NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI: Santech Holdings Announces Completion of Issuance of Ordinary Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On March 17, 2025, Santech Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: STEC) (the “Company”), entered into a share subscription agreement and raised additional capital to fund its current operations. Pursuant to the share subscription agreement, the Company will issue to Carmel Holdings Limited 112,000,000 restricted ordinary shares of the Company (the “Subscription Shares”) for a total consideration of approximately US$1.0 million.

    With the approval of all independent directors of the Board of Directors, issuance of the Subscription Shares has been completed on March 19, 2025. The total proceeds to the Company are approximately US$1.0 million, which will be used to support the Company’s liquidity and working capital needs.

    Carmel Holdings Limited is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, controlled by Lawrence Wai Lok, Chief Executive Officer. This issuance of ordinary shares marks the completion of another key step in the Company’s ongoing efforts in restructuring and business reorganization.

    About Santech Holdings Limited

    Santech Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: STEC) is a consumer-focused technology company. The Company historically served a large number of high net-worth clients in China in financial services and health management, and accumulated a large customer base. The Company has exited or disposed of its historical businesses in financial services and is actively exploring innovative new opportunities in technology, including but not limited to new retail, social e-commerce and metaverse. For more information, please visit https://ir.santechholdings.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “plan,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “expect,” “aim,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “is/are likely to,” “could” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    Investor Contact:

    Santech Holdings Limited
    Email: ir@santechholdings.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sierra Financial Holdings to Acquire Preferred Security Life Insurance Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sierra Financial Holdings, LLC today announced that it received final regulatory approval from the Texas Department of Insurance to acquire Preferred Security Life Insurance Company, a Texas-Domiciled Life Insurance carrier. Closing is expected to occur on April 1, 2025.

    Dennis Haley, President of Preferred Security Life Insurance Company, stated “The addition of a life insurance option to Sierra’s wide array of mortgage loan products significantly expands its portfolio of financial services and provides Preferred Security Life with ready access to the growing Latino market while simultaneously offering customers a means to provide financial protection and security for their family.”

    About Sierra Financial Holdings, LLC – Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Sierra Financial Holdings, LLC is a privately held company focused on the financial services industry. Since 2010 our family of independent financial services organizations have provided a full line of insurance and mortgage portfolio products to the primarily Latino market. The companies include:

    Sierra Mortgage Capital, LLC – a nationwide closed loan mortgage conduit that acquires first lien residential whole loans from approved mortgage bankers and retail lenders.

    Sierra Lending Group, LLC – a retail residential mortgage originator specializing in products that serve the Latino market in Texas.

    Sierra Lending Corporation – a California-based retail residential mortgage originator specializing in products that serve the Latino market in California.

    Sierra Insurance Services, LLC – a Houston-based insurance agency specializing in life insurance products that cater to the Latino market.

    About Preferred Security Life Insurance Company – Founded in 1994, Preferred Security Life Insurance Company is a Stipulated Premium Life insurance company with operational headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado USA.

    CONTACT
    John F. Sexton
    Managing Partner
    jsexton@groupsierra.com
    4550 Post Oak Place Dr, Suite 244
    Houston, TX 77027
    (713) 629-6300
    www.SierraFinancialHoldings.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: REPORT: Energy Storage’s Meteoric Rise Breaks Another Record

    Source: American Clean Power Association (ACP)

    Headline: REPORT: Energy Storage’s Meteoric Rise Breaks Another Record

    • Annual energy storage installations increase 33% YoY • Residential installations hit new record for second straight quarter • 2025 installations projected to increase 25% 

    HOUSTON/WASHINGTON, D.C., March 19, 2025 — The U.S. energy storage market set a new record in 2024 with 12.3 gigawatts (GW) of installations across all segments, according to the latest U.S. Energy Storage Monitor report released today by the American Clean Power Association (ACP) and Wood Mackenzie.  
    The report shows a total of 12,314 megawatts (MW) and 37,143 megawatt hours (MWh) deployed, representing increases of 33% and 34% respectively over 2023 numbers. 
    Record Growth for Grid-Scale Storage While Q4 grid-scale energy storage deployments were down 20% compared to Q4 2023, this was primarily due to the delay of 2 GW of projects in late-stage development from Q4 2024 to 2025.  
    Texas and California continue to lead the market, with 61% of the total installed capacity in Q4, while the remaining 39% was installed across 13 states, expanding storage deployment beyond the leading markets. Grid-scale storage installations are forecasted to reach 13.3 GW in 2025. 
    “After another year of record deployment, energy storage is solidifying its place as a leading solution for strengthening American energy security and grid reliability in a time of historic rising demand for electricity,” said ACP VP of Energy Storage Noah Roberts. “The energy storage industry has quickly scaled to meet the moment and deliver reliability and cost-savings for American communities, serving a critical role firming and balancing low-cost renewables and enhancing the efficiency of thermal power plants.”  
    “Energy storage has entered a new phase of growth with its first year of double-digit deployment. We are increasingly seeing the industry’s growth diversified across geographic regions, with 30% of storage capacity additions in Q4 2024 represented by New Mexico, Oregon, and Arizona,” said Kelsey Hallahan, ACP Sr. Director of Market Intelligence. “With a robust pipeline, and forecasted sustained growth, the industry is on a path to surpass 100 GW of grid-scale storage deployed by 2030.” 
    Residential and CCI See Strong Year The residential storage market exceeded 1,250 MW in 2024, marking its highest year on record and 57% above 2023 totals. A record-breaking 380 MW of residential storage was installed in Q4 2024, a 6% increase over the previous quarter.  
    145 MW of community-scale, commercial and industrial (CCI) storage was installed in 2024, a 22% increase over the previous year. California, Massachusetts, and New York accounted for 88% of installed CCI capacity. 
    2025 Forecast Sees Continued Growth Forecasted installations for 2025 have increased 7% over last quarter’s forecast. Across all segments, 15 GW of storage is expected to be installed this year, marking a 25% increase over 2024. 
    “Activity has been strong and our forecast for this year has expanded,” said Allison Feeney, research analyst at Wood Mackenzie. “However, due to policy uncertainties, growth will likely slow down this year and in subsequent years. Growth will pick back up toward the end of the decade, with a projected 81 GW total installations from 2025 to 2029.” 
    Allison Weis, global head of storage of Wood Mackenzie noted that the uncertainties surrounding the continuation of current tax incentives and the implementation of tariffs could change the long-term outlook. 
    “It’s still too early to determine the final form of IRA tax incentives over the coming year,” said Allison Weis, global head of storage for Wood Mackenzie. “The combination of new tariffs on China and other countries with continued 45x and domestic content bonus adder incentives would make US-based systems more competitively priced. However, many domestic providers are not set up to meet quick demand. If higher pricing is combined with ITC tax incentives phasing out beginning in 2028, it could lower our five-year deployment outlook by as much as 19%.” 

    ### 
    For further information, contact: 
    Wood Mackenzie’s media relations team: 
    Mark Thomton +1 630 881 6885  Mark.thomton@woodmac.com  
      Hla Myat Mon+65 8533 8860   hla.myatmon@woodmac.com   
      The Big Partnership (UK PR agency) woodmac@bigpartnership.co.uk    
    About Wood Mackenzie  Wood Mackenzie is the global insight business for renewables, energy and natural resources. Driven by data. Powered by people. In the middle of an energy revolution, businesses and governments need reliable and actionable insight to lead the transition to a sustainable future. That’s why we cover the entire supply chain with unparalleled breadth and depth, backed by over 50 years’ experience in natural resources. Today, our team of over 2,000 experts operate across 30 global locations, inspiring customers’ decisions through real-time analytics, consultancy, events and thought leadership. Together, we deliver the insight they need to separate risk from opportunity and make bold decisions when it matters most. For more information, visit woodmac.com.  

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: High school sports are losing athletes to private clubs, but schools can keep them by focusing on character development

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mark Rerick, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, University of North Dakota

    High school sports programs tend to emphasize character development and good sportsmanship. AP Photo/Mel Evans

    Not long ago, high school students who wanted to play football, basketball or another sport had few options other than trying out for their school team. And it was to high school gymnasiums and fields that recruiters flocked to find talent for colleges and even the pros.

    That’s changed in recent decades as private clubs have emerged and soared in popularity across the country. Today, kids interested in pretty much any sport often have multiple clubs and leagues to choose from instead of playing on their high school’s varsity squads. Clubs have been especially good at attracting the most talented student-athletes due to their intense and competitive nature.

    As a result, parents are increasingly debating something that would have been unthinkable a couple of generations ago: Where should our kids play sports?

    As a former K-12 director of athletics – and as a current parent of three youth athletes from elementary to the collegiate level – I know it can be a tough choice. I’ve seen firsthand the pros and cons of playing sports both in high school and clubs.

    While clubs may be best for the most talented athletes, I believe schools can’t be beat for the broader focus they can put on character development. Since the vast majority of student-athletes won’t play in organized leagues beyond high school, that’s where I believe the schools’ focus should be.

    My own unpublished research shows it’s also a way – along with emphasizing the fun and social aspects of athletics – to get more students who played sports as young kids to continue in high school.

    The rise of the private youth sports industry

    Although I am an unapologetic advocate for school-based athletics, I recognize the benefits that come along with participation in club or private-league programs.

    But prior to the 1980s, private clubs weren’t common. Before high school, kids played on teams organized by their schools, local parks and recreation programs or nonprofit organizations such as the YMCA. After that, the only option for most was high school sports.

    The first big step toward highly organized, privatized youth sports programs occurred during what has been referred to as “the Reagan revolution,” according to research I did for my dissertation. President Ronald Reagan’s funding cuts across the government pushed more expenses onto states and cities, which limited the ability of local parks and recreation departments to fully staff youth programs. This left many of them with only enough funds to maintain their facilities.

    At the same time, school districts began systematically reducing the number of physical education classes offered in lieu of an increased focus on subjects such as math and science. Those two factors took away the most affordable options for athletic participation for many families.

    With the reduction of public offerings, the youth sports programming gap was filled by private clubs and leagues, which placed more emphasis on athleticism, competition and sometimes elite-style training. And it’s become big business for the adults who run these programs.

    While good numbers on these leagues are hard to come by, multiple data sources show the privatized youth sports market has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. A recent estimate put total spending on youth sports at over US$40 billion as of 2024, compared with the $10 billion estimate of the youth sports economy in 2010.

    But despite their growth, one sobering statistic for aspiring elite athletes remains true: Only about 7% of teenagers who play organized sports will advance to the collegiate level or beyond.

    Knowing that 93% of high school athletes will end their competitive careers at graduation, I believe it’s important that school administrators place a premium on running athletic programs that focus on building skills they’ll need as adults instead of just winning games.

    More and more teenagers are playing on elite club teams, such as Aaliyah Chavez, right, who plays for CyFair Elite.
    Mike Caudill for The Washington Post via Getty Images

    Why most students play

    My own research backs this up.

    In my previous role as a director of athletics for public schools in Grand Forks, North Dakota, I routinely surveyed our athletes at the end of their seasons about various aspects of their experience on the team. Among those questions, I asked athletes to tell me the three most important reasons they chose to play that sport for that season and whether they were planning to play on the team again next year.

    Unsurprisingly to me, the top three reasons were consistently to have fun, spend time with friends and stay physically active, in that order. You’ll notice winning games or for competition were not among them.

    On the flip side, when asked why students chose to drop out the following year, the top reason was their relationship with the coach, while a close second was that they were not having fun. To me, this was evidence that what student-athletes most wanted from their high school programs wasn’t so much sport skills development as personal development and growth.

    Other studies back this up. Overtraining and a lack of fun are cited as the main reasons why 70% of young athletes who compete on a team stop playing before they even reach high school.

    Focus on the fun – not the competition

    Here are five things school administrators can do to help turn things around and make their sports programs more attractive to students considering clubs, as well as those who are pondering giving up on sports altogether.

    1. Develop an athletic program that teaches character traits and life skills that are usable for 100% of participants, not just the 7% who go on to play in college.

    2. Make sure programs emphasize fun, social growth and physical fitness, rather than just the competition.

    3. Encourage coaches to spend individual time throughout the season with each student-athlete to discuss the athlete’s goals, role and progress.

    4. Survey student-athletes about their experience at the end of each season and tweak the program accordingly.

    5. Include student-athlete assessments about how much they enjoy playing for the coach as a part of the coach’s postseason evaluation.

    High school sports may not be for everybody, but I believe many more students would choose to participate if the focus were on building character and having fun with friends, not winning trophies.

    Mark Rerick is affiliated with the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

    – ref. High school sports are losing athletes to private clubs, but schools can keep them by focusing on character development – https://theconversation.com/high-school-sports-are-losing-athletes-to-private-clubs-but-schools-can-keep-them-by-focusing-on-character-development-236367

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Can animals make art?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Shawn Simpson, Visiting Lecturer in Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh

    A male satin bowerbird stands before his creation. Ken Griffiths/iStock via Getty Images

    In the forests of eastern Australia, satin bowerbirds create structures known as “bowers.”

    The males gather twigs and place them upright, in two bundles, with a gap in the middle, resulting in what looks like a miniature archway. All around the bower the bird scatters small objects – shells, pieces of plastic, flower petals – which all possess the same property: the color blue.

    Studies suggest that the purpose of the bowers is to impress and attract females. But their beauty and intricacy has left some researchers wondering whether they shouldn’t be considered art.

    Of course, figuring out whether something is a work of art requires answering some tricky philosophical questions. Are animals even capable of creating art? And how can we tell whether something is a work of art rather than just a coincidentally beautiful object? As a philosopher and artist who’s interested in aesthetics and biology, I recently wrote about the evolution of behaviors in animals that could be seen as art.

    A contested concept

    First, it’s important to outline various theories of what makes something a work of art.

    There’s a general agreement that art must have some sort of producer and some possible or intended audience. In this way, it’s similar to other forms of communication.

    But the rest of the picture is unclear, and there’s no universally agreed-upon definition of art. In fact, art has proven so difficult to define that Scottish philosopher W.B. Gallie once suggested it might be an “essentially contested concept” – an idea for which there is no correct definition.

    That being said, some popular views have emerged.

    Leo Tolstoy famously suggested art is a conduit for emotion, writing in 1897 that “one man consciously, by means of certain external signs, hands on to others feelings he has lived through, and that other people are infected by these feelings and also experience them.”

    Plato and Aristotle emphasized the representational role of art: the idea that a work of art must in some way mimic, depict or “stand in” as a sort of sign for something else.

    Some philosophers believe that creating art requires intention – for example, a sculptor will mold clay with the intention of having it look like Abraham Lincoln. And nonhuman animals, they’ll argue, simply don’t have the right kind of intentions for art-making.

    Art, beauty and sex

    And yet, it’s not clear how much intention really does matter for art.

    Philosopher Brian Skyrms has pointed out that communication arises even in animals that plausibly do not have sophisticated intentions like our own. For example, fireflies signal to mates with flashes, and this seems to be largely an evolved behavior. Communication can even emerge via simple reinforcement learning, as when a dog learns to associate a certain call with dinner.

    These aren’t instances of art. But they reveal how meaningful signs or representations can operate without the need for complex intentions. Given that much art also serves a communicative role, I argue that there’s reason to think that art might be able to come about in less intention-demanding ways too.

    Ornithologist Richard Prum also takes a communicative view of art, but one where art is meant to be evaluated for its beauty. The beauty of a work functions as an indicator of the artist’s reproductive fitness, or their having “good genes” – and this can apply to both humans and animals.

    Charles Darwin, musing about birds in “The Descent of Man,” also thought at least some animals appreciate beauty:

    “When we behold a male bird elaborately displaying his graceful plumes or splendid colours before the female, whilst other birds, not thus decorated, make no such display, it is impossible to doubt that she admires the beauty of her male partner.”

    Some might not like an account like Prum’s, since it seems to allow creations like bowers to count as art. And yet, as philosopher Denis Dutton points out in his 2009 book “The Art Instinct,” mate attraction and fitness broadcasting can be the primary motivation behind many human works of art too: just consider the stereotype of the sex-hungry rock musician.

    Whale ballads and pig paintings

    I think it’s safe to say some animal creations don’t count as art. The webs of most spiders, though intricate and carefully designed, appear to exist for utilitarian purposes and serve no evaluative or communicative function. The same goes for most anthills.

    But what about animal songs?

    The structures of the songs of humpback whales are complex, featuring parts and repeated patterns that researchers often describe as “themes” and “verses.” The songs are long – sometimes up to 30 minutes. Because males perform these songs primarily during mating season, it’s plausible that female whales assess them for their beauty, which serves as a way to gauge the singer’s genetic fitness. Details of songs even vary from whale population to population, often changing over the course of a mating season.

    Then there are animals that have been trained to make art. Pigcasso was a pig in South Africa whose trainer taught her to paint on canvas via reinforcement learning. The trainer would pick out the colors for Pigcasso, and Pigcasso would do the brushing. Was Pigcasso really an artist? Were her paintings works of art?

    Pigcasso was taught to paint by her trainer.
    Kristin Palitza/Picture Alliance via Getty Images

    Pigcasso was plausibly making these paintings for reasons other than her own desire to communicate or make something beautiful; she was motivated, at least in part, by “piggy treats.” The trainer chose the colors. But Pigcasso did, in the end, have some aesthetic freedom: She had control over her brushstrokes.

    Off the coasts of Japan, male white-spotted puffer fish create impressive nests to attract females. The male puffer fish uses his mouth to remove rocks from the sand and his body to wiggle out long, strategically placed grooves. The finished product is a multi-ringed sand mandala about 6 feet in diameter.

    Like the bowers, the nests of the puffer fish are beautiful and involve mate attraction. Yet some researchers argue that since these sorts of works all look roughly the same – have the same shape, use the same materials and so on – they’re more likely the result of evolved, inflexible dispositions than more creative processes.

    Male white-spotted puffer fish create elaborate designs in the sand to attract mates.

    But it’s worth noting that many human works of art bear core similarities as well. Many paintings use flat surfaces, oils or acrylics. Many songs follow the same chord patterns. And would we still consider human sculptures art if we discovered much about the motivation to build them could be explained by evolution? I wager we would.

    Birds bust a move

    Many human cases of art involve more than one person, sometimes even a large group. Think of all the people it takes to make a modern film. Does anything like that happen in animals?

    Consider the blue manakin bird of South America. Male blues will form groups, often of three or more, which then practice an elaborate song-and-dance routine to later perform in front of females. The practice is detailed and dutiful. The groups hone their moves. This involves learning and memorization, not just genetics. Flaws in the performance are challenged and corrected. Sometimes during practices, a juvenile male will even fill in as a mock female.

    Some blue manakins spend years honing their dance moves.

    It’s not The Beatles. But the similarity to music groups seem hard to deny.

    At the same time, it’s worth wondering whether, beyond conveying their eagerness to mate, the birds are trying to “say” or “express” anything more with their performance. And do they know it’s beautiful?

    All this leaves room for doubt about whether animals really make art.

    To me, a key question is whether there’s any animal art that doesn’t have to do with mating, and instead expresses something more complex or sentimental. Without being able to get into the heads of animals, it’s hard to say. But it’s plausible that humans aren’t alone in their artistic pursuits.

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

    – ref. Can animals make art? – https://theconversation.com/can-animals-make-art-248503

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The story of the Great Migration often overlooks Black businesses that built Detroit

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Kendra D. Boyd, Assistant Professor of History, Rutgers University

    The flourishing Black business district in Detroit, Mich., photographed in 1942. Arthur S. Siegel via the Library of Congress, CC BY-ND

    Black businesses were essential to facilitating the Great Migration of African Americans out of the South between the 1910s and 1960s. Yet, the traditional narrative of the migration as a movement of laborers seeking high-wage jobs obscures the history of African Americans who moved north or west seeking entrepreneurial opportunities.

    This story is featured in my book, “Freedom Enterprise: Black Entrepreneurship and Racial Capitalism in Detroit,” which will be published April 8, 2025.

    Between 1910 and 1970, more than 6 million African Americans left the South for destinations such as Detroit, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. This mass exodus had, and continues to have, enormous political, cultural and social implications for our nation. Migrants were seeking true freedom, including full political and economic citizenship – things they had not been able to achieve in the Jim Crow South.

    As a historian of Black business, I wanted to know more about those who migrated to Detroit with the aim of working for themselves – as opposed to getting a job in Henry Ford’s auto factories.

    The experiences and trajectories of these migrant entrepreneurs can tell us much about the possibilities for Black social and economic advancement through business in the United States.

    Leaving the South

    Pioneering African American historian Carter G. Woodson, father of Black History Month, pointed to the lack of business opportunities in describing the causes of the mass migration that began in the mid-1910s.

    “In most parts of the South the Negroes are still unable to become landowners or successful business men,” Woodson wrote in 1918. “Conditions and customs have reserved these spheres for the whites.”

    Of course, African Americans did establish businesses in the South, sometimes becoming quite wealthy. But there was always the threat of lynchings and other forms of racial violence for those who defied the racial caste system of Jim Crow. The destruction of “Black Wall Street” in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a well-known story. But there were many other incidents of white supremacist terrorism targeting Black businesses owners.

    In fact, many Black entrepreneurs pointed out that the danger of racial violence was a deciding factor in their moving to Detroit. This included people such as Willis Eugene Smith, who established a funeral home, and Berry Gordy Sr., who operated a grocery store and contracting business in the city. In his 1979 memoir, “Movin’ Up: Pop Gordy Tells His Story,” Gordy told how he decided to leave Georgia for Detroit after local whites began pestering him about a large check he received as payment for goods he had sold. Gordy’s sister warned him: “You fool ’round here, they’re liable to beat us out of it, take all our money.”

    Many African American entrepreneurs who participated in the Great Migration questioned whether they could experience enduring upward mobility through business if they stayed in the South.

    As early as 1917, the director of the Detroit Urban League, Forrester B. Washington, reported “receiving many letters from [southern] Negro business men asking information regarding the real situation here.”

    Migrant entrepreneurs’ services essential

    Many of those Southern entrepreneurs decided to move north. Detroit’s African American population increased 611% between 1910 and 1920 to 40,838, making it home to one of the largest populations of African Americans in the country.

    While Southern migrants saw Detroit as a promised land, segregation in the North was alive and well. There were many negative aspects to racial segregation, but it also created entrepreneurial opportunities, as Black newcomers needed the services of Black-owned businesses such as barbershops and hair salons, hotels and restaurants. These businesses sustained the growing African American community and made it feasible for Southern migrants to settle permanently in the city. By 1926, 85% of Detroit’s Black population were migrants, according to “The Negro in Detroit,” a report produced by the Detroit Bureau of Governmental Research.

    Some businesses made their Southern roots explicit in their advertising. A 1933 advertisement for the Creole Hand Laundry, located at 542 Watson St., stated: “From New Orleans, La.”

    Migrant entrepreneurs tapped into newly created niche markets, catering to the tastes of Southern transplants. For example, the Home Milling Company was established in Detroit around 1922 and processed hominy grits, cornmeal and whole wheat flour in a plant at Catherine and Russell streets. Home Milling’s managers had plans to expand the business in order to supply Black-owned bakeries in Detroit and satiate the tastes of newcomers.

    “There is quite a large demand of the products on the part of Southern residents in the City and the concern is doing a fair volume of business,” stated the 1926 “The Negro in Detroit” report. “Their cornmeal is made from specially selected white corn out of deference to the palate of Southern Negroes who do not relish meal made from yellow corn.”

    Supreme Linen and Laundry was another company that provided essential goods and services to Detroit’s growing number of Black-owned restaurants and hotels. Established by native Mississippians Fred and Callie Allen in 1929, the company supplied uniforms, tablecloths and napkins to businesses across the city and housed a commercial laundry.

    Fred and Callie Allen, a husband and wife team, built up their laundry business, Supreme Linen and Laundry, to service the Black neighborhoods nearby. The business grew to at least 41 Black employees.
    The Detroit Tribune, CC BY-ND

    A mecca for Black-owned business

    By the 1940s, Detroit had earned the reputation of having more Black-owned businesses than any other city in the United States. This thriving business community comprised mainly Southern migrants.

    Black business women, particularly those affiliated with the Detroit Housewives’ League, were instrumental in facilitating the growth of the Black-owned business community in the 1930s and 1940s. The league was established with the goal of boosting Black business in the city and grew to have over 10,000 members. The organization promoted Black businesses by hosting annual exhibitions, producing and distributing informational publications, and sponsoring educational programs for entrepreneurs and consumers.

    Building a successful Black business community in Detroit in the first half of the 20th century was certainly not without obstacles. These included retail and residential segregation, lending discrimination and violence, among others. Yet, migrant entrepreneurs facilitated the migration to the city and transformed the landscape of Detroit.

    In 1925, the city’s Black population was 85,000. That blossomed to 300,000 by 1950.

    Detroit’s historic Black business community was concentrated in adjoining neighborhoods called Black Bottom and Paradise Valley.

    Later, this area was targeted by urban planning initiatives, including freeway construction and urban renewal in the 1950s and 1960s. As a result, the success of this business community was cut short. State-sponsored redevelopment wiped out much of the wealth Black entrepreneurs hoped to pass down to their children, contributing to the racial wealth gap.

    This destruction was a harsh blow to Southern migrant entrepreneurs who had relocated to Detroit seeking economic independence, upward mobility and other markers of freedom.

    Read more of our stories about Detroit.

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

    – ref. The story of the Great Migration often overlooks Black businesses that built Detroit – https://theconversation.com/the-story-of-the-great-migration-often-overlooks-black-businesses-that-built-detroit-249006

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why history instruction is critical for combating online misinformation

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lightning Jay, Assistant Professor of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership, Binghamton University, State University of New York

    Students ask questions during a social studies class on American politics. AP Photo/John Minchillo

    Can you tell fact from fiction online? In a digital world, few questions are more important or more challenging.

    For years, some commentators have called for K-12 teachers to take on fake news, media literacy, or online misinformation by doubling down on critical thinking. This push for schools to do a better job preparing young people to differentiate between low- and high-quality information often focuses on social studies classes.

    As an education researcher and former high school history teacher, I know that there’s both good and bad news about combating misinformation in the classroom. History class can cultivate critical thinking – but only if teachers and schools understand what critical thinking really means.

    Not just a ‘skill’

    First, the bad news.

    When people demand that schools teach critical thinking, it’s not always clear what they mean. Some might consider critical thinking a trait or capacity that teachers can encourage, like creativity or grit. They could believe that critical thinking is a mindset: a habit of being curious, skeptical and reflective. Or they might be referring to specific skills – for instance, that students should learn a set of steps to take to assess information online.

    Unfortunately, cognitive science research has shown that critical thinking is not an abstract quality or practice that can be developed on its own. Cognitive scientists see critical thinking as a specific kind of reasoning that involves problem-solving and making sound judgments. It can be learned, but it relies on specific content knowledge and does not necessarily transfer between fields.

    Early studies on chess players and physicists in the 1970s and ’80s helped show how the kind of flexible and reflective cognition often called critical thinking is really a product of expertise. Chess masters, for instance, do not start out with innate talent. In most cases, they gain expertise by hours of thoughtfully playing the game. This deliberate practice helps them recognize patterns and think in novel ways about chess. Chess masters’ critical thinking is a product of learning, not a precursor.

    Nurman Alua of Kazakhstan, left, and Lee Alice of the U.S. during the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, on Sept. 22, 2024.
    AP Photo/Denes Erdos

    Because critical thinking develops in specific contexts, it does not necessarily transfer to other types of problem-solving. For example, chess advocates might hope the game improves players’ intelligence, and studies do suggest learning chess may help elementary students with the kind of pattern recognition they need for early math lessons. However, research has found that being a great chess player does not make people better at other kinds of complex critical thinking.

    Historical thinking

    Since context is key to critical thinking, learning to analyze information about current events likely requires knowledge about politics and history, as well as practice at scrutinizing sources. Fortunately, that is what social studies classes are for.

    Social studies researchers often describe this kind of critical thinking as “historical thinking”: a way to evaluate evidence about the past and assess its reliability. My own research has shown that high school students can make relatively quick progress on some of the surface features of historical thinking, such as learning to check a text’s date and author. But the deep questioning involved in true historical thinking is much harder to learn.

    Social studies classrooms can also build what researchers call “civic online reasoning.” Fact-checking is complex work. It is not enough to tell young people that they should be wary online, or to trust sites that end in “.org” instead of “.com.” Rather than learning general principles about online media, civic online reasoning teaches students specific skills for evaluating information about politics and social issues.

    Still, learning to think like a historian does not necessarily prepare someone to be a skeptical news consumer. Indeed, a recent study found that professional historians performed worse than professional fact-checkers at identifying online misinformation. The misinformation tasks the historians struggled with focused on issues such as bullying or the minimum wage – areas where they possessed little expertise.

    Powerful knowledge

    That’s where background knowledge comes in – and the good news is that social studies can build it. All literacy relies on what readers already know. For people wading through political information and news, knowledge about history and civics is like a key in the ignition for their analytical skills.

    Readers without much historical knowledge may miss clues that something isn’t right – signs that they need to scrutinize the source more closely. Political misinformation often weaponizes historical falsehoods, such as the debunked and recalled Christian nationalist book claiming that Thomas Jefferson did not believe in a separation of church and state, or claims that the nadir of African American life came during Reconstruction, not slavery. Those claims are extreme, but politicians and policymakers repeat them.

    For someone who knows basic facts about American history, those claims won’t sit right. Background knowledge will trigger their skepticism and kick critical thinking into gear.

    A teacher in North Carolina conducts a lesson about the D-Day invasion of Normandy in an Advanced Placement class.
    AP Photo/Gerry Broome

    Past, present, future

    For this reason, the best approach to media literacy will come through teaching that fosters concrete skills alongside historical knowledge. In short, the new knowledge crisis points to the importance of the traditional social studies classroom.

    But it’s a tenuous moment for history education. The Bush- and Obama-era emphasis on math and English testing resulted in decreased instructional time in history classes, particularly in elementary and middle schools. In one 2005 study, 27% of schools reported reducing social studies time in favor of subjects on state exams.

    Now, history teachers are feeling heat from politically motivated culture wars over education that target teaching about racism and LGBTQ+ issues and that ban books from libraries and classrooms. Two-thirds of instructors say that they’ve limited classroom discussions about social and political topics.

    Attempts to limit students’ knowledge about the past imperil their chances of being able to think critically about new information. These attacks are not just assaults on the history of the country; they are attempts to control its future.

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

    – ref. Why history instruction is critical for combating online misinformation – https://theconversation.com/why-history-instruction-is-critical-for-combating-online-misinformation-248528

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: As mountain glaciers melt, risk of catastrophic flash floods rises for millions − World Day for Glaciers carries a reminder

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Suzanne OConnell, Harold T. Stearns Professor of Earth Science, Wesleyan University

    Imja Lake, a glacial lake in the Mount Everest region of Nepal, began as meltwater ponds in 1962 and now contains 90 million cubic meters of water. Its water level was lowered to protect downstream communities. Alton Byers

    In mountain ranges around the world, glaciers are melting as global temperatures rise. Europe’s Alps and Pyrenees lost 40% of their glacier volume from 2000 to 2023. These and other icy regions have provided freshwater for people living downstream for centuries – almost 2 billion people rely on glaciers today. But as glaciers melt faster, they also pose potentially lethal risks.

    Water from the melting ice often drains into depressions once occupied by the glacier, creating large lakes. Many of these expanding lakes are held in place by precarious ice dams or rock moraines deposited by the glacier over centuries.

    Too much water behind these dams or a landslide into the lake can break the dam, sending huge volumes of water and debris sweeping down the mountain valleys, wiping out everything in the way.

    These risks and the loss of freshwater supplies are some of the reasons the United Nations declared 2025 the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and March 21 the first World Day for Glaciers. As an Earth scientist and a mountain geographer, we study the impact that ice loss can have on the stability of the surrounding mountain slopes and glacial lakes. We see several reasons for increasing concern.

    Erupting ice dams and landslides

    Most glacial lakes began forming over a century ago as a result of warming trends since the 1860s, but their abundance and rates of growth have risen rapidly since the 1960s.

    Many people living in the Himalayas, Andes, Alps, Rocky Mountains, Iceland and Alaska have experienced glacial lake outburst floods of one type or another.

    A glacial lake outburst flood in the Himalayas in October 2023 damaged more than 30 bridges and destroyed a 200-foot-high (60-meter) hydropower plant. Residents had little warning. By the time the disaster was over, more than 50 people had died.

    Juneau, Alaska, has been hit by several flash floods in recent years from a glacial lake dammed by ice on an arm of Mendenhall Glacier. Those floods, including in 2024, were driven by a melting glacier that slowly filled a basin below it until the basin’s ice dam broke.

    Scientists investigate flooding from Mendenhall Glacier’s Suicide Basin.

    Avalanches, rockfalls and slope failures can also trigger glacial lake outburst floods. These are growing more common as frozen ground known as permafrost thaws, robbing mountain landscapes of the cryospheric glue that formerly held them together. These slides can create massive waves when they plummet into a lake. The waves can then rupture the ice dam or moraine, unleashing a flood of water, sediment and debris.

    That dangerous mix can rush downstream at speeds of 20-60 mph (30-100 kph), destroying homes and anything else in its path.

    The casualties of such an event can be staggering. In 1941, a huge wave caused by a snow and ice avalanche that fell into Laguna Palcacocha, a glacial lake in the Peruvian Andes, overtopped the moraine dam that had contained the lake for decades. The resulting flood destroyed one-third of the downstream city of Huaraz and killed between 1,800 and 5,000 people.

    Teardrop-shaped Lake Palcacocha, shown in this satellite view, has expanded in recent decades. The city of Huaraz, Peru, is just down the valley to the right of the lake.
    Google Earth, data from Airbus Data SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCO

    In the years since, the danger there has only increased. Laguna Palcacocha has grown to more than 14 times its size in 1941. At the same time, the population of Huaraz has risen to over 120,000 inhabitants. A glacial lake outburst flood today could threaten the lives of an estimated 35,000 people living in the water’s path.

    Governments have responded to this widespread and growing threat by developing early warning systems and programs to identify potentially dangerous glacial lakes. Some governments have taken steps to lower water levels in the lakes or built flood diversion structures, such as walls of rock-filled wire cages, known as gabions, that divert floodwaters from villages, infrastructure or agricultural fields.

    Where the risks can’t be managed, communities have been encouraged to use zoning that prohibits building in flood-prone areas. Public education has helped build awareness of the flood risk, but the disasters continue.

    Flooding from inside and thawing permafrost

    The dramatic nature of glacial lake outburst floods captures headlines, but those aren’t the only risks. As scientists expand their understanding of how the world’s icy regions interact with global warming, they are identifying a number of other phenomena that can lead to similarly disastrous events.

    Englacial conduit floods, for instance, originate inside of glaciers, commonly those on steep slopes. Meltwater can collect inside massive systems of ice caves, or conduits. A sudden surge of water from one cave to another, perhaps triggered by the rapid drainage of a surface pond, can set off a chain reaction that bursts out of the ice as a full-fledged flood.

    An englacial conduit flood begins in the Himalayas. Elizabeth Byers.

    Thawing mountain permafrost can also trigger floods. This permanently frozen mass of rock, ice and soil has been a fixture at altitudes above 19,685 feet (6,000 meters) for millennia.

    Freezing helps keep mountains together. But as permafrost thaws, even solid rock becomes less stable and is more prone to breaking, while ice and debris are more likely to become detached and turn into destructive and dangerous debris flows. Thawing permafrost has been increasingly implicated in glacial lake outburst floods because of these new sources of potential triggers.

    In 2017, nearly a third of the solid rock face of Nepal’s 29,935-foot (6,374-meter) Saldim Peak collapsed and fell onto the Langmale glacier below. Heat generated by the friction of rock falling through air melted ice, creating a slurry of rock, debris and sediment that plummeted into Langmale glacial lake below, resulting in a massive flood.

    A glacial outburst flood in Barun Valley started when nearly one-third of the face of Saldim Peak in Nepal fell onto Langmale Glacier and slid into a lake. The top image shows the mountain in 2016. The lower shows the same view in 2017.
    Elizabeth Byers (2016), Alton Byers (2017)

    These and other forms of glacier-related floods and hazards are being exacerbated by climate change.

    Flows of ice and debris from high altitudes and the sudden appearance of meltwater ponds on a glacier’s surface are two more examples. Earthquakes can also trigger glacial lake outburst floods. Not only have thousands of lives been lost, but billions of dollars in hydropower facilities and other structures have also been destroyed.

    Impermanent frost. Nepali Times.

    A reminder of what’s at risk

    The International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and World Day for Glaciers are reminders of the risks and also of who is in harm’s way.

    The global population depends on the cryosphere – the 10% of the Earth’s land surface that’s covered in ice. But as more glacial lakes form and expand, floods and other risks are rising. A study published in 2024 counted more than 110,000 glacial lakes around the world and determined 10 million people’s lives and homes are at risk from glacial lake outburst floods.

    The U.N. is encouraging more research into these regions. It also declared 2025 to 2034 the “decade of action in cryospheric sciences.” Scientists on several continents will be working to understand the risks and find ways to help communities respond to and mitigate the dangers.

    Suzanne OConnell receives funding from The National Science Foundation

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

    – ref. As mountain glaciers melt, risk of catastrophic flash floods rises for millions − World Day for Glaciers carries a reminder – https://theconversation.com/as-mountain-glaciers-melt-risk-of-catastrophic-flash-floods-rises-for-millions-world-day-for-glaciers-carries-a-reminder-251707

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Shaken baby syndrome can cause permanent brain damage, long-term disabilities or death – a pediatrician examines the preventable tragedy

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lori Frasier, Professor of Pediatrics, Penn State

    A common cause of shaken baby incidents is continuous crying. Cavan Images via Getty Images

    In the early 1990s when I was a young pediatrician, I was responsible for evaluating children with developmental and learning problems. Two unrelated boys, ages 7 and 9, were found to have IQs in the range of 60-70, which indicates a severe cognitive disability.

    During my medical review, the mothers revealed that their children were shaken violently as infants and that afterward behaved as if “the wind had been knocked out of them.” Both mothers reported shaking by a boyfriend or a father. No child was seen for medical care at the time.

    At the same period of my career I was working with a renowned pediatrician who was studying shaken baby syndrome. The link between shaking and later cognitive impairment was not lost on me.

    This scenario of shaken babies having neurological and developmental disabilities has played out over the past 30 years of my career as a child abuse pediatrician.

    The high rates of death and disability

    Shaken baby syndrome is a condition that can injure babies and young children, and in some cases lead to death.

    A 2024 study on babies with shaken baby syndrome found that 20% to 25% of infants die, another 20% to 25% look normal on discharge from the hospital, and fully half are left with long-term disabilities. These include learning and behavioral problems that appear later in life.

    The dangers of shaking babies have been recognized for over 50 years.

    In the early 1970s, John Caffey, a pediatric radiologist, coined the term “Whiplash Shaken Infant Syndrome.” Caffey linked permanent brain damage and bleeding in the backs of the retina to violent shaking of infants. Caffey suggested a multipronged approach to prevention of this severe form of abuse that included educating and supporting young families, especially mothers. As primary caregivers, mothers are often most easily reached by the message, but the message of prevention can involve fathers, babysitters and any other caregivers.

    Since Caffey’s original description, there have been tremendous advancements in the research behind shaking babies and infant head trauma. In 2009, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that medical providers use the term “abusive head trauma” to include many actions other than shaking that can injure the brains of infants and children. The use of shaken baby syndrome is still recommended for public education and prevention, and health care providers and other experts also recommend the use of the term because it’s commonly recognized by the lay public and understood by parents.

    How the brain is affected

    What happens to the brain of an infant when they are shaken?

    Infants – the most common population to be shaken – are small and have undeveloped neck muscles.

    In these incidents, the infant is typically grabbed around the chest and shaken back and forth several times. Small blood vessels around the brain break and bleed, causing blood to flow around the brain. This condition is called a subdural hematoma. In some cases, similar forces occur in the back of the eye, and hemorrhages in the retina can occur.

    In the most severe forms of shaking, the tissue of the brain itself is injured, and the child may experience unconsciousness or even stop breathing. Neck injuries occur when shaking causes injuries to ligaments and muscles that support the neck. Sometimes children have other injuries after being thrown down or impacted against something. Skull fractures or fractures of other bones, bruising and other injuries are often found.

    Three seconds of anger can change a life forever.

    A complex diagnosis

    An infant or child must be diagnosed as having abusive head trauma by a team of pediatric specialists. Usually, a concerned parent or caregiver who may or may not know an infant has been injured becomes concerned that the child is not behaving normally. The child may have symptoms ranging from persistent vomiting to seizures or even seem unconscious.

    The medical team begins addressing the child’s condition through blood testing and X-rays. Often a CT scan is performed in order to determine if there is a brain injury or some other abnormality. Bleeding around the brain is an indicator of trauma. However, other conditions can also cause this type of bleeding, including bleeding disorders, vitamin deficiency or genetic problems.

    Carefully assessing a child for all of these possibilities may lead to discovery of other areas of trauma, such as broken bones and bruises. A child abuse physician is often called in to assist with the evaluation when trauma becomes a leading diagnosis. That trauma could be accidental, or it could be a sign that someone has abused or hurt an infant.

    There are other medical conditions and even accidental injuries to a child that may resemble abusive head trauma. Experienced clinicians will evaluate a child carefully for these well-described conditions. Controversy about many of these conditions may exist in the courtroom, but in the medical setting it is often clear which conditions are present and when injuries are caused by trauma versus other medical conditions.

    All 50 states and territories of the U.S. require that a report is made to child protective services agencies, with law enforcement often being involved when someone suspects or knows that a baby has been shaken.

    Investigators and doctors work together along with parents and caregivers to try to determine what led to the infant or child’s condition. Bruising, fractures and retinal hemorrhages may support a diagnosis of child abuse, specifically shaken baby syndrome.

    During an investigation, a rare accidental cause may be determined. The purpose is to make sure infants and children are not being harmed or that a medical condition is uncovered that can be treated.

    As a pediatrician working in a children’s hospital and trauma center, it will never get easier for me to see infants and children with abusive injuries as well as other head traumas. The U.S. has come a long way in ensuring the safety of children through the use of car seats and many safety devices.

    Education can help

    Crying in infancy is a common trigger in cases where shaking occurs. Other risk factors include isolation, poverty, domestic violence and substance use. During severe economic downturns, the rate of shaken baby incidents rises, since research shows that social stressors often contribute.

    Although anyone can injure a baby in a moment of frustration, most prevention research has focused specifically on helping parents understand why infants cry or become fussy. Recognizing your infant’s needs and addressing those needs is an important piece of learning how to parent. Studies have shown that focused education for new parents in maternity wards by nurses is effective.

    If you or someone you know is concerned that a child or infant is being harmed in any way, each state has a process for reporting these concerns to appropriate authorities. Reporting can help prevent further harm to an infant and provide assistance to families.

    The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer some helpful resources.

    Lori Frasier is has been a paid consultant to testify for both prosecution and defense in medical legal child abuse cases.
    I am on the governing board of the national center for shaken baby syndrome, this is volunteer position.

    – ref. Shaken baby syndrome can cause permanent brain damage, long-term disabilities or death – a pediatrician examines the preventable tragedy – https://theconversation.com/shaken-baby-syndrome-can-cause-permanent-brain-damage-long-term-disabilities-or-death-a-pediatrician-examines-the-preventable-tragedy-243882

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Measles cases are on the rise − here’s how to make sure you’re protected

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel Pastula, Professor of Neurology, Medicine (Infectious Diseases), and Epidemiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

    Should you get an additional shot of the measles vaccine? Hailshadow via Gett Images

    The measles outbreak that started in Texas in late January continues to grow. As of March 18, 2025, confirmed cases in the outbreak, which now spans Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, reached 321, surpassing the number of confirmed cases recorded for all of the U.S. in 2024. The vast majority of cases are in people who are not vaccinated. Meanwhile, a lack of clarity from health authorities is leaving people with questions about whether they need to get revaccinated.

    In a Q&A with The Conversation U.S., Daniel Pastula, a neurologist and medical epidemiologist from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Colorado School of Public Health, explained how and when you should take action.

    Should adults get another shot of the measles vaccine?

    The measles vaccine, which first became available in the U.S. in 1963, contains a live but significantly weakened strain of the measles virus. This modified strain is too weak to cause measles, but it is similar enough to the wild type measles virus to train the immune system to recognize it. Most people who have received the live measles vaccine won’t need an additional shot now, but here is what you need to know:

    People born before 1957 are presumed to have lifelong immunity because measles was so contagious that almost everyone contracted it before age 15. Unless there are special circumstances, they probably don’t need a vaccine now.

    Most people born after 1957 would have received the shot as children, so they should be set for life. Physicians and public health experts don’t recommend most people in this group get a second measles shot, though there are exceptions.

    In 1989, a limited outbreak of measles occurred among vaccinated school children. In response, the recommendations changed from one dose of the live measles vaccine to two doses for children. People fully vaccinated as children after that year do not need any additional doses.

    Measles vaccination has worked so well that many people today have never seen a measles case.

    Exceptions to these guidelines

    There are two special circumstances where the previous recommendations may not hold.

    First, if you were vaccinated between 1963 and 1967, one of the measles vaccines available at the time consisted of just proteins from the virus rather than a live, weakened version of it. Researchers soon realized this inactivated, or “killed,” vaccine was less effective and didn’t provide long-term immunity. Unless you know for certain you received the live vaccine, physicians and public health experts recommend that people vaccinated during those years get one dose of the live vaccine at some point.

    Second, if you fall into a high-risk group – for example, if you are a health care provider, are traveling internationally or attending college, physicians and public health experts generally recommend getting a second dose if you have only had one.

    For most adults without such risk factors, physicians and public health experts do not routinely recommend a second dose if you have previously received one dose of a live measles vaccine. If you have questions or concerns about your situation, make sure to ask your health care provider.

    Except in very rare circumstances, there is no recommendation for a third dose of the measles vaccine.

    Can you find out whether you’ve been vaccinated?

    You might be able to! It’s worth checking. States actually keep vaccine records specifically for this reason, where you can look up your vaccine records or that of your kids. Your high school or college may still have your records, and so might your pediatrician’s office.

    Should you get your antibody levels checked?

    For most people, probably not.

    A titer test checks the level of antibodies in your blood, and some people are asking their doctor to check their titers to determine whether they are still immune to measles. The problem is, the level of antibodies in your blood does not necessarily reflect your level of immunity. That’s because antibodies are just one part of your immune system’s infection-fighting force. Having a low level of antibodies does not necessarily mean your immunity has waned.

    Other crucial elements of your immune response include B cells, T cells and other immune cells, but a titer test does not show their capabilities. For example, memory B cells might not currently be making antibodies against the virus but are primed to quickly do so the next time they see it. This is why antibody and titer tests should be used only in specific cases, in consultation with your doctor.

    One example of when an antibody test may be warranted is if you are a health care provider born before 1957 and you want to make sure you don’t need another dose of the vaccine. You would use a test to see whether you have measles antibodies. But in this case you would be looking for a yes or no answer; the total amount of antibodies may not be very informative.

    Is natural immunity better than vaccine-induced immunity?

    Natural immunity – that is, the immunity you get after having measles – is effective. However, the downside is that natural infection with a wild virus is very risky. Before 1963, measles caused close to 50,000 hospitalizations and about 500 deaths each year in the United States, usually in children. It also caused over 1,000 cases of severe brain inflammation every year and carried several other long-term risks, such as permanent hearing loss or the wipe out of immunity to other diseases.

    Measles might seem mild in many people who get it, but it poses serious long-term health risks.
    Bilanol via Getty Images

    The point of vaccines is to create immunity without the risks of severe infection. It is basically a dress rehearsal for the real thing. The immunity from a vaccine is effectively the same immunity you get from having measles itself – but vastly safer than encountering the wild virus unprotected. One dose is 93% effective at preventing measles and two doses are 97% effective, and any breakthrough cases are likely to be much milder than a full-blown case of measles.

    Can the vaccine cause measles?

    No, the measles vaccine cannot cause measles because it contains a significantly weakened strain that has limited ability to infect and damage cells.

    Some have claimed without evidence that the current outbreak in Texas was caused by the measles vaccine.

    As part of the outbreak investigation, however, CDC and the Texas Department of State Health Services analyzed the genome of the virus causing the current outbreak and identified it as a wild measles virus. Researchers classify measles virus strains based on their genetic characteristics, or genotypes. They identified the outbreak virus as wild type genotype D8, and not the weakened measles vaccine strain, which is genotype A.

    What are the risks of the vaccine?

    That is a very reasonable question. Because the measles vaccine is a live, weakened virus strain, it can cause a mild, measles-like syndrome. For example, some people might have a slight fever, a rash, or some slight joint pain. These symptoms generally go away in a day or two, and most people don’t experience them. But the vaccine cannot cause measles itself, as it does not contain the wild measles virus.

    In extremely rare cases, people can experience more significant reactions to the measles vaccine. It is important to remember that every single medical or health intervention carries risks – and that includes all medications and over-the-counter supplements. According to all available evidence, however, comparing the potential benefits against potential risks reveals that the risks of a signficant reaction to the vaccine are much lower than the risks of severe outcomes from measles itself.

    Being vaccinated not only protects you and your family, but it also protects vulnerable people in the community, such as infants, cancer patients and pregnant women, who cannot be vaccinated themselves.

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

    – ref. Measles cases are on the rise − here’s how to make sure you’re protected – https://theconversation.com/measles-cases-are-on-the-rise-heres-how-to-make-sure-youre-protected-252277

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Donald Trump’s nonstop news-making can be exhausting, making it harder for people to scrutinize his presidential actions

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jennifer Mercieca, Professor of Communication and Journalism, Texas A&M University

    President Donald Trump calls on reporters during a news conference at the White House on Jan. 30, 2025. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

    Like many other news organizations, The Associated Press maintains a “live updates” page, which posts the latest from the Trump administration in a ticker tape-like live scroll, with multiple updates per hour, 12 hours a day.

    President Donald Trump has kept the ticker busy.

    “Trump is moving with light speed and brute force to break the existing order and reshape America at home and abroad,” an Associated Press reporter wrote on Feb. 22, 2025.

    Many Americans find the amount and pace of news exhausting, confusing and overwhelming.

    “How do you push back against a tidal wave?” political communication expert Dannagal Young wrote of this media phenomenon on Feb. 21. “You can’t.”

    I study the relationship between communication and democracy. I teach university classes on propaganda, presidential communication and the dark arts of communication, and I’m the author of an award-winning 2020 book on Trump’s communication strategies.

    Deliberately overwhelming people with a flood of news content is a propaganda strategy used by authoritarians like Russian President Vladimir Putin to distort reality and prevent people from clearly evaluating their government’s actions.

    President Donald Trump’s official ‘Truth’ account is seen on a mobile phone.
    Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Trump communicates more than ‘The Great Communicator’

    When Ronald Reagan’s first term as president began in 1981, several prominent political scientists noted in an analysis that a “week scarcely goes by without at least one major news story devoted to coverage of a radio or TV speech, an address to Congress, a speech to a convention, a press conference, a news release, or some other presidential utterance.”

    It’s hard to believe that Reagan’s presidential communication only attracted one major news story per week, especially since he is often called “the Great Communicator.”

    The 1980s had a slower, pre-digital news environment than that of the current day, to be sure. But Trump is also simply generating a lot more news content than Reagan did.

    Today, Trump’s frequent press conferences, news releases, social media posts and other appearances and offhand remarks generate a constant flow of new stories and social media posts each day. The proliferation of cellphones and social media allows many people to follow the news throughout the day. People, in return, expect the president and other politicians to talk to the public constantly and often berate them when they fail to meet that expectation and go silent.

    In fact, Trump is generating a lot more media content in his second term than he did in his first.

    Trump’s intensified communication strategy

    Reagan averaged about 5.8 news conferences per year. Trump averaged 22 per year in his first term, according to data collected by a nonpartisan group at the University of California Santa Barbara called the American Presidency Project. Former President Joe Biden averaged 9.25 per year.

    Trump has already had 18 press gaggles or press conferences since taking office in January 2025.

    A news analysis conducted by National Journal White House reporter George Condon showed that Trump has already answered more than 1,000 questions from reporters since he returned to office, which is nearly five times more questions than he answered at this point in his first presidency.

    Trump has also made a lot of news by issuing almost 90 executive orders, which he has used both as a strategy for exercising executive power over issues like foreign aid and as a strategy for attracting media coverage.

    Reagan issued 50 executive orders in his first year in office in 1981. Trump issued 72 executive orders within his first 30 days in 2025. That’s more executive orders than any previous president has issued in their first month over the last 40 years, including himself. He only issued 33 at this point in his first term in 2017.

    Trump’s media strategy in his second term appears to intensify the approach he used in his first term. During Trump’s first term, according to The New York Times, “Mr. Trump told top aides to think of each presidential day as an episode in a television show in which he vanquishes rivals.”

    As former Trump aide and current host of the show “War Room” Steve Bannon said in 2018, “The real opposition is the media. And the way to deal with them is to flood the zone with shit.”

    In 2025, in order to win the day’s news coverage, Trump is flooding the media with an unrelenting tidal wave of news content to dominate and vanquish the zone.

    This strategy is evident in the Oval Office executive order signing events. Trump literally makes news by signing a large piece of paper in front of cameras and reporters. These events are carefully staged political theater for media consumption in which Trump casts himself as the nation’s hero protecting it from foreign invasions, diversity programs or paper straws.

    Many of Trump’s executive orders are facing legal challenges, and some have been shot down by federal judges. Nonetheless, it is the spectacle of signing the orders that I, as a communications scholar, believe is designed to win the day – they are effective at generating news coverage and making Trump look powerful.

    “Trump, as we know from this first month, is the most news-making person to occupy the Oval Office I’ve ever seen,” said New York Times Executive Editor Joe Kahn on Feb. 27.

    President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk speak to reporters in front of a red Model S Tesla vehicle outside the White House on March 11, 2025.
    Pool Image/Associated Press

    A strategy of control

    Media scholar Marshall McLuhan famously argued in 1964 that “The medium is the message.” Likewise, with Trump, the communication strategy is the message.

    Communication is a tool. It can be used to promote democracy or to erode it. Any politician’s communication strategy reveals, at least in part, how they think about governing, power and democracy. Some political leaders communicate in ways that encourage people to ask questions and use their reason and critical thinking skills to evaluate public policies.

    Other political leaders use communication in undemocratic ways to manipulate and coerce, preventing citizens from using their reason and critical thinking skills to evaluate policies.

    What does Trump’s tidal wave of news content say about how he thinks about governing, power and democracy?

    As a media and governing strategy, I think that creating an unrelenting tidal wave of content is designed to enable Trump to attract and keep the nation’s attention on himself and – in the process, drown out other voices.

    This method overwhelms the media and exhausts many Americans who cannot easily absorb so much information at once.

    And the tidal wave strategy prevents the public from scrutinizing the president’s actions – because no one can push back against a tidal wave.

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

    – ref. Donald Trump’s nonstop news-making can be exhausting, making it harder for people to scrutinize his presidential actions – https://theconversation.com/donald-trumps-nonstop-news-making-can-be-exhausting-making-it-harder-for-people-to-scrutinize-his-presidential-actions-250733

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Fires, wars and bureaucracy: The tumultuous journey to establish the US National Archives

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Elizabeth Call, University Archivist, RIT Libraries and Archives, Rochester Institute of Technology

    The 1952 procession to deliver the Declaration of Independence and Constitution from the Library of Congress to the National Archives included military guards and a tank. National Archives

    Some of the United States’ most important historical documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Emancipation Proclamation, are housed in the U.S. National Archives. Beyond these high-profile items, it also preserves lesser-known but no less vital records, such as national park master plans, polar exploration documents and the records of all U.S. veterans. Together, these materials stand as a testament to the country’s commitment to preserving its history.

    While these crucial documents in U.S. history now have a home in the National Archives, the road to establishing this institution was paved with catastrophic losses and bureaucratic inertia.

    Creating the National Archives required decades of advocacy by historians, politicians and government officials. The National Archives was not simply an administrative convenience – it was a necessity born from repeated disasters that underscored the fragility of government records. And with President Donald Trump’s firing of the head archivist in February 2025, as well as the loss of several high-level archives staff members, the organization faces a new era of uncertainty.

    Documentary heritage – the recorded memory of a nation that preserves its cultural, historical and legal legacy – is essential for a country as it safeguards its identity, informs its governance and ensures that future generations can understand and learn from the past.

    I am a university archivist with two decades of experience in the library and archives field. I oversee the preservation and accessibility of historical records at Rochester Institute of Technology, advocate for inclusivity, and engage in national conversations on the evolving role of archives in the digital age.

    Understanding the precarious nature of historical records, it’s clear to me that maintaining, staffing and funding the National Archives is a necessary safeguard against the destruction of the nation’s documentary heritage.

    People line up to view the original Emancipation Proclamation on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 19, 2004, at the National Archives building in Washington, D.C.
    Tim Sloan/AFP-Getty Images

    Destroyed by fire

    The idea of preserving the government’s records dates back to the country’s founding. Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress during the American Revolution and then secretary of Congress under the Articles of Confederation, recognized the need for proper storage of the Congress’ records.

    But the young nation lacked the money and infrastructure to act. Many of the Continental Congress’ records were kept by Thomson himself for years, and while some were later transferred to the Department of State, others were lost.

    Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, fires repeatedly ravaged federal records. Fires were very common in the 19th century due to a combination of highly flammable building materials, open frames used for lighting and heating, and the lack of modern fire safety measures such as sprinklers and fire-resistant construction.

    In 1800, a blaze destroyed the War Department’s archives, a loss that severely hampered government operations. In 1810, Congress authorized better housing for government records, but the law was never fully executed. Instead, different parts of the government, from the Department of State to the Department of Treasury, continued maintaining their own records.

    The Treasury Department suffered fires in 1801 and again in 1833, further erasing crucial financial records. The Patent Office, home to invaluable documentation of American innovation, burned in 1877, having already been damaged by an 1836 fire.

    Storage at the federal Office of Indian Affairs in 1935.
    National Archives Foundation

    One of the most devastating losses occurred in 1921 when a fire at the Department of Commerce destroyed nearly all records from the 1890 federal census. This loss had far-reaching consequences, particularly for genealogical and demographic research.

    Fires weren’t the only threat to the government’s records.

    “It is a matter of common report that during the civil war, great quantities of documents stored in the Capitol were thrown away to make quarters for soldiers,” Historian and founding member of the American Historical Association J. Franklin Jameson noted in a 1911 Washington Post article.

    “At a later date,” he added, “the archives of the House of Representatives were systematically looted for papers having a market value because of their autographs.”

    Jameson spent decades lobbying Congress for a centralized repository. His persistence, coupled with the advocacy of key officials, laid the groundwork for future action.

    A bound copy of George Washington’s account of expenses while commander in chief of the Continental Army.
    National Archives and Records Administration

    These repeated disasters illuminated a glaring issue: The federal government lacked a centralized, protected repository to safeguard its records.

    Finding a home

    Momentum for a dedicated archives building gained traction in the late 19th century. In 1903, a bipartisan bill passed Congress giving the OK to purchase land in Washington, D.C., for a Hall of Records.

    But the legislation didn’t lead to any action. Government records remained scattered, vulnerable and neglected. That same year, Congress authorized that any records not needed for daily business be transferred to the Library of Congress.

    In 1912, President William H. Taft issued executive order 1499, aptly named Disposal of Useless Papers, requiring agencies to consult the librarian of Congress before disposing of documents.

    This established a formal review process for government document disposal, but agencies still discarded records, often haphazardly, until stricter records management laws were enacted.

    In 1926, Congress passed the Public Buildings Act, authorizing construction of an archives facility in Washington, D.C. Departing president Herbert Hoover laid the cornerstone of the new building on Feb. 20, 1933. He then deposited facsimiles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, an American flag and daily newspapers from that day underneath the cornerstone.

    Growth and standardization

    President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who took office two weeks later, was himself a meticulous record-keeper. He understood the importance of historical preservation. Roosevelt kept all of his personal and presidential records and books in a fire-safe space he built on his Hyde Park, New York, property, which he donated to the government after he died. This building and the materials inside became part of the National Archives as the first U.S. presidential library.

    The National Archives, an independent agency, was officially established under Roosevelt in the 1934 National Archives Act. The head archivist was to be appointed by the president. The first archivist, Robert D.W. Connor, took office that year with a mandate to organize, preserve and make accessible the nation’s records.

    Initially, the National Archives was simply a building – an impressive neoclassical structure in Washington, D.C., that opened in 1935. The very first records deposited there came from three World War I-era regulatory agencies – the U.S. Food Administration, the Sugar Equalization Board and the U.S. Grain Corporation.

    Initially, the Archives lacked a formalized records management program. There were no clear guidelines on what to keep and what to discard, so agencies made their own decisions. This led to inconsistent preservation.

    The creation of the first federal records administration program in 1941, together with the 1943 Records Disposal Act, codified things. These policies granted the National Archives authority to establish a structured approach to determining which records held historical value and should be preserved, while allowing for the responsible disposal of other documents.

    A 1950 law gave the National Archives more power to decide what should be kept and what could be discarded, creating a more organized and accountable system for preserving the nation’s history.

    As the volume of records increased and their formats changed, the archives adapted. By 2014, amendments to the Federal Records Act explicitly included electronic records, recognizing the shift toward digital documentation.

    Stacks at the National Archives in Washington in 1950, where rare photographs and national records are ordered and stored.
    Three Lions/Getty Images

    Ensuring accountability

    Beyond mere storage, the National Archives plays a vital role in upholding democracy.

    It ensures transparency by preserving government accountability, preventing manipulation or loss of records that could distort historical truth. The National Archives also provides public access to documents that shape civic awareness and historical knowledge, from the Declaration of Independence to declassified government files.

    In an era of digital misinformation and contested narratives, the National Archives stands as a guardian of primary sources. Its existence reminds the nation that history is not a matter of convenience, but a cornerstone of informed governance.

    Elizabeth Call is a member of the Society of American Archivists.

    – ref. Fires, wars and bureaucracy: The tumultuous journey to establish the US National Archives – https://theconversation.com/fires-wars-and-bureaucracy-the-tumultuous-journey-to-establish-the-us-national-archives-250857

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Social media design is key to protecting kids online

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Abdulmalik Alluhidan, Ph.D. student in Computer Science, Vanderbilt University

    How social media apps are designed has a lot to do with whether teens have good or bad experiences. Daniel de la Hoz/Moment via Getty Images

    Social media is a complex environment that presents both opportunities and threats for adolescents, with self-expression and emotional support on the one hand and body-shaming, cyberbullying and addictive behaviors on the other. This complexity underscores the challenge to regulating teen social media use, but it also points to another avenue for protecting young people online: how social media platforms are designed.

    The growing debate around teen social media use has intensified, with recent bipartisan policy efforts in the U.S., such as the Kids Online Safety Act, seeking to protect young people from digital harms. These efforts reflect legitimate concerns. However, broad restrictions on social media could also limit benefits for teens, throwing the baby out with the bath water.

    I am a researcher who studies online safety and digital well-being. My recent work with colleagues in computer scientist Pamela Wisniewski’s Socio-Technical Interaction Research Lab underscores a critical point: social media is neither inherently harmful nor entirely beneficial. It is a tool shaped by its design, how teens use it, and the context of their experiences.

    In other words, social media’s impact is shaped by its affordances – how platforms are designed and what they enable users to do or constrain them from doing. Some features foster connection while others amplify harms.

    As society moves toward practical solutions for online safety, it is important to use evidence-based research on how these features shape teens’ social media experiences and how they could be redesigned to be age appropriate for young people. It’s also important to incorporate teens’ perspectives to pinpoint what policies and design choices should be made to protect young people using social media.

    My colleagues and I analyzed over 2,000 posts from teens ages 15-17 on an online peer-support platform. Teens openly discussed their experiences with popular social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok. Their voices highlight a potential path forward: focusing on safety by design – an approach that improves platform features to amplify benefits and mitigate harms. This approach respects young people’s agency while prioritizing their digital well-being.

    What teens say about social media

    While social media’s worst outcomes such as cyberbullying or mental health crises are often in the spotlight, our research shows that teens’ experiences are far more nuanced. Instead, platforms enable diverse outcomes depending on their features and design.

    Teens commonly described negative experiences involving social drama, cyberbullying and privacy violations. For example, Instagram was a focal point for body-shaming and self-esteem issues, driven by its emphasis on curated visual content. Facebook triggered complaints about privacy violations, such as parents sharing private information without teens’ consent. Snapchat, meanwhile, exposed teens to risky interactions due to its ephemeral messaging, which fosters intimate but potentially unsafe connections.

    Research – and teens themselves – indicates that social media has negative and positive effects on young people.

    At the same time, teens expressed that social media provides a space for support, inspiration and self-expression, particularly when offline spaces feel isolating. Teens used social media to cope with stress or seek out uplifting content.

    Platforms such as Snapchat and WhatsApp were key spaces for seeking connection, enabling teens to build relationships and find emotional support. Snapchat, in particular, was the go-to platform for fostering close personal connections, while YouTube empowered teens to promote their creativity and identity by sharing videos.

    Many praised Instagram and Snapchat for providing inspiration, distraction or emotional relief during stressful times. Teens also used social media to seek information, turning to YouTube and Twitter to learn new things, verify information or troubleshoot technical problems.

    These findings underscore a critical insight: Platform design matters. Features such as algorithms, privacy controls and content-sharing mechanisms directly shape how teens experience social media. These findings further question the perception of social media as a purely negative force. Instead, teens’ experiences highlight its dual nature: a space for both risk and opportunity.

    Key to safer social media

    The concept of affordances – design and features – helps explain why teens’ experiences differ across platforms and provides a path toward safer design. For example, Instagram’s affordances such as image sharing and algorithmic content promotion amplify social comparison, leading to body-shaming and self-esteem issues. Snapchat’s affordances, such as ephemeral messaging and visibility of “best friends,” encourage personal connections but can foster risky interactions. Meanwhile, YouTube’s affordances, such as easy content creation and discovery, promote self-expression but can contribute to time-management struggles due to its endless scroll design.

    By understanding these platform-specific designs and features, it is possible to mitigate risks without losing the benefits. For example, Facebook could allow for appropriate levels of parental oversight of teen accounts while preserving privacy. Instagram could reduce algorithmic promotion of harmful content. And Snapchat could improve safety features.

    This safety by design approach moves beyond restricting access to focus on improving the platforms themselves. By thoughtfully redesigning social media features, tech companies can empower teens to use these tools safely and meaningfully. Policymakers can focus on holding social media companies responsible for their platforms’ impact, while simultaneously promoting the digital rights of teens to benefit from social media use.

    Call for safety by design

    It’s important for policymakers to recognize that social media’s risks and rewards coexist. Instead of viewing social media as a monolith, however, policymakers can target the features of social media platforms most likely to cause harm. For example, they could require platform companies to conduct safety audits or disclose algorithmic risks. These steps could encourage safer design without limiting access.

    By addressing platform affordances and adopting safety by design, it is possible to create digital spaces that protect teens from harm while preserving the connection, creativity and support that social media enables. The tools to build a future where teens can thrive are already available; they just need to be designed better.

    Pamela Wisniewski contributed to the writing of this article.

    The research reported in this article was supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the William T. Grant Foundation.

    – ref. Social media design is key to protecting kids online – https://theconversation.com/social-media-design-is-key-to-protecting-kids-online-243547

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Humans aren’t the only animals with complex culture − but researchers point to one feature that makes ours unique

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Eli Elster, Doctoral Candidate in Evolutionary Anthropology, University of California, Davis

    A ritual dance honoring Yoruban ancestors is one of the countless examples of human culture. Jorge Fernández/LightRocket via Getty Images

    Of the 8.7 million species on Earth, why are human beings the only one that paints self-portraits, walks on the Moon and worships gods?

    For decades, many scholars have argued that the difference stems from our ability to learn from each other. Through techniques such as teaching and imitation, we can create and transmit complicated information over many generations.

    So if a human finds, for instance, a better but more complex way to make a knife, they can pass along the new instructions. One of those learners might stumble upon their own improvement and pass it along in turn.

    If this loop continues, you get a ratchet effect, in which small changes can accumulate over time to produce increasingly intricate behaviors and technologies. This process produces our uniquely complex cultures: Scientists call it cumulative cultural evolution.

    But extensive data has emerged suggesting that other animals, including bees, chimpanzees and crows, can also generate cultural complexity through social learning. Consequently, the debate over human uniqueness is shifting in a new direction.

    As an anthropologist, I study a different feature of human culture that researchers are beginning to think about: the diversity of our traditions. Whereas animal cultures affect just a few crucial behaviors, such as courtship and feeding, human cultures cover a massive and constantly expanding set of activities, from clothing to table manners to storytelling.

    This new view suggests that human culture is not uniquely cumulative. It is uniquely open-ended.

    What is cumulative culture?

    In the early 2000s, a research team led by psychologist Michael Tomasello tested 105 human children, 106 adult chimpanzees and 32 adult orangutans on a battery of cognitive assessments. Their goal was to see whether humans held any innate cognitive advantage over their primate cousins.

    Surprisingly, the human children performed better in only one capacity: social learning. Tomasello thus concluded that humans are not “generally smarter.” Rather, “we have a special kind of smarts.” Our advanced social abilities allow us to transmit information by accurately teaching and learning from each other.

    Psychologist Michael Tomasello and his team ran a number of experiments comparing how human children and nonhuman primates performed on cognitive tasks, including tests of social learning.
    Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology

    Humans’ apparent social learning abilities suggested a clear explanation for our unique cultural traits. Knowledgeable humans – say, someone who discovers a better way to make a spear – can successfully transfer that skill to their peers. But an inventive chimp – one who discovers a better way to smash nuts, for example – can’t successfully share their innovation. Nobody listens to Chimp Einstein. So our inventions persist and build upon each other, while theirs vanish into the jungle floor.

    Or so the theory went.

    Now, though, scientists have hard evidence showing that, just like us, animals can learn from each other and thus maintain their cultures for long periods of time. Groups of swamp sparrows appear to use the same song syllables for centuries. Meerkat troops settle on different wake-up times and maintain them for a decade or more.

    Of course, long-term social learning is not the same as cumulative culture. Yet scientists also now know that humpback whale songs can oscillate in complexity over many generations of learners, that homing pigeons create efficient flight paths by learning from each other and making small improvements, and that hooved mammals cumulatively alter their migration routes to exploit plant growth.

    Once again, the animals have shot down our claim to uniqueness, as they have innumerable times throughout scientific history. You might wonder, at this point, if we should just settle the uniqueness question by answering: “We’re not.”

    If not cumulative culture, what makes us unique?

    But it remains the case that humans and their cultures are quite different from animals and their equivalents. Most scholars agree about that, even if they disagree about the reasons why. Since cumulative complexity appears not to be the most important difference, several researchers are sketching out a new perspective: Human culture is uniquely open-ended.

    Currently, anthropologists are discussing open-endedness in two related ways. To get a sense of the first, try counting the number of things you’re engaged with, right now, that came to you through culture. For example, I picked my clothes today based on fashion trends I did not develop; I am writing in a language I did not invent; I tied my shoes using a method my father taught me; there are paintings and postcards and photographs on my walls.

    Give me 10 minutes, and I could probably add 100 more items to that list. In fact, other than biological acts such as breathing, it is difficult for me to think of any aspect of what I’m doing right now that is not partially or completely cultural. This breadth is incredibly strange. Why should any organism spend time pursuing such a wide range of goals, particularly if most of them have nothing to do with survival?

    Other animals are much more judicious. Their cultural variation and complexity pertains almost entirely to matters of subsistence and reproduction, such as acquiring food and mating. Humans, on the other hand, lip-synch, build space stations and, less grandiosely, have been known to do things such as spend six years trying to park in all 211 spots of a grocery store lot. Our cultural diversity is unparalleled.

    Open-endedness, as a unique human quality, is not just about variety; it reflects the quantum leaps by which our cultures can evolve. To illustrate this peculiarity, consider a hypothetical example regarding the rocks that chimpanzees use to smash nuts.

    Chimps often use stones to break open hard-shelled nuts.
    Anup Shah/Stone via Getty Images

    Let’s say these chimps would benefit from using rocks that they can swing as hard and accurately as possible, but that they don’t immediately know what kind of rocks those would be. By trying different options and observing each other, they might accumulate knowledge of the best qualities in a nut-smashing rock. Eventually, though, they’d hit a limit in the power and precision available by swinging a rock with your fist.

    How could they get past this upper limit? Well, they could tie a stick to their favorite rock; the extra leverage would help them smash the nuts even harder. As far as we know, though, chimpanzees aren’t capable of realizing the benefits of harnessing this additional quality. But we are – people invented hammers.

    Crucially, discovering the power of leverage allows for more than just better nut-smashing. It opens up innovations in other domains. If adding handles to wielded objects allows for better nut-smashing, then why not better throwing, or cutting, or painting? The space of cultural possibilities, suddenly, has expanded.

    Through open-ended cultural evolution, human beings produce open-endedness in culture. In this respect, our species is unparalleled.

    What’s next?

    Researchers have not yet answered most of the major questions about open-endedness: how to quantify it, how we create it, whether it has any true limitations.

    But this new framework must shift the tides of a related debate: whether there is something obviously different about the way human minds work, other than social learning capacities. After all, every cultural trait emerges through interactions between minds – so how do our minds interact to produce such a degree of cultural breadth?

    No one knows yet. Interestingly, this shifting debate over how cognition influences culture coincides with a spate of research bridging psychology and anthropology, which explores why certain behaviors – such as singing lullabies, curative bloodletting and storytelling – recur across human cultures.

    Human minds produce unparalleled diversity in their cultures; yet it is also true that those cultures tend to express variations on a strict set of themes, such as music and marriage and religion. Ironically, the source of our open-endedness may illuminate not only what makes us so diverse, but also what makes us so often the same.

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

    – ref. Humans aren’t the only animals with complex culture − but researchers point to one feature that makes ours unique – https://theconversation.com/humans-arent-the-only-animals-with-complex-culture-but-researchers-point-to-one-feature-that-makes-ours-unique-245526

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CBSA prevents over $11 million worth of cocaine from entering Canada leading to criminal charges by the RCMP

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    March 19, 2025      

    Point Edward, Ontario  

    Canada Border Services Agency / Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are committed to intercepting and investigating smuggling attempts at our border and disrupting organized crime. 

    Today, the CBSA and the RCMP announce the seizure of approximately 419 kg of suspected cocaine from two recent enforcement actions at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry in Point Edward, Ontario, with an estimated street value of $11 million. 

    Working with law enforcement partners, the CBSA’s National Targeting Centre identified two commercial shipments potentially containing narcotics bound for Canada from the United States. 

    Based on this intelligence, on February 27, 2025, a commercial truck coming from the United States was referred for a secondary examination. During the inspection of the trailer, border services officers seized four duffle bags containing approximately 86 kg of suspected cocaine, with an estimated value of $2.3 million. The RCMP have charged Pawandeep Dhillon, 34, of Innisfil, Ontario, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with importation of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

    A week later on March 6, 2025, the CBSA referred another tractor-trailer coming from the United States for a secondary examination. Border services officers seized 333 kg of suspected cocaine from the trailer of the commercial load, with an estimated value of $9 million. The RCMP have charged Ravinderbir Singh, 23, of Brampton, Ontario, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with importation of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

    The drivers and the suspected narcotics were transferred to the custody of the RCMP. Both matters are currently before the Ontario Court of Justice, in Sarnia, Ontario.

    The success of these significant seizures is due to the collective contributions of law enforcement partners working together to ensure the security and safety of the country by exposing and dismantling dangerous criminal networks and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Reaffirms Support for Ukraine, Emphasizes Ceasefire and Accountability Amid Ongoing Conflict: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UK Reaffirms Support for Ukraine, Emphasizes Ceasefire and Accountability Amid Ongoing Conflict: UK Statement to the OSCE

    UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says Ukraine’s long-term security depends on a multifaceted approach of immediate ceasefire efforts, robust security arrangements, and economic and humanitarian support.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. As we reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, we continue to emphasise the importance of its freedom, sovereignty, and independence. These principles are critical to securing Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security and are paramount to ensuring stability and peace in the region.

    Recent efforts to achieve a ceasefire have rightly dominated the strategic narrative. The meeting on March 11 between the USA and Ukraine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was promising. We applaud Ukraine’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire, which is an essential step towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with the Charter of the United Nations. A ceasefire is not only a cessation of hostilities but also a foundation for rebuilding trust and fostering long-term stability.

    Although we don’t have the full details from the dialogue between the USA and Russia yesterday, we understand that Putin has repeated his ‘Yes but No’ approach to a ceasefire, expressing concerns regarding the monitoring of the line of conflict and Ukraine’s ability to mobilise and re-arm in the interim. Russia’s demand for the complete cessation of provision of foreign military aid and intelligence to Kyiv is likely to prevent rapid progress. We repeat that any ceasefire must be respected, and that robust and credible security arrangements are necessary to ensure that Ukraine can deter and defend against any renewed acts of aggression.

    The UK welcomes the proposed agreement on a cessation of kinetic strikes on energy infrastructure, but again, we call on Russia to fully reciprocate by explicitly agreeing to a ceasefire in all areas and implementing it completely. Should Russia fail to agree to such a ceasefire, we remain prepared to impose further costs, including additional sanctions, caps on oil prices, and increased support for Ukraine. The use of extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilised Russian Sovereign Assets will also be considered.

    The devastating impact of the war continues. Russian attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are deeply alarming. The destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure has caused immense suffering and displacement. A Russian attack on Pokrovsk on March 17 severely injured three children. A Russian drone attack on a hospital in Kharkiv Oblast caused a 1500 square yard building fire, and the subsequent assault targeted rescue workers. On March 8, a coordinated strike on apartment buildings in Dobropillia killed 11 people and injured 30. We must emphasise the importance of accountability for these actions and reaffirm our commitment again to work together to achieve a durable peace.

    In conclusion, Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security depend on a multifaceted approach that includes immediate ceasefire efforts, robust security arrangements, economic and humanitarian support, and accountability for actions taken during the conflict. By standing together with Ukraine, we can achieve a durable peace and ensure that Ukraine remains democratic, free, strong and prosperous. The path to peace and prosperity is challenging, but it is achievable. Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 March 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: EIA forecasts Alaska crude oil production will grow in 2026 for the first time since 2017

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    March 19, 2025

    In our March 2025 Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast crude oil production in Alaska will increase by 16,000 barrels per day (b/d) in 2026 to 438,000 b/d after remaining relatively flat in 2025. Two new oil developments in Alaska—the Nuna and Pikka projects—are expected to boost crude oil production in the state after decades of decline. If realized, this annual production increase will be the first since 2017 and the largest since 2002.

    Average annual crude oil production in Alaska peaked at 2.0 million b/d in 1988, and production has since fallen largely because of the production decline of mature oil fields, limited lease availability, and high exploration and production costs.

    ConocoPhillips produced first oil from the Nuna project in December 2024. We forecast annual crude oil production in Alaska to average 422,000 b/d in 2025, an annual increase of 1,000 b/d, compared with the previous five-year (2020–24) average annual decline of 9,000 b/d. The decline in existing well production is offset by the added production from the Nuna project on the North Slope. ConocoPhillips expects the Nuna project’s 29 wells will produce a combined 20,000 b/d of oil at its peak.

    Additional production from the Phase 1 of the Pikka development project on the North Slope drives the forecast increased production in 2026. The Pikka project, which is jointly owned by Santos and Repsol, is one of the most significant oil developments in Alaska in recent years. At the project’s peak, the companies plan to produce 80,000 b/d from 45 wells.

    The projects would be among the most productive wells in Alaska if they come online as the companies are currently planning. Our annual U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Wells by Production Rate report details state-level distributions of active production. The production profile for Alaska in 2023 records 2,340 active wells, 65% of which produce more than 100 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/d).

    The production estimates from the Nuna and Pikka wells reported by the companies fall on the high side of the 2023 Alaskan active well distribution. As of 2023, the highest concentration of active Alaskan wells was between 100 BOE/d and 200 BOE/d. The reported production rates show these upcoming projects to be at the production brackets of 400 BOE/d–799 BOE/d and 1,600 BOE/d–3,199 BOE/d, respectively.

    Although both onshore and offshore drilling occur in Alaska, most of the activity is on land, particularly in the North Slope, which is where the Nuna and Pikka projects are being developed.

    As of December 2024, 22% of the wells for the Nuna and Pikka projects have been drilled, according to company reports and the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. The companies plan to drill an additional 58 wells by 2028, which would support relatively high rig activity.

    The increased crude oil production will go to supply refineries in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and California.

    Principal contributors: Merek Roman, Trinity Manning-Pickett

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Acting Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti Delivers Remarks Following Verdict in San Antonio Human Smuggling Case

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Thank you U.S. Attorney Leachman for the Western District of Texas, Craig Laraby, Special Agent in Charge of HSI’s San Antonio Field Office, and everyone for being here. My name is Matthew Galeotti, and I am the Acting Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

    Today is a momentous day in the Department’s relentless fight against the leaders, organizers, and key facilitators of human smuggling networks – thanks to the work of our partners in the Western District of Texas and at ICE-HSI.

    As Attorney General Pamela Bondi has announced, the Department is committed to the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations. To help meet this goal, the Department is laser-focused on dismantling human smuggling networks. Working with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and law enforcement partners, the Criminal Division is on the front lines of that fight.

    You have already heard from U.S. Attorney Leachman on the extraordinary work in this case, but let me take a moment to recognize the victims and the extraordinary efforts of the prosecution team that bring us all here today.

    As you heard, in June 2022, 64 aliens, from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico were loaded into a tractor-trailer without functioning air conditioning by members of an alien smuggling organization for the three-hour drive from Laredo to San Antonio, ultimately leading to the deaths of 53 people, including children and one pregnant woman. Eleven others were hospitalized.

    Today, two of the people responsible, Felipe Orduna-Torres and Armando Gonzalez-Ortega, were held accountable for this tragedy by a United States jury. In total, eight members of this alien smuggling organization have now been convicted for their roles in this horrific event. This investigation and prosecution are the direct result of the hard work of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas and the dedicated special agents of Homeland Security Investigations, in close coordination with Joint Task Force Alpha and the Criminal Division.

    The crimes committed — and the tragedy caused — by this type of pernicious alien smuggling organization epitomize why the Attorney General is elevating Joint Task Force Alpha to be run directly out of her Office. The goal is to eliminate the scourge of human smuggling.

    Joint Task Force Alpha’s mission is to target and prosecute the leaders and organizers of transnational criminal organizations engaged in human smuggling and human trafficking throughout the Americas.

    Since its creation, Joint Task Force Alpha has tirelessly pursued significant smuggling indictments and extradition efforts across the country. In just the past seven weeks, the Department has charged more than 760 defendants involved in human smuggling.

    And we’re not done – not even by a long shot.

    In fact, we are continuing to prosecute those responsible for this mass casualty alien smuggling event.

    Just yesterday, Rigoberto Miranda-Orozco made his first court appearance here in the Western District of Texas after his extradition from Guatemala. His detention hearing is on Thursday. This Joint Task Force Alpha case will be prosecuted by trial attorneys from the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant United States Attorneys from the Western District of Texas.

    Miranda-Orozco was indicted and has been charged for allegedly conspiring with other smugglers to facilitate the travel of four aliens from Guatemala through Mexico, and ultimately, to the United States. He allegedly charged the aliens, or their families and friends, approximately $12,000 to $15,000 for the journey. The indictment alleges that three of these aliens passed away in the tractor-trailer in June 2022, and the fourth suffered serious bodily injury. For his actions, Miranda-Orozco is charged with six counts related to migrant smuggling resulting in death or serious bodily injury and he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

    This extradition sends the message that the Department of Justice will pursue human smugglers who violate U.S. law no matter where they are.

    I want to express my deep appreciation to our key law enforcement partners who built this investigation: HSI San Antonio and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center; U.S. Border Patrol; ATF; the San Antonio Police Department; and the Palestine Police Department. I would also like to thank our Criminal Division trial attorneys from the Office of International Affairs and resident legal advisors from the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) who provided significant assistance in coordinating with our foreign partners.

    I also want to thank our foreign law enforcement partners, especially Guatemalan law enforcement, for their assistance with this investigation and extradition.

    As I mentioned, the Department is vigorously prosecuting human smugglers to the fullest extent of the law.

    The Department of Justice has been working with members of Congress to advance a proposal to increase the sentencing guidelines in such cases to accurately account for the full scope of harm that can result from human smuggling.

    People around the country may not be familiar with the prevalence and seriousness of human smuggling cases. This case exemplifies why we all must pay attention. Human smuggling is dehumanizing, dangerous and it can be deadly. Smuggling victims are often subject to rape, kidnapping, extortion, exploitation and more. It will not stand.

    Our resolve in tackling these crimes will not waver. Joint Task Force Alpha, along with our partners, will continue to pursue the leaders and organizers of human smuggling and trafficking networks wherever they operate, with an enhanced focus on alien smuggling and trafficking by cartels and transnational criminal organizations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Regula Blog Wins 2025 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va., March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Regula, a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions, is proud to announce that its blog has been accoladed as the Best Cybersecurity Blog in the 2025 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards. Providing diverse expert content such as how-to guides, original analytics, and detailed visuals, the Regula Blog serves as a valuable resource for the general public and niche professionals.

    The Regula Blog has been named the Best Cybersecurity Blog by the 2025 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards

    For more than a decade, the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards have honored individuals, teams, and companies that demonstrate exceptional performance and innovation in cybersecurity.

    The Regula Blog received the award for its expert insights, authoritative opinions, real-world fraud case analyses, practical guides, and forward-looking discussions on evolving security challenges.

    With over 18,000 unique readers per month, the Regula Blog is a fast-growing knowledge hub for professionals in cybersecurity, forensic science, and identity verification. The blog provides in-depth content on deepfake detection, facial recognition, document authentication, forensic examination, and more, to ensure that businesses and professionals get the timely and relevant knowledge they need.

    “In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, trust and security are more critical than ever. Our blog is more than just industry news—it’s a true knowledge hub designed to educate and empower professionals tackling identity fraud, document forgery, and cybersecurity risks. Winning this award is an honor and a testament to our team’s effort in providing actionable content that helps businesses navigate today’s complex security challenges,” says Ihar Kliashchou, Chief Technology Officer at Regula.

    These are the current top 10 most-read Regula Blog articles:

    For more insights and expert analysis, visit the award-winning Regula Blog.

    About Regula

    Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the most comprehensive library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies for document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security, or speed. Regula has been repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner® Market Guide for Identity Verification.

    Learn more at www.regulaforensics.com.

    Contact:
    Kristina – ks@regulaforensics.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b43b713b-6760-4e89-8a88-6a6561fad951

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Kingsoft Cloud Announces Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results; First Time Operating Margin Profitable with Accelerated Growing Revenue of AI Cloud

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited (“Kingsoft Cloud” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KC and HKEX: 3896), a leading cloud service provider in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights

    • Total Revenues reached RMB2,232.1 million (US$305.8 million)1, increased by 29.6% year-over-year from RMB1,722.5 million in the same quarter of 2023. Our business has experienced accelerated and high-quality growth and our revenue structure is well-balanced.
    • Gross profit was RMB426.0 million (US$58.4 million), representing a significant increase of 68.3% from RMB253.1 million in the same quarter of 2023. Our profitability has been fundamentally improved.
    • Non–GAAP EBITDA2 was RMB359.7 million (US$49.3 million), compared with RMB-27.7 million in the same quarter of 2023. Non–GAAP EBITDA margin was 16. 1%, compared with -1.6% in the same quarter of 2023.
    • Operating loss was RMB43.5 million (US$6.0 million), compared with operating loss of RMB342.7 million in the same quarter of 2023.
    • Non–GAAP Operating profit (loss) turned profit for the first time, achieving RMB24.4 million (US$3.3 million), compared with RMB-187.6 million in the same quarter of 2023. Non–GAAP Operating profit (loss) margin was 1. 1%, compare with -10.9% in the same quarter of 2023.

    Mr. Tao Zou, Chief Executive Officer of Kingsoft Cloud, commented, “We are very pleased to close Fiscal Year 2024 with historically strong financial performance. This quarter, we recorded positive non–GAAP operating profit (loss)for the first time, demonstrating our unwavering execution of the ‘High- quality, Sustainable Development Strategy’. Driven by the growing popularity of AI applications, we firmly believe that AI will continue to penetrate into various verticals, improving the efficiency of daily life. This quarter the gross billing of AI business increased by triple-digit year-over-year to RMB474 million. Both our public cloud and enterprise cloud businesses are harnessing the vast potential of AI cloud computing. Meanwhile, we have seen strong growth in demand from our ecosystem. Revenue from Xiaomi and Kingsoft Group increased by 76% year-over-year. We are well on track to build cutting- edge cloud infrastructure and technology to support our ecosystem and expand into the broader AI industry.”

    Mr. Henry He, Chief Financial Officer of Kingsoft Cloud, added, “We are very pleased to highlight several significant achievements. First, we achieved profitability in non-GAAP operating profit for the first time since our inception in 2012, demonstrating our strong execution of our high-quality and sustainable development strategy in the past two years. Second, our revenue has been growing for three consecutive quarters year-over-year, and this quarter we achieved a high-speed growth rate of 30% in total revenue, reaching RMB2,232.1 million. Third, gross billing of our Al cloud business increased by around 500% year-over-year to RMB474 million, accounting for as high as 34% of our public cloud revenue. This marks a three-digit year-on-year growth or six consecutive quarters. Fourth, last December, our shareholders approved revenue from connected-party of Xiaomi and Kingsoft Group for next three years of RMB11.3 billion, around 10 times over the revenue of 2023, providing solid support for Company’s revenue and profit growth. We believe we are well on track to meet the ecosystem’s fast-growing demands and build a solid cloud infrastructure to support its AI development. Notably, in this quarter, we are thrilled to report that revenue from Xiaomi and Kingsoft Group increased by 76% year-over-year, validating the effectiveness of our ecosystem strategy.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Total Revenues reached RMB2,232.1 million (US$305.8 million), increased by 29.6% year-over-year from RMB1,722.5 million in the same quarter of 2023 and increased by 18.4% quarter-over-quarter from RMB1,885.6 million in the third quarter of 2024. The year-over-year increase was mainly due to the expanded revenue from Xiaomi and Kingsoft Ecosystem and AI related customers, incremental demands and more projects delivered from enterprise cloud approaching year-end.

    • Revenues from public cloud services were RMB1,409.8 million (US$193.1 million), increased by 34.0% from RMB1,052.0 million in the same quarter of 2023 and increased by 19.9% from RMB1, 175.5 million last quarter. The year-over-year increase was mainly due to the growth of AI demands.

    ______________________
    1 This announcement contains translations of certain Renminbi (RMB) amounts into U.S. dollars (US$) at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, the translation of RMB into US$ has been made at RMB7.2993 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on December 31, 2024 as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

    2 Non-GAAP EBITDA is defined as non-GAAP net loss excluding interest income, interest expense, income tax expense (benefit) and depreciation and amortization, and we define Non-GAAP EBITDA margin as Non-GAAP EBITDA as a percentage of revenues. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” set forth at the end of this press release.

    • Revenues from enterprise cloud services were RMB822.3 million (US$112.7 million), representing an increase of 22.7% from RMB670.3 million in the same quarter of 2023 and an increase of 15.8% from RMB710.0 million last quarter. We keep focusing in selected verticals such as public services cloud, state-owned assets cloud, healthcare, financial services and private enterprise services, enhance our solutions with AI capabilities and take profitability and sustainability of the enterprise cloud projects as our priorities.
    • Other revenues were nil this quarter.

    Cost of revenues was RMB1,806.2 million (US$247.4 million), representing an increase of 22.9% from RMB1,469.3 million in the same quarter of 2023, which was in-line with our revenue expansion. IDC costs decreased by 2.6% year-over-year from RMB740.4 million to RMB721.5 million (US$98.8 million) this quarter. The decrease was in line with the scale down of our CDN services and our strict control over procurement costs. Depreciation and amortization costs increased from RMB146.9 million in the same quarter of 2023 to RMB343.1 million (US$47.0 million) this quarter. The increase was mainly due to the depreciation of newly acquired servers which were related to AI business. Solution development and services costs increased by 10.8% year-over-year from RMB502.9 million in the same quarter of 2023 to RMB557.0 million (US$76.3 million) this quarter. The increase was mainly due to the solution personnel expansion of Camelot. Fulfillment costs and other costs were RMB102.4 million (US$14.0 million) and RMB82.2 million (US$11.3 million) this quarter.

    Gross profit was RMB426.0 million (US$58.4 million), representing a significant increase of 68.3% from RMB253.1 million in the same quarter of 2023, demonstrating our improvements in revenue quality and structure, as well as strict cost control. Gross margin was 19. 1%, compared with 14.7% in the same period in 2023. Non–GAAP gross profit3 was RMB427.7 million (US$58.6 million), compared with RMB262.5 million in the same period in 2023. Non–GAAP gross margin3 was 19.2%, compared with 15.2% in the same period in 2023. The significant improvement of our gross profit and margin was mainly due to our strategic adjustment of revenue mix, expansion of AI revenues, optimized enterprise cloud project selection and efficient cost control measures.

    Total operating expenses were RMB469.5 million (US$64.3 million), decreased by 21.2% from RMB595.9 million in the same quarter last year and decreased by 67.6% from RBM1,447.1 million last quarter. Among which:

    Selling and marketing expenses were RMB115.8 million (US$15.9 million), decreased by 8.4% from RMB126.5 million in the same period in 2023 and decreased by 4.4% from RMB121.1 million last quarter, the decrease was due to the decrease of share-based compensation.

    General and administrative expenses were RMB179.5 million (US$24.6 million), decreased by 39.0% from RMB294.2 million in the same period in 2023 and slightly increased by 5.4% from RMB170.4 million last quarter. The year-over-year decrease was mainly due to the decrease of credit loss expense.

    Research and development expenses were RMB174.2 million (US$23.9 million), decreased by 0.6% from RMB175.2 million in the same period in 2023 and 26.2% from RMB235.9 million last quarter. The decrease was mainly due to the decrease of share-based compensation.

    Operating loss was RMB43.5 million (US$6.0 million), compared with operating loss of RMB342.7 million in the same quarter of 2023 and RMB1,143.8 million last quarter. The improvement was mainly due to the increase of gross profit and our strict expenses control. Non–GAAP operating profit (loss)4 was RMB24.4 million (US$3.3 million), compared with operating loss of RMB187.6 million in the same quarter last year and RMB140.2 million last quarter. Our non-GAAP operating profit (loss) turned breakeven for the first time and verified our high quality and sustainable development strategy.

    Net loss was RMB200.6 million (US$27.5 million), compared with net loss of RMB286.8 million in the same quarter of 2023 and RMB1,061.1 million last quarter. Non–GAAP net loss5 was RMB70.3 million (US$9.6 million), narrowed down compared with RMB250.4 million in the same quarter of 2023 and RMB236.7 million last quarter. The improvement was mainly due to the revenue quality increase, revenue mix adjustment, strict costs control and expenses control.
    ______________________
    3 Non-GAAP gross profit is defined as gross profit excluding share-based compensation allocated in the cost of revenues and we define Non-GAAP gross margin as Non-GAAP gross profit as a percentage of revenues. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” set forth at the end of this press release.

    4 Non-GAAP operating loss is defined as operating loss excluding share-based compensation, impairment of long-lived assets and amortization of intangible assets and we define Non-GAAP operating loss margin as Non-GAAP operating loss as a percentage of revenues. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” set forth at the end of this press release.

    5 Non-GAAP net loss is defined as net loss excluding share-based compensation, impairment of long-lived assets and foreign exchange (gain) loss, and we define Non-GAAP net loss margin as Non-GAAP net loss as a percentage of revenues. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” set forth at the end of this press release.

    Non–GAAP EBITDA6 was RMB359.7 million (US$49.3 million), compared with RMB-27.7 million in the same quarter of 2023 and RMB185.4 million last quarter. Non–GAAP EBITDA margin was 16. 1%, compared with -1.6% in the same quarter of 2023 and 9.8% last quarter. The increase was mainly due to the expansion in gross profit and our strict control over costs and expenses.

    Basic and diluted net loss per share was RMB0.05 (US$0.01), compared with RMB0.08 in the same quarter of 2023 and RMB0.29 last quarter.

    Cash and cash equivalents were RMB2,648.8 million (US$362.9 million) as of December 31, 2024, compared with RMB1,617.9 million as of September 30, 2024. The increase was mainly due to the increased cash receipts from operating activities and the increase in bank loan drawdowns.

    Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

    Total Revenues reached RMB7,785.2 million (US$1,066.6 million), representing an increase of 10.5% from RMB7,047.5 million in 2023. The increase was due to the strong demands from AI business and enterprise cloud projects increase, while partially offset by our proactive scale-down of CDN services within public cloud services.

    • Revenues from public cloud services were RMB5,007.3 million (US$686.0 million), representing an increase of 14.3% from RMB4,381.7 million in 2023.
    • Revenues from enterprise cloud services were RMB2,777.8 million (US$380.6 million), representing an increase of 4.3% from RMB2,664.0 million in 2023.
    • Other revenues were RMB0.1 million (US$0.02 million).

    ______________________
    6     Non-GAAP EBITDA is defined as Non-GAAP net loss excluding interest income, interest expense, income tax expense (benefit) and depreciation and amortization, and we define Non-GAAP EBITDA margin as Non-GAAP EBITDA as a percentage of revenues. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” set forth at the end of this press release.

    Cost of revenues was RMB6,444.3 million (US$882.9 million), representing a slight increase of 4.0% from RMB6, 197.3 million in 2023. Among which:

    IDC costs decreased by 9.9% to RMB2,892.1 million (US$396.2 million) from RMB3,211.2 million in 2023. The decrease was in line with our cost control measures adjustment of CDN services. Depreciation and amortization costs were RMB1,090.1 million (US$149.3 million), compared with RMB774.0 million in 2023, mainly due to the depreciation of new acquired servers related to AI business. Fulfillment costs were RMB235.7 million (US$32.3 million), representing an increase of 2.7% from RMB229.5 million in 2023. The increase was in line with enterprise cloud projects increase. Solution development and services costs were RMB1,993.1 million (US$273.1 million) in 2024, compared with RMB1,804.8 million in 2023. The increase was mainly due to the revenue expansion of Camelot business.

    Gross profit increased by 57.7% to RMB1,340.9 million (US$183.7 million) in 2024, from RMB850.2 million in 2023. Gross margin increased to 17.2%, from 12. 1% in 2023. Non–GAAP gross profit increased to RMB1,357.8 million (US$186.0 million) in 2024, from RMB859.9 million in 2023. Non–GAAP gross margin increased to 17.4% in 2024 from 12.2% in 2023. Such increases were primarily because of the optimization of revenue mix and our effective cost controls.

    Selling and marketing expenses were RMB479.4 million (US$65.7 million), compared with RMB460.2 million in 2023. The increase was mainly due to the increase of share-based compensation.

    General and administrative expenses were RMB834.9 million (US$114.4 million), compared with RMB1,060.0 million in 2023. The decrease was mainly due to the decrease of credit loss expense.

    Research and development expenses were RMB846.0 million (US$115.9 million), compared with RMB784.8 million in 2023. The increase was mainly due to the rise in personnel-related expenses.

    Impairment of long–lived assets was RMB919.7 million (US$126.0 million), mainly attributable to impairment of long-lived assets dedicated to assets of low-margin services.

    Operating loss was RMB1,739.0 million (US$238.2 million), compared with RMB2, 108.6 million in 2023. Non–GAAP operating loss was RMB431.3 million (US$59.1 million), significantly narrowed compared with RMB1,092.8 million in 2023. Non–GAAP operating loss margin was 5.5%, significantly improved from 15.5% in 2023.

    Net loss was RMB1,979.0 million (US$271.1 million), significantly narrowed from net loss of RMB2, 183.6 million in 2023.

    Non–GAAP net loss was RMB825.3 million (US$113.1 million), compared with Non-GAAP net loss of RMB1,291.1 million in 2023.

    Non–GAAP EBITDA was RMB638.9 million (US$87.5 million), compared with RMB-265.1 million in 2023. Non–GAAP EBITDA margin was 8.2%, compared with -3.8% in 2023.

    Basic and diluted net loss per share was RMB0.54 (US$0.07), compared with RMB0.61 in 2023.

    Outstanding ordinary shares were 3,687,690,772 as of December 31, 2024, equivalent to about 245,846,051 ADSs.

    Conference Call Information

    Kingsoft Cloud’s management will host an earnings conference call on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 8:15 am, U.S. Eastern Time (8:15 pm, Beijing/Hong Kong Time on the same day).

    Participants can register for the conference call by navigating to https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIc315136cafe94825b98dca6b37795790. Once preregistration has been completed, participants will receive dial-in numbers, direct event passcode, and a unique access PIN.

    To join the conference, simply dial the number in the calendar invite you receive after preregistering, enter the passcode followed by your PIN, and you will join the conference instantly.

    Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.ksyun.com.

    Use of Non–GAAP Financial Measures

    The unaudited condensed consolidated financial information is prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). In evaluating our business, we consider and use certain non-GAAP measures, Non-GAAP gross profit, Non-GAAP gross margin, Non-GAAP operating loss, Non-GAAP operating loss margin, Non-GAAP EBITDA, Non-GAAP EBITDA margin, Non-GAAP net loss and Non-GAAP net loss margin, as supplemental measures to review and assess our operating performance. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We define Non- GAAP gross profit as gross profit excluding share-based compensation allocated in the cost of revenues, and we define Non-GAAP gross margin as Non-
    GAAP gross profit as a percentage of revenues. We define Non-GAAP operating loss as operating loss excluding share-based compensation, impairment of long-lived assets and amortization of intangible assets, and we define Non-GAAP operating loss margin as Non-GAAP operating loss as a percentage of revenues. We define Non-GAAP net loss as net loss excluding share-based compensation, foreign exchange (gain) loss and impairment of long-lived assets, and we define Non-GAAP net loss margin as Non-GAAP net loss as a percentage of revenues. We define Non-GAAP EBITDA as Non-GAAP net loss excluding interest income, interest expense, income tax expense (benefit) and depreciation and amortization, and we define Non-GAAP EBITDA margin as Non-GAAP EBITDA as a percentage of revenues. We present these non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by our management to evaluate our operating performance and formulate business plans. We also believe that the use of these non-GAAP measures facilitates investors’ assessment of our operating performance.

    These non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using these non-GAAP financial measures is that they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect our operations. Further, these non-GAAP measures may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

    We compensate for these limitations by reconciling these non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating our performance. We encourage you to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

    Exchange Rate Information

    This press release contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of readers. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars, in this press release, were made at a rate ofRMB7.2993 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on December 31, 2024 as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the Business Outlook, and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Kingsoft Cloud’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Kingsoft Cloud may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Kingsoft Cloud’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Kingsoft Cloud’s goals and strategies; Kingsoft Cloud’s future business development, results of operations and financial condition; relevant government policies and regulations relating to Kingsoft Cloud’s business and industry; the expected growth of the cloud service market in China; the expectation regarding the rate at which to gain customers, especially Premium Customers; Kingsoft Cloud’s ability to monetize the customer base; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China; and the economy in China and elsewhere generally; China’s political or social conditions and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Kingsoft Cloud’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as ofthe date of this press release, and Kingsoft Cloud does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    About Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited

    Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: KC and HKEX:3896) is a leading cloud service provider in China. With extensive cloud infrastructure, cutting-edge cloud-native products based on vigorous cloud technology research and development capabilities, well-architected industry-specific solutions and end-to-end fulfillment and deployment, Kingsoft Cloud offers comprehensive, reliable and trusted cloud service to customers in strategically selected verticals.

    For more information, please visit: http://ir.ksyun.com.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
    Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited
    Nicole Shan
    Tel: +86 (10) 6292-7777 Ext. 6300
    Email: ksc–ir@kingsoft.com

    KINGSOFT CLOUD HOLDINGS LIMITED
    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (All amounts in thousands)
      Dec 31,
    2023    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024
      RMB RMB US$
    ASSETS      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents 2,255,287   2,648,764   362,879  
    Restricted cash 234,194   81,337   11,143  
    Accounts receivable, net 1,529,915   1,468,663   201,206  
    Short-term investments —   90,422   12,388  
    Prepayments and other assets 1,812,692   2,233,074   305,930  
    Amounts due from related parties 266,036   318,526   43,638  
    Total current assets 6,098,124   6,840,786   937,184  
    Non-current assets:      
    Property and equipment, net 2,186,145   4,630,052   634,315  
    Intangible assets, net 834,478   694,880   95,198  
    Goodwill 4,605,724   4,605,724   630,982  
    Prepayments and other assets 870,781   449,983   61,647  
    Equity investments 259,930   234,182   32,083  
    Amounts due from related parties 56,264   —   —  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets 158,832   137,047   18,775  
    Total non-current assets 8,972,154   10,751,868   1,473,000  
    Total assets 15,070,278   17,592,654   2,410,184  
           
    LIABILITIES, NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable 1,805,083   1,877,004   257,149  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 2,838,085   3,341,990   457,851  
    Short-term borrowings 1,110,896   2,225,765   304,928  
    Income tax payable 63,961   69,219   9,483  
    Amounts due to related parties 931,906   1,584,199   217,034  
    Current operating lease liabilities 78,659   61,258   8,392  
    Total current liabilities 6,828,590   9,159,435   1,254,837  
    Non-current liabilities:      
    Long-term borrowings 100,000   1,660,584   227,499  
    Amounts due to related parties 40,069   309,612   42,417  
    Deferred tax liabilities 142,565   101,677   13,930  
    Other liabilities 634,803   790,271   108,267  
    Non-current operating lease liabilities 78,347   65,755   9,008  
    Total non-current liabilities 995,784   2,927,899   401,121  
    Total liabilities 7,824,374   12,087,334   1,655,958  
    Shareholders’ equity:      
    Ordinary shares 25,443   25,689   3,519  
    Treasury stock (208,385 ) (105,478 ) (14,450 )
    Additional paid-in capital 18,811,028   18,940,885   2,594,891  
    Statutory reserves funds 21,765   32,001   4,384  
    Accumulated deficit (12,315,041 ) (14,291,957 ) (1,957,990 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income 555,342   566,900   77,665  
    Total Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited shareholders’ equity 6,890,152   5,168,040   708,019  
    Non-controlling interests 355,752   337,280   46,207  
    Total equity 7,245,904   5,505,320   754,226  
    Total liabilities, non-controlling interests and shareholders’ equity 15,070,278   17,592,654   2,410,184  
           
    KINGSOFT CLOUD HOLDINGS LIMITED
    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
    (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)
      Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
      Dec 31,
    2023    		 Mar 31,
    2024    		 Jun 30,
    2024    		 Sep 30,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2023    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024
      RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$
    Revenues:                  
    Public cloud services 1,051,966   1,187,370   1,234,542   1,175,535   1,409,804   193,142   4,381,741   5,007,251   685,991  
    Enterprise cloud services 670,331   588,162   657,238   710,039   822,338   112,660   2,663,993   2,777,777   380,554  
    Others 153   152   –   –   –   –   1,727   152   21  
    Total revenues 1,722,450   1,775,684   1,891,780   1,885,574   2,232,142   305,802   7,047,461   7,785,180   1,066,566  
    Cost of revenues (1,469,312 ) (1,482,431 ) (1,573,433 ) (1,582,220 ) (1,806,170 ) (247,444 ) (6,197,292 ) (6,444,254 ) (882,859 )
    Gross profit 253,138   293,253   318,347   303,354   425,972   58,358   850,169   1,340,926   183,707  
    Operating expenses:                  
    Selling and marketing expenses (126,477 ) (116,752 ) (125,708 ) (121,117 ) (115,792 ) (15,863 ) (460,221 ) (479,369 ) (65,673 )
    General and administrative expenses (294,240 ) (218,695 ) (266,249 ) (170,374 ) (179,536 ) (24,596 ) (1,060,022 ) (834,854 ) (114,375 )
    Research and development expenses (175,155 ) (231,963 ) (203,959 ) (235,912 ) (174,155 ) (23,859 ) (784,807 ) (845,989 ) (115,900 )
    Impairment of long-lived assets –   –   –   (919,724 ) –   –   (653,670 ) (919,724 ) (126,002 )
    Total operating expenses (595,872 ) (567,410 ) (595,916 ) (1,447,127 ) (469,483 ) (64,318 ) (2,958,720 ) (3,079,936 ) (421,950 )
    Operating loss (342,734 ) (274,157 ) (277,569 ) (1,143,773 ) (43,511 ) (5,960 ) (2,108,551 ) (1,739,010 ) (238,243 )
    Interest income 12,442   8,370   9,945   4,517   4,176   572   78,410   27,008   3,700  
    Interest expense (46,992 ) (51,066 ) (59,414 ) (57,404 ) (61,821 ) (8,469 ) (146,026 ) (229,705 ) (31,469 )
    Foreign exchange gain (loss) 74,011   (42,737 ) (6,999 ) 135,777   (105,572 ) (14,463 ) (57,211 ) (19,531 ) (2,676 )
    Other (loss) gain, net (16,741 ) (8,207 ) (7,829 ) 6,046   (2,956 ) (405 ) (32,673 ) (12,946 ) (1,774 )
    Other income (expense), net 33,776   (11,190 ) (4,961 ) 4,433   5,336   731   100,363   (6,382 ) (874 )
    Loss before income taxes (286,238 ) (378,987 ) (346,827 ) (1,050,404 ) (204,348 ) (27,994 ) (2,165,688 ) (1,980,566 ) (271,336 )
    Income tax (expense) benefit (598 ) 15,371   (6,891 ) (10,662 ) 3,706   508   (17,959 ) 1,524   209  
    Net loss (286,836 ) (363,616 ) (353,718 ) (1,061,066 ) (200,642 ) (27,486 ) (2,183,647 ) (1,979,042 ) (271,127 )
    Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests (2,688 ) (4,206 ) (542 ) (3,931 ) (3,683 ) (505 ) (7,307 ) (12,362 ) (1,694 )
    Net loss attributable to Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited (284,148 ) (359,410 ) (353,176 ) (1,057,135 ) (196,959 ) (26,981 ) (2,176,340 ) (1,966,680 ) (269,433 )
                       
    Net loss per share:                  
    Basic and diluted (0.08 ) (0.10 ) (0.10 ) (0.29 ) (0.05 ) (0.01 ) (0.61 ) (0.54 ) (0.07 )
    Shares used in the net loss per share computation:                  
    Basic and diluted 3,570,915,939   3,614,662,846   3,649,307,331   3,655,882,906   3,710,632,202   3,710,632,202   3,558,354,940   3,658,088,876   3,658,088,876  
    Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax of nil:                  
    Foreign currency translation adjustments (67,636 ) 20,704   (530 ) (112,296 ) 103,658   14,201   102,241   11,536   1,580  
    Comprehensive loss (354,472 ) (342,912 ) (354,248 ) (1,173,362 ) (96,984 ) (13,285 ) (2,081,406 ) (1,967,506 ) (269,547 )
    Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests (2,662 ) (4,247 ) (570 ) (3,900 ) (3,667 ) (502 ) (7,334 ) (12,384 ) (1,697 )
    Comprehensive loss attributable to Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited shareholders (351,810 ) (338,665 ) (353,678 ) (1,169,462 ) (93,317 ) (12,783 ) (2,074,072 ) (1,955,122 ) (267,850 )
                       
    KINGSOFT CLOUD HOLDINGS LIMITED
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS
    (All amounts in thousands, except for percentage)
      Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
      Dec 31,
    2023    		 Mar 31,
    2024    		 Jun 30,
    2024    		 Sep 30,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2023    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024
      RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$
    Gross profit 253,138 293,253 318,347 303,354 425,972 58,358 850,169 1,340,926 183,707
    Adjustments:                  
    – Share-based compensation expenses (allocated in cost of revenues) 9,330 5,814 5,076 4,252 1,726 236 9,757 16,868 2,311
    Adjusted gross profit (Non-GAAP Financial Measure) 262,468 299,067 323,423 307,606 427,698 58,594 859,926 1,357,794 186,018
                       
    KINGSOFT CLOUD HOLDINGS LIMITED
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS
    (All amounts in thousands, except for percentage)
      Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
      Dec 31,
    2023    		 Mar 31,
    2024    		 Jun 30,
    2024    		 Sep 30,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2023    		 Dec 31,
    2024
    Gross margin 14.7 % 16.5 % 16.8 % 16.1 % 19.1 % 12.1 % 17.2 %
    Adjusted gross margin (Non-GAAP Financial Measure) 15.2 % 16.8 % 17.1 % 16.3 % 19.2 % 12.2 % 17.4 %
                   
    KINGSOFT CLOUD HOLDINGS LIMITED
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS
    (All amounts in thousands, except for percentage)
      Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
      Dec 31,
    2023    		 Mar 31,
    2024    		 Jun 30,
    2024    		 Sep 30,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2023    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024
      RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$
    Net Loss (286,836 ) (363,616 ) (353,718 ) (1,061,066 ) (200,642 ) (27,486 ) (2,183,647 ) (1,979,042 ) (271,127 )
    Adjustments:                  
    – Share-based compensation expenses 110,437   103,595   45,649   40,423   24,774   3,394   181,645   214,441   29,378  
    – Foreign exchange (gain) loss (74,011 ) 42,737   6,999   (135,777 ) 105,572   14,463   57,211   19,531   2,676  
    – Impairment of long-lived assets –   –   –   919,724   –   –   653,670   919,724   126,002  
    Adjusted net loss (Non-GAAP Financial Measure) (250,410 ) (217,284 ) (301,070 ) (236,696 ) (70,296 ) (9,629 ) (1,291,121 ) (825,346 ) (113,071 )
    Adjustments:                  
    – Interest income (12,442 ) (8,370 ) (9,945 ) (4,517 ) (4,176 ) (572 ) (78,410 ) (27,008 ) (3,700 )
    – Interest expense 46,992   51,066   59,414   57,404   61,821   8,469   146,026   229,705   31,469  
    – Income tax expense (benefit) 598   (15,371 ) 6,891   10,662   (3,706 ) (508 ) 17,959   (1,524 ) (209 )
    – Depreciation and amortization 187,542   223,146   305,304   358,540   376,100   51,525   940,482   1,263,090   173,043  
    Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP Financial Measure) (27,720 ) 33,187   60,594   185,393   359,743   49,285   (265,064 ) 638,917   87,532  
    – (Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment –   (23,821 ) –   (10,667 ) (10,137 ) (1,389 ) 22,996   (44,625 ) (6,114 )
    Excluding loss or gain on disposal of property and equipment, normalized Adjusted EBITDA (27,720 ) 9,366   60,594   174,726   349,606   47,896   (242,068 ) 594,292   81,418  
                       
    KINGSOFT CLOUD HOLDINGS LIMITED
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS
    (All amounts in thousands, except for percentage)
      Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
      Dec 31,
    2023    		 Mar 31,
    2024    		 Jun 30,
    2024    		 Sep 30,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2023    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024
      RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$
    Operating loss (342,734 ) (274,157 ) (277,569 ) (1,143,773 ) (43,511 ) (5,960 ) (2,108,551 ) (1,739,010 ) (238,243 )
    Adjustments:                  
    – Share-based compensation expenses 110,437   103,595   45,649   40,423   24,774   3,394   181,645   214,441   29,378  
    – Impairment of long-lived assets –   –   –   919,724   –   –   653,670   919,724   126,002  
    – Amortization of intangible assets 44,656   43,517   43,415   43,460   43,104   5,905   180,459   173,496   23,769  
    Adjusted operating (loss) profit (Non-GAAP Financial Measure) (187,641 ) (127,045 ) (188,505 ) (140,166 ) 24,367   3,339   (1,092,777 ) (431,349 ) (59,094 )
    – (Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment –   (23,821 ) –   (10,667 ) (10,137 ) (1,389 ) 22,996   (44,625 ) (6,114 )
    Excluding loss or gain on disposal of property and equipment, normalized Adjusted operating (loss) profit (187,641 ) (150,866 ) (188,505 ) (150,833 ) 14,230   1,950   (1,069,781 ) (475,974 ) (65,208 )
                       
    KINGSOFT CLOUD HOLDINGS LIMITED
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS
    (All amounts in thousands, except for percentage)
      Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
      Dec 31,
    2023    		 Mar 31,
    2024    		 Jun 30,
    2024    		 Sep 30,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2023    		 Dec 31,
    2024
    Net loss margin -16.7 % -20.5 % -18.7 % -56.3 % -9.0 % -31.0 % -25.4 %
    Adjusted net loss margin (Non-GAAP Financial Measure) -14.5 % -12.2 % -15.9 % -12.6 % -3.1 % -18.3 % -10.6 %
    Adjusted EBITDA margin (Non-GAAP Financial Measure) -1.6 % 1.9 % 3.2 % 9.8 % 16.1 % -3.8 % 8.2 %
    Normalized Adjusted EBITDA margin -1.6 % 0.5 % 3.2 % 9.3 % 15.7 % -3.4 % 7.6 %
    Adjusted operating (loss) profit margin (Non-GAAP Financial Measure) -10.9 % -7.2 % -10.0 % -7.4 % 1.1 % -15.5 % -5.5 %
    Normalized Adjusted operating (loss) profit margin -10.9 % -8.5 % -10.0 % -8.0 % 0.6 % -15.2 % -6.1 %
                   
    KINGSOFT CLOUD HOLDINGS LIMITED
    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
    (All amounts in thousands)
      Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
      Dec 31,
    2023    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2023    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2024
      RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$
    Net cash generated from (used in) operating activities 16,787   570,222   78,120   (169,070 ) 628,419   86,093  
    Net cash used in investing activities (1,414,761 ) (1,337,978 ) (183,302 ) (673,186 ) (3,620,445 ) (495,999 )
    Net cash generated from (used in) financing activities 1,154,815   1,802,762   246,977   (227,852 ) 3,255,418   445,990  
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 1,013   (15,294 ) (2,095 ) 25,863   (22,772 ) (3,119 )
    Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (242,146 ) 1,019,712   139,700   (1,044,245 ) 240,620   32,965  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 2,731,627   1,710,389   234,322   3,533,726   2,489,481   341,057  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period 2,489,481   2,730,101   374,022   2,489,481   2,730,101   374,022  
                 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Expansion in Nickel Mining Market Thriving from Heightened Demand Around the Globe

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – According to a report from Grand View Research, the nickel mining industry worldwide is expected to reach a projected revenue of US$83.813 Billion by 2030. A compound annual growth rate of 6.6% is expected of the worldwide nickel mining industry from 2023 to 2030.Growth in end-use industries such as construction, consumer durables, and machinery & equipment are propelling the growth of the stainless steel industry. Nickel is one of the key raw materials of stainless steel. Hence, development in the stainless steel industry is contributing to the growth of the market. According to the Nickel Institute, over two-thirds of the world’s nickel is utilized in the production of stainless steel. It acts as an alloying agent, enhancing essential properties such as formability, ductility, and weldability while also increasing corrosion resistance for specific applications. Another Grand View Research report said: “The nickel mining industry is highly competitive and to gain an edge, major players are acquiring their competitors. The batteries segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 7.2% in terms of revenue, over the forecast period (2030). Nickel batteries offer a cost-effective solution for achieving higher energy density and storage capabilities.” Active Companies in the market today include: First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (OTCQB: FANCF) (TSX-V: FAN), Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP), First Hydrogen Corp. (OTCPK: FHYDF) (TSX-V: FHYD), Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE: BE), FuelCell Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL).

    Grand View Research continued: “Based on region, Asia Pacific held the largest revenue share of over 57.0% in 2022. The growth in various industries, such as battery manufacturing, automotive & defense, and petrochemicals, is increasing the demand for nickel, which is positively influencing its mining activity. The Russia-Ukraine war has benefitted the Philippines’ nickel industry, as Russia’s output has been declining in the past few years coupled with the aversion it is receiving in trade. Europe is anticipated to register a CAGR of 7.8% in terms of revenue over the forecast period (2030). The EU has recognized the importance of nickel in the energy transition and has added it to the list of critical minerals. To ensure a diversified supply chain, the EU has set benchmarks for the extraction of at least 10% of the annual consumption of nickel within the boundary of Europe. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the mining activity in the region. North America is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period (2030). The increasing demand for nickel-based products in aerospace and defense industries has raised its significance as a critical mineral. In addition, the growing emphasis on accomplishing a domestic supply chain for the EV battery segment is anticipated to boost production in the region.”

    First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (OTCQB: FANCF) (TSX-V: FAN) AND COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES LAUNCH RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP TO EXPLORE GEOLOGIC HYDROGEN POTENTIAL IN NEWFOUNDLAND OPHIOLITES – First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (FSE: P21) (“First Atlantic” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce a strategic research partnership with Colorado School of Mines to explore geologic hydrogen as an energy source. This collaboration will focus on two significant ophiolite complexes in Newfoundland, Canada: the St. Anthony Ophiolite Complex (Atlantis Project, 103 km²) and the Pipestone Ophiolite Complex (Atlantic Nickel Project, 71 km²). Both projects are 100% owned by First Atlantic and encompass extensive ultramafic rock formations, characterized by awaruite-bearing serpentinized peridotites, which are key indicators of geologic hydrogen.

    First Atlantic Nickel is primarily focused on exploring awaruite nickel-iron alloy mineralization. Additionally, it is partnering with Colorado School of Mines to conduct secondary research on geological hydrogen produced during serpentinization. This collaborative research will leverage data collected by First Atlantic during its ongoing exploration for awaruite nickel deposits. Notably, awaruite serves as an indicator mineral of geologic hydrogen within serpentinized peridotites found in ophiolites. Colorado School of Mines will carry out this hydrogen research component, enhancing the overall exploration program while leveraging First Atlantic’s extensive geological assets and expertise.

    Geologic Hydrogen: Ophiolites and Peridotite

    Ophiolites—sections of oceanic crust and upper mantle thrust onto continental crust—are globally recognized as prime sources of geologic hydrogen, often referred to as “white hydrogen” or “gold hydrogen.” These formations are dominated by ultramafic rocks, notably peridotite, which consists primarily of olivine and pyroxene minerals rich in nickel, chromium, magnesium, and iron. When peridotite interacts with water, it triggers serpentinization—a hydrothermal reaction in which iron oxidizes and water is reduced, releasing molecular hydrogen gas (H₂). This natural process can be represented by the equation:

    3FeO (in olivine) + H₂O → Fe₃O₄ (magnetite) + H₂ – During serpentinization, awaruite (Ni₃Fe) forms as a secondary mineral when liberated nickel (Ni2+) and iron (Fe2+) from the olivine, pyroxene, and chromite minerals react with the abundant hydrogen (H2) present. This natural process can be represented by the equation:

    3(Ni²⁺) + (Fe²⁺) + 4(H₂) → (Ni₃Fe) + 8(H⁺) – The formation of awaruite could not happen without the presence of hydrogen. This process occurs readily in ophiolitic peridotites at depth, where water saturated rocks in oxygen-poor, reducing conditions produce this exothermic reaction, generating heat that sustains further reactions. According to the Geological Survey of Finland, “In Europe and in regions outside the crystal shield, only ophiolites are often referred to as a source of geological hydrogen.” Within these ophiolite settings, serpentinized peridotites are the most promising targets, with peridotites producing significantly more hydrogen than other rocks, up to 4 kg per cubic meter. Ophiolites represent large potential sources of geologic hydrogen, with some of the most significant global geologic hydrogen discoveries occurring in ophiolites.

    “Geologic hydrogen systems are a combination of mineral systems and natural gas systems. In our group, we have the unique combination of expertise from both the mining industry and oil and gas industry to advance geologic hydrogen exploration and stimulated hydrogen monitoring,” said Dr. Yaoguo Li from Colorado School of Mines. CONTINUED… Read this and more news for First Atlantic Nickel at: https://www.fanickel.com/archive

    In other market news of interest:

    Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) recently announced a multi-year supply agreement from Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles (‘MCV’, www.mcv-eg.com), a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer based in Egypt, for fuel cell engines totaling approximately 5 MW.

    The supply agreement for 50 FCmove®-HD+ engines, and initial order of 35 units, represents the continued growth of the relationship with MCV which started in 2022 with fuel cell engine integration support and the first fuel cell engine order placed in 2023. Deliveries of the 50 engines are expected between 2025 and 2026 and will initially support projects in the EU.

    First Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV: FHYD) (OTCPK: FHYDF) recently announced the launch of its subsidiary, First Nuclear Corp., an initiative dedicated to advancing clean energy through the innovative use of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). First Nuclear Corp. (“First Nuclear”) aims to revolutionize green hydrogen production, supporting global decarbonization efforts and paving the way for a sustainable, zero-emission future.

    Harnessing the Power of SMRs for Green Hydrogen – First Nuclear seeks to integrate advanced nuclear technology with green hydrogen production. SMRs, known for their compact design, scalability, and ability to provide a continuous, weather-independent power supply, are the cornerstone of this initiative. By leveraging SMRs, First Nuclear ensures a stable, cost-effective, and efficient process for producing green hydrogen, addressing the growing demand for clean energy solutions worldwide. IDTechEx anticipates the installation rate of SMRs to grow significantly addressing the climate crisis. They project the global market for SMRs to reach US$72.4 billion by 2033 and US$295 billion by 2043, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30%.

    Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE: BE), a global leader in power solutions, announced recently an expansion of its longstanding relationship with Equinix, the world’s digital infrastructure company®. The collaboration now exceeds 100MW of electricity capacity to support Equinix’s International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data centers across the United States.

    With approximately 75MW already operational and another 30MW under construction, this latest expansion marks a significant milestone in the companies’ decade-long collaboration. What began as a pilot program in 2015 with just 1MW of fuel cells at a single IBX data center in Silicon Valley has scaled one hundredfold, supporting the critical digital infrastructure needed to meet increasing energy needs of AI-driven computing.

    FuelCell Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL) and Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Sdn Bhd (MMHE), a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Berhad (MHB), have announced the signing of a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to co-develop large-scale hydrogen production systems and technologies across Asia, New Zealand, and Australia.

    Building on a memorandum of understanding signed in February 2023, the JDA represents a pivotal step for the two companies, driven by a shared vision to make clean hydrogen production easily accessible and viable. The collaboration underscores FuelCell Energy and MHB’s commitment to advancing green energy solutions and supporting global decarbonization and energy transition goals.

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated thirty four hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by First Atlantic Nickel Corp. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Bank of Canada to publish additional metrics to enhance CORRA transparency

    Source: Bank of Canada

    Beginning on March 19, 2025, the Bank of Canada will publish the weighted average mean and mode of the daily Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average (CORRA) distribution alongside the existing CORRA benchmark rate, which is based on the median. These supplementary metrics will be published to enhance transparency about the distribution of the repo transactions underlying CORRA.

    The weighted average mean and mode will be published on the CORRA webpage and will be available retroactively from June 12, 2020. More information on these additional metrics can be found on The Uses and Limitations of CORRA Transparency Metrics: Beyond Percentiles and Volumes webpage on the Bank’s website.

    Director
    Financial Markets Department

    Assistant Director
    Financial Markets Department

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Stepwise, Coordinated Plan for Stone Wall Conservation

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    New England’s expanse of stone walls is not only picturesque: each wall contains a rich history about the region’s geological past and insights about those who placed each stone.

    Department of Earth Sciences Professor Robert Thorson has worked for decades to tell these stories and build an appreciation for these historical structures, but he says we need a systematic and methodical way to collect and catalog the information to effectively manage and conserve these emblematic features of the landscape.

    In a paper published in The Public Historian, Thorson presents the case for conservation based on scenic, legal, historic, ecologic, and Indigenous values, and lays out a stepwise plan for effective management to ensure stone walls are preserved.

    The Plan for Conservation

    After advocating for stone walls for many years, including writing books and articles, and giving over a thousand talks on the subject, Thorson says, “I asked myself, ‘Why am I doing all of this work for conservation if we do not have a methodological or rational approach?’ I see a very clear parallel to managing stone walls the same way we did with wetlands conservation.”

    Professor Robert Thorson examines a stone wall (UConn Photo)

    This inspired Thorson to develop a plan to bridge this gap. His plan starts with engaging the community to ensure that everyone involved with the project understands and appreciates the importance of preserving relics of local and regional history.

    The next step is locating and mapping the sprawling networks of stone walls across whatever jurisdiction is involved, whether private, town, state, federal, or Indigenous. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) software, Thorson says entities can create a layer and database for the stone domain, just as they do for wetlands, zoning, emergencies, or parks. Using a top-down approach, they can implement the new technology of light detection and ranging technology (LiDAR), to locate potential sites for ground-truthing. From the bottom up, they can import whatever information is already available, for example, inventories from historical commissions and land trusts.

    The next steps involve on-the-ground, inventory, cataloging, and classifying of each wall and related object using a taxonomy—or systematic method of naming—developed by Thorson.

    Description comes next, which Thorson says reveals information not found in any other data source, but the stone walls themselves; for example, their construction methods, types of stone, and idiosyncratic folk art. An example of difference in context includes the layouts of walls across the landscape in New Hampshire compared to Connecticut. The regions have distinct patterns, Thorson says, due to later and earlier settlement patterns.

    An important next step is to determine where the stone walls lie in relation to current property lines. Whether public or private, this will dictate what conservation measures can be taken. Management is the following step in Thorson’s plan, which he says will vary case by case. The final step is interpretation, which culminates in integrating the information, now centrally gathered, and sharing the findings with the public. This can happen through talks, walks, field trips, websites, curricula, and many other types of public programming to share what stories unfold.

    The Stories Waiting to be Told

    The result of the plan is the public would essentially have a library of stone stories for each wall available. For example, we can learn more about the largely lost history of ordinary individuals who tossed or placed each stone by hand as they worked land, often humorously described as containing more rocks than dirt.

    “Ultimately the goal is storytelling, using a source of information that is independent of conventional history,” Thorson says.

    Thorson also hopes to convey that anyone can learn how to interpret the wealth of information from the walls. One can begin scratching the surface by looking at the stones themselves. For example, the familiar rounded gray stones are glacially milled fragments of granite that reveal a story of past climate change. And those with drilled holes can help date a wall, based on technology.

    The structure of the walls reveals more details. As farmers “made land” they stacked the plentiful waste stones at the periphery of their fields, sometimes more haphazardly. During the laborious initial clearing to establish a farm, many were placed by the less experienced hands of younger helpers. Those of later years, may reveal the techniques of a master mason.

    A stone wall along RT 195 near the Jacobson Barn. (UConn Photo)

    “For example, a sprawling band is a pioneering wall, and a well-built double wall with a capstone says something different from a moderately built one without a capstone, which tells you something differently from a single wall that’s just your basic triangular shape,” says Thorson. “Farmers, would toss stones that would become a pasture wall.”

    Later, perhaps as the farm was more well-established and they are past the point of barely surviving, a farmer may have had more opportunities to take the time to build a more deliberate and aesthetically pleasing wall. Or not. All these observations give clues about the people who constructed the walls and sometimes that evidence can be confirmed with additional information gathered from historical archives. With Thorson’s proposed plan, this will be easier to do.

    “The idea is that if you have a GIS layer of the stone domain, you can continue to grow it with field evidence, using students, volunteers, citizen scientists, whoever is interested. And it will be higgledy, piggledy to the extent that whatever your entity is, whether it be town, Park, forest, state, federal, Indigenous, you’ll be using it as a database for management, conservation, research, history, and storytelling.”

    This topic gains a lot of attention, says Thorson, who is regularly contacted by people reaching out for advice or with the hopes that he can help advocate on their behalf.  For example, later this spring he will be working with the Connecticut towns of Litchfield, Lyme, and Stonington, and elsewhere in three other New England states. The interest is accelerating.

    “The main thrust of this recent paper is for people wondering how to go about managing stone walls. Each wall is analogous to a library of Earthly stories or to a natural history museum of specimens. None of this information is available from historical documents. Yet it is easily accessed with limited training. That’s what I’m really getting at for the end user. Though the cataloging is more boring, it has to be done.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ibex Kicks Off Global Employee-Driven Charitable Initiative for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and AI-powered customer engagement technology solutions, today announced the official launch of its 2025 ibex Cares™ campaign, which empowers employees to select and support local charities in their communities, fostering meaningful connections, and creating lasting positive impact where they live and work.

    In its eighth year, ibex Cares™ spans multiple countries and supports a diverse range of causes, from healthcare and environmental conservation to animal welfare and youth development.

    “Thanks to the exceptional generosity of our global workforce, ibex Cares™ has a meaningful impact in our communities and reflects our company’s unwavering commitment to social responsibility,” said Paul Inson, Chief People Officer at ibex. “What makes this program truly special is that it’s driven by our employees, who choose causes close to their hearts and actively work to improve the lives of their neighbors, colleagues, and communities. This grassroots approach to charitable giving has created a powerful ripple effect of positive change across our global footprint.”

    The 2025 ibex Cares™ campaign kicked off recently in the U.S. with a fundraiser that helped raise $25,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project®. ibex volunteer efforts to support veterans nationwide are ongoing.

    In Jamaica, more than 320 ibex employees came together on Sunday, February 16th, to participate in the Sigma Run 2025, organized by Sagicor Foundation. According to Sagicor, the Sigma Run had a record turnout of more than 30,000 registrants and raised more than JAM $128 million for the Kingston Public Hospital, Father Ho Lung and Friends Foundation, and Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre.  

    Other ibex Cares™ initiatives around the globe include:

    • Nicaragua: Establishing a merchandise program selling ibex-branded items to benefit MoviCancer, a non-governmental organization (NGO) fighting cancer in Central and Latin America.
    • Honduras: Coordinating in-kind donations for Asociación Rescate Animal Independiente, an animal rescue network that works to improve the lives of abused and abandoned animals.
    • Jamaica: Raising funds for the Jamaica Cancer Society through the sale of ibex Cares™ merchandise.
    • Philippines: Supporting numerous charitable organizations including the Philippines Eagle Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the endangered Philippine Eagle and its rainforest habitat, as well as the Albert Schweitzer Familienwerk Foundation Philippines, which assists vulnerable populations including children, women, and disabled individuals.
    • Pakistan: Engaging in various charitable initiatives by providing volunteer hours, donating items like wheelchairs and organizing blood drives. The supported organizations include the Sundas Foundation, an NGO assisting patients with thalassemia and other blood disorders, and Dar-ul-Sukun, which works to empower abandoned children and marginalized individuals with disabilities.

    As ibex continues to grow, the company remains dedicated to expanding its charitable impact and fostering a culture of giving back across its global operations.

    About ibex
    ibex delivers innovative business process outsourcing (BPO), smart digital marketing, online acquisition technology, and end-to-end customer engagement solutions to help companies acquire, engage and retain valuable customers. Today, ibex operates a global CX delivery center model consisting of approximately 30 operations facilities around the world, while deploying next generation technology to drive superior customer experiences for many of the world’s leading companies across retail, e-commerce, healthcare, fintech, utilities and logistics.

    ibex leverages its diverse global team of over 30,000 employees together with industry-leading technology, including the AI-powered ibex Wave iX solutions suite, to manage nearly 175 million critical customer interactions, adding over $2.2B in lifetime customer revenue each year and driving a truly differentiated customer experience. To learn more, visit our website at ibex.co and connect with us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact:
    Dan Burris
    Daniel.Burris@ibex.co

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/74f20cc6-52b6-42c8-a483-a7d1499bc0f3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Interest in Nickel Mining Booming as Demand Skyrockets Around the World

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – According to a report from Grand View Research, the global nickel mining market size was estimated at USD 50.40 billion in 2022 and is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2023 to 2030. Growth in end-use industries such as construction, consumer durables, and machinery & equipment are propelling the growth of the stainless steel industry. Nickel is one of the key raw materials of stainless steel. Hence, development in the stainless steel industry is contributing to the growth of the market. According to the Nickel Institute, over two-thirds of the world’s nickel is utilized in the production of stainless steel. It acts as an alloying agent, enhancing essential properties such as formability, ductility, and weldability while also increasing corrosion resistance for specific applications. The report said: “The nickel mining industry is highly competitive and to gain an edge, major players are acquiring their competitors.   The batteries segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 7.2% in terms of revenue, over the forecast period (2030). Nickel batteries offer a cost-effective solution for achieving higher energy density and storage capabilities.” Active Companies in the markets today include: First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (OTCQB: FANCF) (TSX-V: FAN), Vale S.A. (NYSE: VALE), Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), Glencore plc (OTCPK: GLNCY) (OTCPK: GLCNF), Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (OTCQB: QIMCF) (CSE: QIMC).

    Grand View Research continued: “Based on region, Asia Pacific held the largest revenue share of over 57.0% in 2022. The growth in various industries, such as battery manufacturing, automotive & defense, and petrochemicals, is increasing the demand for nickel, which is positively influencing its mining activity. The Russia-Ukraine war has benefitted the Philippines’ nickel industry, as Russia’s output has been declining in the past few years coupled with the aversion it is receiving in trade.   Europe is anticipated to register a CAGR of 7.8% in terms of revenue over the forecast period (2030). The EU has recognized the importance of nickel in the energy transition and has added it to the list of critical minerals. To ensure a diversified supply chain, the EU has set benchmarks for the extraction of at least 10% of the annual consumption of nickel within the boundary of Europe. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the mining activity in the region.   North America is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period (2030). The increasing demand for nickel-based products in aerospace and defense industries has raised its significance as a critical mineral.   In addition, the growing emphasis on accomplishing a domestic supply chain for the EV battery segment is anticipated to boost production in the region.”

    First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (OTCQB: FANCF) (TSX-V: FAN) AND COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES LAUNCH RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP TO EXPLORE GEOLOGIC HYDROGEN POTENTIAL IN NEWFOUNDLAND OPHIOLITES – First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (FSE: P21) (“First Atlantic” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce a strategic research partnership with Colorado School of Mines to explore geologic hydrogen as an energy source. This collaboration will focus on two significant ophiolite complexes in Newfoundland, Canada: the St. Anthony Ophiolite Complex (Atlantis Project, 103 km²) and the Pipestone Ophiolite Complex (Atlantic Nickel Project, 71 km²). Both projects are 100% owned by First Atlantic and encompass extensive ultramafic rock formations, characterized by awaruite-bearing serpentinized peridotites, which are key indicators of geologic hydrogen.

    First Atlantic Nickel is primarily focused on exploring awaruite nickel-iron alloy mineralization. Additionally, it is partnering with Colorado School of Mines to conduct secondary research on geological hydrogen produced during serpentinization. This collaborative research will leverage data collected by First Atlantic during its ongoing exploration for awaruite nickel deposits. Notably, awaruite serves as an indicator mineral of geologic hydrogen within serpentinized peridotites found in ophiolites. Colorado School of Mines will carry out this hydrogen research component, enhancing the overall exploration program while leveraging First Atlantic’s extensive geological assets and expertise.

    Geologic Hydrogen: Ophiolites and Peridotite

    Ophiolites—sections of oceanic crust and upper mantle thrust onto continental crust—are globally recognized as prime sources of geologic hydrogen, often referred to as “white hydrogen” or “gold hydrogen.” These formations are dominated by ultramafic rocks, notably peridotite, which consists primarily of olivine and pyroxene minerals rich in nickel, chromium, magnesium, and iron. When peridotite interacts with water, it triggers serpentinization—a hydrothermal reaction in which iron oxidizes and water is reduced, releasing molecular hydrogen gas (H₂). This natural process can be represented by the equation:

    3FeO (in olivine) + H₂O → Fe₃O₄ (magnetite) + H₂ – During serpentinization, awaruite (Ni₃Fe) forms as a secondary mineral when liberated nickel (Ni2+) and iron (Fe2+) from the olivine, pyroxene, and chromite minerals react with the abundant hydrogen (H2) present. This natural process can be represented by the equation:

    3(Ni²⁺) + (Fe²⁺) + 4(H₂) → (Ni₃Fe) + 8(H⁺) – The formation of awaruite could not happen without the presence of hydrogen. This process occurs readily in ophiolitic peridotites at depth, where water saturated rocks in oxygen-poor, reducing conditions produce this exothermic reaction, generating heat that sustains further reactions. According to the Geological Survey of Finland, “In Europe and in regions outside the crystal shield, only ophiolites are often referred to as a source of geological hydrogen.” Within these ophiolite settings, serpentinized peridotites are the most promising targets, with peridotites producing significantly more hydrogen than other rocks, up to 4 kg per cubic meter. Ophiolites represent large potential sources of geologic hydrogen, with some of the most significant global geologic hydrogen discoveries occurring in ophiolites.

    “Geologic hydrogen systems are a combination of mineral systems and natural gas systems. In our group, we have the unique combination of expertise from both the mining industry and oil and gas industry to advance geologic hydrogen exploration and stimulated hydrogen monitoring” said Dr. Yaoguo Li from Colorado School of Mines. CONTINUED… Read this and more news for First Atlantic Nickel at:   https://www.fanickel.com/archive

    In other market news of interest:

    Vale S.A. (NYSE: VALE) noted the Company leads the production of nickel metal that is considered one of the most versatile. Hard but also malleable, it is corrosion resistant and retains its properties even when subjected to extreme temperatures. It is part of everyday life: it is used in the production of batteries and items ranging from coins to cars.

    Highlights: The ore obtained from our mines contains more than just nickel. Therefore, by extracting and processing it, we also produce cobalt, copper and precious metals. Where we operate: Brazil, Canada and Indonesia.

    Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) recently announced senior leadership changes as part of the company’s efforts to simplify its organizational structure, execute faster and more effectively, and be positioned for stronger long-term competitiveness.   The company’s Oil, Products & Gas organization will be consolidated into two segments: Upstream and Downstream, Midstream & Chemicals. Mark Nelson will continue to lead this organization as vice chairman and executive vice president, Oil, Products & Gas.

    The Upstream organizational model will drive value through greater standardization across Shale & Tight, Base Assets & Emerging Countries, Offshore, Eurasia and Australia.

    Ceibo, a clean copper extraction technology company, and Glencore plc‘s (OTCPK: GLNCY) (OTCPK: GLCNF) Lomas Bayas Mining Company have recently entered into a partnership to deploy Ceibo’s proprietary leaching technologies that enable a more effective extraction of copper from low-grade sulfides at one of Chile’s leading mines. Lomas Bayas has validated Ceibo’s technology and is moving toward scaling up to assess this as an alternative to extend the life of their mining operations. This partnership follows two years of testing by Glencore, an important contributor to Chile’s position as the world’s largest copper producer.

    Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding, Ceibo’s technology will scale up with on-site testing through the Lomas Lab, a Glencore world-scale test site, and the company’s research and development branch. This agreement opens a significant commercial avenue for Ceibo, demonstrating its unique approach with a major mining company and affirming the value that Ceibo’s advanced leaching technologies bring to copper assets globally.

    Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (OTCQB: QIMCF) (CSE: QIMC) recently announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Black Tree Energy Group Sàrl (BTEG), a Swiss-based energy infrastructure and project development firm. This partnership reinforces QIMC’s strategic expansion into the U.S., a key market for accelerating the commercialization of natural hydrogen. Together, QIMC and BTEG will drive large-scale hydrogen projects by integrating technical expertise with financial strategy, project development, and execution capabilities.

    With strong support for clean natural hydrogen initiatives, the United States presents a substantial opportunity for natural hydrogen development. Through this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), QIMC intends to capitalize on its established expertise in natural renewable hydrogen—encompassing geological and geophysical analyses, project evaluation, and hydrogen fieldwork and drilling—to identify high-potential U.S. sites and accelerate the path to commercial production.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

    Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: https://www.facebook.com/financialnewsmedia

    Follow us on Twitter for real time Market News: https://twitter.com/FNMgroup

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    DISCLAIMER:  FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels.  FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein.  FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.  FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities.  The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material.  All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks.  All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release.  FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers.  Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks.  For current services performed FNM has been compensated thirty four hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by First Atlantic Nickel Corp. by a non-affiliated third party.  FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Stellar V Capital Corp. Announces the Separate Trading of its Class A Ordinary Shares and Warrants Commencing March 24, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stellar V Capital Corp. (the “Company”), a special purpose acquisition company formed as a Cayman Islands exempted company, today announced that commencing March 24, 2025, holders of the units sold in the Company’s initial public offering completed on January 31, 2025 may elect to separately trade the Class A ordinary shares of the Company and the warrants included in such units on The Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”).

    The Class A ordinary shares and warrants that are separated will trade on Nasdaq under the symbols “SVCC” and “SVCCW,” respectively. Those units not separated will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol “SVCCU.” Holders of units will need to have their brokers contact Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the Company’s transfer agent, in order to separate the units into Class A ordinary shares and Warrants.

    The units were initially offered by the Company in an underwritten offering. BTIG, LLC acted as sole book-running manager of the offering.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Stellar V Capital Corp.

    Stellar V Capital Corp. is a blank check company, also commonly referred to as a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus for the IPO filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Tastytrade Expands Crypto Trading with New Digital Assets, Powered by Zero Hash

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zero Hash, the leading crypto and stablecoin infrastructure provider, today announced that tastytrade, a leading brokerage with an award winning platform for traders, has expanded their relationship with Zero Hash, enabling trading of five additional digital assets. Having launched crypto trading capability in 2020, through Zero Hash, this expansion meets increased customer demand for more crypto trading options.

    Tastytrade clients can now trade Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), Shiba Inu (SHIB), AAVE (AAVE), and Avalanche (AVAX) through Zero Hash. This week, tastytrade will also add support for Pepe (PEPE), Stellar (XLM), Tezos (XTZ), Sui (SUI), and Aptos (APT).

    “We were early crypto supporters, launching this set up with Zero Hash in 2020, furthering our mission of integrated access to all asset classes – including a growing number of digital assets,” said Ryan Grace, Head of Digital Assets at IG North America. “We will continue giving customers more choices in the fast-moving crypto space while maintaining the powerful, intuitive, and trusted experience they expect from tastytrade.”

    The expansion follows record crypto trading volume in Q4 2024 on the tastytrade platform. By leveraging Zero Hash’s full-stack API, tastytrade can quickly integrate the most popular digital assets without added complexity.

    “Zero Hash continues to power the infrastructure behind the biggest players in traditional brokerage, including tastytrade,” said Edward Woodford, Founder and CEO of Zero Hash. “Our ever-scaling partnership with tastytrade is another example of how we enable trading platforms to seamlessly integrate digital assets, and grow their offering to provide traders unparalleled, simplified access to crypto markets.”

    Zero Hash’s crypto brokerage infrastructure powers access to crypto for leading traditional brokers, including tastytrade and Interactive Brokers. The Zero Hash APIs enable:

    • Liquidity provision and seamless trade execution
    • Ensure regulatory compliance and secure custody solutions

    Disclosures

    Cryptocurrency trading at tastytrade is provided by Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC, MSB # 31000181510564, and cryptocurrency custody provided by Zero Hash LLC NMLS # 169937. Zero Hash is a licensed virtual currency business by the NYDFS. Cryptocurrency accounts are not protected by SIPC coverage. Cryptocurrencies are not covered by the FDIC, which covers fiat currency. Cryptocurrency trading is not suitable for all investors due to the number of risks involved, including volatile market prices, illiquid market conditions, lack of regulatory oversight, market manipulation, and other risks. You are solely responsible for evaluating your financial circumstances and determining whether or not trading cryptocurrencies is appropriate for you. Please read the General Risks of Digital Assets risk disclosure. tastytrade, Inc. is a separate company and is not an affiliate company of Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC or Zero Hash LLC.

    About tastytrade
    Tastytrade is an award-winning brokerage firm established in 2017 to change the way people invest. tastytrade, named Best Broker for Options in 2024 by Investopedia and Best Broker in North America by TradingView, empowers investors seeking to actively manage their own money with a powerful platform and access to educational content for options, futures, crypto and equities trading. tastytrade is an indirect subsidiary of IG US Holdings, Inc., parent to tastylive, the financial content and education platform, tasty Software Solutions, LLC, and a subsidiary of IG Group Holdings plc (LON:IGG), a global fintech company that provides award-winning products, platforms and access to ~19,000 financial markets to investors around the world. Learn more at www.tastytrade.com.   

    About Zero Hash
    Zero Hash is the leading crypto and stablecoin infrastructure provider that seamlessly connects fiat, crypto, and stablecoins in one platform, enabling a better way to move and transfer money and value globally.

    Through its embeddable infrastructure, start-ups, enterprises, and Fortune 500 companies build a diverse range of use cases, including cross-border payments, commerce, trading, remittance, payroll, tokenization, wallets, and on/off-ramps.

    Zero Hash Holdings is backed by investors, including Point72 Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, and NYCA.

    Zero Hash LLC is a FinCen-registered Money Service Business and a regulated Money Transmitter that can operate in 51 U.S. jurisdictions. Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC are licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. In Canada, Zero Hash LLC is registered as a Money Service Business with FINTRAC.

    Zero Hash Australia Pty Ltd. is registered with AUSTRAC as a Digital Currency Exchange Provider, with DCE registered provider number DCE100804170-001. Zero Hash Australia Pty Ltd. is registered on the New Zealand register of financial service providers, with Financial Service Provider (FSP) number FSP1004503. Zero Hash Europe B.V. is registered as a Virtual Asset Services Provider (VASP) by the Dutch Central Bank (Relation number: R193684). Zero Hash Europe Sp. Zoo is registered as a VASP by the Tax Administration Chamber of Poland in Katowice (Registration number RDWW – 1212).

    Media Contacts

    Zero Hash
    Shaun O’Keeffe
    (855) 744-7333
    media@zerohash.com

    Tastytrade
    Laura Hayes
    laura.hayes@ig.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Trisura to Speak at National Bank Financial Services Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — David Clare, President and Chief Executive Officer of Trisura Group Ltd. (“Trisura” or “Trisura Group”) (TSX: TSU), will participate in a fireside chat as a part of the National Bank Financial Services Conference on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

    A link to access a replay of the webcast will be available in the ‘Events’ section of Trisura’s website.

    About Trisura Group

    Trisura Group Ltd. is a specialty insurance provider operating in the Surety, Warranty, Corporate Insurance, Program and Fronting business lines of the market. Trisura has investments in wholly owned subsidiaries through which it conducts insurance operations. Those operations are primarily in Canada and the United States. Trisura Group Ltd. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “TSU”.

    Further information is available at https://www.trisura.com. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information. Details regarding the operations of Trisura Group Ltd. are also set forth in regulatory filings. A copy of the filings may be obtained on Trisura Group’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    For more information, please contact:
    Name: Bryan Sinclair
    Tel: 416 607 2135
    Email: bryan.sinclair@trisura.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Latest update on Clade Ib mpox

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Latest update on Clade Ib mpox

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) latest updates on Clade Ib mpox.

    Updates on clade Ib mpox case numbers are published on the UKHSA data dashboard

    Latest update

    Clade I mpox no longer considered a high consequence infectious disease

    Clade Ia and Ib mpox will no longer be classified as a high consequence infectious disease (HCID) following a review of available evidence by the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens, the UK Health Security Agency has confirmed today.

    This decision has been taken because the evidence related to this clade no longer meets the criteria for an HCID, which includes having a high mortality rate and a lack of available interventions.

    However, the decision should not be interpreted as clade I mpox no longer being of any public health consequence. The disease is still a public health emergency of international concern as defined by the WHO.

    Sexual and close physical contact is the main way that mpox spreads.

    There have been no reported deaths from mpox in the UK to date, and vaccination is available for higher risk contacts, healthcare workers, and those who are most at risk.

    Emma Richards, Incident Director at the UK Health Security Agency, said:

    There is now firm evidence of vaccine effectiveness and a low mortality rate for cases of clade I mpox, alongside heightened clinical awareness of symptoms, and access to rapid diagnostic testing and safe therapies with emerging evidence of efficacy.

    This change does not alter our overall public health response and we remain committed to preventing the spread of clade I mpox within the UK.

    While mpox infection is mild for many, it can cause severe symptoms including unusual rashes and blisters, a fever and headache.

    The majority of people who have presented with symptoms report close physical contact, including massages, or sex prior to developing symptoms. It’s important people who have travelled to affected countries in Africa remain alert to the risks and seek medical advice if necessary.

    All 4 UK Chief Medical Officers have agreed to accept the recommendation.

    There have been no cases of clade Ia mpox in the UK, and only a small number of cases of clade Ib mpox. Most of these cases have appeared in returning travellers from affected areas in Africa with the others being household contacts of a case.

    There has been no community transmission of clade I mpox within the UK and the risk to the population remains low.

    In the context of the outbreak in parts of Africa, we expect to see the occasional imported case of clade Ib mpox in the UK.

    Previous

    13 February 2025

    A new case of clade Ib mpox has been detected in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) can confirm. 

    The case was detected in London and the individual is now under specialist care at the Royal Free Hospital High Consequence Infectious Diseases unit. They had recently returned from Uganda, where there is currently community transmission of clade Ib mpox. The UKHSA and NHS will not be disclosing any further details about the individual.

    The risk to the UK population remains low. In the context of the outbreak in parts of Africa, we expect to see the occasional imported case of clade Ib mpox in the UK.

    This is the eighth case of clade Ib mpox confirmed in England since October 2024. This case has no links to the previous cases identified in England.

    Close contacts of the case are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. Contacts will be offered testing and vaccination where needed to prevent further infections and they will be advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive.

    Dr Merav Kliner, Incident Director at UKHSA, said:

    The risk to the UK population remains low. Close contacts have been identified and offered appropriate advice in order to reduce the chance of further spread.

    Clade Ib mpox has been circulating in several countries in Africa in recent months. Imported cases have been detected in a number of countries including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden and the United States.

    There has been extensive planning undertaken to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to confirmed cases.

    Further updates on clade Ib mpox case numbers will be published on the following page: Confirmed cases of mpox clade Ib in United Kingdom.

    Previous

    27 January 2025

    Another case of clade Ib mpox has been detected, bringing the total number of confirmed cases since October 2024 to 7, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) can confirm.

    The individual had recently travelled to Uganda. The risk to the UK population remains low.

    The UKHSA and NHS will not be disclosing any further details about the individual.

    Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said:

    The risk to the UK population remains low. Close contacts have been identified and offered appropriate advice in order to reduce the chance of further spread.

    20 January 2025

    A new case of clade Ib mpox has been detected in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) can confirm.  

    The case was detected in East Sussex and the individual is now under specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. They had recently returned from Uganda, where there is currently community transmission of clade Ib mpox. The UKHSA and NHS will not be disclosing any further details about the individual. 

    The risk to the UK population remains low. In the context of the outbreak in parts of Africa, we expect to see the occasional imported case of clade Ib mpox in the UK. 

    This is the sixth case of clade Ib mpox confirmed in England since October 2024. This case has no links to the previous cases identified in England.

    Close contacts of the case are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. Contacts will be offered testing and vaccination where needed to prevent further infections and they will be advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive. 

    Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, said: 

    It is thanks to clinicians rapidly recognising the symptoms and the work of our specialist laboratory that we have been able to detect this new case.

    The risk to the UK population remains low following this sixth case, and we are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread.

    Clade Ib mpox has been circulating in several countries in Africa in recent months. Imported cases have been detected in a number of countries including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden and the United States. 

    There has been extensive planning undertaken to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to any further confirmed cases.

    29 November 2024

    A new case of clade Ib mpox has been detected in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) can confirm.  

    The case was detected in Leeds and the individual is now under specialist care at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. They had recently returned from Uganda, which is seeing community transmission of clade Ib mpox. The UKHSA and NHS will not be disclosing any further details about the individual. 

    The risk to the UK population remains low. We expect to see the occasional imported case of clade Ib mpox in the UK. 

    This is the fifth case of clade Ib mpox confirmed in England in recent weeks. This case has no links to the previous cases identified. All 4 previous cases were from the same household and all have now fully recovered.  

    Close contacts of the case are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. Any contacts will be offered testing and vaccination as needed and advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive. 

    Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said: 

    It is thanks to clinicians rapidly recognising the symptoms and our diagnostics tests that we have been able to detect this new case. 

    The risk to the UK population remains low following this fifth case, and we are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread. In accordance with established protocols, investigations are underway to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases. 

    Clade Ib mpox has been widely circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya in recent months. Imported cases have been detected in Canada, Sweden, India, Thailand and Germany. 

    There has been extensive planning underway to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to any further confirmed cases.

    6 November 2024

    One further case of clade Ib mpox has been detected in a household contact of the first case, the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) can confirm.  

    This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 4, all of which belong to the same household. 

    The patient is currently under specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London. The risk to the UK population remains low. 

    The patient has been isolating since identified as a contact of the first case and no additional contact tracing is required. 

    Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said: 

    Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact and so it is not unexpected to see further cases within the same household. 

    The overall risk to the UK population remains low. We are working with partners to make sure all contacts of the cases are identified and contacted to reduce the risk of further spread.

    Contacts of cases are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. All contacts will be offered testing and vaccination as needed and advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive. 

    There has been extensive planning underway to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to any further confirmed cases.

    4 November 2024

    Two cases of clade Ib mpox have been detected in household contacts of the first case, the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) can confirm. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 3.

    The 2 patients are currently under specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London. The risk to the UK population remains low.

    There has been extensive planning underway to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to any further confirmed cases.

    Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said:

    Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact and so it is not unexpected to see further cases within the same household.

    The overall risk to the UK population remains low. We are working with partners to make sure all contacts of the cases are identified and contacted to reduce the risk of further spread.

    Contacts of all 3 cases are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. All contacts will be offered testing and vaccination as needed and advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive.

    30 October 2024

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected a single confirmed human case of clade Ib mpox. The risk to the UK population remains low.

    This is the first detection of this clade of mpox in the UK. It is different from mpox clade II that has been circulating at low levels in the UK since 2022, primarily among gay, bisexual and other men-who-have-sex-with-men (GBMSM).

    UKHSA, the NHS and partner organisations have well tested capabilities to detect, contain and treat novel infectious diseases, and while this is the first confirmed case of mpox clade Ib in the UK, there has been extensive planning underway to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to any confirmed cases.

    The case was detected in London and the individual has been transferred to the Royal Free Hospital High Consequence Infectious Diseases unit. They had recently travelled to countries in Africa that are seeing community cases of clade Ib mpox. The UKHSA and NHS will not be disclosing any further details about the individual.

    Close contacts of the case are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. Any contacts will be offered testing and vaccination as needed and advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive.

    UKHSA is working closely with the NHS and academic partners to determine the characteristics of the pathogen and further assess the risk to human health. While the existing evidence suggests mpox clade Ib causes more severe disease than clade II, we will continue to monitor and learn more about the severity, transmission and control measures. We will initially manage clade Ib as a high consequence infectious disease (HCID) whilst we are learning more about the virus.

    Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said:

    It is thanks to our surveillance that we have been able to detect this virus. This is the first time we have detected this clade of mpox in the UK, though other cases have been confirmed abroad.

    The risk to the UK population remains low, and we are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread. In accordance with established protocols, investigations are underway to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, said:

    I am extremely grateful to the healthcare professionals who are carrying out incredible work to support and care for the patient affected.

    The overall risk to the UK population currently remains low and the government is working alongside UKHSA and the NHS to protect the public and prevent transmission.

    This includes securing vaccines and equipping healthcare professionals with the guidance and tools they need to respond to cases safely.

    We are also working with our international partners to support affected countries to prevent further outbreaks.

    Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccination and screening, said:

    The NHS is fully prepared to respond to the first confirmed case of this clade of mpox.

    Since mpox first became present in England, local services have pulled out all the stops to vaccinate those eligible, with tens of thousands in priority groups having already come forward to get protected, and while the risk of catching mpox in the UK remains low, if required the NHS has plans in place to expand the roll out of vaccines quickly in line with supply.

    Clade Ib mpox has been widely circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in recent months and there have been cases reported in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Sweden, India and Germany.

    Clade Ib mpox was detected by UKHSA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.

    Common symptoms of mpox include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions which can last 2 to 4 weeks. It can also cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

    The infection can be passed on through close person-to-person contact with someone who has the infection or with infected animals and through contact with contaminated materials. Anyone with symptoms should continue to avoid contact with other people while symptoms persist.

    The UK has an existing stock of mpox vaccines and last month announced further vaccines are being procured to support a routine immunisation programme to provide additional resilience in the UK. This is in line with more recent independent JCVI advice.

    Working alongside international partners, UKHSA has been monitoring clade Ib mpox closely since the outbreak in DRC first emerged, publishing regular risk assessment updates.

    The wider risk to the UK population remains low.

    UKHSA has published its first technical briefing on clade I mpox which provides further information on the current situation and UK preparedness and response.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In West Point, Virginia, a New ‘Subsidence Superstation’ Measures Changing Land Surface

    Source: US Geological Survey

    USGS Scientists Jim Duda (left) and Roger Moburg (center) counterbalance the West Point Extensometer.

    On December 11th 2024, USGS scientists finished installation of a band new extensometer in West Point, Virginia. Though housed in a simple, nondescript building, this state-of-the-art piece of equipment is only the fourth of its kind on the East Coast.

    Extensometers are instruments that measure certain kinds of land motion. They extend hundreds to thousands of feet below the ground, and measure changes in the thickness of the geologic layers they pass through. Some aquifers, or geologic layers that hold and transmit groundwater, can compact under the weight of the ground above if groundwater levels are reduced. If a layer such as an aquifer compacts, the ground surface sinks, or subsides, and the extensometer can measure this subsidence with incredible precision. This new extensometer at West Point is so sensitive, that it can measure upward or downward motion of the ground by fractions of a millimeter (0.01 – 0.05 mm). 

    That’s smaller than the width of a sheet of paper! 

    USGS Technician Daniel Markey connects a continuous GPS senor mounted to the 1,371 ft. extensometer rod, which extends through the roof of the subsidence superstation equipment shelter.

    The instrument itself consists of a borehole similar to a well which extends a whopping 1,371 ft. below the ground surface, and a steel rod which extends from the base of the borehole all the way to the surface. This rod is carefully counter-balanced at the surface so that it rests nearly-weightlessly at the bottom of the borehole. Pressure transducers record minute changes in how much of the extensometer rod is protruding from the ground, and this is converted into a measure of land motion.

    The West Point extensometer, along with older extensometers in Franklin, Suffolk, and Nansemond, form key pillars of the USGS Virginia Vertical Land Motion Monitoring Network, which is supported by the Hampton Roads Sanitation District, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, and USGS Chesapeake Bay Studies. This network is collecting important data that will help Virginians understand where and how fast portions of eastern Virginia are sinking, which will inform how the area adapts to rising sea level. Coastal Virginia is experiencing the highest rates of relative sea level rise of anywhere on the East Coast.

    West Point will be the second of three Land Motion Observatories, or ‘Subsidence Superstations’, located across eastern Virginia. The first Land Motion Observatory is located in Nansemond, and the third will be installed in Newport News in the coming year. Each of these locations will have not only an extensometer to measure compaction, but also observation wells to track groundwater levels, and continuous GPS receivers and synthetic aperture radar corner reflectors so that land motion can be measured using satellites. Each of these methods of measuring subsidence provides scientists with data they can use to isolate what the main causes of sinking land might be in eastern Virginia.

    MIL OSI USA News –