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Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wearable Technologies Power Study on Differences Between Treadmill, Outdoor Running on Injury Risk

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    When researchers study runners, up until very recently, they have had to conduct these studies in the lab using a treadmill.

    But running on a treadmill and running outside — as most runners do — is not the same. This has meant that scientific studies looking to inform our understanding of how running-related injuries occur and how to prevent them are not always transferable to the real world.

    With the advent of reliable wearable technologies, researchers are now able to capture data from runners outside the lab.

    A new study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy (JOST Open) looked at how two key measures related to running-related injuries differ on a treadmill versus running outside on a flat sidewalk.

    “In our lab, we’re really about trying to bring things out of the lab and into the world,” Laurie Devaney, associate professor-in-residence and head of the Department of Kinesiology, says. “So, this was an attempt to look at real-world forces and see how they stack up against running on a treadmill.”

    Michelle Bruneau ’23 (CAHNR), a former Ph.D. candidate, was the first author on this paper. She is now a post-doctoral research fellow in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

    The study used 28 healthy, male and female adult runners. Participants ran eight kilometers on the treadmill and the road while wearing ankle and chest sensors to track their step rate and tibial acceleration.

    Step rate is a measure of how many steps the runner takes over a certain distance. Tibial acceleration is a proxy for the impact load during a run.

    “When we look at running-related injuries we know that things like step rate and tibial acceleration can be associated with those injuries, especially bone-stress related injuries [like tibial stress fractures and shin pain],” Devaney says.

    The researchers found that while step rates were similar in both settings, when the runners were outdoors, there was a trend toward an increasing step rate as the run went on. This is good as an increased step rate reduces the force of each step, better protecting the runner from injury.

    Another significant difference is that peak tibial acceleration was greater outdoors than on the treadmill.

    “If we’re thinking about this notion of forces and accumulated forces it’s probably greater in an outdoor run than it is on the treadmill,” Devaney says.

    Using additional data collected during this study, the researchers have another publication forthcoming focused on motion capture data. These data provide information on how the runners were moving and what that can tell the researchers about injury risk.

    This research also has applications for cadets in ROTC programs and military members who frequently suffer from the same kinds of injuries as runners.

    “If we have ways to measure them out in the field, we are going to be better able to identify some of the culprits that are leading to these injuries and modify them,” Devaney says.

    As wearable technologies become better and more diverse, there will only be more opportunities to study people in real-world settings rather than only in the lab.

    “These increased forces are important for running-related injuries and our measurements on the treadmill are not necessarily synonymous with what we see in real-world application,” Devaney says. “[We’re] really encouraging researchers and clinicians to consider those differences and move toward the ability to measure people outdoors.”

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Charting Our Galaxy’s Extreme Center

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Earth – our tiny blue dot in the galaxy – is approximately 26,000 light years away from a fascinating and active region of the Milky Way called the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ). This region holds clues about how stars are born, how energy moves through our galaxy, and maybe even some details about dark matter. 

    However, analyzing this area is challenging, because we do not have a clear top-down view of the Milky Way. UConn’s Milky Way Laboratory, headed by the Department of Physics Associate Professor Cara Battersby, present their comprehensive analysis and 3-dimensional top-down model of the CMZ in a series of four papers in the Astrophysical Journal.  

    The CMZ is a region of extremes and complexity, but it is also the only CMZ we can study in detail.

    “We like to call the CMZ the way station of the galaxy: between gas that’s flowing in from the disc of the galaxy along dust lanes into the CMZ,” Battersby says. “That gas either remains in the CMZ and orbits around the center of the galaxy, where it sometimes forms stars, or it can travel onwards to the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy.”  

    One question Battersby is interested in learning more about is when the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole, called Sagittarius A, “feeds” or actively accretes material. As a galactic way station, the CMZ controls when and if those materials travel to the black hole. Making direct observations to answer this question is tricky because the CMZ is home to lots of gas, dust, and stars, along with the fact that we are very far away and can only see it from the side.

    “To understand how our own CMZ regulates this gas inflow, we need a top-down picture,” Battersby says. “We probably have hundreds of thousands of images of our galactic center, all in this sideways perspective. We can learn everything we want about these clouds, but if you don’t know which ones are flowing toward the black hole or which ones are orbiting, then you can’t really say anything about how the CMZ regulates this gas flow. We can do a better job of modeling the three-dimensional gas distribution.”  

    In this series of papers, Battersby’s research group takes all available evidence to measure and catalog aspects of the clouds in this region of the galaxy to create the best possible top-down three-dimensional view of the CMZ.  

    The first step was to compile a comprehensive catalog of structures in the CMZ and to measure their physical and kinematic properties, such as mass, radii, temperature, and velocity dispersion, described in papers one and two.

    With these comprehensive catalogs, the next two papers focus on the small-scale structures within the catalog, which are thought to be individual molecular clouds that may be the birthplaces of clusters of stars, says Battersby. The third paper was led by former post-doctoral fellow Daniel Walker and the fourth paper was led by current Ph.D. student Dani Lipman.

    The galactic center is very bright and emits light at many wavelengths, therefore, the properties of the molecular clouds give clues about their location within it. The researchers used different approaches to measure and determine which clouds are in front of or behind the galactic center.

    “These molecular clouds are places where stars form only when the gas is very dense and very cold, and much of the gas in the galactic center is hot and diffuse,” Battersby says. “These cocoons of cool, dense gas mean that when they’re in front of the galactic center, they absorb the bright light from the galactic center, and they look like shadows. On the other hand, if those clouds are behind the galactic center, then this light passes through, and the clouds don’t block that light at all.”

    The researchers developed new techniques to measure how much light is blocked by the molecular clouds with the assumption that if a lot of light is blocked, it is likely that the cloud is in front of the galactic center.

    “Papers three and four use two different techniques. Paper three focuses on radio wavelengths of light, and it focuses on the molecular clouds absorbing the radio wavelengths. Paper four focuses on infrared dust extinction and details a careful technique to measure the “shadow” based on the properties of the cloud, thereby quantifying the likelihood that it’s either in front of or behind the Galactic Center,” says Battersby.

    A far-infrared Herschel image of our Galaxy’s Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) reveals a bright and dense ring of molecular gas and dust encircling our supermassive black hole, SgrA*. This image reveals our view of the Galaxy’s Center as seen from Earth. Researchers in the 3-D CMZ project used these data, plus radio, infrared, and submilleter data to quantify the likelihood of each cloud being either in front of or behind SgrA*. Researchers then used these likelihoods to test current theories of the 3-D structure of our Galaxies center and to present a new model of the 3-D structure of the CMZ. This image shows Herschel data of the inner 7 degrees of the Galaxy, with red showing 350 micron emission, green 160 micron, and blue 70 micron emission. At the approximate distance of the Galactic Center, this image shows approximately the inner 1 kpc (or about 3,200 light years) while the CMZ itself is about the inner 550 pc (or about 1,800 light years). (Contributed image)

    Next, the researchers modeled what their data suggested was happening in the CMZ and compared that to existing models of what the galactic center may look like from the top down.

    There were three predominant models of what our galactic center may look like, and Battersby says the locations of the molecular clouds the group mapped vary quite a bit across the different existing models. By accounting for the dynamic movements of various clouds, the researchers found existing models lacked this complexity and more work is needed to study the flow of gas in the CMZ.

    “Paper three presented a new simple ellipse model that is a slightly better fit than the previous models. Dani Lipman is currently drafting paper five that presents a quantitative best-fit model of the top-down view of our Galaxy’s CMZ, which includes the release of public code so future researchers can continue to improve our top-down model of the CMZ as new data arrives.”

    Lipman says that paper five aims to combine any available data to determine the most likely position of a given cloud in front of or behind Sagittarius A*. These positions are then used to find a best fitting top-down model for the CMZ. The model is continually updated and improved as more data becomes available,

    “Modern science is wonderfully collaborative, so releasing our code is a huge part of engaging in the community and offering resources to new scientists and students who are eager to join in answering these questions,” says Lipman.

    This series of papers is a major step forward in understanding the 3-D structure of our Galaxy’s CMZ and enables researchers, like Battersby’s Milky Way Lab, to start answering pressing questions about our galaxy,

    “The CMZ provides ‘close’ access to extreme phenomena seen throughout the Universe, such as an accreting supermassive black hole, and star formation in a highly turbulent environment,” says Battersby. “Knowing the 3-D structure is essential to tracing flows towards the black hole as well as testing theories of star formation in an extreme environment, because you need to know where everything is in this dynamic environment.”

    This work is supported by the National Science Foundation through Award Nos. 1816715, 2206510, and CAREER 2145689. Further details, including a narrated guided tour of the CMZ, can be found on the 3-D CMZ project website. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Pope Leo: a united and missionary Church which becomes a ‘leaven’ for a reconciled world

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Sunday, 18 May 2025   pope  

    VaticanMedia

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you”, said Pope Leo XIV,addressing the many people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pilgrims who have come from all over the world to be close to him at the Mass marking the beginning of his Petrine ministry as Bishop of Rome. He looked out at the people, the representatives of the official delegations, the sister Churches, and other faith communities, and began his homily by quoting St. Augustine.Before the solemn Eucharistic celebration, which took place in the parvis of the Vatican Basilica, Pope Leo prayed at the tomb of St. Peter together with the Patriarchs of the Eastern Churches.During the Eucharistic celebration, the solemn presentation of the insignia marking the beginning of the pontificate took place. Cardinal Mario Zenari placed the pallium around the Pope’s neck. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle presented him with the Fisherman’s Ring.In his homily, Pope Leo spoke about the task that awaits him and the entire Church in a torn and wounded world.The “intense emotions” in these daysThe death of Pope Francis, according to the Bishop of Rome, and the “intense emotions” in these days, “has filled our hearts with sadness.” These were “difficult hours” in which “we felt like the crowds that the Gospel says were “like sheep without a shepherd”. Then, on Easter Sunday, we received his final blessing and, in the light of the resurrection, we experienced the days that followed in the certainty that the Lord never abandons his people, but gathers them when they are scattered and guards them “as a shepherd guards his flock”.”In the Conclave, the Cardinals, “from different backgrounds and experiences,” placed in God’s hands “the desire to elect the new Successor of Peter, the Bishop of Rome, a shepherd capable of preserving the rich heritage of the Christian faith and, at the same time, looking to the future, in order to confront the questions, concerns and challenges of today’s world.”The Love of God comes first”I was chosen, without any merit of my own,” Pope Leo said, “and I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God’s love, for he wants us all to be united in one family.” For “love and unity” are “the two dimensions of the mission entrusted to Peter by Jesus.”The mission that Christ entrusted to Peter and the first disciples, Pope Leo said, referring to the Gospel, “is the mission he received from the Father: to be a “fisher” of humanity in order to draw it up from the waters of evil and death.” And Peter, according to the Bishop of Rome, his successor, can only fulfill this task “because his own life was touched by the infinite and unconditional love of God, even in the hour of his failure and denial.” Only “if you have known and experienced this love of God, which never fails, will you be able to feed my lambs. Only in the love of God the Father will you be able to love your brothers and sisters with that same ‘more’, that is, by offering your life for your brothers and sisters.”Peter is thus “entrusted with the task of “loving more” and giving his life for the flock.” His successors are also called to this task, “because,” Pope Leo continues, “the Church of Rome presides in charity and its true authority is the charity of Christ.” Therefore, it is never a question of “capturing others by force, by religious propaganda or by means of power. Instead, it is always and only a question of loving as Jesus did.””Christ himself,” says Pope Leo, quoting the Apostle Peter in the Acts of the Apostles, “is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, and has become the cornerstone” on which the Church is built. And if “the rock is Christ, Peter must shepherd the flock without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat, lording it over those entrusted to him.” “On the contrary,” the new Bishop of Rome continued, “he is called to serve the faith of his brothers and sisters, and to walk alongside them.”A united Church for a reconciled world”I would like,” Pope Leo addressed his brothers and sisters, “that our first great desire be for a united Church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world.” In our time, Pope Leo admits, we still see “too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest.” Christians are called to be “a small leaven of unity, communion and fraternity within the world. We want to say to the world, with humility and joy: Look to Christ! Come closer to him! Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to his offer of love and become his one family: in the one Christ, we are one,” the Pope exhorts, referring to the words of St. Augustine, which he has chosen as his episcopal motto. He thus points to the path “to follow together, among ourselves but also with our sister Christian churches, with those who follow other religious paths, with those who are searching for God, with all women and men of good will, in order to build a new world where peace reigns!”A “missionary Church” that allows itself to be made restless by historyThis is the “missionary spirit,” Pope Leo continued, “that must animate us; not closing ourselves off in our small groups, nor feeling superior to the world. We are called to offer God’s love to everyone, in order to achieve that unity which does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people.” The missionary Church, which can grow “in the light and power of the Holy Spirit,” is “a Church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made “restless” by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity.” “Together, as one people, as brothers and sisters, let us walk towards God and love one another”, Pope Leo urges at the conclusion of his homily.Before the Regina Coeli prayer, Pope Leo emphasized that during the Mass he “strongly felt the spiritual presence of Pope Francis accompanying us from heaven.” “Reflecting on our participation in the communion of saints, I recall that yesterday in Chambéry, France, the priest Camille Costa de Beauregard, was beatified. He lived from the end of the 1800s to the beginning of the 1900s, and was a witness of great pastoral charity.”The Bishop of Rome also turned his thoughts to the brothers and sisters “who are suffering because of war. In Gaza, the surviving children, families and elderly are reduced to starvation. In Myanmar, new hostilities have cut short innocent young lives. Finally, war-torn Ukraine awaits negotiations for a just and lasting peace,” Pope Leo XIV said. (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 18/5/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man who fled abroad found guilty of manslaughter

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man who fled abroad following the fatal stabbing of a teenager in Finsbury Park has been convicted of manslaughter.

    After a six-week trial at Isleworth Crown Court, Kevin Peraj, 23, was found guilty on Friday, 16 May of killing 19-year-old Ahmed Habib under joint enterprise.

    He was brought to justice following a detailed Metropolitan Police investigation, which included reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV and extensive enquiries within the UK and abroad.

    Detective Inspector Brett Hagen, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to pay my respects to Ahmed’s family, I am, once again, very sorry for your loss. I hope this result, and that Peraj will now face the consequences of his actions, brings some small comfort.

    “Our investigation into the events of that day continues as at least one other man was involved in the attack.

    “I am keen to hear from anyone who may have any information, no matter how small. Please think back to when this happened and come forward if you have any information that may help our investigation.”

    Detectives launched an investigation after receiving reports at about 02:50hrs on Thursday, 11 July 2024 of two men injured in a car in Stroud Green Road, at the junction of Tollington Park, N4.

    Officers, London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance all attended and found Ahmed, the driver, suffering from stab injuries. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he sadly dead at the scene. The injuries of the second man, aged 21, in the car were not life-threatening.

    Detectives established the two men sustained their injuries in Seven Sisters Road close to Yonge Park before driving to Stroud Green Road where the car came to a stop.

    After reviewing many hours of footage, detectives found CCTV that captured Peraj approaching the vehicle and attacking the passenger in the car.

    In an attempt to escape police, on the night of the murder Peraj tried to flee the country. He made his way to Heathrow Airport, but was too late and missed his flight.

    Instead he left the UK via the Eurotunnel and headed to Albania.

    Quick time enquiries had led officers to identify Peraj, [8.7.01] of Islip Street, NW5. He contacted police after a warrant was issued at his family address and was arrested upon his return to the UK on Tuesday, 16 July.

    He was interviewed and charged with murder the following day under joint enterprise, before his conviction for manslaughter. The motive for the attack remains unclear.

    Peraj will be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, 1 August.

    Officers believe Peraj was acting with another man – anyone with information asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and give reference 873/11July2024.

    You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Toobit Strengthens European Presence as Platinum Sponsor of Dutch Blockchain Week 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Toobit, an award-winning cryptocurrency exchange, will be participating in the upcoming Dutch Blockchain Week 2025 (DBW25) happening from May 19 to 25 as a Platinum Sponsor. The exchange will also be hosting a booth happening at the event’s Dutch Blockchain Summit, which will be held at Amsterdam’s Meervaart Theater on May 21 and 22.

    DBW25 is one of Europe’s leading blockchain gatherings, bringing together industry leaders, developers, investors, and regulators to explore innovations in digital assets and decentralized technologies. Organized by the BCNL Foundation, the largest Web3 ecosystem in the Netherlands, the event will serve as a hub for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, showcasing the evolving role of blockchain technology in finance and beyond.

    “We’re excited to be part of Dutch Blockchain Week, where some of the most important conversations around blockchain technology take place,” said Mike Williams, Chief Communication Officer of Toobit. “We look forward to building on meaningful discussions and exploring new innovations and opportunities in the space.”

    Toobit’s participation in the event comes on the heels of its successful participation in Web3 Amsterdam earlier this year, where the exchange similarly took on the role of Platinum Sponsor. The cryptoasset exchange had then mentioned its burgeoning presence in the Netherlands, as well as its intent to reach out to physically meet and engage its collaborators within the European crypto ecosystem.

    Dutch Blockchain Week provides a key platform for discussing emerging trends in security, accessibility, and innovations in crypto trading. Toobit joins a global network of professionals shaping the future of digital finance, contributing to the industry’s ongoing evolution. At the event, Toobit will also showcase its latest trading solutions, explore partnerships, and connect with the broader blockchain community.

    For more information on Dutch Blockchain Week 2025, visit https://dutchblockchainweek.com/

    About Toobit

    Toobit is where the future of crypto trading unfolds—an award-winning cryptocurrency derivatives exchange built for those who thrive exploring new frontiers. With deep liquidity and cutting-edge technology, Toobit empowers traders worldwide to navigate the digital asset markets with confidence. We offer a fair, secure, seamless, and transparent trading experience, ensuring every trade is an opportunity to discover what’s next.

    For more information about Toobit, visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Instagram

    Contact: Davin C.

    Email: market@toobit.com

    Website: www.toobit.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Toobit. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

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    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0ea5067d-f871-42b3-9943-971a00218907

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Education Secretary gives keynote speech at Education World Forum

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Education Secretary gives keynote speech at Education World Forum

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s speech on the use of EdTech to improve opportunity in education at the Education World Forum.

    Hello everyone, and thank you all for being here.

    It’s wonderful to see everyone together in the same place – the biggest gathering of education ministers anywhere in the world!

    And what a fitting location. Just next door is the Methodist Central Hall, where almost 80 years ago the United Nations General Assembly met for the first time.

    And we also sit in the shadow of Westminster Abbey, a place which marks the memories of so many inspirational figures, men and women who still light up our classrooms centuries on.

    Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, and Charles Darwin are all buried there.

    Jane Austen and the three Brontë sisters each have a plaque – next to the statue of William Shakespeare.

    And close by lies the grave of Charles Dickens, whose stories I grew up reading, whose characters I loved.

    Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Pip and his great expectations.

    The abandoned children of Victorian London, held back, time and again, by the tough luck of a bad start.

    I was always drawn to Dickens because he was never afraid to confront social injustice.

    The daily, grinding poverty that kept opportunity out of the reach of millions.

    There’s been plenty of progress since those darker days.

    And thankfully, London looks very different today.

    But much of the inequality, the injustice remains.

    Opportunity still lies beyond the grasp of too many people – here in this country and around the world too.

    We have so far to go on our journey to cut the link between background and success.

    That’s our job as education leaders, to give not just some children but all children the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background, to make that old dream new again for each generation.

    There are well over a hundred countries and territories represented here today. Well over a hundred different education systems. Well over a hundred different sets of challenges.

    But we can come together around one common cause. Opportunity.

    That’s what education is all about. Opportunity for all children – to learn, to discover, to go on and live a good life.

    So that every child knows, deep down in their bones, that success belongs to them.

    That’s my mission for the children of this country, it’s the mission of our government. Because background shouldn’t mean destiny.

    But the barriers we face are huge – here in the UK and across the globe.

    250 million children still out of school around the world.

    70% of children in low- and middle-income countries unable to read at the end of their basic education.

    A pandemic that saw schools all over the world close their gates, classrooms empty, playgrounds silent, a global generation of children falling behind.

    Challenges of this scale demand the fresh solutions of the future, not the stale systems of the past.

    We must squeeze every last drop of value out of every last pound of funding.

    And technology will lead the way.

    The opportunities of EdTech are huge. It’s a wave of innovation that can lift the learning of billions.

    But to be clear about what technology can do, first we need to be clear what it cannot do.

    It can’t replace great teachers.

    They are the heart, they are the soul of every school.

    That was true 500 years ago. It’ll be true in 500 more.

    Education is a deeply human gift, given by one generation to the next.

    Opportunity passed from one generation to the next.

    But EdTech can take that gift and make it stronger, spread it further, share it with more children.

    It can be the radical force that brings the very best education into every city, every town, every village, every school, every classroom in the world.

    It can help us to reach learners who might otherwise be left out – because they have a disability, their parents are poor, they don’t speak a certain language, or simply because they’re a girl.

    EdTech can help us tear down those barriers.

    Here in this country, we’re using it to free up teachers time to spend more time teaching.

    For children that means more attention, higher standards, better life chances.

    For teachers – less paperwork, lower stress, fewer drains on their valuable time. 

    My department is continuing to support Oak National Academy, an online hub of resources for teachers, whose AI lesson assistant is helping teachers to plan personalised lessons in minutes.

    Making the most of teacher time is one of the challenges we all face.

    Another is attendance – getting children back in the classroom, especially since covid.

    Our response is rooted in our world-class data, where schools can use an interactive dashboard to drive early intervention.

    And it’s working. We’ve lost 3 million fewer days to absence this year than last.

    And now we’re using AI to go further and faster.

    Just last week we launched a brand new AI-powered tool, which we think is amongst the first of its kind in the world.

    Every mainstream school in the country can access reports right now to benchmark their attendance against 20 similar schools.

    They highlight what schools are doing well, and where they need targeted intervention and support.

    That’s the kind of cutting-edge insight schools need to get attendance moving.

    But, despite its huge power, we know that AI isn’t a magic wand.

    EdTech can light up the next century of education – and I believe it will – but there are no guarantees.

    So getting AI on the right track now is the most important challenge for global education in a generation.

    And we have far to go to deliver the scale of progress that I know is possible.

    Our evidence-base is too narrow, too shallow, too concentrated in certain parts of the world, too focused on certain parts of the system.

    More research is needed; better research is needed.

    On impact.

    On value.

    On sustainability.

    And on safety.

    We need to come together to grow a global, collective consensus – a suite of effective tools, built on top-class evidence.

    That’s how, together, we can make sure EdTech and AI deliver the very best learning for children.

    And on this the UK will lead the way.

    This government’s EdTech hub – led by our Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office – brings together research and policy organisations working to bridge the EdTech evidence gap.

    The Hub is here to support and empower government leaders, giving you the evidence that you need to roll out and scale up EdTech effectively and responsibly.

    The Hub is leading, and the UK is funding, the AI Observatory and Action Lab – supporting leaders in low- and middle-income countries to use AI in education.

    And we are continuing the change here at home with our new Content Store Project.

    We’re pooling a vast range of high-quality content – from curriculum guidance to teaching resources, from lessons plans to anonymised pupil work.

    And we’re making it available to AI companies to train their tools – so that they can generate top quality content for use in our classrooms.

    And we’re putting AI to work in a way that’s most useful for teachers, and most beneficial for students.

    But now we want to go further, to share our expertise, to work with our partners around the world to grow that collective consensus.

    So I am delighted to announce today that we are funding the development of global guidelines for generative AI in education.

    Working closely with partners at the OECD, we are shaping the global consensus on how generative AI can be deployed safely and effectively to boost education around the world.

    But everyone here today will know that guidelines are only ever as good as their implementation.

    Because what really matters is firm action in our classrooms, not abstract promises on a page.

    That’s why today I can announce that the UK will host an international summit on generative AI in education in 2026.

    Education leaders from around the world will come together to implement these guidelines – for the benefit of our children, young people and learners the world over.

    And we’ll continue to build the evidence base at home too.

    So I’m pleased to announce today that my department is investing more than a million pounds to test the Edtech we’re using in schools and colleges.

    Working with the Open Innovation Team, we’ll be engaging the sector to understand what works.

    We’ll look at how tools, including AI, can improve things like staff workload, pupil outcomes and inclusivity.

    Evidence must be at the heart of all we do, on EdTech and right across education.

    Here in the UK, we’re lucky to have the Education Endowment Foundation.

    The Foundation is at the forefront of research on how children learn.

    And my officials work hand in hand with their experts to make sure all our policies and programmes are driven by the very best evidence.

    We need to be at the top of our game.

    We’ve spoken about the challenges specific to education, but there are wider global challenges, that spill into our schools and colleges.

    Growing economic uncertainty, shifting labour markets, the flood of disinformation around social media.

    These are shared challenges that demand shared solutions.

    Solutions powered by technology, backed by evidence.

    But collaboration is key. We can’t do this alone.

    Learning from each other, sharing evidence, sharing data.

    The UK is here to convene, to accelerate and to celebrate all that is best in global education.

    And in the coming months we’ll publish our refreshed International Education Strategy.

    At its heart will be collaboration.

    Building partnerships that are meaningful, partnerships that matter, partnerships that, above all else, make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

    That’s what sets apart those men and women whom we remember in Westminster Abbey. They made a difference in people’s lives.

    The scientists and engineers, the poets and playwrights, the doctors and nurses.

    Most of their deeds were done and dusted centuries ago. But their legacy lives on.

    EdTech is now bringing the wonders of the Abbey to a whole new generation of children.

    From the Anglo-Saxons to the Tudors, from the majesty of coronations to the drudgery of everyday medieval life.

    Abbey experts run virtual classrooms and virtual tours for schools unable to visit in person – so that every child can learn about this building which has been at the heart of our national life for a thousand years.

    So that no child has to miss out.

    That’s what EdTech is all about, what education is all about, opportunity for all of our children.

    Because let’s not forget, this is for them.

    For every child, for every young person, for every adult around the world who deserves the opportunity to learn.

    That’s why we have to get this right.

    That’s why so many of you have come here today from so far away.

    And that’s why I am so thankful that you have.

    Because together I know that we can make a difference.

    So it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Education World Forum 2025.

    And I look forward to working together with you as we build stronger, bolder, better education together.

    Thank you.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cutting edge sustainable tech: the Servita supplier story 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Cutting edge sustainable tech: the Servita supplier story 

    Servita specialises in helping organisations transform so they can thrive at the forefront of science and technology. 

    When Servita set up in the UK in 2016, it had a team of around 30. Now it’s 180 and counting. 

    Servita specialises in helping organisations transform through technology so they can overcome entrenched ways of working and operations. 

    UK managing director Rich Story said: “Keeping ourselves and our customers at the forefront of science and technology, whilst remembering it is people that remain at the centre of transformation, is our modus operandi.”

    Servita’s key capabilities including user-centred design, where the company has strong links to the Government Digital Service, and expertise in advanced, highly secure, high performance and sustainable cloud-hosted solutions. Sustainable cloud and carbon net zero are part of Servita’s core technical architecture principles.  

    Artificial intelligence, machine learning and natural language processing are also strong competencies and people in the team have published research papers with Harvard University on natural language and semantic programming. 

    Servita has been active in the Vivace community since 2020. 

    Explaining what attracted the company to the Accelerated Capability Environment (ACE), Story said: “A community of suppliers that gets access to novel problems at the heart of government, facilitated by an organisation that seeks to create an environment to innovate whilst keeping a firm eye on time, cost and outcomes – it really chimed with us.”

    One early major project was working as part of the ACE core team on the UK government’s Covid response, helping drive an innovation agenda as part of strategic objectives. Story said: “Despite the backdrop it was one of the best things I’ve been part of during my career.”

    For a health commission, Servita delivered a digital tool capable of measuring and reporting digital deficit, so an organisation could understand where it stands digitally in relation to industry standards, and how much it would cost to get to where it needs to be. 

    Servita also remains an integral part of ACE’s wider NHS work, where it built and currently maintains a national data information exchange that links all of the secondary care landscape in England to the NHS App. 

    Story said: “We love the efficiency in tendering and speed to impact for delivery. ACE looks to deliver outcomes in 12-15 weeks which is good for government and the taxpayer. 

    “Most of all we love the types of projects ACE give us access to. As a business it’s led to us having some of our best case references and it’s critical for us to be able to give our staff access to projects that really make a difference as it gives us an identity and sense of pride.”

    He added: “Our mission statement is to keep ourselves and our partners at the cutting edge of science and technology with a focus on sustainable solutions for good and delivery excellence. 

    “I can honestly say that ACE and Vivace have enabled us to stay true to this by virtue of the novel and important problem spaces that they give us access to. ACE has introduced us to new customers and also to other like-minded suppliers that we have forged valuable relationships with. 

    “These things have all been significant in shaping our business.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Residents welcome to find free support at city’s next Help at the Hub event in Low Hill

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Help at the Hub will see a wide variety of city organisations offer advice and information to residents. The event will take place on Tuesday 3 June between 11am and 2pm in the main hall of Low Hill Community Centre, Kempthorne Avenue, Low Hill, WV10 9JJ.

    The event has been organised by officers at the council’s Public Protection Scams Team who will be handing out free scams awareness and prevention packs.

    Residents with concerns can speak with advisors from Act on Energy, Alzheimer’s Society, Aquarius, Citizens Advice, Neighbourhood Safety Co-ordinator, Public Protection, Revenue & Benefits, Severn Trent, SUIT, Talking Therapies, Terrific for Twos, West Midlands Police, Wolverhampton City Credit Union, City of Wolverhampton College, Wolves Foundation and Wolverhampton Homes.

    People are welcome to drop in and speak to any number of the organisations for free help and assistance.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for resident services, said: “Once again, we are heading out into the community with another Help at the Hub event.

    “These free help days have become regular fixtures in the city’s calendar and I am pleased to see that they continue to prove popular with residents.

    “On 3 June, officers and organisations will be in Low Hill and they will be covering a wide range of topics, from energy questions and health concerns to giving out safety and protection advice.

    “Whatever your worry, don’t face it on your own. Come along and get some friendly help and support.”

    Residents do not have to book an appointment but are asked to please be prepared to wait if the event is busy. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Surprise meerkat pups welcomed at Tropical World

    Source: City of Leeds

    A meerkat surprised staff at the Leeds zoo with two little babies last month and keepers are saying mum is keen to show them off to the world.

    Parents Soya Bean and Jay-Z welcomed their pups into the world on 21 April and while they would normally still be resting in their nestbox, the new mum has been showing them off to visitors at Tropical World.

    11-year-old Soya Bean is part of the original “mob” of meerkats at Tropical World. She previously gave birth to two male pups in 2020, called Jelly Bean and Lima Bean.

    The new father, Jay-Z, is 5 years old and came to Tropical World from Flamingo Land in 2022 as a potential mate for Soya Bean.

    Keepers at Tropical World had suspected that Soya Bean was expecting and had booked her in for an ultrasound. However, a few days before the appointment, she surprised them with the two young pups in the nestbox. 

    The new arrivals have no names yet but will also be named after a bean, sticking with family tradition.

    After a pregnancy of 11 weeks, a meerkat’s litter is typically made up of two to five pups. Born blind and without fur the pups need a few weeks being cared for by the parents before they’re strong enough to leave the burrow.

    Tropical World has recently launched a meerkat adoption project, where visitors can adopt an animal for a year, to support their upkeep and the vital conservation projects that Tropical World is a part of.

    Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “It is always exciting to welcome new arrivals to our zoos and I’m pleased that the meerkat family is doing well.  

    “Tropical World has much to offer and is a great place to educate yourself about all the different species and the important conservation work that the zoo facilitates.

    “Visitors exploring the zoo can learn about the incredible animals and the threats which are affecting their populations in the wild. The zoo and its staff play an important part in protecting vulnerable species.”

    Read more about Tropical World at https://tropicalworld.leeds.gov.uk/.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • India expected to clock 6.9 pc GDP growth in Q4 of FY25: Report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s GDP growth is expected to increase to 6.9 per cent in Q4 FY2025 from 6.2 per cent in Q3 FY2025 despite the enhanced global uncertainty due to the US tariff turmoil during the quarter, according to an ICRA report released on Monday.

    The report also highlights an increase in consumer sentiment in both the rural and urban areas.

    ICRA chief economist Aditi Nayar said, “In a quarter characterised by enhanced uncertainty on the global front, ICRA estimates India’s GDP growth to have risen to 6.9 per cent in Q4 FY2025 from 6.2 per cent in Q3 FY2025. Both private consumption and trends for investment activity were uneven in Q4 FY2025, with the latter partly owing to tariff-related uncertainty.”

    While the robust increase in the output of most rabi crops is likely to have boosted the agri-GVA growth in Q4 FY2025, the tepid pace of expansion in the industrial volume growth as well as the deterioration in the performance of several service-sector indicators is expected to have weighed on the GVA growth of these segments,” she added.

    Based on the available data for the Centre’s indirect taxes and subsidies, ICRA estimates that the growth in net indirect taxes rose quite sharply in the quarter from 6.8 per cent in Q3 FY2025, aided by a sharp contraction in the Centre’s subsidy disbursement (-33 per cent in Q4 FY2025 vs. +31.1 per cent in Q3 FY2025.

    Against the backdrop of trade-related uncertainty triggered by the US tariffs, India’s investment activity showcased a mixed trend in Q4 FY2025. The year-on-year performance of six of the 11 investment-related high-frequency indicators improved in Q4 over Q3, mostly pertaining to the construction sector, including infrastructure/construction goods’ output, cement production, and finished steel consumption.

    Additionally, state-investor meets in Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, and West Bengal pushed up project announcements to record levels of Rs 19.2 lakh crore in Q4 FY2025 (vs Rs 16.1 lakh crore in Q4 FY2024).

    The Centre’s capex in Q4 FY2025 reflected in the revised budget estimate, would imply a healthy YoY growth of around 21 per cent during the quarter.

    While the pace of YoY expansion of services exports slowed to 14.1 per cent in Q4 FY2025 from 17.9 per cent in Q3 FY2025, it continued to print in double digits for the third consecutive quarter. Notably, services exports stood at $102.0 billion in Q4 FY2025, the highest level seen in the Q4 of any fiscal, the report points out.

    Rural sentiments, as reflected in the Current Situation Index (CSI), improved somewhat in January 2025, likely aided by cash flows from the kharif harvest and favourable trends in rabi sowing and output.

    Interestingly, the March 2025 round of the RBI’s Urban Consumer Confidence Survey, which is conducted in 19 major cities, revealed that urban consumer sentiments improved further, with the CSI rising to 95.5 from 93.7 in January 2025, the report added.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Former Chinese takeaway owner sentenced after spending money on Apple and Burberry products instead of paying VAT bill

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Former Chinese takeaway owner sentenced after spending money on Apple and Burberry products instead of paying VAT bill

    Suspended sentence for bankrupt who defrauded HMRC

    • Former Chinese takeaway owner Zhang Jin Chen sold his house in Portsmouth and spent money from the sale in shops such as Apple and Burberry 

    • Chen knew he owed HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) more than £43,000 in VAT at the time he made the purchases and other cash withdrawals 

    • The 51-year-old then filed for bankruptcy, claiming he only had £20 in his bank account

    A former Chinese takeaway owner who withdrew thousands of pounds from his bank account and bought items from shops such as Apple and Burberry instead of settling his tax bill has been sentenced. 

    Zhang Jin Chen owed HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) more than £43,000 in VAT when he sold the house he owned with his then wife in Portsmouth in the autumn of 2020. 

    However, Chen disposed of £107,550 of his proceeds from the house sale without paying HMRC back. 

    The 51-year-old then applied for his own bankruptcy the following summer, claiming he only had £20 in his bank account, and £100 in cash. 

    Chen, of Havant Road, Portsmouth, was found guilty of fraudulently disposing of property as a bankrupt under the Insolvency Act 1986. 

    He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 16 May.  

    He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation activity. 

    Mark Stephens, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Zhang Jin Chen had the money available to pay the VAT he owed to HMRC twice over following the sale of his house but chose not to do so. Instead, he withdrew huge sums of money in cash and made purchases from the likes of Burberry and Apple. 

    Individuals who are declared bankrupt commit a criminal offence when they put assets out of the reach of creditors in the five years leading up to their bankruptcy. 

    Chen clearly intended to conceal his affairs and defraud HMRC so he could be more than £100,000 better off, instead of little over £60,000 if he had paid his debts.

    Chen ran a Chinese takeaway called Fortune House from an address on Albert Road in Portsmouth. He registered Fortune House as a business with HMRC in February 2012 but did not register it for VAT. 

    HMRC officials visited the takeaway in February 2020, finding evidence that Fortune House should have been VAT registered since December 2012. 

    Chen applied for bankruptcy in July 2021, stating that he knew he owed HMRC £43,876 in VAT but that he could not repay the debts. 

    However, in October 2020, Chen and his ex-wife sold their jointly owned house on Garnier Street in Portsmouth. 

    Over the next two months, Chen withdrew his proceeds of the sale in cash, the largest of which were two withdrawals of £30,000 in November 2020. 

    He also spent more than £3,500 on Apple products in November and December 2020 and a further £880 on a purchase from Burberry nine days before Christmas. 

    Chen signed a five-year Bankruptcy Restrictions Undertaking in March 2022 restricting him from being able to borrow more than £500 without disclosing his bankrupt status.  

    The restrictions also prevent him holding certain roles in public organisations. 

    The Insolvency Service is seeking to recover the funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

    Further information

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Are artificial sweeteners okay for our health?

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    By Havovi Chichger and Caray A Walker, Anglia Ruskin University

    Artificial sweeteners are being added to a growing number of foods to reduce their sugar content while maintaining their appealing taste. But a growing body of research suggests these non-nutritive sweeteners may not always be a healthier and safer option. So what is our best option if we want to enjoy sweet-tasting foods without the harms of eating sugar?

    Artificial sweeteners were originally developed as chemicals to stimulate our sweet-taste sensing pathway. Like sugar molecules, these sweeteners act directly on our taste sensors in the mouth. They do this by sending a nerve signal to the body that a high-carbohydrate food source has been consumed – telling the body to break it down to use for energy.

    In the case of sugar consumption, this also stimulates our dopaminergic system. This is the part of the brain responsible for motivation and reward, linked to sugar cravings. From an evolutionary perspective, this means we’re hardwired to seek out high-sugar food for a source of energy and to ensure our survival. However, excessive consumption of sugar is well known to lead to health problems, such as metabolic disruption which can cause obesity and diabetes.

    Similarly, when artificial sweeteners, rather than sugar, cause this stimulation, there’s increasing evidence of similar metabolic imbalances. This happens despite the fact that artificial sweeteners do not seem to stimulate the dopamine system.

    Indeed, a study published earlier this year showed that within two hours of consuming sucralose (an amount equivalent to the sugar in two cans of soft drink), participants exhibited increased physiological hunger responses. The research measured blood flow to the hypothalamus, the region of our brain responsible for appetite control. They found that sucralose increased blood flow to this area of the brain.

    Studies have also shown that sweeteners can stimulate the same neurons as the appetite hormone, leptin. Over time, this could cause our hunger threshold to increase – meaning we need to eat more food to feel full. This suggests that consuming artificial sweeteners makes us more hungry, which could ultimately make us consume more calories.

    And it doesn’t stop with feeling hungrier. A large study, which was conducted over 20 years, found a link between sweetener consumption and greater accumulation of body fat. Interestingly, the study found that people who regularly consumed large amounts of sweeteners (equivalent to three or four cans of diet soda per day) had a nearly 70% greater incidence of obesity compared to those who consumed minimal amounts of artificial sweeteners (equivalent to half a can of diet soda per day).

    The study also considered this response to be independent of the amount of calories the participants consumed each day. To verify this, they reviewed food questionnaires to assess self-reported dietary intake. While self-reported consumption can have discrepancies, the study also used a coding nutrition data system to verify dietary intake. The results indicate that artificial sweeteners may be making us more likely to form fat in our body – regardless of what we’re consuming alongside the artificial sweeteners.

    A study published earlier this month also found that daily consumption of artificially sweetened drinks positively correlated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes. But given these drinks contain a range of additives – including acidifiers, dyes, emulsifiers and sweeteners – it’s uncertain if this link can be entirely attributed to artificial sweeteners.

    What you need to know

    So is it time to give up sweeteners completely? Maybe not. There are many studies showing that short-term substitution of sugar with artificial sweeteners reduces body weight and body fat.

    Numerous studies have also shown that artificial sweetener consumption has no association with the development of diabetes or even with indicators of diabetes, such as fasting glucose or insulin levels. However, many of these studies were performed over relatively short time periods (up to 12 months) and only compared people consuming artificial sweeteners versus sugar. This makes it hugely confusing for all of us to know what we should do.

    To address this, earlier this month, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), which advises the UK government on nutrition, released a position statement on the use of non-sugar sweeteners. This was in response to the World Health Organization, which suggested that sweeteners shouldn’t be used as a means of weight control due to their low-level association with risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes.

    The SACN similarly concluded that non-sugar sweetener intake be minimised, especially for children. But they also stated that intake of sugars in general needs to be reduced. This is really at the heart of the issue. Artificial sweeteners may have significant negative health impacts, but are they as bad for us as sugar? The overwhelming literature on the negatives of excess sugar consumption currently suggests no – but our understanding of artificial sweeteners is still not as extensive as that for sugar.

    We need more research on artificial sweeteners to better understand their effects. Work is currently ongoing to collate a database of all clinical trials investigating sweetener use. This will allow us to better understand the sweetener research landscape and highlight areas where more work is needed.

    Until then, what should we do if we have a sweet-tooth? Unfortunately, like everything with nutrition, it’s best to only consume artificial sweeteners in moderation.

    There are no clear guidelines on the amounts of sweeteners we should or shouldn’t be consuming yet. But one of the guidelines from the recent SACN review is that the industry clearly label the amount of artificial sweeteners in food and drink. So hopefully it will be easier for us to make these choices in the future.

    Havovi Chichger, Professor, Biomedical Science, Anglia Ruskin University and Caray A Walker, Senior Lecturer in Microbiology, Anglia Ruskin University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

    The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

    If you wish to republish this article, please follow these guidelines: https://theconversation.com/uk/republishing-guidelines

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rise, shine and move with the new Lurgan Parkrun

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    The free, timed 5K weekly Parkrun has arrived at Lurgan Park to help get your weekend off to an active start!

    The official launch of the new Lurgan Parkrun took place Saturday 17 May, with the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Councillor Sarah Duffy and Physical Activity Co-ordinator with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT), Clare Drummy on hand to get the town’s first Parkrun underway!

    Funded by SHSCT, Parkrun is an inclusive community health and wellbeing initiative with the aim of encouraging healthier lifestyles and building stronger community connections. Parkrun is organised by local volunteers who are also trained in First Aid and defibrillator use.

    Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor Councillor Sarah Duffy said: “I am delighted to launch the Lurgan Parkrun, and I invite all residents to get involved, whether that’s by getting active and completing the route or in a volunteering capacity. I also wish to acknowledge and thank the Southern Health and Social Care Trust for funding this fantastic initiative to support community health and wellbeing.”

    Parkrun is a family-friendly event! There is no time limit, no-one finishes last, no previous experience is needed, and joggers, runners, walkers, buggies, volunteers and dogs (on a short lead) are welcome to join! Each Saturday morning, the route will take participants on a 5K course, weaving through the stunning mature woodland and open grassland grounds of Lurgan Park.

    In an exciting, innovative and award-winning initiative, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has also collaborated with Parkrun UK to promote the health and wellbeing of staff and patients. This social prescribing project encourages GP practices of all sizes to link with their local Parkrun to become a ‘Parkrun Practice’. As a Parkrun Practice, the surgery encourages staff and patients to take part in parkrun.

    Parkrun Regional Support Ambassador Northern Ireland, Matt Shields said: “We are really pleased to see a parkrun event coming to Lurgan Park. Our vision is that where possible, Parkrun events should be in the heart of the community and easily accessed by people of all ages, abilities and ethnicities. Lurgan Park in the centre of Lurgan town perfectly fits that vision!

    “At parkrun we are focused on promoting health and wellbeing, be that through running, jogging, walking or volunteering. Regardless of your ability, everyone is invited to take part, be active and socialise to help create a supportive parkrun community.”

    Parkrun participants must register with Parkrun beforehand and bring their personal barcode to the event. To find out more, please visit www.parkrun.org.uk/register

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor Welcomes The Worshipful Company of Educators to City for Engagement on Regional Growth and Edu

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Mayor Welcomes The Worshipful Company of Educators to City for Engagement on Regional Growth and Edu

    19 May 2025

    The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council welcomed The Worshipful Company of Educators into the Guildhall for a special meeting as part of their weekend-long trip to the city.

    The delegation of 36 from The Worshipful Company of Educators visited the city region, stopping off at The Guildhall for a meeting with Mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr on Friday evening, hearing all about the city and district and enjoying a tour of the Guildhall’s various exhibitions.

    Mayor Barr said she was delighted to welcome the group and hoped they enjoyed their overall trip to the city and wider North-West Region.

    “It was fantastic to meet with The Worshipful Company of Educators and hear all about the work they do, and advocate for. It gave us an amazing opportunity to create connections with the group and raise awareness of all the amazing projects and programmes that are going on in this part of the world. It was also great to highlight the transformative work that is ongoing within the city and increase our own profile on a wider scale.”

    Catherine McGuiness CBE, Master, Worshipful Company of Educators stated, “I’m delighted to be back in Derry, and to bring a delegation from the Educators to see some of the exciting educational and cultural initiatives in the city, hear plans for the future, and visit some of the amazing local sights. As ever, we’ve received a very warm welcome and feel honoured to have been greeted by the mayor”

    During their time in the city, the delegation visited Foyle College, Ulster University and The Playhouse Theatre. The aim of the visit was to learn more about the City Region Growth Deal projects, the North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC) and the work the Playhouse is doing to deliver creative, innovative, and accessible arts, education and peacebuilding programmes that enrich the lives of many people within the city and district.

    The Worshipful Company of Educators is the 109th livery company of the City of London. Established to raise awareness of and promote the education profession, the Company upholds standards of excellence and integrity within the field. Its membership comprises professionals from all sectors of education, including teachers, trainers, and administrators, providing a forum for members to discuss and exchange views on matters of topical interest.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: McGlynn and McCauley lead home over 1,000 runners in searing Strabane Lifford heat

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    McGlynn and McCauley lead home over 1,000 runners in searing Strabane Lifford heat

    19 May 2025

    Strabane’s Ann Marie McGlynn had a homecoming run to remember this morning as she claimed the senior ladies title at the 2025 Strabane Lifford Half Marathon.

    The reigning Dublin Marathon Women’s Domestic Champion defied the energy sapping conditions, where temperatures out on the course rose to over 20 degrees Celsius, to lead home the women’s field in a time of 1:15.04.

    In the men’s race Letterkenny AC’s Stephen McAuley and reigning champion Kyle Doherty of City of Derry Spartans enjoyed a real ding dong battle with the Donegal club man edging it by just ten seconds in a lightning fast time of 1:10.18 with Omagh Harriers Eoin Mullan finishing in third.

    McGlynn was representing Strabane AC at the event for the first time and it was a one two for the newly formed club as another former winner Claire McGuigan finished in second place followed by former winner, Derry’s Catherine Whoriskey, in third. 

    In total a record field of over 1,000 runners crossed the finish line in the Melvin Running Track sunshine after taking on a revised 13.1 mile course that incorporated more of Strabane town centre as well as the pedestrian bridge.

    Thousands more lined the streets of Strabane, Lifford and Clady village for the 10th edition of the popular cross border event.

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, officially started the race and she congratulated everyone involved in another successful event.
    “Sincerest congratulations

     to everyone who completed the 2025 Strabane Lifford Half Marathon,” she said.
    “The warm conditions out there were challenging but runners dug deep to complete it and I loved seeing their elation as they crossed the finish line at the Melvin Running Track.
    “There are a lot of logistics involved in organising an event of this scale, particularly when there is a new route to manage, so I want to give a special word of thanks to Council’s Festivals and Events team and all their partners for delivering a brilliant event.
    “Well done to all those who completed the relay element too and good look to all the runners as they pursue their next running goals!”
    Festival and Events Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey, thanked all those who contributed to the event’s success.   
    “Thank you so much to all our partners and volunteers who helped stage another successful Strabane Lifford Half,” she said.
    “Thanks to the PSNI, the Gardai, the Department for Infrastructure and Donegal County Council for their guidance and expertise.
    “Most of all thanks to the spectators and runners who created an unbelievable atmosphere around the route in tough conditions and made it a day that so many people will never forget.
    “Initial feedback about the new course has been positive and we look forward to hosting an even bigger and better event in 2026.”
    Full race results are available at http://www.myrunresults.com/.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two Years on: Progress continues with 112 affordable homes at Oxford North

    Source: City of Oxford

    Press release on behalf of The Hill Group, OX Place and Oxford City Council.

    Two years after announcing the delivery of affordable homes in Oxford, senior members of Oxford City Council met with award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group, to celebrate a key construction milestone at Oxford North’s Canalside development. 

    Regional Managing Director at the Hill Group, Rob Jacks, staff and elected members from Oxford City Council, along with other colleagues, gathered to mark this halfway point in the project and view the impressive progress.   

    The development is on track to provide 112 much-needed affordable homes, including 90 council homes let at social rent for people on the housing register, and 22 shared-ownership homes, helping a range of people onto the housing ladder in the UK’s most unaffordable city. Completion is scheduled for 2026.  

    To commemorate this milestone, Hill and Oxford City Council joined forces to pour concrete into the final base slab of the apartment block, marking a pivotal moment in the construction journey. 

    Rob Jacks, Regional Managing Director West for The Hill Group, comments: “Canalside at Oxford North is a landmark residential development for Oxford.  We’re delighted to reach this important milestone in partnership with the council.  We are looking forward to handing over these sustainable, well-designed homes next year.” 

    The affordable homes being delivered by Hill are the first of 317 energy-efficient new homes being built by Hill at Canalside.  This initiative is crucial for addressing the housing crisis in Oxford, one of the most unaffordable places to live in the UK.  

    Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for for Housing and Communities at Oxford City Council, said: “We are proud to join our partners at The Hill Group to recognise this achievement and witness the significant progress on site.  Providing sustainable, affordable homes is a key priority for the council, and these homes are a shining example of what can be accomplished.” 

    Homes at Canalside are designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, surpassing Oxford City Council’s ambitious environmental targets with a range of low-carbon features. These include air-source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, and living green roofs. The development also includes water-saving measures, electric car charging points, and ample cycle storage. 

    As part of the broader Oxford North development, Canalside is set to deliver a minimum 5% biodiversity net gain, ensuring both residents and wildlife can thrive in harmony. The homes are thoughtfully designed around a large landscaped communal park, complete with play areas, meadow grassland, and an activity lawn. The site will feature extensive tree planting with over 200 species planned, along with the introduction of a new orchard. Additionally, a comprehensive network of pedestrian and cycle paths will be integrated throughout the development, encouraging active lifestyles and sustainable transportation choices.  

    Homes designated for social rent will be open for bidding through the choice-based lettings scheme for individuals on the Oxford City Council housing register. For those interested in the shared ownership homes and to receive more information, please visit the OX Place website to register interest. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green theme for family event in Abbey Park

    Source: City of Leicester

    THERE’S a green theme for a free family event in Abbey Park this half-term that will give local people the chance to discover more about Leicester’s trees, parks and open spaces.

    The Go Green, Get Growing! event on Friday 30 May will feature tree climbing demonstrations by the city council’s arborists, a guess-the-circumference-of-the-tree competition, a display of the winning entries in a tree-themed school art challenge, and a treasure hunt for young children.

    Storytellers from the city’s BookBus will entertain youngsters with environmental tales, told from an ornate throne that’s been carved from a tree trunk (pictured), while visitors of all ages can follow the tree trail in Abbey Park and track down all 21 featured species.

    Visitors will also be able to find out how an allotment or a community growing hub could help them to grow their own food – and discover how Leicester’s ‘bee roads’ are protecting natural grassland habitats and supporting biodiversity.

    And to mark the publication of the city’s new tree strategy, those attending the event will receive free packets of seeds to plant at home, with a free potted sapling for the first 50 visitors.

    Assistant city mayor responsible for parks, trees & woodlands Cllr Vi Dempster said: “This event is a great opportunity for us to show young people and their families some of the work that we do to care for the city’s trees, manage our open spaces and enhance the local environment.

    “There’ll be lots of green-themed activities, as well as stories from the BookBus, so I hope that people will drop by and join in the fun if they’re visiting Abbey Park this half-term.”

    Go Green, Get Growing! runs from 12 noon until 3pm on Friday 30 May in Abbey Park. The precise location can be found using pounds.filled.shade in the what3words app.

     

    Picture caption: A close-up of the tree-trunk throne in Abbey Park, carved by the city council’s trees and woodlands team

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Delegation of Norilsk Nickel’s Polar Transport Branch visited Polytech

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    A delegation from Norilsk Nickel’s Polar Transport Branch visited Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University to discuss cooperation with the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” and to get acquainted with the competencies of the Higher School of Industrial Management of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade of SPbPU.

    The Norilsk Nickel Polar Transport Branch (the successor to the Dudinka Sea Port) is the main regional transport hub, providing for the vital functions of the entire Taimyr Dolgano-Nenets and Norilsk industrial regions. The branch processes 95% of all incoming cargo for the Norilsk Nickel Group of Companies and consumers on the Taimyr Peninsula, and ships its finished products to ships bound for ports in Russia and around the world. The port’s cargo turnover is about four million tons.

    Vice-Rector for Digital Transformation of SPbPU, Head of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” Alexey Borovkov told the guests aboutestablished interaction with the Norilsk Nickel group of companies. Deputy Director for Improvement and Development of Production Activities of the Polar Transport Branch of Norilsk Nickel Sergey Lyashenko gave a presentation of the branch, presenting the main areas of its work and infrastructure.

    Sergey Lyashenko outlined potential areas of cooperation with the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” based on the tasks and challenges facing the Polar Transport Branch of Norilsk Nickel in the context of the development of the Northern Sea Route by the Norilsk Nickel group of companies and the corresponding increase in port cargo turnover. Among the key tasks, he noted the use of technologies to increase labor productivity and optimize the transfer of operational data to ensure the smooth operation of equipment along the entire port line, taking into account temperature restrictions and terrain. The guest also spoke about the existing barriers to the digitalization of the branch’s activities and the experience of overcoming them.

    Sergey Vladimirovich emphasized the interest in the competencies of the SPbPU PISh in the field of mathematical and computer modeling to solve the problems of automating all processes of the activities of the Polar Transport Branch of Norilsk Nickel, taking into account different scenarios and the state of technological equipment.

    We are interested in establishing cooperation with an authoritative scientific center represented by the Advanced Engineering School of the Polytechnic University, which has experience and knowledge in the field of advanced digital and production technologies, including big data management, mathematical and computer modeling, and can ensure the formation of correct data that we can use to justify certain management decisions, analyze the effectiveness of selected approaches and measures, as well as medium-term and long-term planning, said Sergey Kolesnik, Deputy Director for Commercial Activities of Norilsk Nickel’s Polar Transport Branch.

    Then the meeting participants discussed the vision of the final result of the interaction in the context of building visual analytics for production automation and data management on the state of the branch’s technological infrastructure, and also considered the predicted economic effect of the cooperation. Speaking about lost profits and ways to reduce the economic risks of enterprises, SPbPU Vice-Rector for Digital Transformation Alexey Borovkov gave an example of the work of SPbPU PISh specialists for the Gazprom Pererabotka Blagoveshchensk company following the accident at the Amur Gas Processing Plant on January 5, 2022.

    Every day of the plant’s downtime after the accident brought multimillion-dollar losses to Gazprom. Employees of the SPbPU PISh were involved in the accident investigation, and they prepared a scientific and technical report on its causes. This work not only made a significant contribution to the development of the fuel and energy complex of Russia in terms of preventing similar emergencies at high-tech facilities in the industry, but also proved that the use of advanced digital and production technologies has a positive economic effect, reducing the risk of accidents and preventing lost profits and costs of enterprises, – noted Alexey Ivanovich.

    Deputy Director of the Engineering Center (CompMechLab®) of SPbPU Nikolay Efimov-Soini briefly spoke about the technology of digital twins — the main technology of system digital engineering developed by the PISh SPbPU. Nikolay Konstantinovich described the technology and outlined its key advantages, demonstrated within the framework of joint R&D with representatives of ten industries.

    The participants of the working meeting defined further steps for interaction taking into account competencies and current tasks. They also considered the possibilities of corporate training in production organization technologies and the basics of the Lean Manufacturing concept using the computer simulator of the same name and other products. rulers, developed by specialists of the SPbPU PISh on the CML-Bench®.EDU Digital Platform, which is gradually developing as a separate area of the Digital Platform for the Development and Application of Digital Twins CML-Bench®.

    At the end of the working visit, the guests assessed the capabilities and infrastructure of the Polytechnic Supercomputer Center, which ensures the implementation ofDigital platform for the development and application of digital twins CML-Bench® science-intensive projects of the SPbPU Technological Development Ecosystem with leading high-tech companies and corporations of our country.

    After visiting the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”, the delegation of the Polar Transport Branch of Norilsk Nickel got acquainted with the competencies and achievements of specialists of the Higher School of Industrial Management of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade of SPbPU and discussed possible areas of cooperation in educational and scientific activities in the field of logistics.

    Vice-Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education at SPbPU Dmitry Tikhonov spoke about the possibility of effective cooperation in creating and implementing advanced training programs for employees of Norilsk Nickel’s Polar Transport Branch, including in a distance learning format, as well as preparing specialized classes of schoolchildren for the company.

    Director of the Higher School of Management of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport Olga Kalinina presented the experience of implementing educational projects related to logistics at the Higher School. In addition to training in the bachelor’s degree programs “International Logistics” and master’s degree program “International Logistics Systems”, Olga Vladimirovna noted the additional professional education program “Fundamentals of the Organization and Economics of Production in Metallurgy for Purchasing Management at Mechanical Engineering Enterprises”, successfully implemented jointly with the Higher School of Physics and Materials Technology of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University for the Purchasing Directorate of JSC “Power Machines”, as well as the creation of educational cases for the disciplines “Transport Logistics” and “Inventory Management” based on the results of internships of teachers in the Beaton group of companies.

    Deputy Director of the Higher School of Management of the Institute of Mechanics and Technology of Economics and Technology for educational and methodological work Zoya Simakova presented the results of the work carried out in 2023 and 2024 within the framework of project “Harmonization of production needs with the provision of components and materials” by order of JSC Power Machines – the Electrosila plant, andproject “Transformation of purchasing activities of an industrial enterprise”, implemented to reduce the slow-turnover inventory of JSC Power Machines – Leningrad Metal Plant.

    Head of the research laboratory “Management of production systems and business processes” of the Higher School of Management of IPMEiT Dmitry Metkin demonstrated the team’s experience in terms of performing contractual work for industrial customers on technical and economic justification, forming investment activity programs when planning new projects, as well as developing strategies for introducing industrial products to new markets.

    After the working meeting, Sergey Lyashenko, Deputy Director for Improvement and Development of Production Activities of the Polar Transport Branch of Norilsk Nickel, held an interactive master class for students of the Higher School of Industrial Management of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade of SPbPU on the subject “Fundamentals of Logistics of Oil and Gas Enterprises”.

    In conclusion, representatives of the Higher School of Management of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade invited the delegation of the Polar Transport Branch of Norilsk Nickel to a tour. The guests inspected the classrooms and laboratories of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade, and assessed the capabilities of the computer classes equipped with programs for studying specialized disciplines in logistics.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Yellowstone’s thermal areas, by the numbers

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from R. Greg Vaughan, research scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey.

    In Yellowstone, it is often stated that there are more than 10,000 thermal features, including hot springs, geysers, mud pots, and fumaroles.  How do we know that?  Did someone count them?  Well, yes, but making a perfectly accurate count of unique thermal features is nearly impossible, partly because they are changing so frequently.  In the time it would take to map all of them, some would have died out and many new ones would have appeared.  For example, a newly formed fumarole was observed in the Roadside Springs Thermal Area in August 2024, and a newly emerging thermal area with multiple fumaroles was discovered near the Tern Lake thermal area in 2018.  There are also many thermal features that are located under Yellowstone’s lakes that are not included in any inventory. 

    Map of Yellowstone’s thermal areas. Inset commercial satellite images highlight thermal areas that are mentioned below: Sulphur Hills (©2022, Maxar, USG), Turbid Lake (©2022, Maxar, USG), and Lower Geyser Basin (©2015, Maxar, USG).  This work utilized data made available through the NASA Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program.  We acknowledge the use of imagery from the SmallSat Data Explorer application (https://csdap.earthdata.nasa.gov), and Maxar’s NEXTVIEW End User License Agreement. 

    Geysers are a specific type of hot spring where an underground hot water reservoir and the characteristics of the plumbing system allow discrete, episodic eruptions of hot water at the surface.  There are only about 1,000 active geysers on Earth; about half of them are in Yellowstone!  According to Scott Bryan, in the 2008 edition of his book The Geysers of Yellowstone, there are at least 700 geysers in Yellowstone, with at least 500 that actively erupt; the remainder are dormant. 

    Most of Yellowstone’s more than 10,000 thermal features are clustered into about 120 distinct thermal areas and thermal water bodies.  A thermal area is a nearly continuous geologic unit that contains multiple thermal features; hydrothermally altered rocks and/or hydrothermal mineral deposits; heated ground and/or geothermal gas emissions; and that is generally barren of vegetation or has stressed/dying vegetation. A thermal water body is usually a lake, pond, or wetland area, that receives heated water from a nearby thermal area, nearshore thermal springs, or from underwater vents. 

    Assessment of Yellowstone’s thermal areas and thermal features comes from field observations, measurements from high-resolution airborne and commercial satellite images, and from quantitative analysis of Landsat 8 and 9 nighttime thermal infrared images. 

    Despite the impressive size of Yellowstone National Park (about 8,992 km2, or 2.2 million acres), the total surface area covered by thermal areas is only about 70 km2 (17,300 acres)—less than 1% of the park’s area. If you closed your eyes and randomly threw a dart at a map of Yellowstone, you are very unlikely to hit a thermal area!  The distribution of thermal areas can be seen in an updated map of Yellowstone’s thermal areas that was recently published after careful analysis of satellite remote sensing data and ground-based observations. 

    The Sulphur Hills Thermal Area, north of Yellowstone Lake, is the hottest thermal area in Yellowstone, with pixel temperatures in satellite images up to 46 °C (83 °F) above the background.  At Sulphur Hills, there is a large area of diffusely venting warm ground that is dotted with dozens of small, isolated fumaroles that are venting gases at 93 °C (200 °F, the boiling temperature at that elevation) right at the surface.  Thermal infrared images from satellite instruments like Landsat 8 and 9 have pixels that are about the size of a football field, which means they measure thermally mixed pixels that represent the average temperature of sub-pixel-scale features.  So, 46 °C (83 °F) above background is pretty hot.  Given the size of the area (0.69 km2, or 171 acres), its geothermal radiant power output is 40–70 MW (megawatts = 1 million watts). 

    View of Lower Geyser Basin. Note active thermal pools (Great Fountain Geyser) in the foreground with thermal grasslands—kept treeless by hot soils—and lodgepole pine forest in the distance. Photo by George Marler, 1959.

    Turbid Lake, also just north of Yellowstone Lake, is the largest lake in Yellowstone where a significant portion of the surface remains ice free even during the coldest winters.  This is due to thermal input from nearby springs and underwater vents. The lake is the remnant of a large hydrothermal explosion crater that is about 1 km (0.6 mi) across, and it has pixel temperatures up to 28 °C (50 °F) above background and a geothermal radiant power output of about 40–74 MW. 

    Lower Geyser Basin is the largest thermal area in the park—at 15.6 km2 (3,855 acres) it is slightly larger than the town of Gardiner, MT. Its hottest features have pixel temperatures up to 32 °C (58 °F) above background, and its geothermal radiant power output ranges from around 200 to more than 500 MW.

    Summing the estimated geothermal radiant power output for all the thermal areas in Yellowstone yields values that range from 1,500 to 3,100 MW.  To put this into context, 1 MW could power the average home in the U.S for about 1.2 months, or power an electric car for about 3,600 miles.  Scale this up by 1,500 or 3,100 times and you can appreciate the immensity of the Yellowstone geothermal system.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Toyooka City (Hyogo Prefecture)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission Toyooka City is a city located in the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture (Tajima region). It is under the jurisdiction of the Tajima Prefectural Bureau. It is the central city of the northern part of the prefecture and the Tajima region that forms the Toyooka metropolitan area, and is the largest city in Hyogo Prefecture in terms of area.

    May 23, 1925 (Taisho 14) – The Kita-Tajima earthquake (Kita-Tajima Great Earthquake) caused damage to Toyooka Town, Kinosaki Town, Kinosaki Town, and Minato Village in Kinosaki County. In particular, about 1,500 houses on the main street of Toyooka Town were completely burned down.

    The 1925 North Tajima earthquake created severe damage in Toyooka, with official government reports, indicating that there were 428 fatalities, 1,016 injuries, 7,863 buildings destroyed, and 45,659 houses damaged by collapse or fire.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi of Tanzania nominated as next director of World Health Organization (WHO) African Region

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    GENEVA, Switzerland, May 19, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi was today nominated as the next Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region during a Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in Geneva ahead of the World Health Assembly.

    The Special Session by Member States of the WHO African Region to elect the next Regional Director was agreed upon and organized following the sudden and untimely death of Regional Director-elect, Dr Faustine Ndugulile in November 2024.

    Other candidates were Dr N’da Konan Michel Yao (proposed by Cote d’Ivoire), Dr Mohamed Lamine Dramé (proposed by Guinea), and Professor Moustafa Mijiyawa (proposed by Togo).

    Professor Janabi’s nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 157th session of the WHO Executive Board, which takes place from 28 to 29 May 2025 in Geneva. The newly appointed Regional Director will take office thereafter for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.

    In his acceptance remarks, Professor Janabi expressed commitment to advancing health of the people of the region. 

    “Thank you for your trust in me. I will not let you down. Your support underscores our collective resolve to build a healthier stronger and more united Africa,” said Professor Janabi. “As we face challenges ranging from infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases to climate change and limited health financing, we must harness African resilience and unity.” 

    Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, congratulated Dr Professor Janabi on his nomination as Regional Director for Africa and praised the other candidates on their campaigns.

    “I offer my warm congratulations to Professor Janabi on his nomination as Regional Director for Africa, and also to the United Republic of Tanzania. I also thank Dr Yao, Dr Lamine and Professor Mijiyawa on their campaigns for this challenging but extremely important position,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. 

    “Professor Janabi will take the reins at an unprecedented time for the African Region, and WHO as a whole. We are grateful for his experience and expertise as we work together to navigate the challenges we face, and position our Organization to be stronger, sharper and more effective in the future. I look forward to his appointment by the Executive Board, and to working with him for a healthier, safer, fairer Africa,” said Dr Tedros.

    Dr Tedros also thanked Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, for his service in steering the Regional Office during the transition period following the end of the term of former Regional Director Dr Matshidiso Moeti.

    Dr Ihekweazu congratulated Professor Janabi, wishing him success as he takes up the new role. 

    “Congratulations Professor Janabi on your election. This is a true reflection of the trust that Member States have placed in you. The African region has made important strides in health. But it also faces real and complex challenges. You can count on my support and that of all of WHO Africa as you take on this new role to serve our people,” said Dr Ihekweazu.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Al Ahli Tripoli and APR Win Second Straight Games at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Nile Conference

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    KIGALI, Rwanda, May 19, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Jean-Jacques Boissy got 30 points, including 18 from behind the arc, Jaylen Adams added 26 points and eight assists, and Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) beat Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya) 115-87 in the second day opener of the Basketball Africa League’s (BAL) Nile Conference (https://BAL.NBA.com/) in Kigali, Rwanda.  In the second game, APR (Rwanda) beat MBB (South Africa) 103-81.

    With their second straight win, Al Ahli scored the most points in one game in BAL history and outrebounded Nairobi 50-41. Nairobi was led by Uchenna Iroegbu who finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.  

    APR were led by Aliou Diarra’s 22 points and 14 rebounds, including eight on the offensive end of the floor. MBB were outrebounded once again, this time 50-38, and struggled offensively while shooting over 35 percent from the floor. They were led by Teafale Lenard Jr. who got 20 points, with Jovan Mooring adding 17 and Pieter Prinsloo adding 13.

    The Nile Conference returns on Tuesday when MBB takes on Nairobi City Thunder at 4 p.m. CAT, while APR faces Al Ahli at 7 p.m. CAT.

    The top two teams from the Nile Conference and the best third place team between Kalahari Conference’s FUS Rabat (Morocco) and the third place team in the Nile Conference will advance to the BAL Playoffs and Finals which will take place at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa from June 6-14 (tickets available on www.Ticketmaster.co.za).

    POSTGAME MEDIA AVAILABILITY

    STANDINGS

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Lagos slum evictions don’t work: 6 ways city planners can actually help the poor

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Oluwaseyi Omowunmi Popogbe, Lecturer I, Crawford University

    Millions of people in Lagos live in slums. Slums typically have poor housing infrastructure and sanitation, and limited access to education, health facilities and clean drinking water.

    These challenges make the people who live in slums vulnerable to health crises, high illiteracy rates and poor standards of living.

    A central element of the city authorities’ efforts to address the issue has been to evict people. Over the past decade, more than 50,000 people have been evicted from their homes in Lagos slums.

    As a development economist who has carried out studies on urban poverty in Lagos State and social exclusion of slum dwellers from full communal participation, I have observed some notable patterns.

    Despite their efforts to contribute to national productivity, these low-income communities are often marginalised and denied access to basic public amenities and a dignified living environment. Instead of addressing their needs, policy and development priorities tend to focus on displacing them. Thereafter, provisions are made for affluent groups, replacing informal settlements with high-rise buildings.

    Sadly, survivors of forced eviction usually move to other slum communities as they cannot afford the high cost of living in the city. This shows that forced eviction is not a solution to slum proliferation.

    I argue that if Lagos wants to solve the problems faced by the city’s vast population of slum dwellers, it should focus on six things. These are:

    • community-led regeneration processes

    • communal engagement

    • upgrading communities without displacement

    • obeying court orders

    • inclusivity in regeneration

    • adequate compensation to the displaced.

    This would help restore trust that the city has all its people’s interests at heart, not just those of the super rich.

    Forced evictions are seen as benefiting the rich

    In March 2025, a demolition exercise was carried out in the Otumara slum, displacing over 10,000 residents at short notice.

    Despite a 2017 Lagos State High Court ruling which condemned forced evictions carried out without due consultation, they have continued.

    Known cases are the Otodo-Gbame waterfront eviction (shortly before the court ruling), where over 30,000 residents were displaced, Ilubirin waterfront community, Orisunmibare in Apapa, Otto communities, Ayetoro, and Oko Baba communities.

    Mid-April 2025, the Lagos State government revealed plans to regenerate the Otumara slum. Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (Lasura) then met with community leaders and other stakeholders to discuss how it would be done. That step should have been taken before the demolition.

    The idea behind the meeting was to ensure inclusiveness and reduce any challenge to the project. Lasura assured the community representatives of a fair hearing throughout the implementation process. They were told the benefits of the regeneration would extend to the entire community.

    As a development economist who has carried out a number of studies on urban vulnerability and inclusion, I’ve found that slum dwellers don’t always trust the government. This lack of trust stems from experiences other slum dwellers have had.

    Urban regeneration does not always favour slum dwellers. So government interventions are not seen as a genuine effort to improve their living conditions, but as a mechanism to displace them to make way for the elite.

    For instance, Maroko slum residents were forcefully evicted under the guise of improving infrastructural amenities and because the area was below sea level. Now the Oniru Estate, Lekki Phase 1 and other notable residential and commercial buildings are located there.

    Luxury apartments on the Lagos lagoon have replaced the former Ilubirin waterfront slum. Lekki foreshore development continues at the former Otodo-Gbame waterfront community.

    Survivors of forced eviction usually move to other slum communities as they can’t afford to live in the city.

    The attainment of Lagos as a “fair shared city” has been proposed by the Fabulous Urban Foundation in partnership with Heinrich Böll Foundation. These organisations advocate urban inclusiveness and community-driven initiatives. They envision Lagos as an inclusive place where everyone (irrespective of social class or status) has equitable access to amenities and decision-making processes.

    The pattern of forced displacement under the guise of urban regeneration, without adequate compensation or resettlement, contradicts the principle of fairness.

    Development plans in Lagos follow western ideas and keep widening the gap between the rich and the poor, as amenities are often developed to be accessible by the middle and upper classes.

    Specifically, the Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP 2052) contains many lofty ideas and opportunities to make Lagos “Africa’s Model Mega City”. But it’s not clear how the city’s multidimensionally poor population fits into the plan.

    Solutions

    To include residents of slums marked for regeneration, a more proactive approach would be:

    1. Continuous communal engagement, to reaffirm that government and other stakeholders are committed to including all residents.

    2. Community-led redesign and regeneration processes. Slum conditions are deplorable and dehumanising, but evicting residents to make way for the high class is unacceptable. The redesign should aim to favour the community.

    3. Abiding by court rulings which warn against forced eviction. Lagos courts have often ruled against forced evictions, especially when carried out without due process or resettlement arrangements. The Lagos State government ought to uphold human rights by ceasing all forced eviction procedures, as they are unlawful.

    4. Upgrading instead of displacement. Regeneration within existing settlements should be encouraged where feasible, so that livelihoods and social cohesion are not disrupted.

    5. Regeneration should include all income groups. It should not only focus on physical infrastructure, but also social and economic issues. It would make affordable housing and basic amenities available for all income groups.

    6. Adequate compensation. Where relocation cannot be avoided, a resettlement plan must be in place that will ensure fair treatment and avoid disruption to livelihood.

    – Lagos slum evictions don’t work: 6 ways city planners can actually help the poor
    – https://theconversation.com/lagos-slum-evictions-dont-work-6-ways-city-planners-can-actually-help-the-poor-255341

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Terrorists use food as a weapon: how Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab exploit hunger

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Simone Papale, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Parma

    Over the last decade, there has been growing international focus on the role of food in conflict, particularly in Africa. The continent has seen an increase in jihadist terrorism in several regions.

    Violence, like that exercised by terrorist organisations, is linked with food security conditions, causing a vicious circle of hunger and conflict.

    Terrorism generates food disruptions. It undermines production systems and supply routes.

    At the same time, growing food shortages intensify tensions and competition over essential resources at the margins of vulnerable societies. This increases the risk of mobilisation into violence.

    We are researchers in international security and contemporary warfare. In a recent article, we explored the role of food in Africa’s terrorist insurgencies. We focused on Boko Haram in Nigeria and Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

    We show how food is not only a driver or victim of violence. It is also central to how terrorist groups fight, govern and survive.

    Terrorists use food as a tool to challenge national authorities and increase their followers. In parallel, they exploit food insecurity to control communities and confront counter-terrorism forces, pushing the state out of contested areas.

    Read more: How crime is closely linked to Al-Shabaab’s survival strategy

    This has major implications. The use of food as a weapon worsens humanitarian conditions. It causes the displacement of people in vulnerable settings. As a result, it sets in motion dangerous mechanisms of instability that can even undermine militants themselves, reducing their resources and operational capabilities.

    State responses need to address these challenges and promote more comprehensive approaches to counter terrorism.

    Weaponising supplies

    Since the late 2000s, Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab have engaged African security forces in a strenuous fight. Both groups have sought to overthrow local governments and establish their power.

    They have expanded their networks in regions where food security is low. These are Nigeria’s Borno State and southern Somalia.

    These areas have witnessed historical frictions between the population and government authorities. Local communities have lamented socioeconomic marginalisation, shortages of essential resources and high levels of unemployment.

    Both Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab have sought to capitalise on inequalities to gain appeal among aggrieved populations, seeking to replace the state in the delivery of essential resources.

    Read more: Nigeria’s growing security crisis: 6 essential reads

    Boko Haram militants have reportedly provided supplies, such as biscuits, rice and spaghetti, to marginalised villages. As a Borno State resident put it, the militants have shown “love and concern” while addressing local needs.

    Al-Shabaab has resorted to similar practices to win the hearts and minds of southern Somalis and enlarge its pool of recruits. The group has supplied struggling communities with meals and goods, and promoted local agricultural activities.

    In parallel to these activities, both terrorist groups have adopted more aggressive measures to counter the advance of anti-terrorism forces. They have used food denial to punish civilian insubordination and cooperation with the state, relying on starvation tactics.

    Boko Haram has systematically targeted food infrastructures. The group has burned crops, banned farming and fishing activities, and even poisoned water sources. This has happened particularly in places where militants suspected collusion between communities and national authorities.

    Likewise, Al-Shabaab has interrupted trade routes. It has destroyed food imports to isolate southern Somali villages controlled by security forces and deprive them of popular support. During Somalia’s 2011–2012 famine, Al-Shabaab militants blocked humanitarian agencies. This was aimed at preventing the distribution of food aid to curb western influence in territories under their control.

    The repercussions

    The use of food as a weapon has had major repercussions in Borno State and southern Somalia. It is a primary cause of the deterioration of food security in these regions over the last 15 years.

    Attacks on food resources and infrastructure have disrupted supply routes. They have pushed people to abandon their crops and pastures. This has decreased the production and availability of essential goods.

    As a result, humanitarian conditions have worsened, local economies have weakened and displacement flows have intensified.

    This has had detrimental effects for Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab, depriving militants of key assets to sustain their activities and attract new recruits.

    The two terrorist groups have become victims of the emergencies they have helped generate. They have increasingly struggled to supply nourishment for their troops and supporters. Consequently, they have witnessed a growing number of defections motivated by unsustainable conditions.

    Reports highlight increasing cases of jihadists surrendering to security forces while requesting food.

    To address these challenges, Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab have intensified raids on villages, looting goods and livestock.

    Read more: What drives Al-Shabaab in Somalia: foreign forces out, Sharia law in and overthrow the government

    However, growing frictions with the population have undermined the groups’ operational capabilities, even opening up new fronts of resistance.

    Boko Haram has been forced to transfer part of its resources and operations to the Lake Chad area. The group has intensified incursions to capture food in Nigeria’s neighbouring countries.

    In Somalia, tensions with farming and pastoralist communities have led to the creation of militias mobilising against Al-Shabaab.

    What next

    The relocation of Boko Haram’s operations and the mobilisation of communities against Al-Shabaab have not eradicated the terrorist threat. However, these events further highlight food as a crucial factor shaping insurgencies.

    African and international authorities need to tackle the dynamics of food weaponisation. They need to refine their approach to enhance local resilience, addressing the inequalities that insurgents exploit.

    – Terrorists use food as a weapon: how Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab exploit hunger
    – https://theconversation.com/terrorists-use-food-as-a-weapon-how-boko-haram-and-al-shabaab-exploit-hunger-256162

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: AI-driven motion capture is transforming sports and exercise science

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Habib Noorbhai, Professor (Health & Sports Science), University of Johannesburg

    In sport, the margin between success and failure is often measured in milliseconds. It could be a cricketer adjusting their foot positioning, a runner refining their sprint start or a footballer perfecting their passing.

    This is where motion capture comes in – among the many approaches being used for athletic performance and movement analysis.

    Conventional motion capture tracks a person’s movements by using sensors or reflective markers linked to cameras. This provides data that helps sport scientists analyse how to improve an athlete’s performance, personalise their training programme and prevent possible injury.

    But for decades, motion capture in sport has been done using cumbersome suits and complex camera systems. These technologies offer high precision, but have remained out of reach for many because of their cost, technical demands and rigid laboratory constraints.

    As sport evolves, so too must the technology that analyses it. The way we measure human movement is experiencing a major transformation. Markerless motion capture (enabled by artificial intelligence, computer vision, depth sensors and multiple-camera systems) is set to revolutionise sports performance analysis.

    As a health and sports scientist with a focus on data, innovation and technology, I co-authored a study on markerless motion capture in sports and exercise. We reviewed and compared various motion capture options so that users can choose what system is best for their needs and budgets.

    This matters because markerless motion capture provides a practical alternative that’s accessible, scalable and adaptable to real-world settings. It’s a shift that promises to transform how athletes train, how they move, how injuries are assessed and how coaches refine performance.

    The problem with traditional motion capture

    Marker-based motion capture has long been considered the gold standard for analysing movement. Various systems use optoelectronic (devices that emit or detect light) tracking. They’ve provided researchers and coaches with precise three-dimensional (3D) data on joint angles, movement efficiency and biomechanical load. But these systems come with challenges.

    Traditional motion capture in a research laboratory, with screen analysis. Courtesy Habib Noorbhai

    Firstly, the need for reflective markers placed on the body introduces variability. Even slight misplacements can compromise data accuracy.

    Secondly, these systems are largely confined to laboratory environments. While they work well for controlled studies, they can’t always capture the dynamics of real-world sports performance.

    Thirdly, the cost of such setups, often reaching tens of thousands of dollars, limits their use to elite teams and well-funded research labs. This financial barrier places the technology out of reach for grassroots sport, where talent development is crucial.

    The rise of markerless motion capture

    Markerless motion capture, driven by deep learning and computer vision, allows movement to be tracked directly from video footage, without requiring physical markers. Models such as OpenPose, TensorFlow Pose Estimate and MeTRAbs can now identify and analyse human joint positions in 3D, all from a single video feed.

    A cricket bowler in action using pose estimation (markerless motion capture) in Plotly. Courtesy Habib Noorbhai

    This approach has profound implications. It means that coaches can capture real-time movement data from training sessions without interrupting the natural flow of play. Athletes can analyse their technique with nothing more than a smartphone camera. It opens the door for motion capture to move beyond the lab and onto the field, the court or the gym floor.

    Where markerless motion capture works best

    The ability to track movement in real-world environments makes markerless motion capture particularly valuable in high-speed and dynamic sports.

    In football, tracking player movement during passing drills can inform tactical decisions. In sprinting, coaches can analyse stride length and ground contact time without disrupting training sessions. In baseball and cricket, batting mechanics can be assessed without requiring players to wear cumbersome tracking suits or markers.

    Beyond performance analysis, the implications for injury management and rehabilitation are just as compelling.

    By integrating markerless motion capture into injury rehabilitation programmes, physiotherapists can monitor movement deficiencies in real time. A player recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, for example, can have their gait and knee valgus angles monitored remotely. This reduces the need for repeated clinic visits.

    Barriers

    Despite its potential, markerless motion capture is not without its challenges. While deep learning models are improving, they still struggle with occlusion: where body parts become temporarily hidden from view. Variations in lighting, camera angles and player body types can affect tracking accuracy too.

    To improve robustness across diverse sports settings, these issues need ongoing refinement in pose estimation algorithms. (These are computer vision techniques used to locate and track key points of the body on a person in a video.)

    Read more: Supershoes have transformed competitive distance running, but they remain controversial

    Another key limitation is validation. Traditional motion capture systems have been extensively tested for accuracy, but markerless models are still undergoing further validation in sport-specific contexts.

    Ensuring consistency and reliability will be crucial in convincing elite teams to transition away from marker-based setups.

    A future without markers?

    The question remains: will markerless motion capture completely disrupt and replace traditional systems? The reality is likely to be more nuanced.

    While marker-based motion capture will retain its place in highly controlled research settings, markerless alternatives will dominate practical, field-based applications. The accessibility, ease of use and real-time capabilities of markerless systems make them a game-changer.

    Read more: VAR and peace? Why tech-assisted refereeing won’t do away with disputed decisions at the World Cup

    As AI models become more sophisticated and sensor technology advances, the precision of markerless systems will continue to improve. The future of motion capture lies not in replacing one method with another, but in integrating multiple approaches to create a seamless, scalable and accurate framework for movement analysis.

    It’s no longer a question of whether markerless motion capture will take over, but when. And as the technology matures, the benefits for coaches, athletes and scientists alike will only continue to grow. It’s set to play an integral role in shaping the next generation of athletic performance and movement analysis.

    – AI-driven motion capture is transforming sports and exercise science
    – https://theconversation.com/ai-driven-motion-capture-is-transforming-sports-and-exercise-science-254646

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the wreath-laying ceremony for the victims of the Canal Hotel attack in 2003

    Source: United Nations – English

    ear survivor colleagues, dear colleagues,

    Almost 22 years ago, the United Nations family suffered the worst terrorist attack in the history of our organization.

    22 years is a long time.

    But we will never forget the colleagues who were killed that day in the bombing at the Canal Hotel.

    They were sons, daughters, mothers, fathers and friends who are, to this day, mourned by those they knew and loved.  

    We will always remember their leader, Sergio Vieira de Mello, who was also killed in the attack.

    We will stand with the survivors whose lives were changed forever.

    And we will remember the courageous colleagues and others who rushed to help on that terrible day, and in the days and weeks after — showing us the very best of the humanitarian spirit.

    This memorial stands as a tribute to their lives and their contributions to the people of Iraq.

    It also stands as a reminder of how far Iraq has come since 2003.

    Working with the brave and resilient people of this country, the women and men of the United Nations have worked tirelessly to support their quest for stability, development and peace.

    Above all, this memorial is as a clear reminder of the vital work that our organization does around the world — and the dangers our people face in carrying out that work.  

    With World Humanitarian Day, the date of 19 August has been forever transformed from a day of unimaginable horror and tragedy here in Iraq into a global day of solemn remembrance for all humanitarians — inside and outside the organization.

    Their bravery, dedication, and belief that a better future is possible will always inspire us.

    And like those whose lives were lost on 19 August, 2003, their sacrifices and contributions to our world — and to our vital cause of peace — will never be forgotten.

    Thank you.

    ***

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Amplify Energy Appoints Clint Coghill to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amplify Energy Corp. (NYSE: AMPY) (“Amplify” or the “Company”) today announced that it has appointed Clint Coghill to its Board of Directors (the “Board”) as Lead Independent Director, effective May 16, 2025. In connection with Mr. Coghill’s appointment, the Company entered into a cooperation agreement with Mr. Coghill and his affiliates Stoney Lonesome HF, LP and The Drake Helix Holdings, LLC (collectively, “Stoney Lonesome”), the beneficial owners of approximately 7% of the Company’s outstanding shares.

    Mr. Coghill will serve as a member of the Board’s Compensation Committee and be included in the Board’s slate of nominees up for election at the Company’s upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

    “We appreciate the constructive dialogue we have had with Clint and are pleased to welcome him to the Board,” said Chris Hamm, Chairman of Amplify. “We believe Clint’s business and financial expertise and strong shareholder perspective will be invaluable assets to the Company and we look forward to working with him.”

    Clint Coghill, the Chief Investment Officer of Stoney Lonesome, said, “I’m pleased to join the Board of Amplify and look forward to working with Amplify’s Board and management team to help the Company achieve its potential and drive shareholder value.”

    In connection with the cooperation agreement, Stoney Lonesome has agreed to a customary standstill, voting and other provisions. The cooperation agreement will be included as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K, which the Company will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Amplify.

    About Clint Coghill

    Clint Coghill brings more than 30 years of experience as a successful money manager, software entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Mr. Coghill is the Founder of Backstop Solutions Group, LLC, an industry-leading service company redefining the way firms operate in private markets and reshaping the institutional investment industry. From 2003 to 2021, Mr. Coghill served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Backstop Solutions Group, LLC from 2013 until its sale to ION Analytics in 2021, where he then was the Head of the Investor Segment until early 2025. Prior to that, he served as President and Chief Investment Officer of Coghill Capital Management, LLC. Mr. Coghill currently serves as the chairman of the board of the Coghill Family Foundation and serves on the board of directors of New Moly, LLC. Mr. Coghill holds a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Arizona and an M.B.A. from the London Business School.

    About Amplify Energy

    Amplify Energy Corp. is an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the acquisition, development, exploitation and production of oil and natural gas properties. Amplify’s operations are focused in Oklahoma, the Rockies (Bairoil), federal waters offshore Southern California (Beta), East Texas / North Louisiana, and the Eagle Ford (Non-op). For more information, visit www.amplifyenergy.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements.” All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Terminology such as “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “continue,” “predict,” “potential,” “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the Company’s upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, expectations of plans, goals, strategies (including measures to implement strategies), objectives and anticipated results with respect thereto. These statements address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including things such as projections of results of operations, plans for growth, goals, future capital expenditures, competitive strengths, references to future intentions and other such references. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this press release specifically include the expectations of plans, strategies, objectives and growth and anticipated financial and operational performance of the Company and its affiliates. Please read the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, and if applicable, the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, which are available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://www.amplifyenergy.com/investor-relations/default.aspx or on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, for a discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those in such forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future results or otherwise.

    Contacts

    Amplify Energy

    Jim Frew — Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    (832) 219-9044
    jim.frew@amplifyenergy.com

    Michael Jordan — Director, Finance and Treasurer
    (832) 219-9051
    michael.jordan@amplifyenergy.com

    FTI Consulting

    Tanner Kaufman / Brandon Elliott / Rose Zu
    amplifyenergy@fticonsulting.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CBAK Energy Reports First Quater 2025 Unaudited Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALIAN, China, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBAT) (“CBAK Energy,” or the “Company”) a leading lithium-ion battery manufacturer and electric energy solution provider in China, today reported its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    First Quater of 2025 Financial Results

    Net revenues1 were $34.9 million, representing a decrease of 41% compared to $58.8 million in the same period of 2024. The substantial decline primarily stems from our Dalian facilities, where a major portion of customers are in the residential energy supply sector. These facilities are currently undergoing a product portfolio upgrade, transitioning from Model 26650 to Model 40135. Customers who previously purchased Model 26650 are now in a transitional phase of testing and validating the new Model 40135. We anticipate a gradual recovery as both existing and potential customers complete the validation of Model 40135.

    Among these revenues, detailed revenues from our battery business are:

    Battery Business   2024
    First Quater    		     2025
    First Quater    		     % Change
    YoY
    Net Revenues ($)   44,837,869     20,363,338     -54.6
    Gross Profits ($)   18,458,522     4,720,102     -74.4
    Gross Margin   41.2 %   23.2 %   –
    Net Income ($)   11,682,429     336,861     -97.1
    Net Revenues from Battery Business on Applications ($)                
    Electric Vehicles   480,181     537,507     11.9
    Light Electric Vehicles   1,510,292     2,844,874     88.4
    Residential Energy Supply & Uninterruptable supplies   42,847,396     16,980,957     -60.4
    Total   44,837,869     20,363,338     -54.6
    1 Net revenues consist of the Company’s self-operated battery business and Hitrans, which was acquired in 2021, an independently managed raw materials business.


    Cost of revenues     was $30.14 million, representing a decrease of 24.7% from $40.0 million in the same period of 2024.

    Gross profit was $4.8 million, representing an decrease of 74.43% from $18.78 million in the same period of 2024. Gross margin was 13.7%, compared to 31.9% in the same period of 2024.

    Operating loss amounted to $2.86 million, compared to an operating income of $10.3 million in the same period of 2024.

    Net loss attributable to shareholders of CBAK Energy was $1.58 million, compared to net income attributable to shareholders of CBAK Energy of $9.8 million in the same period of 2024.

    Basic and diluted loss per share were both $0.02, compared to basic and diluted income per share of $0.11 in 2024.

    Zhiguang Hu, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented, “As anticipated, we experienced a significant 41% year-over-year decline in net revenues. This decrease was expected, as Model 26650 — a cell developed in 2006 and still produced at our Dalian facilities — has become largely outdated. Both existing and potential customers are currently transitioning from Model 26650 to the more advanced Model 40135. We are confident that, upon completing the construction of new manufacturing lines for Model 40135 in the second half of this year, and as customers finalize product validation, our revenues will begin to recover gradually.”

    Jiewei Li, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Board, added, “As Mr. Hu emphasized, we expect to recover once the product portfolio upgrade at our Dalian facilities is completed. Meanwhile, our Nanjing facilities continue to experience strong growth momentum, driven by robust market demand for Model 32140, our most advanced and flagship product to date. Additionally, we are in the final stages of securing a long-term order from one of our key customers, which we hope to finalize and share with our shareholders in the near future.”

    Conference Call

    CBAK Energy’s management will host an earnings conference call at 9:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on Monday, May 19, 2025 (9:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong Time on May 19, 2025).

    For participants who wish to join our call online, please visit:
    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/wfu5unoh

    Participants who plan to ask questions during the call will need to register at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled call start time using the link provided below. Upon registration, participants will receive the conference call access information, including dial-in numbers, a unique pin, and an email with detailed instructions.

    Participant Online Registration:
    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIb49b754e574a43e68068965ba0234966

    Once completing the registration, please dial-in at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time of the conference call and enter the personal pin as instructed to connect to the call.

    A replay of the conference call may be accessed within seven days after the conclusion of the live call at the following website: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/wfu5unoh

    The earnings release and the link for the replay are available at ir.cbak.com.cn

    About CBAK Energy

    CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBAT) is a leading high-tech enterprise in China engaged in the development, manufacturing, and sales of new energy high power lithium and sodium batteries, as well as the production of raw materials for use in manufacturing high power lithium batteries. The applications of the Company’s products and solutions include electric vehicles, light electric vehicles, energy storage and other high-power applications. In January 2006, CBAK Energy became the first lithium battery manufacturer in China listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. CBAK Energy has multiple operating subsidiaries in Dalian, Nanjing, Shaoxing and Shangqiu, as well as a large-scale R&D and production base in Dalian.

    For more information, please visit ir.cbak.com.cn

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, strategy and plans, and our expectations for future operations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “should,” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Our actual results may differ materially or perhaps significantly from those discussed herein, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.

    Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are only estimates or predictions of future events based on information currently available to our management and management’s current beliefs about the potential outcome of future events. Whether these future events will occur as management anticipates, whether we will achieve our business objectives, and whether our revenues, operating results, or financial condition will improve in future periods are subject to numerous risks. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from statements made in this press release, including: significant legal and operational risks associated with having substantially all of our business operations in China, that the Chinese government may exercise significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of our business and may intervene in or influence our operations at any time, which could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of our securities or could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and could cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless, the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic or other health epidemics, changes in domestic and foreign laws, regulations and taxes, the volatility of the securities markets; and other risks including, but not limited to, the ability of the Company to meet its contractual obligations, the uncertain markets for the Company’s products and business, macroeconomic, technological, regulatory, or other factors affecting the profitability of our products and solutions that we discussed or referred to in the Company’s disclosure documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, including the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as in our other reports filed or furnished from time to time with the SEC. You should read these factors and the other cautionary statements made in this press release. If one or more of these factors materialize, or if any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

    For further inquiries, please contact:

    In China:

    CBAK Energy Technology, Inc.
    Investor Relations Department
    Email: ir@cbak.com.cn

    CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    As of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025
    (Unaudited)
    (In US$ except for number of shares)
     
      December 31,
    2024    		     March 31,
    2025    		  
    Assets          
    Current assets          
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,724,360     $ 4,052,010  
    Pledged deposits   54,061,642       43,482,693  
    Term deposits   4,237,090       5,530,030  
    Trade and bills receivable, net   32,938,918       40,835,093  
    Inventories   22,851,027       30,803,486  
    Prepayments and other receivables   20,004,966       17,991,265  
    Receivables from former subsidiary   12,399       9,011  
    Income tax recoverable   566,458       455,342  
    Total current assets   141,396,860       143,158,930  
                   
    Property, plant and equipment, net   85,486,829       84,283,683  
    Construction in progress   42,526,859       51,527,443  
    Long-term investments, net   2,246,494       2,313,725  
    Prepaid land use rights   11,075,973       11,056,715  
    Intangible assets, net   382,962       268,398  
    Deposit paid for acquisition of long-term investments   15,864,318       15,949,095  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets, net   3,237,849       2,906,652  
    Total assets $ 302,218,144     $ 311,464,641  
                   
    Liabilities              
    Current liabilities              
    Trade and bills payable   84,724,386       93,398,948  
    Short-term bank borrowings   26,087,350       29,301,628  
    Other short-term loans   335,715       335,905  
    Accrued expenses and other payables   58,285,635       50,305,373  
    Payable to a former subsidiary, net   419,849       418,211  
    Deferred government grants, current   556,214       559,186  
    Product warranty provisions   23,426       23,000  
    Operating lease liability, current   1,268,405       1,159,373  
    Total current liabilities   171,700,980       175,501,624  
                   
    Long-term bank borrowings   –       4,131,890  
    Deferred government grants, non-current   7,580,255       10,272,610  
    Product warranty provisions   420,688       417,565  
    Operating lease liability, non-current   2,449,056       2,397,859  
    Total liabilities   182,150,979       192,721,548  
                   
    Commitments and contingencies              
                   
    Shareholders’ equity              
    Common stock $0.001 par value; 500,000,000 authorized; 90,083,396 issued and 89,939,190 outstanding as of December 31, 2024; and 90,083,868 issued and 89,939,662 outstanding as of March 31, 2025   90,083       90,083  
    Donated shares   14,101,689       14,101,689  
    Additional paid-in capital   247,842,445       247,869,511  
    Statutory reserves   1,230,511       3,042,602  
    Accumulated deficit   (122,605,730 )     (125,997,055 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (14,919,345 )     (14,248,434 )
        125,739,653       124,858,396  
                   
    Less: Treasury shares   (4,066,610 )     (4,066,610 )
                   
    Total shareholders’ equity   121,673,043       120,791,786  
    Non-controlling interests   (1,605,878 )     (2,048,693 )
    Total equity   120,067,165       118,743,093  
                   
    Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity $ 302,218,144     $ 311,464,641  

     

    CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2025
    (Unaudited)
    (In US$ except for number of shares)
     
      Three months ended
    March 31,    		  
      2024     2025  
    Net revenues $ 58,822,432     $ 34,938,901  
    Cost of revenues   (40,041,385 )     (30,137,167 )
    Gross profit   18,781,047       4,801,734  
    Operating expenses:              
    Research and development expenses   (2,815,518 )     (3,023,961 )
    Sales and marketing expenses   (1,724,032 )     (896,050 )
    General and administrative expenses   (4,092,527 )     (3,804,137 )
    Allowance of credit losses and bad debts written off, net   114,013       58,395  
    Total operating expenses   (8,518,064 )     (7,665,753 )
    Operating income (loss)   10,262,983       (2,864,019 )
    Finance income, net   9,663       45,120  
    Other income, net   367,438       712,792  
    Share of (loss) income of equity investee   (18,824 )     55,125  
    Income (loss) before income tax   10,621,260       (2, 050,982 )
    Income tax expenses   (1,048,786 )     –  
    Net income (loss)   9,572,474       (2, 050,982 )
    Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests   263,976       471,748  
    Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders of CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. $ 9,836,450     $ (1,579,234 )
                   
    Net income (loss)   9,572,474       (2,050,982 )
    Other comprehensive income (loss)              
    – Foreign currency translation adjustment   (1,906,048 )     699,844  
    Comprehensive income (loss)   7,666,426       (1,315,138 )
    Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests   274,223       442,816  
    Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. $ 7,940,649     $ (908,322 )
                   
    Income (loss) per share              
    – Basic $ 0.11     $ (0.02 )
    – Diluted $ 0.11     $ (0.02 )
                   
    Weighted average number of shares of common stock:              
    – Basic   89,925,024       89,938,690  
    – Diluted   90,123,965       89,938,690  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Qorvo® Announces Intent to Nominate Peter Feld of Starboard Value for Election to the Board at the 2025 Annual Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENSBORO, N.C., May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Qorvo® (NASDAQ: QRVO), a leading global provider of connectivity and power solutions, today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has resolved to increase the size of the Board from nine to ten directors and to include Peter Feld as one of the Company’s director nominees in its proxy statement for the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2025 Annual Meeting”).

    The Board has also resolved to recommend that stockholders vote in favor of all Company director nominees, including Mr. Feld, at the 2025 Annual Meeting.

    Given the Company’s intention to nominate Mr. Feld, Starboard has agreed to rescind its nomination notice.

    Bob Bruggeworth, President and CEO of Qorvo, said, “Peter shares our goal of driving value for Qorvo shareholders and will bring additional technology industry knowledge and complementary perspectives, adding to our very qualified and experienced Board.”

    “We invested in Qorvo because of the tremendous potential we see in the Company’s strong product portfolio and leading industry position, which provide the foundation for Qorvo to drive continued improvement in growth, profitability, and value creation,” said Peter Feld, Managing Member of Starboard Value LP. “I am pleased to be nominated to the Board and look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow directors and the management team to help Qorvo capitalize on opportunities to drive long-term shareholder value.”

    About Peter A. Feld

    Peter A. Feld is a Managing Member, Portfolio Manager and Head of Research of Starboard Value LP since April 2011 and has significant expertise serving as a shareholder representative on numerous technology company boards that have created substantial value for shareholders. Mr. Feld has substantial experience in corporate finance, best-in-class corporate governance, and a deep understanding of capital markets. Prior to founding Starboard in 2011, Mr. Feld was a Managing Director and Head of Research at Ramius LLC for funds that comprised the Value and Opportunity investment platform. Prior to joining Ramius in February 2005, Mr. Feld was an analyst in the Technology Investment Banking group at Banc of America Securities LLC. Previously, he served as a member of the boards of directors of Gen Digital Inc., a global leader dedicated to powering Digital Freedom through its family of consumer brands, from September 2018 to May 2025; Green Dot Corporation, a financial technology company, from March 2022 to October 2023; GCP Applied Technologies, Inc., a technology company, from June 2020 until it was acquired by Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A. in September 2022; Magellan Health, Inc., a healthcare company, from March 2019 until it was acquired by Centene Corporation in January 2022; AECOM, a multinational infrastructure firm, from November 2019 to June 2020; Marvell Technology Group Ltd., a storage, networking and connectivity semiconductor solutions company, from May 2016 to June 2018; The Brink’s Company, a global leader in security-related services, from January 2016 to November 2017; Insperity, Inc., an industry-leading HR services provider, from March 2015 to June 2017; Darden Restaurants, Inc., a full-service restaurant company, from October 2014 to September 2015; Tessera Technologies, Inc. (n/k/a Xperi Corporation), a leading product and technology licensing company, from June 2013 to April 2014; and Integrated Device Technology, Inc., a company that designed, developed, manufactured and marketed a range of semiconductor solutions for the advanced communications, computing and consumer industries, from June 2012 to February 2014. Mr. Feld received a B.A. degree in Economics from Tufts University.

    About Qorvo

    Qorvo (Nasdaq:QRVO) supplies innovative semiconductor solutions that make a better world possible. We combine product and technology leadership, systems-level expertise and global manufacturing scale to quickly solve our customers’ most complex technical challenges. Qorvo serves diverse high-growth segments of large global markets, including automotive, consumer, defense & aerospace, industrial & enterprise, infrastructure and mobile. Visit www.qorvo.com to learn how our diverse and innovative team is helping connect, protect and power our planet.

    Qorvo is a registered trademark of Qorvo, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    About Starboard Value LP

    Starboard Value LP is an investment adviser with a focused and fundamental approach to investing in publicly traded companies. Starboard seeks to invest in deeply undervalued companies and actively engage with management teams and boards of directors to identify and execute on opportunities to unlock value for the benefit of all shareholders. 

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, representations and contentions, and are not historical facts and typically are identified by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue” and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. You should be aware that the forward-looking statements included herein represent management’s current judgment and expectations as of the date the statement is first made, but our actual results, events and performance could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. We caution you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. We do not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements or publicly announce the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements, other than as is required under U.S. federal securities laws. Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those relating to fluctuations in our operating results on a quarterly and annual basis; our substantial dependence on developing new products and achieving design wins; our dependence on several large customers for a substantial portion of our revenue; a loss of revenue if defense and aerospace contracts are canceled or delayed; our dependence on third parties; risks related to sales through distributors; risks associated with the operation of our manufacturing facilities; business disruptions; poor manufacturing yields; increased inventory risks and costs, due to timing of customers’ forecasts; our inability to effectively manage or maintain relationships with chipset suppliers; our ability to continue to innovate in a very competitive industry; underutilization of manufacturing facilities; unfavorable changes in interest rates, pricing of certain precious metals, utility rates and foreign currency exchange rates; our acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic investments failing to achieve financial or strategic objectives; our ability to attract, retain and motivate key employees; warranty claims, product recalls and product liability; changes in our effective tax rate; enactment of international or domestic tax legislation, or changes in regulatory guidance; changes in the favorable tax status of certain of our subsidiaries; risks associated with social, environmental, health and safety regulations, and climate change; risks from international sales and operations; economic regulation in China; changes in government trade policies, including imposition of tariffs and export restrictions; we may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt; restrictions imposed by the agreements governing our debt; our reliance on our intellectual property portfolio; claims of infringement of third-party intellectual property rights; security breaches, failed system upgrades or regular maintenance and other similar disruptions to our IT systems; theft, loss or misuse of personal data by or about our employees, customers or third parties; provisions in our governing documents and Delaware law may discourage takeovers and business combinations that our stockholders might consider to be in their best interests; and volatility in the price of our common stock. These and other risks and uncertainties, which are described in more detail under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2024, and Qorvo’s subsequent reports and statements that we file with the SEC, could cause actual results and developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any of these forward-looking statements.

    At Qorvo®
    Doug DeLieto
    VP, Investor Relations
    1.336.678.7968

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Launches Pizza Day Lucky Wheel Event Offering Over $100,000 in BTC and Hot Tokens

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has announced the launch of the Pizza Day Lucky Wheel event to celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day. Bitcoin Pizza Day originated on May 22, 2010, when a programmer purchased two pizzas for 10,000 Bitcoins, marking the first real-world transaction using Bitcoin and symbolizing a key milestone in cryptocurrency’s practical application. In this event, users will have the opportunity to share over $100,000 in BTC and other hot tokens.

    Event Details

    The Pizza Day Lucky Wheel event runs from May 19, 12:00 to May 28, 2025, 12:00 (UTC).

    How to Participate

    • Register for the event on the official MEXC platform.
    • Complete the tasks listed on the event page to earn spin chances.
    • Spin the Wheel to win BTC, hot tokens, and other rewards.

    Bonus Offer
    Users who invite friends to join MEXC using a referral code can receive a 10 USDT token gift pack for each friend who registers and completes a task. Each referrer can earn up to five gift packs on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details and to participate in the Pizza Day Lucky Wheel event, please visit here.

    In addition to the Pizza Day Lucky Wheel event, MEXC has launched various regional events to celebrate Pizza Day, providing generous rewards. Details of these events can be found below:

    As a firm believer in the cultural value of crypto, MEXC actively promotes community engagement through creative, culturally inspired events. These initiatives enrich the user experience and help shape a more inclusive and participatory crypto ecosystem.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5d6bc55-13e5-4c09-8e0a-a6aeb1f78c18

    The MIL Network –