NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A. Mordvichev assumed the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Moscow, May 22 /Xinhua/ — Colonel General Andrei Mordvichev has assumed the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces of the Russian Armed Forces. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov presented him with a standard. This was reported on Thursday by the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.

    According to the report, the head of the Russian military department, conducting this military ritual, introduced the recently appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces of the Russian Armed Forces, Colonel General Andrei Mordvichev, to the personnel of the Main Command of the Ground Forces and expressed confidence that the military leader, who has extensive combat experience, will continue his service with dignity.

    A. Mordvichev was born on January 14, 1976 in Pavlodar, Republic of Kazakhstan. In 1997, he graduated from the Novosibirsk Higher Combined Arms Command School of the Siberian Military District. In 2023, he was appointed commander of the Central Military District. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The NSU campus hosted the All-Russian competition “Russian Azimuth”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Every year in May, the All-Russian mass orienteering competition “Russian Azimuth” is held throughout the country. Almost 100,000 people took part in the competition in 60 cities of the country at the same time. In Novosibirsk, this event was held for the third time on the campus of the Novosibirsk State University. About 400 people took part in them, more than half of whom were NSU students.

    The start and finish were set up at the stadium, and the participants ran along the student campus and forest area to Lavrentyev Avenue. There were 26 checkpoints (CP) on the ground, and depending on the age group, it was necessary to find a certain number – from 10 to 26. The participants chose the order in which to look for CPs themselves.

    The winners among students were: 1st place – Andrey Ershov (VKI NSU) and Liliya Aksenova (FEN)

    2nd place – Dmitry Alimov (FF) and Alina Brysina (FIT)

    3rd place – Dmitry Parfenov (MMF) and Diana Salina (FIT)

    We congratulate the winners of the competition and thank all the students for their participation, and the teachers of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports Sofya Zakharova and Andrey Tolstoy for organizing the event.

    Photos from the competition by link 

    Competition results on the page 

    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 Russia: HSE and Sichuan University Sign Cooperation Agreement

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    On May 20, a delegation from Sichuan University headed by Rector Mr. Wang Jinsong paid an official visit to HSE. During the meeting, an agreement on cooperation between the universities was concluded.

    Participants discussed key areas of partnership, including the launch of a joint double degree program in Eurasian studies, as well as prospects for cooperation in the fields of international relations, mathematics, pedagogy, teaching Russian language and academic mobility.

    The meeting was attended by representatives of Sichuan University and HSE in relevant areas – faculties world economy and world politics, mathematicians, Humanities, Institute of Education and others.

    The agreement was discussed in a constructive atmosphere. The parties confirmed their mutual interest in developing cooperation and emphasized the need to move to the substantive implementation of the agreements reached.

    Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Head BRICS-Russia Expert Council Victoria Panova noted the high international status of Sichuan University, one of the oldest universities in southwestern China, and emphasized the symbolism of the meeting against the backdrop of the recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow. During this visit, 28 bilateral agreements were signed, three of which were concluded between HSE and leading Chinese universities.

    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 Economics: Public Statement Concerning the Imposition of a Civil Penalty on Income Plus Services Limited (‘IPSL’)

    Source: Isle of Man

    1. Action

    1.1 The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (the “Authority”) makes this public statement in accordance with powers conferred upon it under each of section 27 of the Designated Businesses (Registration and Oversight) Act 2015 (the “Act”) and regulation 5(7) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Civil Penalties) Regulations 2019 (the “Regulations”).

    1.2 The making of such public statement supports the Authority’s regulatory objectives of, among other things, securing an appropriate degree of protection for customers of persons carrying on a regulated activity, reducing financial crime and maintaining confidence in the Isle of Man’s financial services industry.

    1.3 Following an inspection of IPSL by the Authority under section 14 of the Act (the “Inspection”), which identified a number of contraventions by IPSL in relation to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Code 2019 (the “Code”), and the opening of a formal investigation (the “Investigation”), the Authority has deemed it reasonable, proportionate and appropriate, in all the circumstances, that IPSL be required to pay a civil penalty imposed under the Regulations.

    1.4 The Regulations allow for penalties to be imposed at two levels depending on the seriousness of the contraventions of the Code identified. Penalties imposed equate to a percentage of the Relevant Person’s income (as such terms are defined in the Regulations). In this instance, the Authority has deemed that the contraventions of the Code identified, in all of the circumstances, merit that a civil penalty be imposed in the higher, Level 2, penalty bracket.

    1.5 The civil penalty imposed on IPSL is the sum of £48,356, which is discounted by 30% to £33,850 (the “Civil Penalty”).

    1.6 The level of the Civil Penalty reflects the fact that IPSL co-operated with the Authority and agreed settlement at an early stage.     

          

    2. Background

    2.1 IPSL at all material times has been registered with the Authority as a Payroll Agent under the Designated Business (Registrations and Oversight) Act 2015.

    2.2 In July 2023 the Authority held a business meeting with IPSL where it was noted that there were considerable gaps in the firm’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (“AML/CFT”) control framework and overall understanding of risk. The Authority subsequently conducted a risk-based Inspection of IPSL in December 2023. During the AML/CFT inspection of IPSL the Authority identified a significant number of contraventions of the Code (the “Contraventions”).  The subsequent Authority Investigation confirmed the findings of the Inspection.

    2.3 IPSL has engaged positively with the Authority throughout this matter in a timely and constructive manner.

    2.4 IPSL proactively engaged an independent third-party professional to help progress its remediation plan. The remediation plan was completed within a timescale agreed with the Authority.

     

    3. Key Findings from Inspection Report and Investigation

    Contraventions of the Code identified by the Inspection included:

    3.1 IPSL failed to establish, record, operate or maintain procedures and controls relating to its Business Risk Assessment (“BRA”), Customer Risk Assessment (“CRA”), customer screening, ongoing monitoring, including transaction monitoring, and monitoring and testing compliance with the AML/CFT legislation (paragraph 4 of the Code).

    3.2 IPSL’s BRA did not consider all the risk factors detailed in paragraph 5(3) of the Code and was not an assessment which estimated the risks of ML/FT posed by the business and its customers (paragraph 5 of the Code).

    3.3 IPSL’s CRA did not amount to a CRA under paragraph 6 of the Code. It was therefore concluded that IPSL had not carried out an adequate assessment of the ML/TF risk of its customers. The CRA had no regard to the risk factors detailed in paragraph 6(3) of the Code and did not involve any risk assessment process or methodology (paragraph 6 of the Code).

    3.4 IPSL did not demonstrate that it had adequate procedures and controls for new business relationships as required by the Code, that it was at all times taking reasonable measures to verify the identity of new customers, and it did not take reasonable measures to establish the source of funds (“SOF”) of new clients (paragraph 8 of the Code).

    3.5 IPSL undertook no ongoing monitoring or screening of customers to check for exposure to sanctions, PEP or adverse information as required by the Code. IPSL’s failure to establish SOF before a business relationship was entered into meant it was not in a position to scrutinise transactions to determine whether or not they were consistent with the expected SOF of a transaction. As no CRA was undertaken, IPSL was unable to determine whether transactions were consistent with the customer’s business and risk profile (paragraph 13 of the Code).

    3.6 IPSL did not establish, record, maintain or operate appropriate procedures and controls for the purpose of determining whether any customer (amongst other individuals) was, or subsequently became, a Politically Exposed Person (“PEP”) (paragraph 14(1) of the Code).

    3.7 IPSL did not have procedures and controls in place for monitoring and testing compliance with the AML/CFT legislation. No reports were produced in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 30(2) of the Code. Such reports are required at least annually and serve as a confirmation of the firm’s adherence to its legal obligations and the robustness of its AML/CFT framework (paragraph 30(2) of the Code).

     

    4. Key Learning Points for Industry

    4.1 The Isle of Man National Risk Assessment 2020 assesses the money laundering risk for Payroll Services as ‘Medium’, with terrorist financing being assessed as ‘Medium Low’. IPSL’s failure to maintain adequate AML/CFT procedures and controls, as required by the Code, made it more vulnerable to being used for money laundering. The contraventions were systemic and evidenced that IPSL had materially contravened the Code over a long period.

    4.2 The procedures and controls as required by the Code, are vital to help protect the Relevant Person, their staff, their business and their communities from the threat of being used or abused by criminals or those assisting or enabling criminals. Relevant Persons must demonstrate they are protecting themselves in order to make their domain as hostile as possible to those who would abuse them. In this way, the procedures and controls are vital for the effective prevention of ML/FT and the harm that crime, terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction present for wider society.

    4.3 Ongoing monitoring of customers helps identify and mitigate potential risks associated with money laundering and terrorist financing. By continuously reviewing client activities and transactions, firms can detect suspicious behaviour early and take appropriate action. Regular screening against sanction lists, PEPs, and adverse media ensures that firms are aware of any changes in their clients’ risk profiles. This allows for enhanced due diligence when necessary.

    4.4 Compliance with the Code is a legal requirement; all firms undertaking business in the regulated sector have an obligation to conduct their affairs in a manner that adequately mitigates the risks faced by it in order to ensure that the Isle of Man retains its reputation as a responsible, and well regulated, international financial centre. The Authority is committed to taking reasonable, proportionate and appropriate action to address contraventions of the Code in order to help it achieve its regulatory objectives of protecting consumers, reducing financial crime and maintaining the reputation of the Isle of Man’s finance sector through effective regulation.

    4.5 The directors of all firms undertaking business in the regulated sector bear ultimate responsibility for ensuring the effective implementation and ongoing compliance with the Code. In particular, they must ensure that the (at least) annual review mandated by paragraph 30(2) of the Code is conducted diligently and comprehensively. This review is not merely a procedural formality, but a critical mechanism for evaluating the firm’s adherence to its legal obligations and the robustness of its AML/CFT framework. Directors must actively oversee the planning, execution, and documentation of this review, ensuring that it is;

    i. conducted by competent personnel with sufficient expertise and resource;

    ii. covers relevant aspects of the firms AML/CFT policies, procedures and controls;

    iii. identifies and addresses any deficiencies or weaknesses in a timely manner; and

    iv. is documented thoroughly, providing a clear audit trail of the review’s findings and any remedial actions taken.

    4.6 Directors must demonstrate a proactive and informed approach to this review, recognising its significance in safeguarding the firm from financial crime risks and maintaining the integrity of the Isle of Man’s financial system. Their active involvement is essential in fostering a culture of compliance throughout the organisation and demonstrating a clear commitment to their AML/CFT obligations.

    4.7 In today’s rapidly changing regulatory environment, it is essential for firms to stay up-to-date with the evolving AML/CFT framework. The Authority remains committed to work with industry to enhance the Isle of Man’s ability to meet its international AML/CFT standards and has a number of AML/CFT resources on its website and other social media platforms including webinars and sector specific guidance.

     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: No booze, no bouquets: China tightens frugal code for officials

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

    No booze, no banquets, no bouquets. China has barred alcohol, luxury dishes, and cigarettes from official meals, part of a sweeping crackdown on extravagance in public life. Government cars must forgo flashy upgrades, and meeting rooms must be free of ornamental plants and fancy backdrops.

    The new rules, set out in the newly revised Regulations on Practicing Thrift and Opposing Waste in Party and Government Organs, are the latest effort by China’s top leadership to rein in official perks and promote restraint.

    First introduced in 2013 as a follow-up to the Party’s landmark eight-point rules, an initiative launched in late 2012 to curb official misconduct and restore public trust, austerity guidelines were reaffirmed this May amid a broader campaign to reinforce discipline and compliance across the Party’s 100 million members.

    These updated guidelines set out more detailed rules than ever before for Party and government officials — targeting public funds, official travel, receptions, vehicle use, meetings, and office space.

    Extravagant banquets and heavy drinking were once fixtures of official life in China, customs so entrenched that phrases like “no banquet is complete without alcohol” and “business is done over drinks” became part of the vernacular. But such excesses, long resented by the public, have since increasingly come under scrutiny.

    As part of a renewed push for ensuring discipline, China has now imposed a sweeping ban on alcohol at official receptions, while cigarettes and luxury dishes are also off the table.

    Analysts said the ban is unlikely to meaningfully affect the industry of baijiu, a fiery Chinese liquor once a staple at government banquets.

    Xiao Zhuqing, an industry expert, noted that since the rollout of the Party’s eight-point rules just over a decade ago, government-related consumption of baijiu has shrunk considerably. Today, official purchases account for less than 5 percent of the market, limiting the new regulation’s impact on the sector.

    Excessive drinking not only erodes the image of government officials but can also end in tragedy. In a recent case that drew national attention, a county-level official in central China’s Henan Province died after consuming alcohol at a midday banquet during a training seminar in March. Nine other officials present at this banquet were later disciplined, demoted, or dismissed.

    Under the new rules, officials on domestic trips are barred from accepting cash gifts, souvenirs, or local specialties. For overseas trips, private jet travel is off-limits, while officials are no longer allowed to add extra stops or extend their stays abroad without prior authorization.

    Officials are also barred from using public cars for private errands or claiming personal vehicle expenses from public funds. These new rules call for government fleets to prioritize new energy vehicles, part of a wider push to reduce emissions.

    Party and government bodies are under orders to trim back meetings to only what is essential. Gone are the days of lavish conference setups — this means no floral arrangements and no elaborate staging. Holding official gatherings at scenic resorts is strictly forbidden.

    The new rules have received largely positive feedback online. Wang Xuming, a scholar and retired official from the Ministry of Education, praised them as “detailed and pragmatic” on microblogging site Weibo.

    Grassroots officials have also voiced their support. Some have long borne the health costs of official banquets, such as fatty liver and high blood pressure, widely seen as occupational hazards in a work culture where “drinking twice a day felt like part of the job.”

    As part of its austerity drive, China’s central government has been steadily trimming its public expenses on official receptions, vehicles, and overseas travel for years.

    The 2025 budget includes 6.12 billion yuan (about 851.7 million U.S. dollars) for such expenses, down 322 million yuan from last year. Reception spending alone is capped at 302 million yuan, 13 million less than in 2024.

    The savings from reduced official spending, according to the regulations, will be redirected toward development priorities and public welfare.

    As China continues its campaign against official extravagance, the once-routine perks of public office, including opulent banquets and taxpayer-funded junkets, have quietly receded.

    The government’s austerity push is rippling through society at large. Frugality has begun to replace excess as a social value. Restaurants are downsizing portions — and it has become common for diners to take leftovers home.

    This culture shift extends to major life events. Costly wedding and funeral banquets, once seen as obligatory displays of status, are giving way to simpler, more modest affairs, reflecting a broader embrace of restraint inspired from the top down. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 11 Polytechnic University postgraduate students become presidential scholarship recipients

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Following the competitive selection, 11 Polytechnic postgraduate students became recipients of the Russian Presidential Scholarship. All of them study full-time and conduct scientific research in priority areas of the country’s scientific and technological development.

    Young scientists represent five institutes of the university.

    IMMiT – Artyom Borisov, Pavel Vishnyakov and Vladislav Chernyavsky ISI – Ksenia Velmozhina, Polina Tyapkina and Polina Shinkevich IPMEiT – Mark Solovyov and Egor Shchenikov IBSiB – Ksenia Marinina and Alisa Postovalova IKNK – Stanislav Kirpichenko

    A total of 500 young scientists from all universities in the country became recipients of the presidential scholarship, including 77 postgraduate and adjunct students from St. Petersburg universities. I congratulate our winners of the competition, whose research, according to experts, is aimed at achieving technological leadership in Russia. I would like to note that 82 applications were submitted by our postgraduate students for the competition. And although 11 of the best researchers were selected, I am sure that others also have relevant and promising scientific projects. I wish everyone good luck in other competitions, receiving grants and scholarships of various levels and, most importantly, the practical implementation of their ideas in the real sector of the economy, – noted Vice-Rector for Research at SPbPU Yuri Fomin.

    The monthly stipend is 75 thousand rubles. The payment is assigned for a period of 1 to 4 years. The research of scholarship applicants must be based on the priorities defined by the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation, approved by Vladimir Putin on February 28, 2024. In total, more than 4.6 thousand applications from 73 subjects of Russia were received for the competition. The largest number of applications were submitted in the direction of “Engineering Sciences”.

    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 Russia: “Dialogue of Generations”: Veterans Share Stories of War

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The annual social and educational seminar “Dialogue of Generations” was held at the SPbPU History Museum. This year the event was dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, and veterans, students and children from the city’s social institutions took part in it.

    The meeting was attended by more than 60 participants, for whom this day became not only an educational event, but also a significant event in their personal lives.

    Honorary citizen of besieged Leningrad Zinaida Matveyevna Filina told the children about the events of the war and post-war years, shared stories that cannot be found in textbooks, but are important to know and remember.

    The most important thing is friendly relations. We were all very friendly and helped each other. Now it is important for students to support each other, study hard and use their opportunities, because today many doors are open for them, Zinaida Filina advised the youth.

    Polytechnic students are mentors for the pupils of the St. Basil Center, the Masha social center, and the Center for Assistance to Family Education No. 5, who also took part in the meeting.

    Such events are important for raising patriotism in young people. They strengthen the connection between generations. The children heard first-hand the story of one family that had gone through the trials of war. They were amazed by the strength of spirit, wisdom, fortitude and great desire to live and love life. Zinaida Matveyevna made an indelible impression, touching our hearts. We thank the organizers for holding the meeting, – shared the educator of the Center for Assistance to Family Education No. 5 Irina Petrova.

    A special gift for the guests was a musical and poetic number performed by activists of the author’s club “PoliNova”. Maria Guner, Alexandra Ukhvatova and Olga Shvets read poems, including their own, accompanied by Victoria Kuibysheva.

    The team of the Dobro.Center “Harmony” of SPbPU presented Zinaida Matveyevna and the young participants with memorable gifts. The meeting ended with an excursion to the Museum of the History of the Polytechnic University, which was conducted by the leading specialist Maria Zavyalova and activist Artem Kuzmin.

    Such events will never lose their significance. It is important to help children realize that the memory of war heroes should live not only on the pages of history textbooks, but also in people’s hearts. It was a very touching, warm and inspiring meeting, it is always nice to be part of such events, – shared first-year student of the Humanitarian Institute Polina Meshalkina.

    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 United Kingdom: experts comment on the Enhanced Games

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on the Enhanced Games and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

    Dr Martin Chandler and Professor Ian Boardley from the University of Birmingham said:

    “The organisers of the Enhanced Games are promoting the idea that performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) can be used safely, and that humanity has a duty to explore their potential to maximise human performance. To advance this agenda, they propose an alternative to the Olympic Games — the Enhanced Games — in which athletes will be actively encouraged to use substances and methods that are prohibited in the Olympics and most professional sports. They claim athlete safety can be ensured through health monitoring and other support measures, although details on these remain limited.

    “A major issue with implementing health safeguards for athletes using substances such as anabolic steroids or erythropoietin is the lack of a reliable evidence base to inform these measures. This includes insufficient data on the potential side effects of these drugs and how to mitigate them. In our recent paper (see below) we argue that such an evidence base does not currently exist, and that crucial information on the effects of commonly used PEDs is missing. For instance, it is known that anabolic steroid use can lead to heart enlargement, often accompanied by stiffening of the heart wall and thickening of the blood. These changes can impair heart function and increase the risk of heart attacks. However, we lack detailed knowledge about how different types of anabolic steroids, specific dosing regimens, and usage patterns relate to these cardiac effects.

    “The limited evidence available — mostly observational rather than experimental — suggests that while some individuals experience severe side effects, others do not, and we have little understanding of why. Similarly, some users develop long-term issues that progress slowly, while others experience short-term effects that resolve quickly. Again, we lack sufficient data to predict these outcomes. The situation is further complicated when athletes use novel substances with minimal human data (e.g., research peptides, selective androgen receptor modulators [SARMs]) or combine multiple PEDs — a common practice among users. As such, there is currently no robust evidence base to support the Enhanced Games’ proposed safety protocols.

    “Another concern is that the performance-enhancing effects of PEDs take time to develop, requiring use well in advance of competition. If the Enhanced Games are serious about athlete safety, they would need to provide comprehensive medical oversight starting now and continuing well beyond the conclusion of the Games. It is unclear how they plan to manage this, or how they intend to address serious side effects in athletes to whom they have provided PEDs. As it stands, the Enhanced Games resemble a poorly designed drug trial lacking ethical oversight, rather than a credible alternative to the Olympic Games.”

    Reference:

    Martin Chandler and Ian Boardley (2025) ‘Harm reduction in the Enhanced Games: Can performance enhancing drugs be ‘safe’?’ Performance Enhancement & Health

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.peh.2025.100341

    https://www.enhanced.com/

    Declared interests

    Professor Ian Boardley has received funding for research from WADA, UKAD, and Dr Martin Chandler is on UKAD’s Innovation Commission.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Contributes to the Preservation of Biodiversity

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    May 22 marks the International Day for Biological Diversity, which helps draw attention to the need to preserve the richness of flora and fauna.

    Preservation of biodiversity is one of Rosneft’s key objectives in the regions where it operates. The company and its subsidiaries also implement numerous grant programs to support scientific and applied projects aimed at studying and protecting rare species of animals and plants.

    Earlier this year, the East Siberian Oil and Gas Company supported a grant project to assess the populations of rare predators in Evenkia. As part of the project, employees of the Tunguska State Nature Reserve will study how the current state of the Evenk taiga affects the populations of bears, wolves, sables, and lynxes of a species that has not previously been seen in the region. Based on the research results, a set of recommendations will be developed for organizing rational nature management in the region. Earlier, with the support of Vostsibneftegaz, the Siberian Federal University published the Red Book of Evenkia. The publication contains brief information about the appearance, habitats, lifestyle, and numbers of 45 rare and small animals in the region.

    Oilmen of RN-Vankor supported projects on the creation of a teaching aid on the key species-bioindicator of Arctic ecosystems – the wild reindeer of Taimyr, the study of the current state of the musk ox population on the peninsula, as well as the study of the state and well-being of the populations of the main commercial fish of the Taimyr reservoirs. Research of commercial fish populations is extremely important, first of all, for the indigenous peoples of the North, for whom fishing is an integral part of their traditional way of life.

    With the support of the Samara group of Rosneft enterprises – Samaraneftegaz, Kuibyshev, Novokuibyshevsk and Syzran Oil Refineries, Novokuibyshevsk Petrochemical Company, Novokuibyshevsk Oil and Additives Plant in the Samarskaya Luka National Park, ornithologists are implementing a project aimed at preserving the white-tailed eagle. This is the largest and rarest bird in the Volga region, the species is listed in the Red Book of Russia and the International Red Book. Monitoring of nesting sites has been organized on the territory of the national park, which has made it possible to identify areas with a special nature conservation regime and take measures to control the tourist flow.

    Tyumenneftegaz supports projects aimed at preserving the ecosystem of Lake Solenoye. For three years, scientists from Tyumen State University conducted comprehensive ecological and biological research. As a result, more than 450 species of animals and plants were discovered, some of which are rare and protected. Oil workers also improved the coastal area, laid eco-trails, and installed containers for household waste.

    With the support of RN-Uvatneftegaz, scientists from the Tobolsk Scientific Station of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences are studying the population of forest reindeer in the Tyumen Region. In 2022-2024, large-scale monitoring was carried out, camera traps were installed, which confirmed the presence of the endangered animal in the region. A set of measures has been developed to preserve the habitat and create conditions for the preservation and subsequent growth of the population.

    Earlier, with the support of the enterprise, the Scientific and Analytical Center for Rational Use of Subsoil named after V.I. Shpilman monitored the condition of 390 large lakes in the region, and scientists from the Tyumen Scientific Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences developed an electronic database of rare plants in the Uvatsky District, which included data on more than 50 species. Ornithologists from the Tyumen State University developed measures to increase the population of rare bird species and created an electronic reference book “Birds of the South of the Tyumen Region”.

    Komsomolsk Oil Refinery together with scientists from Zapovednoye Priamurye continue to implement the project “Under a Strong Wing” to preserve the Steller’s Sea Eagle listed in the Red Book. As part of the project, ornithologists installed photo and video recording devices that allow observing bird families in the reserve. In addition, during the summer, scientists will conduct research on river water samples and fish, which are the food source for birds. The information collected will form the basis for developing a set of measures to protect this rare bird, which is listed in the Red Book of Russia as vulnerable.

    During the implementation of the Sakhalin-1 project, annual monitoring of the Okhotsk population of gray whales on the north-eastern shelf of Sakhalin Island is carried out. Since 1997, the program has included census and photography of whales, acoustic monitoring, observation of the behavior of mammals, and study of their food supply. All research is carried out jointly with the country’s leading scientific organizations.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 22, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Leadership in Economics, Management and Trade: Polytechnic University Creates Platform for Interdisciplinary Dialogue

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade held the All-Russian scientific-practical and educational-methodical conference “Fundamental and applied research in the field of management, economics and trade”. The conference was attended by teachers and scientists, representatives of the business community, government bodies, as well as the young academic generation – postgraduates and masters of universities. The geography of the conference covered ten regions of the Russian Federation and foreign countries: Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan.

    IPMET holds the conference for the ninth year in a row. This year, the main agenda touched upon the current issues of achieving technological leadership of Russia in the economy, management, trade, finance and economic security. Participants shared their research and experience in implementing applied solutions using modern mathematical and statistical tools, progressive digital technologies applicable to different levels of management: state, regional, industry, individual enterprises and organizations.

    The grand opening took place in the White Hall of the Polytechnic Universityplenary session “Artificial Intelligence in the Economy: Cross-Industry Solutions”. The session was moderated by the chairperson of the conference program committee, director of the Scientific and Educational Center for Information Technology and Business Analysis at Gazprom Neft, and professor at the Higher School of Engineering and Economics, Irina Rudskaya.

    The plenary session was held in the format of a panel discussion, at which the speakers touched upon current issues concerning the possibilities and problems of using artificial intelligence in various areas of the economy: industry, telecommunications, medicine, finance, education, and agriculture.

    The discussion turned out to be lively and non-trivial, since both speakers and participants were skillfully involved by the moderator in the discussion of the pressing issues of artificial intelligence, which was continued in other events of the conference.

    Arman Avetyan, Associate Professor of the Department of Management and Business at the Russian-Armenian University, who was invited to participate in the discussion, shared his experience of using artificial intelligence in the educational process during practical classes with students and postgraduates. Khamit Fattakhov, Director of Continuous Improvement of Production at Power Machines JSC, briefly spoke about the specifics of using AI tools to increase labor productivity and optimize operational processes in industry.

    Artificial intelligence goes beyond automation, creating inter-industry synergy: finance, education, industry. AI technologies not only increase efficiency, but also change management strategies, helping businesses adapt to digital challenges. That is why our conference brought together not only economists and IT specialists, but also representatives of business, healthcare, agriculture and science. Only interdisciplinary dialogue allows us to find a balance between innovation and sustainability, – says Irina Rudskaya.

    In addition to the plenary session, there were three round tables and 16 sections, including a section of the student scientific society.

    A separate section of the conference was devoted to educational and methodological issues of training personnel for strategically important sectors of the economy in modern conditions.

    Also, to celebrate the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the conference included a section entitled “The Great Victory: Socio-Economic and Technological Aspects” with presentations on issues of economics, the social sphere and the development of technology in the war and post-war periods.

    An excursion to the Museum of History of SPbPU was organized for the conference guests, which was conducted by the museum director Valery Klimov, as well as a cultural program with a sightseeing tour of the city. The tour guides there were students from the Higher School of Service and Trade of the IPMET, majoring in Tourism and Hotel Business.

    On the last day of the conference, the head of the Department of Economic Theory Svetlana Golovkina gave a lecture on the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, “Science and Education in the Blockaded Polytechnic: a Feat of Intelligence.” The speaker clearly drew a line between human and artificial intelligence, and showed the role and significance of human thought in solving extremely complex problems during the blockade.

    The conference ended with the awarding of the winners of the competition of students’ research papers, as well as the winners and prize-winners of the competition for the support of scientific research of postgraduate students of the Institute of Mechanics and Technology, conducted with the financial support of the target capital “Economic Education” of the endowment fund of SPbPU.

    This year, when planning and organizing the conference, we set ourselves three main objectives. The first was to create a modern congress platform with a broad geographical and representative coverage for exchanging opinions and knowledge. The second was to offer and implement a lively professional discussion on topical issues of the fundamental and applied agenda for achieving Russia’s technological leadership in the economy, management and trade. And the third was to strengthen existing and establish new ties between conference participants, create conditions for effective interaction in the educational, scientific and industrial spheres. I would also like to emphasize the importance of our horizontal collaboration – the coordinated work of all structural divisions of IPMEiT in organizing the conference allowed us to use the scientific, personnel and resource potential of the institute as effectively as possible and expand the scope of participation, – summed up the results of the conference, IPMEiT Director Vladimir Shchepinin.

    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 Russia: PISH Polytechnic is in the first group of the best Advanced Engineering Schools of Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The Digital Engineering School of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University entered the first group ranking of leading engineering schools in Russia. It reflects the quality of educational programs, scientific research, the degree of development of the development program and the management system. The rating is a guideline for school teams and their technology partners, in which areas they need to improve and develop their activities.

    The first group consists of:

    Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (Moscow) National Research University ITMO (Saint Petersburg) Bauman Moscow State Technical University (Moscow) Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (Saint Petersburg) National University of Science and Technology MISIS (Moscow) Samara State Medical University (Samara) Southern Federal University (Rostov-on-Don) Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin (Ekaterinburg) Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University (Kazan) National Research Tomsk State University (Tomsk)

    Along with the universities of the Ministry of Education and Science, the first wave of the project included universities of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Digital Development, which already at the start of the project allowed for more comprehensive coverage of key sectors of the economy. The focus of the leading engineering schools and their technology partners was on strategically important areas, including automation and artificial intelligence, digital twins and new materials, optimization of technological processes, and unmanned aircraft systems. It is important that working with leading engineering schools has greatly interested businesses, so while the volume of state funding for the first wave of schools over three years amounted to 25.1 billion rubles, extra-budgetary investments amounted to 33.3 billion rubles, noted the head of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, Valery Falkov.

    The PISH rating, formed based on the results of defenses, will allow us to further monitor the dynamics of the development of leading engineering schools.

    Let us recall that on May 15, 2025, the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU at the Council for the consideration of issues and coordination of the activities of the Advanced Engineering School presented the results of its work and development plans for two and a half years.

    The program of the SPbPU PIS “Digital Engineering” allowed us to open many new modern laboratories and scientific and educational spaces at our university, develop and launch new master’s and additional professional education programs in relevant engineering areas. I would like to note that the SPbPU PIS also expanded its effective and systematic interaction with industrial partners – high-tech companies and corporations. In addition, it was in the “Digital Engineering” PIS that the qualified partnership model was successfully tested, which formed the basis of the SPbPU development program until 2030 and in the long term until 2036. Formed teams with competencies and experience in solving breakthrough scientific and technological problems, the created scientific and scientific-technological reserve and the established effective qualified partnership with industry will help us make a breakthrough in the scientific and technological sphere, aimed at ensuring the technological leadership of our country, – commented the rector of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, chairman of the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy.

    As a representative of the company – industrial partner of the SPbPU PISh, Director of the Department of Scientific and Technical Activities of JSC TVEL Alexey Shishkin noted: Fuel Company TVEL has been a strategic partner of the SPbPU PISh “Digital Engineering” since the beginning of the federal project Advanced Engineering Schools. Two and a half years of our joint activities have convincingly proven that the synergy of the competencies of the country’s leading polytechnic university and a high-tech company yields outstanding results, both in the field of training engineering personnel and in terms of R & D implementation. Already in 2024, graduates of the Master’s program of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” were employed by the company “Centrotech-Engineering”, which is part of the management circuit of Fuel Company TVEL. Training at the SPbPU PISh gives young engineers a unique opportunity to use and implement the latest technologies in their activities, influencing the development of the nuclear industry. We are especially pleased that it was with the specialists of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU that at the end of 2024 we successfully completed a three-year project that was significant for TVEL Fuel Company and the entire nuclear industry – the development of digital twins of fuel assemblies for water-moderated nuclear reactors – TVS-K PWR and TVS WWER.

    The implementation of the strategic initiative of the Government of the Russian Federation “Advanced Engineering Schools” in the period from 2022 to 2024 was carried out within the framework of the federal project “Advanced Engineering Schools” of the state program “Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation”. Since 2025, the continuity of the activities of the project “Advanced Engineering Schools” has been ensured by including them in the federal project “Universities for the Generation of Leaders” of the national project “Youth and Children”.

    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: Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Invest in Agriculture Research

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

    WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the Augmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-edge and Helpful (AG RESEARCH) Act. This bill aims to support our farmers and strengthen our agriculture industry by increasing federal investment in agriculture research institutions such as Washington State and Central Washington University. Congresswoman Schrier was joined in introducing this legislation by Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01), and a companion bill was introduced by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Jerry Moran (R-KS). 

    “Our agriculture industry employs thousands of hardworking Washingtonians and is vital to our nation’s long-term strength, security, and prosperity. In the face of a changing climate and increased pressure on our food supply, we must support our farmers in any way we can,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “Research institutions are essential for our farmers’ success – they discover solutions to agriculture’s most pressing challenges and are fundamental to successful food production and soil health. For far too long, these institutions have been underfunded, putting us at risk of falling behind the rest of the world. My bill will put the necessary investment into these institutions and provide much-needed assistance for our farmers.” 

    Today’s farmers face unprecedented challenges such as extreme droughts and floods, increased pest and disease pressures, and feeding a growing population with less working land. Research institutions play a crucial role within the agriculture industry, providing innovative solutions to the obstacles that our farmers face. Unfortunately, funding for these institutions has stagnated, with the United States falling billions of dollars behind China and other nations in agriculture research investment. Congresswoman Schrier’s bill solves this issue by authorizing $2.5 billion in mandatory spending and authorizing an additional $1 billion in discretionary appropriations over 5 years to provide infrastructure grants to agricultural research facilities.

    “Over the years, land-grant universities have surpassed their original vision of agricultural education and now conduct cutting-edge agricultural research that supports food security around the globe,” said Congressman Mann. “The U.S. sees a $20 return on every dollar we invest in agricultural research, yet funding for these institutions has declined in real dollars over the past two decades and handcuffed their ability to maintain up-to-date facilities. Our bill supports agricultural research, development, and innovation at these land grant universities and puts taxpayer dollars in places with a guaranteed return on investment. When we make strong investments in food and agricultural research, we invest in the next generation of America, and in our food security and national security.” 

    “Agriculture research institutions are crucial in supporting farming communities and driving innovation in the agriculture industry,” said Senator Hirono. “Decades of underinvestment have left many of these institutions across our country with significant maintenance backlogs, and this legislation will provide much-needed financial support to enable agriculture schools and research facilities to make the critical upgrades and updates they need. I’m glad to join my colleagues in reintroducing the AG RESEARCH Act to support these institutions and strengthen our agricultural communities.”

    “For American farmers and ranchers to continue producing the best food, fuel and fiber in the world, we must maintain the best research institutions in the world,” said Senator Moran. “This legislation will support the work at institutions like Kansas State University by allowing them to modernize their facilities and continue a long history of innovation and supporting the agricultural industry.”

    “Investment in the Research Facilities Act will be transformative, and we applaud Senators Moran and Hirono, as well as Representatives Mann and Schrier, for their commitment to ensuring our agricultural scientists have the tools they need to spur the next generation of agricultural innovation,” said Dr. Doug Steele, Vice President of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources at APLU. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Republican Tax Plan Fails in Budget Committee as Rep. Peters Urges Fiscal Sanity

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

    Washington, D.C — Today, the House Budget Committee rejected the Republican tax plan, which will kick 13.7 million Americans off of their healthcare, by a vote of 21-16, with all Democrats and five Republicans voting against. During the committee’s consideration of the bill, Representative Peters urged his colleagues who have traditionally preached fiscal conservatism to reject the bill because it adds to the massive government debt and annual deficits. Many of the Republicans who voted no echoed Rep. Peters’ fiscal concerns. The Budget Committee is expected to reconsider the legislation on Sunday evening.

     

    During his remarks, Rep. Peters stated, “Unfortunately, this is from a budget perspective, a disaster for the United States, despite the flowery language you hear. Every year this country has been racking up $2 trillion of debt because we don’t pay our expenses. And that means, the national debt, unless we do something about that, will grow from 36 to 38 to 40 to 42 trillion. And despite all the cuts you hear about, none of them are applied to lowering that annual deficit number that adds to our national debt, not any of them.” 

     

    He continued, “Scott Besant, the Treasury Secretary, says we need to get our deficits down to 3% of GDP to dig out of this hole. Today, without this law, that’s going to take about $7 trillion of savings and revenues over the next 10 years. But when you add in the cost of this bill, this budget busting bill, that number goes to $11 to $12 trillion, we’re going to have to save over the next 10 years. This is not going in the right direction at all. 

     

    And he concluded, “The tax gap, the difference between what is owed and what we collect, is $697 billion. And what are we doing about that? We see DOGE cutting the IRS’s ability to collect taxes. This is irresponsible. It’s the wrong thing to do budget. We need a bipartisan process that deals with this honestly, with revenues and cuts. We don’t have it. Please vote this down.” 

     

    Representative Peters is the co-author of the Fiscal Commission Act, legislation to create a bicameral, and open-doored commission to tackle our nation’s long-term debt, help us avoid automatic and across-the-board cuts to Social Security and Medicare, and secure a more prosperous future for our children. 

     

    CA-50 Medicaid Facts:  

    1.       156,100 people in the district rely on Medicaid for health coverage—that’s 20 percent of all district residents. 

    a.       34,700 children in the district are covered by Medicaid. 

    b.       17,700 seniors in the district are covered by Medicaid. 

    c.       64,900 adults in the district have Medicaid coverage through Medicaid expansion—that includes pregnant women who are able to access prenatal care sooner because of Medicaid expansion, parents, caretakers, veterans, people with substance use disorder and mental health treatment needs, and people with chronic conditions and disabilities. 

    2.       At least five hospitals in the district had negative operating margins in 2022. These hospitals would be especially hard-hit by cuts to Medicaid. For example: 

    a.       Scripps Mercy Hospital had a negative 25.3 percent operating margin—and nearly 22 percent of its revenue came from Medicaid. 

    b.       Sharp Coronado Hospital had a negative 3.5 percent operating margin—and over 36 percent of its revenue came from Medicaid. 

    c.       University of California San Diego Medical Center had a negative 2.4 percent operating margin—and nearly 19 percent of its revenue came from Medicaid. 

    3.       There are 54 health center delivery sites in the district that serve 529,944 patients. 

    4.       Those health centers and patients rely on Medicaid—statewide, 69 percent of health center patients rely on Medicaid for coverage. 

    5.       Health centers will not be able to stay open and provide the same care that they do today, with more uninsured and underinsured patients. They are already operating on thin margins—in 2023, nationally, nearly half of health centers had negative operating margins. 

    6.       Medicaid cuts put health centers at risk, including: 

    a.       Family Health Centers of San Diego 

    b.       Neighborhood Healthcare 

    c.       North County Health Project 

    d.       San Diego American Indian Health Centers 

    e.       St. Vincent De Paul Village 

      

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Budget 2025 delivers little to nothing for our youngest

    Source: Green Party

    The Government’s Budget offers little more than crumbs for our tamariki, while real issues in the ECE system are ignored.

    The Government’s Budget offers little more than crumbs for our tamariki, while real issues in the ECE system are ignored.

    “We would make ECE free, this Government has failed whānau by making it even more unaffordable. Our tamariki deserve better,” says Green Party spokesperson for Māori Education and Early Childhood Education Benjamin Doyle (they/them).

    “Every child in Aotearoa deserves an education that sets them up for success. That demands an ECE system that places tamariki at the heart.

    “Today’s minuscule offering in the Budget – an inflation adjustment of 0.5 per cent – isn’t enough to cover inflation. Effectively, ECE is getting a 1.6 per cent cut. 

    “While puna and kōhanga reo appear to receive marginal funding increases at first glance, a failure to match inflation or consider compounding under-funding year on year means there are real world cuts for both providers.

    “Instead of investing into our children’s critical early years, the Government continues to prop up a profit-driven system that relies on overcharging parents, underpaying kaiako and, as a result, short-changing our tamariki.

    “There’s no relief for whānau today. No overhaul for teachers who have been loudly calling for just that. No bold vision or imagination from our Government.

    “Our Green Budget clearly showed how we can cover the full cost of delivering quality ECE, ending subsidies to corporations and instead supporting community-based and public centres that prioritise the needs of our kids, not the interests of shareholders.

    “Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai. We must nurture our tamariki from day one, so they can flourish and thrive,” says Benjamin Doyle

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Help make prom night unforgettable for children in care

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The City of Wolverhampton Council is inviting people to make financial donations towards prom outfits so that its 60 children in care in Year 11 can enjoy this important childhood milestone later this summer.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said; “For many of these young people, prom is a significant part of their educational journey, marking the end of their time at school and the beginning of the next chapters in their lives – whether that involves further education, employment, or training.

    “Going to the prom allows them a chance to celebrate their successes with their friends and teachers, creating lifelong memories before leaving school.

    “That is why we are asking for your support so that our young people can attend this milestone event wearing evening gowns, suits, and accessories, which they can wear with smiles on their faces!

    “All donations, no matter how big or small, will be hugely appreciated and will make a remarkable difference to the young people we care for.”

    To make a donation, please email corporate.parenting@wolverhampton.gov.uk, indicating the amount you or your organisation is able to contribute. An invoice will be sent to you so you can process the donation through bank transfer. Donations should be made by Friday 6 June, 2025.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU and NSTU students create a universal translator for business and tourists

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    NSU and NSTU students Kirill Voinov and Nikita Bychkov are developing a new application for instant simultaneous translation of spoken speech from Russian into foreign languages and vice versa. The product is intended for both tourists and businesses, and will allow communication with foreigners without a language barrier: the user will hear the translation in headphones, and his words will be voiced in another language through the smartphone speaker.

    The neural network will know Russian, Chinese and English and specialize in translation accuracy and ease of use. To do this, the product will have a complex of neural networks that translate speech and recognize accents, filter noise and synthesize a voice that is 60% similar to the original, and in a conversation of more than two people, the program will voice their words in different voices so that the user understands who is speaking.

    Such technologies are becoming popular against the backdrop of globalization, growth of tourism and international business contacts. Such a solution is becoming necessary in conditions when personal meetings are already half replaced by online negotiations and the dependence on correct translation increases. The development of artificial intelligence and neural networks has made it possible to bring closer the future with one language for the whole world – now it is not science fiction, but a tool that works.

    —This is a step higher than Google Translate voice. Our application will perform full simultaneous translation of speech, with a minimum number of delays and high accuracy. We have already achieved 80% accuracy and continue to improve the program, — emphasized the project manager, a bachelor’s student Faculty of Economics, NSU Kirill Voinov.

    The second developer on the team and project partner, Nikita Bychkov, represents the Faculty of Automation and Computer Engineering at NSTU.

    The developers will launch two versions of the product:

    — for travelers and everyday communication — a translator app for Android;

    — for companies — a complex program with a focus on business translation, taking into account terms and context.

    Kirill notes that the application uses new technologies for Russia – a morpheme tokenizer – a special translator from human to neural network language, which will allow to understand Russian better than Western neural networks. For a month now, the team has been developing the main neural network translator, then will train neural network assistants, and then launch the application by the end of September – beginning of October 2025. A commercial product for business will appear in early 2026. Before the official release, the project will undergo a series of free pilot tests with corporate partners.

    The developers also emphasize that in Russia, only Yandex is developing such technologies. In other countries, such functions are only being implemented and so far work in the subtitle format or are limited to individual devices, as in the future, the Apple application.

    Kirill spoke about the development prospects of the project:

    — We want to determine where our product is needed: either in the app market, then we will focus on expanding the number of languages and adding colloquial expressions and slang, or our translator will be of interest to exporters, then we will expand the dictionary through specialized terminology packages. Most likely, we will start with the oil and gas industry.

    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 Russia: NSU scientists have developed an innovative approach to creating materials for next-generation organic light-emitting diodes

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    An innovative approach to the accelerated creation of materials with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), which can lead to a significant improvement in the characteristics of next-generation organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), was developed by researchers at the Laboratory of Low Carbon Chemical Technologies Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University. The researchers presented a new method for modeling the properties of so-called multiresonant TADF emitters, which are characterized by a narrow spectral band and high luminescence efficiency, in the article “Quantum-Chemical Simulation of Multiresonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Materials Based on B,N-Heteroarenes Using Graph Neural Networks,” published in the international journalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A“.

    — Organic light-emitting diodes are a modern technology that each of us encounters on a daily basis. For example, even now, reading this text from a smartphone or computer screen. Each pixel of the display is a small “bulb” that glows when an electric current is applied to it. The materials for such miniature “bulbs” are completely organic emitter molecules consisting of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and sometimes other chemical elements. Due to their organic nature, such materials make it possible to make very light, bright, contrasting and energy-efficient displays for smartphones, laptops, smart watches and many other devices. The world is actively searching for such new effective materials that can be used in OLED technology. Computer modeling allows us to predict many properties with fairly good accuracy and study the properties of molecules in silico before they are synthesized in a flask. Such studies are also conducted in our laboratory, — explained the head of the Laboratory of Low-Carbon Chemical Technologies of the NSU Natural Sciences (ORËL ResearchLab) Evgeny Mostovich.

    The new study, conducted by junior research fellows of the laboratory Daria Tarakanovskaya and Evgeny Mostovich, focuses on the development of materials using advanced modeling methods with the use of graph neural networks. These networks allow for the efficient prediction of optoelectronic properties of molecules, which significantly accelerates the process of developing new molecules. The basis for the creation of new emitters were multiresonant molecules, which, due to the uniqueness of their structure, demonstrate improved fluorescence properties.

    — Modern OLED emitters are a pair of electron donor and electron acceptor groups connected via a bridge. This union of donor and acceptor provides a minimal difference in energy between the two excited states of such a molecule — singlet and triplet — and allows transforming all “dark” (non-emitting) triplet states into singlet states capable of emitting light by TADF. However, such a design has a significant drawback, since the donor and acceptor parts are not rigidly connected to each other, and the geometries of the excited and non-excited states are very different, a lot of energy is spent on this change, leading to a broadening of the emission spectrum of the molecule. The width of the spectrum directly affects the color perception of the pixel, for example, it becomes not blue, but blue-green, — said Daria Tarakanovskaya.

    In their research, the developers of the method used a new type of dyes – multiresonance. In them, the donor and acceptor are presented not as functional groups, but as atoms. For example, nitrogen and boron, linked in a certain way into one carbon skeleton. This creates a very rigid structure, and the alternation of boron and nitrogen atoms leads to the multiresonance effect and allows obtaining effective emitters with a narrow emission band. However, classical quantum-chemical modeling of such dyes requires very resource-intensive computational methods, so the scientists decided to use graph neural networks.

    — We are striving to create materials that could significantly increase the efficiency of OLEDs by taking advantage of the multiresonance effect. The results of our study show that the use of graph neural networks can significantly speed up the design process of new multiresonance TADF emitters, which opens up new opportunities for creating more efficient and durable devices, — explained Evgeny Mostovich.

    An important aspect of the study was the study of the influence of the structure of molecules (specify, molecules of what) on the nature of triplet and singlet states, as well as their energy, which is critical for increasing the speed of TADF. Scientists have found that adding oxygen and sulfur atoms to the structure of such molecules enhances this interaction, and this in turn leads to improved radiation characteristics and an increase in the quantum yield of photoluminescence. Thanks to the developed method, scientists have selected a number of the most promising molecules, and now synthetic chemists, who have already obtained the first result, will take up the matter. The molecule they synthesized has a bright green fluorescence with a very narrow emission band of only 25 nm. Now the goal is blue and red colors, which are so necessary for a full-color OLED display.

    The work was carried out within the framework of a project supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. It opens up new prospects in the field of developing organic light-emitting diodes with high color purity and efficiency. This project has the potential to significantly contribute to the development of lighting technology and electronics, offering more efficient solutions for future display and lighting technologies.

    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 Australia: A family guide to Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Kids of all ages can play the day away at a destination playground.

    • Duffy Primary School.

    These are open to the community outside school hours.

    There are two skate parks in the region:

    There are also mini skate ramps in Rivett and Stirling.

    University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park

    For the ultimate cycling experience, head to Stromlo. Here you’ll find the ACT’s best network of bike trails, loops and paths.

    There’s a track to suit all riding abilities:

    • a purpose-built pump track
    • designated kids’ learn-to-ride area
    • the Playground, complete with obstacles, see-saws and jumps

    There are also walking and running trails.

    Activities

    The National Arboretum

    The National Arboretum is a must for locals and visitors alike.

    There’s so much to do and learn, from guided forest walks to kite-flying on windy days.

    Kids love running up and down the manicured hills and checking out the bonsai collection.

    There’s a twice-weekly nature playgroup for kids aged between 18 months and five years.

    School holidays are also covered with plenty of workshops and activities.

    You’ll also find:

    • Forest Sculpture Gallery
    • tracks and trails
    • picnic spots

    Stromlo Leisure Centre

    One word: waterslides. The splash park at Stromlo Leisure Centre is a year-round favourite.

    As well as two slides, it features water sprays, geysers and waterfalls.

    There’s a leisure pool, program pool and 50m pool too. Plus, a café for that important after-swim ice-cream.

    Southside Farmers Market

    This smaller market is held at Canberra College in Phillip.

    There’s a strong community feel, with smiling stallholders eager to have a chat.

    Don’t forget to pick up a coffee and something delicious to eat.

    It’s on every Sunday from 7am until 11am.

    National Zoo and Aquarium

    Who can pass up a zoo visit? With a wide variety of native and exotic animals, there’s something for everyone at the National Zoo and Aquarium.

    As well as lions, tigers and bears, there’s also an epic playground with something for all ages.

    Mount Stromlo Observatory

    Treat yourselves to spectacular views over Canberra and the Brindabellas.

    You can take an interactive heritage walk, have a picnic or even a bbq.

    If you have a budding astronomer in the family, why not book a private stargazing session?

    Forest Park Riding School

    Horse-mad kiddos can turn dreams to reality at Forest Park.

    Depending on their age, kids can book in for a one-off pony ride or trail ride.

    Helmets and boots are available to borrow.

    Weston Creek Tennis Club

    What could be more wholesome than a hit of tennis with the family?

    This popular club hires out its synthetic grass courts.

    It also often runs ‘come and try’ days complete with jumping castle, face painting and a bbq.

    Read more like this:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Floods, fires and even terrorist attacks: how ready are our hospitals to cope when disaster strikes?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mitchell Sarkies, Senior Lecturer, Horizon Fellow and NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow at the Sydney School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney

    Floodwaters have engulfed large parts of New South Wales, with at least one person dead and almost 50,000 evacuated after days of heavy rainfall in a “one-in-500-year” flood event. The scale of the disaster is still unfolding and affected communities will be recovering for some time to come.

    One question worth asking is: how ready are our hospitals to cope when disaster strikes?

    A growing body of research, including our own, has looked at how hospitals might contend with disasters like floods, bushfires, heatwaves, cyclones or even mass injury events such as a stadium collapse. The answer? There’s room for improvement.

    Australia is already prone to natural disasters, which are expected to become more frequent and severe as the climate changes.

    Research around the world shows hospital administrators can better plan for how they’d cope if a disaster or terrorist attack wiped out their hospital’s capacity to function normally.

    When flood strikes, large parts of the hospital stop working

    In March 2022, rapidly rising floodwaters on Australia’s east coast posed an imminent threat to Ballina Hospital, on the NSW far north coast.

    With a few hours’ notice, staff safely evacuated the whole hospital to a nearby high school. This included 55 patients, essential equipment, supplies and medications.

    Our study documented this remarkable achievement via seven interviews with doctors and nurses integral to the evacuation.

    Several key themes emerged:

    • communication was disrupted: there was no mobile phone reception. Field hospital staff requested a satellite phone, but it was sent without any battery charge or a charging device
    • staff shortages: flooded roads prevented doctors and nurses from reaching the hospital. However, they could get to the high school field hospital, which still had road access
    • managing volunteers was tricky: community support was praised. However, there were so many volunteers, security was called to ensure volunteers didn’t get into spaces that would compromise the patient confidentiality, privacy and safety
    • patient tracking was a challenge: it was hard to keep track of vulnerable evacuated patients with cognitive decline or behavioural impairment
    • transport had to be improvised: cars, buses and taxis were used to transport equipment, medication and supplies
    • triage for patient transfers and discharging was crucial: health professionals prioritised less critical patients first, as they often make up the majority. By swiftly addressing their needs, staff could then concentrate on the smaller group of patients requiring intensive care.

    Some workers, dealing with their own personal losses during the evacuation, had to be sent home. One staff member told us:

    There were a couple of nursing staff who also lived within the flood risk area, and they had children at home, so we needed to let them go home.

    Another said:

    We did end up with almost too many people wanting to help, which is lovely, but it becomes a problem because we don’t need this many people.

    A third staff member said:

    Everybody was accounted for. We had a list of patients at one end and then when they got there, they put a new list of who was there and who was coming; that was all written on a big whiteboard.

    Disaster simulation: when a semi-trailer crash causes a stadium collapse

    Natural disasters aren’t the only kind of catastrophe for which hospitals must prepare.

    Our research has also looked at how hospitals might contend with a human-made disaster such as a mass casualty or injury event.

    Our team studied a mass casualty simulation exercise at one of Australia’s largest public hospitals.

    More than 200 hospital staff participated in the three‐hour long exercise, which simulated a semi‐trailer crashing into a stadium grandstand. Some 120 “patients” were taken to the hospital with crush, burn, smoke inhalation and other injuries.

    In the simulation, clinicians had to adapt quickly. New patients were continuously coming via the ambulance ramp and private cars.

    Participants had to make rapid collective decisions on treatment and transfers based on patient conditions and severity.

    During the exercise, additional random disruptive scenarios were introduced to test the clinicians’ ongoing responses. This included the city mayor repeatedly calling the Hospital Emergency Operations Centre for updates.

    Some key challenges included:

    • some of the hypothetical patients died from a lack of critical care equipment
    • an overwhelming number of minor injuries had to be managed
    • clinicians were uncertain about how many casualties were en route to the hospital and how many beds to make available for them
    • a shortage of orderlies to accompany transfers from the emergency department to surgical theatres or for scans
    • difficulties in keeping track of patients and bed allocations.

    We also observed hospital staff adapting to the situation. This included:

    • paediatricians treating adult patients with minor injuries
    • staff fast‐tracking triage
    • staff manually ventilating patients using a specialised resuscitation balloon when mechanical ventilation equipment was unavailable
    • running scans and imaging in batches instead of individually, due to the limited number of orderlies.

    A growing body of research

    Research shows that despite many hospitals having excellent, longstanding hospital disaster management plans, things can still go wrong. After the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan, nearly half of evacuated stroke and renal failure patients died in vehicles or on arrival to another hospital.

    Learning from hospital responses to disasters can help hospitals prepare for the future.

    Overall, our research shows many Australian hospitals have excellent disaster preparedness planning. However, some areas require improvement well before disaster strikes. Adapting on-the-fly as your hospital is inundated with floodwater or struck by another disaster means things have been left too late.

    Faran Naru is the recipient of a Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship (20203593). He works for the Australian government’s National Emergency Management Agency. This article reflects his work as a researcher, not the views of his employer.

    Janet Long, Jeffrey Braithwaite, Kate Churruca, and Mitchell Sarkies do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Floods, fires and even terrorist attacks: how ready are our hospitals to cope when disaster strikes? – https://theconversation.com/floods-fires-and-even-terrorist-attacks-how-ready-are-our-hospitals-to-cope-when-disaster-strikes-257318

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IIS invites you to the Master’s degree program Open Day

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    On May 27, 2025, the Institute of Information Systems of the State University of Management invites all 4th-year undergraduate students to participate in the IIS Open Day (online). You will be able to learn about the specifics of the master’s programs offered to applicants in 2025, as well as ask your questions to the heads of educational programs and the IIS administration.

    The event starts at 17:00.

    Please pre-register.

    Connection area.

    We are waiting for everyone, without exception, who wants to increase their analytical and IT competencies!

    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-Evening Report: Too many people with back pain call ambulances or visit the ED. Here’s why that’s a problem

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Vella, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, University of Sydney

    Rose Marinelli/Shutterstock

    Around 4 million Australians experience back problems and people are increasingly calling ambulances and presenting to emergency departments to manage back pain.

    Yet most of these cases of back pain don’t require emergency care. Back pain is a symptom rather than a disease. When symptoms last more than 12 weeks it is referred to as chronic back pain. The most common form of back pain is non-specific back pain – this term is given when no tissue or structure can be identified as the cause.

    Non-specific back pain usually best managed in primary care, by GPs and allied health professionals.

    Once people with non-serious back pain contact emergency health services, they are more likely to receive care that isn’t recommended and is considered low-value and, sometimes, harmful.

    This may include unnecessary laboratory investigations, such as blood tests, and imaging, such as x-rays, CT scans or MRIs. One-third of imaging requests for back pain in emergency departments aren’t clinically warranted and are judged as inappropriate.

    However, in some instances it is recommended that people with back pain contact an ambulance or present to the emergency department. This includes when back pain is a result of trauma, when people live alone without access to carers, when people have other complex presentations, and when people show signs of potentially serious conditions.

    Unnecessary hospital admissions are costly to the health system and can cause patients harm. Almost one in four (24%) of those admitted to hospital for back pain acquire infections or experience falls.

    Medications prescribed in hospital can also have negative consequences for the patient. Nearly one in ten patients with back pain are still taking opioids after discharge, with risk of dependency and overdose. One in three patients continue to use opioids one month after their emergency department visit.



    Read more:
    Opioids don’t relieve acute low back or neck pain – and can result in worse pain, new study finds

    The influx of back pain presentations to emergency health services also has ramifications for emergency department overcrowding and ambulance ramping. This means other ambulance patients cannot enter the emergency department and results in longer waiting times.

    Why is this happening?

    In primary health care, the management of back pain is well established in clinical practice guidelines. But emergency health services don’t have guidelines specific to low back pain. This is likely due to the lack of evidence from these settings (though the evidence-base has increased over the past five years).

    The lack of specific guidance means there is a high likelihood of people both missing out on the right care and receiving the wrong care.

    A key challenge for emergency clinicians is discriminating between patients with back pain that require emergency care from those who do not.

    One Australian study found 38% of patients in the emergency department who were initially diagnosed with non-serious back pain were later found to have a specific pathology, such as an infection, during hospital admission. In cases such as these, further diagnostic investigation and emergency care is necessary.

    But nearly half of ambulance and emergency department patients without serious pathology receive unnecessary care. Our recent study found 81% of people who presented to ambulance service with non-traumatic back pain were transferred to the emergency department.

    If you call an ambulance or go to an emergency department for non-specific back pain, you’re more likely to receive unnecessary care.
    Shutterstock

    Once in the emergency department, 46% of ambulance patients received opioids, 59% received imaging and 50% were admitted. However, it’s unclear what proportion actually required emergency department care.

    Clinicians are required to make quick decisions about patient care. For paramedics, limited scope of medications and access to community health services, particularly outside of business hours, ultimately leaves them with no other option but to transport the patient to hospital.

    Emergency department clinicians have to manage people with complex presentations and multiple conditions and address patient expectations about opioids and imaging. This can influence their decisions about care.

    How can emergency back pain care be improved?

    A key area for improvement is reducing the use of opioids. An New South Wales trial reduced opioid use for back pain in emergency departments by 43% by introducing a new model of care. The model involved clinician education, implementation of non-opioid provisions such as heat packs, and timely referrals to outpatient services such as specialist back clinics.

    This approach will now be scaled up to include 44 emergency departments across NSW. If successful, it could be rolled out across the country.

    Virtual hospitals have also been implemented to reduce in-person presentations to emergency departments for back pain, which often means people with back pain can receive care while remaining in their home. However, the effectiveness and safety of this new service has not yet been established, though research is underway.

    The Australian government has promised to open more Urgent Care Clinics, where people with urgent but not life-threatening complaints can be managed by a doctor, nurse, or in some cases, a physiotherapist. The service allows people with back pain to still receive in-person care while diverting them away from the emergency department. But while they seem like a good idea, we have little or no evidence on their value.

    To reduce the burden that back pain places on emergency health services, changes need to be made across all health system-levels. But these changes must be backed by reliable research evidence.

    Better information for patients and clinicians

    The general public needs to be aware when and where to seek appropriate care for back pain. This can be achieved through successful health promotion initiatives.

    For clinicians, specific guidelines for back pain need to be developed and implemented into ambulance and hospital emergency departments to improve decision-making and reduce unnecessary care escalation. Policymakers, health service managers and stakeholders need to revise current policy to align with the most recent evidence.

    Additionally, easy-to-access referral pathways need to be developed between emergency health and community health services to keep people with non-serious back pain out of hospital, to reduce their risk of receiving unnecessary and costly care.

    Simon Vella receives grant funding from HCF Research Foundation, Health Service Research Grant Scheme and the Australian Chiropractors Education Research Foundation. Simon is a board member of Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation.

    Christopher Maher has a research fellowship from National Health and Medical Research Council, grants from National Health and Medical Research Council, Medical Research Future Fund, New South Wales Health, Ramsay Hospital Research Foundation, HCF Research Foundation, ArthritisAustralia, Australian Rheumatology Association, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and Sao Paulo Research Foundation.

    Gustavo Machado has an investigator grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council. He also holds research grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Medical Research Future Fund, and HCF Research Foundation.

    – ref. Too many people with back pain call ambulances or visit the ED. Here’s why that’s a problem – https://theconversation.com/too-many-people-with-back-pain-call-ambulances-or-visit-the-ed-heres-why-thats-a-problem-255776

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As the Million Paws Walk takes its last lap, other charity fundraising events face serious challenges

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Wade, Lecturer in Social Inquiry, La Trobe University

    The RSPCA has announced this Sunday’s Million Paws Walk will be their last. The event has been celebrated across Australia since 1994, with more than 765,000 people and their 410,000 dogs having “laced up and leashed up” to raise money for animal welfare.

    Participation and fundraising have declined in recent years, with the RSPCA conceding

    The community fundraising landscape has changed dramatically since 2020, with rising costs and current cost of living pressures making it increasingly hard to sustain the event.

    They aren’t alone. A number of charitable events – and for-profit events such as music festivals – have been struggling to stay afloat.

    Regional charity events have been particularly impacted. For example, the Cancer Council’s popular Relay for Life was once a mainstay of regional towns. But while there were 194 Relay for Life events across Australia in 2015, this year there will only be 44.

    Unfortunately, our research indicates many events haven’t recovered from the triple whammy of COVID disruptions, rising costs and falling returns.

    Savvy strategy amid mounting challenges

    Contrary to any hasty assumptions about “wasteful” charities, our interviews with leaders from across 16 Australian charities suggest these organisations are relentlessly pragmatic.

    While advocacy and community engagement are important, almost all our participants made clear that fundraising is the top priority, with success measured “purely in dollars”.

    This single-minded focus is necessary to serve a charity’s core purpose.

    According to one charity event operations manager, their most impactful mental health programs “won’t run unless we’re providing that money for them”. Any unsuccessful event is thus quickly overhauled or jettisoned entirely.

    Charities also try to “gamify” fundraising to make it more exciting for participants. Public leaderboards, virtual badges and physical rewards can incentivise participants to fundraise. However, adopting these strategies can present technical and logistical hurdles, especially for smaller charities.

    Increasing burnout and trouble reaching youth

    Mass participation fundraising events are facing compounding challenges that ingenuity can’t resolve. The proportion of Australians donating to charities has steadily declined since 2011.

    And although overall numbers are gradually recovering, there are still fewer people formally volunteering today than at the peak in 2018.

    One charity CEO told us staff and volunteers were facing “a lot of burnout, because progress is slow, getting money in the door is hard”.

    Adding to these woes are difficulties in recruiting younger people as participants and volunteers. Even reaching them can be tricky. While many charities rely on Facebook, younger people are gravitating to platforms such as TikTok. Resource-limited charities can struggle to make the leap to build new audiences.

    While expressing immense gratitude, a fundraising manager at one of Australia’s biggest charities noted their volunteers “tend to skew quite older”.

    A CEO of a health-based charity likewise observed difficulty in finding long-term volunteers for future event planning, as people “aren’t necessarily wanting to give that high level of commitment”.

    Volunteer support is essential in making mass participation fundraisers feasible. One event fundraising coordinator told us, “There would be a lot more that would be going ahead if we had the volunteers to run them.”

    Some charities partner with schools to get young people more involved. Well-known examples include the Heart Foundation’s Jump Rope for Heart and World Vision’s 40 Hour Famine. Others, such as Kids in Philanthropy, are wholly dedicated to giving children the opportunity to perform acts of service.

    Rising costs and compliance hurdles

    While far from begrudging small businesses, our interviewees said key suppliers, such as food vendors and stage hire, are declining, raising prices, and sometimes proving less reliable. Only occasionally do charities receive “special treatment” via discounts or other favours.

    One event manager said, “Every year we have to make sacrifices and cuts.” This can impact participants’ experience, and therefore fundraising outcomes.

    Our respondents spoke mostly favourably about their relationships with local councils. But some lamented councils were less willing to provide small grants or in-kind support, such as waiving permit fees, compared to the past. And unpredictable concessions can make it hard to budget and plan for the long term.

    A number of interviewees highlighted traffic-related costs as a major and volatile drain on event budgets.

    An event manager from a youth-focused charity bemoaned that, due to regulation changes, their traffic control quote “went from $30,000 to $45,000 a month before the event”.

    Such fees can prevent events from growing to accommodate more participants, as moving locations and routes can drastically increase compliance costs.

    Similarly, one respondent noted how the cost of first aid “went through the roof post-COVID”.

    Another suggested popular fundraisers should be categorised as “hallmark” events in which state governments partially cover risk-management costs, such as police and ambulance services.

    Of course, participants’ wellbeing is non-negotiable for charities, and any reputational damage can have severe long-term consequences.

    This can even mean cancelling entire events due to risky weather conditions, with devastating impacts on fundraising outcomes.

    What will we lose if events disappear?

    The end of the iconic Million Paws Walk rings alarm bells for mass participation fundraising. The loss of these joyous occasions doesn’t just impact charities.

    These events offer social benefits, health benefits, and a profound therapeutic effect for participants directly affected by the cause.

    They are also an entry point for people to support charitable causes. For the time-poor and cash-strapped, a fun run is often more manageable than regular donations or volunteering commitments.

    The Million Paws Walk will be sorely missed, but let’s hope it isn’t the first of many. Events such as the Mother’s Day Classic, MS Australia’s Gong Ride, the Mito Foundation’s Bloody Long Walk and Neuroblastoma Australia’s Run2Cure, among others, serve vital fundraising and advocacy purposes.

    Catherine Palmer receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Kevin Filo, Matthew Wade, and Nicholas Hookway do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. As the Million Paws Walk takes its last lap, other charity fundraising events face serious challenges – https://theconversation.com/as-the-million-paws-walk-takes-its-last-lap-other-charity-fundraising-events-face-serious-challenges-257125

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Could cold sores increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease? A new study is no cause for panic

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joyce Siette, Associate Professor | Deputy Director, The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour, and Development, Western Sydney University

    And-One/Shutterstock

    A new study has found the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which causes cold sores, may be linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

    This idea is not entirely new. Previous research has suggested there may be an association between HSV-1 and Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.

    So what can we make of these new findings? And how strong is this link? Let’s take a look at the evidence.

    First, what is HSV-1?

    HSV-1 is a neurotropic virus, meaning it can infect nerve cells, which send and receive messages to and from the brain. It’s an extremely common virus. The World Health Organization estimates nearly two-thirds of the global population aged under 50 carries this virus, often unknowingly.

    An initial infection can cause mild to severe symptoms including fever, headache and muscle aches, and may manifest as blisters and ulcers around the mouth or lips.

    After this, HSV-1 typically lies dormant in the body’s nervous system, sometimes reactivating due to stress or illness. During reactivation, it can cause symptoms such as cold sores, although in many people it doesn’t cause any symptoms.

    What did the new research look at?

    In a study published this week in BMJ Open, researchers analysed data from hundreds of thousands of people drawn from a large United States health insurance dataset.

    They conducted a matched “case-control” analysis involving more than 340,000 adults aged 50 and older diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease between 2006 and 2021. Each Alzheimer’s disease patient (a “case”) was matched to a control without a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease based on factors such as age, sex and geographic region, a method designed to reduce statistical bias.

    The team then examined how many of these people had a prior diagnosis of HSV-1 and whether they had been prescribed antiviral treatment for the infection.

    Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.
    Nadino/Shutterstock

    Among people with Alzheimer’s disease, 0.44% had a previous HSV-1 diagnosis, compared to 0.24% of controls. This translates to an 80% increased relative risk of Alzheimer’s disease in those diagnosed with HSV-1, however the absolute numbers are small.

    The researchers also found people who received antiviral treatment for HSV-1 had roughly a 17% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who were untreated.

    Not a new hypothesis

    This isn’t the first time researchers have speculated about a viral role in Alzheimer’s disease. Earlier studies have detected HSV-1 DNA in postmortem brain tissues from people who had Alzheimer’s disease.

    Laboratory research has also shown HSV-1 can trigger amyloid-beta plaque accumulation in nerve cells and mouse brains. Amyloid-beta plaques are one of the defining features of Alzheimer’s disease pathology, so this has led to speculation that reactivation of the virus may contribute to brain inflammation or damage.

    But importantly, previous research and the current study show associations, not proof HSV-1 causes Alzheimer’s disease. These links do not confirm the virus initiates or drives disease progression.

    Some other important caveats

    The study relied on insurance claim data, which may not always reflect accurate or timely clinical diagnoses. HSV-1 is also frequently underdiagnosed, especially when symptoms are mild or absent. These points could explain why both the Alzheimer’s group and the control group saw such low rates of HSV-1, when population rates of this virus are estimated to be far higher.

    This means many carriers of HSV-1 in the study may have gone unrecorded and therefore makes the link harder to interpret clearly. The dataset also doesn’t capture how often people had recurring symptoms, or the severity or duration of infections – conditions which might influence risk more directly.

    Another complicating factor is people with HSV-1 might differ in other ways from those without it. Differences in health-care access, the health of a person’s immune system, lifestyle, genetics, or even education – could all influence Alzheimer’s disease risk.

    A variety of factors can influence a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
    sfam_photo/Shutterstock

    So should you be concerned if you have cold sores?

    The short answer is no – at least not based on current evidence. Most people with HSV-1 will never develop Alzheimer’s disease. The vast majority live with the virus without any serious neurological issues.

    The “herpes hypothesis” of Alzheimer’s disease is an interesting area for further research, but far from settled science. This study adds weight to the conversation but doesn’t offer a definitive answer.

    Alzheimer’s disease is a complex condition with multiple risk factors, including age, genetics, heart health, education, lifestyle and environmental exposures.

    Infections such as HSV-1 may be one part of a larger, interconnected puzzle, but they are highly unlikely to be the sole cause.

    With this in mind, the best thing to do is to focus on what we already know can help keep your brain healthy as you age. Regular physical activity, good quality sleep, social engagement, a balanced diet and managing stress can all support long-term brain health.

    Joyce Siette receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council on a Targeted Call for Research on cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity in dementia research.

    – ref. Could cold sores increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease? A new study is no cause for panic – https://theconversation.com/could-cold-sores-increase-the-risk-of-alzheimers-disease-a-new-study-is-no-cause-for-panic-257140

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 17)

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    1. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Articles 3.13 and 32.13 of the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offenses”

    The development of the bill was dictated by the absence in the code of a norm that would grant a bailiff the right to petition the court to release a debtor from further compulsory work, who, due to his physical condition or life circumstances, is unable to do this independently.

     

    2. On the draft federal law “On Amending Article 1092 of the Federal Law “On Enforcement Proceedings””

    The bill is aimed at giving the bailiff the right to apply to the court with a petition to release a debtor from compulsory work who, due to his physical condition or life circumstances, is unable to do this independently.

     

    3. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 762880-8 “On Amendments to the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offenses”

    The draft amendments are aimed at eliminating the uncertainty in the content of legal norms that do not allow for a clear resolution of the issue of determining the territorial jurisdiction for considering a complaint against a ruling issued by an official that has not entered into legal force in a case of an administrative offence.

     

    4. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 835237-8 “On Amendments to Articles 164 and 165 of Part Two of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation”

    The draft amendments are aimed at fulfilling the instructions of the President and the Government of the Russian Federation.

     

    5. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 653507-8 “On Amending Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation and Recognizing as Invalid the Thirty-Second Paragraph of Part One of Article 4 of the Law of the RSFSR “On Competition and Restriction of Monopolistic Activity in Commodity Markets””

    The draft amendments are aimed at taking into account the comments and suggestions made during the consideration of the bill in the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

     

    6. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On State Benefits for Citizens with Children””

    The bill is aimed at strengthening state support measures for pregnant women studying full-time in professional higher education organizations, organizations of additional professional education and scientific organizations.

     

    7. On amendments to the order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated February 7, 2025 No. 244-r

    The draft order proposes that in 2025 the Russian Ministry of Labor allocate additional funds from the Government’s reserve fund to legal entities and individual entrepreneurs registered in the Belgorod Region, Bryansk Region and Kursk Region to compensate for expenses related to workers’ downtime for reasons beyond the control of the employer and employee.

     

    8. On amendments to certain acts of the Government of the Russian Federation (in terms of amendments to the Regulation on the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation and the Regulation on the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance)

    The draft resolution was developed in connection with the adoption of Federal Law No. 376-FZ of November 9, 2024 “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” and Federal Law No. 503-FZ of October 19, 2023 “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation”.

     

    9. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Article 4 of the Federal Law “On Combating Extremist Activity”

    The bill is aimed at increasing the efficiency of the interdepartmental body (federal level) that ensures the coordination of the activities of federal executive bodies, executive bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and local government bodies in countering extremist activity and the implementation of state policy in the field of countering extremism.

     

    10. On the allocation by the Ministry of Energy of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation of budgetary appropriations for the provision of a subsidy to the joint-stock company South-West Electric Grid Company

    The draft order is aimed at financial support (reimbursement) of costs for the purchase of power transformers and mobile modular substations to form an emergency reserve.

     

    11. On the allocation in 2026 of budgetary allocations for the provision of a subsidy to the budget of the Saratov Region for co-financing capital investments in state (municipal) property of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and (or) co-financing of activities not related to capital investments in state (municipal) property of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation

    The draft order provides for approval of the distribution of subsidies provided in 2026 to the budget of the Saratov region for the implementation of activities within the framework of the federal project “Assistance to the development of infrastructure of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation (municipalities)” of the state program of the Russian Federation “Provision of affordable and comfortable housing and utilities to citizens of the Russian Federation”.

     

    12. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation to the Ministry of Education of Russia in 2025 for the provision of one-time financial assistance in the form of a subsidy from the federal budget to the budget of the Belgorod Region for the purpose of co-financing the expenditure obligations of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation arising from the organization of recreation and health improvement for children living in the territory of the Belgorod Region, in organizations for children’s recreation and health improvement located on the territory of the Russian Federation

    The draft order is aimed at ensuring the rest and health improvement of children from the Belgorod region living in border areas.

     

    Moscow, May 21, 2025

     

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

    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: Senator Scott Introduces Legislation to Expand School Choice

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced the High-Quality Charter Schools Act to expand school choice by implementing a tax credit for qualified charitable contributions to nonprofit charter school organizations.
    In communities across the country, the demand for high-quality charter schools far exceeds the supply, due to the initial start-up cost of opening a new charter school, which can cost anywhere from $2 to $20 million. This legislation would establish a 75% federal tax credit for charitable contributions to nonprofit charter school organizations with a proven track record of excellence to fund the expansion of high-quality charter schools. 
    “No matter their background, race or zip-code, every child deserves access to a good school. Millions of families—including thousands across South Carolina—choose charter schools for the high-quality education they provide. Building a stronger America starts in our classrooms, and the High-Quality Charter Schools Act invests in a future where every student has the keys to unlock the American Dream,” said Senator Scott. “President Trump is delivering on his commitment to putting families first—this is promises made, promises kept. Together with the Educational Choice for Children Act, this legislation brings parents, educators, and communities together in the fight to ensure every child has a fair shot at success.”
    “Millions of parents whose children have been trapped in failing schools have reason for hope today, thanks to Senator Tim Scott,” said Eva Moskowitz, CEO and President, National Strategy and Advancement and the Founder of Success Academy, the country’s highest performing charter school network. “With the High-Quality Charter Schools Act and the Educational Choice for Children Act, Congress has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put families first and deliver on the President’s promise of universal school choice. It’s hard to imagine a more meaningful policy than one that places parents, not bureaucrats, in charge; empowers American taxpayers, and unlocks private philanthropy to provide high quality schools for every kid that needs it.”
    “We are grateful to Senator Scott and Congresswoman Tenney for championing school choice and recognizing the value of high-quality public charter schools,” said Starlee Coleman, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “By creating a tax credit to support the growth and expansion of charter schools with a proven track record of success, this legislation helps meet the overwhelming demand from families and ensures more students have access to great schools that meet their unique needs.”
    BACKGROUND
    As the co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus and member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Scott is a leading advocate in transforming the nation’s education system and ensuring every student has access to a quality education.
    Throughout his time in public service, Senator Scott has worked to broaden quality educational opportunities for all. Senator Scott led colleagues in introducing the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) to expand education freedom and opportunity for students.
    Senator Scott recognizes the positive strides charter schools have made to shape education in South Carolina and around the nation, and help the next generation achieve their American Dream. To that end, Senator Scott introduced a resolution recognizing charter schools’ contributions to the academic landscape during National Charter Schools Week.
    The full text of the High-Quality Charter Schools Act can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Aid trucks enter Gaza after delays, as pressure mounts on Israel

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel allowed 100 aid trucks carrying flour, baby food and medical equipment into the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the Israeli military said, as UN officials reported that distribution issues had meant that no aid had so far reached people in need.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would be open to a temporary ceasefire to enable the return of hostages. But otherwise he said it would press ahead with a military campaign to gain total control of Gaza.

    After an 11-week blockade on supplies entering Gaza, the Israeli military said a total of 98 aid trucks entered on Monday and Tuesday. But even those minimal supplies have not made it to Gaza’s soup kitchens, bakeries, markets and hospitals, according to aid officials and local bakeries that were standing by to receive supplies of flour.

    “None of this aid – that is a very limited number of trucks – has reached the Gaza population,” said Antoine Renard, country director of the World Food Programme.

    The blockade has left Gazans in an increasingly desperate struggle for survival, despite growing international and domestic pressure on Israel’s government, which one opposition figure said risked turning the country into a “pariah state”.

    Thousands of tons of food and other vital supplies are waiting near crossing points into Gaza but until it can be safely distributed, around a quarter of the population remains at risk of famine, Renard said.

    “I’m here since eight in the morning, just to get one plate for six people while it is not enough for one person,” said Mahmoud al-Haw, who says he often waits for up to six hours a day hoping for some lentil soup to keep his children alive.

    U.N. officials said security issues had prevented the aid from moving out of the logistics hub at the Kerem Shalom crossing point but late on Wednesday there appeared some hope that supplies would move more freely.

    Nahid Shahaiber, a major transport company owner, said 75 trucks of flour and over a dozen more carrying nutritional supplements and sugar were inside the southern area of Rafah and witnesses said trucks carrying flour had been seen in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.

    Israel imposed a blockade on all supplies entering Gaza in March, saying Hamas was seizing supplies meant for civilians – a charge the group denies.

    Under mounting international pressure, it has allowed aid deliveries by the U.N. and other aid groups to resume briefly until a new U.S.-backed distribution model using private contractors operating through so-called secure hubs is up and running by the end of the month. But the United Nations says the plan is not impartial or neutral, and it will not be involved.

    ‘PARIAH STATE’

    As people waited for supplies to arrive, air strikes and tank fire killed at least 50 people across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, Palestinian health authorities said. The Israeli military said air strikes hit 115 targets, which it said included rocket launchers, tunnels and unspecified military infrastructure.

    Efforts to halt the fighting have faltered, with both Hamas, which insists on a final end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli forces, and Israel, which says Hamas must disarm and leave Gaza, sticking to positions the other side rejects.

    Netanyahu said an Israeli air strike this month had probably killed Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar and he reiterated his demand for the complete demilitarization of Gaza and the exile of Hamas leaders for the war to end.

    The resumption of the assault on Gaza since March, following a two-month ceasefire, has drawn condemnation from countries including Britain and Canada that have long been cautious about expressing open criticism of Israel. Even the United States, the country’s most important ally, has shown signs of losing patience with Netanyahu.

    Netanyahu said it was “a disgrace” that countries like Britain were sanctioning Israel instead of Hamas.

    There has been growing unease within Israel meanwhile at the continuation of the war while 58 hostages remain in Gaza.

    Left-wing opposition leader Yair Golan drew a furious response from the government and its supporters this week when he declared that “A sane country doesn’t kill babies as a hobby” and said Israel risked becoming a “pariah state among the nations.”

    Golan, a former deputy commander of the Israeli military who went single-handedly to rescue victims of the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023, leads the left-wing Democrats, a small party with little electoral clout.

    But his words, and similar comments by former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in an interview with the BBC, underscored the rift within Israel. Netanyahu dismissed the criticism, saying he was “appalled” by Golan’s comments.

    Opinion polls show widespread support for a ceasefire that would include the return of all the hostages, with a survey from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem this week showing 70% in favour of a deal.

    But hardliners in the cabinet, some of whom argue for the complete expulsion of all Palestinians from Gaza, have insisted on continuing the war until “final victory”, which would include disarming Hamas as well as the return of the hostages.

    Netanyahu, trailing in the opinion polls and facing trial at home on corruption charges, which he denies, as well as an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, has so far sided with the hardliners.

    Israel launched its campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which killed some 1,200 people by Israeli tallies and saw 251 hostages abducted into Gaza.

    The campaign has killed more than 53,600 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, and devastated the coastal strip, where aid groups say signs of severe malnutrition are widespread.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI: Tyton Partners and Ufi Ventures Release Q1 2025 VocTech Market Report: Policy Uncertainty, European Resurgence and the Continued Rise of AI Investment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tyton Partners, the leading strategy consulting and investment banking firm focused on the education sector, and Ufi Ventures, the UK’s specialist investor in vocational technology (VocTech), today released their Q1 2025 VocTech Market Report. The quarterly publication analyses economic, political and investment developments that are shaping the vocational learning and workforce development landscape across the UK, Europe and North America.

    The report arrives at a time of profound global uncertainty. Early 2025 has brought renewed inflationary pressure, shifting policy landscapes, and intensifying debate around the implications of artificial intelligence, both as a disruptor and an enabler of economic growth. Meanwhile, labour market fragility, skills shortages and social pressures continue to shape employer and policymaker priorities.

    Against this backdrop, Tyton and Ufi’s latest report identifies five major developments shaping the VocTech investment and innovation environment:

    Key Takeaways

    1. Inevitably, we need to talk about US trade tariffs. The disruption they may represent and the uncertainty of their introduction will weigh heavily on policy and investment decisions in the VocTech sector in the UK and Europe. Caution and delay are the most likely effects.
    2. By contrast, Germany’s loosening of governmental spending is likely to improve the outlook for the economic and investment environment and make Europe and the UK look like a reliable and interesting place to deploy capital, particularly relative to the US.
    3. Big AI-related venture rounds in education and the Future of Work continue to be made, predominantly in the US but also – patchily – in Europe.
    4. The UK Curriculum Review is progressing, but the interim report gave little away.
    5. Some organisations are forcing a full-time return to the office to increase productivity. This may, in fact, make them less attractive employers.

    Macroeconomic indicators across the UK, US and Eurozone reflect rising inflation and slowing growth. The UK’s core inflation reached 3.7% in January, while GDP forecasts were halved in the Spring Statement. Unemployment edged upwards to 4.4% and youth disengagement from education and employment reached nearly one million. Meanwhile, Germany’s €500B stimulus package and reform of its “debt brake” has positioned it—and, by association, Europe—as an increasingly attractive investment environment.

    Amid political turbulence, the report also notes significant shifts in defence and green economy priorities, the accelerating role of AI across sectors, and evolving models of work and training. Notably, while HR tech investments declined in the UK, both Europe and the US saw a strong rebound in Q1, with major funding rounds in AI-powered learning, recruitment and workforce management solutions.

    Helen Gironi, Director at Ufi Ventures, commented:
    “With macroeconomic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty reshaping priorities, it is essential that VocTech investment adapts accordingly. This quarter’s report offers insight into the risks and opportunities that lie ahead for building a more inclusive and productive future of work.”

    Nick Kind, Managing Director at Tyton Partners, added:
    “AI continues to attract capital at scale, especially in the US—but caution is warranted as political and trade dynamics grow more complex. Our goal is to equip investors, educators and policymakers with the insight needed to navigate this complexity and drive meaningful workforce innovation.”

    To access the full Q1 2025 VocTech Market Report, visit: https://tytonpartners.com/key-learnings-from-voctech-market-activity-q1-2025/

    About Tyton Partners

    Tyton Partners is the leading provider of strategy consulting and investment banking services to the global knowledge and information services sector. With offices in Boston and New York City, the firm has an experienced team of bankers and consultants who deliver a unique spectrum of services from mergers and acquisitions and capital markets access to strategy development that helps companies, organizations, and investors navigate the complexities of the education, media, and information markets. Tyton Partners leverages a deep foundation of transactional and advisory experience and an unparalleled level of global relationships to make its clients’ aspirations a reality and to catalyze innovation in the sector. Learn more at tytonpartners.com.

    About Ufi Ventures

    Ufi Ventures is the investment arm of Ufi VocTech Trust. Ufi supports the adoption and deployment of technology to improve skills for work and deliver better outcomes for all. By leveraging its depth of experience Ufi Ventures supports its growing portfolio through access to capital, and its wide expert pool and network. Learn more at www.ufi.co.uk/ventures.

    Media Contact
    Zoe Wright-Neil
    Director of Marketing and Business Development
    zwrightneil@tytonpartners.com
    Tyton Partners

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia is forecast to fall 262,000 homes short of its housing target. We need bold action

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ehsan Noroozinejad, Senior Researcher and Sustainable Future Lead, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University

    Australia’s plan to build 1.2 million new homes by 2029 is in trouble. A new report by the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council (NHSAC) shows we are likely to miss this ambitious target by a huge margin.

    At the current pace, the council forecasts we will fall about 262,000 homes short of the goal. In other words, for every five homes we need, we’re only on track to build about four.

    No state or territory is building enough to meet its share. This is more than just a number; it means the housing affordability crisis will continue unless we act fast.

    The report lays out five areas of priority for reform. But implementing its recommendations will require bolder action than we’re currently seeing.

    Housing stress all round

    NHSAC’s State of the Housing System 2025 report shows very challenging conditions for future home buyers and renters. By the end of 2024, it took half of median household income to service a new mortgage.

    Think about that: half of your income gets spent on maintaining a roof over your head. That’s well above one common measure of “housing stress” for lower-income households: spending more than 30% of gross income on housing.

    Anyone planning to purchase their first home faces an average savings period that extends beyond ten years just for their deposit.

    For renters, the report found it now takes 33% of median household income to cover the cost of a new lease.

    It doesn’t help that rental vacancy rates are near record lows, around 1.8% nationwide. This means renters are competing fiercely for very few available homes. This drives rents even higher.

    Higher housing costs can force renters to cut back on other essentials – such as heating.
    nikkimeel/Shutterstock

    Why is housing so unaffordable?

    Australians can see the daily reality this report describes. And it can have disproportionate negative impacts on vulnerable groups in society.

    For example, the rate of homelessness among First Nations people has been about 8.8 times the rate for non-Indigenous Australians.

    Supply remains a key factor underpinning Australia’s housing crisis. We simply aren’t building enough homes. Australia completed approximately 177,000 new dwellings in 2024 but that fell short of demand for about 223,000 new homes.

    And the report predicts we will remain behind our targets for upcoming years. Under current policy settings, a forecast total of 938,000 new homes will be built between mid-2024 and mid-2029, well short of the Housing Accord’s 1.2 million home target.



    Read more:
    Why is it so hard for everyone to have a house in Australia?

    Five priorities for fixing it

    The report identifies five essential action areas needed to restore Australia’s housing system to proper functioning.

    1. Lift social and affordable housing to 6% of all homes

    In 2021, only about 4% of dwellings were for social or affordable housing. Governments and not-for-profits must add many more low-rent homes so people on modest incomes aren’t trapped on long waitlists.

    2. Improve productivity and build faster with modern methods of construction

    Prefabricated panels, modular kits and even 3D printed structures can halve building time and use fewer tradies.

    Federal and state governments could fund factories, training and pilot projects to get these methods into the mainstream.

    The report also calls on the government to address labour and skills shortages.

    Prefabricated or ‘prefab’ homes are one example of modern methods of construction.
    Friends Stock/Shutterstock



    Read more:
    A prefab building revolution can help resolve both the climate and housing crises

    3. Fix planning systems and unlock land

    Quicker approvals, firm deadlines and updated zoning would let builders put taller or denser housing near transport, jobs and schools. Governments also need to bundle and service big sites so work can start without years of red tape.

    4. Support for renters

    The report calls on governments to support better outcomes for renters, and to fully implement National Cabinet’s “Better Deal for Renters” agreement.

    This includes through fair notice requirements, no-fault eviction limits and longer leases.

    It also calls for more support for institutional investment. Tax settings that attract super funds and insurers into large build-to-rent projects would add professionally managed apartments and steady rents.

    5. Swap stamp duty for land tax

    Paying a small yearly land charge instead of a huge upfront stamp duty lets people move or downsize with less of a financial hit, freeing under-used homes and smoothing the market.

    Change won’t be easy

    The council’s proposed solutions seem excellent when studied theoretically, but their practical application will prove challenging.

    Australia needs significant time and effort to address multiple systemic obstacles.

    One big challenge is the construction workforce. The current workforce lacks enough skilled tradespeople to build homes at the necessary speed. This can result in major delays – even when funding exists.

    Another barrier is the planning system itself. Changing planning and zoning regulations faces significant political challenges.

    Higher-density developments face community resistance because of the “not in my backyard” (NIMBY) problem while councils tend to move slowly in updating their regulations.



    Read more:
    Cheaper housing and better transport? What you need to know about Australia’s new National Urban Policy

    However, the report notes signs of progress in some states. The New South Wales government has accelerated approval processes and also emphasises “transit-oriented development” – putting new homes near planned and existing transport infrastructure.

    Similarly, moving to land tax is easier said than done: State governments generate revenue from stamp duty and a shift to an alternative system would require many years to implement. The absence of federal backing and state incentive payments risks delaying this reform.

    What the new government should do

    NHSAC’s report doesn’t just diagnose the problem, it offers a roadmap to a healthier housing system.

    But those recommendations require bold action. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government has a crucial opportunity to turn words into deeds.

    Australia’s housing woes didn’t appear overnight, they are the result of decades of under-supply and policy missteps. Turning things around won’t be instant – but it is achievable with sustained effort.

    Ehsan Noroozinejad has received funding from both national and international organisations to support research addressing housing and climate crises. His most recent funding on integrated housing and climate policy comes from the James Martin Institute for Public Policy (soon to be the Australian Public Policy Institute).

    – ref. Australia is forecast to fall 262,000 homes short of its housing target. We need bold action – https://theconversation.com/australia-is-forecast-to-fall-262-000-homes-short-of-its-housing-target-we-need-bold-action-257246

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Physicists Win Volleyball Competition

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The Volleyball Championship in the Spartakiad between NSU faculties and institutes has ended, in which 9 teams took part. The first place this year was unexpectedly taken by the Physics Faculty, having defeated the multiple leader of previous years in the final – the team of the Information Technology Faculty, and the third place went to the students of the NSU SUNC.

    The competition was held in two rounds over several days – first in three subgroups, in which three leaders were determined to reach the final. The final games were very intense – the teams fought equally until the very last moment!

    The composition of the winning teams: Faculty of Physics: Andrey Tyukavkin Egor Lavrinenko Anton Zhdanov Mikhail Prozorov Stepan Semenov Andrey Rotar Sergey Chirkov Kirill Borodin

    Faculty of Information Technologies: Mikhail Dubinin Danil Mandarkhanov Artem Gaan Ildar Fitkulin Dmitry Makogon Danila Ivanchenko Oksana Valenko Victoria Stepanova Daniil Lanin

    SUTS NSU: Igor Gorr Mikhail Vereshchagin Stepan Raisky Grigory Gushchin Egor Basalaev Vladislav Morozov Vladimir Gilmanov Gleb Marcus Mikhail Petrukhin

    Congratulations to the winners, thanks to all the teams for their active participation in the tournament and special thanks to the fans who created a wonderful atmosphere on the court. The competition was held under the sensitive guidance of the volleyball coach – Denis Rychkov.

    Shortly before the intra-university championship, the NSU team took 6th place in the regional volleyball championship among men’s teams. We congratulate the guys on their worthy performance and wish them further success!

    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 New Zealand: Seventy-four new constables heading to districts in a week

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Commissioner Richard Chambers, members of the police executive and wing patron former police assistant commissioner, Allan Boreham congratulated 74 graduating constables from Wing 384 today. 

    Also attending the graduation and presenting a prize in absence of the Minister of Police was her worship Anita Baker, the Mayor of Porirua.

    Families and friends celebrated the newly attested police officers at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua this afternoon to acknowledge the successful completion of their initial training course. 

    There are some likeminded individuals in the wing with 11 of the graduates having family members currently working in police.

    Four graduating officers made the change from non-constabulary roles to police officers.

    The wing is very diverse with eighteen recruits speaking more than one language and 19 recruits who were born overseas. The top prize winner was born and raised in France.

    Top of wing, Constable Diane Aspalvo is a French-trained and certified clinical psychologist. She has worked as a psychologist in Paris and in Tairawhiti New Zealand before deciding to join the New Zealand Police.

    She previously volunteered for the French Army as a reserve after a call-up for national security due to the terrorist attacks in France in 2015. She is a keen swimmer, skier and is also into CrossFit.

    “I decided to join the New Zealand Police at 41 years old, so I am a living proof that it is never too late to achieve your dreams.”

    Diane will be deployed to Eastern District.

    Second Top Award winner Constable Hunta Sutherland, Ngāti Kuia is also a sporting talent, representing her district, Tasman, in football up to high school level.

    Not only is she a ‘Golden Boot’ winner for the most goals scored  in a regional competition (39), she’s into running track, cross country, and road races with many podium finishes. Hunta has worked as a teacher’s aide with troubled and autistic youth which she found inspiring.

    “While training at college I found strength I never knew I had, and a purpose I’ll never forget.”

    Hunta will be based in Tasman District.

    Leadership Award winner Constable Charise Perez is also a keen sports person excelling in netball. She was born in Wellington and raised by her Fijian dad and Samoan mother. Charise has experience in hospitality, service and politics. 

    She began her employment at the Electoral Commission as an administrator. She was a community liaison and worked on the 2020 elections and has also managed administration for an emergency housing organization called Tuatahi Centre. 

    As the leadership award winner, Charise gave a speech to the wing.

    “I stand here today as a product of the relationships and bonds between the members of wing 384. Together we began our journey as strangers, but today we stand as brothers and sisters.

    As we take the next step in our police journey, I believe that each and every one of wing 384 are more than capable of fulfilling the oath that we have just taken.”

    Charise, a former Authorised Officer for Police, will be based back in Wellington District to start policing.

    The wing is dispersed as follows:

    Deployment:

    Northland 3, Tāmaki Makaurau a total of 23 and broken down as follows: Waitematā – 9, Counties Manukau – 14, Waikato – 4, Bay of Plenty – 8, Eastern – 3, Central – 8, Wellington – 9, Tasman – 6, Canterbury – 3, Southern – 7.
    The new constables will start their first week of duty in their Police districts from Monday 2 June 2025 and will continue their training on the job as probationary constables.

    Awards:

    Minister’s Award recognising top student: Constable Diane Aspavlo, posted to Eastern District. 
    Commissioner’s Award for Leadership: Constable Charise Perez, posted to Wellington District.
    Patron’s Award for second in wing recognising second top student: Constable Hunta Sutherland, posted to Tasman District.
    Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award: Constable Ethan Baldwin posted to Waitematā District.

    Demographics:

    25.7 percent are female, 74.3 percent are male. New Zealand European make up 56.8 percent of the wing, with Māori 12.2 percent, Pasifika 17.6 percent, Asian 10.8 percent, LAAM 2.7 percent. 

    383 Wing Patron: Allan Boreham:

    Allan Boreham is a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police and former head of Youth Justice for Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children. Allan holds the New Zealand Police in very high esteem and is honoured to be the patron for Wing 384.

    He says he is looking forward to supporting the wing members to succeed and gain all the satisfaction a Police career offers. Allan joined Police in 1985 (in Wing 97) and served for more than 33 years. He was also a Deputy Chief Executive in the public service for five years in charge of Youth Justice.

    His Police career was varied and involved completing a wide range of roles in public safety, investigations, and road policing. These included postings in Auckland, Tokoroa, Hamilton and Wellington.

    He received an award for his leadership in solving the 1997 kidnapping and murder of an Auckland businessman, Graham Kirkwood.

    Allan holds a Bachelor Arts, majoring in Sociology, from Massey University. He is currently learning to speak Spanish and is also a keen motorcyclist and skier.

    His father Bruce, now in his eighties, also served in the Police for 32 years.

    ENDS

    Watch out for our Ten One story coming soon with more images and stories.

    If you’re interested in joining police check out newcops.govt.nz

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –