Izotropic since unveiling its new regulatory strategy for U.S. FDA approval and timelines to market launch of its first medical imaging device, IzoView- a dedicated breast CT imaging system, with contrast-enhancement for breast cancer screening adjunctive to digital breast tomosynthesis, commonly referred to as 3D mammography, for patients with dense breast tissue.

    After the formal presentation, attendees will have the opportunity and are encouraged to ask relevant questions through an interactive portal. For anyone registered who cannot attend the live event, an archived webcast will be made available.

    Please pre-register at the following link:
    https://bit.ly/4hi9H8A

    About Izotropic:
    More information about Izotropic Corporation can be found on its website at izocorp.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at sedarplus.ca.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    Forward-Looking Statements:
    This document may contain statements that are “Forward-Looking Statements,” which are based upon the current estimates, assumptions, projections, and expectations of the Company’s management, business, and its knowledge of the relevant market and economic environment in which it operates. The Company has tried, where possible, to identify such information and statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “envision,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” “contemplate” and other similar expressions and derivations thereof in connection with any discussion of future events, trends or prospects or future operating or financial performance, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.

    These statements are not guarantees of performance and involve risks, including those related to capital requirements and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict, and as such, they may cause future results of the Company’s activity to differ significantly from the content and implications of such statements. Forward-Looking Statements are pertinent only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any Forward-Looking Statements to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances unless otherwise required to do so by law. Neither the Company nor its shareholders, officers, and consultants shall be liable for any action and the results of any action taken by any person based on the information contained herein, including, without limitation, the purchase or sale of Company securities. Nothing in this document should be deemed to be medical or other advice of any kind. All images are for illustrative purposes only. IzoView has not yet been approved or cleared for sale.

    Contacts:

    Izotropic Corporation
    Robert Thast
    Interim Chief Executive Officer
    Telephone: 1-604-220-5031 or 1-800-IZOCORP ext. 3
    Email: bthast@izocorp.com

    General Inquiries
    Telephone: 1-604-825-4778 or 1-800-IZOCORP ext. 1
    Email: info@izocorp.com

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Invesco Ltd: Form 8.3 – American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc; Public dealing disclosure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Invesco Ltd.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		    
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 31.01.2025  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 Yes, Dowlais Group plc  
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: USD 0.01 common US0240611030  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,892,987* 1.60      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 1,892,987* 1.60      
    *The change in the holding of 2,955 shares since the last disclosure on 30.01.2025 is due to the transfer in of a discretionary holding at 5.23 USD.  
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    		  
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    		  
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
    USD 0.01 common US0240611030 Purchase 110 5.23 USD  
       
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements, or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 03.02.2025  
    Contact name Philippa Holmes  
    Telephone number +441491417447  
       

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Key takeaways from the Cityforum 2025 Digital Policing Summit

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Exploring challenges and opportunities in innovation for delivering safer streets.

    In recent months, the Accelerated Capability Environment (ACE) worked closely with Cityforum to help organise its latest event, the 2025 Digital Policing Summit. Held at BT HQ in London on January 22, the event brought together policymakers, police leaders, government representatives, industry experts and academics.

    Following the recent death of Cityforum founder Marc Lee, this was a poignant event that continued his vision of providing a platform for open discussions and collaborative problem-solving on some of the most pressing challenges facing policing today. From tackling complex societal issues to the challenge and opportunity of artificial intelligence (AI), the conversations were thought provoking and mission driven.   

    Annette Southgate, Head of ACE, joined a panel on sustainable implementation: from research to scalable delivery and mission impact at local, regional, and national levels, while Andy Loukes took to the stage with Stan Gilmour from ACE’s Vivace Community to share our learnings from the work that we have already done on the Safer Streets mission.

    Andy’s presentation featured a compelling case study from ACE’s toolbox, which was well received by attendees.  

    Here are our four key takeaways from the event for delivering the Safer Streets mission: 

    1. Local innovation is crucial 

    One of the strongest themes was the importance of local innovation with speakers emphasising that relying on national solutions often slows progress. Local forces are driving change by quickly adopting new technologies and tailoring them to meet their needs, but this too causes challenges as localised technology procurement is neither sustainable nor secure by design.

    ACE’s case study shared the need to encourage local innovation, start small and then scale fast, applying innovation to forces across the country.  

    There was much discussion of how the new National Centre of Policing will support and scale up this local innovation while allowing police forces to continue to deliver their local priorities – and a recurring theme was that: 

    “Operational independence is not the same thing as organisational independence” 

    2. Scalability: aligning the enablers 

    The challenge of how to embed systemic learning and scale capabilities from local successes into broader practice remains. Scaling solutions is a persistent challenge, not because innovation itself lacks scalability, but because the enablers – funding, infrastructure, standards, and decision-making structures – are often disconnected and siloed. 

    One speaker summarised the issue well: 

    “The safer streets challenge is how to get enablers at the strategic level coordinated, acting at speed, and with the right level of bureaucracy.” 

    And we should be better at sharing our knowledge of success. It’s often unclear who is innovating, where, and how effective those efforts are. Some forces adopt new technologies quickly and lead the way, but others lag behind, often due to limited visibility into what works. A common question raised was: 

    “If we know something works, why aren’t we telling everyone about it?” 

    Clearer knowledge-sharing mechanisms and centralised platforms are essential to track progress, evaluate outcomes,  maximise the impact of innovation, and allow for the coordination of investment in common enablers.  

    Greater collaboration and accountability structures can address this critical bottleneck – from a shared lexicon to standards that go beyond rigid technical specifications to include principles and flexible frameworks that adapt to various contexts.  

    3. Artificial intelligence: a balanced approach 

    AI was a key topic of discussion, with panelists debating its potential to enhance productivity and fill gaps in resource-constrained areas such as policing. AI can automate administrative tasks and free up officers for frontline duties, but public trust and careful implementation remain critical concerns. 

    The consensus was clear: 

    “AI shouldn’t replace people – it should empower them.” 

    The goal of applying AI isn’t zero crime but mitigating and preventing incidents while maintaining public confidence. AI must be implemented thoughtfully as a tool to complement human expertise rather than replace it. 

    4. Broadening the mission beyond policing 

    A particularly compelling point was the recognition that safer streets aren’t just a policing challenge. Achieving this goal requires collaboration across sectors, including education, probation, community services, and even the private sector. 

    Policing alone cannot address systemic issues such as serious violence or crime prevention. A coordinated, cross-departmental approach is essential to drive meaningful change. This shift in mindset could transform how resources are allocated and how partnerships are forged across sectors. 

    What’s ahead? 

    The Cityforum policing event reinforced the need for collaboration, alignment, and strategic approaches to innovation. From local-level successes to national strategies, the sector holds immense potential to drive change – but this requires breaking down silos and ensuring all enablers work in harmony. 

    At the heart of these discussions is a clear message: success lies in collaboration, knowledge sharing, and empowering innovation at every level. 

    ACE looks forward to contributing to these conversations and supporting initiatives that make a tangible difference for communities and policing teams alike. ACE is well placed to support forces with mission-driven innovation, in cross sector projects, to join up, de-risk and innovate, identifying and developing enablers to support the police in the future. 

    A huge thanks to the Cityforum team for another outstanding event! We look forward to the next one.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: School of Synthetic Biology and Industrial Pharmacy Opens at NSU

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    From February 3 to February 7, 2025, the Novosibirsk State University is hosting the February School of Synthetic Biology and Industrial Pharmacy, organized by NSU Advanced Engineering School, Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies of NSU with the support of JSC Generium and SUNC NSU.

    More than 200 students from more than 40 universities across the country applied to participate in the school. 42 participants from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk and Altai Krais, as well as other regions of the Ural, Volga, Southern, Central and Northwestern Federal Districts were selected to participate in the School. The leading universities by the number of participants were: NSU — 15 people, SFU — 7 people, SSMU — 4 people, Altai State University — 3 people.

    The school participants will master competencies in the field of technologies for managing the properties of biological objects, bioinformatics, and will become familiar with modern approaches to the development of drugs. The work will take place in the laboratories of the new educational building of the NSU SUNC, which is one of the first-stage facilities. modern campus of NSU, being built within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children”.

    At the opening of the intensive course, Dmitry Kudlai, Director of Innovative Development Programs at NSU and Vice President of Generium JSC, gave a welcoming speech.

    — Biotechnology is a trend worldwide, as well as a fundamental component of the life of Novosibirsk State University. NSU is actively developing the construction of a world-class campus. The educational building of the NSU SUNC, where the participants will work, is the first stage of this campus, the second is the building of the flow classrooms, the research center and the educational and scientific center of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies of NSU. Perhaps, some of the participants of the School will be able to study in the premises of the flow classrooms building as early as September. To conduct the School, we attracted specialists from the Engineering School of Moscow State University, a team from the Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics will come. The Deputy Director of the State Institute of Medicines and Good Practices will also take part. I can say for sure that it will not be boring. It is wonderful that students participate in such events, laying the foundation for a confident future, — noted Dmitry Kudlai.

    Director of the Advanced Engineering School Sergey Golovin also welcomed the participants and spoke about the career and educational opportunities that participation in the intensive course opens up:

    — One of the areas that was initially developed at the Advanced Engineering School of NSU is biotechnology. Novosibirsk really has the widest range for development. Our task is to make you as competitive as possible and provide you with subject tools, as well as a set of personal qualities. I hope that your stay at the school for a week will be useful. So that you can not only decide on further education in master’s programs, but also take the first serious big step into the world of biotechnology.

    On the first day of the event, the participants got acquainted with the program of the event and also listened to a lecture on “Development of laboratory diagnostic systems” by Eduard Agletdinov, Deputy General Director for Scientific Work at Vector-Best JSC.

    During the week of intensive work, leading specialists from pharmaceutical companies, experts from universities and scientific organizations will give plenary lectures. An important element of the event will be the educational program, where talented students will be able to get acquainted with the best modern practices in the field of drug development and current technological and regulatory trends.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Call with President el-Sisi of Egypt

    Source: The White House

    On Saturday, President Donald J. Trump received a call from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, in which President el-Sisi congratulated President Trump on his inauguration.  President Trump thanked President el-Sisi for his friendship, and discussed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.  The two leaders also discussed Egypt’s important role in the release of hostages from Gaza and President el-Sisi expressed his confidence that President Trump’s leadership could usher in a golden age of Middle East peace.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Dedicated railway maintenance workers amid Spring Festival travel rush

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    “We have maintained great enthusiasm for work to ensure the safe operation of the trains and guarantee that every passenger can arrive home safely.”

    Meet a group of railway maintenance workers, the everyday heroes dedicated to their posts amid the Spring Festival travel rush.

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s CPC sends congratulatory message over 95th anniversary of Vietnam’s communist party

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China’s CPC sends congratulatory message over 95th anniversary of Vietnam’s communist party

    BEIJING, Feb. 3 — The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Monday sent a congratulatory message to the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) marking the latter’s 95th anniversary of founding. The message is as follows:

    In the past 95 years, the CPV has united and led the Vietnamese people in successfully realizing national unification and liberation with remarkable achievements in the cause of the country’s socialist construction and transformation.

    Notably since the 13th CPV Central Committee meeting, the CPV stepped up efforts to build and reorganize the party, leading to political and social stability as well as vigorous economic development in the country with a steady rise in its international status.

    Currently, under the CPV’s strong leadership led by General Secretary To Lam, the CPV and the Vietnamese people are striving to complete the goals and missions set by the 13th CPV Central Committee meeting, and are marching towards the two centennial goals to welcome the holding of the 14th CPV Central Committee meeting. We believe you will surely realize the goals.

    The CPC and the CPV share a long-standing revolutionary friendship and amicable partnership. Under the personal guidance and careful nurturing of the leaders of previous generations including Mao Zedong and Ho Chi Minh, the two peoples have supported each other in revolutionary struggles, marching together in socialist construction, in the drive of reform and opening-up and on the journey of socialist modernization.

    The CPC has always viewed the development of relations between the two parties and the two countries from a strategic and long-term perspective. The CPC is willing to work with the CPV to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties, uphold the 16-word guideline of “long-term stability, future orientation, good-neighborly friendship and comprehensive cooperation” and the spirit of “good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners,” and in line with the six major goals of greater political mutual trust, to increase high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, consolidate traditional friendship, expand cooperation across various fields, and deepen exchanges and mutual learning on the theory and practice of party and state governance, jointly explore a socialist development path suited to their respective national conditions, and push for more progress in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future to bring greater benefits to both peoples and contribute further to the cause of peace and progress for humanity.

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Drone light show staged in Chongqing, SW China

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Drone light show staged in Chongqing, SW China

    Updated: February 3, 2025 16:36 Xinhua
    A drone light show is staged in Chongqing, southwest China, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone light show is staged in Chongqing, southwest China, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone light show is staged in Chongqing, southwest China, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone light show is staged in Chongqing, southwest China, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone light show is staged in Chongqing, southwest China, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone light show is staged in Chongqing, southwest China, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: 2025 Asian Winter Games Torch Relay kicks off in Harbin

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    2025 Asian Winter Games Torch Relay kicks off in Harbin

    Updated: February 3, 2025 19:28 Xinhua
    Torch bearer, Shen Xue greets audience during the 2025 Asian Winter Games Torch Relay in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Torch bearer, Liu Jiayu poses during the 2025 Asian Winter Games Torch Relay in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Artists perform during the 2025 Asian Winter Games Torch Relay in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Photo taken on Feb. 3, 2025, shows the general view of the launch ceremony of the 2025 Asian Winter Games Torch Relay in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Torch bearer, Wang Shun holds the torch during the 2025 Asian Winter Games Torch Relay in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Torch bearer, Sui Wenjing lights the caldron during the Flame Retrieval Ceremony of the 2025 Asian Winter Games Torch Relay in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Artists perform during the Flame Retrieval Ceremony of the 2025 Asian Winter Games Torch Relay in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Artists perform during the Flame Retrieval Ceremony of the 2025 Asian Winter Games Torch Relay in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Spectators take photos during the launch ceremony of the 2025 Asian Winter Games Torch Relay in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Spectators cheer for the torch bearers during the 2025 Asian Winter Games Torch Relay in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Artists perform during the launch ceremony of the 2025 Asian Winter Games Torch Relay in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Policy bank lends 20.4 bln yuan to support China’s dual-use public infrastructure in 2024

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Policy bank lends 20.4 bln yuan to support China’s dual-use public infrastructure in 2024

    BEIJING, Feb. 3 — China Development Bank issued loans of 20.4 billion yuan (about 2.85 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024 to support 136 “dual-use public infrastructure” projects in cities including Beijing, Shenzhen and Fuzhou, said the policy bank.

    Dual-use public infrastructure refers to public facilities such as stadiums, convention centers and parking facilities that can be easily converted for emergency use.

    In recent years, China has proposed strengthening the construction of affordable housing, renewing urban villages, and developing dual-use public infrastructure.

    Guan Hongyan, general manager of the bank’s transportation department, said the bank will increase medium- and long-term financing support for relevant projects.

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Public urged to get flu jabs early

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The community should heighten its vigilance and enhance protection measures against influenza, including receiving the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV), and those who plan to travel should stay alert to the situation of infectious diseases at their destination.

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) made the plea today as the seasonal influenza activity in Hong Kong and many other countries and regions in the northern hemisphere remains at a high level.

    Noting that Hong Kong entered the influenza season in early January, the CHP said it recorded 199 adult cases of intensive care unit admissions or deaths due to influenza in the first four weeks, as compared with 127 cases in the same period in the previous influenza season.

    Among them, there were 122 deaths and over 70% of these severe or death cases did not receive the SIV. For the deaths, nearly 90% involved people aged 65 or above, and nine cases of severe paediatric influenza-associated complications were recorded for children with seven of them unvaccinated.

    ​CHP Controller Edwin Tsui said that with the influenza activity in many parts of the northern hemisphere including the Mainland, Japan, Korea as well as Europe and North America staying at a high level, those planning to travel should monitor the flu situation at their destination before departure and take personal protective measures.

    These measures include receiving the SIV as soon as possible and wearing a surgical mask while in crowded places. Whether in Hong Kong or abroad, people who develop respiratory symptoms, even mild ones, should wear surgical masks and seek medical advice, he added.

    With reference to previous surveillance data, virus activity will continue to increase for a period of time after the start of the flu season before peaking. Currently, available data indicates that the influenza activity level is still on the rise.

    In view of the high levels of flu activity locally and in the northern hemisphere in the coming weeks, Dr Tsui urged people aged six months and above, particularly seniors and children with higher risk of getting infected and developing complications, to act immediately to minimise the risk of serious complications and death after infection.

    As of yesterday, about 1,932,000 vaccine doses were administered under the various vaccination programmes, about a 6.4% increase over the same period last year and an all time high, surpassing the 1,873,000 doses administered in 2023-24.

    The number of schools participating in the SIV School Outreach has also increased significantly this year. However, the SIV coverage rate for children aged six months to under two years remained relatively low.

    The Government has opened the Department of Health’s Maternal & Child Health Centres for children of that age range to receive the jab. Parents can book an appointment for them online.

    Visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages for the relevant information.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Call With the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Defence John Healey

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Pentagon Spokesman John Ullyot provided the following readout:

    On January 31, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth held a call with his United Kingdom counterpart, Secretary of State for Defence John Healey. The two Secretaries committed to continuing the especially close coordination between the United Kingdom and the United States on defense issues, including our Warfighters deployed shoulder to shoulder to secure our shared interests. The two leaders discussed the need to increase Allied defense investment and industrial base capacity to strengthen NATO, as well as the situation in Ukraine and other pressing security issues.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Dominion Lending Centres Inc. Enters into Platform Licensing Agreement with Pinch Financial

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dominion Lending Centres Inc. (TSX: DLCG) (“DLC” or the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a platform licensing agreement (the “License Agreement”) with Pinch Financial Incorporated (“Pinch”).

    Pinch owns and operates a technology platform that leverages AI to verify information and qualify potential borrowers for mortgages entirely online (referred to herein as the “Pinch Platform”). Real estate listing portals in Canada, most notably REALTOR.ca, leverage the Pinch Platform, which allows borrowers who are applying for a mortgage to select between a specific bank or lender or apply with the assistance of a licensed mortgage broker. DLC is now included in the Pinch Platform and will be available for consumers through REALTOR.ca.   

    Gary Mauris, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “The DLC mortgage broker network is delighted to be integrated into the Pinch Platform, and we are excited to work with homebuyers using REALTOR.ca.”

    About Dominion Lending Centres Inc.

    Dominion Lending Centres Inc. is Canada’s leading network of mortgage professionals. DLCG operates through Dominion Lending Centres Inc. and its three main subsidiaries, MCC Mortgage Centre Canada Inc., MA Mortgage Architects Inc. and Newton Connectivity Systems Inc., and has operations across Canada. DLCG’s extensive network includes over 8,500 agents and over 500 locations. Headquartered in British Columbia, DLCG was founded in 2006 by Gary Mauris and Chris Kayat.

    DLCG can be found on X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and LinkedIn @DLCGmortgage and on the web at www.dlcg.ca.

    Contact information for the Corporation is as follows:

    Eddy Cocciollo
    President
    647-403-7320
    eddy@dlc.ca    		 James Bell
    EVP, Corporate and Chief Legal Officer
    403-560-0821
    jbell@dlcg.ca

    The MIL Network –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Verde Resources to Present at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference February 6th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ST. LOUIS, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verde Resources Inc. (OTCQB: VRDR), a leader in sustainable, next-generation infrastructure materials, today announced that Jack Wong, CEO and Eric Bava, COO, will present live at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on February 6th, 2025

    DATE: February 6th
    TIME: 2:30 – 3:00 pm ET
    LINK: https://bit.ly/40GBUPa
    Available for 1×1 meetings: February 6th

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    “We are excited to bring our story to an audience of engaged, self-directed investors and discuss the progress Verde has made in 2024 and the exciting year ahead of us,” said Jack Wong, Verde’s CEO.

    “Over the past year, we have forged strategic industry partnerships and integrated groundbreaking low-carbon building materials into the Verde portfolio. Our Blueprint lowers costs, enhances durability, and reduces emissions compared to conventional methods, all while enabling large-scale carbon sequestration and repurposing millions of tons of waste. This pragmatic approach drives economic value, modernizes infrastructure, and promotes environmental sustainability. At Verde, we believe that the road to Net Zero is paved with innovation, strategic partnerships and common-sense economics.”

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.  

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    About Verde Resources Inc.

    Verde Resources Inc. (OTCQB: VRDR) is leading the development of the world’s first Net Zero road construction blueprint, validated at the highest standards. Through the integration of innovative technologies and sustainable practices, Verde offers a scalable and licensable solution for the infrastructure industry across the U.S. and globally.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    Media and Investors

    Crocker Coulson, AUM Media
    Crocker.coulson@aummedia.org
    (646) 652-7185

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: ACNB Corporation Announces Completion of Traditions Bancorp, Inc. Acquisition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GETTYSBURG, Pa., Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ACNB Corporation (NASDAQ: ACNB), the parent financial holding company of ACNB Bank, a Pennsylvania state-chartered, FDIC-insured community bank, headquartered in Gettysburg, PA, announced the completion of the acquisition of Traditions Bancorp, Inc. (“Traditions”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Traditions Bank, headquartered in York, PA, effective February 1, 2025. Traditions was merged with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACNB Corporation immediately followed by the merger of Traditions Bank with and into ACNB Bank. ACNB Bank will operate the former Traditions Bank branches as “Traditions Bank, A Division of ACNB Bank”. In connection with the close of the acquisition, Traditions stockholders received 0.7300 shares of ACNB Corporation common stock for each share of Traditions common stock that they owned as of the closing date, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares.

    In addition, at the close of the acquisition, three former Traditions directors, Eugene J. Draganosky, Elizabeth F. Carson, and John M. Polli, joined the Boards of Directors of ACNB Corporation and ACNB Bank. Mr. Draganosky has nearly 40 years of banking experience, and is the former CEO and Chair of the Board of Traditions and Traditions Bank, having held those roles since 2017 and 2023, respectively. Ms. Carson, Lead Independent Director of Traditions, joined the Traditions Bank Board in 2015, after over 30 years of banking experience in a variety of leadership roles with community and regional banks. Mr. Polli was a member of the Traditions Bank board of directors since its founding in 2002, and has nearly 40 years of diverse business expertise, from serving as a public accountant to owning, managing, and advising businesses in the transportation, real estate, and insurance industries.

    With the combination of the two organizations, and based on financial information for each organization as of December 31, 2024, ACNB Corporation will have approximately $3.26 billion in assets, $2.04 billion in deposits, and $2.36 billion in loans, and will serve its customers throughout 35 community banking offices in south central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland.

    “We are pleased to announce the completion of our strategic acquisition of Traditions Bancorp, and excited to unite our teams of dedicated local bankers who are committed to their customers and communities,” stated ACNB Corporation President & Chief Executive Officer James P. Helt. “This combination brings together organizations that are unified by a shared vision, values, and a customer-centric approach to banking, to create an even stronger community bank. Importantly, our customers will benefit from expanded products and services delivered by the familiar faces they have come to know and trust. This merger positions us well to continue to grow in the attractive York and Lancaster County markets, and enhances ACNB Bank’s mortgage operations, which will now serve customers throughout our footprint as ‘Traditions Mortgage, A Division of ACNB Bank.’ Together, we look forward to continuing to deliver on our vision of being the financial services provider of choice in the communities we serve.”

    Alan J. Stock, Chair of the Board of ACNB, stated “We welcome Mr. Draganosky, Ms. Carson, and Mr. Polli to the ACNB Boards of Directors, and are confident that their expertise, skills, and strong connections to the York and Lancaster market areas will enhance and complement ACNB’s current Boards of Directors. We are committed to enhancing value for our shareholders and are poised to deliver on that commitment with an experienced and knowledgeable board, a seasoned management group, and a team of bankers and professionals dedicated to a successful integration and customer experience.”

    Bybel Rutledge LLP served as legal counsel and Piper Sandler served as financial advisor to ACNB Corporation for the transaction. Pillar + Aught served as legal counsel and Stephens Inc. served as financial advisor to Traditions Bancorp, Inc.

    About ACNB Corporation
    ACNB Corporation, headquartered in Gettysburg, PA, is the $3.26 billion financial holding company for the wholly-owned subsidiaries of ACNB Bank, Gettysburg, PA, and ACNB Insurance Services, Inc., Westminster, MD. Originally founded in 1857, ACNB Bank serves its marketplace with banking and wealth management services, including trust and retail brokerage, via a network of 35 community banking offices and two loan offices located in the Pennsylvania counties of Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, Lancaster and York and the Maryland counties of Baltimore, Carroll and Frederick. ACNB Insurance Services, Inc. is a full-service insurance agency with licenses in 46 states. The agency offers a broad range of property, casualty, health, life and disability insurance serving personal and commercial clients through office locations in Westminster and Jarrettsville, MD, and Gettysburg, PA. For more information regarding ACNB Corporation and its subsidiaries, please visit investor.acnb.com.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS – In addition to historical information, this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (a) projections or statements regarding future earnings, expenses, net interest income, other income, earnings or loss per share, asset mix and quality, growth prospects, capital structure, and other financial terms, (b) statements of plans and objectives of Management or the Board of Directors, and (c) statements of assumptions, such as economic conditions in the Corporation’s market areas. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “intends”, “will”, “should”, “anticipates”, or the negative of any of the foregoing or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussion of strategy. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties such as national, regional and local economic conditions, competitive factors, and regulatory limitations. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results and experience to differ from those projected include, but are not limited to, the following: short-term and long-term effects of inflation and rising costs on the Corporation, customers and economy; banking instability caused by bank failures and financial uncertainty of various banks which may adversely impact the Corporation and its securities and loan values, deposit stability, capital adequacy, financial condition, operations, liquidity, and results of operations; effects of governmental and fiscal policies, as well as legislative and regulatory changes; effects of new laws and regulations (including laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance) and their application with which the Corporation and its subsidiaries must comply; impacts of the capital and liquidity requirements of the Basel III standards; effects of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters; ineffectiveness of the business strategy due to changes in current or future market conditions; future actions or inactions of the United States government, including the effects of short-term and long-term federal budget and tax negotiations and a failure to increase the government debt limit or a prolonged shutdown of the federal government; effects of economic conditions particularly with regard to the negative impact of any pandemic, epidemic or health-related crisis and the responses thereto on the operations of the Corporation and current customers, specifically the effect of the economy on loan customers’ ability to repay loans; effects of competition, and of changes in laws and regulations on competition, including industry consolidation and development of competing financial products and services; inflation, securities market and monetary fluctuations; risks of changes in interest rates on the level and composition of deposits, loan demand, and the values of loan collateral, securities, and interest rate protection agreements, as well as interest rate risks; difficulties in acquisitions and integrating and operating acquired business operations, including information technology difficulties; challenges in establishing and maintaining operations in new markets; effects of technology changes; effects of general economic conditions and more specifically in the Corporation’s market areas; failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of reserves for credit losses and estimations of values of collateral and various financial assets and liabilities; acts of war or terrorism or geopolitical instability; disruption of credit and equity markets; ability to manage current levels of impaired assets; loss of certain key officers; ability to maintain the value and image of the Corporation’s brand and protect the Corporation’s intellectual property rights; continued relationships with major customers; and, potential impacts to the Corporation from continually evolving cybersecurity and other technological risks and attacks, including additional costs, reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and financial losses; and, the other factors detailed in ACNB’s publicly-filed documents, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024, and its other filings with the SEC. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements only speak as of the date hereof, and ACNB does assume any obligation to revise, update or clarify forward-looking statements to reflect events or conditions after the date of this press release.

    ACNB #2025-5
    February 3, 2025

    Contact:    Kevin Hayes
    SVP/ General Counsel,
    Secretary, and Chief
    Governance Officer
    717.339.5161
    khayes@acnb.com
         

    The MIL Network –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: NEWTON GOLF Announces $1 Million Share Repurchase Authorization

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CAMARILLO, CA, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NEWTON GOLF Company (Nasdaq: SPGC) (“NEWTON GOLF” or the “Company”), a technology-forward golf company with a growing portfolio of golf products, including putters, golf shafts, golf grips, and other golf-related accessories, announces that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase authorization of up to $1 million of its common stock, effective January 31, 2025 and expiring January 31, 2026. The Company may repurchase the shares in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, or a combination thereof. Share repurchases are subject to the Company’s discretion based on market conditions, business considerations, legal requirements, and other factors. There is no guarantee as to the number of shares that will be repurchased, and the repurchase program may be extended, suspended, or discontinued without prior notice at the Company’s discretion.

    “Our share repurchase authorization reflects the confidence we have in our business, our outlook for continued growth, and a path to breakeven. Growing adoption of our Newton Motion replacement shafts is a significant factor that provides us the flexibility and discretion to repurchase our common stock,” commented NEWTON GOLF Executive Chairman Greg Campbell.

    About NEWTON GOLF: A Sacks Parente Company

    NEWTON GOLF: A Sacks Parente Company, is a technology-forward golf company that help golfers elevate their game. With a growing portfolio of golf products, including putters, golf shafts, golf grips, and other golf-related accessories, the Company’s innovative accomplishments include: the First Vernier Acuity putter, patented Ultra-Low Balance Point (ULBP) putter technology, weight-forward Center-of-Gravity (CG) design, and pioneering ultra-light carbon fiber putter shafts.

    In consideration of its growth opportunities in golf shaft technologies, the Company expanded its manufacturing business in April of 2022 to develop the advanced Newton brand of premium golf shafts by opening a new shaft manufacturing facility in St. Joseph, MO. It is the Company’s intent to manufacture and assemble substantially all products in the United States, while also expanding into golf apparel and other golf-related product lines to enhance its growth.

    The Company’s future expansions may include broadening its offerings through mergers, acquisitions or internal developments of product lines that are complementary to its premium brand. The Company currently sells its products through resellers, the Company’s websites, Club Champion retail stores, and distributors in the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

    For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.newtongolfco.com or on social media at @newtongolfco.com, @newtonshafts, or @gravityputters.

    Investor Contact for NEWTON GOLF
    CORE IR
    516-222-2560
    investors@sacksparente.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: While plastic dominates human consumption, the global economy will remain hooked on fossil fuels

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adam Hanieh, Professor of Political Economy and Global Development, Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter

    Plastic waste in the Maldives. MOHAMED ABDULRAHEEM/Shutterstock

    In early December 2024, hopes for a landmark global treaty to curb plastic pollution were dashed as negotiations in South Korea stalled. Leading the campaign against the deal were major oil-producing nations, especially Saudi Arabia and Russia, who argued for a more flexible approach to any legally binding limits on plastic manufacturing.

    The collapse of any agreement came despite scientific research delivering ever more alarming warnings about the dangers of plastic pollution. Over the last two years, an avalanche of studies have revealed the pervasive presence of tiny plastic particles in human blood, brains, and even placental tissue.

    These particles, which stem from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, have been linked to everything from inflammation to hormonal disruption, and potential long-term health risks such as cancer. Aside from their effects on human health, plastics are wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems, with microplastics now found in Arctic ice and in the bodies of fish and birds.

    Behind these alarming studies stands a seemingly unstoppable juggernaut of plastic production. The annual global production of plastics reportedly grew nearly two hundredfold between 1950 (two million tonnes) and 2015 (381 million tonnes), and the pace of growth is accelerating.

    Over half of all plastics ever made were produced in the past 25 years, and production levels are estimated to double or triple again by 2050. And more production brings more waste.

    Less than 10% of all plastics ever produced have been recycled. And the volume of “mismanaged plastics” – those which are not recycled, incinerated, or sealed in landfills – is also estimated to double by 2050.

    It seems as if humans have become the organic detritus within a plastic world of our own creation.

    Plastic elephants

    But despite growing awareness around the problems associated with plastic, there is a fundamental flaw in how we tend to think about it as a product.

    For there is a tendency to frame plastic as a problem of pollution and recycling, rather than as an integral part of our fossil fuel-driven world. This narrative is also promoted by major oil companies, such as the American giant, ExxonMobil, which stated in the lead up to the South Korean summit: “The issue is pollution. The issue is not plastic.”

    The problem with this perspective is that it obscures the fact that plastics are petrochemical products: substances which are ultimately derived from oil and gas.

    Indeed, the future of fossil fuels is increasingly tied to the future of plastics. It has been estimated that by 2040, plastics will account for as much as 95% of net growth in oil demand.

    This is perhaps why 220 fossil fuel lobbyists attended those recent treaty discussions, outnumbering all other delegations. It could also explain why Saudi Arabia, home to one of the world’s largest petrochemical companies, led the opposition to any global limits on plastic production.

    At the core of capitalism

    The problem we confront is not simply the presence of an oil lobby, it is the systemic role that plastics play within capitalism.

    Plastics, and the wider petrochemical industry, played a crucial part in the transformation of global capitalism from the mid-20th century onwards.

    As I explore in my book, Crude Capitalism, the things we used to need to build and make things previously relied on sourcing naturally occurring, labour-intensive goods like timber, cotton or metals. But the invention of plastics and other synthetic materials separated commodity production from nature.

    More plastic in the pipeline.
    Kodda/Shutterstock

    Oil became more than a fuel – it was the substance that came to dominate our lives. A petrochemical shift to the rise of an oil-dominated world. With capitalism untethered from natural cycles, there was a radical reduction in the time taken to produce commodities and an end to any limits on the quantity and diversity of goods produced.

    Along with this, consumption habits became centred around notions of disposability and obsolescence. Plastics made the essential features of contemporary capitalism possible: a drive to limitless growth, continual acceleration of production and consumption, and the frenzied expansion of markets.

    The emergence of fast fashion is just one example. Alongside poorly paid garment workers in countries such as Bangladesh, really cheap clothing was only made possible through the massive expansion of polyester production (a kind of plastic), which freed the industry from its dependence on supplies of wool and cotton.

    The consumption of plastics looms large in today’s ecological crisis. And having become so accustomed to thinking about oil and gas as primarily an issue of energy and fuel choice, perhaps we have lost sight of how much of our lives depend upon the products of petroleum.

    These synthetic materials drove a post-war revolution in productivity, bringing labour-saving technology and mass consumption. It is now almost impossible to identify an area of life that has not been radically transformed by the presence of plastics and other petrochemicals.

    Plastic products have become normalised as natural parts of our daily existence. And it is this paradox which must be fully confronted if we are to move beyond fossil fuels.

    Adam Hanieh’s research into petrochemicals has been supported by a Political Economy Fellowship from the Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF).

    – ref. While plastic dominates human consumption, the global economy will remain hooked on fossil fuels – https://theconversation.com/while-plastic-dominates-human-consumption-the-global-economy-will-remain-hooked-on-fossil-fuels-247393

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Presidential smiles: the untold story of teeth in the White House

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rae Gillibrand, Lecturer, Premodern History, University of Leeds

    When Donald Trump joined Elon Musk for a live interview on X (formerly Twitter) late last year, the conversation covered a range of significant topics: his near-assassination, Biden’s withdrawal from the race, and the future of the presidency. However, for many viewers, an unexpected detail stole the spotlight: Trump’s slurred speech and lisp.

    Was Trump wearing dentures? The public certainly seemed to think so. Throughout the interview, the word “dentures” was mentioned over 15,000 times on X and the interview sparked the resurgence of the hashtag #DenturedDonald.

    Why does this matter? Trump is, after all, 78 years old, and a 2017 survey showed that nearly one in four Americans aged 75 and older have no teeth left at all. However, presidential dental health has long had an impact on public perception and leadership itself. From George Washington’s infamous dentures to Teddy Roosevelt’s toothy grin, a president’s teeth (or lack thereof) have often shaped the way they are seen by the American public.

    Since the appointment of George Washington as the first US president, it has been tradition for each new president to commission a portrait of themselves during their time in office. However, it was not until Ronald Reagan’s portrait, completed in 1991, that we saw a president depicted with a smile.

    This is partly to do with practicality – many early portraits were painted from life, and sitting with a smile for hours was almost impossible – and partly to do with etiquette. In the 18th century, a wide smile was considered a sign of lewdness and drunkenness and associated largely with the lower classes.

    Indeed, a 1703 text on “decorum and civility” said that some people part their lips so that “their teeth are almost entirely visible. This is entirely contradictory to decorum, which forbids you to allow your teeth to be uncovered, since nature gave us lips to conceal them.”

    It is often suggested that historical portraits avoided smiles because of poor dental hygiene, but in reality, social conventions played a much larger role. For earlier presidents, maintaining an image of sobriety, morality and respectability was important, and a serious expression was seen as a reflection of these values.

    This all changed with Teddy Roosevelt. When Roosevelt became the 25th US president in 1901, photography was becoming much more accessible. Technological advancements and the introduction of handheld cameras meant that photography could be practised by a much broader range of people.

    Because of this, Roosevelt was often candidly photographed while laughing or smiling, leading to his reputation as “the first president who smiled”.

    He even capitalised on his grin in his 1904 campaign by releasing the Teddy’s Teeth Whistle. Retailing at five cents (US$1.77 or £1.44 in today’s money), supporters were encouraged to buy a set and “blow the horn for Teddy”.

    Roosevelt’s embrace of his smile and the promotion of his teeth marked a shift in how a president’s image could be used to influence public perception, showing that good dental health could be a powerful political tool.

    Worse than wood

    Not all presidents were as diligent as Roosevelt when it came to dental hygiene. George Washington, for example, was infamous for his poor dental health.

    His letters, diaries and financial accounts reveal a long history of dental troubles, ultimately leading to his use of dentures. However, contrary to popular belief, Washington’s dentures were not made of wood. Instead, they were made from materials including ivory, animal teeth and human teeth.

    One of Washington’s account books reveals that he bought nine teeth from enslaved people on his Mount Vernon plantation. This detail adds a sinister layer to the history of Washington’s dental care because, while these people were paid for their teeth, their enslaved status probably left them with little choice in the matter.

    Washington’s poor dental hygiene also extended to his care of his dentures. They became notoriously stained, largely due to his fondness for rich red wine. One letter from his dentist chastised him for the condition of his dentures, stating: “The set [of dentures] you sent me from Philadelphia … was very black, occasioned either by your soaking them in port wine, or by your drinking it. I advise you to either take them out after dinner and put them in clean water … or clean them with a brush.”

    These insights into Washington’s dental struggles underscore the lasting effect of oral health on the presidential image.

    Presidential dental health has played, and continues to play, an important role in shaping public perception, with teeth often serving as symbols of both personal care and political power. Whether influencing how a president is seen or reflecting broader social attitudes, the state of a leader’s teeth has clearly left its mark on the history of the office.

    Rae Gillibrand does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Presidential smiles: the untold story of teeth in the White House – https://theconversation.com/presidential-smiles-the-untold-story-of-teeth-in-the-white-house-248391

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why drying clothes indoors could put your health at risk

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rebecca A. Drummond, Associate Professor, Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham

    Magic Lens/Shutterstock

    Hanging the washing out to dry in the garden has been a rare sight these last few months, with winter storms bringing freezing temperatures and 100mph gusts of wind. But does the way we dry our clothes indoors actually matter?

    Drying wet clothing on racks in poorly ventilated spaces could increase the amount of mould growing in your home, which is associated with poor health and, in some cases, even death.

    When mould grows in your home, it can form black or green coloured patches on the walls, and usually creates an unpleasant musty smell. It shouldn’t be ignored, because being exposed to mould over long periods of time can have serious health implications.

    Mould is a broad term for a group of fungi that produce tiny particles called spores. Fungi produce spores when conditions are right for their growth, which can include cooler temperatures and high humidity. This is why you’re more likely to find mould growing on bathroom ceilings or damp walls, where there is more water for fungal spores to settle and grow.

    There are many different species of mould. The most common ones to cause problems in damp homes are penicillium and aspergillus. It’s estimated that we breathe in small numbers of spores from these fungi on a daily basis.

    Luckily, our immune system is very good at spotting and killing fungal spores, which limits the number of fungal lung infections in humans even though we’re constantly exposed. Immune cells called macrophages sit inside the air spaces of the lungs (called alveoli), and these cells eat anything you inhale that could be considered harmful, including fungal spores.

    Risks for compromised immune systems

    However, there are many people whose immune systems are not able to remove fungal spores, and in these cases the fungi can cause dangerous infections or make underlying health conditions (such as asthma) much worse.

    People who have damaged or compromised immune systems are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell from fungal infections. Moulds like aspergillus cause infections in patients with limited immune function, or who have lung damage from diseases like asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with heavy smoking.

    In people with asthma, the immune system overreacts to triggers (including fungal spores) causing inflammation in the lung. This inflammation makes it more difficult to breathe by reducing the size of the airways. The same type of immune response is responsible for the symptoms of asthma and allergic responses, and fungal spores can also trigger these same types of immune responses. This means that fungal spores can be a particularly powerful trigger for some people.

    In very extreme cases, the fungal spores don’t just cause inflammation but can invade the airways and block them leading to bleeding within the lung. This happens when spores germinate and form long spiderweb-like projections called mycelium which create sticky lumps that block airways and damage the delicate tissues of the lung.

    Growing resistance

    Aspergillus infections are treated with antifungal drugs called azoles, which prevent the fungal cells from forming properly. Azoles are very effective, but there are increasing rates of resistance to azoles reported in aspergillus which is a significant cause for concern.

    We have a limited range of antifungal drugs available to treat mould infections – and when resistance develops this can severely reduce the options a patient has for treatment.

    Resistance to drugs such as azoles can develop in patients who take these drugs for long periods of time, but recent research has indicated that resistance is more commonly developing in the environment, where most fungi are found. This means that even before a patient is diagnosed with an aspergillus infection, it may already be too late for the antifungal drugs to be effective.

    Development of drug resistance in environmental fungi has been linked to use of azoles and other antifungal drugs in farming. Fungal infections are a big problem for crops, and plants need protection from these infections the same way we do. Unfortunately, the same drugs we use in the clinic are the same types that are being used in agriculture.

    Climate change may also be driving drug resistance in environmental fungi. Exposure to high temperatures was recently found to help moulds develop resistance to commonly prescribed antifungal drugs. There have also been reports of patients becoming ill from species of mould that were not thought to cause human disease, in part because they could not grow at the human body temperature.

    More mould species could therefore be picking up the ability to cause infections, as well as becoming drug resistant. Research programs and healthcare initiatives that monitor for these changes are vital to help us become prepared for potential increases in mould infections.

    While a healthy immune system means that typical exposure to fungal spores is not likely to cause you any health problems, being exposed to very large amounts of fungal spores can prove to be fatal even for people who don’t have underlying health issues.

    In 2020, toddler Awaab Ishak died as a direct result of high exposure to fungal spores, caused by excessive damp and mould in his home.

    His death led to a change in UK law (Awaab’s Law) which requires landlords to respond promptly to damp in homes they manage, to ensure that tenants are not exposed to excessive levels of fungal spores which can affect their physical and mental health.

    It’s important, then, to help keep your home free of mould. The best way to do this is ensure you have good ventilation and take other measures to reduce damp, such as using a dehumidifier or investing in a heated clothes rack to dry your clothes indoors in the winter.

    Rebecca A. Drummond receives funding from the Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Trust and the Lister Institute.

    – ref. Why drying clothes indoors could put your health at risk – https://theconversation.com/why-drying-clothes-indoors-could-put-your-health-at-risk-248467

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to argue without falling out – an expert guide

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jessica Robles, Lecturer in Social Psychology, Loughborough University

    Pormezz / Shutterstock

    To disagree is an inescapable part of being human. We simply are not all the same. But whereas a small disagreement may remain amiable, particularly over text or online where we can edit our responses, a face-to-face row over a sensitive topic can develop into a more antagonistic form of argument.

    You may have experienced this over the recent festive season, when many of us spend more time in close contact with our relatives than usual. This can sometimes bring simmering tensions to the surface.

    An argument can start over a lot of things, from politics to each other’s behaviour – something anyone who spends much time on social media will be familiar with. But the stronger the view, the more intense and complex an argument can become.

    So, what can you do to avoid a minor argument becoming a major row – whether online or face-to-face? As an expert in social interactions, I think paying attention to what someone says – and how they say it – is crucial, along with learning how to avoid responding in ways that might blow up in your face.

    Remember, disagreements are a normal part of life and relationships. But here are three key tips for how to avoid them escalating into something more serious.

    Ready to make a change? The Quarter Life Glow-up is a new, six-week newsletter course from The Conversation’s UK and Canada editions.

    Every week, we’ll bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required. Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time.

    1. Manage escalation

    If you disagree with someone, stay in the conversation in a productive way by avoiding using direct insults. Also, take care to avoid actions that may put the other person on the back foot, such as accusing, complaining or mocking them.

    We tend to put a lot of emphasis on the content of an argument, and also on our assumptions about what the other person “really thinks”. What is the argument about? Is it just a misunderstanding – or is it a matter of personality, where one party is biased or has some ulterior motive?

    The rise of social media has created an age of endless conflict.
    pathdoc / Shutterstock

    We care very much whether the person actually believes what they are saying. Research suggests we often resent people playing “devil’s advocate” outside of certain settings.

    But you cannot truly know someone’s intentions, so it’s a good idea to avoid thinking the worst about the person you are arguing with. Otherwise, you might unfairly talk to them as if they’re being manipulative, unfair, damaging or thoughtless.

    2. Be open-minded

    Sometimes, what someone has said may sound (and feel) pretty awful. When this happens, keep two things in mind.

    First, nothing we say has just one meaning. There are often multiple interpretations, and you cannot always trust the first one that leaps to mind when you’re in the heat of the moment.

    During an argument, it’s worth slowing down and thinking through all possible interpretations. Consider asking for a moment to think, or getting a cup of tea to distract both of you from an escalation.

    Second, if what the person is saying still sounds negative no matter how charitable you try to be, ask them to explain more. This may not be easy to do, but people will often reveal what they meant if they have to elaborate. And helping them feel as if they are being carefully listened to might defuse a possible escalation.

    3. Stay on track

    There is another side to this coin: choosing carefully what you say, and keeping in mind how you will come across. Anyone can get caught up in an argument and say something they regret, including you.

    Something to balance carefully is “going meta” – pausing to talk about the argument you’re having and the way you’re having it. This can be productive if, for instance, you ask to keep the conversation focused on something specific. However, it can easily come across as an implicit criticism of the other person.

    If you do choose to discuss the quarrel you’re having, you may have to include an apology or speak in a quieter tone to keep the other person from thinking you are going to accuse them of arguing “wrongly” in some way. It’s challenging, so don’t feel bad if you don’t get it right the first time you try this technique.

    Anyone can get caught up in an argument, including you.
    fizkes / Shutterstock

    Do we have the same values?

    People don’t just argue for the sake of arguing. One of the main reasons for engaging in an argument is to position ourselves in relation to other people. Are we on the same side, and do we have the same values?

    Arguments are also tied to identity. The most contentious arguments generate strong feelings. We’re aware that we might be judged for our opinions, and others will assume that we might judge them in return.

    Mutual judgment can easily escalate not just during a disagreement but in the relationship as a whole, causing a temporary falling-out or even loss of friendship. People who want to avoid this often assume the answer is to simply put their feelings aside and “focus on facts”.

    But denying an emotional response might feel like denying one’s commitment to a valued cause. Recognising that someone feels this way is an important step to knowing what you might be able to change their mind about – and what is best left alone, at least for now.

    Jessica Robles does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How to argue without falling out – an expert guide – https://theconversation.com/how-to-argue-without-falling-out-an-expert-guide-236812

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Sims: from Hot Date to Get Famous, why expansion packs have been key to the game’s longevity

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Aditya Deshbandhu, Lecturer of Communications, Digital Media Sociology, University of Exeter

    SimCity 3000, the predecessor to The Sims, played a pivotal part in my childhood, growing up in Hyderabad, India. Its recreation of the western, urban world helped me understand how cities were planned, designed and financed – and how they provided people with key services like transportation, health and education while preparing for accidents and other hazards.

    As an eight-year-old trying to figure out my place in the world, that game offered me a way to make meaning of the chaos that can be life. So, when The Sims launched in 2000 – enabling me to live inside a virtual city, rather than simply build one – I had to get my hands on a copy.

    Twenty-five years later, I write this piece in a drastically different gaming landscape, where games offer high visual fidelity and ever-increasing frame rates for ultra-smooth game play. But despite all these technological innovations and the pursuit of photo-realism, the popularity of The Sims’ game designer Will Wright’s satire on American consumer culture endures.

    Sul Sul! This article is part of a mini series from The Conversation marking 25 years of The Sims franchise.

    The franchise’s four Sims games had sold over 200 million copies before the latest instalment, The Sims 4, became free to play in 2022. Players now spend their money on extras within the game. Over 85 million people played The Sims worldwide in 2024.

    At a time when the success of a modern video game is measured in metrics like “cumulative engagement time” (number of players playing at the same time), acquisition of new players and “intensity of engagement” (number of hours spent by a player), now-over-a-decade-old The Sims 4 continues to excel with its mastery of the live-service format.

    The trailer for the first Sims game.

    Live-service describes the form modern digital games embrace when they transition from conventional products into “services” – a shift made possible because games today can be regularly updated, fixed and expanded upon by their makers remotely. They can acquire new levels and in-game features in a similar way to how streaming platforms like Netflix drop new episodes of your favourite show.

    Players don’t buy a live-service game, they sign up for the journey.

    Expanding player horizons

    In each incarnation of The Sims, players have been able to access new ways to perform roles and tasks that mimic everyday life, in the form of expansions and content packs.

    The original title, The Sims (2000), had seven expansion packs and two content packs. I distinctly remember brewing potions in the chemistry lab and rubbing a magic lamp to conjure a genie in the first expansion, Livin’ Large; the new holiday island that was built for The Sims: Vacation; and leaving my Sim’s home to visit downtown areas as part of Hot Date.

    The trailer for The Sims Hot Date expansion pack.

    But for The Sims 4 (2014), the developers went all in. This game – and its subsequent expansions – represents a digital supermarket of lifestyles, sub-cultures, activities and stardom. For example, 2018’s Get Famous pack not only introduced Del Sol Valley – a region that resembled Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills – but also introduced the “reputation” mechanism for players.

    The Discover University expansion (2019) allowed players to take their Sims to school in a new region called Britechester – after this update, the game integrated Sims’ careers and education, and in many ways changed the rules of the game. And the Eco Lifestyle expansion pack (2020) is memorable because the game engaged with ideas of sustainable living for the first time.

    Genre, fantasy and reality

    From content packs featuring a digital recreation of singer Katy Perry in The Sims 3 to collaborations with streamers, content creators and fashion houses, The Sims has remained relevant by consistently blurring the lines between genre, reality and fantasy.

    Hot Date was a popular early Sims expansion pack.

    Today, video game makers the world over try to master formats like free-to-play games where players pay for cosmetic items, customisations and added content, or expansions offering downloadable content. The Sims set the standard for most of them.

    Over the past 25 years, this franchise has had several life simulation competitors in the form of Second Life, Facebook’s once popular Farmville, virtual reality experiences like Half-Life: Alyx and, during the pandemic when we worked, learnt and played online, initiatives like the Metaverse.

    However, today only The Sims endures. The game’s developers continue to give its players what they want, while also getting them to engage with difficult ideas like sustainability, the question of life and death, and even gentrification (For Rent expansion pack, anyone?).

    Few games let players critique life so closely. For game researchers like me, this begs the question: do people play life simulation games like The Sims in order to build alternative lives, relive their own – or create something entirely new?

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Aditya Deshbandhu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The Sims: from Hot Date to Get Famous, why expansion packs have been key to the game’s longevity – https://theconversation.com/the-sims-from-hot-date-to-get-famous-why-expansion-packs-have-been-key-to-the-games-longevity-248604

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 4, 2025
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