NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU is the leader in the BRICS ranking among Russian universities located in the regions

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The Association of Rating Compilers (ACR) has published Pilot ranking of universities in the BRICS countries. The final list included 600 educational institutions from ten Commonwealth countries: Brazil, Egypt, India, Iran, China, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and South Africa. Russia became the second country in the ranking by the number of participants – 161 universities. Novosibirsk State is in 19th place in the overall ranking, occupying the highest positions among Russian universities located in the regions.

    In general, the BRICS rating methodology repeats the methodology of the “Three University Missions” rating, but takes into account the national characteristics of the countries that are part of the association. The university’s activities are also characterized in three areas: education, science, and relations with society. The difference is that the weights of some indicators have been changed and one new indicator has been added: “the number of joint scientific publications with BRICS partners.”

    — NSU’s high positions in the BRICS university rankings are explained by several factors. First of all, this is the quality of education and scientific activity. A positive impact was exerted by the increase in the significance of such an indicator as “the number of victories of university students in international student Olympiads” (data on Olympiads were taken into account from 2019 to 2023). And also the addition of such a criterion as the number of scientific works in partnership with colleagues from BRICS countries to the new ranking. NSU is traditionally strong in international scientific ties, especially with the states that are part of this association. We currently have 126 partner universities in 24 countries of the world, more than 300 publications with foreign co-authors are published annually, — noted NSU Rector, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Fedoruk.

    A total of 24 Russian universities made it into the top hundred of the ranking. The highest positions were taken by Moscow State University (2nd place), St. Petersburg State University (5th place), Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (6th place), HSE (10th place) and MEPhI (15th place). Next come universities located in the regions, among which the leader is Novosibirsk State University (19th place), followed by Tomsk State University (36th place) and Ural Federal University (38th place).

    The strongest point of Russian universities is the quality of education; 39 educational institutions in Russia were included in the top 100 universities according to this group of criteria, with 10 of them being in the top twenty.

    Rating information:

    The idea of the ranking was proposed in 2023 by representatives of South Africa, and in the same year it was enshrined in the declaration following the meeting of the BRICS education ministers. The BRICS principles on which the ranking was formed werevoicedat the congress of the Russian Union of Rectors in July 2024, and then they were discussed and supported by the working groups of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Russian Academy of Education and the Ministry of Education and Science. Principlespublishedon the website of the rating “Three University Missions”.

    Full list of universities, included in the rating.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.nsu.ru/n/media/nevs/education/ngu-leader-in-brix-rating-among-russian-universities-located-in-regions-/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sols 4336-4337: Where the Streets Have No Name

    Source: NASA

    2 min read

    Earth planning date: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024

    Curiosity continues to drive along the western edge of the upper Gediz Vallis channel. After exiting the channel a few weeks ago, we turned north to image the “back side” of the deposits that we investigated on the eastern side before the channel crossing. As a member of the Channel Surfers working group, we believe that acquiring these views will help further our understanding of the geometry, nature, and evolution of these landforms. The bumpy terrain in front of us, however, plays a role in determining our route and length of drive. The rover planners on the team always do a fantastic job in charting the course on this once-in-a-lifetime road trip. I like to imagine Curiosity with the windows down, blaring U2, as she steadily blazes a new path across the sulfate unit.

    With an eye towards imaging in this two-sol plan, Mastcam crafted a large mosaic of “Fascination Turret” that rises above the channel floor. ChemCam fit an unprecedented number of long distance RMI images in the plan that will document the upper extent of the white stone deposit, the nature of the “Kukenan” mound, and characterize the rocks in Fascination Turret at targets named “Chimney Tree” and “Forgotten Canyon.” In our immediate workspace, ChemCam used the Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument on a laminated (very thinly bedded) bedrock in the workspace at “Puppet Lake” to determine its chemical composition, which will be documented with a coordinating Mastcam image. MAHLI and AXPS teamed up to analyze a cluster of small gray rocks in front of us at “Jumble Lake.” 

    The second sol includes a 25-meter (about 82 feet) drive to the west/northwest as we continue along our path adjacent to the channel. The Environmental theme group included a range of activities such as a Mastcam tau that will measure the optical depth of the atmosphere and constrain aerosol scattering properties, dust devil movies, and a suprahorizon movie to monitor clouds.  

    Written by Sharon Wilson Purdy, Planetary Geologist at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: One Day Longer, One Day Stronger

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Amazing turnout at yesterday’s strike rally at IAM District 751 in Seattle! The energy was electric, and our unity was stronger than ever as we packed the hall, standing shoulder to shoulder, fighting for what we deserve. This strike is about every one of us – our future, our families, and our fight for a contract we have earned. There is no Boeing without the IAM!

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS to visit Peru and US

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    FS to visit Peru and US
    FS to visit Peru and US
    ***********************

         The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart for Peru this evening (October 18) to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting and other related events to be held in Lima, after which he will visit New York, the United States, from October 22 to 24.     In addition to attending the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting during his visit to Lima, Peru, Mr Chan will have bilateral meetings with officials of other economies to exchange views on issues of mutual concern. He will also attend a luncheon hosted by the APEC Business Advisory Council and meet with members of business communities from various regions.     With a theme of “Sustainable + Digital + Resilient = APEC”, this year’s Finance Ministers’ Meeting will explore topics including global economic and financial outlook, fostering green and sustainable development, providing financial support to tackle climate change, as well as digitalisation of finance and financial inclusion.      During his visit to New York, Mr Chan will attend the Global Regulatory Forum organised by Bloomberg and deliver a keynote speech. He will also join a number of breakfast meetings and luncheons to meet and exchange views with members of the political, business and financial communities in the United States, and promote Hong Kong’s advantages and opportunities. Mr Chan will also visit local enterprises.     Mr Chan will leave New York on October 24 local time and arrive in Hong Kong in the early evening of October 25. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will be the Acting Financial Secretary.

     
    Ends/Friday, October 18, 2024Issued at HKT 14:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS to visit Peru and the US

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart for Peru this evening to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting and other related events in the country’s capital Lima, before heading to New York City in the US.

    Under the banner “Sustainable + Digital + Resilient = APEC”, this year’s finance ministers’ meeting will explore the global economic and financial outlook, how to foster green and sustainable development, the provision of financial support to tackle climate change, digitalisation in finance, and financial inclusion. In addition to attending the APEC event, Mr Chan will hold bilateral meetings with officials from other economies to exchange views on issues of mutual concern. He will also attend a lunch hosted by the APEC Business Advisory Council.

    During his visit to New York, the Financial Secretary will deliver a keynote speech at the Global Regulatory Forum, organised by Bloomberg.

    In addition, Mr Chan will attend a number of breakfast meetings and lunches to promote Hong Kong’s advantages and opportunities. He will also visit local enterprises.

    Mr Chan will arrive back in Hong Kong on October 25. During his absence, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN receives Ambassador of Peru to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today received Ambassador of Peru to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN Luis Tsuboyama at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. They discussed Dr. Kao’s participation in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting, scheduled to be held in Lima, Peru, on 14 November 2024. Peru is the chair of APEC this year, having previously served as the APEC Chair in 2008 and 2016. The ASEAN Secretariat is one of the official observers of APEC, along with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives Ambassador of Peru to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Caring for sick animals and helping them get better prompted student to study vet nursing at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    6 hours ago

    Bayle Smith, 18, is currently studying the NZ Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5).

    Caring for sick animals and helping them get better prompted Bayle Smith to study vet nursing at EIT.

    A life-long animal lover, Bayle, who was born in South Carolina, USA, moved back to New Zealand as a youngster and has grown up in Hawke’s Bay.

    Bayle, 18, is currently studying the NZ Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5), with the aim of completing the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6), with the option of going on to finish the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing.

    Bayle was in Year 12 at Napier Girls’ High last year when she decided to leave school and go straight into the Veterinary Nursing programme, because she knew that’s what she wanted to do.

    While she was at school she had to do some extra assessments and credits to qualify to enrol at EIT.

    “I did a  few extracurricular assessments in my English class to have the right amount of credits. I had a couple of meetings with the coordinator before that and she gave me some help with working it out.”

    “I love animals and I have an interest in the anaesthetic side of things and looking after the patients. I grew up watching the Irwins so my dream job is to work  at a zoo with exotic animals, but the first step is doing small animals before you get to the large animals.”

    “I’m on my second work experience placement at the moment where I get put in a clinic and it’s making me realise that I definitely want this career. I love to look after and monitor the sick animals and make sure that they get better.”

    Bayle’s first placement was at a Vet Clinic in Hastings, while she is now experiencing things on the frontline at a clinic in Hamilton.

    Her love of animals stems from her time growing up on a farm in Eskdale.

    “When I was a little kid, I was always out in the paddock playing with the animals. We would bring in the orphaned lambs and baby goats to look after them. So, I’ve grown up my whole life around animals and loved looking after them.”

    “I’ve also volunteered at Riding for the Disabled and SPCA, so when I decided to go into veterinary nursing, it certainly did not feel like a job. I could happily do it free and go volunteer, because that is what it is all about.”

    Bayle says she is loving the programme and particularly enjoys the interaction with lecturers, who she says are keen to pass on their knowledge to students.

    “I do want to go all the way to my Bachelor’s degree. Obviously, I’m just at the start of it, but I definitely know that I’m going to continue with it for sure.”

    “I came into this programme knowing some things, but not a lot. But, I have learnt so much in my lectures and on my placement. This programme really sets you up well for a good career.”

    Emma Martin, EIT’s Veterinary Nursing Programme Co-ordinator & Lecturer said: “As Programme Coordinator for the veterinary nursing programmes at EIT, I first met Bayle in 2023 at our temporary offices on Vautier Street. At the time, she was still in school, working through her NCEA journey. “

    “We had a great conversation about her potential career options, and it was clear that Bayle was passionate about animals, providing care, and showing compassion to both pets and their owners. After discussing the academic entry criteria, Bayle returned to school with a clear goal, and we were delighted to welcome her into the veterinary nursing programme this year.”

    “Since joining, Bayle has demonstrated herself to be a keen and eager learner, always striving to deepen her understanding of the many concepts we teach. She has been making the most of her learning opportunities, both in the classroom and during her work placements. We are thrilled to see her continued focus and enthusiasm as she pursues her studies and works towards entering the veterinary nursing profession.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What is Air Quality?

    Source: NASA

    Clean air is essential for healthy living, but according to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 99% of the global population breathes air exceeding their guideline limits of air pollution. “Air quality is a measure of how much stuff is in the air, which includes particulates and gaseous pollutants,” said Kristina Pistone, a research scientist at NASA Ames Research Center. Pistone’s research covers both atmospheric and climate areas, with a focus on the effect of atmospheric particles on climate and clouds. “It’s important to understand air quality because it affects your health and how well you can live your life and go about your day,” Pistone said. We sat down with Pistone to learn more about air quality and how it can have a noticeable impact on human health and the environment.

    There are six main air pollutants regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States: particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides, ozone, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, and lead. These pollutants come from from natural sources, such as the particulate matter that rises into the atmosphere from fires and desert dust, or from human activity, such as the ozone generated from sunlight reacting to vehicle emissions.

    Air quality influences health and quality of life. “Just like we need to ingest water, we need to breathe air,” Pistone said. “We have come to expect clean water because we understand that we need it to live and be healthy, and we should expect the same from our air.”
    Poor air quality has been tied to cardiovascular and respiratory effects in humans. Short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), for example, can cause respiratory symptoms like coughing and wheezing, and long-term exposure increases the risk of developing respiratory diseases such as asthma or respiratory infections. Exposure to ozone can aggravate the lungs and damage the airways. Exposure to PM2.5 (particulates 2.5 micrometers or smaller) causes lung irritation and has been linked to heart and lung diseases.
    In addition to its impacts on human health, poor air quality can damage the environment, polluting bodies of water through acidification and eutrophication. These processes kill plants, deplete soil nutrients, and harm animals.

    Air quality is similar to the weather; it can change quickly, even within a matter of hours. To measure and report on air quality, the EPA uses the United States Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is calculated by measuring each of the six primary air pollutants on a scale from “Good” to “Hazardous,” to produce a combined AQI numeric value 0-500.
    “Usually when we’re talking about air quality, we’re saying that there are things in the atmosphere that we know are not good for humans to be breathing all the time,” Pistone said. “So to have good air quality, you need to be below a certain threshold of pollution.” Localities around the world use different thresholds for “good” air quality, which is often dependent on which pollutants their system measures. In the EPA’s system, an AQI value of 50 or lower is considered good, while 51-100 is considered moderate. An AQI value between 100 and 150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, and higher values are unhealthy to everyone; a health alert is issued when the AQI reaches 200. Any value over 300 is considered hazardous, and is frequently associated with particulate pollution from wildfires.

    Air quality sensors are a valuable resource for capturing air quality data on a local level.In 2022, the Trace Gas GRoup (TGGR) at NASA Ames Research Center deployed Inexpensive Network Sensor Technology for Exploring Pollution, or INSTEP: a new network of low-cost air quality sensors that measures a variety of pollutants. These sensors are capturing air quality data in certain areas in California, Colorado, and Mongolia, and have proven advantageous for monitoring air quality during California’s fire season.
    The 2024 Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ) mission integrated sensor data from aircraft, satellites, and ground-based platforms to evaluate air quality over several countries in Asia. The data captured from multiple instruments on these flights, such as the Meteorological Measurement System (MMS) from NASA Ames Atmospheric Science Branch, are used to refine air quality models to forecast and assess air quality conditions.
    Agency-wide, NASA has a range of Earth-observing satellites and other technology to capture and report air quality data. In 2023, NASA launched the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) mission, which measures air quality and pollution over North America. NASA’s Land, Atmosphere Near real-time Capability for Earth Observations (LANCE) tool provides air quality forecasters with measurements compiled from a multitude of NASA instruments, within three hours of its observation.

    In addition to the EPA’s website, which houses air-quality related sources, the EPA also has a platform called AirNow, which reports the local AQI across the United States and allows users to check air quality levels in their area. Pistone also recommends looking at Purple Air’s real-time map, which displays PM data taken from a crowd-sourced network of low-cost sensors and translates those measurements to estimate AQI. For those concerned about air quality, Pistone recommends checking out https://cleanaircrew.org/ for resources on indoor air quality, breathing safely with wildfire smoke, and even building your own box fan filter.
    To learn more about air quality research applications, see NASA’s Applied Sciences Program’s Health & Air Quality program area, which details the use of Earth observations to assess and address air quality concerns at local, regional, and national levels. Additionally, the NASA Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team (HAQAST) helps connect NASA data and tools with stakeholders to better share and understand the effects of air quality on human health.
    Written by Katera Lee, NASA Ames Research Center

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney Designates District Election Officer for November 2024 General Election

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Harry M. Jacobs will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Jacobs has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Minnesota, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

    United States Attorney Luger said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

    The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

    Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).

    United States Attorney Luger stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Jacobs will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (612) 253-0948.”

    In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (763) 569-8000.

    Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

    United States Attorney Luger said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

    Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 5th Joint BoC – ECB – NY Fed Conference – Policy Panel

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Chair: Philip R. Lane, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB

    Panellists:

    Yuriy Gorodnichenko, University of California, Berkeley
    Kim Huynh, Bank of Canada
    Wilbert van der Klaauw, Federal Reserve Bank of New York

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlg3W8c9QoM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Readout of President  Biden’s Meeting with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of  Germany

    Source: The White House

    President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany at Bellevue Palace to discuss the strong U.S.-German relationship, grounded in our shared democratic values.  The two leaders coordinated on support for Ukraine in its self-defense against Russian aggression; countering antisemitism and other forms of hate at home and abroad; efforts to de-escalate conflict in the Middle East and support the protection of civilians; amongst other global issues. President Biden acknowledged the timing of his visit ahead of the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and our countries’ shared commitment to freedom and democracy.  The President underscored the close U.S. diplomatic, economic, and military relationship with Germany.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vladimir Stroyev took part in the opening of the Forum of Rectors of BRICS Universities

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev and Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Dmitry Bryukhanov took part in the opening meeting of the BRICS University Rectors’ Forum, which was held on October 17, 2024, in the building of Lomonosov Moscow State University and brought together about 200 university leaders and representatives from 20 countries.

    The event was held within the framework of the Russian Federation’s chairmanship of the BRICS association in 2024 under the auspices of the Russian Union of Rectors and is the first such forum with the participation of rectors of leading universities of the BRICS countries, as well as representatives of the scientific and expert communities in an expanded format.

    The Forum’s plenary session featured welcoming speeches and speeches by distinguished guests, including Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Minister of Education of the Federative Republic of Brazil Alexandre Brasil Carvalho da Fonseca, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Academician Vladislav Panchenko and others.

    In his speech, Konstantin Mogilevsky noted that cooperation between BRICS countries in the field of education, science and technology is growing stronger from year to year, transforming from bilateral to multilateral and network forms of interaction.

    On the sidelines of the forum, Vladimir Stroev held a number of meetings and discussions with colleagues and partners from various Russian and foreign universities, as well as government and scientific structures.

    On the day of the Forum, the Association of Rating Compilers (ARC) prepared a pilot version of the BRICS universities ranking, which included the State University of Management.

    The methodology of the BRICS university ranking is based on the approaches to compiling the global list of “Three University Missions” – the first academic ranking. At the same time, changes were made to the ranking model to take into account the national characteristics of educational institutions in the BRICS countries.

    The final list included 600 educational institutions from ten Commonwealth countries: Brazil, Egypt, India, Iran, China, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and South Africa. The largest number of universities in the ranking are located in China (207 universities). The second country by the number of participants in the ranking was Russia (161 universities), and the third place in this parameter was taken by India (93 universities).

    On the second day of the Forum, October 18, its participants will discuss issues of forming the ranking of universities in the BRICS countries.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/18/2024

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Vladimir Stroyev took part in the opening of the Forum of Rectors of BRICS Universities

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Enforcement Efforts at Our Borders – Press Conference Oct 17, 2024 | CBP

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy A. Miller was in San Diego, California, meeting with local CBP leadership and workforce from across Southern California. While in California, Mr. Miller hosted a media availability at the San Ysidro Port of Entry to discuss CBP’s enhanced enforcement efforts that are enhancing the safety and security of our communities.

    Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/CBPgov
    Facebook ➤ https://facebook.com/CBPgov
    Twitter ➤ https://twitter.com/CBP
    Official Website ➤ https://www.cbp.gov

    #cbp
    #lawenforcement
    #bordersecurity

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce8DhLk6jmI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell Daily Press Briefing – October 17th, 2024

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell hosts a press briefing to provide an update on the ongoing federal and local response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K12NpF943Q8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ITUWTSA 2024 Champions Gender Equality in Telecommunication Standards with Historic Milestone in Women’s Leadership Participation

    Source: Government of India

    ITUWTSA 2024 Champions Gender Equality in Telecommunication Standards with Historic Milestone in Women’s Leadership Participation

    Witnessed highest ever female participation in the history of ITUWTSA events, marking a significant step toward gender-balanced delegations and leadership roles

    Boosting women’s participation in standards development is not just about numbers—it’s about ensuring that women’s voices are heard, empowering future leaders, and fostering inclusion: Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General of the ITU

    Posted On: 18 OCT 2024 11:44AM by PIB Delhi

    The ITU-WTSA 24 which is being held in Delhi in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, saw a landmark event yesterday, focused on promoting gender diversity in the field of telecommunication standardization. The special event, The Network of Womenin Standards (NoW), led by the Telecommunication Standardization Sector of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T), underscored the commitment to advancing women’s leadership roles in STEM and standardisation.This topic is particularly significant for India as the government is implementing various measures to create an inclusive technology sector and empower women through technology platforms, in line with the vision of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, who advocates for women-led development. India is making progress in this area, with an increasing number of women co-founders in startups and over 40% of participants in STEM education being women. Initiatives such as Namo Drone Didi, Bank Sakhi, and Mahila E-Haat are empowering women to take on leadership roles in technology.

     

    The Network of Women (NoW) in ITU-T, aligned with WTSA Resolution 55 (Rev. Geneva, 2022), is dedicated to fostering active female participation in standardization activities and ensuring a gender-inclusive approach across all ITU-T processes. This initiative is critical as the global push for digital inclusion accelerates, with women playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology.

     

    In her opening remarks, Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General of the ITU, emphasized the importance of addressing gender imbalances in the field. She stated, “We can, and we must, increase the number of women in leadership roles, especially in our standards study groups. It’s crucial for women to step up, take the floor, and make their voices heard. This is what the Network of Women stands for—creating an environment where women feel empowered and supported. Mentorship plays a vital role in this transformation. It’s through mentoring, creating opportunities, and sharing our knowledge that we can truly progress. If there is no seat at the table, we must bring our own chair—and bring one more for those who will follow. Let’s continue pushing forward, lifting each other up, and ensuring that the digital future is shaped by all of humanity. Together, we can and will make real progress toward digital inclusion.”

    Dr. Rim Belhassine-Cherif, Chair of NoW, ITU-T, and Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer responsible for Digital Transformation at Tunisie Télécom, highlighted the progress made in achieving gender balance at ITU-WTSA 2024. She noted, “One of the key objectives of ITU-WTSA 2024 was to promote gender-balanced delegations and increase the number of women in leadership roles, particularly as heads of delegations. Through various initiatives such as panel discussions, training sessions, tutorials, and the support of regional preparatory groups, we have achieved the highest-ever participation rate of women in ITU-WTSAhistory.”

    The increasing involvement of women in ICT standardization is crucial as disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerge. Women’s contributions can help ensure the development of inclusive, equitable, and sustainable standards that will drive technological progress for the benefit of all humanity.

    The event featured a dynamic fireside chat, moderated by Doreen Bogdan-Martin, with Dr. Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, Minister of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications, Burkina Faso, and Neha Satak, Founder & CEO of Astrome. The discussion focused on closing the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and in standardization. Panelists stressed the importance of a supportive environment and early capacity building to encourage more girls to pursue careers in tech.

    Expert panelists examined and discussed the challenges surrounding gender equality in AI and shed light on incentives and opportunities for technical standards to support inclusive AI during panel discussion on “Standards for inclusive AI”.  Also discussed were the ways to explore how standards could help address gender bias and ensure an equitable future. The session was  moderated by Ms Susan Ferguson, UN Women India Representative and panelists were Prof Sandra Maximiano, Chair of the Board, Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações (Portugal’s national regulatory authority for the communications sector), Mr Vishnu Ram, AI expert, Vice Chair of ITU Focus Group on Autonomous Networks, Dr Alessandra Sala, Sr. Director of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Shutterstock, Global President of Women in AI, Dr Ebtesam Almazrouei, Founder and CEO of AIE3, Expert AI Executive and Tech Visionary Leader and MsPico Velazquez, founder & CEO at VIIRA, Computational Architect & Multiverse Thought Leader.

    The session also recognised the leading women in ITU Standardisation. Mr. Seizo Onoe, Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau and Ms. Madhu Arora, Member, Technology/Digital Communication Commission, Department of Telecommunication, Ministry of Communications, Government of India felicitated Dr. Rim Belhassine-Cherif, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer, TunisieTélécom, Tunisia; Dr. Hyoung Jun Kim, Vice Chair, NoW, Chair of ITU-T;Ms. Rebecca MukiteNoW in ITU-T Regional Representatives, Africa; Ms. Tania Villa, Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT), Mexico; Ms Basma Tawfik, International Organizations Manager National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), Egypt​; Ms Miho Naganuma, TSAG Vice Chair, Senior Executive professional, NEC Corporation, Japan; Ms Maria Bolshakova, Acting Deputy Director General, Regional Commonwealth in the field of Communications (RCC), Russia; Ms Izabela Iglewska, Minister Advisor, Ministry of Digital Affairs, Poland; Additionally, member states from Cameroon, the Dominican Republic, Ghana and Europe were also felicitated for their high female participation rates in delegations.

     

    ITU-WTSA 2024 continues to drive pivotal conversations on gender equality in telecommunications, addressing both statistical and stereotypical biases, mitigating biases, and promoting active participation of women in the telecom and tech sector.

    WTSA 2024, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), serves as a platform for the development and implementation of global telecommunications standards, uniting regulators, industry leaders, and policymakers to shape the future of communications worldwide.

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: First-ever International Conference of All India Institute of Ayurveda- Advancements of Research & Global Opportunities for Holistic Ayurveda (AROHA-2024) inaugurated today in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    First-ever International Conference of All India Institute of Ayurveda- Advancements of Research & Global Opportunities for Holistic Ayurveda (AROHA-2024) inaugurated today in New Delhi

    Truly delighted to see how AIIA has made remarkable progress in just eight years; Rooted in generational family wisdom, Ayurveda offers valuable insights into integrated well-being: Dr. Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, Hon’ble Chief Justice of India

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are strengthening Ayurveda’s global recognition today: Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush

    Posted On: 17 OCT 2024 10:00PM by PIB Delhi

    The first-ever International conference of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA)- Advancements of Research & Global Opportunities for Holistic Ayurveda – AROHA-2024 was inaugurated today by Dr. Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, Hon’ble Chief Justice of India in the august presence of Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush and Health & Family Welfare.

     

    Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla, Director, Global Traditional Medicine Centre, WHO, Jamnagar, Gujarat was also present on the occasion. Additionally, Lt. Gen. Madhuri Kanitkar, Vice Chancellor, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS); Padma Bhushan Prof. Shiv Kumar Sarin, Director, ILBS; and AIIA Director Prof (Dr) Tanuja Nesari also graced the event.

    The three-day International conference – Advancements of Research & Global Opportunities for Holistic Ayurveda – AROHA-2024 is scheduled to be held from today 17th October to 19th October 2024.

     

    Hon’ble Chief Justice of India Dr. Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud during his inaugural address said “ I am privileged to be a part of AROHA 2024; the day also marks the 8th foundation day of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA). I am truly delighted to see how AIIA has made remarkable progress in just eight years, founded with a mandate to foster research based Ayurveda. The institute focuses on three key pillars tertiary care, research and academics. I am an ardent follower of Ayurveda. Beyond addressing specific ailments, Ayurveda promotes holistic wellness through medicine, nutrition, meditation, yoga and lifestyle balance. Rooted in generational family wisdom, Ayurveda offers valuable insights into integrated well-being. The launch of the Ayush Research Portal marks a significant advancement for Ayurvedic research and education,”

     

    Speaking at this event, the Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush and Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav said “As we gather to explore the vast potential of Ayurveda, I applaud your dedication to integrating traditional wisdom with modern science, which is the need of the hour. This conference represents a significant step forward in our pursuit of holistic healthcare solutions. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are strengthening Ayurveda’s global recognition today. His encouragement has led to Ayurveda being adopted more than any other medical practice. After the Prime Minister’s efforts, Ayurveda’s credibility has also increased, and I am deeply grateful to him for entrusting me with the Ministry of Ayurveda to serve millions. I am fully committed to fulfilling all the aspirations related to the Ministry of Ayurveda under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision.’ The Ministry of Ayush remains committed to promoting and supporting research, innovation, and the integration of Ayurveda into mainstream healthcare.”

    Speaking at the occasion Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush said “The Ministry of Ayush is committed to developing 5 key botanicals of Ayurveda in the next five years. We are developing a benchmark at par with globally accepted traditional medicine for these botanicals. so we have already started working on it, and this is something very new and it is, we are committed to the effort”.

    “We really want to thank the Government of India, Ministry of Ayush, for the extreme generosity, the leadership and the vision to make traditional medicine a global good that can benefit all people in the world. Already, this leadership is having global impact. We have seen the leadership at the G20 at the BRICS and other regional conferences. Note traditional medicine and its contribution for the health and well being of all people. It’s also having a technical impact with the research collaborations, with the advancements of methods and guidelines.” Said Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla, Director, Global Traditional Medicine Centre, WHO, Jamnagar, Gujarat.

    AROHA-2024 will feature both in-person and virtual participation, offering an unparalleled opportunity for participants. The discourse will be centered on the theme- Advancements in Research and Global Opportunities for Holistic Ayurveda” in this global event. The conference agenda covers a wide range of topics, including Ayurveda, ethnomedicine, quality control, standardization, diagnosis, drug delivery, evidence-based understanding, and globalization. It also features an exhibition showcasing stalls from leading brands and institutions, offering insights into herbal products, wellness solutions, Ayurvedic treatments, research innovations, and educational opportunities.

    The conference features three-day workshops and 15 scientific sessions, with over 400 research papers presented. The All India Institute of Ayurveda has a global presence in over 74 countries through academic and scientific collaborations with prominent organizations like the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, FIGZ Germany, AIST Japan, Western Sydney University Australia, UHN Canada, and national institutions like IGIB, AIIMS, CSIR, IIT, and others.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: DNA Fund Acquires Coral Capital; To Manage $50 Million AUM In Web3, AI & Emerging Tech

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • With this acquisition, DNA Fund, known for its big-ticket investments in web3, aims to expand into new verticals, including a Bitcoin & Ether Yield Fund.
    • Coral Capital previously managed the funds of DNA’s principals.

    Puerto Rico, Oct. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — — DNA Fund, the Financial Institution of the future in high-ticket emerging tech and web3 investments, has announced its acquisition of Coral Capital Holdings LLC, an established investment management firm that has previously managed millions in the DNA founders’ personal funds. 

    As early-stage investors in established Web3 brands and founders of some of the sector’s most notable projects, DNA and its founders have invested in or founded projects such as Tether, EOS, Mastercoin, Bancor, and Hedera Hashgraph. The acquisition will see the DNA Fund manage an additional AUM of over $50 million, which includes Coral’s high-yield hedge funds and venture funds focused on DeFi, AI, blockchain, and other emerging technology sectors. Some of Coral’s top-performing investments include Near Protocol and Atmos Labs.

    Thomas L. McLaughlin, Coral’s Chief Investment Officer, will continue in his role, managing the funds with a unique focus and strategy aimed at maximizing investor returns.

    Regarding the acquisition, Christopher Miglino, CEO of DNA Fund, said, “By bringing Coral Capital under our umbrella, we are not only expanding our investment capabilities but also enhancing our ability to offer unique, high-growth opportunities to our clients. Our combined expertise allows us to navigate the complexities of the digital asset landscape and continue delivering value to our investors.”

    Thomas L. McLaughlin, CIO of Coral Capital Holdings, added, “Joining forces with DNA Fund is an exciting new chapter for Coral. Our shared vision for leveraging technology to drive financial growth is perfectly aligned. Together, we are set to redefine what’s possible in digital asset investments and deliver superior results for our investors.”

    Since its inception in 2021, Coral has delivered consistent returns with innovative strategies, delivering high multiples on the benchmark of the overall market cap of digital assets. Coral’s Flagship fund, initially started as a market-neutral vehicle, was rebranded in 2023 as a discretionary liquid token, surviving a number of high-volatility events, including FTX and Terra.

    With a 61.6% return (net of fees) and a maximum annual drawdown of only 11.6% in FY 2022, these funds have outperformed the broader digital asset market. Over a similar period, Bitcoin returned 36.7%. 

    Through this acquisition, DNA Fund also aims to capitalize on the growing interest from institutional investors and expand into several new verticals over the coming year, including a Bitcoin & Ether Yield Fund, as well as more speculative funds focused on AI, memecoins and microcaps.

    -END-

    About DNA Holdings Venture Inc.(DNA Fund):
    Since 2013, DNA Holdings Venture Inc. has been a leader in the digital asset investment space and at the forefront of the next global financial ecosystem. Co-founded by Brock Pierce, a pioneering innovator and investor in the blockchain industry, and Scott Walker, a key figure in early crypto adoption and one of the most successful investors in the history of the space, DNA Fund leverages its deep industry knowledge to drive innovation and provide value to investors worldwide.

    About Coral Capital Holdings LLC
    Founded in 2021, Coral Capital Holdings LLC has been a trusted name in crypto fund management, with a focus on delivering innovative strategies and strong returns for its investors. Under DNA’s leadership, Coral continues to build on its legacy of excellence with a renewed focus on emerging opportunities in digital assets and technology.

    Investor Relations
    DNA Holdings Venture Inc.  
    investors@dna.holdings  

    Media Contact
    Jonny Hesketh
    Luna PR, jonny@lunapr.io, +971 555 496776

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hubble Captures a New View of Galaxy M90

    Source: NASA

    2 min read

    This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image features the striking spiral galaxy Messier 90 (M90, also NGC 4569), located in the constellation Virgo. In 2019, Hubble released an image of M90 created with Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) data taken in 1994, soon after its installation. That WFPC2 image has a distinctive stair-step pattern due to the layout of its sensors. Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) replaced WFPC2 in 2009 and Hubble used WFC3 when it turned its aperture to Messier 90 again in 2019 and 2023. That data resulted in this stunning new image, providing a much fuller view of the galaxy’s dusty disk, its gaseous halo, and its bright core.

    The inner regions of M90’s disk are sites of star formation, seen here in red H-alpha light from nebulae. M90 sits among the galaxies of the relatively nearby Virgo Cluster, and its orbit took M90 on a path near the cluster’s center about three hundred million years ago. The density of gas in the inner cluster weighed on M90 like a strong headwind, stripping enormous quantities of gas from the galaxy and creating the diffuse halo we see around it. This gas is no longer available to form new stars in M90, with the spiral galaxy eventually fading as a result.

    M90 is located 55 million light-years from Earth, but it’s one of the very few galaxies getting closer to us. Its orbit through the Virgo cluster has accelerated so much that M90 is in the process of escaping the cluster entirely. By happenstance, it’s moving in our direction. Astronomers have measured other galaxies in the Virgo cluster at similar speeds, but in the opposite direction. As M90 continues to move toward us over billions of years, it will also be evolving into a lenticular galaxy.
    Download this image

    Media Contact:

    Claire AndreoliNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MDclaire.andreoli@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Army launches pilot to explore generative AI for acquisition activities

    Source: United States Army

    WASHINGTON – Ms. Jennifer Swanson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Data, Engineering and Software, announced today the launch of a pilot, #CalibrateAI, that will explore innovative applications of generative artificial intelligence for Army acquisition activities.

    #CalibrateAI will use a cutting-edge generative AI tool – developed by one of the Army’s many industry partners, at no cost to the Army – that harnesses the power of advanced technology, data analytics, machine learning and natural language processing. This AI tool is designed to deliver tailored responses that are highly relevant to specific topics, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of information retrieval and analysis.

    “By using off-the-shelf AI tools and leveraging cross-service authority-to-operate reciprocity granted by DoD CIO, #CalibrateAI will explore how we increase productivity while enhancing the accuracy of information,” said Swanson. “The ability to query curated document sets for generating new content, along with providing citations, will ensure that our outputs are not only accurate but also easily fact-checked.”

    #CalibrateAI is aligned with the Army CIO’s generative AI initiative and serves as an opportunity for AI experimentation and feedback by allowing participants to simplify repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Deployed in an Impact Level 5 secure cloud environment, the AI tool can handle controlled unclassified information data, ensuring that sensitive information is managed with the highest level of security.

    The AI tool includes customizable user-access controls to protect “need to know” information, ensuring that data security and confidentiality are paramount. #CalibrateAI will focus on identifying and calling out potential “hallucinations” or erroneous outputs, thereby increasing the reliability of AI-generated content.

    #CalibrateAI aims to:

    • Increase productivity by using AI tools to collate, curate and generate critical information relevant to acquisition activities.

    • Improve accuracy by implementing mechanisms to provide citations, ensuring the integrity and verifiability of generated content.

    • Promote innovation by encouraging the exploration of novel applications of AI in acquisition.

    • Inform the Army CIO’s pilot, which includes other generative AI tools, to scope a cost-effective path for the Army’s broader adoption of these capabilities.

    The Army’s Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology is committed to leveraging advanced technologies to improve efficiency and support the U.S. Army’s mission. #CalibrateAI represents a significant opportunity to shape the future of acquisition activities through the transformative power of generative AI in a measured and thoughtful way.

    For more information about #CalibrateAI, please contact Mr. Jamal Beck at jamal.b.beck.civ@army.mil.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn’s Panhellenic Council Recognized with National Excellence Award

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    UConn’s Panhellenic Council – the governing body for nine sororities at the University – was one of just 12 such groups out of nearly 600 to be recognized for national excellence this year.

    The council received the College Panhellenic Excellence Award from the National Panhellenic Conference, which confers the honor on councils that “have demonstrated outstanding contributions to all award criteria which include academic innovation, community impact, leadership, recruitment, programming and marketing.” UConn’s council was one of 12 to receive this award, out of more than 580.

    “It shows the strength that we have built in the council over the past few years and shows how we grow with the changing world, practice diversity, equity, and inclusion, and counteract the stigmas that are typically drawn about us,” says Panhellenic President Katherine Bates ’25 (CLAS).

    The council serves as the governing board of the nine Panhellenic sororities on campus, and over the past three years, has worked to expand the culture of the community in efforts to meet national standards. This culture change emphasizes the positive impact they want to have on not only all of the women in sorority chapters, but also within the broader UConn community.

    One of their main goals is to destigmatize sororities and challenge negative impressions that are sometimes associated with Greek life on campus. This year, Panhellenic recruitment was up by 47%, a strong indication that their efforts are bearing fruit.

    “Joining Panhellenic allowed me to build a professional network,” Bates says. “Without the leadership experience I gained through my sorority and the Panhellenic council, I wouldn’t have become as well connected with the University and involved in other clubs. The social relationships lead to professional relationships. Panhellenic brings out the best in people by learning social and professional skills and applying them to their academics and jobs.”

    The council’s Executive Vice President, Naomi Mathew ’26 (CLAS), says the Panhellenic community is a tight-knit group within UConn’s large student body.

    “Every single connection in the Panhellenic community is true, which has shaped my experience. My life here would never be the same without my sorority chapter or this community, and I am so grateful to have found something that is greater than any degree,” she says.

    The Panhellenic community at UConn contributes to a unique college experience, members say, fostering a sense of togetherness among all sororities, offering leadership opportunities, and connecting young women with philanthropic values. Council members say that being recognized on a national level not only acknowledges their outstanding achievements, but promotes the uplifting and inspiring community the Panhellenic council has built for undergraduate women on campus.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sgt. 1st Class Fabricio Monterroso shares his part in helping participants in the upcoming E3B

    Source: United States Army

    Sgt. 1st Class Fabricio Monterroso, electronic maintenance chief, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, poses for a photo at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 9, 2024. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ivan Hernandez | U.S. Army photo illustration by Brenadine C. Humphrey) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Back to 

    U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

    VICENZA, Italy – “You need to leave your computer desk and get into the warrior mentality,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Fabricio Monterroso, electronic maintenance chief with U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Such is the effort SETAF-AF soldiers need when preparing for the upcoming Expert Infantry, Soldier and Field Medical Badges (E3B) challenge.

    E3B is a grueling test with multiple graded tasks over a one-week period. It is the combination of the Expert Infantry Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge and Expert Soldier Badge. E3B takes place at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy on Oct. 21st and will feature participants from SETAF-AF, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, as well as units from Germany and foreign national partners.

    “Our role is to simply lend a hand,” said Monterroso. “We give our expertise, help in the training and give tips and tricks from when we went through it.”

    In order to assist participants this year, SETAF-AF’s Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion established an internal training plan. Additionally, a group of those who have already earned their badges have agreed to provide their own support and expertise during the training.

    Monterroso, serving as one of the trainers, has been stationed in Italy for two years, one with the 79th Theater Sustainment Command and one with SETAF-AF. Currently, he primarily serves with the communications directorate, ensuring successful network capabilities at exercises and security cooperation engagements in Africa.

    “SETAF-AF Soldiers don’t typically get exposed to as many ‘soldier tasks’ compared to candidates from the 173rd or others who are more infantry orientated,” said Monterroso. “So we decided to set up this internal train-up for one-week to familiarize them.”

    During the internal training week, soldiers get refreshed on a variety of essential tasks and skills such as medical knowledge, land navigation, weapon disassembly and other skills. Monterroso joined Sgt. 1st Class Rodd P. Simington and Capt. Joshua A. Salters in leading the land navigation portion.

    “We know they won’t learn everything, but you have to break that seal,” said Monterroso. “It certainly helped me when I went through it.”

    Monterroso is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, one of many reservists and guardsmen who work at SETAF-AF on temporary active-duty orders. He said it was an incredible opportunity to compete for and obtain his Expert Soldier Badge.

    “When I first heard about it, I was very excited. As a reservist we don’t get a lot of chances to do stuff like E3B.” said Monterroso. “So when I heard about it back in 2022, I threw my hand up. But I had no expectations of actually badging.”

    For Monterroso, this was a challenge to see how he measured up both physically and mentally. As a former drill sergeant, this was a chance to prove to himself he could still do it, which was an opportunity he loved.

    “My train of thought was to simply throw myself in there,” said Monterroso. “Thanks to the internal train-up we had back then, I was able to improve upon many things like rucking and not be as shocked when doing the actual lanes.”

    Monterroso provides more to this year’s participants than simply training or expertise.

    “I don’t only train them up, of course; I’m boosting their morale,” said Monterroso. “I like to make sure everyone laughs even during training. They should have a good time and not be overwhelmed by just training all of the time.”

    As E3B approaches, Monterroso describes why every Soldier should participate in the grueling event.

    “Whether you think you will earn the badge or not, you should do it just for the experience,” said Monterroso. “It’s always good to throw yourself to the fire and see how you come out. E3B is a great way to test yourself and see where you are.”

    This year’s E3B is hosted by the 173rd Airborne Brigade and incudes Soldiers from across Europe, including partners and allies from Croatia, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain. E3B creates experts at all levels, across all organizations, increasing readiness and lethaity of Soldiers, teams, squaads ad platoons. These events are a key enabler to molding the force into professionals, while stressing commitment to every Soldier’s individual development.

    Expert Badges Europe

    Soldiers from units across Europe, including service members from other European countries, participate in annual events hosted throughout Belgium, Germany and Italy. For more imagery, video and news, see the Expert Badges Europe feature page.

    About SETAF-AF

    SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

    Follow SETAF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lengthy Sentences in Federal Prison Handed Down in Ongoing Large Scale Drug Conspiracy and Money Laundering Case

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    SIOUX FALLS – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced four individuals convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.

    Nathan Johnson, age 39, from Denver, Colorado, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments on June 17, 2024. He was sentenced to 36 years and eight  months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200. Johnson was sentenced in September of 2024.

    Michele Johnson, age 48, from Steen, Minnesota, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments on July 29, 2024. She was sentenced to 31 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200. She was sentenced in October of 2024.

    Jesse Richmond, age 51, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments on June 18, 2024. He was sentenced to 24 years and four months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200. Richmond was sentenced in September of 2024.

    Tony Hunter, age 53, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance on May 29, 2024. He was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Hunter was sentenced in September of 2024.

    Nathan Johnson, Michele Johnson, Matthew Thomas, Jesse Richmond, and Tony Hunter were originally indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2023. A third superseding indictment was filed in May of 2024 adding defendant, Alfred Siani.

    From December of 2022 to July of 2023, the above-mentioned defendants alongside numerous other co-conspirators transported large loads of methamphetamine from California to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Nathan Johnson, acting as the leader of the conspiracy, would travel from his home in Denver, Colorado to meet with his source of supply in Southern California. While there, Nathan Johnson would receive approximately 150-pounds worth of methamphetamine which would go on to be further distributed in Denver, Colorado, as well as South Dakota.

    While in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Nathan Johnson would distribute bulk amounts of methamphetamine to his co-conspirators: Jesse Richmond, Tony Hunter, and Michele Johnson. Richmond, Hunter, and Michele Johnson would go on to further distribute the methamphetamine throughout the Sioux Falls community and into southwest Minnesota.

    The amount of methamphetamine involved was in excess of 300 pounds and over $450,000 in drug proceeds were laundered during the existence of this conspiracy.

    “The multi-decade sentences obtained thus far illustrate the seriousness of the crimes and the dogged commitment of every agency involved to focus our resources on those criminals who choose to distribute dangerous substances in our state,” said United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “We are grateful for the collaboration of more than a dozen federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and joint task forces, as well as out-of-state agencies, which resulted in the takedown of a network of drug dealers responsible for bringing hundreds of pounds of illegal narcotics into South Dakota. We are fortunate to have such dedicated men and women doing the difficult investigative and prosecutorial work required to keep our communities safe.”

    “These sentences should serve as a wake-up call to anyone transporting or distributing methamphetamine into South Dakota communities,” Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steve Bell said. “These four people are facing a combined 119 years in federal prison. Each sentence should provide the offender with ample time to reflect on the damage and destruction they’ve inflicted on so many lives.”  

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (including the Rocky Mountain Field Division, Omaha Field Division, Mexico City Country Office, Los Angeles Field Division, Special Operations Division), as well as South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, FBI, South Dakota Highway Patrol, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation team, El Paso Intelligence Center, and collaboration received from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Marshals Service, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux Falls Police Department, Mitchell Police Department, Denver Police Department, Las Vegas Metro Police Department, Worthington Police Department, Brookings Police Department, Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force, Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force, Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Forde, and the Colorado Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen prosecuted the case.

    All four defendants were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Florida’s retail gasoline price stays stable after Hurricane Milton despite shortages

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    October 18, 2024

    Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s western coast on October 9 as a Category 3 hurricane. The hurricane and accompanying rain, winds, and flooding disrupted key gasoline supply chains to the state, leaving hundreds of retail gasoline stations without fuel. However, the average retail price of regular gasoline in Florida has remained relatively stable in the storm’s aftermath, remaining flat at $3.04 per gallon (gal) this week, as supply chains began to recover.

    The Florida average price reflects an estimate for retail prices across the entire state of Florida, and prices may vary significantly across regions, particularly because of major disruptions such as Hurricane Milton.

    Hurricanes can limit fuel supplies in Florida because Florida doesn’t have refineries or gasoline pipelines connecting it to other states with excess supply. Instead, Florida relies on gasoline delivered by ship from domestic and international sources. Because of the storm, several ports were temporarily closed, but others remained open with restrictions. Authorities at Port Tampa Bay, where nearly half of Florida’s petroleum product supply is brought in, reported no significant damage to docks, but they noted infrastructure damage, power outages, and road closures that could disrupt supply.

    Shipments from domestic refineries along the Gulf Coast, supplemented with imports from abroad, supply most of Florida. Florida’s gasoline arrives through several large ports located along its coastlines, each transporting fuel to nearby markets by truck or short-distance pipeline. The regions and their respective mode of transporting gasoline is as follows:

    • Western Florida: trucked from terminals in Port Tampa Bay
    • Southern Florida: trucked from terminals in Port Everglades, just north of Fort Lauderdale
    • Central Florida: transported by pipelines from Tampa, but some petroleum products trucked from Port Canaveral on the Atlantic Coast
    • Northeastern Florida: trucked from terminals in the Port of Jacksonville

    Some gasoline shipments arrive in Florida by both pipeline and truck. At a terminal in Bainbridge, Georgia, gasoline is transferred from the Colonial Pipeline system to a long-distance tanker truck for delivery to the Florida panhandle. Trucks and barges from nearby refineries in Alabama and Mississippi supply the rest of western Florida.

    The average retail gasoline price in Florida was unchanged as of October 14 compared with October 7. In the United States overall, the average retail gasoline price was $3.17/gal, a 1% increase compared with last week.

    Price spikes in response to shortages at individual stations contribute to sharp increases at specific locations, which are reflected in statewide average prices. To help address these shortages, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) procured and deployed emergency fuels. On October 15, the governor’s office reported that FDEM deployed 508,600 gallons of diesel and 686,200 gallons of gasoline and that public fuel distribution sites were open at several locations.

    Principal contributors: Kevin Hack, Kimberly Peterson, Tara Bennett-Chirico

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: MEET SPOT! | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    : DMA

    About the U.S. Army:
    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #AUSA2024 #Spot #BostonDynamics

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUD0ItxY0Ug

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic at the BRICS University Rectors Forum

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The BRICS University Rectors’ Forum has started at Moscow State University. It is attended by 250 heads and representatives of universities from 20 countries – all BRICS countries (Russia, Brazil, Egypt, India, Iran, China, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia and South Africa), as well as Belarus, Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Palestine and Sudan.

    It is important for us to work together to prepare new generations of personnel who are capable of not only achieving outstanding scientific results, but also increasingly feeling their responsibility for the future of science and humanity. The modern university community, as we see it, is open to equal, mutually beneficial partnership and cooperation, to mutual enrichment with the experience of developing universities in different countries, – the President of the Russian Union of Rectors, Rector of Moscow State University Viktor Sadovnichy greeted the participants.

    Deputy Minister of Science and Education of the Russian Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky emphasized: Education and science are becoming the most important tools for finding joint answers to global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality and global pandemics. It is thanks to the unification of the BRICS countries that we can implement practical initiatives of mutual interest.

    In his welcoming speech, the Vice Minister of Education of Brazil, Alexandre Brasil Carvalho da Fonseca, noted: The internationalization of education is a global perspective, and we aim to involve all BRICS countries in this process. We understand that the experience of all participants is a valuable resource for creating structures aimed at the internationalization of our activities. Our goal is to ensure access to higher education for Brazilians of different social classes, regardless of their status. We are confident that this cooperation will contribute to the improvement of research activities in universities and the improvement of the quality of life of the population within the BRICS.

    Welcoming speeches on the importance of inter-university cooperation were delivered by the Rector of Ain Shams University Saleh Hasem Mustafa Abdelrazek from Egypt, the Rector of the University of Sharjah Hamid Midwil Al-Naimi from the UAE and the President of the Association of Arab Universities Amr Ezzat Salama.

    Special Representative of the President of Russia for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy noted that the mechanism of regular dialogue at the level of ministers of education and enlightenment, ministers of science, technology and innovation, heads of academies of sciences of the BRICS countries is currently functioning effectively. Interaction is ongoing through the alliance of cooperation in the field of technical and vocational education and training.

    We are confident that this event, unprecedented in its scale and nature, will open a new chapter in the development of scientific and educational cooperation in BRICS, which will be supplemented by creative innovative solutions and joint achievements, he added.

    Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Vladislav Panchenko emphasized the importance of the BRICS association: Cooperation between the academies of sciences and universities of the BRICS countries opens up enormous prospects for us. The exchange of young scientists and students allows us not only to solve modern scientific and social problems, but also to achieve significant success within the framework of our association. We pay great attention to this process, discussing the importance of the inextricable link between science and education, which was emphasized at the recent meeting of the heads of the academies of sciences of the BRICS countries in Moscow, timed to coincide with the three hundredth anniversary of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    The Polytechnic delegation at the forum was headed by Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev. The busy program between business sessions included negotiations with partner universities and national associations. Following the forum, agreements were signed with leading universities of the BRICS countries – Indore Institute of Technology (India), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, State University of Campinas, State University of Sao Paulo “Julio de Mesquita Filho” (Brazil), Isfahan University of Technology (Iran), Gomel State Technical University named after P. O. Sukhoi (Belarus).

    We see significant interest from Brazil, India, and the Arab world in establishing strong long-term relations with Russia. It is gratifying that the Polytechnic University is known in these countries. This means that we are pursuing the right policy of forming our international reputation and promoting the university on the world stage. The agreements reached today create space for opportunities and development potential for us in the BRICS countries, – commented Dmitry Arsenyev.

    Print version

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/international_activize/polytech-at-the-forum-of-university-rectors-of-Brix-countries/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: James River To Hold Its Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call on Tuesday, November 12, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PEMBROKE, Bermuda, Oct. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — James River Group Holdings, Ltd. (NASDAQ: JRVR) will release third quarter 2024 earnings after the market closes on Monday, November 11, 2024. It will also host an earnings conference call on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 beginning at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time).

    The conference call may be accessed by dialing (800) 715-9871, conference ID 6261499, or via the investor website at https://investors.jrvrgroup.com. A replay will also be available in the same location.

    About James River Group Holdings, Ltd.

    James River Group Holdings, Ltd. is a Bermuda-based insurance holding company that owns and operates a group of specialty insurance companies. The Company operates in two specialty property-casualty insurance segments: Excess and Surplus Lines and Specialty Admitted Insurance. Each of the Company’s regulated insurance subsidiaries are rated “A-” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Visit James River Group Holdings, Ltd. on the web at http://www.jrvrgroup.com.

    For more information contact:

    Zachary Shytle
    Senior Analyst, Investor Relations and Investments
    (980) 249-6848
    InvestorRelations@james-river-group.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PAKISTAN – Controversial Islamic preacher visits the Pakistani government

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Radio Pakistan

    Lahore (Agenzia Fides) – “It is really shocking for us that the controversial Indian Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has been invited by the Pakistani government and is appearing in the main Pakistani cities to sow religious hatred,” said to Fides the Dominican Father James Channan, who directs the “Peace Center” in Lahore, which organizes numerous conferences, dialogue forums and interreligious meetings. Father Channan is very concerned about “the denigrations that are being made against Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism, which are very painful”. “We do not understand why Naik is given so much space: he has also preached in the Royal Mosque in Lahore, in front of 150,000 people and hundreds of thousands of Muslim believers connected via the Internet, insulting and ridiculing various religions, causing resentment even among Shiites and Ahmadis.” “His words are causing religious tension and polarization in Pakistan that can turn into violence,” warns the Dominican priest, noting that Naik’s speeches “have caused concern among Christians, Hindus and Sikhs.” “He has uttered words of contempt towards the Trinity, Jesus Christ, the Bible, the Torah and the sacred texts of the Hindus… We are very bitter because these interventions are destroying the constant work of dialogue and peaceful relations that we have patiently built in Pakistan,” laments Father Channan. Leaders of various religious communities condemned Zakir Naik’s hate speech and derogatory remarks and expressed their deep concern and disappointment: “His presence os detrimental to efforts to promote harmony and interfaith coexistence. The Pakistani government has the duty to prevent hatred and violence and ensure the safety and security of minority communities. The Ministry of Harmony should promote tolerance, understanding and respect among different faith communities. We believe that dialogue and cooperation between religions are essential for building a peaceful and harmonious society. Therefore, inviting a controversial leader is an unclear step,” the priest said. Zakir Naik is known for his sectarian speeches and his appearances have already been banned from countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. “So why not invite the Imam of the Kaaba in Mecca, who always proclaims a message of peace and tolerance?” asks Father Channan, pointing to the deep disappointment of many Sunni Muslim believers and religious leaders who also do not appreciate Zakir Naik’s approach. Meanwhile, Christian, Hindu and Sikh leaders boycotted an interreligious conference organized by the Ministry of Harmony in Lahore in recent days. “We wanted to send a signal. The state and religions must work together to promote dialogue and peace and not sow hatred. We are and will always be ready to work together with good will and make our contribution to dialogue, respect, tolerance, peace and harmony,” he concluded. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 18/10/2024)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Mike Lawler Introduces Legislation Cracking Down on Foreign Governments That Wrongfully Detain Americans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Congressman Mike Lawler Introduces Legislation Cracking Down on Foreign Governments That Wrongfully Detain Americans

    Washington, DC, October 18, 2024

    Today, Congressman Mike Lawler announced legislation he introduced to hold nations accountable for taking American citizens hostage or otherwise wrongfully detaining them. The bill, the State Sponsor of Wrongful or Unlawful Detention Act, will establish a designation of state sponsor of wrongful or unlawful detention. Countries with this designation would be subject to certain sanctions and be prohibited from receiving foreign assistance. This status would be reflected in travel advisories and the State Department will work with airlines to provide warnings for travelers as well.

    “The number of incidents in which American citizens have been taken hostage while traveling abroad is deeply disturbing, and foreign governments that repeatedly engage in this behavior must be held accountable,” said Congressman Lawler. “Congress must do more to protect Americans and deter incidents from happening in the first place. The State Sponsor of Wrongful or Unlawful Detention Act will ensure this is the case and I look forward to working with colleagues in both parties to get this bill passed as swiftly as possible.”

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: To make nuclear fusion a reliable energy source one day, scientists will first need to design heat- and radiation-resilient materials

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sophie Blondel, Research Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee

    A fusion experiment ran so hot that the wall materials facing the plasma retained defects. Christophe Roux/CEA IRFM, CC BY

    Fusion energy has the potential to be an effective clean energy source, as its reactions generate incredibly large amounts of energy. Fusion reactors aim to reproduce on Earth what happens in the core of the Sun, where very light elements merge and release energy in the process. Engineers can harness this energy to heat water and generate electricity through a steam turbine, but the path to fusion isn’t completely straightforward.

    Controlled nuclear fusion has several advantages over other power sources for generating electricity. For one, the fusion reaction itself doesn’t produce any carbon dioxide. There is no risk of meltdown, and the reaction doesn’t generate any long-lived radioactive waste.

    I’m a nuclear engineer who studies materials that scientists could use in fusion reactors. Fusion takes place at incredibly high temperatures. So to one day make fusion a feasible energy source, reactors will need to be built with materials that can survive the heat and irradiation generated by fusion reactions.

    Fusion material challenges

    Several types of elements can merge during a fusion reaction. The one most scientists prefer is deuterium plus tritium. These two elements have the highest likelihood of fusing at temperatures that a reactor can maintain. This reaction generates a helium atom and a neutron, which carries most of the energy from the reaction.

    Humans have successfully generated fusion reactions on Earth since 1952 – some even in their garage. But the trick now is to make it worth it. You need to get more energy out of the process than you put in to initiate the reaction.

    Fusion reactions happen in a very hot plasma, which is a state of matter similar to gas but made of charged particles. The plasma needs to stay extremely hot – over 100 million degrees Celsius – and condensed for the duration of the reaction.

    To keep the plasma hot and condensed and create a reaction that can keep going, you need special materials making up the reactor walls. You also need a cheap and reliable source of fuel.

    While deuterium is very common and obtained from water, tritium is very rare. A 1-gigawatt fusion reactor is expected to burn 56 kilograms of tritium annually. But the world has only about 25 kilograms of tritium commercially available.

    Researchers need to find alternative sources for tritium before fusion energy can get off the ground. One option is to have each reactor generating its own tritium through a system called the breeding blanket.

    The breeding blanket makes up the first layer of the plasma chamber walls and contains lithium that reacts with the neutrons generated in the fusion reaction to produce tritium. The blanket also converts the energy carried by these neutrons to heat.

    The fusion reaction chamber at ITER will electrify the plasma.

    Fusion devices also need a divertor, which extracts the heat and ash produced in the reaction. The divertor helps keep the reactions going for longer.

    These materials will be exposed to unprecedented levels of heat and particle bombardment. And there aren’t currently any experimental facilities to reproduce these conditions and test materials in a real-world scenario. So, the focus of my research is to bridge this gap using models and computer simulations.

    From the atom to full device

    My colleagues and I work on producing tools that can predict how the materials in a fusion reactor erode, and how their properties change when they are exposed to extreme heat and lots of particle radiation.

    As they get irradiated, defects can form and grow in these materials, which affect how well they react to heat and stress. In the future, we hope that government agencies and private companies can use these tools to design fusion power plants.

    Our approach, called multiscale modeling, consists of looking at the physics in these materials over different time and length scales with a range of computational models.

    We first study the phenomena happening in these materials at the atomic scale through accurate but expensive simulations. For instance, one simulation might examine how hydrogen moves within a material during irradiation.

    From these simulations, we look at properties such as diffusivity, which tells us how much the hydrogen can spread throughout the material.

    We can integrate the information from these atomic level simulations into less expensive simulations, which look at how the materials react at a larger scale. These larger-scale simulations are less expensive because they model the materials as a continuum instead of considering every single atom.

    The atomic-scale simulations could take weeks to run on a supercomputer, while the continuum one will take only a few hours.

    All this modeling work happening on computers is then compared with experimental results obtained in laboratories.

    For example, if one side of the material has hydrogen gas, we want to know how much hydrogen leaks to the other side of the material. If the model and the experimental results match, we can have confidence in the model and use it to predict the behavior of the same material under the conditions we would expect in a fusion device.

    If they don’t match, we go back to the atomic-scale simulations to investigate what we missed.

    Additionally, we can couple the larger-scale material model to plasma models. These models can tell us which parts of a fusion reactor will be the hottest or have the most particle bombardment. From there, we can evaluate more scenarios.

    For instance, if too much hydrogen leaks through the material during the operation of the fusion reactor, we could recommend making the material thicker in certain places, or adding something to trap the hydrogen.

    Designing new materials

    As the quest for commercial fusion energy continues, scientists will need to engineer more resilient materials. The field of possibilities is daunting – engineers can manufacture multiple elements together in many ways.

    You could combine two elements to create a new material, but how do you know what the right proportion is of each element? And what if you want to try mixing five or more elements together? It would take way too long to try to run our simulations for all of these possibilities.

    Thankfully, artificial intelligence is here to assist. By combining experimental and simulation results, analytical AI can recommend combinations that are most likely to have the properties we’re looking for, such as heat and stress resistance.

    The aim is to reduce the number of materials that an engineer would have to produce and test experimentally to save time and money.

    Sophie Blondel receives funding from the US Department of Energy.

    – ref. To make nuclear fusion a reliable energy source one day, scientists will first need to design heat- and radiation-resilient materials – https://theconversation.com/to-make-nuclear-fusion-a-reliable-energy-source-one-day-scientists-will-first-need-to-design-heat-and-radiation-resilient-materials-238489

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: AI, cryptocurrencies and data privacy: Comparing the Trump and Harris records on technology regulation

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Anjana Susarla, Professor of Information Systems, Michigan State University

    The Federal Trade Commission is one of the main venues for government regulation of big tech and its wares. Alpha Photo/Flickr, CC BY-NC

    It’s not surprising that technology regulation is an important issue in the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign.

    The past decade has seen advanced technologies, from social media algorithms to large language model artificial intelligence systems, profoundly affect society. These changes, which spanned the Trump and Biden-Harris administrations, spurred calls for the federal government to regulate the technologies and the powerful corporations that wield them.

    As a researcher of information systems and AI, I examined both candidates’ records on technology regulation. Here are the important differences.

    Algorithmic harms

    With artificial intelligence now widespread, governments worldwide are grappling with how to regulate various aspects of the technology. The candidates offer different visions for U.S. AI policy. One area where there is a stark difference is in recognizing and addressing algorithmic harms from the widespread use of AI technology.

    AI affects your life in ways that might escape your notice. Biases in algorithms used for lending and hiring decisions could end up reinforcing a vicious cycle of discrimination. For example, a student who can’t get a loan for college would then be less likely to get the education needed to pull herself out of poverty.

    At the AI Safety Summit in the U.K. in November 2023, Harris spoke of the promise of AI but also the perils from algorithmic bias, deepfakes and wrongful arrests. Biden signed an executive order on AI on Oct. 30, 2023, that recognized AI systems can pose unacceptable risks of harm to civil and human rights and individual well-being. In parallel, federal agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission have carried out enforcement actions to guard against algorithmic harms.

    President Joe Biden signs an executive order addressing the risks of artificial intelligence on Oct. 30, 2023, with Vice President Kamala Harris at his side.
    AP Photo/Evan Vucci

    By contrast, the Trump administration did not take a public stance on mitigation of algorithmic harms. Trump has said he wants to repeal President Biden’s AI executive order. In recent interviews, however, Trump noted the dangers from technologies such as deepfakes and challenges posed to security from AI systems, suggesting a willingness to engage with the growing risks from AI.

    Technological standards

    The Trump administration signed the American AI Initiative executive order on Feb. 11, 2019. The order pledged to double AI research investment and established the first set of national AI research institutes. The order also included a plan for AI technical standards and established guidance for the federal government’s use of AI. Trump also signed an executive order on Dec. 3, 2020, promoting the use of trustworthy AI in the federal government.

    The Biden-Harris administration has tried to go further. Harris convened the heads of Google, Microsoft and other tech companies at the White House on May 4, 2023, to undertake a set of voluntary commitments to safeguard individual rights. The Biden administration’s executive order contains an important initiative to probe the vulnerablity of very large-scale, general-purpose AI models trained on massive amounts of data. The goal is to determine the risks hackers pose to these models, including the ones that power OpenAI’s popular ChatGPT and DALL-E.

    Donald Trump departs from Washington D.C., on Feb. 11, 2019, shortly after signing an executive order on artificial intelligence that included setting technical standards.
    Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images

    Antitrust

    Antitrust law enforcement – restricting or conditioning mergers and acquisitions – is another way the federal government regulates the technology industry.

    The Trump administration’s antitrust dossier includes its attempt to block AT&T’s acquisition of Time Warner. The merger was eventually allowed by a federal judge after the FTC under the Trump administration filed a suit to block the deal. The Trump administration also filed an antitrust case against Google focused on its dominance in internet search.

    Biden signed an executive order on July 9, 2021, to enforce antitrust laws arising from the anticompetitive effects of dominant internet platforms. The order also targeted the acquisition of nascent competitors, the aggregation of data, unfair competition in attention markets and the surveillance of users. The Biden-Harris administration has filed antitrust cases against Apple and Google.

    The Biden-Harris administration’s merger guidelines in 2023 outlined rules to determine when mergers can be considered anticompetitive. While both administrations filed antitrust cases, the Biden administration’s antitrust push appears stronger in terms of its impact in potentially reorganizing or even orchestrating a breakup of dominant companies such as Google.

    Cryptocurrency

    The candidates have different approaches to cryptocurrency regulation. Late in his administration, Trump tweeted in support of cryptocurrency regulation. Also late in Trump’s administration, the federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network proposed regulations that would have required financial firms to collect the identity of any cryptocurrency wallet to which a user sent funds. The regulations were not enacted.

    Trump has since shifted his position on cryptocurrencies. He has criticized existing U.S. laws and called for the United States to be a Bitcoin superpower. The Trump campaign is the first presidential campaign to accept payments in cryptocurrencies.

    The Biden-Harris administration, by contrast, has laid out regulatory restrictions on cryptocurrencies with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which brought about a series of enforcement actions. The White House vetoed the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act that aimed to clarify accounting for cryptocurrencies, a bill favored by the cryptocurrency industry.

    Data privacy

    Biden’s AI executive order calls on Congress to adopt privacy legislation, but it does not provide a legislative framework to do so. The Trump White House’s American AI Initiative executive order mentions privacy only in broad terms, calling for AI technologies to uphold “civil liberties, privacy, and American values.” The order did not mention how existing privacy protections would be enforced.

    Across the U.S., several states have tried to pass legislation addressing aspects of data privacy. At present, there is a patchwork of statewide initiatives and a lack of comprehensive data privacy legislation at the federal level.

    The paucity of federal data privacy protections is a stark reminder that while the candidates are addressing some of the challenges posed by developments in AI and technology more broadly, a lot still remains to be done to regulate technology in the public interest.

    Overall, the Biden administration’s efforts at antitrust and technology regulation seem broadly aligned with the goal of reining in technology companies and protecting consumers. It’s also reimagining monopoly protections for the 21st century. This seems to be the chief difference between the two administrations.

    Anjana Susarla receives funding from the National Institute of Health

    – ref. AI, cryptocurrencies and data privacy: Comparing the Trump and Harris records on technology regulation – https://theconversation.com/ai-cryptocurrencies-and-data-privacy-comparing-the-trump-and-harris-records-on-technology-regulation-239676

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –