NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Head of the Department of Urban Development Yulia Yankovskaya took part in a discussion on the preservation of architectural monuments in St. Petersburg

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Yulia Yankovskaya, TV presenter Lidiya Vielba and Alexey Mikhailov

    Head of the Department of Urban Development at SPbGASU Yulia Yankovskaya took part in the program “Petersburg – City of Solutions” on the TV channel “Saint Petersburg”. The program was dedicated to the preservation of the historical center and architectural monuments of the Northern capital.

    Together with Yulia Sergeevna, Alexey Mikhailov, Chairman of the Committee for State Control, Use and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments of St. Petersburg, spoke live on air. He spoke about amendments to the law on cultural heritage protection zones. According to this document, all pre-revolutionary buildings in the historical center of the city are currently under protection, and in other areas – buildings older than 1957.

    Yulia Yankovskaya explained why these dates were chosen. In her opinion, this is due to the fact that the pre-revolutionary building characterizes the center of our city, and in 1957 there was a transition to mass “Khrushchev” construction. But this does not mean that if the building was built later, it cannot be recognized as a monument.

    Alexey Mikhailov noted that sorting by date of construction throws valuable buildings of the Soviet period out of the protection zone. In addition, a large number of errors related to determining the dates of construction have accumulated. Thanks to the amendments, two new categories of buildings will appear – environmental and ordinary. At the same time, the category of historical buildings will also remain – it will include buildings that require study and are not included in either of the two lists.

    Who and by what criteria will form the lists, why the boundaries of protected zones do not coincide with the boundaries of districts, how many Soviet-era buildings will receive protected status – answers to these and other questions can be found in the TV program with the participation of a teacher from our university.

    Link to the program

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Hockey Santa Claus: HC GUU held a festive training session for the pupils of the children’s club Fortuna

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Last Sunday, in the Arktika Ice Palace, the hockey team of the State University of Management together with the hockey team of the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas held a New Year’s training session for the Fortuna hockey club under the mentoring program within the framework of the Good Hockey project with the support of the Moscow Hockey League.

    “Before the training, everyone was nervous and didn’t understand what was required of us. But as soon as we went out on the ice, all the guys immediately got to work and gave their all. Such events are necessary not only for the children, but also for us. We helped them, told them and taught them everything that we know ourselves. The children absorbed all the information that was conveyed to them very well, and each of the hockey players saw the motivation of the kids to play hockey. We were pleased to be part of such a training session!” – noted the captain of the HC GUU Andrey Larin.

    The program was created for children with visual impairments or complete lack of vision involved in adaptive hockey and is designed to provide young hockey players with quality support and assistance in mastering this sport.

    “Mentoring” brings together players from the Moscow Student Hockey League with children who need an individual approach to learning and developing hockey skills.

    The special feature of adaptive hockey in this school is the special “ringing” iron equipment. This is due to the fact that children, when playing, primarily rely on hearing, namely the sound of the stick and the ringing of the puck.

    “Despite the early rise, the emotions are only positive. It’s great that the league continues this tradition and holds master classes for children. We have been at such a training session with the guys for the second time. It was very nice to realize that the guys have “grown up” in every sense of the word over 2 years and that perhaps we are partly to blame for this growth. After talking to the players, you are once again convinced of their strength of spirit and love for hockey. Since the training session was before the New Year, we could not come empty-handed and not share the New Year’s mood. I am sure that we succeeded!” said Mikhail Gubin, assistant captain of the HC GUU.

    At the end of the training session, Father Frost visited, played by the assistant of the HC GUU Mikhail Gubin, and our hockey players gave New Year’s gifts to the young hockey players!

    The hockey team “Fortuna” is the first team in Russia of a unique direction: adaptive hockey “Blind Hockey”, which is focused on the socialization and rehabilitation of children with visual impairments.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 23.12.2024

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Priorities for Vermont’s Flood-Impacted Communities to Become Law as Part of Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the biennial, bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2024 was advanced by the Senate. The bill contains several of U.S. Senator Peter Welch’s (D-Vt.) priorities for flood-impacted communities. It now heads to President Biden’s desk for his signature.  
    “The Water Resources Development Act will help repair and strengthen Vermont’s flood-impacted infrastructure, protect our watersheds, and make our communities more resilient to extreme weather. Now more than ever, we need to support the Army Corps of Engineers as they work with our communities and the State to protect our communities from flooding,” said Senator Welch. “I look forward to President Biden signing this bipartisan bill, and I thank my colleagues Bernie and Becca for their partnership in getting these Vermont-focused priorities over the finish line.” 
    The Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024) authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to perform vital projects including flood control, water navigation, and ecosystem restoration. Senator Welch’s priorities for Vermont in the bill include: 

    Lowering the Non-Federal Cost-Share of the Lake Champlain Watershed Environmental Assistance Program for Vermont: With this legislation, the cost share will be 10% non-federal for underserved communities, down from 35%. This change will make the program more affordable to the towns that most need it.  

    Lowering the State of Vermont Cost-Share for Work on the Waterbury, Wrightsville, and East Barre Dams: The cost share for the three dams would be lowered to roughly 7.1% non-federal, down from 35% for East Barre and Wrightsville. (This cost share adjustment was achieved for Waterbury in the 2022 WRDA reauthorization.) Wrightsville’s dam was nearly breached in the July 2023 floods, and this change will make projects on these three dams more affordable for the state of Vermont in the future.  

    Authorizing a New Flood Control Study of the Winooski River: This bill will authorize a new flood control study of the Winooski River watershed, which would examine how to make the Winooski River and neighboring communities along the river more resilient to future floods and other climate change-fueled natural disasters.   

    Reauthorizing the Aquatic Plant Control Program: The Aquatic Plant Control Research Program is valuable to Vermont’s efforts to combat the spread of water chestnut, a nonnative plant that has threatened to disrupt ecosystems and water access in Lake Champlain. Reauthorization ensures the state can continue using the program in years to come.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Death of General Thomas R. Morgan, 21st Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps

    Source: United States Marine Corps

    WASHINGTON, D.C. —

    The Marine Corps announces the passing of the 21st Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Thomas R. Morgan on December 6, 2024.

    General Morgan passed away peacefully in Fairfax Station, Virginia, after a distinguished career in the Marine Corps and a life dedicated to service.

    “General Morgan was a steadfast leader and a true embodiment of the Marine Corps ethos,” said Gen. Eric Smith, the 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps. “His legacy will live on through his impact on our Corps. We offer our condolences to his loved ones and will be forever appreciative of his service to our nation.”

    General Morgan was born on January 6, 1930, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Colgate University in 1952, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps and embarked on a distinguished military career that spanned over 36 years. General Morgan served in various key leadership positions, culminating in his role as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps from June 1986 until his retirement on July 1, 1988.

    Throughout his career, General Morgan made lasting contributions to the Marine Corps, including his leadership in multiple overseas assignments, his influence on aviation operations, and his strategic foresight in military planning. His service took him to locations around the world, including the Western Pacific, Vietnam, Europe, and Korea, and he was integral in shaping Marine Corps operations and doctrine.

    Upon retirement, General Morgan remained deeply involved with the military community and his family, with a strong commitment to supporting veterans and military organizations. His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star Medal, among others.

    His full biography is located here: Gen. Thomas R. Morgan. His full obituary can be found at Dignity Memorial.

    Media seeking additional information should contact the U.S. Marine Corps Communication Directorate at OnTheRecord@usmc.mil.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Octopuses and their relatives are a new animal welfare frontier − here’s what scientists know about consciousness in these unique creatures

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Rachel Blaser, Professor of Neuroscience, Cognition and Behavior, University of San Diego

    A common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) off Croatia in the Mediterranean Sea. Reinhard Dirscherl/ullstein bild via Getty Images

    We named him Squirt – not because he was the smallest of the 16 cuttlefish in the pool, but because anyone with the audacity to scoop him into a separate tank to study him was likely to get soaked. Squirt had notoriously accurate aim.

    As a comparative psychologist, I’m used to assaults from my experimental subjects. I’ve been stung by bees, pinched by crayfish and battered by indignant pigeons. But, somehow, with Squirt it felt different. As he eyed us with his W-shaped pupils, he seemed clearly to be plotting against us.

    A common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) in Portugal’s Arrábida Natural Park.
    Diego Delso/Wikipedia, CC BY-SA

    Of course, I’m being anthropomorphic. Science does not yet have the tools to confirm whether cuttlefish have emotional states, or whether they are capable of conscious experience, much less sinister plots. But there’s undeniably something special about cephalopods – the class of ocean-dwelling invertebrates that includes cuttlefish, squid and octopus.

    As researchers learn more about cehpalopods’ cognitive skills, there are calls to treat them in ways better aligned with their level of intelligence. California and Washington state both approved bans on octopus farming in 2024. Hawaii is considering similar action, and a ban on farming octopus or importing farmed octopus meat has been introduced in Congress. A planned octopus farm in Spain’s Canary Islands is attracting opposition from scientists and animal welfare advocates.

    Critics offer many arguments against raising octopuses for food, including possible releases of waste, antibiotics or pathogens from aquaculture facilities. But as a psychologist, I see intelligence as the most intriguing part of the equation. Just how smart are cephalopods, really? After all, it’s legal to farm chickens and cows. Is an octopus smarter than, say, a turkey?

    A deepwater octopus investigates the port manipulator arm of the ALVIN submersible research vessel.
    NOAA, CC BY

    A big, diverse group

    Cephalopods are a broad class of mollusks that includes the coleoids – cuttlefish, octopus and squid – as well as the chambered nautilus. Coleoids range in size from adult squid only a few millimeters long (Idiosepius) to the largest living invertebrates, the giant squid (Architeuthis) and colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis) which can grow to over 40 feet in length and weigh over 1,000 pounds.

    Some of these species live alone in the nearly featureless darkness of the deep ocean; others live socially on active, sunny coral reefs. Many are skilled hunters, but some feed passively on floating debris. Because of this enormous diversity, the size and complexity of cephalopod brains and behaviors also varies tremendously.

    Almost everything that’s known about cephalopod cognition comes from intensive study of just a few species. When considering the welfare of a designated species of captive octopus, it’s important to be careful about using data collected from a distant evolutionary relative.

    Marine biologist Roger Hanlon explains the distributed structure of cephalopod brains and how they use that neural power.

    Can we even measure alien intelligence?

    Intelligence is fiendishly hard to define and measure, even in humans. The challenge grows exponentially in studying animals with sensory, motivational and problem-solving skills that differ profoundly from ours.

    Historically, researchers have tended to focus on whether animals think like humans, ignoring the abilities that animals may have that humans lack. To avoid this problem, scientists have tried to find more objective measures of cognitive abilities.

    One option is a relative measure of brain to body size. The best-studied species of octopus, Octopus vulgaris, has about 500 million neurons; that’s relatively large for its small body size and similar to a starling, rabbit or turkey.

    More accurate measures may include the size, neuron count or surface area of specific brain structures thought to be important for learning. While this is useful in mammals, the nervous system of an octopus is built completely differently.

    Over half of the neurons in Octopus vulgaris, about 300 million, are not in the brain at all, but distributed in “mini-brains,” or ganglia, in the arms. Within the central brain, most of the remaining neurons are dedicated to visual processing, leaving less than a quarter of its neurons for other processes such as learning and memory.

    In other species of octopus, the general structure is similar, but complexity varies. Wrinkles and folds in the brain increase its surface area and may enhance neural connections and communication. Some species of octopus, notably those living in reef habitats, have more wrinkled brains than those living in the deep sea, suggesting that these species may possess a higher degree of intelligence.

    Holding out for a better snack

    Because brain structure is not a foolproof measure of intelligence, behavioral tests may provide better evidence. One of the highly complex behaviors that many cephalopods show is visual camouflage. They can open and close tiny sacs just below their skin that contain colored pigments and reflectors, revealing specific colors. Octopus vulgaris has up to 150,000 chromatophores, or pigment sacs, in a single square inch of skin.

    Like many cephalopods, the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) is thought to be colorblind. But it can use its excellent vision to produce a dizzying array of patterns across its body as camouflage. The Australian giant cuttlefish, Sepia apama, uses its chromatophores to communicate, creating patterns that attract mates and warn off aggressors. This ability can also come in handy for hunting; many cephalopods are ambush predators that blend into the background or even lure their prey.

    The hallmark of intelligent behavior, however, is learning and memory – and there is plenty of evidence that some octopuses and cuttlefish learn in a way that is comparable to learning in vertebrates. The common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), as well as the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and the day octopus (Octopus cyanea), can all form simple associations, such as learning which image on a screen predicts that food will appear.

    Some cephalopods may be capable of more complicated forms of learning, such as reversal learning – learning to flexibly adjust behavior when different stimuli signal reward. They may also be able to inhibit impulsive responses. In a 2021 study that gave common cuttlefish a choice between a less desirable but immediate snack of crab and a preferred treat of live shrimp after a delay, many of the cuttlefish chose to wait for the shrimp.

    Cuttlefish perform in an experiment adapted from the Stanford “marshmallow test,” which was designed to see whether children could practice delayed gratification.

    A new frontier for animal welfare

    Considering what’s known about their brain structures, sensory systems and learning capacity, it appears that cephalopods as a group may be similar in intelligence to vertebrates as a group. Since many societies have animal welfare standards for mice, rats, chickens and other vertebrates, logic would suggest that there’s an equal case for regulations enforcing humane treatment of cephalopods.

    Such rules generally specify that when a species is held in captivity, its housing conditions should support the animal’s welfare and natural behavior. This view has led some U.S. states to outlaw confined cages for egg-laying hens and crates too narrow for pregnant sows to turn around.

    Animal welfare regulations say little about invertebrates, but guidelines for the care and use of captive cephalopods have started to appear over the past decade. In 2010, the European Union required considering ethical issues when using cephalopods for research. And in 2015, AAALAC International, an international accreditation organization for ethical animal research, and the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations promoted guidelines for the care and use of cephalopods in research. The U.S. National Institutes of Health is currently considering similar guidelines.

    The “alien” minds of octopuses and their relatives are fascinating, not the least because they provide a mirror through which we can reflect on more familiar forms of intelligence. Deciding which species deserve moral consideration requires selecting criteria, such as neuron count or learning capacity, to inform those choices.

    Once these criteria are set, it may be well to also consider how they apply to the rodents, birds and fish that occupy more familiar roles in our lives.

    Rachel Blaser 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. Octopuses and their relatives are a new animal welfare frontier − here’s what scientists know about consciousness in these unique creatures – https://theconversation.com/octopuses-and-their-relatives-are-a-new-animal-welfare-frontier-heres-what-scientists-know-about-consciousness-in-these-unique-creatures-241978

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Increase Accessibility Funding to Child Care Facilities

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on December 20, 2024

    Today, the Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada have announced that regulated child care facilities across the province will now receive up to $3,200 per month for every child eligible under the Enhanced Accessibility (EA) Grant, an increase of $1,200. 

    The EA Grant assists regulated child care facilities in covering the additional costs associated with offering services to children who have intensive needs across various areas of development.

    “We are listening to the sector and hearing their challenges on being able to offer specialized care,” Education Minister Everett Hindley said. “This increase in funding will allow Saskatchewan child care facilities to continue providing safe, inclusive child care for families of children with special needs.” 

    The grant is provided directly to a regulated child care facility and can be used to assist with the cost of  additional staffing required to care for children with exceptionally high needs. 

    The number of children supported with the EA Grants can vary over time as more children enter regulated child care and require additional supports.

    “This additional funding is a huge step to support our inclusive environments for children of all abilities,” Natural Wonders Early Learning Centre Executive Director Sheila Paradis said. “The increased demand for early learning services in our community has also increased the demand for inclusive services. This is a much-needed change and this increase will help us hire suitably educated inclusion supports who help children overcome challenges, improve their quality of life, impact educational outcomes and significantly influence life long success.”

    The ministry is committed to supporting child care facilities in building their capacity to meet the needs of children with intensive needs. Supports include access to a tuition-free Autism Certificate of Achievement, tuition-free inclusion micro-credentials, the Building Inclusive Practices initiative and numerous online resources and learning modules in the ministry’s Early Learning Portal to support inclusive practices.

    “A high-quality, affordable, and flexible child care system must also be inclusive, so every child in Saskatchewan, and across the country, can thrive,” Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jenna Sudds said. “We are making it easier for families to access services that meet the diverse needs of every child.”

    A one-time Accessibility Rating Grant is now available to child care centres to help identify barriers and create accessible spaces for all children using the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) assessment. The RHFAC is a national rating system that measures and certifies the level of meaningful access to buildings. The $12,500 grant will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis to child care centres with an accessible entryway and experience supporting children with intensive needs.

    The Accessibility Rating Grant is a commitment made under Saskatchewan’s Action Plan for the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Infrastructure Fund, which provides $19.1 million to Saskatchewan from 2023 to 2026, to help build more inclusive and accessible child care spaces across the province.

    Funding for both the EA Grant and the Accessibility Rating Grant is available under the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. The agreement, which was signed in August 2021, supports an early learning and child care system in Saskatchewan based on principles of affordability, accessibility, quality and inclusion. 

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Could trusting each other more unlock economic growth?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Paul Whiteley, Professor, Department of Government, University of Essex

    Shutterstock/GoodStudio

    Trust in Britain’s institutions is in bad shape, according to recent data from the European Social Survey.

    Trust is important because a good deal of governing involves trying to persuade people to do things or convince them that things will get better in the future. This is increasingly difficult to do if trust is in decline. Trust in political institutions is particularly important when governments have to make unpopular decisions, such as raising taxes.

    Data covering a 20-year period shows a marked decline in trust in parliaments, political parties and politicians. The following question is asked in the European Social Surveys over time:

    Please tell me on a score of 0-10 how much you personally trust each of the following institutions. 0 means you do not trust an institution at all, and 10 means you have complete trust in it.

    The decline in trust began around the time of the 2016 survey, when the lowest level of trust in politicians and political parties was recorded in 20 years of doing the survey. Parliament has done a bit better, but decline in trust for it is still quite marked. It is no coincidence that this decline started in 2016 – the year of Brexit.

    Average trust scores for British institutions, 2002-2022

    Trust on the slide.
    P Whiteley, CC BY-ND

    But the European Social Survey carries another important measure of trust – our trust in fellow citizens. A question in the surveys asks how trusting respondents felt about other people on an 11-point scale, with a high score indicating that people are trusting.

    Average trust scores in other people in Britain, 2002-2022

    Trust in other people.
    P Whiteley, CC BY-ND

    After a shaky start at the beginning of the millennium, trust in other people increased significantly in Britain in 2006, to over 5.35 on the 11-point scale. It then dropped in 2008, the year of the financial crisis. The recovery from this decline was in place by 2010. It is noticeable that the trust scores fell again in 2018, when the political consequences of Brexit were making themselves felt. Trust revived again in 2020 during the pandemic.

    So, our trust in each other is in healthier shape than our trust in institutions. This is important because trust in others is a key measure of social capital – the willingness of people to work together to solve social and economic problems in society. The importance of social capital in creating prosperity in the US was highlighted by the American political scientist Bob Putnam in his best-selling book, Bowling Alone.

    Trust is lacking in British politicians.
    Flickr/UK Parliament, CC BY-NC-ND

    There is now a large literature on social capital and trust, some of it focusing specifically on Britain. The findings are that trust promotes prosperity for a number of reasons. If people trust each other, they are more likely to volunteer. This free labour helps to provide a social safety net, which increases prosperity for all – even if it is not fully recognised in the national income statistics.

    High-trust countries like Denmark and Sweden also have low levels of corruption – and corruption is a blocker to growth. In a high-trust environment, the costs of doing business are lower because there is less need for elaborate contracts, expensive lawyers and lots of litigation to make other people behave properly. This is, in part, why high-trust countries are richer than low-trust countries.

    It’s well established that economic growth is driven by investment in innovation, skills and transport, extra manufacturing capacity and greater workplace productivity. However, it is also the case that social capital helps to create economic growth. In researching this across a variety of countries, I found that trust was very important in stimulating economic growth alongside these other factors.

    Government has limited direct influence on social capital, but it can encourage it by investing in voluntary organisations and increasing transparency in its dealings with the public.

    Britain has suffered from a lack of investment in capital spending and infrastructure, and has neglected investment in education over the past 15 years. Social capital seems to be in much better shape, and faced with the significant challenge of restoring growth, the UK government needs to pull every lever at its disposal. It can repair trust in politics with its own actions, and this is likely to help with sustaining social capital, which is part of the solution to restoring economic growth.

    Paul Whiteley has received funding from the British Academy and the ESRC.

    – ref. Could trusting each other more unlock economic growth? – https://theconversation.com/could-trusting-each-other-more-unlock-economic-growth-246302

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New development of ‘impossible’ polymer capable of increasing both stiffness and flexibility

    Source: US Government research organizations

    An NSF-funded research team solves a centuries-long dilemma in the world of polymers

    Scientists have developed something long thought impossible: a polymer that’s both stiff and stretchable, without one quality compromising the other. Materials research has shown that the stiffer a polymer, the less flexible it will be — but no longer. 

    The findings are published in the journal Science Advances and supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The University of Virginia research team behind these findings shows that strength and “stretchability” don’t necessarily have to be opposites when it comes to polymers.  

    Liheng Cai, assistant professor of materials research and principal investigator of an NSF Faculty Early Career Development award, says, “We are addressing a fundamental challenge that has been thought to be impossible to solve since the invention of vulcanized rubber in 1839.” The research was led by doctoral student Baiqiang Huang.  

    Credit: Matt Cosner, University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science

    University of Virginia assistant professor Liheng Cai (right), Ph.D. graduate student Baiqiang Huang (left) and UVA alumnus and former postdoc Shifeng Nian (not pictured) have solved a dilemma that has flummoxed polymer engineers since Charles Goodyear invented vulcanized rubber: How to make polymer networks that stretch as needed without sacrificing stiffness.

    Says Huang, “This limitation has held back the development of materials that need to be both stretchable and stiff, forcing engineers to choose one property at the expense of the other.”   

    He adds, “Imagine, for example, a heart implant that bends and flexes with each heartbeat but still lasts for years.” 

    Cai and team discovered that polymer qualities of stiffness and flexibility have the same molecular basis. What they have in common: They’re both based on cross-linked polymer strands.  

    The more cross-links are added the stiffer the material becomes. But it also grows more fragile, and less supple or “stretchable,” the more cross-links are added in the process. That is only when they are added in a linear fashion.  

    Instead of linear cross-links, Cai and colleagues tried for a “bottlebrush” structure. This nonlinear network of material is made up of “core” cross-link strands branching out into polymer “side chains.”  

    On a molecular level, these allow the material to have a foldable or accordion-like structure when it moves — imbuing the polymer with qualities of firmness and flexibility simultaneously and independently of each other.  

    Andrew Lovinger, program director in the NSF Division of Materials Research, says, “This very clever polymer architecture by Professor Cai opens the door to materials with unprecedented combinations of properties and exemplifies the very rich design potential offered by polymers.”  

    Materials with this capability show promise for medical, health care and robotics innovations, such as implants, prosthetics, electromechanical devices and more.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Electronic components can self-assemble using new technique

    Source: US Government research organizations

    A recent proof-of-concept experiment demonstrates a potential way to manufacture electronic devices with less energy and waste

    A new technique for creating simple electronic device components proved effective in recent tests. The results show that self-assembly for more complicated electronics, like 3D computer chips, could be possible. 

    The findings are published in Materials Horizons and supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation Center for Complex Particle Systems. The technique exhibits a relatively “passive” creation process compared to current industry methods, eliminating the need for high-cost robotic or manual labor.  

    The method explores arrays of transistors and diodes for now but could be used to fabricate more complex structures, such as 3D chips, in the future. 

    Martin Thuo is a professor of materials science and engineering at North Carolina State University and an author of the study. Says Thuo, “Existing chip manufacturing techniques involve many steps and rely on extremely complex technologies, making the process costly and time-consuming. Our self-assembling approach is significantly faster and less expensive.” 

    Credit: Julia Chang

    These microscopic objects were self-assembled using the new technique which the researchers refer to as a directed metal-ligand reaction or D-Met. So far, the technique can be used to create diodes, transistors and other simple electronic components.

    “What’s more, current manufacturing techniques have low yield, meaning they produce a relatively large number of faulty chips that can’t be used,” adds Thuo. “Our approach is high yield — meaning you get more consistent production of arrays and less waste.” 

    Using this approach, the experiment runs a solution of carbon and oxygen “ligands” pulled through liquid metal particles. These flow into a preset mold — think of it like nanotech “Jell-O mixture” or “cupcake batter” setting into molds to be “baked.” Only, in their case, they become end-products like diodes and transistors.  

    Before heating this solution, the ligands capture ions from the liquid metal before flowing into the mold. These grow into intricate 3D structures or arrays, while any liquid matter naturally evaporates away during this process.  

    Finally, the array is heated and transformed into all-new structures. These consist of mixed-metal oxides and carbon atoms, self-arranged to become new diodes, transistors or other electronic parts. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Corrections Facilities Senate Study Committee Adopts Final Committee Report

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (December 20, 2024) – On Friday, December 13, the Department of Corrections Facilities Senate Study Committee, chaired by Majority Whip Sen. Randy Robertson (R–Cataula), voted unanimously to adopt its final report during the committee’s concluding meeting. The committee, established through Senate Resolution 570, spent nearly four months exploring strategies to enhance the welfare of Department of Corrections employees and those in its custody.

    Sen. Robertson praised the committee’s efforts, stating: “This committee has heard an abundance of valuable testimony since August. Our committee’s recommendations aim to enhance safety, promote fairness and support the Department of Corrections officers and the inmates they care for around the clock. I am grateful to each committee member for their dedication to this important issue and to the Lieutenant Governor for his unwavering support of our work.”

    Sen Robertson continued, “I also want to thank the Georgia taxpayers who came to the Capitol to share their experiences and suggestions. These citizens fund our budget and trust us to spend their tax dollars on worthwhile projects that provide quality care to those in our custody. As a former law enforcement officer, the welfare of our corrections officers and the inmates they protect will always be of utmost importance to me.”

    The final report outlines findings and recommendations to guide Georgia’s approach to employee and inmate safety within the Georgia Department of Corrections. Key highlights include:

    1. Increasing mental health services available to incarcerated population and staff.
    2. Investing in correctional officer recruitment and retention.
    3. Asking the Georgia Department of Audits to review all contract renewals for the past five years to see if there is a pattern of runaway costs by any vendors.
    4. Implementing a pay study for all Georgia Department of Corrections employees.
    5. Convert all existing facilities and construct all new facilities to single-person, single-cell facilities.
    6. Advocating the federal government to allow state prisons to use cell phone and drone jamming technology.
    7. Leveraging public-private partnerships to expand the capacity of the Georgia Department of Corrections.
    8. Prioritizing the hardening of existing corrections facilities to ensure their longevity while ensuring upcoming facilities are built to modern standards of security.
    9. Ensuring wardens adhere to consistent policies across facilities to prevent cultural differences within corrections facilities.

    The full report is available on the Georgia General Assembly website here.

    # # # #

    Sen. Randy Robertson serves as Majority Whip of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 29, which includes Harris, Meriwether, and Troup Counties and a portion of Muscogee County. He can be reached at 404.656.0045 or at randy.robertson@senate.ga.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.C. Trails Committee Awards Over $1.24 Million in Federal Grants, Recommends Designations for Access Points on State Paddle Trails

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: N.C. Trails Committee Awards Over $1.24 Million in Federal Grants, Recommends Designations for Access Points on State Paddle Trails

    N.C. Trails Committee Awards Over $1.24 Million in Federal Grants, Recommends Designations for Access Points on State Paddle Trails
    jejohnson6

    At its December meeting, the North Carolina Trails Committee selected 13 trail development projects and five safety and education projects to receive matching federal grants, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced. In addition, the committee recommended the official designation of the first access points on the new Haw River State Trail and four accesses on the Yadkin River State Trail.

    “This annual funding from the federal government is key to continuing North Carolina’s distinction as the Great Trails State,” said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson. “Trail improvements, new trail development, and trail safety and education programs help residents and visitors take advantage of healthy and affordable outdoor recreation opportunities.”

    The selected projects include relocation of an off-road vehicle trail to make it more sustainable, updates to a paddle trail access, improvements to greenways, and construction on new trails. The projects range from a little over $54,000 up to the maximum of $100,000, with a total of over $1.2 million. The Safety and Education grants are around $5,000 each, totaling over $24,000.

    In addition, the committee recommended to the DNCR Secretary the approval of the first designated access on the Haw River State Trail, on Brooks Bridge in Rockingham County, along a segment called High Rock Ford. The Haw River State Trail was authorized by the General Assembly in 2023. The committee also recommended official designations for four accesses on the Yadkin River State Trail:

        • The boat access at Morrow Mountain State Park

        • Donnaha Access in Yadkin County

        • Moravian Creek Access in the town of Wilkesboro, and

        • Ronda Memorial Park Access in the town of Ronda.

    Together, these access points will add 13.6 designated miles to the Yadkin River State Trail.

    “We are very excited to continue to make progress on the state trails,” said Division Director Brian Strong. “These accesses allow the public to enjoy two of North Carolina’s beautiful rivers, the Haw and the Yadkin. We appreciate the hard work that our state trail partners and section sponsors have put in to help us grow the state trails network in North Carolina.”

    State trails, a unit of the state parks system, epitomize partnerships. They are composed of multiple connected sections, and each section of the trail is sponsored by a state or federal agency, local government, or private landowner. Section sponsors build, maintain, and manage their section of the trail. Once a segment of trail or access is constructed within the planning corridor of a state trail, the section sponsor must apply for official state trail designation. Until the trail segment is designated, it is not part of the state trail.

    The Division’s Trails Program manages the federal Recreational Trails Program Grant from the Federal Highway Administration. The grant provides funding for construction of new trails, maintenance and repair of existing trails, land acquisition, purchase of trail tools, and planning, legal, environmental, and permitting costs. Safety and Education grants are a subset of the program and are awarded for safety and education instructor fees, speaker fees, displays, signage, and other uses. Federal, state, or local government agencies or qualified nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for the annual RTP grants.

    The seven-member Trails Committee, appointed by the DNCR Secretary, advise the Trails Program on funding recommendations. Final determination on grant awards is made by the DNCR Secretary. The committee members represent various trail use communities across the state, including hiking, biking, paddling, equestrian, and off-road vehicles.

    The Trails Committee also reviews designation applications for state trails and makes recommendations for the DNCR Secretary’s final approval.

    Grant recipients and awards are as follows:

    Trail Development Projects

    Recipient County Project Name Funds Awarded
    U.S. Forest Service Burke 2024 Brown Mountain Off-Highway Vehicle Area Maintenance – Trail Relocation $100,000
    U.S. Forest Service Burke Brown Mountain OHV Area Mini-Excavator – Trail Equipment $100,000
    Town of Rolesville Wake Granite Acres Greenway Connection Project – New Trail $100,000
    Alamance Parks (on behalf of Friends of Haw River State Trail) Alamance, Guilford, Rockingham Haw River State Trail Paddle and Land Trail Improvements – Greenway Facilities $78,000
    Chatham County Chatham HRST Pegg Tract Improvements – New Trail $100,000
    Blue Ridge Conservancy Ashe Northern Peaks State Trail Three Top Mountain Phase 1 – New Trail $100,000
    Town of Sylva Jackson Pinnacle Park Recreation Trails – New Trail $92,000
    Town of Boone Watauga NPST Rivers House Park – New Trail $54,932
    Town of Rosman Transylvania Rosman Riverfront Park Phase 1 – New Trail $100,000
    Catawba Lands Conservancy Gaston Spencer Mountain Trail Construction – New Trail $100,000
    Cleveland County Water Cleveland Stagecoach Greenway Narrows Segment – New Trail $100,000
    City of Rocky Mount Nash Sunset Park New Multi-Use Natural Surface Trail, Joint Trailhead and Renovation of Sunset Tar River $100,000
    Camp Grier McDowell Woods Mountain Trail Restoration $100,000
        TOTAL $1,224,932

    Safety and Education Grants

    Recipient County Program Name Funds Awarded
    Dan River Basin Association Caswell, Rockingham, Stokes Public Water Safety Classes for Recreational Boaters $5,000.00
    McDowell County McDowell McDowell Trails Tool and Education Fund $4,960.48
    McDowell Tech Community College McDowell McDowell Tech Trail School $5,000.00
    Carolina Mountain Club Buncombe, Haywood, Madison Certification of CMC Sawyers $4,900.00
    Camp Grier McDowell Usability and Sustainability Program for Volunteer Trail Crew $4,988.41
        TOTAL $24,848.89

    About North Carolina State Parks
    North Carolina State Parks manages more than 262,000 acres of iconic landscape within North Carolina’s state parks, state recreation areas and state natural areas. It administers the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, including its local grants program, as well as a state trails program, North Carolina Natural and Scenic Rivers and more, all with a mission dedicated to conservation, recreation and education. The state parks system welcomes more than 19 million visitors annually.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Dec 20, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology to Collaborate on Fusion, Materials and Hydrogen Science & Technology

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHALK RIVER, Ontario, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany’s premier research institution, to pursue collaborative research related to fusion, materials characterization and hydrogen science and technology. With shared scientific missions to address national priorities in clean energy and environmental sciences, the agreement serves as a framework through which the national research organizations can collaborate in areas of mutual interest, leveraging their individual resources, facilities, and expertise.

    According to terms of the agreement, the organizations will explore collaborative research projects in fields that include tritium analytics, tritium barriers and surface analysis, tritium fuel cycle optimization, characterization and metallurgy of irradiated materials, and hydrogen safety. Working together, the organizations hope to realize important progress in the advancement of these fields of research and others, which are priorities to both country’s domestic clean energy research programs.

    “CNL is a world leader in nuclear science and technology, including hydrogen. We are now working to re-establish ourselves in fusion, which is yielding some very exciting commercial opportunities, and drawing the attention of other leading research organizations who share our goals in clean energy,” commented Dr. Stephen Bushby, CNL’s Vice-President of Science and Technology. “With the signing of this agreement with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, a leading German research institution that has complementary capabilities, CNL continues to expand its network and pursue even more ambitious collaborative research. By working together, I think we can help to accelerate these promising fields of study and contribute to much-needed progress in clean energy.”

    “With fusion taking momentum all around the world, Germany investing substantial amounts to promote the cooperation between National Labs and private actors in the field, and KIT being at the centre of fusion technologies and materials development in Germany and in Europe, it is quite straightforward for us to engage in an international cooperation that offers plenty of opportunities for world-leading developments, e.g., in the fusion fuel cycle, hydrogen, and materials areas,” said Dr. Klaus Hesch, Head of KIT´s Fusion Programme. “CNL´s tritium expertise derived from decades of scientifically-technically accompanying and enabling the operation of the CANDU reactors perfectly complements the experience we have acquired in our Tritium Laboratory Karlsruhe with regard to tritium handling and processing for fusion. There is interest to extend the cooperation both towards other fusion companies as well as to the European Fusion Programme.”

    CNL has decades of experience and expertise in materials characterization, hydrogen production, safety and storage, and tritium research, among other related fields of research. The Chalk River campus is also home to a state-of-the-art Tritium Facility and a Hydrogen Isotopes Technology Laboratory, as well as a rapidly growing fusion energy program. Not only did CNL recently announce the expansion of two of its flagship clean energy programs to include fusion – its advanced reactor siting program and the Canadian Nuclear Research Initiative (CNRI) – but CNL also invested $10 million into General Fusion, an international leader in commercial fusion energy. This is in addition to the launch of a new joint venture with Kyoto Fusioneering known as Fusion Fuel Cycles Inc. (FFC), which is moving forward with a globally unique test facility available to industry to test and refine their unique processes.

    All of these projects, programs and resources are complemented by those at KIT, which serves as one of the largest science institutions in Europe, with over 5,000 people conducting research on a broad range of disciplines, from natural sciences to engineering. KIT is also home to research centers that focus on problems of fundamental importance to the existence and further development of society, and on key issues resulting from the striving for knowledge, which includes climate and environment, energy, materials in technical and life sciences, and elementary particle and astroparticle physics, among others. With the agreement now serving as a framework to facilitate collaborative research activities, both organizations believe that it could also act as a first step towards a broader relationship that expands into other fields of research.

    If you’d like to learn more about CNL or its projects in clean energy and environmental sciences, please visit www.cnl.ca. For more information on KIT and its programs of work, please visit www.kit.edu.

    About CNL

    As Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology laboratory and working under the direction of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), CNL is a world leader in the development of innovative nuclear science and technology products and services. Guided by an ambitious corporate strategy known as Vision 2030, CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance – restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians.

    By leveraging the assets owned by AECL, CNL also serves as the nexus between government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector and the academic community. CNL works in collaboration with these sectors to advance innovative Canadian products and services towards real-world use, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions.

    To learn more about CNL, please visit www.cnl.ca.

    About KIT

    Being “The Research University in the Helmholtz Association”, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 10,000 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,800 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.

    To learn more about KIT, please visit www.kit.edu.

    CNL Contact:
    Philip Kompass
    Director, Corporate Communications
    1-866-886-2325
    media@cnl.ca

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2147c02c-0c21-421c-8a37-e6f279aeb3ea

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF condemns RSF violent attack on Bashair Teaching hospital in South Khartoum

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Khartoum – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) strongly condemns the violent incursion by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the emergency room of Bashair Teaching hospital in South Khartoum, Sudan, on 18 December. The attackers fired weapons inside the emergency ward, directly threatened medical staff, and severely disrupted lifesaving care. MSF urgently calls on RSF to respect the neutrality of medical facilities and the safety of healthcare workers.

    This latest attack follows an earlier incident on 11 November, when armed fighters stormed the hospital, fired shots, and killed a patient receiving treatment. These repeated violations of the neutrality of healthcare facilities and the sanctity of medical care are unacceptable.

    “Several RSF soldiers entered the emergency rooms and some of them started firing against medical personnel, threatening patients and MSF and Ministry of Health staff,” says Samuel David Theodore, MSF’s head of mission in Sudan.  

    “Luckily, no one was injured but everyone is extremely affected by this traumatic aggression inside the hospital. Attacks against medical facilities and health personnel are unacceptable, hospitals must remain safe spaces, free from violence and intimidation. Staff cannot have their lives threatened whilst they provide care,” he says. 

    The bullet marks left by the Rapid Support Forces inside the emergency room of Bashair Teaching hospital in South Khartoum, Sudan, 19 December 2024.
    MSF

    Bashair Teaching hospital is one of the last functioning healthcare facilities in South Khartoum amidst the ongoing conflict. MSF staff have tirelessly maintained lifesaving activities under exceptionally difficult conditions.

    “Bashair Teaching hospital is a lifeline for thousands of people in South Khartoum,” says Claire San Filippo, emergency coordinator for Sudan. “MSF support is critical for countless men, women, and children affected by this devastating conflict.  However, the safety of our patients and staff is paramount. Attacks like these severely compromise our ability to continue operating.”

    Since the beginning of June 2024, MSF has conducted 12,396 emergency consultations, 2,510 patients were admitted in the maternity ward, and 4,490 children were screened for malnutrition at Bashair Teaching hospital in South Khartoum. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister announces changes to the Ministry

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced changes to the Ministry. The new Ministry will deliver on what matters most to Canadians: making life more affordable and growing the economy.

    Building on the work done since 2015 to invest in Canadians, the team will continue to move forward on housing, child care, and school food while working to put more money back in people’s pockets.

    The changes to the Ministry are as follows:

    • Anita Anand becomes Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
    • Gary Anandasangaree becomes Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
    • Steven MacKinnon becomes Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
    • Ginette Petitpas Taylor becomes President of the Treasury Board

    The Prime Minister also welcomed the following new members to the Ministry:

    • Rachel Bendayan becomes Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety
    • Élisabeth Brière becomes Minister of National Revenue
    • Terry Duguid becomes Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
    • Nate Erskine-Smith becomes Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    • Darren Fisher becomes Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
    • David J. McGuinty becomes Minister of Public Safety
    • Ruby Sahota becomes Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
    • Joanne Thompson becomes Minister of Seniors

    These new ministers will work with all members of Cabinet to deliver real, positive change for Canadians. They join the following ministers remaining in their portfolio:

    • Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services
    • Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
    • François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
    • Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant
    • Karina Gould, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
    • Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
    • Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
    • Mark Holland, Minister of Health
    • Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
    • Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    • Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
    • Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
    • Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities
    • Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs
    • Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
    • Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
    • Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
    • Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
    • Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
    • Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
    • Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
    • Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage
    • Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
    • Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business
    • Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
    • Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

    Quote

    “Our team is focused on the things that matter most to you – making life more affordable, growing the economy, and creating good jobs for the middle class. Together, we will keep building a strong future for the middle class, and for all Canadians.”

    Quick Facts

    • Since 2015, the Ministry has made real progress for the middle class and those working hard to join it – from lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty with the Canada Child Benefit to delivering on our promise of $10-a-day child care and the National School Food Program.
    • With the changes announced today, the Ministry retains a total of 38 ministers, in addition to the Prime Minister. In keeping with the precedent set in 2015, there is an equal number of women and men.
    • The Cabinet is the central decision-making forum in government, responsible for its administration and the establishment of its policy. Its members are each responsible for individual portfolios or departments.

    Associated Link

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Wonowon Elementary addition, upgrades begin

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    New upgrades to Wonowon Elementary in northeastern B.C. will lead to an improved, expanded school with better access for people with disabilities.

    “Our government’s historic investments in new and expanded schools are delivering quality learning environments that support students’ learning and growth,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “This project will ensure more students in the Peace region can continue to learn, play and grow in an accessible, modern school for decades to come.”

    The Province is providing nearly $17 million to partially replace Wonowon Elementary. The project will make space for 20 additional students in the school. The replacement will also include upgrading the water well and filtration system and making the school more accessible to people with disabilities by installing ramps. The construction is expected to be complete by fall 2025.

    “This investment in Wonowon Elementary demonstrates our government’s commitment to building, expanding and upgrading schools in B.C.,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “Remote communities need investments in their classrooms and schools, and we will keep delivering results for communities just like Wonowon throughout the province.”

    This investment is part of more than $65 million provided by the government since 2017 to the Peace River North School District to expand and improve schools. This includes funding for an eight-classroom prefabricated addition to Dr. Kearney Middle school, which is in design development, a new gym at Upper Halfway Elementary, which opened in December 2023, and the new Anne Roberts Young school, completed in September 2020.

    “Next year, our students will be learning in a bright, updated space,” said Helen Gilbert, chair, Peace River North Board of Education. “The changes will be good for students, staff and the community. It will be exciting for the students to watch the building go up over the rest of this school year.”

    Since September 2017, government has approved almost $6 billion for new and improved schools, and land purchases for schools throughout the province. This has resulted in more than 42,000 new student spaces and more than 38,000 seismically safer seats in B.C. schools.

    Learn More:

    For more information about major public school capital projects underway, visit:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital/major-capital-projects 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Prince Andrew and the British establishment’s ‘target-rich environment’ for spies

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Philip Murphy, Director of History & Policy at the Institute of Historical Research and Professor of British and Commonwealth History, School of Advanced Study, University of London

    A ruling by the UK’s Special Immigration Appeals Commission has revealed that a Chinese businessman with links to King Charles’ younger brother, Prince Andrew, has been banned from Britain. The commission was upholding a decision originally taken in 2023 by the then home secretary, Suella Braverman, to exclude a man subsequently named as Yang Tengbo.

    Britain’s Security Service, MI5, had advised the commission that Yang posed “a risk to UK national security”. Reports have noted Yang’s visits to royal events at the request of the prince and his communications with one of Andrew’s senior advisers, Dominic Hampshire.

    That Andrew might have been cultivated by an agent of the Chinese government will come as no surprise to anyone who has studied the work of intelligence agencies. Their ideal target will not necessarily be someone who sympathises with the regime they serve. Indeed with the collapse of the ideological certainties of the cold war, this has become increasingly unlikely.

    Rather, a target will probably be someone who has particular weaknesses that can be exploited, often revolving around money or sex. They are seldom at the very pinnacle of power. But that, in itself, can leave them resentful and hungry for affirmation.

    An exaggerated sense of self-importance can render them even more pliable. This can make for a complex relationship between intelligence predator and their prey.

    In Andrew’s case, there are indications that members of his circle actually talked up the prince’s importance as a political contact. The commission’s ruling quoted a message from Hampshire to Yang in March 2020 after the latter had been invited to attend the Prince’s 60th birthday party.

    Hampshire told Yang: “I also hope that it is clear to you where you sit with my principal and indeed his family. You should never underestimate the strength of that relationship. …outside of his closest internal confidants, you sit at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on.”

    Those more familiar with the workings of the British government might be sceptical about the height of the branches Yang had reached. King Charles is, after all, a constitutional monarch with few formal powers. And Andrew has become an increasingly marginalised figure within the royal family.

    A steady stream of revelations about his relationship with sex-trafficker and paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has left him increasingly out in the cold. He was stripped of his role as UK trade envoy in 2011 and was then forced to step down from public duties in 2019. So why bother trying to court him?

    Clues are provided in an important survey of the links between the royal family and the intelligence community published by international history specialists Richard Aldrich and Rory Cormac in 2021. As they note, before 2011, Andrew had enjoyed a long career in the royal navy and then as a British trade envoy, becoming closely involved in the sensitive and secretive world of UK arms sales.

    In 2010, the Wikileaks revelations suggested Andrew had been fiercely critical of the Serious Fraud Office for almost derailing a deal with Saudi Arabia and that his inside knowledge might have extended to some dark corners of the arms trade and its methods. There were also reports that the UK’s foreign intelligence service, MI6, was concerned that a former US deputy police chief close to the investigation into the Epstein affair might have leaked details to Russia, leaving Andrew open to blackmail.

    So Andrew probably was a tempting target, combining personal vulnerability with knowledge that could, at the very least, be embarrassing to the UK. But then, to borrow former US defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s vivid phrase about Iraq, the British establishment has long provided foreign intelligence agencies with “a target-rich environment”. And the waters tend to be muddied by the ease with which legitimate contacts based on cultural and trade diplomacy can morph into something more sinister.

    Broader concerns

    The ruling of the Special Immigration Appeals Commission quoted from a statement by the director-general of MI5 from July 2022 which distinguished between legitimate diplomacy and “what we call interference activity – influencing that is clandestine, coercive or corruptive”. Yet, in practice, the distinction is often opaque.

    When darker forces are at work, it often only becomes apparent as a result of prolonged surveillance of those involved. And that, in turn, assumes Britain’s spies are actually doing their job. Various bodies have questioned whether they are.

    In a July 2020 report, the parliamentary intelligence and security committee criticised the intelligence community for not being more curious about certain aspects of Russian activity. The possibility of Kremlin interference in the 2016 Brexit referendum was a significant concern.

    The implication – that intelligence officials had been nervous about getting involved in such a sensitive political issue – was rather borne out by the fate of the committee’s report itself. It was delivered to then prime minister Boris Johnson in October 2019 but was not released to the public until well after his pro-Brexit government had won the general election of December that year.

    Nor is the Labour party without questions to answer. At the same time as the Prince Andrew scandal was unfolding, Christine Lee, who donated £584,177 to the office of the Labour MP Barry Gardiner, lost a claim against MI5 which had accused her of engaging in political interference on behalf of China. Gardiner has said in response that none of the donations “according to MI5, came from an illegal source” and that he has “ceased all contact” with Lee following the MI5 warning.

    Prince Andrew’s behaviour is part of a wider picture and speaks to the general need for higher standards in British public life. Stricter rules on political donations to prevent foreign interference in British politics are long overdue. And people of political influence, including members of both houses of parliament, should be far more closely scrutinised over their relationships with foreign officials and business people. National security, as the term implies, very much begins at home.

    Philip Murphy has received funding from the AHRC. He is a member of the European Movement UK.

    – ref. Prince Andrew and the British establishment’s ‘target-rich environment’ for spies – https://theconversation.com/prince-andrew-and-the-british-establishments-target-rich-environment-for-spies-246383

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORESIGHT VENTURES VCT PLC
    (FORMERLY THAMES VENTURES VCT 1 PLC)

    Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report
    30 September 2024

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    £72.7m
    Total net assets
    as at 30 September 2024

    1.1p
    Dividend paid
    26 July 2024

    42.1p
    NAV per share
    as at 30 September 2024

    CHAIR’S STATEMENT

    “I present the Company’s unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report for the six months ended 30 September 2024.”

    Post-period activity
    Before discussing the period to 30 September 2024, I would like to welcome our new Shareholders who have been issued shares in the Company as part of the merger with Thames Ventures VCT 2 plc (“TV2”). The merger completed on 15 November following a General Meeting held on 8 November. As part of the merger, the Company has been renamed Foresight Ventures VCT plc, and TV2 has been placed into members’ voluntary liquidation. I am also pleased to welcome Andrew Mackintosh, previously a director of TV2, who has now been appointed to the Board of the Company following completion of the merger.

    The Company’s Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per share has been reset to 100.0p and the merger has resulted in an enlarged company with net assets of £110 million. The Board believes this will bring a number of benefits to the Company, such as greater scale to raise and deploy capital into new and existing portfolio companies, as well as improved liquidity for dividends and buybacks.

    On 15 November, the Company launched an offer for subscription to raise £5 million (with an over-allotment facility of a further £5 million). The promoter’s fee will be waived for applications made by existing shareholders of any Foresight VCT. New investors, who do not benefit as existing investors but who make an application by 20 December 2024, will, however, benefit from the offer costs being reduced by 1.0% of the amount subscribed.

    Net Asset Value and dividends
    As at 30 September 2024, the Company’s NAV per share stood at 42.1p, a decrease of 4.0p (or 8.7%) over the period. After adding back the dividend paid in the period of 1.1p per share, the decrease was 6.3%.

    The Company’s policy is to seek to pay annual dividends of at least 4% of net assets per annum. During the period, on 26 July 2024, the Company paid an interim dividend of 1.1p, taking total dividends paid in respect of the year ended 31 March 2024 up to 2.1p per share, equivalent to 4.1% of the opening net assets of the previous financial year. This took the total dividends paid since the merger with Downing Absolute Income VCT 1 plc, Downing Absolute Income VCT 2 plc, Downing Income VCT plc, Downing Income VCT 3 plc and Downing Income VCT 4 plc in November 2013 to 47.6p per share.

    The Company offers its Shareholders the opportunity to participate in a Dividend Reinvestment Scheme, whereby they may elect to receive shares, credited as fully paid, instead of receiving dividends in cash. If you wish to participate, please contact the registrar, City Partnership, at the details provided on page 30 of the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report.

    Investment performance and portfolio activity
    A detailed analysis of the investment portfolio performance over the period is given in the Investment Adviser’s Review.

    In brief, during the six months under review, the whole portfolio showed investment valuation losses of £9.4 million. Despite this disappointing overall performance, there were some highlights; a total of £2.9 million of proceeds were received from the sale of Data Centre Response Limited, as well as deferred consideration totalling £0.6 million, producing realised gains of £2.2 million. The Investment Adviser also completed two follow-on investments totalling £1.1 million.

    Responsible investing
    The Board notes the commitment of the Investment Adviser, Foresight Group, to being a “Responsible Investor”. Foresight places environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) criteria at the forefront of its business and investment activities in line with best practice and in order to enhance returns for their investors.

    Further detail can be found on page 17 of the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report.

    Special administration of the Company’s custodian of quoted assets
    As previously reported, since September 2020 the Company has used IBP Capital Markets Limited (“IBP”) as custodian for its quoted investments. Appointing a custodian is a requirement of the FCA, and IBP is an FCA authorised and regulated wholesale broker, providing custody services and access to equity and fixed income securities for non-retail clients (which includes the Company).

    On 13 October 2023, the FCA published a supervisory notice under section 55L(3)(a) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, imposing certain restrictions on IBP. On the same date, IBP applied to the High Court and special administrators were appointed.

    As noted in the Annual Report, on 19 July 2024, around 80% of the quoted investment portfolio was returned to the Company, meaning normal management and trading of these positions was resumed. The remaining 20% will be returned following the conclusion of court proceedings, the timing of which is currently anticipated to take place in the second half of 2025, unless additional claims are submitted or the outcome of the court proceedings in terms of a final distribution is any different. The Company will communicate with Shareholders if there is any new information which materially impacts the numbers presented in this report.

    Share buybacks
    The Company continues to operate a policy of buying in its own shares that become available in the market at a 5% discount to NAV (subject to liquidity and regulatory restrictions). Subsequent to the merger, the Board intends to reduce this target discount to 2.5% in future.

    During the period the Company purchased 5,522,581 shares for cancellation at an average discount of 5.0%, which represented 3.1% of shares in issue at the date of the last Annual Report.

    Share buybacks are timed to avoid the Company’s closed periods. Buybacks will generally take place, subject to demand, during the following times of the year:

    • August, after the Annual Report has been published
    • September, prior to the Half-Yearly reporting date of 30 September
    • January, after the Half-Yearly Report has been published
    • March, prior to the end of the financial year

    The Company retains Panmure Liberum as its corporate broker to assist in operating the share buyback process and ensuring that the quoted spread on the Company’s shares remains at a reasonable level. Contact details for Panmure Liberum are on page 30 of the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report.

    Management charges and performance incentive
    The annual management fee is an amount equal to 2.0% of net assets. There is no change to the management fee or secretarial fee post-merger. From 1 October 2024, the Investment Adviser took over responsibility for management of the Quoted Growth portfolio from Downing LLP. The team at Downing LLP continues to advise the Company on the Yield Focused portfolio under a subcontract agreement with Foresight Group LLP.

    A new performance incentive scheme was formally approved by Shareholders as part of the merger on 15 November 2024. This scheme, in brief, means a performance fee would be payable to the Investment Adviser at the end of each performance period, subject to a total return hurdle. The fee would be equal to the lesser of: (i) 20% of distributions attributable to the relevant performance period; or (ii) 20% of the increase in the total return which is higher than the hurdle. The Board believes this new scheme will provide additional motivation for the Investment Adviser to drive enhanced shareholder value.

    Board composition
    As noted in the Annual Report, Chris Kay resigned as a Director of the Company on 6 June 2024. Post period end, Andrew Mackintosh has joined the Board from TV2 subsequent to the merger. Andrew is chair of UKI2S, a government-backed venture capital fund supporting companies from the UK’s scientific research base. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and was awarded a CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to Science and Technology, and to Enterprise Development, and we are delighted to have him on board.

    The Board now comprises four Non-Executive Directors, which the Board considers to be an appropriate number for the current size of the VCT. All of the Directors are independent of the Investment Adviser, with the exception of Chris Allner who is considered non-independent by virtue of being a partner at Downing LLP, the previous investment adviser to the Company, which still provides some services to our new Investment Adviser.

    VCT sunset clause
    I am pleased to report that new regulations have been made to extend the UK’s VCT scheme by ten years to April 2035, following the European Commission’s confirmation that they would not oppose the continuation of the scheme. This now removes any recent uncertainty and will help support further investment by the VCT sector in early-stage companies.

    Outlook
    At the date of the merger the Company’s NAV per share had increased to 42.6p, as a result of valuation uplifts in the Quoted Growth portfolio, as well as favourable exchange rates on our US investments. With an offer for subscription now out to raise further funds, in addition to the cash boost on acquiring the assets of TV2, and a refreshed performance incentive scheme to greater motivate the Investment Adviser, we look forward to seeing an increase in deployment to enhance the portfolio and returns to Shareholders. Whilst the macroeconomic environment has been challenging for the last two years, the Investment Adviser is cautiously optimistic that 2025 will provide more positive conditions for our portfolio companies. The downward trajectory of inflation and interest rates should lead to increasing confidence and encourage investors to return to the market.

    Atul Devani
    Chair

    20 December 2024

    INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REVIEW

    “We present our Investment Adviser’s Review for the six‑month period ended 30 September 2024.”

    Unquoted Growth
    Portfolio summary
    At 30 September 2024, the Company held total unquoted investments of £44.4 million, split £34.5 million Unquoted Growth and £9.9 million Unquoted Yield Focused. Details of the Unquoted Yield Focused portfolio performance are set out on page 8 of the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report.

    The Unquoted Growth portfolio comprises 29 companies, across a range of sectors. Following a challenging period for the year ended 31 March 2024, with the portfolio unfavourably impacted by the downturn of the UK economy, the six months ended 30 September 2024 has been similarly disappointing, resulting in an overall unrealised investment valuation loss of £2.2 million in the portfolio.

    Investment activity
    There were no new investments made during the period ended 30 September 2024. The Company made follow-on investments in two Unquoted Growth companies during the period, totalling £1.1 million:

    FundingXchange Limited (£750,000), a fintech platform delivering SME lenders insights into their portfolios. This investment was made concurrently with a £5.0 million investment from Barclays as part of a £6.0 million round. This transformational investment will allow the company to build on early commercial success and deepen the strategic and commercial relationship with Barclays.

    Rated People Limited (£375,000), an online marketplace connecting homeowners and local tradespeople. This investment allows the strengthened management team to implement the necessary product and operational changes to enable a return to growth and a cash-generative business model.

    There was one realisation during the period ended 30 September 2024:

    DSTBTD Limited (trading as Distributed) was sold for £1 to ILX Group. No proceeds were returned to the Company, which was a disappointing result for the team, but a favourable outcome to an administration process, which was a real possibility after a proposed funding failed to come together.

    Key portfolio developments
    There were some material write downs in the Unquoted Growth portfolio during the period, and some companies have continued to struggle in the challenging macroeconomic environment. However, there have also been some positive movements in valuation. This has resulted in a net total realised and unrealised investment valuation loss of £3.0 million in the period, including £0.7 million in unrealised foreign exchange losses.

    Of the total investment loss, total losses of £6.5 million were offset by gains of £3.5 million. The most significant movements are noted below.

    The largest gain in value was in Ayar Labs, Inc, a silicon photonic chiplet developer used in next-generation AI data centers of the major hyperscalers and cloud-service providers. The valuation increased by £1.9 million, including foreign exchange losses, as a result of a new funding round.

    Other unrealised valuation gains included:

    Rated People Limited, an online marketplace connecting homeowners and local tradespeople, increased in value by £596,000. This was due to a follow-on funding round enhancing the Company’s share of proceeds on any liquidity event. It is also worth noting that the company is now trading profitably and under new leadership.

    Carbice Corporation, Inc has developed a suite of products based on its carbon material, used primarily as thermal management solutions to enable greater thermal conductivity. The valuation increased by £401,000, including foreign exchange losses, as a result of the recent closure of a funding round that increases the prospect of growth and, ultimately, a positive realisation for investors.

    Four other companies in the Unquoted Growth portfolio made up investment valuation gains of £603,000.

    There were also a number of valuation losses reported in the period. The greatest loss was in Cambridge Touch Technologies Ltd, a company developing pressure sensitive multi-touch technology, which reduced in value by £1.9 million as a result of a challenging funding environment for deep tech companies. As noted above, DSTBTD Limited (trading as Distributed) was sold for £1 to ILX Group during the period. No proceeds were returned to the Company, resulting in a realised loss of £775,000.

    Other investment valuation losses included:

    Vivacity Labs Limited, a provider of Artificial Intelligence sensors to monitor and control traffic flows, was written down to nil value in the period, a decrease in value of £960,000, following a new funding round. The investment round (that we chose not to participate in) generated penal terms for shareholders not participating in the funding round and resulted in the write down.

    Masters of Pie Limited, developer of “Radical”, a software solution that enables remote sharing and collaboration on large data sets, was reduced by £700,000 as a result of a challenging period for the company from a trading perspective. It is hoped that this situation will improve in Q4 2024, albeit the position remains challenging.

    Virtual Class Ltd (trading as Third Space Learning), a platform offering personalised online lessons from specialist tutors, decreased in carrying value by £466,000, driven by significant budgetary pressure experienced by UK schools, a key customer group. It is hoped that early international sales (in the US) will somewhat offset challenges in the UK market.

    Parsable, Inc., a provider of software to improve operational efficiencies in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, has seen a valuation decrease of £460,000, including foreign exchange losses. During the period, an offer to acquire Parsable was received that, whilst at a valuation lower than we expected, was accepted by the Board, and the valuation has been aligned with anticipated proceeds.

    Bulbshare Limited, a company that enables brands to build communities from their existing customers to gather consumer insights, was exited post period end. The valuation was reduced by £371,000 in line with the exit proceeds received.

    Trinny London Limited, a multi-channel female beauty and skincare brand, was reduced in value by £354,000 due to a decline in comparable market valuation multiples. Despite this, the business increased revenue during the period and remains profitable.

    CommerceIQ, Inc., the pioneer in helping brands win on retail e-commerce channels, decreased by £221,000 in the period, including foreign exchange losses. Whilst CommerceIQ’s revenues increased during the period, market valuations for similar businesses declined and, consequently, the valuation fall is a reflection of wider market conditions.

    Four other companies in the Unquoted Growth portfolio made up valuation losses of £340,000. Aside from Vivacity Labs Limited, no other investments were written down to nil during the period.

    Post period end activity
    After the period end, the Company completed two new investments totalling £1.6 million into Dragonfly Technology Solutions Ltd (£600,000), a predictive analytics business, and Alison Technologies Ltd (£978,000), a developer of an innovative AI marketing insights tool. The Company also completed two follow-on investments totalling £1.1 million into Maestro Media Limited (£750,000) and Virtual Class Ltd (£300,000). The Company received £1.1 million in proceeds from the exit of Bulbshare Limited in October.

    At the date of the merger, the Unquoted Growth portfolio had seen positive foreign exchange movements totalling £421,000.

    Outlook
    Whilst the macroeconomic environment has been challenging for the last two years, we are cautiously optimistic that 2025 will provide more positive conditions for our portfolio companies. The downward trajectory of inflation and interest rates should lead to increasing confidence and encourage investors to return to the market. From an exit perspective, the IPO market is unlikely to open up in the short term, but we are seeing signs that PE and trade buyers will be more active in 2025, offering potential liquidity opportunities for portfolio companies.

    In addition to the anticipated improved macro environment, we believe the merger with Thames Ventures VCT 2 plc has created a company well placed for success, with a very clear investment mandate (exclusively investing in private technology businesses) and benefiting from more streamlined company reporting and administration.

    Foresight Group LLP
    20 December 2024

    Yield Focused portfolio
    Downing LLP continues to advise the Company on the Unquoted Yield Focused portfolio under a subcontract from Foresight Group LLP.

    Downing presents a review of the Yield Focused portfolio for the six months ended 30 September 2024. At the period end, the Yield Focused portfolio consisted of seven active investments, all of which are unquoted, with a total value of £9.9 million.

    Divestment activity
    During the period, the focus was on investment realisations from the Yield Focused portfolio, which resulted in proceeds of £2.9 million from the exit of Data Centre Response Limited, a provider of power solutions and maintenance services to data centres. There were no new or follow-on investments.

    Realisations in the period ended 30 September 2024

        Total Cost at date Exit Total
        invested of disposal proceeds return
    Company Detail (£) (£) (£) (£)
    Data Centre Response Limited Full disposal 557,441 557,441 2,916,694 2,916,694

    Key portfolio developments
    The Yield Focused portfolio reduced in value by £113,000 during the period, with one company, Data Centre Response Limited, recognising a gain of £494,000 on exit, as noted above, and four companies recognising unrealised losses of £607,000:

    Pilgrim Trading Limited, an operator and owner of two children’s nurseries in West London, decreased in value by £437,000 after two periods of unsuccessful marketing proved the last independent valuation of the business to be unachievable in current market conditions. Consequently, the independent valuation has now been heavily discounted.

    Kimbolton Lodge Limited, a nursing and care home in Bedfordshire, decreased in value by £67,000 to bring the valuation in line with the anticipated proceeds from a sale process that is currently underway.

    Doneloans Limited, which holds a portfolio of secured loans, decreased in value by £67,000 driven by the cost of its own funding marginally exceeding interest receivable from its borrowers.

    SF Renewables (Solar) Limited, which built and operates a solar plant in India, was reduced by £36,000 in line with the exit proceeds received post period end.

    Outlook
    With one exit during the period and another shortly after period end, there were six investments remaining in the Yield Focused portfolio at the time of writing. Downing is actively seeking to progress exits from both Kimbolton Lodge and Pilgrim Trading, though the latter is currently looking less likely to materialise. Given current market conditions, sales of the higher value, hotel-related investments, Baron House Developments and Cadbury House Holdings, are expected to take some time to complete. The recovery of value from Doneloans is linked largely to the sale of Pilgrim Trading, which is the lender’s largest loan, but additional recoveries are anticipated from other borrowers over the next 12 months.

    Downing LLP and Foresight Group LLP
    20 December 2024

    Quoted Growth portfolio
    For the six months to 30 September 2024, Downing LLP continued to advise the Company on the Quoted Growth portfolio under a subcontract from Foresight Group LLP. From 1 October 2024, Foresight Group LLP took on full responsibility for management of the Quoted Growth portfolio.

    Investment activity
    Markets continued to be volatile through the reporting period. The impending Budget dominated market behaviours, particularly the FTSE AIM Index, where fears over an abolition of IHT reliefs on AIM shares adversely affected the market. In the end, this fear was overcooked, and the FTSE AIM All Share rallied 4% on the day of the Budget, as it was announced that reliefs on AIM shares would remain, albeit at half the relief previously enjoyed. Since the Budget, the new concern has been focused on the impact of National Insurance increases, which have weighed heavily on UK Small and Mid-Cap companies. There is a general acceptance that inflation will still be a looming threat and hence interest rates will remain higher for longer.

    There were no investments or realisations made during the six months to 30 September 2024.

    Key portfolio developments
    At 30 September 2024, the Quoted Growth portfolio was valued at £13.4 million, comprising 36 active investments. Over the six-month period, the portfolio produced net valuation losses of £4.7 million, offset by £3.8 million received in dividends from the portfolio. Two companies, valued at £78,000 at year end, have been written down to nil during the period.

    The most significant loss was incurred in Tracsis plc, a provider of transport technology, which saw valuation losses of £2.4 million during the period due to a profit warning, citing delays on rail infrastructure spend incurred due to the early election. This was exacerbated by contract delays in their US business.

    This was offset by valuation gains elsewhere in the portfolio, where Anpario plc, a specialist manufacturer and distributor of natural sustainable feed additives for animal health, nutrition and biosecurity, increased by £680,000 net of £46,000 dividends received, reflecting an improvement in trading post supply chain issues experienced during the inflationary period post covid.

    A net gain of £615,000 was made in Downing Strategic Micro‑Cap Investment Trust plc, where special dividends of £3.7 million were made during the period, as part of the managed wind-down of the Trust. Since the period end, a further special dividend of 2.2p, equating to £133,000, has been received by the Company.

    Meanwhile Cohort plc, the parent company of six businesses providing a wide range of services and products for British, Portuguese and other international customers in defence and security markets, booked an unrealised gain of £558,000. This mirrored profit upgrades, contract renewals and strong financial results. This momentum has continued post period end.

    As at 17 December 2024, the valuation of the Quoted Growth portfolio had decreased by £226,000 (-1.7%).

    IBP Capital Markets Limited
    As noted in the Annual Report, the Company recovered c.80% of its total Quoted Growth portfolio on 19 July 2024, with the remaining c.20% to be recovered following court proceedings, currently anticipated to take place in the second half of 2025. Up until July, the ability to trade the portfolio continued to be restricted and hence there has been limited ability to manage exposures within the portfolio. The Company is now able to trade its positions, having been unable to do so since October 2023.

    Post-period end activity
    Post period end, ahead of the Budget, shares were sold in 14 of the Company’s Quoted Growth portfolio holdings. Notably, holdings in Anpario plc and Craneware plc were reduced, as well as in Impact Healthcare REIT plc, a non-qualifying holding. As previously communicated to Shareholders, the strategy going forward is to realise the Quoted Growth portfolio over time, which will free up funds to be redeployed into Unquoted Growth holdings.

    Outlook
    A number of the Quoted Growth companies in the portfolio have been consistently overoptimistic about hitting milestones for product development, revenues and ultimately profits. Given competition for capital amongst the wider portfolio of venture capital holdings, Foresight took the difficult decision to reduce a number of these positions. Achieving a total sale of individual holdings has not been possible, given that 20% of the Company’s Quoted Growth assets are still tied up in the custodian IBP Capital Markets Limited (“IBP”), which remains in special measures. While this is frustrating, as it does not allow portfolio management to be conducted across the entire portfolio should changes need to be made, we are able to make them to substantially all of the holdings.

    The Quoted Growth holdings have reduced as a percentage of the Company’s total assets, but we firmly believe that by making these changes we have increased the overall quality and see an encouraging future, despite an uncertain macroeconomic background.

    Downing LLP and Foresight Group LLP
    20 December 2024

    UNAUDITED HALF-YEARLY RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENTS

    Principal risks and uncertainties
    The principal risks faced by the Company are as follows:

    • Investment performance
    • Regulatory
    • Operational
    • Economic, political and other external factors

    The Board reported on the principal and emerging risks and uncertainties faced by the Company in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024. A detailed explanation can be found on pages 26 to 28 of the Annual Report and Accounts, which is available on the Investment Adviser’s website www.foresightgroup.eu/products/foresight-ventures-vct-plc or by writing to Foresight Group at The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG.

    In the view of the Board, there have been no changes to the fundamental nature of these risks since the previous report and these principal risks and uncertainties are equally applicable to the remaining six months of the financial year as they were to the six months under review.

    Directors’ responsibility statement
    The Disclosure and Transparency Rules (“DTR”) of the UK Listing Authority require the Directors to confirm their responsibilities in relation to the preparation and publication of the Half-Yearly Financial Report.

    The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that:

       a)   The summarised set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with FRS 104
       b)   The interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year)
       c)   The summarised set of financial statements gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company as required by DTR 4.2.4R
       d)   The interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties’ transactions and changes therein)

    Going concern
    The Company’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position, are set out in the Strategic Report of the Annual Report. The financial position of the Company, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the Chair’s Statement, Strategic Report and Notes to the Accounts of the 31 March 2024 Annual Report. In addition, the Annual Report includes the Company’s objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk.

    The Company has adequate financial resources at the period end and holds a diversified portfolio of investments. As a consequence, the Directors believe that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks successfully.

    The Directors have reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the half-yearly financial statements.

    The Half-Yearly Financial Report has not been audited nor reviewed by the auditors.

    On behalf of the Board

    Atul Devani
    Chair

    20 December 2024

    UNAUDITED INCOME STATEMENT
    For the six months ended 30 September 2024

      Six months ended
    30 September 2024
    (Unaudited)    		 Six months ended
    30 September 2023
    (Unaudited)    		 Year ended
    31 March 2024
    (Audited)
     
     
      Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
      £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    Realised gains/(losses) on investments — 2,202 2,202 — (5,203) (5,203) — (8,015) (8,015)
    Investment holding (losses)/gains — (10,311) (10,311) — 1,028 1,028 — 3,465 3,465
    Income 4,187 — 4,187 1,065 — 1,065 906 — 906
    Investment management fees (404) (404) (808) (449) (449) (898) (863) (863) (1,726)
    Other expenses (482) — (482) (376) — (376) (1,346) — (1,346)
    Return/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 3,301 (8,513) (5,212) 240 (4,624) (4,384) (1,303) (5,413) (6,716)
    Taxation — — — (24) 24 — — — —
    Return/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation 3,301 (8,513) (5,212) 216 (4,600) (4,384) (1,303) (5,413) (6,716)
    Return/(loss) per share 1.9p (4.8)p (2.9)p 0.1p (2.5)p (2.4)p (0.7)p (3.1)p (3.8)p

    The total columns of this statement are the profit and loss account of the Company and the revenue and capital columns represent supplementary information.

    All revenue and capital items in the above Income Statement are derived from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued in the period.

    The Company has no recognised gains or losses other than those shown above, therefore no separate statement of total recognised gains and losses has been presented.

    The Company has only one class of business and one reportable segment, the results of which are set out in the Income Statement and Balance Sheet.

    There are no potentially dilutive capital instruments in issue and, therefore, no diluted earnings per share figures are relevant. The basic and diluted earnings per share are, therefore, identical.

    UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS
    For the six months ended 30 September 2024

      Called-up Share
    premium    		 Capital redemption Special Capital Revaluation Revenue  
      share capital account reserve reserve reserve reserve reserve Total
      £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    As at 1 April 2024 1,775 2,522 71 86,901 (10,791) 6,057 (4,619) 81,916
    Share issues in the period 7 301 — — — — — 308
    Expenses in relation to share issues — (46) — — — — — (46)
    Repurchase of shares (55) — 55 (2,340) — — — (2,340)
    Realised gains on disposal of investments — — — — 2,202 — — 2,202
    Investment holding losses — — — — — (10,311) — (10,311)
    Dividends paid — — — — (1,953) — — (1,953)
    Management fees charged to capital — — — — (404) — — (404)
    Revenue return before taxation for the period — — — — — — 3,301 3,301
    Taxation for the period — — — — — — — —
    As at 30 September 2024 1,727 2,777 126 84,561 (10,946) (4,254) (1,318) 72,673

    Distributable reserves at 30 September 2024 total £51,490,000 (31 March 2024: £58,151,000).

    UNAUDITED BALANCE SHEET
    As at 30 September 2024

    Registered number: 03150868

      As at As at As at
      30 September 30 September 31 March
      2024 2023 2024
      (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
      £’000 £’000 £’000
    Fixed assets      
    Investments held at fair value through profit or loss 57,746 65,871 67,393
    Current assets      
    Debtors 8,467 7,393 7,570
    Cash and cash equivalents 7,097 13,580 7,559
    Total current assets 15,564 20,973 15,129
    Creditors      
    Amounts falling due within one year (637) (1,077) (606)
    Net current assets 14,927 19,896 14,523
    Net assets 72,673 85,767 81,916
    Capital and reserves      
    Called-up share capital 1,727 1,770 1,775
    Share premium account 2,777 2,252 2,522
    Capital redemption reserve 126 71 71
    Special reserve 84,561 85,122 86,901
    Capital reserve (10,946) (5,627) (10,791)
    Revaluation reserve (4,254) 3,619 6,057
    Revenue reserve (1,318) (1,440) (4,619)
    Equity shareholders’ funds 72,673 85,767 81,916
    Net Asset Value per share 42.1p 48.5p 46.1p

    UNAUDITED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
    For the six months ended 30 September 2024

      Six months ended Six months ended Year ended
      30 September 30 September 31 March
      2024 2023 2024
      (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
      £’000 £’000 £’000
    Cash flow from operating activities      
    Loss on ordinary activities after taxation (5,212) (4,384) (6,716)
    Loss on investments 8,109 4,175 4,550
    Increase in debtors (1,768) (891) (1,134)
    Increase in creditors 59 82 304
    Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 1,188 (1,018)  (2,996)
    Cash flow from investing activities      
    Purchase of investments (1,125) (2,209) (4,394)
    Net proceeds on sale of investments 2,917 3,295 3,433
    Net proceeds on deferred consideration 543 419 637
    Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities 2,335 1,505 (324)
    Cash flows from financing activities      
    Proceeds of fundraising — 1,586 1,585
    Expenses of fundraising — (7) (7)
    Repurchase of own shares (2,340) (2,270) (2,964)
    Equity dividends paid (1,645) (1,498) (3,017)
    Net cash outflow from financing activities (3,985) (2,189) (4,403)
    Net outflow of cash in the period (462) (1,702) (7,723)
    Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds      
    Decrease in cash and cash equivalents for the period (462) (1,702) (7,723)
    Net cash and cash equivalents at start of period 7,559 15,282 15,282
    Net cash and cash equivalents at end of period 7,097 13,580 7,559

    Analysis of changes in net debt

      As at
    1 April 2024
    £’000    		 Cash flow
    £’000    		 At 30 September
    2024
    £’000
     
     
    Cash and cash equivalents 7,559 (462) 7,097

    NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED HALF-YEARLY RESULTS
    For the six months ended 30 September 2024

    1
    The Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report has been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the statutory accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2024. Unquoted investments have been valued in accordance with IPEV Valuation Guidelines.

    2
    These are not statutory accounts in accordance with s436 of the Companies Act 2006 and the financial information for the six months ended 30 September 2024 and 30 September 2023 has been neither audited nor formally reviewed. Statutory accounts in respect of the year ended 31 March 2024 have been audited and reported on by the Company’s auditor and delivered to the Registrar of Companies and included the report of the auditor which was unqualified and did not contain a statement under s498(2) or s498(3) of the Companies Act 2006. No statutory accounts in respect of any period after 31 March 2024 have been reported on by the Company’s auditor or delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

    3
    Copies of the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report will be sent to Shareholders via their chosen method and will be available for inspection at the Registered Office of the Company at The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG.

    4 Net Asset Value per share
    The Net Asset Value per share is based on net assets at the end of the period and on the number of shares in issue at the date.

        Number of shares
      Net assets in issue
    30 September 2024 £72,673,000 172,715,260
    30 September 2023 £85,767,000 176,968,887
    31 March 2024 £81,916,000 177,546,529

    5 Return per share
    The weighted average number of shares used to calculate the respective returns are shown in the table below.

      Number of shares
    Six months ended 30 September 2024 176,320,908
    Six months ended 30 September 2023 179,310,912
    Year ended 31 March 2024 178,234,061

    Earnings for the period should not be taken as a guide to the results for the full year.

    6 Income

      Six months ended Six months ended Year ended
      30 September 30 September 31 March
      2024 2023 2024
      £’000 £’000 £’000
    Income from investments      
    Loan stock interest 240 920 424
    Dividend income 3,827 145 415
      4,067 1,065 839
    Other income 120 — 67
      4,187 1,065 906

    7 Investments held at fair value through profit or loss

      Unquoted Growth
    investments
    £’000    		 Unquoted
    Yield Focused
    investments
    £’000    		 Quoted Growth
    investments
    £’000    		 Total
    £’000
     
     
     
    Book cost at 1 April 2024 39,760 13,651 23,241 76,652
    Investment holding losses at 1 April 2024 (3,374) (751) (5,134) (9,259)
    Valuation at 1 April 2024 36,386 12,900 18,107 67,393
    Movements in the period:        
    Purchases 1,125 — — 1,125
    Disposal proceeds — (2,917) — (2,917)
    Realised (losses)/gains on disposals1 (775) 2,360 — 1,585
    Foreign exchange losses (669) — — (669)
    Investment holding losses2 (1,554) (2,473) (4,744) (8,771)
    Valuation at 30 September 2024 34,513 9,870 13,363 57,746
    Book cost at 30 September 2024 40,110 13,094 23,241 76,445
    Investment holding losses at 30 September 2024 (5,597) (3,224) (9,878) (18,699)
    Valuation at 30 September 2024 34,513 9,870 13,363 57,746
    1. Realised gains on investments in the Income Statement include realised gains relating to deferred consideration receipts totalling £617,000 from StorageOS Inc (£419,000), Efundamentals Group Limited (£96,000), Firefly Learning Limited (£74,000), DIA Imaging Analysis Limited (£14,000) and Imagen Limited (£14,000).
    2. Investment holding losses in the Income Statement include unrealised losses which are a result of the deferred consideration debtor decrease of £871,000. The debtor movement reflects the recognition of amounts receivable in respect of DIA Imaging Analysis Limited (£45,000) and Firefly Learning Limited (£8,000), offset by receipts in respect of StorageOS Inc (£419,000), Efundamentals Group Limited (£96,000), Firefly Learning Limited (£74,000), Imagen Limited (£14,000) and DIA Imaging Analysis Limited (£14,000). Amounts were previously recognised as receivable but written down at 30 September 2024 in respect of Efundamentals Group Limited (£295,000), JRNI Limited (£8,000) and Imagen Limited (£4,000).

    8 Contingencies, guarantees and financial commitments
    As outlined in note 17 to the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024, the Company has used IBP Capital Markets Limited (“IBP”) as custodian for its quoted investments since September 2020. Appointing a custodian is a requirement of the FCA; IBP is an FCA authorised and regulated wholesale broker, providing custody services and access to equity and fixed income securities for non-retail clients (which includes the Company). On 13 October 2023, the FCA published a supervisory notice under section 55L(3)(a) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, imposing certain restrictions on IBP. On the same date, IBP applied to the High Court and special administrators were appointed.

    During the period since, the Investment Adviser has been actively collaborating with the special administrators to reach a resolution, which has involved reconciling quoted stocks held with IBP (“Custody Assets”) and cash held with IBP (“Client Money”). As at 13 October 2023, the Company held Client Money of £1.1 million (1.2% of indicative NAV on the same date), and Custody Assets of £16.9 million (19.5% of indicative NAV on the same date).

    With regard to Custody Assets, whilst the final outcome remains subject to change, particularly as additional claims may be made, there have so far been two differences of value identified, together totalling a variance of £0.28 million, which was provided for at 31 March 2024. It was announced on 17 May 2024 that the special administrators would be making an interim distribution of 80% of eligible Custody Assets, and the transfer of these to the new custodian completed on 19 July 2024. The Company is now able to trade these assets on the quoted market. The remaining 20% withheld will be distributed as part of a Final Court Approved Distribution Plan, unless additional claims are made resulting in a break.

    With regard to Client Money, a progress report was released on 12 April 2024 which identified a potential 44% cash shortfall equating to £0.46 million of Client Money held by the Company which was provided for at 31 March 2024. Any further deduction for fees relating to the special administration process is unknown at this point, but from the information available these are anticipated to be in the region of £0.14 million payable by the Company. These fees were accrued for as at 31 March 2024 and there has been no further adjustment to this estimate. The total potential exposure based on information available to date is therefore currently estimated to be £0.88 million, representing 1.2% of NAV at 30 September 2024.

    As noted, the outcome remains subject to change with the final distribution plan being shared following the court proceedings. Timing of this is currently anticipated to take place in the second half of 2025. The Company will communicate with Shareholders if there is any new information which materially impacts the numbers presented in this report.

    9 Related party transactions
    No Director has an interest in any contract to which the Company is a party other than their appointment and payment as Directors.

    10 Transactions with the Investment Adviser
    Details of arrangements with Foresight Group LLP are given in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024, in the Directors’ Report and notes 4 and 5. All arrangements and transactions were on an arm’s length basis.

    Foresight Group LLP was appointed as Investment Adviser on 4 July 2022 and earned fees of £808,000 during the period to 30 September 2024 (30 September 2023: £898,000; 31 March 2024: £1,726,000).

    Foresight Group LLP is the Company Secretary (appointed on 1 September 2023) and received, for accounting and company secretarial services, fees of £75,000 during the period to 30 September 2024 (30 September 2023: £80,000; 31 March 2024: £156,000).

    At the balance sheet date there was £nil due to Foresight Group LLP (30 September 2023: £nil; 31 March 2024: £nil).

    11 Post-balance sheet events
    On 5 November 2024, the Company purchased for cancellation 2,197,967 ordinary shares of 1p at a gross price of 42.37p per share.

    On 15 November 2024, the Company merged with Thames Ventures VCT 2 plc (“TV2”). A total of 86,637,164 shares in the Company were issued to TV2 shareholders at the price of 42.629237024071200p per share. Following this allotment, the Company redesignated 147,531,473 of its issued ordinary shares as deferred shares, which were immediately repurchased and cancelled in order to re-base the NAV per share of each of ordinary share to 100.0p.

    A copy of the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism in accordance with UK Listing Rules (“UKLR”)11.4.1 / UKLR 6.4.1 and UKLR 6.4.3.

    END

    For further information, please contact:

    Company Secretary
    Foresight Group LLP
    Contact: Stephen Thayer Tel: 0203 667 8100

    Investor Relations
    Foresight Group LLP
    Contact: Andrew James Tel: 0203 667 8181

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/THAILAND – Appointment of the new Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Thailand

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Friday, 20 December 2024

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On December 6, 2024, Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for the first Evangelization and New Particular Churches), appointed, Father Peter Piyachart Makornkhanp, of the Archdiocese of Bangkok, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Thailand for five years.The new director of the Thai PMS is 63 years old and was ordained a priest in 1990. He attended the St. Joseph Seminary in Sempran (1979-1982) and subsequently that of the Holy Family. He obtained a degree in philosophy and religious studies at the Saengtham Institute at the Sampran Campus and a master’s degree from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. From 1990 to date he has carried out various ministries, covering the role of parish priest and pastoral assistant in various communities of his Archdiocese, of which he was Vicar General from 2020 to April 2024. Since April 2024 he has worked in the office for the missionary pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Bangkok and is parish priest of the Holy Rosary Church. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 20/12/2024)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Nursing Graduates its Largest BS/CEIN Nursing Class

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts was packed with family, friends, and supporters of this year’s largest BS/Certificate of Entry into Nursing (CEIN) graduating class on Tuesday, Dec. 17. 

    CEIN students go from having a bachelor’s degree in another field to becoming a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in Connecticut in just one year. It is a rigorous accelerated program, (the longest-running one of its kind in the state), that provides a pathway for students of all ages and backgrounds to join the nursing profession. 

    Achieving this feat in such a compact time frame requires an enormous level of dedication, especially for students who are returning to higher education after a gap period, caretaking, or working – sometimes all three. 

    The program is offered in Storrs as well as at three of UConn’s regional campuses – Stamford, Waterbury, and Avery Point – and runs from January to December. 

    Class of 2024 BS/CEIN graduates enjoying some sun before heading onto stage

    This cohort was the 22nd accelerated nursing class to graduate from the School of Nursing. In keeping with tradition, the ceremony began with a greeting from Del Siegle, Ph.D., MS, BS, University Marshal who serves as the Lynn and Ray Neag Endowed Chair for Talent Development. 

    The School of Nursing’s Dean Victoria Vaughan Dickson, Ph.D., RN, FAHA, FAAN led the processional welcome and introduced this year’s commencement speaker Lucinda Canty, Ph.D., CNM, FACNM, FAAN, FADLN, recipient of the Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award.  

    We chose to be nurses. We chose to be the ones in scrubs, the ones at the bedside, the ones who care deeply and serve selflessly. – David Broughton, ’24 (NUR), CEIN Class President

    This year’s Pellegrina (Peggy) Lacovella Stolfi Clinical Teaching Awards went to Melissa Rembish, MSN, RN-BC, (Health Assessment Instructor); Sherene Fagon, RN, MSN, C-EFM, (Population-based Course Instructor); and Lori-Anne Lowry, MSN, RN-CVBC, CNL, (Adult Care/Community Health Instructor). 

    CEIN’s class president, David Broughton, delivered a speech of encouragement and hope to his fellow graduates. “We’re ready not only because we’ve gained the knowledge and skills, but because we have the resilience, the heart, and the support of each other,” Broughton said. “Yet, in a world filled with choices, we all found our way to the same path. We chose to be nurses. We chose to be the ones in scrubs, the ones at the bedside, the ones who care deeply and serve selflessly.” 

    Students from all four campuses lined up to enter the stage and receive their pins – some from family members, friends, and spouses. Elizabeth Mayerson, DNP, FNP-BC, CNE, president of the Sigma Theta Tau Mu Chapter, presented the candidates; over 80 CEIN students (more than half) were inducted into this international honor society in November, which has more than 10,000 active members worldwide. 

     

    Nine students received acknowledgement for their veteran or active-duty service, and students with a 4.0 GPA, (who are automatic members of the American Holistic Nurses Association), were recognized for their excellence in academic achievement. The Sigma student award was received by Stamford student Morgan Moltzau. 

    As you transition from nursing student to professional nurse, always remember that you are UConn nurses, our best and our brightest, and that we will always be proud of you. – Dean Victoria Vaughan Dickson

    After each student crossed the stage, the UConn Nursing PRAXIS pledge was led by president of the School of Nursing alumni board, Diana Filipek-Oberg, BSN. Vice provost for health sciences, Amy Gorin, Ph.D., followed with the time-honored Conferral of Degrees before closing remarks by Dean Dickson. 

    Dean Dickson imparted a message of pride and inspiration as these students enter the next chapter in their nursing journey. “As UConn nurses, you are essential to the future of nursing and of health care,” she said. “You are well-prepared to care for individuals, families, and communities from diverse backgrounds to optimize well-being. As you transition from nursing student to professional nurse, always remember that you are UConn nurses, our best and our brightest, and that we will always be proud of you.” 

    She went on to say, “Graduates – I charge you now to fully assume the responsibilities of your new status … to build upon the foundation of knowledge through a commitment to lifelong learning and to seek out opportunities through practice and service to exemplify the vision of UConn Nursing: innovative, evidence-based, and caring nurses transforming health care and promoting health equity for all.”

    In response, the words of class president David Broughton ring true. “We are the UConn Husky Nurses, today, tomorrow, and forever, and we carry that pride with us as we step forward into our futures.” 

    To learn more about UConn’s second bachelor’s degree in nursing program, visit Home | Certificate Entry into Nursing (CEIN) Program. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Three Business Students Attend Top International Climate Conference: A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Junior Chapal Bhavsar is interested in big, sustainable-technology projects, including the creation of climate-friendly power plants, and is eager to use his finance knowledge to find ways to fund their construction.

    As one of 14 UConn students, and five faculty and staff, to attend the United Nation’s Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan last month, Bhavsar met many people—including some international power figures—who share his ideology.

    “At COP, I wanted to connect with people in the business space. I went in with an open mind and was happy to talk to anyone. I was in the room with the Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan and with a Saudi delegation working on a clean-energy pipeline. It was fascinating to talk about how financing is changing in the sector, with private industry replacing government entities to advance these projects.’’

    “Perhaps the highlight was being able to connect with the U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mark Libby,’’ Bhavsar said. “He’s from Southbury and I grew up in Danbury, so we had that in common. I was excited to connect with someone who is so key in the climate-protection movement, a top guy who is very successful. He invited us to a roundtable where he answered all kinds of questions.’’

    Bhavsar was joined by two other UConn business students, senior Jackie Flaherty, who is majoring in marketing and urban and community studies and minoring in geographic information science; and senior Naiiya Patel, who is studying accounting, with minors in philosophy, and social responsibility and impact in business. All three are members of the UConn Honors program.

    ‘Committed to Purposeful Change’

    Arminda Kamphausen, director for Global & Sustainability Initiatives at the School of Business, said the COP 29 conference offered students an extraordinary experience. UConn business students have been participating since 2021.

    “This once-in-a-lifetime experience ticks all the boxes: international travel, cultural awareness, and growth through exposure to and interaction with critical real-world issues,’’ she said. “The conversations I have had with these students since their return underscores the importance of experiential learning to a complete education. I am so glad we prioritize that here at the UConn School of Business.’’

    “The conversations also reinforce my hope in this generation of young people who are committed to purposeful change and positive impact. Experiences like this give them the tools they need to do just that,’’ she said.

    Kamphausen said the UConn Office of Sustainability deserves credit for its work to make this adventure happen, and particularly for its ability to arrange for our students to enter the exclusive arena where the most meaningful negotiations occur.

    Sustainable Initiatives That Could Apply to Gampel

    Patel enjoyed the conference and said one of the highlights for her was having the opportunity to meet the former President of Finland, Tarja Halonen. She told Halonen how much she enjoyed her presentation on the importance of a greener future and need to act decisively.

    “It was very cool; I never expected to meet someone so important,’’ Patel said.

    Patel said she arrived at COP 29 thinking that she would focus on youth impact and teaching, but found many other interests there as well.

    “The themes covered so many fascinating topics from water security to biodiversity to transportation and tourism. It felt so cool because so much of it could be applied right here at UConn,’’ she said.

    Patel was intrigued by a presentation from an executive with the Liverpool soccer team, who talked about initiatives to keep the facility and the patron experience more sustainable and climate friendly.

    “I thought it would be a great match at UConn and perhaps we could adopt some of those ideas at Gampel,’’ she said. “It was an interesting conference and I didn’t expect that much access to information nor to be around so many important people. Every day there were new panels and an amazing schedule of events. I loved the freedom to seek the information that was of most interest to me.’’

    Patel’s professional interests include business, sustainability and education. She hopes to work for one of the Big 4 accounting firms, and said having knowledge about climate-change initiatives will be an advantage in securing her first job and advancing in the industry.

    Flaherty Built New Network of Friends, Colleagues

    Flaherty has worked in the Office of Sustainability in various capacities since she came to UConn.

    “My interest began senior year in high school when I took environmental science and human geography courses,’’ she said. “I really enjoy both communicating information and working with people.’’

    The trip to COP 29 was particularly enjoyable for Flaherty, who hasn’t traveled extensively. She loved both the food and the people. “I also enjoyed meeting representatives from around the world and hearing their perspectives,’’ she said.

    She hopes to work in sustainable urban planning or communications following graduation.

    “This will be such a nice experience to talk about in my future career. I’m so grateful to UConn to have offered this opportunity. It is so important going forward in my career to have had this experience,’’ she said. “I also found a great new network of UConn friends to build both professional relationships and friendships.’’

    One of the things that surprised her was seeing oil companies and other lobbyists at the event.

    Flaherty and her peers both wished that the conference had generated more substantial change, as the 2015 COP agreement did, resulting in the Paris Agreement. But only about 20 percent of the original finance goals were adopted at the conference.

    “At first, I was very disappointed in the outcome. But now I think it is important to focus on what we can do in our communities and to push local leaders to advocate and pressure for national initiatives and investments,’’ Flaherty said.

    “Regardless of some frustrations, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be able to interact with people from around the world and it was tremendously eye-opening,’’ she added.

    Bhavsar, a Fulbright scholar with a particular interest in banking and analyst roles, said he still felt optimistic after the event. “Its important that we make progress. It can always be better but it is a big step to make and build connections,’’ he said. “I think these nations are on the right track and moving in the right direction.’’

    Bhavsar said he will long remember the people he met at the conference and in the country, visiting a palace, a fire temple, a mosque and exploring Baku.

    “UConn support helped us attend COP but also have a tremendous cultural experience as well,’’ he said. “I met one guy who went home and got his brother, who spoke English and could translate for us. We all went out for tea! The Azerbaijani people are very, very nice.’’

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lee’s Summit Teacher Charged with Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Lee’s Summit West High School teacher has been charged in federal court on charges related to child pornography.

    Seth Brummond, 37, of Greenwood, Mo., was charged in a two-count criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, Dec. 19.  Brummond will have his initial court appearance this afternoon.

    The federal criminal complaint charges Brummond with one count of distributing child pornography over the internet and one count of possessing child pornography from September 1 to December 18, 2024.

    According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Lee’s Summit police officers received a Cyber Tip on Sept. 8, 2024, that a user (later identified as Brummond) had uploaded 12 videos of child pornography via the Kik Messenger application.

    On Thursday, Dec. 19, Lee’s Summit law enforcement officers placed Brummond’s residence under surveillance for the purpose of serving federal search warrants. Officers followed Brummond when he left his house and at about 6 a.m. officers conducted a traffic stop and placed Brummond under arrest. Officers seized his iPhone as well as a computer tower that was in the trunk of his car.

    The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department.

    Project Safe Childhood

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Christmas can be stressful for many people – here’s what can help you get through the festive season

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jolel Miah, Senior Lecturer, Health Psychology, University of Westminster

    Stress during the holidays doesn’t have to be inevitable. Kaspars Grinvalds/ Shutterstock

    Christmas is a season of joy and togetherness. But for many, it’s also one of the most stressful times of the year.

    Stress arises from an imbalance between the demands placed on us and our ability to cope with those demands. Psychologically, stress is linked to how we cope in situations – and whether we view them as challenging, threatening or manageable. The more challenging or threatening we see a situation to be, the more likely we are to feel stressed out.

    It makes sense, then, that Christmas is such as stressful time of year for many.

    The pressure to make the holidays “perfect”, spending more money than we perhaps should to fulfil expectations, the struggle to balance work and study commitments with holiday shopping, decorating and socialising can leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

    For others, Christmas highlights feelings of loneliness, grief or estrangement from loved ones. The season can be a painful reminder of lost relationships, financial hardships, or unmet life goals – and this can amplify feelings of inadequacy or sadness.

    Family visits can also bring tension as we’re forced to interact with relatives whose views or habits may clash – leading to conflicts or rehashing unresolved disputes.

    But while some stress during the holidays is inevitable, there are many things you can do to cope – and even prevent this stress in the first place.

    Plan ahead

    When our brains know what to expect, they require less energy to find solutions. This makes it easier to navigate any challenges we may face. And by planning or thinking ahead, it allows us to take control of our thoughts and minimise potential stressors.

    Before the holidays roll around, try spending time thinking about things which tend to be sources of stress to you – and make a plan for how you prevent this stress.

    For instance, if cooking Christmas dinner is a source of stress for you, perhaps making a list of specific tasks you can delegate to certain family members will help take some of the pressure off of you.

    Set boundaries

    It’s important to learn to say “no”, rather than agreeing to everything that might be asked of you. Understanding and respecting your own boundaries will help you allocate your time and resources more effectively – reducing stress.

    This skill takes time to develop but can significantly benefit your long-term wellbeing. The more confident we become in our abilities to manage the challenges we face, the better we become at setting boundaries – ultimately becoming better at managing stress.

    Some boundaries you might set at Christmas could include setting a budget limit for presents so you aren’t stressed about over-spending or limiting the number of social engagements you attend so you don’t get burnt out.

    Manage expectations

    It’s important to recognise that not everything is within your control. While there are many things you can plan and prepare for at Christmas, there are just as many things that are out of your hands. For example, you can’t control the way other people may behave at your Christmas dinner, or the way someone may react to a present you’ve bought them.

    Setting realistic expectations for the holidays and accepting there are things you just can’t control is key in managing stress levels.

    Take time to reflect

    Another helpful way to manage holiday stress is to pause and connect with your feelings.

    Writing down your thoughts may help alleviate stress.
    Ground Picture/ Shutterstock

    Write down your thoughts on a piece of paper. Then pause and really think about how your feel. Giving your brain a moment to process what’s happening can help you moderate your feelings. Keeping a journal can help improve your thoughts and mood, offering a constructive outlet for emotions.

    If you’re finding it difficult to get on with friends and family during the holidays, pause before reacting or saying something you might not mean. This will help you get your emotions under control and may help to reduce your stress.

    Coping after the holidays

    Some people may experience low mood after the holidays – often termed the “post-festive blues” or “post-holiday blues”.



    Read more:
    Why do we feel so ‘blah’ after Christmas?

    The holiday season often brings a mix of joy and stress, creating emotional highs that leave our bodies feeling drained and exhausted once it’s over. It’s important to recognise that these feelings are a natural response to the demands of the festive period – not a reflection of personal inadequacy. Taking the time to acknowledge and accept that our bodies and minds are simply recovering is a crucial step toward moving forward positively.

    There are many strategies you can use to manage these post-holiday blues. Activities such as regular exercise, setting realistic and achievable goals, and reconnecting with others can significantly improve our mood and boost “happy hormones” such as endorphins.

    By consciously planning ways to re-energise and stay connected, we can shift our focus from any lows we may have experienced over the holidays to a more balanced perspective as we step into the new year.

    Jolel Miah 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. Christmas can be stressful for many people – here’s what can help you get through the festive season – https://theconversation.com/christmas-can-be-stressful-for-many-people-heres-what-can-help-you-get-through-the-festive-season-246097

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nurses need care too – how curbing self-sacrifice can prevent burnouts

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ester Ellen Trees Bolt, Post-doctoral Researcher, University of Leeds

    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    Reflecting on my mother’s decade-long nursing career, I often wonder why so many nurses leave the profession after just a few years.

    In the UK, the shortage of nurses has reached alarming levels. Fewer students are enrolling in nursing programmes, and nearly half of newly registered nurses leave within five to ten years.

    Meanwhile, the demand for healthcare continues to grow, as outlined in England’s NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan, which sets out how the NHS will ensure there are enough nurses and doctors to support patients.

    The problem is not confined to the UK: nursing faces a global crisis. The high turnover of skilled professionals has serious implications for healthcare systems worldwide.

    The Netherlands is also experiencing troubling trends, with predictions of a significant healthcare staffing shortfall in the coming decades.

    Burnout is one of the most pressing reasons behind this exodus of nurses from the profession.

    Culture of self-sacrifice

    I interviewed nurses in the Netherlands about their workplace experiences including burnout for my research.

    And I found that one of the main reasons nurses leave is because of the profession’s culture of self-sacrifice. While empathy, compassion, and dedication are hallmarks of nursing, these qualities can lead to them working too hard. Nurses often push themselves so hard to meet their patients’ needs that they neglect their own health. Nursing often reinforces the culture of self-sacrifice, with an unspoken expectation that nurses should prioritise patients’ needs.

    My research shows that nurses are actively seeking employment to avoid burnout, but this often involves changing employers – a decision that is personally and organisationally intense and costly. I argue that, to ensure they remain in the workforce long term, nurses should be trained in setting boundaries and prioritising self-care.

    Nurses, particularly in long-term care, frequently form strong emotional bonds with their patients, which makes it challenging to draw boundaries between professional responsibilities and personal attachment. Interviews with nurses highlight the emotional toll of this. Several nurses mentioned feeling guilt when calling in sick, knowing their patients and colleagues depend on them. Some described how increased workloads, due to colleagues’ absences, eventually left them too overworked to continue. Others reported being constantly contacted to work extra shifts, even on their days off, due to staffing shortages caused by absenteeism and turnover.

    These stories reflect the relentless pressure nurses face. For many, the instinct to help others is both a source of pride and a path to burnout. When nurses don’t to set boundaries, their bodies often force them to stop – through illness and exhaustion.

    How to change

    Although nurses are the backbone of healthcare systems, the profession is undervalued and often viewed as less professional compared to other medical roles. This perception disrespects the complexity of nursing and discourages young people from entering the field.

    To address these issues, nurses need more support from employers and colleagues, including doctors and HR teams. Public campaigns must celebrate nursing as a highly skilled and indispensable profession, challenging outdated stereotypes.

    Burnout prevention also requires systemic changes. Nursing education must teach self-care and boundary setting as essential skills. Research indicates that nurses often report improved mental health and job satisfaction after switching employers, suggesting that organisational culture is pivotal in retaining staff – and that some workplaces are already leading the way.

    Self-sacrifice culture is a double-edged sword. While it reflects the compassion and dedication that define nursing, it poses a serious threat to the sustainability of the profession. To retain nurses, they need to be viewed as true professionals and be acknowledged for the value they deliver to the overall care processes. By fostering a culture that values personal boundaries, supports wellbeing, and elevates the professional identity of nursing, we can ensure that nurses are cared for just as much as they care for others.

    Failure to act will have far reaching consequences not just for nurses but for patients and healthcare systems around the world.

    Ester Ellen Trees Bolt 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. Nurses need care too – how curbing self-sacrifice can prevent burnouts – https://theconversation.com/nurses-need-care-too-how-curbing-self-sacrifice-can-prevent-burnouts-244312

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Saudi Arabia is a controversial choice to host the World Cup, but the spotlight and scrutiny might spark change

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Wasim Ahmed, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, University of Hull

    The official announcement that Saudi Arabia would host the 2024 Fifa men’s World Cup came as a surprise to nobody. Hosting rights have been on the country’s geopolitical agenda for many years, and football’s international governing body was more than happy to oblige.

    Both parties have come in for heavy criticism as a result.

    A joint statement from 21 campaign groups, including Amnesty International, accused Fifa of making “empty human rights commitments”. The apparent lack of a competitive bidding process was ridiculed, and concerns were raised about the the potential environmental impact.

    So what was Fifa thinking?

    After all the controversy over the 2022 tournament in Qatar (and Russia in 2018) has it simply doubled down on being impervious to global criticism? Or is it genuinely trying to perform a balancing act which fairly distributes the geopolitical and economic power of football?

    Whatever the underlying reason, Fifa has become well practised at defending itself. It said that for the 2034 tournament, a “comprehensive consultation process” had taken place. Fifa president Gianni Infantino added that he expects Saudi Arabia to deliver “social improvements [and] positive human rights impacts” as “one of the responsibilities of hosting a World Cup”.

    And there is some evidence which actually backs up this stance. It has been suggested for example, that after the intense scrutiny around its hosting of the 2022 World Cup, Qatar’s approach to human rights and the treatment of migrant workers improved.

    It could also be argued that Fifa is opening up the sport to new regions, away from the traditional power bases of football. After all, since the 1930s, Europe has hosted 11 Word Cup tournaments, with five in Latin America. It took until 2002 for Asia to have a turn (in Japan and South Korea), while Africa did not have a host nation until 2010 (South Africa).

    Fifa also likes to position itself as a promoter of global peace and international unity. The appointment of former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as chief of global football development was a positive move in this direction. Under his leadership, Fifa has established more consultation processes with fans and national confederations to shape the future of football. It still has a way to go though.

    The world is watching

    Fifa would probably argue that it is accountable and open. After all, it went to the trouble of publishing a bid evaluation report. This endorsed Saudi Arabia’s bid for being “innovative” and “forward looking”, showing strong financial and organisational capacity.

    You can understand the “innovative” element. One of the planned stadiums situated on top of a cliff, promises to be a modern marvel. Another will be built 350m above the ground, at the heart of a newly built city.

    The “forward looking” part may be a stretch for a country where the royal family remains omnipotent, the security services are powerful, and questioning the ruling elite is simply not tolerated.

    Yet sport could also provide an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to change. In recent years, the country has lifted a ban on women drivers, opened up job opportunities, and appointed women to some of the top jobs in government. Women attend football matches, there has been a surge in popularity of female-only gyms, and the country’s gay scene is becoming more visible.

    All of this does not match Saudi Arabia to the standards many in the west are used to, but at least it’s a start.

    Fifa certainly appears to see it this way. Justifying the country’s successful bid, it said: “This is about making decisions based on evidence of how effectively bidders intend to address human rights risks connected with a tournament. It is not about peremptorily excluding countries based on their general human rights context.”

    A league apart?

    And it’s perhaps worth noting that few potential host countries would get a completely clean bill of political or societal health. In 2018, when the US, Canada and Mexico were given joint hosting duties for the 2026 tournament, the first Trump presidency had banned travellers from some Muslim countries from entering the country and was sparking huge concerns over the treatment of migrant families at the Mexican border.

    Similarly, Canada continues to grapple with its long-term mistreatment of the country’s indigenous population.

    In 2024 (so far) across the US and Mexico, there have been more than 45,000 deaths linked to gun violence. That includes dozens of politicians in Mexico, where 163 journalists have been killed since 2000.

    The US, Mexico and Canada are also among the biggest oil and gas producing nations in the world. The US has the second biggest carbon footprint of any country, which will be exacerbated by the 78 matches due to be played there during the 2026 tournament.

    Few questioned the decision to award the three countries hosting rights. So perhaps the inconvenient truth for purists is that no nation is perfectly suited for this role.

    Competing to host major events has become something of a geopolitical tournament in itself, where the prizes on offer include power, prestige and the chance to try and change global perceptions. At the same time, football continues to seek ways to satisfy its hunger for commercial development and revenue growth.

    Amid all of this, the hope must be that the world’s favourite sport manages to be a force for social good – wherever it is played.

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

    – ref. Saudi Arabia is a controversial choice to host the World Cup, but the spotlight and scrutiny might spark change – https://theconversation.com/saudi-arabia-is-a-controversial-choice-to-host-the-world-cup-but-the-spotlight-and-scrutiny-might-spark-change-246366

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Yes, I am a human’: bot detection is no longer working – and just wait until AI agents come along

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Irfan Mehmood, Associate Professor in Business Analytics and AI, University of Bradford

    ‘Let’s try for a third time.’ Gago Design

    You’re running late at the airport and need to urgently access your account, only to be greeted by one of those frustrating tests — “Select all images with traffic lights” or “Type the letters you see in this box”. You squint, you guess, but somehow you’re wrong. You complete another test but still the site isn’t satisfied.

    “Your flight is boarding now,” the tannoy announces as the website gives you yet another puzzle. You swear at the screen, close your laptop and rush towards the gate.

    Now, here’s a thought to cheer you up: bots are now solving these puzzles in milliseconds using artificial intelligence (AI). How ironic. The tools designed to prove we’re human are now obstructing us more than the machines they’re supposed to be keeping at bay.

    Welcome to the strange battle between bot detection and AI, which is set to get even more complicated in the coming years as technology continues to improve. So what does the future look like?

    Captcha, which stands for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart, was invented in the early 2000s by a team of computer scientists at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. It was a simple idea: get internet users to prove their humanity via tasks they can easily complete, but which machines find difficult.

    Machines were already causing havoc online. Websites were flooded with bots doing things like setting up fake accounts to buy up concert tickets, or posting automated comments to market fake Viagra or to entice users to take part in scams. Companies needed a way to stop this pernicious activity without losing legitimate users.

    The early versions of Captcha were basic but effective. You’d see wavy, distorted letters and type them into a box. Bots couldn’t “read” the text the way humans could, so websites stayed protected.


    Chris Messina, CC BY

    This went through several iterations in the years ahead: ReCaptcha was created in 2007 to add a second element in which you had to also key in a distorted word from an old book.

    Then in 2014 – by now acquired by Google – came reCaptcha v2. This is the one that asks users to tick the “I am not a robot” box and often choose from a selection of pictures containing cats or bicycle parts, or whatever. Still the most popular today, Google gets paid by companies who use the service on their website.

    Damn those bicycles.
    Lilgrapher

    How AI has outgrown the system

    Today’s AI systems can solve the challenges these Captchas rely on. They can “read” distorted text, so that the wavy or squished letters from the original Captcha tests are easy for them. Thanks to natural language processing and machine learning, AI can decode even the messiest of words.

    Similarly, AI tools such as Google Vision and OpenAI’s Clip can recognise hundreds of objects faster and more accurately than most humans. If a Captcha asks an AI to click all the buses in a picture selection, they can solve it in fractions of a second, whereas it might take a human ten to 15 seconds.

    This isn’t just a theoretical problem. Consider driving tests: waiting lists for tests in England are many months long, though you can get a much faster test by paying a higher fee to a black-market tout. The Guardian reported in July that touts commonly used automated software to book out all the test slots, while swapping candidates in and out to fit their ever-changing schedules.

    In an echo of the situation 20 years ago, there are similar issues with tickets for things such as football matches. The moment tickets become available, bots overwhelm the system – bypassing Captchas, purchasing tickets in bulk and reselling them at inflated prices. Genuine users often miss out because they can’t operate as quickly.

    Similarly, bots attack social media platforms, e-commerce websites and online forums. Fake accounts spread misinformation, post spam or grab limited items during sales. In many cases, Captcha is no longer able to stop these abuses.

    What’s happening now?

    Developers are continually coming up with new ways to verify humans. Some systems, like Google’s ReCaptcha v3 (introduced in 2018), don’t ask you to solve puzzles anymore. Instead, they watch how you interact with a website. Do you move your cursor naturally? Do you type like a person? Humans have subtle, imperfect behaviours that bots still struggle to mimic.

    Not everyone likes ReCaptcha v3 because it raises privacy issues – plus the web company needs to assess user scores to determine who is a bot, and the bots can beat the system anyway. There are alternatives that use similar logic, such as “slider” puzzles that ask users to move jigsaw pieces around, but these too can be overcome.

    Slider Captcha:


    GitHub

    Some websites are now turning to biometrics to verify humans, such as fingerprint scans or voice recognition, while face ID is also a possibility. Biometrics are harder for bots to fake, but they come with their own problems – privacy concerns, expensive tech and limited access for some users, say because they can’t afford the relevant smartphone or can’t speak because of a disability.

    The imminent arrival of AI agents will add another layer of complexity. It will mean we increasingly want bots to visit sites and do things on our behalf, so web companies will need to start distinguishing between “good” bots and “bad” bots. This area still needs a lot more consideration, but digital authentication certificates are proposed as one possible solution.

    In sum, Captcha is no longer the simple, reliable tool it once was. AI has forced us to rethink how we verify people online, and it’s only going to get more challenging as these systems get smarter. Whatever becomes the next technological standard, it’s going to have to be easy to use for humans, but one step ahead of the bad actors.

    So the next time you find yourself clicking on blurry traffic lights and getting infuriated, remember you’re part of a bigger fight. The future of proving humanity is still being written, and the bots won’t be giving up any time soon.

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

    – ref. ‘Yes, I am a human’: bot detection is no longer working – and just wait until AI agents come along – https://theconversation.com/yes-i-am-a-human-bot-detection-is-no-longer-working-and-just-wait-until-ai-agents-come-along-246427

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to detect more antimicrobial resistant bacteria in our waterways

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Zina Alfahl, Lecturer in Bacteriology, University of Galway

    Antimicrobial resistant superbugs have been found in rivers, lakes and streams worldwide. Freebird7977/Shutterstock

    Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in waterways presents a critical threat. If commonly used antibiotics are deemed useless, decades of progress in human medicine and agriculture could be undermined.

    By 2050, AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually, according to the UN Environment Programme. But AMR is not just a human health issue. It also contributes to a decline in water quality and is exacerbated by water pollution, particularly from sources such as sewage and agricultural runoff. So, it’s a significant environmental concern with far-reaching implications.

    Addressing AMR in water is challenging because water systems are complex and can carry many different types of resistant bacteria. The lack of efficient, scalable and globally accessible methods to monitor AMR in water makes it difficult to mitigate this growing threat.

    I recently published a review in the Sustainable Microbiology journal that identifies key trends in AMR detection methods and highlights significant gaps.

    Rivers, lakes and wastewater systems around the world act as reservoirs and pathways for resistant superbugs and their genes, allowing AMR to spread across ecosystems, affecting wildlife, agriculture and human populations. River water is the most studied source of water samples, making up 42% of AMR-related research studies. Other water sources, including lakes and wastewater, may also play a key role in spreading resistant genes but, without detailed analysis, will remain misunderstood.

    Most AMR research comes from three countries: the US (17%), China (10%) and Brazil (9%). This shows where the focus is, but many other regions, especially low-income countries, are not well studied. This is concerning because AMR may be even more serious in these areas, yet data is lacking.

    New detection methods are more accurate but more expensive.
    Khomson Satchasataporn/Shutterstock

    To detect AMR, scientists primarily use two advanced molecular methods: polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (used in 57% of studies) and metagenomics (27%), alongside traditional culture-based methods that involve growing bacteria in a lab.

    Culture-based methods are simpler and cheaper than molecular methods but cannot be used onsite. They also can’t detect dead bacteria or hidden resistance genes.

    PCR amplifies specific DNA sequences for detection and can be used to identify specific bacteria. Metagenomics is a technique that analyses all of the genetic material from entire microbial communities within a sample, offering a broader perspective.

    These advanced methods are better at detecting AMR in rivers, lakes and oceans. They can find both known and new types of resistance, making them more useful for thorough monitoring.

    In Brazil, scientists used metagenomics to search for all of the different resistance genes present in waterways in different cities. This technique can detect patterns of resistance that regular tests can’t.

    While these methods are time-consuming and complicated (because they need specialised equipment and trained staff) and can be expensive, costing thousands of euros, they could be used more widely if funding is available. This would help track antibiotic resistance around the world, making it easier to find and fight.

    One Europe-wide study shows that culture methods failed to find all the resistance genes in contaminated river systems in ten countries, while advanced metagenomic techniques were able to identify them. So, molecular tools are crucial for understanding the true extent of AMR.

    My review shows a shift towards molecular techniques as the gold standard for AMR detection. It highlights the inadequacies of traditional culture-based methods and the need for integrated approaches that combine molecular techniques such as PCR (for detecting specific resistance genes) with metagenomics (for broader microbial community analysis).

    For example, wastewater monitoring programs could use PCR to quickly identify key resistance genes in hotspots while employing metagenomics to map the diversity of resistant organisms. This would offer a more balanced approach that optimises cost, efficiency, and accessibility.

    A hybrid approach

    By mapping global research efforts, I identified underrepresented regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia. I also found that certain water sources were underrepresented, particularly rivers in low-income countries. Without more equitable and comprehensive AMR surveillance, those will not be accounted for.

    To make accurate AMR detection more accessible to all, hybrid approaches that combine the comprehensive detection capabilities of molecular methods with the affordability of culture-based methods will be essential.

    Governments around the world must prioritise investments in technologies that are not only scientifically robust but also economically viable, particularly for low- and middle-income countries.

    New methods such as PCR and metagenomics can help us fight the spread of drug resistance. If we can make these methods cheaper and easier to use it could help us manage wastewater better, improve global tracking of drug resistance and make decisions that protect both people and the environment from superbugs.


    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Zina Alfahl 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 detect more antimicrobial resistant bacteria in our waterways – https://theconversation.com/how-to-detect-more-antimicrobial-resistant-bacteria-in-our-waterways-246062

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Climate, migration and conflict mix to create ‘deadly’ intense tropical storms like Chido

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Liz Stephens, Professor of Climate Risks and Resilience, University of Reading

    Cyclone Chido was an “intense tropical cyclone”, equivalent to a category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic. It made landfall in Mayotte, a small island lying to the north-west of Madagascar on December 14, generating wind gusts approaching 155mph (250km/hr). Later on, it hit Mozambique, East Africa with the same ferocity.

    This storm skirted north of Madagascar and affected the Comoros archipelago before making landfall in Mozambique. It is well within the range of what is expected for this part of the Indian Ocean. But this region has experienced an increase in the most intense tropical cyclones in recent years. This, alongside its occurrence so early in the season, can be linked to increases in ocean temperatures as a result of climate change.

    News of the effects of tropical cyclone Chido in Mayotte, Mozambique and Malawi continues to emerge. Current estimates suggest 70% of Mayotte’s population have been affected, with over 50,000 homes in Mozambique partially or completely destroyed.

    Ongoing conflict in Mozambique and undocumented migration to Mayotte will have played a key role in the number of deaths and the infrastructure damage.

    Assessing how these cyclones characteristics are changing across southern Africa is part of the research we are involved in. Our team also studies how to build resilience to cyclones where conflict, displacement and migration magnify their effects.

    A human-made disaster?

    The risk that tropical cyclones pose to human life is exacerbated by socioeconomic issues. Migrants on Mayotte, many of whom made perilous journeys to escape conflict in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, now make up more than half of the island’s population.

    Precarious housing and the undocumented status of many residents reportedly made the disaster more deadly, as people feared evacuation would lead them to the police. On islands with poor infrastructure such as Mayotte, there is often simply nowhere safe to go. It takes many days for the power network and drinking water supply to be restored.

    The situation is particularly complex in Mozambique. The ongoing conflict and terrorist violence, coupled with cyclones, including Kenneth in 2019, has caused repeated evacuations and worsening living conditions. Cabo Delgado and Nampula in the far north of Mozambique, the provinces most affected by both Chido and the conflict, rank among the poorest and most densely populated in the country due to limited education, scarce livelihood options and an influx of people displaced by violence.

    As of June 2024, more than half a million people remained without permanent homes in the region, many living in displacement camps. That number is likely to rise significantly after Chido.

    Compounding the crisis, Chido’s landfall so early in the cyclone season meant that the usual technical and financial preparations were not yet fully ramped up, with low stock levels delaying the timely delivery of aid. Unrest following elections in November hampered preparations further, cutting the flow of resources and personnel needed for anticipatory action and early response.

    Tropical cyclones in a warmer world

    Warmer sea surface temperatures not only provide more fuel for stronger storms, but may also expand the regions at risk of tropical cyclones.

    The Indian Ocean is warming faster than the global average, and is experiencing a staggering increase in the proportion of storms reaching the intensity of Chido.

    Climate simulations predict that storms will continue getting stronger as we further warm our world, and could even lead to an unprecedented landfall as far south as the Mozambican capital, Maputo.

    Scientists carry out attribution studies to determine how climate change contributed to specific events. Scientists undertaking rapid attribution studies of Chido have found that the ocean surface temperatures along the path of the storm were 1.1°C warmer than they would have been without climate change. So, temperatures this warm were made more than 50 times more likely by climate change. Another study focusing on Chido itself concluded that the cyclone’s winds were 5% faster due to global heating caused by burning fossil fuels, enough to bump it from a category 3 to a category 4 storm.

    Intense winds are not the only hazard. Scientists are confident that tropical cyclones will dump more rain as a result of climate change. A trend towards slower-moving storms has been observed, causing more of that rain to accumulate in a single location, resulting in floods.

    Cyclone Freddy delivered a year’s worth of rain to southern Malawi in just four days in March 2023. Storm surges, exacerbated by sea level rise, also raise the scale of flooding, as in the devastating Cyclone Idai in March 2019. An increase in the number of storms that rapidly intensify, as Chido did before landfall in Mayotte has also been linked to climate change, which makes it harder to provide early warnings.

    To improve resilience to future cyclones, conflict, migration and social dynamics must be considered alongside climate change, without this, displaced and migrant communities will continue to be the most affected by the risks that climate change poses.


    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Liz Stephens also works for the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, where she works as the Science Lead. She receives funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the International Development Research Centre in Canada, as part of the CLARE (CLimate Adaptation and REsilience) research programme. Liz holds advisory positions within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, for the European Commission’s Global Flood Awareness System, the Anticipation Hub and the African Risk Capacity

    I work for a university which has interest on publications around disasters and climate change. I am part of a research consortium (REPRESA) funded by IDRC to research cyclones in Southern Africa region

    Dan Green 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. Climate, migration and conflict mix to create ‘deadly’ intense tropical storms like Chido – https://theconversation.com/climate-migration-and-conflict-mix-to-create-deadly-intense-tropical-storms-like-chido-246219

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What the colour of your snot says about your immune health

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Samuel J. White, Associate Professor & Head of Projects, York St John University

    Clear snot is usually the baseline. Dmitrii Pridannikov/ Shutterstock

    Ever wondered why the colour of your snot is different when you’re sick? You’re probably not the first person to ask this question.

    There are actually many reasons why your snot’s changes colour when you’re unwell. And the colour and consistency of nasal mucus can reveal intriguing details about your immune system, and how your body responds to illnesses.

    Mucus is produced by the tissues lining our nasal passages. Often perceived as a mere nuisance, mucus serves a very important role. It acts as a protective barrier, trapping dust, bacteria, viruses and other irritants – preventing them from reaching the respiratory system’s deeper parts.

    Enzymes such as lysozyme and lactoferrin that inhabit our nasal mucus also have antimicrobial properties. They break down bacterial cell walls and help to limit bacterial growth. This protective role makes mucus a critical line of defence – even when we’re not unwell.

    The continuous process of mucus production by the tissues lining our nasal passages exemplifies the body’s natural defence mechanisms in action. When we get sick, mucus changes – becoming thicker, more abundant and sometimes colourful. These changes highlight your immune system’s response.

    Here’s what the many colours of your snot says about your health:

    Clear

    This is the baseline for a healthy nose. It’s mostly water, combined with proteins, salts and cells that keep the nasal passages moist and trap particles.

    Allergies and the very early stages of a viral infection can cause an overproduction of clear mucus. This can also happen when your body reacts to irritants or pathogens.

    White

    White mucus is often a sign of congestion.

    Inflammation in the nasal tissues slows mucus flow, causing it to thicken. This typically signals the beginning of an infection, such as a cold, as your immune system starts mobilising against invaders.

    Yellow

    Yellow mucus indicates your immune system is actively fighting off an infection.

    Don’t be surprised by yellow snot when you’re battling an illness.
    Soloviova Liudmyla/ Shutterstock

    White blood cells sent to attack the infection die and release enzymes that give mucus its yellowish colour. This is a hallmark of the body’s response to many viral infections – including the common cold, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

    Green

    Green mucus results from an intensified immune response. The green tint comes from an enzyme called myeloperoxidase, which is produced by neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). This enzyme generates a specific molecule that destroys pathogens.

    While green mucus often indicates a bacterial infection, it can also occur when your body mounts a robust immune response to aggressive viral pathogens.

    Red or pink

    A pink or reddish tint in mucus means there’s blood present. This often happens when the nasal tissues are irritated, dry or damaged – such as after excessive nose blowing or exposure to dry air. Small amounts of blood are usually not a cause for concern.

    Brown or orange

    Brown or orange mucus may result from dried blood mixing with mucus, or from inhaling environmental debris – such as smoke or dust. While typically harmless, it may suggest irritation or prolonged inflammation.

    Black

    Black mucus is rare and may indicate serious issues – such as a fungal infection (particularly in immunocompromised people) or heavy exposure to pollutants such as soot or cigarette smoke. This warrants medical attention.

    The immune system in action

    Mucus is an indispensable part of your immune system, actively protecting your body by trapping and neutralising harmful pathogens. Changes in its colour and consistency provide a glimpse into your health – helping differentiate between viral bacterial infections. It also provides insight into the complex processes occurring as your body works to keep you healthy.

    Next time you reach for a tissue, remember that mucus isn’t merely a symptom of illness — it’s your immune system in action. Its colours and textures tell a story of resilience, reflecting the intricate defences that keep your body healthy and safe.

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

    – ref. What the colour of your snot says about your immune health – https://theconversation.com/what-the-colour-of-your-snot-says-about-your-immune-health-245876

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What next for Syria? The danger of violence in post-war transitions

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chelsea Johnson, Lecturer in International Relations, University of Liverpool

    Images emerging from Syria over the past week have shown jubilation on the streets, as millions celebrate the end of 24 years of repression under Bashar al-Assad.

    It is rare for rebels to manage to tip the scales in their favour and win a war outright after such a long and protracted stalemate. But the obvious next question is: what comes next? Looking to the handful of similar examples, history suggests that new forms of violence could continue to threaten Syria’s political future.

    In Libya, an umbrella coalition of rebel forces known as the National Transition Council defeated Muammar Gaddafi’s government in 2011. Meanwhile, in South Sudan, victory against Omar al-Bashir came in the form of a successful referendum on independence that same year.

    Looking further back, in Idi Amin’s Uganda, an alliance was brokered by neighbouring Tanzania between two rival rebellions in 1979. Their joint military campaign ended in Amin’s defeat soon after.

    The immediate aftermath of rebel victory in each of these cases points to one common lesson. Where a fragmented coalition of armed groups finds itself in a political vacuum, more violence – not less – is probably on the horizon.

    Fragile and shifting coalitions

    The injustices of repressive regimes often motivate rebellion. They can also provide a common enemy that, especially when sensing a window of opportunity, makes it possible for rival armed groups to put aside their differences and work together towards a common cause.

    Subsequently, however, transition periods generate uncertainty over political futures. This can make it difficult for former allies to remain united.

    Many Libyan militias allied behind the National Transition Council during its uprising against Muammar Gaddafi. But they soon became violent rivals in competition over political influence in the transitional government being formed in Tripoli.

    In a vacuum of authority, these new forms of violence may look like local turf wars. But they are often attempts by faction leaders to position themselves advantageously as political spoils are up for grabs at the national level.

    Meanwhile, where dominant factions vie for national power in the presence of many smaller and more localised militias, these weaker factions may be prone to changing allegiances so as to end up on the winning side.

    Fighting in Libya throughout 2017 exhibited this kind of opportunistic flip-flopping. Local militias such as the Kiniyat Brigade changed their allegiances between the faction of former prime minister, Khalifa al-Ghawil, and a rival faction based in Tripoli claiming to represent the legitimate government of Libya.

    The conflict in South Sudan has long been described as ethnic in nature. The main rival leaders, Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, belonged to the country’s two largest ethnic groups, Dinka and Nuer. But this obscures a more complex and strategic constellation of alliances. Many of the groups that have fought against Kiir have also been ethnic Dinkas and vice versa, with loyalties shifting over time as either leader gains an advantage. Some of the most recent violence has been between forces loyal to Machar and a co-ethnic splinter faction known as Kitgwang, which opposes his leadership.

    Numerous reports from international observers and mediators have attested to the difficulty of brokering and maintaining a stable agreement on the terms of transition in these countries due to fluid and shifting coalitions.

    Armed groups in Syria have already shown such tendencies. The Military Operations Command, the coalition of Syrian opposition groups that brought down Assad’s regime, exists in name only. The dominant group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is itself an amalgam of at least four separate militias, while previous coalitions backed by Turkey and the US have coalesced and fragmented over time.

    HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has pledged that all rebel factions will “be disbanded and the fighters trained to join the ranks of the defence ministry”. But history suggests that a rival is likely to emerge from one of these blocs to challenge the legitimacy of HTS’s claim to lead the transition. This will introduce a new element of uncertainty for the smaller factions forced to choose a side.

    Looking ahead to elections

    Even where a stable transitional coalition can be upheld, peace may eventually be threatened by the outcome of a winner-takes-all election.

    Violence was avoided in post-Amin Uganda for as long as the two faction leaders who overthrew him held top positions in a transitional power-sharing government. But when elections produced a clear win for Milton Obote in 1980, his rival, Yoweri Museveni, relaunched his rebellion. Uganda’s so-called bush war would continue until 1986, when Museveni’s forces took the capital, Kampala, by force.

    Ethiopia’s post-war transition fared slightly better after victory for an allied rebel assault on the authoritarian Derg regime in 1991. Most of Ethiopia’s rebel factions had clear and distinct ethno-territorial bases and, as a result, the new constitution emerging from an inclusive national conference devolved power to ethnic regions in a federal system.

    This attempt to create a political stake for former rebels not wholly dependent on national election results may have succeeded had local or regional elections been held first. Ultimately, however, at least two rebellions returned to low-level violence throughout the 1990s, accusing the new government of marginalisation and attempts to undermine their electoral competitiveness.

    In any case, devolution appears unlikely in Syria. Aside from Kurdish separatists in the north-east, the country’s many militias have less clear linkages to specific demographic groups and often overlap in their areas of influence. And with HTS now calling for a unified state with no federal regions, the national-level political game will remain high stakes and prone to violent forms of contention.

    Chelsea Johnson receives funding from the British Academy.

    – ref. What next for Syria? The danger of violence in post-war transitions – https://theconversation.com/what-next-for-syria-the-danger-of-violence-in-post-war-transitions-246073

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Who chooses to work, and who is forced to, after retirement?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Takao Maruyama, Assistant Professor in Business Analytics, University of Bradford

    fizkes/Shutterstock

    The state pension age in the UK is currently 66. Yet 9.5% of people aged 66 and older (1.12 million people) were still working, according to the most recent data from the UK’s Annual Population Survey (July 2023 to June 2024). This figure has been rising over the past decade, increasing from 8.70% (880,000 people) in July 2013 to June 2014.

    We think of retirement as a time to pursue hobbies, relax and enjoy the fruits of our labour. So why then, are so many people still working beyond retirement age, and who are they? This is what we sought to find out in a recent study.

    We investigated who is more likely to “choose to work” and who is “forced to work”, using data from the UK’s annual population survey.

    Older workers are not a homogeneous population. They differ in terms of age, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, financial situation, health conditions and more. Likewise, the reasons for working beyond retirement age vary widely. Some may work because they want to, while others may have no option and feel they have to work in order to make ends meet.

    The below chart shows the breakdown of these retirement-age workers by key demographic and socioeconomic characteristics from the most recent data.

    Three in five retirement-age workers were men, and almost all (94.4%) older workers were white. Just over half (51.5%) of older workers continued to work despite having long-term illnesses.

    Characteristics of workers aged 66 and older:

    Workers aged 66 years and older by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.
    Author provided, data from Annual Population Survey July 2023 to June 2024, CC BY

    The majority (71.2%) of older workers were married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting. Nearly 40% of older workers were employed in higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations, followed by intermediate occupations such as sales or some service roles (32.1%), and routine manual occupations (25.6%).

    More than 85% of retirement-age workers lived in the south (52.8%) and the north (33.1%) of England, and 70% are homeowners.

    Who is ‘forced’ to work?

    In our study, we calculated the likelihood of pension-age workers (66 years and older) with varying demographic and socioeconomic characteristics being forced to work.

    The Annual Population Survey identifies six main reasons why older workers continue working beyond retirement age. These are:

    A. To pay for desirable items (such as holidays),
    B. Not ready to stop work,
    C. Employer needs your experience or you are needed in the family business,
    D. Due to opportunities to work more flexible hours,
    E. To pay for essential items (such as bills), and
    F. To boost pension pot.

    In our study, we classed reasons (A) to (D) as “choose to work”, and (E) and (F) as “forced to work”. Our analysis, based on the most recent dataset (April 2022 to March 2023) at the time of the study, revealed that women are 25% more likely to be forced to work compared to men, and Asian workers are 120% more likely to be forced to work than white workers (with 34% and 17% more likely for older workers from black and other ethnic backgrounds, respectively).

    Workers without long-term illness are 33% less likely to be forced to work than those with long-term illness, and non-married or single workers are 56% more likely to be forced to work compared to seniors who are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting.

    Workers in intermediate and routine manual occupations are 37% and 67% more likely to be forced to work, respectively, compared to those in higher managerial occupations. Older workers from the south of England are more likely to be be forced to work compared to seniors from any other parts of the UK, and retirement-age workers with mortgages or renting were 117% more likely to be forced to work compared to those who owned their properties.

    Who is more likely to be ‘forced to work’?:

    % comparison of likelihood of being ‘forced to work’.
    Author provided, data from Annual Population Survey April 2022 to March 2023., CC BY

    Ageing populations

    This matters because of the changing nature of work, the rising cost of living and the UK’s ageing population. Retirement-age workers will be increasingly pressured to work longer due to the rising state pension age (due to increase to 67 in 2026-27).

    Understanding who works by choice and who by necessity into retirement age is important, because these groups will need different kinds of support and resources.

    For example, the higher likelihood of being forced to work among older female workers can be partly attributed to career breaks they took to serve as primary caregivers for their children, which often prevented them from accumulating sufficient pensions.

    As the state pension age is expected to continue rising, it is crucial for policymakers and employers to design support systems for diverse demographic and socioeconomic groups of older workers, addressing their unique needs. This starts with understanding why people are working into old age.

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

    – ref. Who chooses to work, and who is forced to, after retirement? – https://theconversation.com/who-chooses-to-work-and-who-is-forced-to-after-retirement-246214

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –