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Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Oscar-nominated screenwriters attempt to craft authentic dialogue, dialects and accents

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Chris C. Palmer, Professor of English, Kennesaw State University

    Editors deployed AI to make the Hungarian dialogue in ‘The Brutalist’ sound more authentic. A24/TNS

    The 2025 slate of Oscar nominees recognizes many writers, directors and actors whose scripts and performances don’t necessarily reflect their own cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

    Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley, both white, co-wrote “Sing Sing,” a story about rehabilitation through art in a maximum security prison where the characters are almost entirely people of color.

    Meg LeFauve has now earned her second nomination for penning a script that gives voice the gamut of emotions surging through a young girl in “Inside Out 2.” She’s in her 50s.

    The director of “Conclave,” Edward Berger, its writer, Peter Straughan, and its lead actor, Ralph Fiennes, are all self-proclaimed lapsed Catholics. Yet they brought to life a political thriller set in the Vatican.

    “The Brutalist” was written entirely in English, but much of the film’s dialogue is in Hungarian, with two leads who are not native Hungarian speakers.

    Most screenwriters endeavor to craft characters outside their own backgrounds and experiences. But concerns about authentic language representation and cultural accuracy persist, and accusations of cultural appropriation and lazy research are commonplace.

    “Emilia Pérez,” for example, has been heavily criticized not only for unrealistic portrayals of gender transition but also for inauthentic depictions of Mexican culture and accents.

    The film’s director, Jacques Audiard, has even claimed his lack of knowledge of Spanish has been an artistic benefit. He says it gives him “a quality of detachment” to emphasize “emotion” rather than “focus too strongly on the accent, the punctuation.”

    His lack of interest in precise depictions of language and culture contrasts sharply with our recent research, which shows ample interest from practicing screenwriters in accurately representing dialects and accents in scripts.

    Wanting to get it right

    We surveyed over 50 current members of the Writers Guild of America, and they broadly told us that sensitivity to linguistic representation has increased since the 2010s.

    Several commented that there’s been more commitment to hiring writers who represent the characters’ voices and backgrounds. There’s also more “freedom to include diverse characters and worlds… but a commensurate emphasis on authenticity and a higher bar for what that means,” as one writer explained.

    “Authenticity” was consistently cited in our survey as a principal consideration when writing dialogue. Other concerns included scripts’ intelligibility, historical accuracy and believability.

    In most cases, screenwriters aspire to write dialogue that sounds authentic. But it’s not easy – and often requires collaboration to get it right. Writers noted how they’ll adjust their dialogue based on production needs, such as budgetary concerns, input from actors and directors, and feedback from dialect coaches and historical consultants.

    For example, spec scripts – or noncommissioned film scripts – are written before any casting or production decisions are made. The dialogue in these scripts will likely change once actors and other creatives are attached to the project.

    Recipes for capturing linguistic nuance

    In our study, we also reviewed screenwriting manuals published as far back as 1946.

    Manuals didn’t begin to raise explicit ethical concerns, such as the use of inaccurate linguistic stereotypes in dialogue, until the 1980s. For example, many older films, such as “Gone with the Wind,” often used phonetic spelling in their scripts, with features such as g-dropping – “quittin’” for “quitting” – to mark only the speech of lower-class or racially marginalized characters, despite the fact that all people, regardless of background, have accents.

    Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn and Tim Robbins look over a script on the set of the death row drama ‘Dead Man Walking,’ which was set in Louisiana.
    Demmie Todd/Fotos International via Getty Images

    Writing in heavy phonetics is generally discouraged in modern screenwriting.

    There are practical reasons for this. Scripts are read before they’re seen and therefore must first appeal to the not so general audience of executives who buy them. As one writer explained, “My script is targeted towards them.”

    Take “Trainspotting.” Irvine Welsh’s 1993 novel about a group of heroin addicts in Edinburgh was written with heavy phonetics to capture the characters’ Scottish dialect: “ah wouldnae git tae watch it.” But the screenplay uses lines without phonetics, such as, “I wouldn’t have bothered.”

    In this respect, there’s a notable difference in novels and their respective adaptations. One surveyed writer avoids dialectal markers and will “default to standard American English unless there is a reason not to.”

    That doesn’t mean the actors in “Trainspotting” should speak in an American English accent. Instead, screenwriters might simply indicate the use of language and dialect when describing the scene in a script or, as one surveyed screenwriter explained, “make a note in the parenthetical that ‘Brynn speaks with a heavy West Virginia accent’” to flag the work that “the actor, dialogue coach, and writer will need to do together.”

    This method is employed in “The Brutalist.” The film is partly in Hungarian, but writer and director Brady Corbet and his Norwegian co-writer, Mona Fastvold, wrote the Hungarian dialogue in standard English. They then used parentheticals to indicate any non-English delivery of dialogue. The film’s stars, Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, worked with a dialect coach to hone their accents.

    “Anora,” which tells the story of an exotic dancer in a whirlwind romance, features characters who speak Russian, Armenian and English with varying degrees of fluency. Even though the characters frequently switch between these languages, the entire script is in unbroken English. Code-switching is simply marked with “Russian,” “Armenian” or “English” in the script before a piece of dialogue.

    ‘Anora’ featured characters who switched between Russian, Armenian and English.

    But limiting oneself to standard U.S. English restricts diversity in the written dialogue itself. Some writers may want to use dialect or language to convey character authenticity on the page.

    Our survey respondents described this as “flavor” – the strategic use of dialectal words or phrases to create distinct voices, with limited phonetics. Jesse Eisenberg, in his Oscar-nominated script “A Real Pain,” lightly blends American English with occasional Yiddish words to great effect: “… landed in Galveston for some fakakta reason,” or “crazy” reason.

    AI chimes in

    Attempts at authenticity can become muddied when AI gets involved.

    When making “The Brutalist,” Corbet controversially used AI technology to refine the movie’s Hungarian dialogue.

    Some questioned the film’s authenticity due to the use of AI, arguing that nothing can be authentic if it’s achieved artificially.

    But the film’s creators, including editor and native Hungarian speaker Dávid Jancsó, defended this choice. They argued the technology actually enhanced the language’s authenticity, particularly since Hungarian’s system of vowels and consonants is especially hard for nonnative speakers to capture accurately.

    Whether writers use phonetics or standard language, and whether producers use AI or dialect coaches, questions of ethics and linguistic authenticity will remain. It’s important to research language choices and dialogue, and to consult the diverse speakers portrayed in scripts.

    These are among the many essential checks and balances that are becoming bigger parts of the filmmaking process.

    Mitchell Olson is affiliated with Carter Stanton, Creative Executive at Brookstreet Pictures, which was a co-producer of “The Brutalist.” He’s also an acquaintance of Meg LeFauve. He has no stake in the performance of their work outside of having professional relationships.

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

    – ref. How Oscar-nominated screenwriters attempt to craft authentic dialogue, dialects and accents – https://theconversation.com/how-oscar-nominated-screenwriters-attempt-to-craft-authentic-dialogue-dialects-and-accents-247658

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Deporting millions of immigrants would shock the US economy, increasing housing, food and other prices

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Francisco I. Pedraza, Professor of political scinece, Arizona State University

    Immigrant farmworkers pick strawberries in California in April 2024. Visions of America/Joe Sohm/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    One of President Donald Trump’s major promises during the 2024 presidential campaign was to launch mass deportations of immigrants living in the U.S. without legal authorization.

    The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has said that, since January 2025, it is detaining and planning to deport 600 to 1,100 immigrants a day. That marks an increase from the average 282 immigration arrests that happened each day in September 2024 under the Biden administration.

    The current trend would place the Trump administration on track to apprehend 25,000 immigrants in Trump’s first month in office. On an annual basis, this is about 300,000 – far from the “millions and millions” of immigrants Trump promised to deport.

    A lack of funding, immigration officers, immigration detention centers and other resources has reportedly impeded the administration’s deportation work.

    The Trump administration is seeking US$175 billion from Congress to use for the next four years on immigration enforcement, Axios reported on Feb. 11, 2025.

    If Trump does make good on his promise of mass deportations, our research shows that removing millions of immigrants would be costly for everyone in the U.S., including American citizens and businesses.

    Immigrant farmworkers protest in New York City in May 2022.
    Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images

    Food costs will increase

    One important factor is that mass deportations would weaken key industries in the U.S. that rely on immigrant workers, including those living in the U.S. illegally.

    Overall, immigrants without legal authorization make up about 5% of the total U.S. workforce.

    But that overall percentage doesn’t reflect these immigrants’ concentrated presence within various industries. Approximately half of U.S. farmworkers are living in the country without legal authorization, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

    Some of these immigrant farmworkers are skilled supervisors who make decisions about planting and harvesting. Others know how to use and maintain tractors, loaders, diggers, rakers, fertilizer sprayers, irrigation systems, and other machines crucial to farm operations.

    If those workers were to be suddenly removed from the country, Americans would see an increase in food costs, including what they spend on groceries and at restaurants.

    With fewer available workers to pick fruits and vegetables and prepare the food for shipment and distribution, the domestic production of food could decrease, leading to higher costs and more imports.

    National estimates of the restaurant and food preparation workforce, meanwhile, indicate that between 10% and 15% of those workers are immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.

    Past state-level immigration enforcement policies offer an idea of what could happen at the national level if Trump were to carry out widespread deportations.

    For example, a 2011 Alabama law called HB-56 directed local police officers to investigate the immigration status of drivers stopped for speeding. It also prohibited landlords from renting properties to immigrants who do not have legal authorization to work or live in the country. That law and its resulting effects prompted some Alabama-based immigrant workers to leave the state following workplace raids.

    Their departure wound up costing the state an estimated $2.3 billion to $10.8 billion loss in Alabama’s annual gross domestic product due to the loss of workers and economic output.

    Other industries that rely on immigrants

    Part of the challenge of mass deportations for industries like construction, nearly a quarter of whose workers are living without legal authorization, is that their workforce is highly skilled and not easily replaced. Immigrant workers are particularly involved in home construction and specialize in such tasks as ceiling and flooring installation as well as roofing and drywall work.

    Fewer available workers would mean slower home construction, which in turn would make housing more expensive, further compounding existing problems of housing supply and affordability.

    Shocks from deportations would also slow commercial and public infrastructure construction. Six construction workers, for example, died in April 2024 in the sudden collapse of the Baltimore Key Bridge in Maryland. All of them were Latino immigrants living in the U.S. without legal documentation.

    Examining the arguments

    Trump administration officials and other politicians have argued that deporting large numbers of immigrants would help the country save money, since fewer people will use federal and state funds by attending public schools or receiving temporary shelter.

    Trump said in November 2024 that there is “no price tag” for large-scale deportations.

    “It’s not a question of price tag,” Trump said. “We have no choice. When people have killed and murdered, when drug lords have destroyed countries, and now they’re going to go back to those countries because they’re not staying here,” Trump told NBC News.

    Trump and his supporters also argue that deporting immigrants would mean more jobs for American workers.

    But there is compelling evidence to the contrary.

    First, immigrants are filling labor shortages and doing jobs that many Americans don’t want to do, ones that might be unsafe or poorly paid.

    Even if Americans were willing to do those jobs, there simply aren’t enough Americans in the workforce to fill existing labor vacuums, let alone an enlarged one following deportations.

    Second, for employers, having fewer workers in the country translates into higher wages, which in turn means less capital to adapt and grow. For businesses based on consumer debt – think mortgages, car loans and credit cards – deportations would disrupt the financial sector by removing responsible borrowers who make consistent payments.

    Third, immigrants living without legal documentation in the U.S. pay more than $96 billion in federal, state and local taxes per year and consume fewer public benefits than citizens.

    Immigrants without legal authorization are not eligible for Social Security benefits and can’t enroll in Medicare or many other safety net programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

    A Guatemalan immigrant worker buys pipes for a plumbing job on a house remodel in New Philadelphia, Ohio, on Jan. 27, 2025.
    Rebecca Kiger for The Washington Post via Getty Images

    The bottom line

    In other words, people who are living and working in the U.S. without legal authorization are helping to pay, through taxes, the costs of caring for Americans as they age and begin to draw on the nation’s retirement and health care programs.

    The burden from recent inflation notwithstanding, an economy supported by immigrants living illegally in the U.S. protects Americans.

    The U.S. would be unable to dodge the economic shocks and high costs that mass deportations would bring about.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Deporting millions of immigrants would shock the US economy, increasing housing, food and other prices – https://theconversation.com/deporting-millions-of-immigrants-would-shock-the-us-economy-increasing-housing-food-and-other-prices-245342

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why community pharmacies are closing – and what to do if your neighborhood location shutters

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lucas A. Berenbrok, Associate Professor of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh

    Neighborhood pharmacies are rapidly shuttering.

    Not long ago, Walgreens, one of the nation’s biggest pharmacy chains, announced plans to close 1,200 stores over the next three years. That’s part of a larger trend that has seen nearly 7,000 pharmacy locations close since 2019, with more expected in the coming years.

    Many community pharmacies are struggling to stay open due to an overburdened workforce, shrinking reimbursement rates for prescription drugs and limited opportunities to bill insurers for services beyond dispensing medications.

    As trained pharmacists who advocate for and take care of patients in community settings, we’ve witnessed this decline firsthand. The loss of local pharmacies threatens individual and community access to medications, pharmacist expertise and essential public health resources.

    The changing role of pharmacies

    Community pharmacies – which include independently owned, corporate-chain and other retail pharmacies in neighborhood settings – have changed a lot over the past decades. What once were simple medication pickup points have evolved into hubs for health and wellness. Beyond dispensing prescriptions, pharmacists today provide vaccinations, testing and treatment for infectious diseases, access to hormonal birth control and other clinical services they’re empowered to provide by federal and state laws.

    Given their importance, then, why have so many community pharmacies been closing?

    There are many reasons, but the most important is reduced reimbursement for prescription drugs. Most community pharmacies operate under a business model centered on dispensing medications that relies on insurer reimbursements and cash payments from patients. Minor revenue comes from front-end sales of over-the-counter products and other items.

    However, pharmacy benefit managers – companies that manage prescription drug benefits for insurers and employers – have aggressively cut reimbursement rates in an effort to lower drug costs in recent years. As a result, pharmacists often have to dispense prescription drugs at very low margins or even at a loss. In some cases, pharmacists are forced to transfer prescriptions to other pharmacies willing to absorb the financial hit. Other times, pharmacists choose not to stock these drugs at all.

    And it’s not just mom-and-pop operations feeling the pinch. Over the past four years, the three largest pharmacy chains have announced plans to close hundreds of stores nationwide. CVS kicked off the trend in 2021 by announcing plans to close 900 pharmacy locations. In late 2023, Rite Aid said that thousands of its stores would be at risk for closure due to bankruptcy. And late in 2024, Walgreens announced its plans to close 1,200 stores over the next three years.

    To make matters worse, pharmacists, like many other health care providers, have been facing burnout due to high stress and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, pharmacy school enrollment has declined, worsening the workforce shortage just as an impending shortfall of primary care physicians looms.

    Why pharmacy accessibility matters

    The increasing closure of community pharmacies has far-reaching consequences for millions of Americans. That’s because neighborhood pharmacies are one of the most accessible health care locations in the country, with an estimated 90% of Americans living within 5 miles of one.

    However, research shows that “pharmacy deserts” are more common in marginalized communities, where people need accessible health care the most. For example, people who live in pharmacy deserts are also more likely to have a disability that makes it hard or impossible to walk. Many of these areas are also classified as medically underserved areas or health professional shortage areas. As pharmacy closures accelerate, America’s health disparities could get even worse.

    So if your neighborhood pharmacy closes, what should you do?

    While convenience and location matter, you might want to consider other factors that can help you meet your health care needs. For example, some pharmacies have staff who speak your native language, independent pharmacy business owners may be active in your community, and many locations offer over-the-counter products like hormonal contraception, the overdose-reversal drug naloxone and hearing aids.

    You may also consider locations – especially corporate-owned pharmacies – that also offer urgent care or primary care services. In addition, most pharmacies offer vaccinations, and some offer test-and-treat services for infectious diseases, diabetes education and help with quitting smoking.

    What to ask if your pharmacy closes

    If your preferred pharmacy closes and you need to find another one, keep the following questions in mind:

    • What will happen to your old prescriptions? When a pharmacy closes, another pharmacy may buy its prescriptions. Ask your pharmacist if your prescriptions will be automatically transferred to a nearby pharmacy, and when this will occur.

    • What’s the staffing situation like at other pharmacies? This is an important factor in choosing a new pharmacy. What are the wait times? Can the team accommodate special situations like emergency refills or early refills before vacations? Does the pharmacist have a relationship with your primary care physician and your other prescribers?

    • Which pharmacies accept your insurance? A simple call to your insurer can help you understand where your prescriptions are covered at the lowest cost. And if you take a medication that’s not covered by insurance, or if you’re uninsured, you should ask if the pharmacy can help you by offering member pricing or manufacturer coupons and discounts.

    • What are your accessibility needs? Pharmacies often offer services to make your care more accessible and convenient. These may include medication packaging services, drive-thru windows and home delivery. And if you’re considering switching to a mail-order pharmacy, you should ask if it has a pharmacist to answer questions by phone or during telehealth visits.

    Remember that it’s best to have all your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy chain or location so that your pharmacist can perform a safety check with your complete medication list. Drug interactions can be dangerous.

    Community pharmacies have been staples of neighborhoods for more than a century. Unfortunately, current trends in pharmacy closures pose real threats to public health. We hope lawmakers address the underlying systemic issues so more Americans don’t lose access to their medications, health services and pharmacists.

    Lucas A. Berenbrok is part owner of the consulting company, Embarx, LLC. He receives funding from the American Pharmacists Association.

    Michael Murphy consults to the American Pharmacists Association.

    Sophia Herbert has received funding from the Community Pharmacy Foundation.

    – ref. Why community pharmacies are closing – and what to do if your neighborhood location shutters – https://theconversation.com/why-community-pharmacies-are-closing-and-what-to-do-if-your-neighborhood-location-shutters-217775

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How California can rebuild safer, more resilient cities after wildfires without pricing out workers

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Nichole Wissman, Assistant Professor of Management, University of San Diego

    After the fires, what comes next for residents? Zoe Meyers/AFP via Getty Images

    The dramatic images of wealthy neighborhoods burning during the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires captured global attention, but the damage was much more widespread. Many working-class families lost their homes, businesses and jobs. In all, more than 16,000 structures – most of them homes – were destroyed, leaving thousands of people displaced.

    The shock of this catastrophic loss has been reverberating across Southern California, driving up demand for rental homes and prices in an already unaffordable and competitive housing market. Many residents now face rebuilding costs that are expected to skyrocket.

    Climate-related disasters like this often have deep roots in policies and practices that overlook growing risks. In the Los Angeles area, those risks are now impossible to ignore.

    As the region starts to recover, communities have an opportunity to rebuild in better ways that can protect neighborhoods against a riskier future – but at the same time don’t price out low-income residents.

    Sisters Emilee and Natalee De Santiago sit on the front porch of what remains of their home after the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., in January 2025.
    Brandon Bell/Getty Images

    Research shows that low-income residents struggle the most during and after a disaster. Disaster assistance also tends to benefit the wealthy, who may have more time and resources to navigate the paperwork and process. This can have long-term effects on inequality in a community. In Los Angeles County, where one-third of even moderate-income households spend at least half their income on housing, many residents may simply be unable to recover.

    My research at the University of San Diego focuses on managing risk in the face of climate change. I see several ways to design solutions that help low- and moderate-income residents recover while building a safer community for the future.

    Better building policies that recognize future risk

    Before a disaster, communities trying to adapt to climate change often prioritize protecting high-risk, high-value property, such as a beachfront or hillside neighborhood with wealthy homes. My own research also shows a trend toward incremental climate adaptations that don’t disturb the status quo too much and, as a result, leave many risks unaddressed.

    Climate risks are often underestimated, in part because of policy limitations and a political reluctance to consider unpopular solutions, such as restricting where people can build. Yet, disasters once considered unimaginable, such as the Los Angeles wildfires, are occurring with increasing frequency.

    An aerial view shows the devastation left by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles in January 2025. Homes in the hills can be at the highest fire risk during dry weather and strong winds.
    AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

    Making communities safer from these risks requires communitywide efforts. And that can mean making difficult decisions.

    Policy changes, such as updating zoning laws to prevent rebuilding in highly vulnerable areas, can avoid costly damage in the future. So can not building in risky areas in the first place.

    California already has some of the strictest wildfire-prevention codes in the country, but the same rules for new homes don’t apply to older homes. Communities can invest in programs to help these property owners retrofit their homes by offering grants or incentives to remove highly flammable landscaping or to “harden” existing homes to make them less vulnerable to burning.

    Research shows that resilience efforts can spur “climate gentrification,” or displacement due to increases in property values. So, focusing on affordability in resilience efforts is important. For long-term affordability and resilience, governments can collaborate with communities to develop strategies such as supporting Community Land Trusts through grants, low-interest loans or land transfers; implementing zoning reforms to enable higher-density, climate-resilient affordable housing; and incentivizing green infrastructure to strengthen community resilience.


    Beverly Hills Fire Department

    In some cases, communities may have to considered managed retreat – moving people out of high-risk areas – but with adequate compensation and support for displaced residents to ensure that they can rebuild their lives elsewhere.

    Making the risks clear through insurance

    Insurance rates can also encourage residents and communities to lower their risks. Yet in many places, insurance policies have instead obscured the risks, leaving homeowners less aware of how vulnerable their property may be.

    For years, insurers underpriced wildfire risk, driven by market competition. California policies also capped the premiums they could charge. As fire damage and rebuilding costs soared in recent years, insurers unwilling to shoulder more of the risk themselves pulled out of the state. That left countless Californians uninsured and hundreds of thousands reliant on the state-run insurance known as the FAIR Plan. The plan imposes caps on payouts and is now struggling to stay solvent, resulting in higher costs that insurers are expected to pass on to consumers.

    Insurance reforms could help reduce the financial burden on vulnerable populations while also lowering overall risk. To achieve this, the reforms could incentivize building more resilient homes in less risky areas.

    As seen with the LA fires, what your neighbor does matters. Reducing fire risk in each home can make entire neighborhoods safer. Insurers can provide a road map for how to reduce those risks, while state and local governments can provide assistance to retrofit homes and help ensure that insurance premiums remain affordable.

    There are also innovative approaches to fund resilience efforts that can include insurers. One example is New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act, which requires fossil fuel companies to finance climate adaptation efforts.

    Equipping communities with resilience hubs

    When disasters strike, local groups and neighbors play critical roles in stabilizing neighborhoods. But residents also need more specialized help to find housing and apply for disaster aid.

    Building resilience hubs in communities could help support residents before, during and after disasters.

    The resilience hub in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles provides one model for what these spaces can achieve. It’s anchored in a community arts center with solar power and backup energy storage. Residents can drop in to cool down during heat waves or charge their phones during power outages. It also hosts community classes, including in disaster preparedness.

    Boyle Heights, a largely Hispanic neighborhood in Los Angeles, has a resilience hub that provides disaster preparedness training, as well as support with food, housing and applying for assistance after disasters strike.
    Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    During and after a disaster, resilience hubs can serve as central organizing points. They can provide crucial information, resources and assistance with completing paperwork to access aid. Having access to skilled help in navigating what can be a complicated, time-consuming process is often critical, particularly for people who aren’t native English speakers.

    Getting assistance is also often critical for displaced renters, who may have little certainty about when or if they will be able to return to their homes. Understanding their legal rights can be confusing, and rising costs as rental housing is rebuilt can price them out of the market.

    Research shows that building a supportive community can provide a crucial social safety net when dealing with disasters and also boost the community’s social and economic well-being.

    Reframing policies for everyone

    The catastrophic LA wildfires were a powerful reminder that governments and communities need to think carefully about the risks they face and the role policies may play as they learn to live with greater fire risk.

    Building a resilient future in a warming world will require bold, innovative and collective strategies that support communities while advancing equitable solutions.

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

    – ref. How California can rebuild safer, more resilient cities after wildfires without pricing out workers – https://theconversation.com/how-california-can-rebuild-safer-more-resilient-cities-after-wildfires-without-pricing-out-workers-247680

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nat King Cole’s often overlooked role in the Civil Rights Movement

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Donna M. Cox, Professor of Music, University of Dayton

    Nat King Cole performs in Copenhagen, Denmark, in April 1960. Ebbe Wrae/JP Jazz Archive/Getty Images

    Six decades after Nat King Cole’s death in 1965, his music is still some of the most played in the world, and his celebrity transcends generational and racial divides. His smooth voice, captivating piano skills and enduring charisma earned him international acclaim.

    One of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Cole was not only a groundbreaking musician but also a quiet, yet resolute, advocate for social justice.

    As an African American sacred music scholar, I have been immersed in the inseparable link between music, culture and social change for over 40 years. Examining Cole through the lens of his activism uncovers the nuanced ways in which he challenged the status quo and contributed to the Civil Rights Movement.

    Beneath the polished veneer of his public image lay a deeply personal commitment to confronting racism and advocating for equality that is often overlooked.

    Formative years

    Nathaniel Adams Coles was born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Perlina Adams Coles and Edward James Coles. Perlina served as the organist at the True Light Baptist Church and later the First Baptist Church of North Chicago, both pastored by Nathaniel’s father. She passed her love for music to her children, teaching them to play the piano and organ. Cole’s formative years were spent in church; gospel songs, hymns and spirituals formed the foundation of his musical education.

    Though Cole is primarily remembered for his jazz and pop hits, the emotive power, communal emphasis and uplifting nature of Black sacred music profoundly shaped his artistry throughout his career, despite his single sacred album, “Every Time I Feel The Spirit,” released in 1959. The influence of gospel music, in particular, can be heard in his soulful phrasing and heartfelt delivery, contributing to his remarkable ability to connect with audiences.

    Growing up in Chicago, he was also exposed to a rich tapestry of musical genres, including blues, classical and jazz. This eclectic upbringing laid the foundation for his versatile musical style and commercial success.

    Group portrait of singer Nat King Cole with his mother, Perlina, his younger brother, Ike, and his father, Edward, circa 1940.
    Nat King Cole photograph collection/New York Public Library

    While Cole’s music was not overtly political, his very presence in the mainstream was a statement. In an era of racial segregation, he was a Black man achieving unprecedented success in a predominantly white music industry. His impeccable diction, tailored suits and sophisticated performances countered the prevailing stereotypes of African Americans as uncouth or subservient.

    By embodying a poised and dignified persona, Cole communicated a powerful message: Black excellence and humanity could not be denied. As race scholar George Lipsitz writes in “The Possessive Investment in Whiteness,” “The cultural field … is a site of struggle where meanings are contested and power relations are negotiated.”

    Cole’s success challenged the structural racism that sought to confine Black artists to the margins and opened doors for future generations. He acknowledged the significance of his presence on national television, recognizing it as a potential turning point for Black representation. While hesitant to explicitly label himself an activist, he contemplated the impact of his success on breaking down barriers, believing that “when you’ve got the respect of white and colored, you can ease a lot of things.”

    Confronting racism

    In response to critics who dismiss Cole’s legacy as apolitical, I argue that they overlook the complexity of his resistance. Several scholars have stated that in a society where overt defiance often resulted in violence or economic ruin, Cole’s ability to navigate the entertainment industry while maintaining his dignity was itself a form of activism.

    Though Cole never referred to himself as an activist, he confronted racism in both overt and quiet ways. Scholars such as cultural theorist Stuart Hall and researcher Laura Pottinger define “quiet activism” as modest, everyday acts of resistance – either implicitly or explicitly political – that challenge dominant ideologies and power structures. These acts often entail processes of production or creativity.

    Despite his commercial success, Cole faced relentless systemic and personal racism. In 1948, he purchased a home in the affluent Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, a move met with hostility; the local homeowners association attempted to expel him, and he endured threats and acts of vandalism.

    Yet Cole refused to be intimidated. His resolve was a courageous act of resistance that highlighted the pervasive inequalities of the time.

    Cole faced blatant discrimination in Las Vegas. He was often denied access to the same hotels and restaurants where he performed, forced to stay in segregated accommodations. One particularly notable incident occurred at the Sands Hotel. in Las Vegas. When the maitre d’ tried to deny service to Cole’s Black bandmates in the dining room, Cole threatened to cancel his performance and leave. This forced the hotel management to back down, setting a precedent for other Black entertainers and patrons.

    Cole quietly sued hotels and negotiated contracts that guaranteed his right to stay in the hotels where he performed, a significant step toward desegregation. He also made it a point to bring his entire entourage, including Black musicians and friends, to these establishments, challenging their “whites only” policies.

    ‘We Are Americans Too’

    Photo of Natalie Cole singing with her father, Nat King Cole, in 1957.
    Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

    Cole’s impact extended beyond the realm of music. In 1956, he became the first African American to host a national network television show, “The Nat King Cole Show.” This was a groundbreaking moment, as it brought a Black man into the living rooms of millions of white Americans every week.

    Though the show faced challenges with sponsorship due to racial prejudice, it marked a significant step toward greater representation and acceptance. As historian Donald Bogle notes in his 2001 book “Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks,” “Television … became a new battleground for the image of the black performer.” Cole’s show, despite its short run, was a crucial battle in this war.

    When Cole was attacked onstage by white supremacists during a concert in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1956, it underscored the physical danger Black public figures faced and galvanized Cole’s commitment to the Civil Rights Movement.

    It is important to note that Cole’s support for the Civil Rights Movement was often quiet and behind the scenes. He faced criticism from some who felt he should have been more outspoken. However, his actions demonstrate his commitment to the cause of racial equality. Cole, who died in 1965 at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, was a member of his local NAACP branch. He also performed at benefit concerts for the organization, raising money to support their efforts in fighting racial discrimination.

    Shortly after the attack in Birmingham, Cole recorded his only song that is specifically political, “We Are Americans Too.” Recorded in 1956, the song was a powerful statement of belonging and a challenge to racial exclusion. Though it would not come close to reaching commercial success, it did serve as a powerful reminder that African Americans were, in fact, Americans. Over a half-century later, this song still resonates and speaks to the ongoing struggle for full inclusion and recognition for marginalized groups.

    The juxtaposition of the refrain “We are Americans too” against the backdrop of the treatment of Black people during the Civil Rights Movement gives this song emotional weight. The very act of having to assert “We are Americans too” highlights the injustice of the situation.

    It underscores the disconnect between the ideals of American democracy and the reality of racial inequality. In this context, the refrain “We are Americans too” is an act of resistance, a challenge to the prevailing social order. It highlights the hypocrisy of a nation founded on principles of liberty while denying those same liberties to a significant portion of its population. It’s a call for America to finally recognize the full humanity and citizenship of its Black citizens.

    ‘We Are Americans Too.’

    Great art, and great artists, are powerful witnesses of the times in which they live, love, work and play. Their commentary, both artistically and humanly, leaves an important record for generations. This is clearly evident in Nat King Cole.

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

    – ref. Nat King Cole’s often overlooked role in the Civil Rights Movement – https://theconversation.com/nat-king-coles-often-overlooked-role-in-the-civil-rights-movement-248527

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Many gluten-free foods are high in calories and sugar, low on fiber and protein, and they cost more − new research

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sachin Rustgi, Associate Professor of Molecular Breeding, Clemson University

    The vast majority of Americans are not sensitive to foods containing gluten. Westend61 via Getty Images

    U.S. consumers often pay more for gluten-free products, yet these items typically provide less protein and more sugar and calories compared with gluten-containing alternatives. That is the key finding of my new study, published in the journal Plant Foods for Human Nutrition.

    This study compared gluten-free products with their gluten-containing counterparts, and the findings suggested that many perceived benefits of gluten-free products – such as weight control and diabetes management – are exaggerated.

    Currently, many gluten-free products lack dietary fiber, protein and essential nutrients. Manufacturers often add supplements to compensate, but the incorporation of dietary fibers during processing can hinder protein digestion.

    In addition, gluten-free products generally contain higher sugar levels compared with other products containing gluten. Long-term adherence to a gluten-free diet has been associated with increased body mass index, or BMI, and nutritional deficiencies.

    Gluten-free products – defined in the U.S. as those that contain less than or equal to 20 parts per million of gluten – largely lack wheat, rye, barley and sometimes oats, all rich sources of arabinoxylan, a crucial nonstarch polysaccharide. Arabinoxylan provides several health benefits, including promoting beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing digestion, regulating blood sugar levels and supporting a balanced gut microbiota.

    Our study also pointed out that it is difficult to find a gluten-free product that excels in all nutritional areas, such as high protein and fiber content with low carbohydrates and sugar.

    On the other hand, gluten-free seeded bread contains significantly more fiber – 38.24 grams per 100 grams – than its gluten-containing counterparts. This is likely due to efforts by manufacturers to address fiber deficiencies by using ingredients such as pseudo-cereals, such as amaranth and quinoa hydrocolloids – meaning water-soluble macromolecules used in gluten-free baked goods made with quinoa flour.

    These improvements, however, vary by manufacturer and region. For example, gluten-free products in Spain tend to have lower fiber content than their gluten-containing counterparts.

    Why it matters

    The term “gluten-free diet” has become a buzzword, much like “organic,” and is now a part of everyday life for many people, often without a full understanding of its actual benefits. While a gluten-free diet is a medical necessity for people who are sensitive to gluten, a condition called celiac disease, or for those with wheat allergies, others adopt a gluten-free diet due to perceived health benefits or because it’s a trend.

    In 2024, the global gluten-free product market was valued at US$7.28 billion and projected to reach $13.81 billion by 2032. The U.S. market share is estimated to be $5.9 billion – a little less than half of the global figure.

    Approximately 25% of the U.S. population consumes gluten-free products. This figure is far higher than the the roughly 6% of people with non-celiac wheat sensitivity, 1% of people with celiac disease and even lower percentages of people with wheat allergies.

    This suggests that many people adopt gluten-free diets for reasons other than medical necessity, which may not offer health or financial benefits.

    Symptoms of celiac disease and gluten intolerance include stomach pain and bloating.

    What’s next

    Investment in research and development is essential to create more nutritionally balanced gluten-free products using locally available ingredients. This will require human feeding trials with different formulations of gluten-free products to ensure that these products meet nutritional needs without adverse effects.

    Collaborations between governments could help secure subsidies, which would reduce production costs and make these products more affordable. Although the initial costs of research and maintaining a gluten-free production line are high, using local ingredients and financial incentives can make these products more cost-competitive compared with their gluten-containing counterparts.

    Public education is also important to keep people informed about the pros and cons associated with a gluten-free diet.

    The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

    Sachin Rustgi receives funding from the US Department of Agriculture and the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research.

    – ref. Many gluten-free foods are high in calories and sugar, low on fiber and protein, and they cost more − new research – https://theconversation.com/many-gluten-free-foods-are-high-in-calories-and-sugar-low-on-fiber-and-protein-and-they-cost-more-new-research-247165

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE Students Become European Champions in Arabic Debate

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Team of students of the OP “Oriental Studies” Faculty of World Economy and World Politics HSE University is the only team from Russia to win first prize at the international Arabic language debate championship Qatar Debate and become the European champion among teams for whom Arabic is not their native language.

    This year the competition was held in Istanbul. There were three rounds of debates. Russian students defeated the Turkish team from Ibn Khaldun University and the Arabic-speaking team from Austria. In the third round they lost to the Turkish team from Fatih University by a very small margin.

    The team members received medals for being the best participants (speakers) of the championship. The jury noted the high level of preparation of the Russian students, who demonstrated excellent command of the Arabic language.

    The International Arabic Debate Championship Qatar Debate is held annually. Students Schools of Oriental Studies This is the second time that HSE University has won the European stage of the debate. In November 2023, they became the overall winners of the European round of the competition.

    “Our team consisted of experienced participants who had already competed in the Qatar Debate. Our students went from their first participation in the competition to victory in a short period of time. With the support of the faculty, they managed to become European champions and receive two of the three medals for the best participants. This once again confirms that today the School of Oriental Studies is the undisputed leader in teaching Arabic, and not only in Russia,” said Andrey Zeltyn, senior lecturer at the School of Oriental Studies at the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    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: Puppetry Exhibition Showcases Photographic Work of UConn Alum, 60 Years of Puppet Arts

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The lens of Richard Termine’s camera frames the performers before him like the decorative proscenium around a stage, in a view the award-winning photographer says is both wonderful and challenging to capture.

    Termine says he considers himself a partner to the performers, moving in a dance around them, anticipating their next move, as he clicks his way to capturing the moments of life and emotion they convey.

    A Middletown native and double UConn alum, he started studying the dramatic arts as an elementary student who went to the library to learn more after seeing a marionette performance of “Rigoletto,” he says.

    “It just blew me away. It was transformative,” Termine ’75 (SFA), ’78 MFA says of that school assembly. “When I go to the theater … I want to go to worlds and places I haven’t been, and puppetry is No. 1 on the list that does that for me.”

    Jim Henson, left, and Brian Henson taught a three-week International Workshop in Puppetry for Film and Television during the summer of 1987 at the Institut International de la Marionnette in Charleville-Mezières, France. Termine went along as Jim Henson’s teaching assistant and also photo documented the event. (Photo courtesy of Richard Termine)

    A one-time puppet designer, puppet builder, and puppet director, Termine lists name-brand shows on his resume including “Sesame Street” and readily talks about knowing the famed duo Jim Henson and Frank Oz. He discovered photography in the late 1970s at the suggestion of a friend.

    Today, he lists the New York Times and Village Voice, along with Time, Newsweek, and People among his credits. Yet, even after decades in the business, Termine says he still marvels at the power of puppets and their performers.

    “I’m standing on their shoulders in terms of my art form, and I’m the interpreter of what’s in front of me,” he says. “What I love about this is I’m transformed when I’m working. … When I’m in the moment, it’s exhilarating.”

    Visitors to the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry will have a chance to see just what Termine sees when he puts his eye to the camera. Its latest exhibition, “American Puppet Theater Today: The Photography of Richard Termine,” includes 151 of his images.

    The show, courtesy of The Jim Henson Foundation, was created in 2019 for display in France and since has seen five iterations including at exhibitions in Chicago, New York City, Montreal, and College Park, Maryland. Its Connecticut show in Storrs is on display until May 11.

    From Marionette and Shadow to Rod and Hand

    Foundation President Cheryl Henson, curator of the exhibition and daughter of renowned puppeteer Jim Henson, uses words like “play, magic, imagination, and creativity” when talking about the importance of puppetry and its value in the world today.

    “Puppetry brings out all of these really essential parts of being human,” she says.

    While the Muppet style her father made famous on shows like “Sesame Street” might have the broadest reach of any style – the show featuring Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and Elmo has aired in 124 countries – she says the accessibility of the myriad puppet styles is what gives puppetry “infinite potential.”

    Much of that variety can be seen in “American Puppet Theater,” with Henson describing the show as “a celebration of what puppetry can do.”

    During a recent tour of the exhibition, Termine points out a 2011 photograph of Jim Rose, a marionette fabrication teaching artist, and says it’s among his favorites. The image is simple: a puppeteer fiddling with the cross brace of a marionette, tugging at a string that lifts the puppet’s head in a loving gaze toward its handler.

    Henson notes that thanks to UConn’s John Bell, director of the Ballard, and Emily Wicks, the museum’s operations and collections manager, the exhibition has 15 puppets on display alongside Termine’s photographs.

    She walks toward the first, which greets those entering the exhibition, a direct-manipulation puppet named Disfarmer – a small bald man with glasses – adjusting the back of a Depression-era camera draped in a dark cloth. It’s one of six versions made for a 2009 production about photographer Mike Disfarmer.

    Another puppet, this one with a political message, is poised in the back corner of the Ballard. It’s a toy theater with a black proscenium adorned with four ornate butterflies from the performing company Great Small Works. Next to it, Termine notes, is a 2010 photograph depicting a performing John Bell; his wife, Trudi Cohen; and Jenny Romaine.

    The Blue Fairy from the opera “La Bella Dormente Nel Bosco” swoops through the air in the opposite corner, while a couple of Punch and Judy-style hand puppets get some laughs long after their 2009 adult-only performance of “The Punch and Jimmy Show.”

    While the exhibition features mostly puppets outside the Muppet style, Termine says the show reflects the impact Jim Henson, who died in 1990, and his Foundation have had on the puppetry world.

    Puppet Arts Program: A Diamond Year

    The Jim Henson Foundation, founded by its namesake in 1982, is devoted to cultivating the work of American puppeteers and has provided support for more than 1,300 projects from more than 350 artists in that time.

    “When we look at [this exhibition], these are artists that have been supported by the Foundation, creating their own work, finding their own voices in this rich art form,” Termine, Foundation vice president, says. “It’s right here, and that’s what makes this special.”

    Puppeteer Basil Twist performs with Stickman at a reception in June 2021 at Upper Penthouse, Central Park South, New York City. (Photo courtesy of Richard Termine)

    “One of the things my dad really loved about puppetry is how much the different puppeteers loved watching each other’s work and how they’d get so excited about somebody else’s brilliance,” Henson adds.

    Say a name related to the puppet community and Termine and Henson can explain the loop of how that person is connected to this person and the next. It’s a community, they say, and many in it have UConn ties.

    Termine’s mother once met Carol Thompson ’68 (SFA), ’78 MA, a student of renowned UConn professor Frank Ballard, who introduced Termine to the famed puppeteer in 1970 when he was doing a production of “The Love for Three Oranges” at UConn.

    The friend who nudged Termine in the late 1970s to take up photography was the late Manchester-native-turned-Emmy-nominated puppet designer Jan (Rosenthal) Stefura ’77 (SFA), who built Mokey Fraggle on “Fraggle Rock,” among others.

    Termine’s MFA class included Bart Roccoberton Jr. ’90 MFA, who heads UConn’s Puppet Arts Program, and his teachers included the late Jerry Rojo, the former dramatic arts professor who designed the black box Mobius Theater in the Drama/Music building.

    With deep connections in the puppet world, UConn’s Puppet Arts Program celebrates its 60th anniversary this year with a special section of the exhibition dedicated to that achievement.

    It’s “a leader” in the industry, Termine says, so much so that several years ago, when a couple of UConn women’s basketball players visited the set of “Sesame Street,” most of crew sported their UConn garb to share their school pride.

    The same sense of delight swelled in Termine when he visited the Ballard Museum in Downtown Storrs recently for the exhibition’s opening: “To come back here and to share what I started,” he said, trailing off in thought. “Thanks to the Henson family and to my training here at UConn.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Getting a Foot Up on Production Simulation and Streamlining

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A creative collaboration between UConn’s Connecticut Manufacturing Simulation Center (CMSC) and ZANEEZ® Health in Glastonbury, Conn., is focusing on virtual prototyping of an innovative foot and ankle platform made from advanced thermoplastic polymers. This process reduces the time and cost associated with multiple rounds of physical testing, optimizing structural integrity and product performance before physical production begins.

    “AnkleSTONE®, developed by ZANEEZ® Health, represents a significant advancement in orthopedic rehabilitation devices,” says Jeongho Kim, principal investigator and CMSC director, and also a professor for the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Manufacturing Engineering. “This partnership with CMSC allows our team to provide advanced technical expertise and simulation capabilities to enhance product development.

    “At CMSC,” Kim explains, “we have the tools and computational resources to assist companies like ZANEEZ® in overcoming limitations in physical prototyping. Our partnership enables them to analyze critical load capacities and structural performance, for example, helping refine the AnkleSTONE® design for maximum effectiveness and resilience.”

    The AnkleSTONE® team includes, from left, Jake Crane (strategic advisor, CONNSTEP), Dan Tangari, Marien Zanyk, and Jeongho Kim.

    Supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, CMSC provides technical assistance at no cost to small- and medium-sized manufacturers in Connecticut, fostering innovation and economic development in the state. The center offers a suite of high-performance computing-based modeling and simulation services, enabling companies to replace costly physical prototypes with virtual simulations that streamline the development process.

    Many small businesses, Kim adds, lack the specialized resources required for intensive prototyping. The center’s physics-based modeling and virtual prototyping approach, he says, allows companies like ZANEEZ® to develop cost-effective solutions efficiently.

    CMSC’s staff is currently engaged in virtual prototyping of the AnkleSTONE® foot and ankle platform, made from advanced thermoplastic polymers. This process reduces the time and cost associated with multiple rounds of physical testing, optimizing structural integrity and product performance before physical production begins.

    “Research and support from CMSC has made our development process more efficient, saving a tremendous amount of time and expense versus physical prototyping and destructive testing,” says Dan Tangari, a lead designer from Spark Design LLC, working with ZANEEZ®. Spark, Tangari explains, works with a diverse group of clients to help develop innovative products from initial concept through production.

    CMSC, says Tangari, has been assisting Marien Zanyk, ZANEEZ® founder and CEO, in refining her AnkleSTONE® product for injection molding. “This requires accounting for complex loads and stress that the product will encounter during use,” he explains. “This type of analysis is outside the scope of our capabilities. Partnering with Dr. Kim and CMSC was an invaluable step in the development process.”

    The Engineering Science Building houses the Connecticut Manufacturing Simulation Center (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)

    Through Kim’s advanced structural analysis of the AnkleSTONE® product, potential weak areas were identified in the design for typical use-case scenarios, Tangari continues. “Our combined team was able to meet virtually at regular intervals to review new findings based on the latest simulations. This virtual prototyping provided insights that guided our design improvements, allowing us to iterate faster, and make much more informed decisions during CAD refinement. The collaboration between ZANEEZ® and CMSC allows us to feel confident moving forward that we have a proven design that is ready for production.”

    Since its inception in 2016, CMSC has collaborated with over 50 businesses, training more than 350 professionals, 2,400 UConn students, and 24 community students.  Other CMSC projects include partnerships with Aero Gear, PCX Aerospace, and Advanced Manufacturing LLC, focusing on complex simulation and optimization for Connecticut’s manufacturing sector.

    Located at the Engineering Science Building on UConn’s Storrs campus, CMSC continues to support the state’s manufacturing industry with cutting-edge computational tools and research. For more information, visit CMSC’s website or LinkedIn page.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How new Ofsted report cards could be improved – by giving parents what they want to know

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Toby Greany, Professor of Education, University of Nottingham

    Media_Photos/Shutterstock

    Change is underway at Ofsted, England’s schools inspectorate. Headline judgments that summed up a whole school in one or two words have been discarded in favour of a proposed report card system that promises to offer a more rounded assessment of school quality.

    According to education secretary Bridget Phillipson, the changes are supposed to make the system less high stakes for schools while giving parents more information. The proposed report cards give a score on a five point scale for a range of areas, including wellbeing and inclusion, among others.

    The evidence that Ofsted’s previous approach was problematic had been stacking up for some years. My four-year study with colleague Rob Higham showed how inspections were driving a culture of compliance and standardisation in schools. They were incentivising leaders to prioritise the interests of the school over the interests of particular groups of, usually more vulnerable, children.

    So far, responses from the teaching profession to the new report card proposals have not been positive. The Association of School and College Leaders’ says they will be “bewildering for teachers and leaders, never mind the parents whose choices these reports are supposedly intended to guide”, and retain the high-stakes aspects of the previous system.

    A poll of more than 3000 school leaders by headteachers’ union the NAHT indicates that nine in ten disagree with the plans.

    My recent research suggests the need for a different approach which prioritises local accountability, in particular to parents. Over the past three years, my colleague Susan Cousin and I have been working on a project evaluating how professionals in different local areas can work together to address placed based challenges in education.

    One of these challenges was how to strengthen professional accountability. The aim was for school staff to take greater collective ownership of what school “quality” looks like and how it could be improved, rather than waiting for Ofsted to tell them.

    In two areas, Sheffield and Milton Keynes, school-led partnerships – membership organisations which support collaboration between schools – decided to develop their own local school “report cards”. These were intended to offer a broad and balanced set of information for parents, governors and others.

    In both areas a core design group was brought together. This involved leaders from a diverse range of local primary and secondary schools and academy trusts who agreed a draft format for the report cards.

    These prototypes were then taken out to consultation with wider schools as well as parents and carers. Based on their feedback, the report cards were adjusted before final versions were agreed. Each area developed different versions for primary, secondary and special schools.

    What parents want

    The most transformative aspect of the process arguably came from the consultations with parents and carers. For example, in the development of the Sheffield report card, it became clear that as well as information on the school from external sources – including Ofsted reports – parents wanted to learn more about what the school was really like. This led to the inclusion of a “get to know this school” section of the report card. The project lead in Sheffield explained to us:

    What came through really clearly … [from parents and carers] was, “I want a feel of the school” … They want the quality assured stuff. But they also want a feel of the place. And that’s why in the second iteration, what we’ve got is a whole section, which is an ability for the school to show itself – photos, videos, talk about particular aspects of education, and what’s unique about their school in relation to curriculum.

    Another feature that parents wanted included was a way of understanding what other parents and students themselves think about each school. In response, both Sheffield and Milton Keynes have included sections that show the “top five positives” according to parents and carers, and “five words from children about this school”.

    Strengthening local accountability

    England’s school system has become increasingly centralised in recent decades. The role and capacity of local authorities has been reduced and national requirements and oversight, including from Ofsted, have increased.

    In the process, school leaders and staff have become disempowered, while parents and local communities have largely lost their ability to influence the quality and direction of local schools. Locally developed school reports offer a way to redress the balance.

    This approach would not remove national accountability. In both Sheffield and Milton Keynes the plan is to incorporate national data, including from Ofsted inspections, into the local reports.

    But encouraging local ownership and strengthening the voice of parents and children in terms of how school quality is assessed and reported, could help schools become more accountable to the people most invested in them, rather than the national government.

    Toby Greany receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council, the Association of Education Committees and the Nuffield Foundation.

    – ref. How new Ofsted report cards could be improved – by giving parents what they want to know – https://theconversation.com/how-new-ofsted-report-cards-could-be-improved-by-giving-parents-what-they-want-to-know-249304

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Roman London’s first basilica found under an office block – here’s what it reveals about the ancient city

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lacey Wallace, Senior Lecturer in Roman History & Material Culture, University of Lincoln

    Archaeologists from the Museum of London have discovered a well-preserved part of the ancient city of London’s first Roman basilica underneath the basement of an office block. The basilica was constructed for use as a public building in the 70s or early 80s AD.

    In a Roman town, a basilica was a multi-functional civic building. Often paid for by leading local inhabitants, it provided a large indoor space for public gatherings. These ranged from political speeches to judicial proceedings.

    Along with the connected forum – an arrangement of buildings that surrounded an open courtyard space – the building formed the centre of administrative and civic life in the ancient Roman city of Londinium.

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

    Other walls of London’s basilica and forum have been known by archaeologists since the early 1880s. But they were only recognised as remains of the social and civic centre of Londinium in 1923.

    The story until now

    Peter Marsden, the author of The Roman Forum Site in London (1987), compiled disconnected evidence for the different phases of London’s forum basilica complex.

    Referring to the current area of excavations (on Gracechurch Street), he noted that: “More than half of the archaeological deposits still remain, and should be carefully excavated when the opportunity arises, since only then will the history of the site be elucidated.”

    Occasional opportunities have arisen to reveal small parts of the forum basilica. For example, during construction of a shaft to install a lift at 85 Gracechurch Street, some important remains from the first century were found. But the excavated area was too small to contribute greatly to our knowledge.

    In contrast, the recent work is part of a major redevelopment. It has opened targeted excavation areas where walls of the basilica were expected to be found, exposing substantial parts of the building.

    Archaeologists have found one-metre-wide foundations and walls of the interior, some of which probably extend for more than 10 metres in length. The walls are constructed of flint, tile and Kentish ragstone (a type of limestone quarried in Kent), and some stand at four metres high.

    Archaeologists discussing the find.

    What was the basilica for?

    Londinium was constructed on an unoccupied site beginning in about AD47 or 48. It began to gain the trappings of a Roman-style town, including a basilica building, in the lead-up to its destruction in the Boudican Revolt in AD60 or 61.

    The city did not have a monumental forum and basilica complex until later, however, when a major programme of public and private construction was undertaken in the Flavian period (AD69–96).

    London’s Flavian basilica took the plan of a long rectangle (44m x 22.7m) divided into three aisles. There is good evidence from the deeper central aisle (nave) wall foundations that the nave roof was raised to two storeys, to allow for windows to provide internal light.

    Shallow foundations crossing the nave are evidence of a raised dais or platform at the eastern end. The speaker or judge would sit there, elevated above the crowds, increasing both his visibility and status. This platform, or “tribunal”, is the area that has recently been revealed.

    The basilica would have risen above the north side of the buildings that formed the forum courtyard. It would have dominated the high ground of this monumental space at the highly visible crossroads leading straight up from the Roman Thames bridge.

    It would have been the largest building in the area and firmly announced that the people of Londinium were constructing a high-status Roman city.

    Rebuilding following the British queen Boudica’s revolt had been swift. The post-Revolt fort that was built only 100 metres or so down the street had likely been decommissioned and the people were ready to embark on a new phase and a major expansion of the urban centre.

    The designs of late first century forum basilica complexes varied across the provinces. But generally they combined religious, civic, judicial and mercantile space.

    In places like Pompeii, the forum had developed over time. But, when the town was buried by the ash of Vesuvius in AD79 (approximately the same time the forum basilica of London was built), the focus of the elongated monumental space was the Temple of Jupiter, symbol of the Roman state.

    Although a classical temple was constructed to the west of the exterior of Londinium’s Flavian forum, it was clearly separate. No forum in Britannia was dominated by a temple, setting the core of urban space in this province apart from most examples in the rest of the empire.

    The Flavian forum basilica at Londinium is one of the earliest examples to demonstrate this characteristic, along with that at Verulamium (St Albans). There, an inscription links the circa AD79–81 construction to the governor Agricola, who is well known among historians from the celebratory biography written by his son-in-law, Tacitus.

    The Flavian basilica and forum only stood for about 20 or 30 years, however. With increased prosperity in the early second century, they were demolished and replaced by a new structure which was five times larger, leaving the remains of the first basilica underneath the surface of the later courtyard space.

    The Museum of London will now analyse and publish the results of its find, applying modern methods to advance our understanding of the development of the first forum basilica. We can expect refined dating evidence and an improved understanding of the architecture from the post-excavation analyses. An exhibition space to make the remains visible for the public is also planned.

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

    – ref. Roman London’s first basilica found under an office block – here’s what it reveals about the ancient city – https://theconversation.com/roman-londons-first-basilica-found-under-an-office-block-heres-what-it-reveals-about-the-ancient-city-249980

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to be happy with what you have – and avoid the trap of comparison

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Joshua Forstenzer, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Co-Director of the Centre for Engaged Philosophy, University of Sheffield

    Alphavector/Shutterstock

    In many ways, I feel like we shouldn’t be happy with what we have. We live in a world of tremendous inequality and cruelty, running towards an environmental wall. Not just that, but some of the best people I know are chronic persistors: they know how not to accept the unacceptable.

    But we also live in an economy that profits from and purposefully generates private feelings of lack, want, comparison and envy. Somewhat counter-intuitively, this envy often spurs on the feelings of lack and want, rather than the other way around. This is the genius of advertising: to generate “perceived” (aka fake) needs. I see someone living a “good” life – exciting, sexy, creative – and now I want what they have: the shoes, watch, holiday, you name it.

    Envy requires comparison. And comparison requires a scale by which to rank ourselves. Popular culture offers quite a few. Being the object of sexual desire (think of “matches” on dating apps) for example, or digital social connectivity (think of “followers” or “likes”). These can all play a role in shaping your sense of personal success or failure.

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

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

    Sometimes, these are presented in a unified pseudo-metric of success. Take for example the idea of a “high-value man”. The parts of the internet that use the concept tend to celebrate having money, a wide social network and being useful to others. This often veers into celebrating material wealth and superficial self improvement as the path to success and sexual attractiveness. The viral TikTok song I’m Looking for a Man in Finance is an only mildly exaggerated spoof of this ideal.

    The implicit assumption is that having more “good things” than others means being more valuable as a person. But behind this there are a host of hidden assumptions – not least that you can “own” the genuinely valuable things in life (as opposed to being them).

    These hidden assumptions usually reveal deep seated shame – the feeling that you are not enough as you are. And that you are not entitled to set the parameters that define the success or failure of your own life.

    Feeling bad about yourself is not always unhealthy. A healthy negative feeling lets you know if you have done something wrong, or acted in a manner that does not meet your own moral standards. This feeling calls for you to change your ways.

    Shame can be very psychologically painful.
    Alphavector/Shutterstock

    The unhealthy feeling, that I am calling “shame”, is not merely the feeling of embarrassment or moral doubt. Rather, it is (to follow vulnerability researcher Brené Brown’s definition) “the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging”.

    This feeling is so psychologically painful that you may reflexively do all you can to remain unaware of it. This denial means that you can start to see your own critical inner voice (itself shaped by past negative experiences) as animated by an “objective” social reality, telling you not just that you’re failing, but that you are a failure. This is often called “projection”.

    Other times, when you can bear to consciously feel this emotion, you may seek to negotiate with it and offer remedial actions to the universe to make up for recurrent feelings of worthlessness. In darker times still, shame can overtake your whole life, paralysing you and creeping into the quietest parts of your private self.

    How to combat shame and be happy with what you have

    Shame can be a remarkably sticky emotion. Identifying and interrogating it can be helpful. Working on revising how you understand your self and your relationship to others can also help. The options are many, but for the sake of illustration here are three that speak to me.

    1. Stoicism

    Stoics believed that your essential nature is stable and the project of life is to fulfil this nature and flourish. When making judgments, people ascribe value to an imagined state of affairs (“it would be really great if I were thinner”) and a belief that a specific course of action will make it a reality (“going without chocolate will return the figure I had in my teens”).

    A stoic approach means connecting with your community.
    Alphavector/Shutterstock

    Both of these can be false, because the things you desire can actually be bad for you, and you have less control over the future than you tend to think. Stoics thought people should try to get the relationship between their emotional state and the goods they pursue into harmony, seeking self-mastery in order to flourish.

    To this end, stoic ethics demand that you recognise and cultivate habits that put you in touch with your own nature within the wider world – starting from the self, expanding to the family, the community, the state, humanity and ultimately the cosmos.

    2. Existentialism

    In contrast, existentialism requires paying attention to the lack of any ultimate purpose in human life. No one thing can ever fully define who you are. Your capacity to reinvent yourself, to value something new, to start a fresh project, is yours alone.

    Existentialists define life’s meaning for themselves.
    Alphavector/Shutterstock

    The empty feeling of meaninglessness you sometimes encounter when you have finally achieved a long sought after goal (like getting that big promotion) can be dizzying. But this feeling is a reminder of the fact that nothing in your nature demands that you achieve any one thing. It’s up to you.

    You must face authentically the fact that you are free and therefore responsible for your projects and the meaning you give to them.

    3. Humanistic psychotherapy

    A humanistic psychotherapeutic perspective offers a middle way. It invites you to look upon yourself with compassion, seeing yourself as complex, responsible and yet also imperfect and vulnerable, always involved in a richly evolving tapestry of relationships that ultimately gives meaning and purpose to your life.

    In humanistic psychotherapy, our relationships give life meaning.
    Alphavector/Shutterstock

    This means that relationships and the recognition you give and derive from them provide the only solid basis for confronting that most important question – “who am I?” – ultimately seeing you through your darkest times. But this means that you need these relationships to be genuine, kind and honest so that you can see yourself and others for the frail, evolving and unique individuals that we all are.

    Joshua Forstenzer’s work receives funding from the Yale Center for Faith and Culture as part of its Templeton-funded Life Worth Living project (https://lifeworthliving.yale.edu/). He is also a consultant to North Consulting as part of the LIFE Erasmus+ project (https://www.kmop.gr/projects-vf/news-life-worth-living/) which uses text-based pedagogic methods to facilitate wellbeing conversations about meaning and purpose with teachers and school leaders in five European countries.

    – ref. How to be happy with what you have – and avoid the trap of comparison – https://theconversation.com/how-to-be-happy-with-what-you-have-and-avoid-the-trap-of-comparison-235476

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Britain’s unearned wealth has ballooned – a modest capital tax could help avoid austerity and boost the economy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stewart Lansley, Visiting Fellow, School of Policy Studies, University of Bristol

    Canary Wharf in London. I Wei Huang/Shutterstock

    Inheriting the worst set of public finances for decades, Labour was always going to face an uphill struggle trying to fund improvements to the UK’s public services.

    Inflated debt and recent hikes in the cost of borrowing mean the government is faced with stark choices. For it will be difficult to meet the chancellor’s own tight fiscal rules without further tax rises or cuts in public spending.

    But as the former chief economist at the Bank of England, Andy Haldane, has warned, further spending cuts would be “deeply counterproductive”.

    One solution for avoiding ongoing austerity lies in raising a higher proportion of taxes from assets. For despite the UK enjoying a long personal wealth boom, little of this boom is the result of new wealth creation or higher productivity.

    Much of it is unearned. Some is the product of corporate wealth extraction, where dividend payments and personal fortunes have have been prioritised over the long-term health of a company. Some privatised water firms, for example, have been turned into cash cows for their owners.

    Another large part of British unearned wealth is the product of state-induced asset inflation. Since 1999, house prices in England have risen almost three times faster than incomes.

    This kind of asset inflation is a classic example of “passive accumulation”. Or, as the 19th-century philosopher John Stuart Mill described it, getting rich in your sleep.

    As a result, household wealth currently stands at over six times the UK’s GDP. It was three times in the 1970s.

    Yet while Britain is asset rich, its tax system is heavily based on earnings from work. Taxes on income from dividends, capital gains and inheritance make a tiny contribution to the public purse.

    This is a fundamental flaw of the tax system which does little to dent the growing concentration of wealth owned by the few. Through political inertia, the tax system has failed to catch up with the growing importance of wealth over income.

    Inherit the earth?

    The fallout from the low taxation on wealth is well illustrated by the role of inheritance.

    Levels of wealth passed on after death in the UK have been rising sharply. Over the next three decades, some millennials are expected to inherit a staggering £5.5 trillion, dwarfing all previous transfers of wealth between generations.

    The lion’s share of this transfer will go to the most affluent. The lifetime wealth of those with parents in the richest fifth will see their wealth grow by 29% – compared with 5% for those born to the poorest fifth.

    This will only intensify the reproduction of the wealth divide of the past.

    Extending the tax base is not just about fairness or revenue raising. Asset holdings are often little more than unused resources, while big inter-generational wealth transfers can play a counterproductive role in the economy.

    Over a third of the UK’s wealth is stored in property (with the rest in pensions, savings and possessions). This is mostly only realised when passed on through inheritance , where its benefits accrue to the already privileged. Little of this process contributes to more productive activity, with one of its most malign effects being to fuel higher house prices, because the money is largely reinvested in property.

    The unfairness of inherited wealth has long been recognised. The patron saint of economics, Adam Smith called it “manifestly absurd”.

    Farmers have protested against Labour’s plans for inheritance tax.
    Mark Anthony Ray/Shutterstock

    A modest and phased rise in capital taxation would help to reduce the passive role played by wealth holdings. Even small changes would release funds which could be used to improve social infrastructure from schools to hospitals.

    One approach would be to build on the existing tax system through higher rates and fewer reliefs and loopholes. The second would be to introduce new taxes.

    In her first budget, Rachel Reeves took steps to raise revenue through the first option, from both inheritance and capital gains tax. But these were too modest to alter the overwhelming dominance of tax on earnings.

    A more fundamental shift would be to reform the existing system of council tax with a larger number of tax bands at the top. Still based on 1991 property values, this is perhaps the least defensible tax in Britain. The most effective alternative would be to replace council tax and stamp duty with a single proportionate “property tax”.

    Another option would be for a modest annual 1% tax on wealth over £2 million, which has the potential to raise around £16 billion a year, or double that on wealth over £1 million.

    Such a measure could be sold politically as a “solidarity tax” to help pay for the things the UK needs. And while governments have been wary of the political reaction to higher taxes on wealth, the tide is turning.

    Those supporting higher taxes on wealth include the Conservative-aligned think tank Bright Blue and an influential campaign group called the Patriotic Millionaires. There is also growing public support.

    Continued public spending austerity would drive more years of stagnation. It would also be politically suicidal for this government, as it was for Labour in 1931 and in the 1970s. But harnessing a little more of the country’s immense private wealth would make the tax system more equitable and by providing the resources to boost social investment, ease the path to economic recovery.

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

    – ref. Britain’s unearned wealth has ballooned – a modest capital tax could help avoid austerity and boost the economy – https://theconversation.com/britains-unearned-wealth-has-ballooned-a-modest-capital-tax-could-help-avoid-austerity-and-boost-the-economy-247970

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Surfer’s ear: the condition that might leave wild swimmers and surfers with hearing loss

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol

    Surfer’s ear happens when growths develop on the bones of the auditory canal. speedshutter Photography/ Shutterstock

    Cold water swimming, paddleboarding and surfing are all popular pastimes – with millions of people in the UK regularly participating in at least one type of outdoor watersport each year.

    But those bravely breaking the waves may not realise they could actually be putting themselves at risk of hearing loss due to external auditory canal exostosis – better known as surfer’s ear.

    Surfer’s ear affects the auditory canal – the thin tube which conveys sound waves from our surroundings, channelling them towards the sensory organs which generate our sense of hearing.

    These inner portions of the ear are shielded by bone. This is because the anatomical structures that turn air pressure waves into sounds – the eardrum, ossicles and cochlea – are very small, very sensitive and would be easily and irreparably damaged if not protected.

    Ideally, our ear canals should be clear and unobstructed. Sure, sometimes they can get clogged up with wax and even sometimes foreign bodies can work their way inside (such as peas, plasticine or even bugs).



    Read more:
    What bodily secretions like blood, wax and tears can tell us about our health

    But surfer’s ear causes an obstruction of the ear canal in a different manner. Growths start to develop on the bone which lines the auditory canal.

    As these growths continue to develop, they push into the canal – effectively narrowing the space inside. In doing so, this can prevent the conduction of sound waves getting through to the eardrum. One symptom patients with surfer’s ear may notice as a result is hearing loss.

    Other associated problems may arise, too. The ear canal produces wax. Any narrowing of the canal will more easily retain wax, but also water – not just from swimming, but from wet weather or taking a shower. An accumulation of both in the canal can worsen hearing loss and raise the risk of developing an ear infection.

    But what causes surfer’s ear in the first place?

    The cause appears to lie in repeated exposure to cold water and high winds – which most surfers encounter while riding a wave, or tumbling off one. It appears to be a problem unique to humans, perhaps because of the configuration of their ears.

    While researchers aren’t entirely sure why cold exposure causes the bone to grow abnormally, it’s possible that the ear’s natural response to prolonged cold (which irritates the eardrum) is to create a bigger shield for it. Cold water and wind may stimulate bone cells called osteoblasts, causing new bone to grow – offering more protection.

    It’s important to note that surfer’s ear is different from swimmer’s ear – a condition which you may be more familiar with. Though both can arise from water immersion.

    Swimmer’s ear, also called otitis externa, is a form of ear infection. It typically results in pain and discharge, and can arise from water accumulating in the ear canal, which then acts as a breeding ground for bacteria. Narrowing of the ear canal can worsen the problem, so swimmer’s ear can also be associated with surfer’s ear.

    Surfer’s ear is distinct from swimmer’s ear, where water accumulates in the ear canal.
    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/ Shutterstock

    It’s estimated that 3-6% of the general population may have some form of exostosis. But the condition does appear to overwhelmingly affect surfers – with one systematic review finding the condition affected an average of around 68% of surfers.

    However, surfer’s ear is not unique to surfers. Any sport which exposes an athlete to cold water and wind might result in the same effect. These include wild or outdoor swimming, windsurfing and kayaking.

    There’s also a cultural and geographical difference in prevalence across the globe. It’s estimated that 10% of Australians surf, and potentially raising the risk.

    You don’t even have to venture into the water to develop surfer’s ear, either. Some research suggests people living near the coast have an increased risk of developing surfer’s ear as they’re more likely to be exposed to cold winds. Other cases have been observed in patients without a clear cause.

    The condition might also be more common in males – though this may be due to a larger proportion of men participating in both the sport and the research.

    Preventing surfer’s ear

    Some research suggests that using earplugs while in the water can help reduce cold exposure to the ear and lower the risk. There are also specialised hooded wetsuits and bands that can worn as further protective measures.

    Surfer’s ear appears to be a long-term complication, and is more likely to develop from regular exposure, not just an occasional cold water dip. More than ten years of surfing appears to be associated with a greater risk, and more severe canal obstruction.

    For patients who develop severe symptoms – such as hearing loss and persistent ear infections – surgery may be required. The operation, called a canalplasty, involves chiselling or drilling away the excess bone to widen the canal again. Surfers should avoid heading back into the waves for two to three months after the operation until the site has properly healed.

    There’s some indication surfer’s ear may be on the rise – though this could also be because we’re getting better at diagnosing it and nowadays more surfers are aware of the condition.

    The risk of developing surfer’s ear in one or both ears is sadly real. Unfortunately, it appears that only by abstaining from surfing can the condition be averted.

    So if you do plan to go out into the wind and water – whether that’s surfing, paddleboarding or wild swimming – don’t forget your earplugs.

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

    – ref. Surfer’s ear: the condition that might leave wild swimmers and surfers with hearing loss – https://theconversation.com/surfers-ear-the-condition-that-might-leave-wild-swimmers-and-surfers-with-hearing-loss-249201

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Polytechnic celebrated the Eastern New Year

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The Eastern New Year, the year of the Green Wooden Snake, was celebrated in the Polytechnic Tower. The main organizer of the event was the Humanitarian Institute together with the Higher School of International Educational Programs. Representatives of various Polytechnic institutes and St. Petersburg universities took part in the concert program

    This year, the celebration was held for the first time at the Youth Trajectory Center, in the Polytechnic Tower. The hosts were Ksenia Kolomeitseva, a student at the Higher School of International Relations, and Artem Kuzmin, a student at the Higher School of Law and Forensic Science.

    The Director of the Humanitarian Institute Natalia Chicherina and the Assistant Vice-Rector for International Activities Pavel Nedelko delivered welcoming remarks.

    In our multinational student family, we can celebrate the New Year several times. Today, we have a unique opportunity to learn about the bright traditions of this holiday together with representatives of China, Indonesia and Vietnam, – noted Natalia Chicherina.

    Polytechnicians talked about the cultural characteristics of their countries, held an interactive competition with souvenirs for the participants. A student of the Higher School of Linguistics and Pedagogy Li Junying gave a presentation in Russian about the traditions and culture of China. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Mai from IPMET represented Vietnam, a postgraduate student of the Higher School of Physics and Materials Technology of IMMIT Tegu Imanulla gave a report about Indonesia, in which he spoke about national dishes, dances, symbols, good luck charms and much more.

    Ye Zizhou, a student at the Graduate School of International Relations, performed a traditional Chinese number symbolizing the wisdom of the Green Snake. Together with Viktoria Dyshko, she showed a modern dance in the K-pop style. Mao Yiling from the Graduate School of Linguistics and Education demonstrated traditional martial arts with a sword.

    Sofia Kononova from the Higher School of International Relations recited a poem in Chinese. Students from the Higher School of Linguistics and Pedagogy performed two Chinese songs: “Gen Wo Yi Qi Zuo” and “Gongxi Ni”. Students from the Higher School of International Relations sang the composition “Flawless Heaven and Earth” in Chinese.

    IMMIT postgraduate students Nguyen Van Tu Anh and Tran Thanh Cong performed the Vietnamese song “Hoa co mua suan”, which translates as “Spring flowers and grasses”, with a guitar.

    A master class on making magical aromatic sachets in national herbal bags was held by Li Peiyun from the Graduate School of Linguistics and Education. The art of Chinese calligraphy was taught by Yuan Fengxia from the Graduate School of Linguistics and Education. The Chinese tea ceremony was demonstrated by Zhang Yuwen and Mao Yiling from the Graduate School of Linguistics and Education. The secrets of Chinese knotting and making paper lanterns were shared by Xie Zhaoying from the Graduate School of Linguistics and Education.

    Celebrating the Eastern New Year is a good tradition of the Polytechnic University. Such events allow us to better understand the culture of other countries. We still don’t know each other very well, so many thanks to all the organizers for the opportunity to communicate with the guys and immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the East, – shared Pavel Nedelko.

    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: ManTech Names John Lossing Vice President of Industry Compliance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HERNDON, Va., Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ManTech, a leading provider of AI and mission-focused technology solutions, has named John Lossing as Vice President of Industry Compliance, serving as lead liaison with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA).

    “For more than 25 years, John Lossing has demonstrated his outstanding performance in compliance management, government contract accounting, business ethics and regulatory compliance,” said Jay Romyn, ManTech Chief Accounting Officer. “His proven experience with DCAA and DCMA, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Department of Defense FAR Supplement (DFARs) and Business Systems compliance make him ideal for this position with ManTech.”

    Prior to joining ManTech, Lossing served as Vice President – Compliance at Health Net Federal Services, where he managed regulatory compliance and business ethics program activities. He also led regulatory compliance at Northrop Grumman and Mission Essential, and government accounting at General Dynamics.

    Lossing earned his BS degree in Business Administration – Management Information Systems from the University of New Haven, West Haven, CT.

    About ManTech  
    ManTech provides mission-focused technology solutions and services for U.S. Defense, Intelligence and Federal Civilian agencies. In business for more than 56 years, we are a leading provider of AI solutions that power full-spectrum cyber, data collection & analytics, enterprise IT, high-end engineering and software application development solutions that support national and homeland security. Additional information on ManTech can be found at www.mantech.com.

    Media Contact: 
    Jim Crawford 
    ManTech 
    Executive Director, External Communications 
    (M) 703-498-7315 
    James.Crawford2@ManTech.com  

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aeb17f39-a034-4d2c-99b7-e4fe6c7140b7

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Advance Solutions Partners with ServiceNow.org to Empower Nonprofits Through the 2025 Partnership for Good Grant

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALPHARETTA, Ga., Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Advance Solutions is proud to collaborate with ServiceNow.org as part of the 2025 Partnership for Good Grant initiative. Now in its second cohort, this transformative program will provide four nonprofit organizations with technology donations, expert-led implementation, consulting services, and monetary grants, totaling up to $2 million in investment from ServiceNow and its partners.

    The Partnership for Good Grant is designed to help nonprofits streamline operations, maximize resources, and expand their reach. Grant recipients will receive a free ServiceNow instance, software, licenses, and services valued at up to $250,000 over three years, along with 1,200 expert resource hours for implementation and a $100,000 direct monetary grant to support their mission.

    Advance Solutions’ Shared Vision with ServiceNow for Nonprofits

    Many nonprofits struggle with disconnected systems, high operational costs, and integration challenges, which hinder efficiency and impact. Advance Solutions is committed to providing the technology and expertise they need to overcome these barriers, allowing them to focus on their core mission.

    “The ServiceNow.org Partnership for Good Grant’s goal is to equip nonprofits with our world-leading technology to drive real and lasting change. By joining forces with Advance Solutions, we can reach more nonprofits with our technology and impact the global nonprofit sector in new and meaningful ways,” shared Vanessa Smith, President of ServiceNow.org. “Together, we’re helping mission-driven organizations scale their efforts and create a future where nonprofits can completely focus on the work that matters most.”

    As part of this initiative, Advance Solutions is honored to lead the Disaster and Community Support Grant, dedicated to supporting underserved communities and strengthening disaster response efforts.

    “Nonprofits are the backbone of our communities, and at Advance Solutions, we are committed to easing their operational burdens so they can focus on what truly matters—helping those in need,” said Gaurav Kochhar, Chief Executive Officer of Advance Solutions. “Through the ServiceNow.org Partnership for Good Grant, we are honored to support organizations making a real difference, ensuring they have the tools to respond swiftly and effectively in times of crisis.”

    By combining technology with nonprofit expertise, Advance Solutions and ServiceNow.org are enabling nonprofits to scale their impact and create lasting change. This partnership is not just about technology—it’s about empowering organizations to make a tangible difference where it matters most.

    For more information, please visit www.advancesolutions.com.

    About Advance Solutions

    Advance Solutions (ADVANCE) is a pure-play ServiceNow Elite Partner, recognized by Gartner and ISG Provider Lens for its expertise in ServiceNow consulting, implementation, and managed services. With over 1,000 successful implementations and a client base that includes more than 25% of Fortune 100 companies, ADVANCE is a trusted partner in IT, Employee, and Customer Workflow.

    With more than 16 years of experience in the ServiceNow landscape and a team of 400+ certified experts operating across AMER, APAC, APJ, and EMEA, ADVANCE specializes in IT, Employee, and Customer Workflows, helping businesses optimize operations, enhance employee experiences, and improve service delivery.

    As a certified Generative AI partner of ServiceNow, ADVANCE is at the forefront of AI-driven automation, IT operations optimization, and digital workflow transformation across industries such as Nonprofit, Healthcare, Financial Services, Telecom, Retail, Education, Manufacturing, and the Public Sector.

    As a dedicated ServiceNow partner, Advance Solutions has built custom workflow applications tailored to nonprofit needs, addressing real-world challenges with solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and service delivery while driving digital transformation. Our team works closely with organizations to ensure they leverage technology for greater impact.

    About ServiceNow

    ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) makes the world work better for everyone. Our cloud based platform and solutions help digitize and unify organizations so that they can find smarter, faster, better ways to make work flow. So employees and customers can be more connected, more innovative, and more agile. And we can all create the future we imagine. The world works with ServiceNowTM.

    For more information, visit: ServiceNow

    ServiceNow, the ServiceNow logo, Now, Now Platform, and other ServiceNow marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of ServiceNow, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

    Media Contact:

    Subha Batra | subha.b@advanccesolutions.com
    Sr. Marketing Manager
    Advance Solutions Corp. (ADVANCE)

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2dd39516-4d4c-4c26-9048-00df5ed41bfb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: In Wake of Sharp Uptick in Judicial Threats, Ironwall by Incogni Offers Complimentary Protective Services to Judges

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ORANGE, Calif., Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Following recent threats against Judge Paul Engelmayer, whose personal information was posted online after his ruling against the Trump administration on federal database access, Ironwall by Incogni is calling for urgent action to protect federal judges from exposure to personal threats. To support this effort, the company is offering its Ironwall data protection service to current federal judges free of charge for three months when signing up by March 10, 2025.

    “Despite the heightened risks faced by members of the judiciary, the vast majority of federal judges remain unprotected from the increasing weaponization of personal data,” said Ron Zayas, CEO of Ironwall. “The rapid spread of home addresses, contact details, and personal threats online is a serious security risk. Yet, unlike other public officials, most judges have little to no protection from this kind of exposure. This is unacceptable.”

    The Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke University has raised the alarm, highlighting how judges are now under attack more frequently and with greater intensity than ever before. The current crisis stems from the ease with which personal information can be found and weaponized against them. As Judge Engelmayer’s case demonstrates, a single decision can trigger a deluge of threats, with bad actors leveraging social media and data broker sites to expose judges and their families to potential harm.

    Proactive Privacy Protection

    Ironwall provides a comprehensive privacy protection solution specifically designed for at-risk professionals, including judges, court officials, and law enforcement. The service actively removes judges’ personal data from public databases, reducing their online footprint and minimizing the risk of targeted harassment. Unlike traditional privacy protection services, Ironwall employs continuous, real-time monitoring to ensure that removed information does not resurface.

    The Ironwall service features:

    • Daily Data Scans: Continuous monitoring and removal of personal information from data brokers and search engines.
    • Identity Protection Tools: VPN access, email aliasing, and VoIP number masking to shield personal data.
    • Legal Compliance Support: Ensuring that any exposed data is removed in accordance with state and federal privacy laws.

    Federal judges are encouraged to request access to the Ironwall service here.

    Urgent Need for Legislation & Institutional Support

    While Ironwall provides immediate and effective protection, the broader issue remains: most federal judges lack institutional safeguards against personal data exposure. Current federal protections are limited, leaving judges to navigate privacy threats on their own. Ironwall is urging policymakers, judicial organizations, and law enforcement to push for stronger protections and data privacy legislation to prevent further harm.

    “No judge should have to weigh their personal safety against their duty to uphold the law,” added Zayas. “It is imperative that we act now to ensure their security, both online and offline.”

    Ironwall is committed to standing with the judiciary and those who uphold the rule of law. To learn more about how to help protect judicial officers, visit ironwall.com.

    For further insights into the risks judges face and how we can mitigate them, download our latest white paper: “The Weaponization of Privacy: Why It Will Get Worse, and How You Can Stop It”

    About Ironwall by Incogni

    Ironwall by Incogni strongly supports the idea of a safe and private internet. As a legally contracted agent, Ironwall works with superior courts, social work departments, and law enforcement agencies to search and remove personal information from websites in violation of state and federal privacy restrictions. Ironwall is a member of the Surfshark and NordSec family of companies. For more information, visit https://ironwall.com/.

    Editorial Contact:

    David Hofstede
    Ironwall by Incogni
    844-476-6360 x600
    david.hofstede@ironwall.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Marc Pinto Named Global Head of Private Credit for Moody’s Ratings

    Source: Moody’s

    Headline: Marc Pinto Named Global Head of Private Credit for Moody’s Ratings

    NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO) today announced that Marc Pinto has been named Global Head of Private Credit for Moody’s Ratings. Mr. Pinto will lead research and rating initiatives on private credit across the ratings agency and continue to co-head the Insurance team globally.

    (Photo: Business Wire)

    “By leveraging his extensive industry and leadership experience, Marc will play a critical role in further expanding our robust analytical capabilities, enhancing our market experience and driving our private credit strategy forward,” said Michael West, President of Moody’s Ratings. “Marc’s in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry will be key to our thought leadership as the ties between asset managers and insurance deepen.”

    As part of his new role, Mr. Pinto will promote engagement across Moody’s financial institutions, corporate finance, and structured finance rating groups while enhancing expertise in growth areas of the private credit industry including fund finance, private asset-backed securities (ABS), and privately placed investment-grade corporate assets, among others.

    Mr. Pinto has held a series of analytical leadership roles of increasing scope and responsibility at Moody’s, including Global Head of Funds & Asset Management and Chief Credit Policy Officer for North American banks.

    Mr. Pinto is a Chartered Financial Analyst and an alumnus of Columbia Business School and Trinity College (Connecticut).

    About Moody’s Corporation

    In a world shaped by increasingly interconnected risks, Moody’s (NYSE: MCO) data, insights, and innovative technologies help customers develop a holistic view of their world and unlock opportunities. With a rich history of experience in global markets and a diverse workforce of approximately 16,000 across more than 40 countries, Moody’s gives customers the comprehensive perspective needed to act with confidence and thrive. Learn more at moodys.com.

    Source: Moody’s Corporation Investor Relations

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Want to talk about it? Polytechnic psychologists help cope with stress

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    “All illnesses come from nerves,” people say, and for good reason. Constant stress is not at all harmless, and sometimes we do not even guess what serious consequences can result from worries about personal troubles or events happening in the world, anxiety and worry, fear of failure and hyper-responsibility, and other similar things. To maintain mental health and performance, it is better to seek help from a specialist in a timely manner.

    The Polytechnic University has created a special facility for this purpose. Center for psychological support, where both students and university staff can share their problems with professionals and try to solve or reduce them together. Parents of students can also get useful advice there.

    In 2024, the staff of the Psychological Support Center conducted 931 individual consultations and 49 group sessions for two thousand people. In social networks, Polytechnic psychologists answered more than 140 questions over the year.

    Most often, students seek help due to anxiety and stress, conflicts with parents, low self-esteem, apathy and procrastination, fears and phobias, separation from a partner, difficulty adapting to a team, and experiences from the loss of loved ones.

    To work with psychological problems, the center’s specialists use, in addition to conversations, various practices: games, online courses, healthy lifestyle master classes, improving emotional intelligence and psychological stability, educational courses for student activists. They teach, for example, how to quickly and safely adapt to changes, how to maintain yourself at a good physical and mental level. Qualified psychologists demonstrate practices for developing physical and mental health and techniques of mental self-regulation, conduct seminars on psychological well-being in professional and educational activities, proactivity as a factor in a healthy personality, and self-development trainings.

    In addition to intra-university events, the center’s staff is engaged in psychological education of schoolchildren, thereby strengthening the ties between the school and the university.

    The specialists of the Center for Psychological Support of SPbPU are members of the community of psychologists of St. Petersburg universities and constantly improve their qualifications by participating in major professional events, such as the All-Russian scientific and practical conference with international participation “Psychological Service of the University: Problems and Development Prospects” (April 2024) and the All-Russian seminar-meeting of psychologists of higher education organizations (June 2024).

    Our Center for Psychological Support “Tochka Opory” is a place where everyone who turns to us will receive the support and participation they need. We sincerely believe that the main task of any person is to be themselves and be happy, realizing their potential to the fullest. We know that difficulties are inevitable, and there is not always the strength to cope with them on your own. So we always stand guard over the mental health and well-being of each polytechnic student, says Acting Director of the Center for Psychological Support Anna Kalugina.

    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 Security: Navy Dental Clinic Educates Base Children on Cavity Prevention

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    The Naval Health Clinic Lemoore’s Dental Clinic is taking proactive steps to combat childhood dental problems. The team is visiting two local schools onboard Naval Air Station Lemoore during the month of February to provide preventive dental care through community outreach.

    Active duty dentists and hospital corpsmen that specialize in dental assisting will visit Admiral Akers School on Feb. 13 and Neutra Elementary on Feb. 20, delivering oral health education to students from preschool through third grade.

    “Dental caries, commonly known as cavities or tooth decay, is a common chronic disease among children,” said Lt. Hannah Mills, a NHCL dentist and this year’s clinic program coordinator. “Teaching children about their teeth, a healthy diet, and how to keep their teeth clean will help set them up for success via prevention.”

    During these sessions, Navy dental professionals will educate young students about proper dental care, healthy eating habits, and oral hygiene techniques. Students will also receive a toothbrush and toothpaste during the visits.

    “Our goal is to promote dental health,” Mills explained. “By interacting directly with students in a fun, energetic way, we can make a lasting impact on their oral health habits.”

    These dental presentations specifically target elementary-age children, recognizing the importance of establishing good dental habits early in life. This education is an investment in the children of active duty service members and their oral health with the aim of reducing future dental health issues through preventive education.

    NHCL’s community outreach exemplifies the Navy’s commitment to supporting military families and promoting health awareness within the base community.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine peace talks: Trump is bringing Russia back in from the cold and ticking off items on Putin’s wish list

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By James Rodgers, Reader in International Journalism, City St George’s, University of London

    The meeting now underway in Saudi Arabia between senior delegations from the United States and Russia could be the first step towards an end to the war in Ukraine – and not just an end to the war. The New York Times has reported that the talks may cover issues beyond the battlefield, with the resumption of US-Russia business ties on the table, too.

    Whatever is discussed, Ukraine seems set to lose out.

    The same cannot be said of the long-term occupant of the Kremlin. For 20 years, Vladimir Putin has been working towards what Donald Trump has now given him. Ever since Putin bemoaned the collapse of the Soviet Union as “the greatest geopolitical catastrophe” of the 20th century, his foreign policy has been about getting back at least some of the superpower status the Soviet Union enjoyed.

    In one sense, the US president’s overture to Putin to discuss peace in Ukraine has given the Russian president exactly what he wanted: for Washington to treat Moscow with the respect – and perhaps even fear – that the Soviet Union once commanded from the west.

    And in that sense, Trump’s telephone call with the Kremlin represented a huge triumph for Putin. Putin now has a pending invitation back to the top table of world affairs. He has conceded not an inch of occupied Ukrainian territory to get there. Nor has he even undertaken to give back any of what Russian forces have seized since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.

    Now his foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, is talking to the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio. Meanwhile the annexation of Crimea in 2014 – which is when Russia’s war on Ukraine actually began – seems increasingly likely to be overlooked. The suggestion from the US defence secretary, Pete Hesgeth, last week that a return to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders was “unrealistic” has made clear Washington’s current view on that.

    So far, so good for Putin, who sees the western alliance that has been ranged against him – albeit with varying degrees of enthusiasm and commitment – for the past three years beginning to crack.

    Under Trump, Washington’s policy on Ukraine is showing signs of significant divergence from that of the EU or UK. Putin no doubt sees his determination not to be cowed by western pressure as starting now to lead to longer-term success.



    Read more:
    Europe left scrambling in face of wavering US security guarantees

    Now the two leaders have agreed to meet – a complete reversal of the three years of increasing isolation during Joe Biden’s presidency. And, as we know, the first time the two leaders met for a summit, in Helsinki in 2018, Putin was widely seen as having outwitted Trump. As Trump’s then senior director for European and Russian Affairs, Fiona Hill, recalled in her memoir: “As Trump responded that he believed Putin over his own intelligence analysts, I wanted to end the whole thing.”

    Putin will hardly feel he enters any future negotiation as an underdog. Just by being there, to discuss the most pressing matter for the future of European security with the US president, Putin has achieved part of his long-term goal. Just as in the days of the Soviet Union, leaders from the Kremlin and the White House will meet to discuss European affairs as the preeminent powers on the continent.

    The views of Europeans themselves, especially Ukrainians, are secondary.

    Back to the top table

    If Putin’s 2005 lament for a lost superpower gave a clue to the course his time at the summit of Russian power would take, then he gave yet more clues on the eve of the full-scale invasion. In December 2021, Putin regretted the collapse of the Soviet Union once again.

    This time he said it had a significance far beyond the century in which it happened, saying: “We turned into a completely different country. And what had been built up over 1,000 years was largely lost.”

    Days later, with expectation growing that Russia was planning to invade Ukraine, the foreign ministry in Moscow published a document it called Treaty between The United States of America and the Russian Federation on security guarantees.

    The language chosen is striking today for the references it makes to the Soviet Union, as in article 4: “The United States of America shall undertake to prevent further eastward expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and deny accession to the Alliance to the States of the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.”

    The Biden administration dismissed the treaty as the trolling it represented. But Hegseth’s recent remark, “The United States does not believe that Nato membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement,” fits right in with Putin’s wish list.

    This is about Russia becoming the international heavyweight the Soviet Union once was. It is also about a turn of events that greatly favours Putin.

    For three years, I have been working on a book, The Return of Russia: From Yeltsin to Putin, the Story of a Vengeful Kremlin. My research included interviews with leading policymakers, among them Jens Stoltenberg, who served as secretary general of Nato between 2014 and 2024. When we spoke in September 2023, I took the opportunity to ask him how he saw the coming months in the war in Ukraine. He told me:

    Only the Ukrainians that can decide what is an acceptable solution. But the stronger they are on the battlefield, the stronger they will be on the negotiating table and therefore our responsibility is to support them … but it’s for Ukrainian to make the hard decisions on the battlefield. And of course at the end at the negotiating table.

    Trump’s démarche towards a deal appears to ignore that logic, and strengthens Putin’s hand before negotiations have even started.

    If it does lead to an end to the war now, there is nothing to say that Putin’s long view of history won’t encourage him to go to war again in a few years. And he’ll be better prepared to capture more territory than he has already in the last three blood-soaked years.

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

    – ref. Ukraine peace talks: Trump is bringing Russia back in from the cold and ticking off items on Putin’s wish list – https://theconversation.com/ukraine-peace-talks-trump-is-bringing-russia-back-in-from-the-cold-and-ticking-off-items-on-putins-wish-list-249982

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to win an election? Focus on persuasion, not policy

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Robert Danisch, Professor, Department of Communication Arts, University of Waterloo

    Ontario residents will soon elect a new government, and Canadians should expect a federal election this spring.

    Elections matter. They are opportunities for democracies to enact the bedrock principle that leaders are accountable to the citizenry — and for citizens to examine how communication practices inhibit or enhance democratic life.

    For politicians, elections pose a specific, clear communication challenge: How does a politician persuade a voter?

    Persuade voters

    Success in an election requires persuasion. Too often, though, politicians misunderstand the process of persuasion. The most common mistake is to believe that explaining a specific policy proposal will influence voters.

    Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie began her campaign, for example, touting platform doors for Toronto subway stops. This is a sure sign Crombie will fail to persuade a plurality of voters.

    Why? Because Crombie is mistakenly thinking about communication as a process of transmitting information — transmit the right information or policy idea and the public will nod in agreement. That’s not how communication works.

    Science communicators call this the “deficit model” of communication (the public lacks information; once they get it, they change their behaviour).

    Motivate voters; control the narrative

    There’s little evidence that information sharing is persuasive, and popular policy positions routinely fail to persuade voters (a casual look at the last presidential election in the United States demonstrates this). Politicians, of course, want to talk about policy, but policy is how one governs — not how one persuades.

    Politicians need to motivate voters, not inform them. Ancient orators like Demosthenes and Cicero knew this, as did former U.S. president Barack Obama and even authoritarian leaders like Hugo Chavez.

    Explaining policy positions is not how to win an election.

    Crombie’s proposal for platform edge doors reveals a deeper communication problem. A policy like this implies a frame, or a map, through which people are invited to see the world.

    Crombie’s policy proposal suggests that the world is a dangerous place. If we accept that frame, then we are likely to feel fear for our safety and imagine the government as our protector — this is the likely effect of her policy talk.

    This is exactly the frame that conservative politicians often promote. In elections, the party that controls the frame wins.

    The frame implied by any policy matters more than the content of the policy in an election. Another way to understand the power of language is to think of a simple phrase like “tax relief.” For years, left-leaning political parties have advocated for middle class “tax relief.”

    But this frame assumes that taxes are a burdensome infringement (the word “relief” signifies some burden that we need relief from). That is the assumption of right-leaning political parties.

    The more politicians on the left continue to portray taxes this way, the more persuasive the parties on the right become.

    Whose values?

    The important lesson here is that politicians need to have the conversation they want, not the conversation their opponents want. Donald Trump’s most powerful communication skill is forcing the media and his opponents onto his conversational terrain.

    Trump’s oppenent, Kamala Harris, tried to talk values. But her messaging was often too confusing, too complex and too varied to be persuasive, especially compared to Trump’s repetitive drumbeat of value-based accusations.

    Consider the broader frame that government’s job is to help the economy. Some have argued “the economy” is a fiction, a rhetorical construction that suits right-leaning political parties. Whenever the left advocates for a policy that intends to help “the economy” (a higher minimum wage, for example), they recirculate and reaffirm a conservative frame.



    Read more:
    Why Donald Trump’s words work, and what to do about it

    At the core of these frames are often a set of values: freedom is good, government can’t be trusted, the economy matters most. Messaging that focuses on why is much more effective than messaging that focuses on what and how.

    When politicians talk about values more than they provide information, they are more likely to get attention and cause reactions. Values talk — about what’s good or bad, right or wrong — tends to target the more primal, limbic part of our brain, which can cause people to feel motivated to act.

    Crombie, therefore, needs to explicitly articulate her values, why she is running for office, and make sure to implicitly frame any policy suggestion through attention to those values. Right now, she is implying conservative values through liberal policies — that won’t work.

    Stories reinforce the frame

    Values tend to come wrapped in the stories we tell about ourselves and our moment. Marshall Ganz, Harvard sociologist and community organizer, trained Barack Obama’s campaign volunteers in a form of storytelling, based on values, that was intended to motivate people.

    Good stories have villains and heroes, along with challenges or choices. Most importantly, good stories create a feeling of identification — a “we” that navigates a set of challenges or choices.

    Stories that make people feel hope, confidence, solidarity, anger and urgency are particularly adept at motivation. And these stories are also able to reinforce the frame through which we view the world, causing a story to “feel true” for voters even if it contains factual inaccuracies.

    The story that resonates most powerfully creates a sense of identification and makes a specific frame seem true drives electoral outcomes.

    Vision of the future

    The very best stories have a clear vision of the future. Too often politicians fixate on, and lament, problems. All of that problem talk can inhibit motivation. A clear picture of an ideal future shows the citizenry how a story ends.

    These imagined futures can be inspiring in ways that drive action. Painting a compelling tomorrow is a central part of political persuasion.

    These aspects of persuasion have been true for centuries. Our moment, however, adds a complicating element — our social media systems.

    Scholars of rhetoric have long known that repetition is persuasive. Social media amplifies the power of persuasion. This might not improve democratic decision-making, but politicians must still recognize how slogans, memes and sound bites all become the resources for repetition and the grounds in which specific frames or stories begin to dominate conversations.

    Controlling what gets repeated and using figures that are repeatable are necessary contemporary considerations.

    To be clear, if you want to win an election: control the frame, talk about values more than policy, tell a compelling story, paint a bright future, and find ways to repeat, repeat, repeat.

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

    – ref. How to win an election? Focus on persuasion, not policy – https://theconversation.com/how-to-win-an-election-focus-on-persuasion-not-policy-248733

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbGASU signed an agreement with the Movement of the First

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Marina Malyutina and Svetlana Lushnikova

    On February 17, the Vice-Rector for Youth Policy at SPbGASU Marina Malyutina and the First Deputy Chairperson of the regional branch of the Russian Movement of Children and Youth “Movement of the First” in St. Petersburg Svetlana Lushnikova met within the walls of our university for the ceremonial signing of a cooperation agreement.

    The agreement envisages joint work in various areas of youth policy and career guidance for future applicants.

    Svetlana Lushnikova emphasized: “The main goal of the agreement is to create an opportunity for interaction between students and representatives of youth organizations, which will allow young people to bring their ideas to life.”

    The agreement will include a number of joint projects that will help students not only deepen their knowledge but also develop practical skills needed for a successful career. The joint projects are expected to benefit both the participants and the entire society.

    Marina Malyutina noted: “The university is confident that this is the beginning of a long-term and productive partnership.”

    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 Security: NMRTC Twentynine Palms officer recognized as Junior Health IT Officer of the Year

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    In recognition of his leadership and expertise, Lt. Emmanuel Dadzie has been named as Navy Medicine’s 2024 Junior Health Information Technology Officer of the Year. As the Chief Informatics Officer (CIO) at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Twentynine Palms, Lt. Dadzie has been instrumental in modernizing the command’s IT systems, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting both the medical and operational components aboard the world’s largest Marine Corps base, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) Twentynine Palms.

    Dadzie’s tenure at NMRTC Twentynine Palms has been defined by innovation and adaptability. Faced with a significantly undermanned shop in a remote location, he has successfully led his team to overcome challenges and provide cutting-edge IT solutions to the command and its operational partners. One of his most notable achievements includes bringing the Military Health System (MHS) Genesis electronic health record to field operations, a significant advancement that allows providers to access critical medical data while remaining in operational environments.

    “Being a dual-hatted Chief Informatics Officer in a remote location is no small feat, and Lt. Dadzie has pulled it off with impeccable skill,” said NMRTC Twentynine Palms Commanding Officer Capt. Daniel Clark. “The number of kudos I receive from outside entities praising Lt. Dadzie and his team speaks volumes toward his initiative and service. Most notably, he brought MHS Genesis to the field, supporting year-round international training exercises and allowing operational providers to remain on site while still accessing the EHR (Electronic Health Record).”

    Among Dadzie’s many contributions, his work in improving IT infrastructure efficiency has set new standards for the command. His efforts reduced the time required to re-image computers from one every 24 hours to an astounding 90 computers every two hours. His leadership philosophy of focusing on how to turn challenges into opportunities has empowered his team to drive innovation and find creative solutions to longstanding technical issues.

    Reflecting on receiving this prestigious award, Dadzie emphasized the collective effort behind his achievements.

    “No significant achievement is accomplished in isolation. This award represents the collaborative efforts of my team and command. It acknowledges NMRTC Twentynine Palms’ collective contributions to leverage technology to support the warfighter aboard the world’s largest Marine Corps base. I’m so honored to be working alongside an incredible group of staff from the Hi-Desert for my follow-on tour after Naval Postgraduate School. None of this would be possible without God and the rock of my life, my wife, Gifty Dadzie.”

    His ability to engage with senior leadership across the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has been pivotal in securing the resources necessary to support NMRTC Twentynine Palms’ mission. Operating in a location frequently affected by severe weather and power outages, Dadzie has ensured the command remains resilient and technologically equipped to support operational readiness.

    “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award,” said Cmdr. William (Bill) Lawson, NMRTC Twentynine Palms’ Director for Administration. “Lt. Dadzie has been committed to upgrading our infrastructure and systems at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms all while providing incredible support to our green-side partners and performing his duties with Expeditionary Medical Facility Bravo. He’s a true stand-out amongst his peers.”

    Clark echoed this sentiment, noting that in his 28 years of service, he has never encountered a CIO of Dadzie’s caliber. His leadership, expertise, and dedication have modernized every aspect of command operations, ensuring that NMRTC Twentynine Palms remains at the forefront of health information technology in the military.

    Dadzie, originally from Accra, Ghana, shared his motivation for joining the Navy and pursuing a career in health IT.

    “I joined the Navy to challenge myself and give back to a country that has afforded me numerous opportunities that would have been unimaginable in my country of birth. Working in health IT allows me to have a seat at the table, affect change from the bottom-up, and build a strategic partnership with command leadership to problem-solve difficult tasks with automation to enhance efficiency.”

    For junior officers or Sailors interested in a career in health IT, Dadzie offered some key advice.

    “Be humble, move in silence, and let your curiosity to innovate lead you,” expressed Dadzie. “Read and keep pace with technological advancements in health IT. Lastly, embrace the red with grace and note that failure and facing adversity is part of the process.”

    Navy Medicine’s Junior Health Information Technology Officer of the Year award recognizes officers who demonstrate exceptional technical proficiency, leadership, and impact within the Navy’s medical IT community. Dadzie’s achievements at NMRTC Twentynine Palms serve as an example of the vital role technology plays in military healthcare operations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE Design School to Take Part in ARTDOM 2025 International Exhibition

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Environmental design shapes the reality around a modern person. It is the appearance of spaces and objects that surround us: architects and environmental designers design interiors and furniture, buildings and landscapes.

    This sphere, like no other, combines conceptuality and utility. At the HSE School of Design they teach both: students simultaneously create a comfortable environment and express complex thoughts through graphic communication.

    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: Transocean Ltd. Announces CEO Succession Plan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STEINHAUSEN, Switzerland, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) today announced its plan for key leadership changes pursuant to the company’s multi-year succession planning strategy. As part of this plan, Keelan Adamson, the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, will become President and Chief Executive Officer following a transition period, which is expected to conclude during the second quarter of 2025. Mr. Adamson will succeed Jeremy Thigpen, who has led Transocean as Chief Executive Officer since 2015. Mr. Adamson is also expected to be nominated to join the Board of Directors at the company’s 2025 annual general meeting of shareholders.

    Mr. Thigpen will continue serving as Chief Executive Officer until Mr. Adamson’s appointment and will continue his service as a member of the company’s Board of Directors through his current term. Thereafter, subject to shareholder approval at the 2025 annual general meeting, Mr. Thigpen is expected to be appointed as Executive Chair of the Board of Directors, and Mr. Chad Deaton, Transocean’s current Chair of the Board, will transition to Lead Independent Director.

    “Keelan is an experienced executive who has a deep understanding of our business, our customers and our industry,” Mr. Deaton said. “Throughout his three decades with Transocean, where his experience has taken him from the drill floor to the executive level, Keelan has helped to shape the foundation of the company and position Transocean for sustained success as the industry’s market leader. This transition represents the culmination of a key part of our multi-year, rigorous and thoughtful succession plan designed to develop internal talent and maintain business and leadership continuity.  Keelan is well-prepared for this opportunity.” 

    Mr. Deaton continued, “On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to recognize and thank Jeremy for leading Transocean through the most challenging market in the history of offshore drilling. He guided Transocean as we transformed our fleet through opportunistic asset transactions, as well as the acquisition of two major competitors; under his leadership, we placed into service the most technologically advanced rigs in the world, including the first 8th generation, 20K drillships. He oversaw the continuation of Transocean’s legacy for leading the industry in innovation, with the application of new technologies that improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of our operations. Jeremy’s contributions and leadership have been recognized and appreciated by the entire industry, and we look forward to his continued work with Transocean as he transitions into his new role.” 

    Mr. Adamson has served as Transocean’s President and Chief Operating Officer since February 2022. Prior to that time, he served as the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer from August 2018 to February 2022, as Senior Vice President, Operations from October 2017 to July 2018, and as Senior Vice President, Operations Integrity and HSE, from June 2015 to October 2017. As part of his responsibilities during this period, Mr. Adamson oversaw the company’s Technical Services team from May 2016 to October 2017. He also served as the company’s Vice President, Human Resources from December 2012 to May 2015, and has held other executive positions with the company, including as the Vice President overseeing Major Capital Projects and Engineering. He joined Transocean in 1995 and has held rig management positions in the United Kingdom, Asia and Africa, sales and marketing leadership roles, and served as the Managing Director for the company’s business in North America, Canada and Trinidad. Mr. Adamson earned a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from The Queens University of Belfast and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

    “I am honored by and grateful for the opportunity to lead Transocean and its talented and dedicated workforce,” said Mr. Adamson. “With the highest specification fleet in the industry and the unparalleled experience of our offshore crews and shore-based support personnel, we are well-positioned for success. As I work alongside the entire Transocean team as CEO, we will maintain a sharp focus on executing our business strategy – delivering enhanced shareholder value by optimizing operations, safely and efficiently meeting our customers’ objectives and meaningfully reducing our debt. It is an honor to succeed Jeremy, who skillfully guided Transocean through an unprecedented industry downturn and prepared it for the opportunities that we are realizing today.”

    In reflecting on his tenure as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Thigpen said, “The trust and support the Board and the entire Transocean team provided during my tenure as CEO helped assemble an impressive team that operates the industry’s most technologically advanced assets, while executing on strategies that preserved and enhanced shareholder value. Transocean is a resilient and strong organization, made stronger by leaders like Keelan whom I have had the pleasure of working closely with for the past decade. Keelan is the right person to lead Transocean as we build upon the company’s position as the leader in offshore drilling.”

    About Transocean

    Transocean is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. Transocean specializes in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on deepwater and harsh environment drilling services and operates the highest specification floating offshore drilling fleet in the world.

    Transocean owns or has partial ownership interests in and operates a fleet of 34 mobile offshore drilling units, consisting of 26 ultra-deepwater floaters and eight harsh environment floaters.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The statements described herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements could contain words such as “possible,” “intend,” “will,” “if,” “expect,” or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are beyond our control, and in many cases, cannot be predicted. As a result, actual results could differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, estimated duration of customer contracts, contract dayrate amounts, future contract commencement dates and locations, planned shipyard projects and other out-of-service time, sales of drilling units, the cost and timing of mobilizations and reactivations, operating hazards and delays, risks associated with international operations, actions by customers and other third parties, the fluctuation of current and future prices of oil and gas, the global and regional supply and demand for oil and gas, the intention to scrap certain drilling rigs, the effects of the spread of and mitigation efforts by governments, businesses and individuals related to contagious illnesses, and other factors, including those and other risks discussed in the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in the company’s other filings with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the SEC’s website at: www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. We expressly disclaim any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or beliefs with regard to the statement or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. All non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations to the most comparative GAAP measure are displayed in quantitative schedules on the company’s website at: www.deepwater.com. 

    This press release, or referenced documents, do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and do not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”) or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of Transocean and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of Transocean.

    Analyst Contact:
    Alison Johnson
    +1 713-232-7214

    Media Contact:
    Pam Easton
    +1 713-232-7647

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cookies, Cream, and Crumbling Cores

    Source: NASA

    Perseverance’s drives over the last few weeks have doubled back several times. Why such an unconventional route? Team scientists have been delighted to find new kinds of rocks that could be the oldest ever found on Mars and are eager to collect samples.
    Perseverance embarked on the Crater Rim Campaign in search of ancient uplifted rock, to better understand the geologic processes occurring early in Mars’ history, and search for ancient habitable environments. Recent discoveries have not disappointed: so far in this portion of the rim, every outcrop that the rover has taken a close look at using the science instruments on its robotic arm has ended up being something new. As explained in the previous update, after acquiring the “Silver Mountain” core, which is rich in the mineral pyroxene, Perseverance approached a nearby rock that had signatures of the mineral serpentine, fittingly nicknamed “Serpentine Lake.” Following this, the rover used its abrasion tool to clean the rock of dust and coatings for detailed scientific interrogation, and the team was wowed by the intriguing rock texture, which resembles “cookies & cream” dessert (see photo above), and the very high abundance of minerals like serpentine, which form in the presence of water.
    After finishing that investigation, the operations team decided to have Perseverance head back along its path once more to the site of its first abrasion in this part of the rim, named “Cat Arm Reservoir,” to acquire a sample. Results from that earlier analysis showed a rock texture with coarse pyroxene and feldspar crystals consistent with an igneous origin. However, the sample tube turned up empty. What happened? Perseverance has encountered this problem before: flashback to our first ever coring attempt. It’s not a common occurrence, but sometimes the rocks Perseverance tries to sample are so weak that upon coring they essentially disintegrate into a powder instead of remaining in the tube. The rover drove to a nearby spot and tried again, but when a second attempt to core this rock did not retain any sample, the team decided to move on.
    This week, Perseverance will return once again to the site of the Serpentine Lake abrasion patch to acquire a core of this fascinating rock, which records intense alteration by water. The team hopes that it will prove strong enough to acquire a core, and if successful, Perseverance may perform more scans on the abrasion patch. Afterward, the plan is to drive downhill to an area called “Broom Point,” home to a spectacular sequence of layered rock, where I’m sure more surprises and exciting scientific discoveries await.
    Written by Athanasios Klidaras, Ph.D. student at Purdue University

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: University awarded funding to create a new ‘Aberdeen Tapestry’ The University of Aberdeen has been awarded funding for a new piece of contemporary art that will enrich UK public collections and inspire conversations about cultural identity, history, and belonging.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Sekai Machache with Lively Blue Tapestry by Dovecot Studios. Image (c) Dovecot Studios. Photo by Phil WilkinsonThe University of Aberdeen has been awarded funding for a new piece of contemporary art that will enrich UK public collections and inspire conversations about cultural identity, history, and belonging.
    It is one of two projects to be supported by a new partnership between Art Fund and Jerwood Foundation – Jerwood Art Fund Commissions – and will see one of the UK’s most exciting contemporary artists, Sekai Machache,create anew tapestry for the Sir Duncan Rice Library.
    The Zimbabwean-Scottish visual artist will work with Dovecot Studios,the world-renowned tapestry studio in Edinburgh, to create a new piece drawing inspiration from the University’s extensive collections which span Scottish history, archaeology, science and global cultures.
    The University has been selected for the commission, which has the working title ‘The Aberdeen Tapestry, alongside Tate Liverpool in partnership with the International Slavery Museum which will work with by poet, filmmaker, and visual artist Julianknxx.
    Jerwood Art Fund Commissions programme aims to further artists at pivotal stages in their careers, while enriching public collections through new contemporary art, ensuring they remain dynamic and representative of contemporary society.
    The commissions build on Jerwood Foundation and Art Fund’s long-standing, shared commitment to fund new art and highlight the transformative power of collections in keeping museums vibrant spaces of engagement, learning, and artistic ambition.
    Jenny Waldman, Director, Art Fund, said:“Commissioning contemporary artists to create new work brings a fresh dynamic and perspective to museum collections. In today’s challenging economic landscape, dedicated support for commissions is more important than ever. Art Fund is delighted to be working in partnership with Jerwood Foundation to support these two ambitious inaugural commissions, which will inspire audiences in Aberdeen and Liverpool with powerful and thought-provoking storytelling.”
    Sekai Machache is a visual artist, film-maker and curator based in Glasgow. Known for her interest in spirituality and imagination, her practice often engages with themes of history, identity, and the visibility of Black communities in Scotland.
    Dovecot Studios and Sekai Machache began collaborating in 2022 with a tapestry for the exhibition Scottish Women Artists: 250 Years of Challenging Perception. The new commission is an opportunity to develop their collaborative practice and take inspiration from the University of Aberdeen Collections, recognised as a Nationally Significant Collection by the Scottish Government.
    Machache and Dovecot will initially work with the University teams to investigate and to engage with the Collections, which span Scottish history and archaeology, the natural, medical and physical sciences, and World Culture. This research will inform both the artist’s and the Dovecot weavers’ approach to the commission and provide opportunities for wider public engagement.
    Once Machache’s design for the tapestry is agreed, visitors to Dovecot in Edinburgh will be able to observe the weaving process, as the tapestry is created live in the Studios’ public viewing space. The tapestry will be unveiled at the University of Aberdeen’s Sir Duncan Rice Library by early 2026.
    Lisa Collinson, University of Aberdeen Collections, said:“This is an exciting opportunity for the University to work with a contemporary artist with a growing reputation and to collaborate with the artists at the world-renowned Dovecot Studios. We look forward to Sekai exploring the University’s collections as well as thinking about the challenging legacies they embody.
    “The project also offers the chance for the University community to engage with the process of creating a new work of contemporary art inspired by the collections and we look forward to displaying the finished piece – and incorporating it into the collections so it can inspire generations to come.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Centre for Joint Warfare Studies releases two critical publications on Contemporary Security Challenges

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 3:56PM by PIB Delhi

    The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), Ministry of Defence, in a significant step towards advancing strategic thought and policy discourse, unveiled two critical publications on 18 February 2025. Chief of Integrated Defence Staff & Chairman CENJOWS Lt Gen JP Mathew launched the February 2025 issue of the flagship journal Synergy, themed ‘Information Warfare Impacting Joint Warfighting’ and a monograph titled ‘Russia-Ukraine War: Navigating the Ramifications for Europe and India’.

    The specially curated edition of Synergy – February 2025, the peer-reviewed journal widely recognized for its in-depth analyses and thought provoking discussions, provides a comprehensive perspective on contemporary security dynamics and future-oriented strategies. It examines the role of Information Warfare in Joint Warfighting in modern conflicts, including cyber, psychological, and electronic warfare. It explores Technological Disruption, assessing AI, cyber tools and digital deception in shaping the future of warfare and evaluates Strategic & National Security Impact and India’s challenges, particularly in response to adversarial IW tactics. It further discusses Operational Convergence while exploring the integration of IW within Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems to enhance joint force effectiveness.

    The monograph, titled ‘Russia-Ukraine War: Navigating the Ramifications for Europe and India’, provides an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical, economic and security implications of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. It assesses the war’s impact on European stability, Indo-Russian relations and India’s strategic positioning in a rapidly evolving global order. The study explores key aspects such as geopolitical realignments, energy security challenges, India’s diplomatic balance, NATO’s Indo-Pacific expansion, EU-India collaboration and long-term global security implications.

    With the release of these two significant publications, CENJOWS reaffirms its commitment to fostering intellectual engagement on contemporary strategic issues. Both the monograph and Synergy journal are now available, serving as essential resources for the policymakers, military professionals, researchers and academic institutions.

    SR/Anand

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –