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Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI: Mimecast Appoints Technology Executive Amol Kulkarni to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEXINGTON, Mass., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mimecast, a leading global Human Risk Management platform, today announced the appointment of Amol Kulkarni to its Board of Directors effective October 1, 2024.

    Kulkarni is a long-time, esteemed technology executive and advisor who spent more than 20 years at industry giants Microsoft and most recently, CrowdStrike, where he served as chief product and engineering officer. During Kulkarni’s tenure the organization grew from under $10M in annual recurring revenue to $3B. In addition to his appointment to Mimecast’s board, Kulkarni is a senior advisor at Permira and serves on the board of directors at Dynatrace and JumpCloud.

    “Amol’s expertise and leadership has been a driving force behind the explosive growth of many global technology organizations. His counsel will be invaluable to Mimecast, and I couldn’t be prouder to count him among our board members,” said Mimecast CEO Marc van Zadelhoff. “We’ve entered a new era at Mimecast and Amol’s experience leading product innovation and implementation will make an indelible impact on our strategy to forge the future of Human Risk Management.”

    “I join the Mimecast Board of Directors with tremendous enthusiasm,” said Kulkarni. “The company has a history of innovation in cybersecurity and has made incredible strides at a rapid pace toward preventing the vulnerabilities that occur at the intersection of humans and technology. Between the launch of its connected Human Risk Management platform and three strategic acquisitions, Elevate, Code42 and Aware, Mimecast is helping to solve complex problems and setting standards of excellence in its approach to innovation in critical areas like artificial intelligence. I’m excited to work with the executive team to build on the company’s strong foundation, adding critical capabilities to its platform and further increasing its leadership position.”

    Kulkarni earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pune, a Master of Technology in Energy Systems Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington.

    To learn more about Mimecast visit here.

    About Mimecast
    Mimecast is a leading AI-powered, API-enabled connected Human Risk Management platform, purpose-built to protect organizations from the spectrum of cyber threats. Integrating cutting-edge technology with human-centric pathways, our platform enhances visibility and provides strategic insight that enables decisive action and empowers businesses to protect their collaborative environments, safeguard their critical data and actively engage employees in reducing risk and enhancing productivity. More than 45,000 businesses worldwide trust Mimecast to help them keep ahead of the ever-evolving threat landscape. From insider risk to external threats, with Mimecast customers get more. More visibility. More insight. More agility. More security.

    Mimecast and the Mimecast logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Mimecast Services Limited in the United States and/or other countries. All other third-party trademarks and logos contained in this press release are the property of their respective owners.

    Press Contacts
    Tim Hamilton
    Principal Public Relations Manager
    +1 603-918-6757
    thamilton@mimecast.com

    General inquiries
    press@mimecast.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/179d6304-292e-47e1-ab19-bfa049874a99

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: QuEra Computing announces investment from key strategic partner to accelerate development of large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuEra Computing today announced an investment in QuEra by Google Quantum AI. The investment marks a significant milestone in QuEra’s journey to develop and make available useful, scalable and fault-tolerant quantum computers and affirms the recent significant technical progress made by the company. The investment builds on a collaboration with Harvard and MIT, based on the groundbreaking research led by the laboratories of Mikhail Lukin, Vladan Vuletic, and Markus Greiner. Google Quantum AI’s investment in QuEra’s neutral atom technology adds to its portfolio of primary work in superconducting qubits.

    For QuEra, the investment will help to accelerate technology advancements in the neutral atom space, such as developing quantum error correction capabilities needed to deliver quantum computing solutions and delivering additional capabilities outlined in QuEra’s strategic roadmap, publicly announced in January 2024.

    “Google Quantum AI’s strategic investment in QuEra, which we recently closed, is a testament to the strength of our technology, our world-class team, and our long-term partnerships with Harvard and MIT. This investment from Google Quantum AI, coupled with an additional financing initiative to be announced in the coming weeks, allows us to execute on our vision and company strategy, and positions us as the recognized market leader for neutral atom-based quantum computing solutions,” said Andy Ory, Interim Chief Executive Officer of QuEra. “Google Quantum AI is a leader in quantum computing and this investment recognizes the potential of different quantum computing technologies, and specifically QuEra’s leading neutral-atom technology.”

    QuEra’s quantum solutions are being developed for use cases in important verticals such as Materials, Chemicals, Life Sciences/Pharma, Government, Financial Services, and other compute-intensive industries, and may be used to enable novel AI/Machine Learning capabilities. QuEra invites interested parties to learn more about our quantum computing initiatives or to contact us directly for partnership opportunities. For additional information, please visit http://www.quera.com.

    About QuEra
    QuEra Computing is the leader in developing and productizing quantum computers using neutral atoms, widely recognized as a highly promising quantum computing modality. Based in Boston and built on pioneering research from Harvard University and MIT, QuEra operates the world’s largest publicly accessible quantum computer, available over a major public cloud and for on-premises delivery. QuEra is developing useful, scalable and fault-tolerant quantum computers to tackle classically intractable problems, becoming the partner of choice in the quantum field. Simply put, QuEra is the best way to quantum. For more information, visit us at quera.com and follow us on X or LinkedIn. 

    Media Contact 
    Merrill Freund 
    press@quera.com 
    +1-415-577-8637 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City celebrates unique green awards hat-trick

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool has scored a unique treble at a major international climate change awards ceremony.

    Liverpool City Council’s Urban GreenUP project, which was recently shortlisted for a world Green City Award, won big at the CIRIA 2024 Big Biodiversity Awards.

    Held in London, the city’s innovative nature-based solution programme secured awards in the following categories:

    • CIRIA Innovation Award
    • CIRIA Habitat Creation Project of the Year Award
    • CIRIA Biodiversity Overall Winner

    The EU-funded programme, which has introduced urban raingardens, green walls and pollinators posts around the city centre as well as a number of floating islands in the city’s docks and parks, was also Highly Commended in the ‘Living Green for Climate Change’ category at the World Green City Awards 2024 held in Utrecht.

    The accolades follow hot on the heels of the programme scooping a golden pineapple trophy for its Climate Resilience submission at the 2024 Festival of Place.

    Liverpool has also recently become the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ for climate action, under UN Climate Change’s Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) programme.

    The title comes in recognition of Liverpool’s impressive commitment to innovation and smart regulation to rapidly decarbonise the live music and TV/Film production sectors – both vital parts of the city’s economy – following several years of developmental work by ACT 1.5, an artist-led research and action effort, and climate scientists from the  Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.

    • Liverpool’s Urban GreenUP programme involves a collaboration between the Council, the Mersey Forest and the University of Liverpool. It has set a number of goals to mitigate climate change impact on the city, such as enhancing air quality, reducing flooding risks, improving water management, and increasing urban sustainability.

    For more information go to: https://www.urbangreenup.eu/cities/front-runners/liverpool/liverpool-uk-re-naturing-urban-plan-with-nbs.kl

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: River of Light Shines Bright For All

    Source: City of Liverpool

    With just over a week to go until River of Light returns, Liverpool City Council unveils plans to make the popular event even more accessible, inclusive and engaging.

    Building on the success of last year, the FREE event will once again offer Quiet Hour sessions to accommodate visitors with additional sensory needs. These special sessions will run from 4-5pm on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 October, and the same times on Sunday 3 and Monday 4 November. During these hours, the 12 featured installations will have reduced soundscapes or will operate entirely without sound. Where possible, lighting will also be softened, creating a calmer environment for those with sensory sensitivities.

    This year’s light festival runs from Friday 25 October to Tuesday 5 November, taking place at the same time as Diwali – the Hindu festival of lights. To mark the cultural celebration, on Friday 1 November visitors can enjoy a programme curated by Indian arts organisation, MILAP, featuring performances by the popular Bombay Baja Brass Band and Piano with Bhav between 5-8pm– all taking place near the Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos installation by award-winning artist MURUGIAH.

    The young people’s engagement programme, developed by the City Council’s Culture Liverpool team returns this year and connects young people with three of the event’s featured artists, offering creative, hands-on workshops that encourage artistic expression and learning.

    • Families attending Granby Children’s Centre and Family Hub will have the opportunity to work with MURUGIAH, who will guide participants through the creation of Mandalas – repetitive geometric designs which represent harmony and balance.
    • Students at St John Bosco Arts College will have a masterclass in sign-making from locally commissioned artist Liz Harry, learning the art of communication through visual design.
    • Pupils at Holy Family Catholic Primary School will collaborate with Rachel Darnell and Jorge Fernandez from Australia’s Amigo & Amigo, designing and crafting their very own gnomes – inspired by their 2024 River of Light installation, No Place Like Gnome.
    • Working with the City Council’s Children and Young People’s team, there will also be a guided tour for young people who are part of the Positive Pathways scheme, aimed at those who could otherwise be at risk of being involved with anti-social behaviour.

    The theme for this year’s outdoor trail and the engagement programme is Play, tying into Liverpool’s ongoing pledge to become a recognised UNICEF UK Child Friendly City. The initiative highlights the importance of children’s rights to play, recreation, rest, and leisure, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. #ChildFriendlyLpool

    To get the latest information visit http://www.visitliverpool.com/riveroflight or follow @visitliverpool (X, Facebook and TikTok) or @visitliverpool_ (Instagram).

    River of Light will be part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority. Avanti is the official travel partner for the event.

    Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

    “We’re thrilled to bring back the quiet hours this year after receiving such positive feedback from visitors in 2023. It brought in a new audience who hadn’t experienced the trail previously, and thanks to some adaptations to the light and sound, they felt part of this massively popular event. 

    “It’s also great to see the return of the workshops – they’re so unique, and the youngsters and the artists always get a huge amount out of the sessions. Encouraging children to express themselves through art and creativity is an incredibly powerful tool that will hopefully inspire future artists.

    “Celebrating Diwali as part of the River of Light is a fantastic way to embrace cultural diversity and unity and we’re delighted to be working with Milap on this. Bringing together communities through art, music, and tradition, fostering a real sense of belonging and is certain to be a highlight of the festival.”

    Alok Nayak, Milap’s CEO and Artistic Director, said:

    “We are excited to be part of River of Light 2024, an event that unites art, culture, and community. At Milap, we believe in the power of the arts to inspire, educate, and bring people together.

    “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the richness of Indian arts, while contributing to Liverpool’s dynamic cultural landscape. Diwali, the festival of light, is beautifully reflected in Liverpool’s own light festival, making our collaboration with Culture Liverpool to bring MURUGIAH’s ‘Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos’ to the city even more meaningful.

    “Rangoli patterns are recreated in homes, in designs and works of art worldwide, and this concept will come to life on Liverpool’s waterfront through MURUGIAHS’s unique reimagining. We’re eager to share this experience with the public and celebrate the positive impact of creativity and diversity!”

    Denise Wright, Liverpool City Council’s Family Learning Co-ordinator for Children Centre’s and Family Hubs, said:
    “This is a wonderful opportunity for families with young children to work with a world-renowned artist at one of our main Family Hub sites. The River of Light’s theme of PLAY this year is great for engaging families in rich creative and cultural experiences in their own communities and for connecting families to a major interactive and cultural event in the city.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Trailblazing fostering hub celebrates its first birthday

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Foster with North East was launched last year with the aim of recruiting more foster carers across the North East by offering dedicated support and a specialised recruitment hub working alongside all 12 local authorities in the region.

    Since then more than 850 people have come forward to enquire about becoming a foster carers, many of whom are in the process of being approved as foster carers.

    A direct response to the call for more foster carers, Foster with North East has also been a trailblazer for the Department for Education’s pathfinder project, leading to a further nine spin off schemes now operating in other parts of the country.

    The hub acts as the first port of call for prospective foster carers offering a warm welcome, directing enquiries to their local authority, and providing support throughout the application process.

    It seeks to recruit foster carers from a range of different backgrounds and circumstances in the region to improve the experience of foster carers and offer the best outcomes for children in care.

    While nationally the average length of time from application to approval for anyone applying to be a foster carer is 6 months, Foster with North East have managed to condense this to 4.8 months. And there are plans to do this even quicker.

    The percentage of initial enquiries to Foster with North East from prospective foster carers which ultimately convert into successful applications (regardless of subsequent outcome), is also much higher at 23.1 per cent than the national rate of 12 per cent.. 

    Newly approved foster carers Vicky and Phil Metcalfe are some of the first to be approved as foster carers since the launch of Foster with North East. 

    Speaking about their experiences at the one year on celebration, Vicky said: “Fostering is something I thought about doing for years. Eventually last year I spoke to my husband and said I wanted to do it. We applied, and now here we are celebrating our approval alongside other new carers from the region.

    “Fostering has always been in my mind. I’ve got a son of my own and I just kept thinking that there are kids out there that need that love and care and if I ever needed someone to look after my son, I’d want to know there was somebody out there that would do this for us. We’ve a lot of love to give and to us it was a no brainier to look at fostering.

    “The whole application process with Foster with North East was really smooth, and our social worker was really lovely, she kept us informed and we felt very comfortable talking to her. 

    “The training also included meeting young people who are care experienced and gave us really good insight. It helped us to better understand their side of things.  A lot of what they said was also very positive and really showed how much difference you can make.  

    “Our was son was on board with our plans to foster from the minute we told him. He’s been absolutely brilliant and has welcomed our first child to our home too recently who is fantastic – we couldn’t have asked for a more loving little boy, he’s got the best smile, and he loves to learn, he’s very creative and it’s lovely to see him getting along so well with our son.

    “For anyone thinking about fostering, I’d say that if it’s in the back of your mind go for it. I’ve only been doing it a short time, but I’m all in, this is me now.”

    In its first year:

    • The collaboration between the 12 local authorities has brought together fostering teams, marketing experts and fostering families to support and drive recruitment of new carers.
    • Information sessions, events and pop-up stalls fostering a strong network of support have been held across the region.
    • Foster with North East has provided extensive training, equipping applicants with the tools they need to thrive as foster carers.
    • As the heart of the work lies in the stories of the children and families, Foster with North East has captured the joys of fostering directly from foster carers through several heartwarming video case studies to showcase the real-life transformative power of fostering.

    Daniel Kenny, Hub (Service) Lead for Foster with North East, said: “Foster with North East was created to tackle the decline in foster carers in the region and it’s been fantastic to see the progress and collaborative work over the last 12 months.

    “This has included building and strengthening connections across the region to reach as many people as possible with our fostering message, and ensure we are offering the best service possible to those looking to become foster carers.

    “We’ve had great support from our local authorities and positive feedback from newly approved carers at our celebration event, with some sharing their experiences on camera to shed light on the impact of our hub. The day highlighted everyone’s commitment to improving the lives of children in care, and it was wonderful to share such an important milestone with all those who have been part of our journey and be able to recognise the new foster carers as they embark on their fostering career.

    “We know there’s still a long way to go, as we need even more people from all walks of life to provide the safe homes for children and young people in care whether that’s for one night, a week, for a few months at a time or long-term.

    “But we’re really excited about continuing our work to grow the number of foster carers in the North East fostering for their local authority and ensure every child has a safe and stable home. As more regional hubs are being launched across England, we’re also looking forward to sharing our stories of hope throughout the country and supporting the other hubs.”

    Anyone interested in fostering in the North East, can visit the Foster with North East website here to find out more and make an enquiry.

    Foster with North East is a collaborative partnership between 12 local authorities from across the North East of England. For the first time every, fostering services all across the region are joining forces to recruit much-needed prospective foster carers for vulnerable children and young people.

    Anyone considering fostering in the region will benefit from a united, single support hub. The hub provides additional support for prospective foster carers and is supported by the Department for Education.

    The 12 local authorities involved in Foster with North East are:

    • Darlington 
    • Durham 
    • Gateshead 
    • Hartlepool 
    • Middlesbrough 
    • Newcastle-upon-Tyne 
    • Northumberland 
    • North Tyneside 
    • Redcar and Cleveland 
    • South Tyneside 
    • Stockton-on-Tees
    • Sunderland (Together for Children)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Oat Ready for Active Duty Against Crown Rust Disease

    Source: US Agriculture Research Service

    New Oat Ready for Active Duty Against Crown Rust Disease

    Contact: Jan Suszkiw
    Email: Jan.Suszkiw@usda.gov

    October 15,2024

    A team of Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and university scientists has released two new oat germplasm lines to shore up the cereal crop’s defenses against its most devastating fungal disease, known as “crown rust.”

    The team specifically created the oat lines so that they can be crossed with elite commercial varieties to fortify them with new genetic sources of resistance to crown rust, which is caused by the fungus Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae. Crown rust is a plague of oat worldwide and can inflict grain yield losses of up to 50 percent in unprotected crops.

    The team announced its development of the resistant oat germplasm lines—dubbed CDL-111 and CDL-167—in the May 2024 issue of the Journal of Plant Registration, culminating more than 25 years of germplasm screening, plant genetic mapping, selective breeding and evaluation in greenhouse and field trials.

    “Currently, the majority of the oat varieties with rust resistance carry a gene or two for resistance (often referred to as seedling resistance) to a specific isolate of crown rust,” said Shahryar Kianian, a co-author on the journal paper and research leader of the ARS Cereal Diseases Laboratory in St. Paul, Minnesota.

    However, the crown rust fungus is a genetically diverse pathogen and highly adept at evolving into virulent new forms, called races. This can happen so quickly that the average productive life of an oat variety with seedling resistance is between three and five years, necessitating the use of chemical fungicides in conventional production systems.

    Unchecked, the fungus infects the lower leaves and sometimes the sheafs of vulnerable oat plants, forming round- to oval-shaped pustules packed with masses of orangish spores that can be carried away by wind or rain. Damage to leaves can diminish photosynthesis and disrupt the movement of sugars from the leaves to developing grain, shriveling it and reducing feed value.

    . ARS and university scientists have released two new lines of oat to better fortify this important grain crop’s defense against the fungus that causes “crown rust” disease.

    To even the odds in the oat plant’s favor, the team resorted to a plant breeding strategy called “gene stacking” (or “pyramiding”). A key part of that strategy involved making a series of crosses between a cultivated oat variety and wild relatives, one known as lopsided oat, which carry genes for “adult plant resistance.”

    “Adult plant resistance, sometimes referred to as ‘slow rusting,’ provides the oat plant some immunity—but not complete immunity,” Kianian said. “In this case, the selection pressure on the pathogen to change is reduced, and the plant is not damaged much so that it can still produce and yield grain for the growers.”

    All told, the team stacked offspring plants derived from crosses with three genes for adult plant resistance to crown rust. They then subjected the offspring plants to a trial by fire, of sorts, starting in 2020. In essence, this involved growing them in nursery plots of common buckthorn, a secondary host for crown rust and known source of outbreaks. In the plots, under intense pressure from the disease, two lines of offspring plants consistently fared better than the others, namely, CDL-111 and CDL-167.

    The sturdy oat lines have since been propagated for their seed, which is available for use in variety development programs under a material transfer agreement with ARS, Kianian said. This is to ensure the effectiveness of the gene-stacking strategy if the oat lines are crossed with commercial varieties—regardless of whether they already possess seedling resistance to crown rust.

    By adhering to this requirement, plant breeders can arm elite oat varieties adapted to particular production regions with a one-two punch against the crown rust fungus—a “jab” via seedling resistance and a “right hook” with adult plant resistance.

    “For this, we are also providing molecular markers linked to the three genes that can be used in selecting the lines that carry them,” added Kianian, who collaborated with Eric Nazareno and Kevin Smith—both with the University of Minnesota—Melanie Caffe (South Dakota State University), Roger Caspers (ARS), Howard Rines (ARS, deceased) and Marty Carson (ARS, deceased). Carson started some of the oat work 20 years ago, continuing much of it after retirement, Kianian noted.

    The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in U.S. agricultural research results in $20 of economic impact.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Deepening Ties to Capital City With ‘UConn IN Hartford’ Initiative

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Say the words, “UConn Hartford,” and what comes to mind? The stately former Hartford Times building that has served as the flagship university’s downtown campus since its much-hailed renovation and opening in 2017?

    While the main campus is the principal nexus of UConn’s presence in Connecticut’s capital city, it’s but one of a growing number of locations, programs, and initiatives underway that deepen the University’s ties with Hartford.

    In fact, UConn’s presence in Hartford continues to grow, including plans to offer 200 beds of student housing in the bustling downtown Pratt Street district, the recent opening of a nearby research center, the growth of local internships and a planned co-op program, and other initiatives.

    UConn is working with local and state leaders, the city and regional business community, alumni, and others on the “UConn IN Hartford” initiative, which seeks to provide students a community-centered experience in the capital city while they pursue their academics at UConn.

    Gov. Ned Lamont hears about UConn’s future in Hartford (Ashley Stimpson/UConn Foundation)

    Scores of those supporters gathered recently to learn more about the university’s plans and to tour 64 Pratt St., which will be transformed from its former use as a law office into apartment-style units for about 200 UConn Hartford students.

    Lexington Partners will work with Shelbourne Properties and LAZ Investments to jointly develop the apartments, and UConn will lease the space and run it as student housing starting in fall 2026 with on-site resident advisers and a hall director.

    It’s part of a broader vision shared by UConn, state and local leaders, and others to position Hartford as a “college town,” in which students are a major part of Hartford’s culture, economy, and future.

    “These dorms will be a huge boost to our capital city, bringing 200 more UConn students downtown who will reflect the diversity and incredible strength of our state, and who are going to make a name for themselves and change the world in so many different ways,” Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said at the recent reception.

    Hartford’s diversity is evident at the UConn campus, where the majority of students are either the first generation in their family to attend college, are students of color, or both.

    About 86% received some form of financial aid last year, and about 58% received federal Pell Grants, which are awarded to the neediest students.

    In a 2023 survey, about 70% of UConn Hartford undergraduates said that they would be interested in student housing nearby, but since most said they lived with their parents, the rent would need to be affordable to make it a viable option.

    To expand access to the Pratt Street housing opportunity, the UConn Foundation has launched the new Hartford Residential Scholars Enhancement Fund, which will harness community contributions to provide stipends for qualifying students who want to live in the apartments, but couldn’t otherwise afford it.

    The housing option and the initiative to help qualifying students with the costs are closely aligned with goals in the UConn Strategic Plan, which prioritizes holistic student success, access, affordability, and the strength of UConn’s regional campuses as integral to their host communities.

    Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam says UConn’s plans will be a major boost for the city (Ashley Stimpson/UConn Foundation)

    For UConn Hartford students, the student housing will provide the dual benefit of living in the vibrant downtown setting while having the kinds of supports and community-centered experiences that dorm life offers.

    “Our job as a public university is to create access and opportunities for our students to learn and grow, and in turn they give back to the communities they come from. Right here, UConn Hartford provides a beacon of hope, opportunity, and transformation for our students,” said Mark Overmyer-Velázquez, UConn Hartford’s campus dean and chief administrative officer.

    UConn Hartford is a federally designated Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution and, with about 20% of its population identifying as Hispanic, it is on the threshold of reaching Hispanic Serving Institution status as an emerging HSI. It also has a rich history of engagement with the city in service, academics, and research.

    UConn Hartford students can take classes in more than 36 academic departments and can pursue 10 undergraduate programs and advanced degrees fully in Hartford through the School of Business, Neag School of Education, School of Public Policy, and School of Social Work. They may also elect to transfer to Storrs with the credits they have earned.

    “They have the ability to do all of that at the scale of a small liberal arts college, with all of the rich benefits that UConn offers as a Research 1 university,” Overmyer-Velázquez said.

    UConn’s presence in Hartford also includes the School of Law in the West End; the main campus at 10 Prospect St. and the nearby School of Social Work at 38 Prospect St.; UConn Health’s Health Disparities Institute at 241 Main St.; and the Graduate Business Learning Center, Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation’s BUILD Hartford course, both at Constitution Plaza.

    The newest UConn presence in Hartford is a big one: The University recently opened its new Community Intersections & Innovation Space for research and academic uses at 229 Trumbull St, also known as Hartford 21 (H21), very close to the student housing location.

    UConn is leasing space in that office building to house lecture halls, academic centers, classrooms, and faculty offices, providing opportunities to partner on support for community engagement, and on research projects and research grants.

    UConn President Radenka Maric talks with stakeholders about UConn’s future in Hartford (Ashley Stimpson/UConn Foundation)

    UConn moved its campus from West Hartford to its current location in 2017, and has worked since then to position it as a centerpiece of a thriving capital city by bringing people downtown to learn, live, and support the regional economy.

    The University has also significantly bolstered the wrap-around student services available UConn Hartford and other regional campuses. They include increasing medical and mental health care, adding Husky Harvest food pantries, helping students establish and expand clubs, boosting on-site career services, and other academic and social programs to help build a sense of community and support student success.

    Connecticut State House of Representatives Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford (’07 LAW), noted at the recent reception that after the pandemic, many companies vacated their city office spaces as more employees worked remotely. Student housing like UConn’s planned units are a critical evolution in the vitality of those communities, he said.

    “This is such a big deal because of what it’s going to lead to,” Ritter said. “This is going to be what UConn is about: UConn changes the lives of young people and communities that it impacts.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Alzheimer’s disease may damage the brain in two phases

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    News Release

    Tuesday, October 15, 2024

    NIH-funded brain mapping study uncovers which cell types may be harmed first.

    Alzheimer’s disease may damage the brain in two distinct phases, based on new research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) using sophisticated brain mapping tools. According to researchers who discovered this new view, the first, early phase happens slowly and silently — before people experience memory problems — harming just a few vulnerable cell types. In contrast, the second, late phase causes damage that is more widely destructive and coincides with the appearance of symptoms and the rapid accumulation of plaques, tangles, and other Alzheimer’s hallmarks.

    “One of the challenges to diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s is that much of the damage to the brain happens well before symptoms occur. The ability to detect these early changes means that, for the first time, we can see what is happening to a person’s brain during the earliest periods of the disease,” said Richard J. Hodes, M.D., director, NIH National Institute on Aging. “The results fundamentally alter scientists’ understanding of how Alzheimer’s harms the brain and will guide the development of new treatments for this devastating disorder.”

    Scientists analyzed the brains of 84 people, and the results, published in Nature Neuroscience, suggest that damage to one type of cell, called an inhibitory neuron, during the early phase may trigger the neural circuit problems that underlie the disease. Additionally, the study confirmed previous findings about how Alzheimer’s damages the brain and identified many new changes that may happen during the disease.

    Specifically, the scientists used advanced genetic analysis tools to study the cells of the middle temporal gyrus, a part of the brain that controls language, memory and vision. The gyrus has been shown to be vulnerable to many of the changes traditionally seen during Alzheimer’s. It is also a part of the brain that researchers have thoroughly mapped for control donors. By comparing control donor data with that from people who had Alzheimer’s, the scientists created a genetic and cellular timeline of what happens throughout the disease.

    Traditionally, studies have suggested that the damage caused by Alzheimer’s happens in several stages characterized by increasing levels of cell death, inflammation and the accumulation of proteins in the form of plaques and tangles. In contrast, this study suggests that the disease changes the brain in two “epochs” — or phases — with many of the traditionally studied changes happening rapidly during the second phase. This coincides with the appearance of memory problems and other symptoms.

    The results also suggest that the earliest changes happen gradually and “quietly” in the first phase before any symptoms appear. These changes include slow accumulation of plaques, activation of the brain’s immune system, damage to the cellular insulation that helps neurons send signals and the death of cells called somatostatin (SST) inhibitory neurons.

    The last finding was surprising to the researchers. Traditionally, scientists have thought that Alzheimer’s primarily damages excitatory neurons, which send activating neural signals to other cells. Inhibitory neurons send calming signals to other cells. The paper’s authors hypothesized how loss of SST inhibitory neurons might trigger the changes to the brain’s neural circuitry that underlie the disease.

    Recently, a separate NIH-funded brain mapping study by researchers at MIT found that a gene called REELIN may be associated with the vulnerability of some neurons to Alzheimer’s. It also showed that star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes may provide resilience to or resist the harm caused by the disease.

    Researchers analyzed brains that are part of the Seattle Alzheimer’s Disease Brain Cell Atlas (SEA-AD), which is designed to create a highly detailed map of the brain damage that occurs during the disease. The project was led by Mariano I. Gabitto, Ph.D., and Kyle J. Travaglini, Ph.D., from the Allen Institute, Seattle. The scientists used tools — developed as part of the NIH’s Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative – Cell Census Network (BICCN) — to study more than 3.4 million brain cells from donors who died at various stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Tissue samples were obtained from the Adult Changes in Thought study and the University of Washington Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.

    “This research demonstrates how powerful new technologies provided by the NIH’s BRAIN Initiative are changing the way we understand diseases like Alzheimer’s. With these tools, scientists were able to detect the earliest cellular changes to the brain to create a more complete picture of what happens over the entire course of the disease,” said John Ngai, Ph.D., director of The BRAIN Initiative®. “The new knowledge provided by this study may help scientists and drug developers around the world develop diagnostics and treatments targeted to specific stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.”

    This study was funded by NIH grants: U19AG060909, P30AG066509, U19AG066567, U01AG006781. Additional funding was provided by the Nancy and Buster Alvord Endowment. The Rush University Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Chicago, Il, shared donor metadata from the Religious Orders Memory/Memory and Aging Project.

    Researchers can obtain data from the SEA-AD study by going to the study’s website: https://portal.brain-map.org/explore/seattle-alzheimers-disease

    About the National Institute on Aging (NIA): NIA leads the U.S. federal government effort to conduct and support research on aging and the health and well-being of older people. Learn more about age-related cognitive change and neurodegenerative diseases via NIA’s Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center website. Visit the main NIA website for information about a range of aging topics, in English and Spanish, and stay connected.

    The BRAIN Initiative, a multidisciplinary collaboration across 10 NIH Institutes and Centers, is uniquely positioned for cross-cutting discoveries in neuroscience to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain. By accelerating the development and application of innovative neurotechnologies, The BRAIN Initiative® is enabling researchers to understand the brain at unprecedented levels of detail in both health and disease, improving how we treat, prevent, and cure brain disorders. The BRAIN Initiative involves a multidisciplinary network of federal and non-federal partners whose missions and current research portfolios complement the goals of The BRAIN Initiative.

    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.

    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®

    Reference

    Gabitto, M. I.; Travaglini, K. J.; et al. Integrated multimodal cell atlas of Alzheimer’s disease. Nature Neuroscience. 2024 October 15 doi: 10.1038/s41593-024-01774-5

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: People displaced by hurricanes face anxiety and a long road to recovery, US census surveys show − smarter, targeted policies could help

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Trevor Memmott, Assistant Professor of Policy and Public Affairs, UMass Boston

    Hurricane Helene flooded homes with water and mud in Marshall, N.C. Many people will be out of their homes for months or longer. AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

    The trauma of natural disasters doesn’t end when the storm or wildfire is gone, or even when communities are being put back together and homes have been rebuilt.

    For many people, being displaced by a disaster has long-term consequences that often aren’t obvious or considered in disaster aid decisions.

    We study public policy and disaster response. To get a better understanding of the ongoing challenges disaster victims face – and how officials can respond more effectively – we analyzed U.S. Census Bureau surveys that ask people nationwide about their disaster displacement experiences, as well as their stress and anxiety.

    The results show how recovery from disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and flooding involves more than rebuilding, and how already vulnerable groups are at the greatest risk of harm.

    Millions are displaced every year

    The Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey has been continually collecting data on people’s social and economic experiences since 2020. Since late 2022, it has specifically asked respondents whether they had been displaced from their homes because of natural disasters.

    Nearly 1.4% of the U.S. adult population reported being displaced in the previous year, equating to more than 3 million Americans. The most common cause of those displacements was hurricanes, responsible for nearly one-third of the displacements.

    Some groups faced a higher chance of being displaced by a natural disaster than others.

    The likelihood of displacement was above average for people with incomes of less than $50,000 (1.9% of that population was displaced), disabled people (2.7%), African Americans (2.3%) and Latinos/Hispanics (1.8%), as well as for those who identified their sexual orientation as gay/lesbian, bisexual, something else, or said that they don’t know (2.2%).

    The problems of displacement go beyond immediate evacuation. People may have to stay in temporary shelters such as stadiums, churches or disaster relief areas. During this time, they are likely unable to work and earn income. Others with nowhere else to go may return to still-damaged homes after the storm passes.

    Many people who were displaced by a hurricane faced weeks without power or lacked access to enough food, clean water or other basic necessities. After being displaced, 64% of adults said they lacked electricity some or all of the time, 37% lacked enough food, 29% lacked drinkable water, and 25% indicated that they experienced unsanitary conditions some or all of the time.

    Going without enough clean water or electricity can expose people to diseases and other health risks, on top of the stress of dealing with the damage, displacement and uncertainty about the future.

    About 36% of those displaced were out of their homes for more than one month. Nearly 16% of them indicated that they never were able to return. Vulnerable groups, especially people of color and disabled people, were least likely to return home quickly.

    Impacts on health

    Being displaced also piles on stress and creates instability. People displaced by storms may bounce among family members’ houses, hotel rooms or even vehicles as they wait to return to a home that has been damaged. They may have lost jobs or be unable to find temporary housing nearby, creating feelings of uncertainty about the future.

    People who feel that their safety or security is threatened are more likely to experience mental stress and, potentially, post-traumatic stress disorder. The effects can accumulate over time and have long-term health consequences. Chronic stress can contribute to hypertension and heart disease and make rebuilding lives even harder as people struggle with more than just the damage around them.

    The Household Pulse Survey also collects information on the symptoms of anxiety and depression that individuals experience.

    Among those who have been displaced by a hurricane, 38% indicated experiencing generalized anxiety, a much higher percentage than the 23% of the population who did not experience displacement.

    Similarly, 33% of those who were displaced experienced symptoms of major depressive disorder compared with 18% of the population who did not face displacement.

    Better policies for long-term recovery

    The survey results highlight the need to restore water and power to homes quickly after disasters. The results also point to prioritizing communities that are least able to afford being displaced.

    Studies have shown that low-income communities often wait longest for power to be restored after hurricanes. The survey shows that these communities and other disadvantaged groups also face higher levels of displacement after disasters.

    Beyond the immediate responses to a disaster, the survey suggests that federal, state and local policymakers will have to consider long-term assistance for both housing recovery and for health care.

    A young man stares at what is left of his family’s homes after Hurricane Helene flooded parts of Hendersonville, N.C., in September 2024.
    AP Photo/Brittany Peterson

    Currently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency primarily focuses on providing short-term disaster relief. The large majority of its disaster funding goes toward evacuation, temporary shelter for people displaced, emergency supplies, insurance and rebuilding community infrastructure. While other federal programs provide rebuilding assistance for individuals, they don’t sufficiently address the long-term challenges, in our view.

    Some ways government could help include providing targeted cash transfers to ensure vulnerable households can rebuild, investing in affordable and climate-resilient housing that can limit losses in future disasters, and funding long-term mental health services for disaster survivors at free or reduced cost.

    As the climate warms, extreme storms are becoming more common in every region of the country. That’s raising the risks and the need for policymakers to prepare communities to limit harm from disasters and recover afterward. We believe rebuilding lives will require support long term, both for building more resilient homes and infrastructure and for recovering from the trauma.

    Christian Weller is affiliated with the Center for American Progress (Senior Fellow)

    Trevor Memmott 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. People displaced by hurricanes face anxiety and a long road to recovery, US census surveys show − smarter, targeted policies could help – https://theconversation.com/people-displaced-by-hurricanes-face-anxiety-and-a-long-road-to-recovery-us-census-surveys-show-smarter-targeted-policies-could-help-241189

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple introduces powerful new iPad mini built for Apple Intelligence

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple introduces powerful new iPad mini built for Apple Intelligence

    October 15, 2024

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple introduces powerful new iPad mini built for Apple Intelligence

    The ultraportable iPad mini is more capable and versatile than ever with the powerful A17 Pro chip and support for Apple Pencil Pro

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today introduced the new iPad mini, supercharged by the A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence, the easy-to-use personal intelligence system that understands personal context to deliver intelligence that is helpful and relevant while protecting user privacy. With a beloved ultraportable design, the new iPad mini is available in four gorgeous finishes, including a new blue and purple, and features the brilliant 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. A17 Pro delivers a huge performance boost for even the most demanding tasks, with a faster CPU and GPU, a 2x faster Neural Engine than the previous-generation iPad mini,1 and support for Apple Intelligence. The versatility and advanced capabilities of the new iPad mini are taken to a whole new level with support for Apple Pencil Pro, opening up entirely new ways to be even more productive and creative. The 12MP wide back camera supports Smart HDR 4 for natural-looking photos with increased dynamic range, and uses machine learning to detect and scan documents right in the Camera app.

    The new iPad mini features all-day battery life and brand-new experiences with iPadOS 18. Starting at just $499 with 128GB — double the storage of the previous generation — the new iPad mini delivers incredible value and the full iPad experience in an ultraportable design. Customers can pre-order the new iPad mini today, with availability beginning Wednesday, October 23.

    “There is no other device in the world like iPad mini, beloved for its combination of powerful performance and versatility in our most ultraportable design. iPad mini appeals to a wide range of users and has been built for Apple Intelligence, delivering intelligent new features that are powerful, personal, and private,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With the powerful A17 Pro chip, faster connectivity, and support for Apple Pencil Pro, the new iPad mini delivers the full iPad experience in our most portable design at an incredible value.”

    A17 Pro Unlocks Powerful Performance

    The new iPad mini gets a major update with A17 Pro, delivering incredible performance and power efficiency in an ultraportable design. A17 Pro is a powerful chip that unlocks a number of improvements over A15 Bionic in the previous-generation iPad mini. With a 6-core CPU — two performance cores and four efficiency cores — A17 Pro delivers a 30 percent boost in CPU performance.1 A17 Pro also brings a boost in graphics performance with a 5-core GPU, delivering a 25 percent jump over the previous generation.1 A17 Pro brings entirely new experiences — including pro apps used by designers, pilots, doctors, and others — and makes it faster than ever for users to edit photos, dive into more immersive AR applications, and more. The new iPad mini brings true-to-life gaming with hardware-accelerated ray tracing — which is 4x faster than software-based ray tracing — as well as support for Dynamic Caching and hardware-accelerated mesh shading. From creating engaging content faster than ever in Affinity Designer, to playing demanding, graphics-intensive AAA games like Zenless Zone Zero, users can take the powerful performance and ultraportable iPad mini anywhere.

    Built for Apple Intelligence

    With the power of the A17 Pro chip, the new iPad mini delivers support for Apple Intelligence. Deeply integrated into iPadOS 18, Apple Intelligence harnesses the power of Apple silicon and Apple-built generative models to understand and create language and images, take action across apps, and draw from personal context to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks. Many of the models that power Apple Intelligence run entirely on device, and Private Cloud Compute offers the ability to flex and scale computational capacity between on-device processing and larger, server-based models that run on dedicated Apple silicon servers.

    The first set of Apple Intelligence features will be available in U.S. English this month through a free software update with iPadOS 18.1, and available for iPad with A17 Pro or M1 and later. Apple Intelligence delivers experiences that are delightful, intuitive, easy to use, and specially designed to help users do the things that matter most to them:2

    • With Writing Tools, users can refine their words by rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text nearly everywhere they write, including Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.
    • Siri becomes more deeply integrated into the system experience and gets a new design with an elegant glowing light that wraps around the edge of the screen when active on iPad. With richer language-understanding capabilities, communicating with Siri is more natural and flexible. Siri can follow along when users stumble over their words, can maintain context from one request to the next, and now, users can type to Siri. Siri also has extensive product knowledge to answer questions about features on iPad and other Apple devices.
    • In Photos, the Memories feature now enables users to create the movies they want to see by simply typing a description, and with the new Clean Up tool, they can identify and remove distracting objects in the background of a photo — without accidentally altering the subject.

    Additional Apple Intelligence features will be rolling out over the next several months:

    • Image Playground allows users to create playful images in moments.
    • Image Wand is a new tool in the Apple Pencil tool palette that can transform a rough sketch into a polished image.
    • Emoji will be taken to an entirely new level with the ability to create original Genmoji by simply typing a description, or by selecting a photo of a friend or family member.
    • Siri will be able to draw on a user’s personal context to deliver intelligence that is tailored to them. It will also gain onscreen awareness to understand and take action with users’ content, as well as take hundreds of new actions in and across Apple and third-party apps.
    • With ChatGPT integrated into experiences within iPadOS 18, users have the option to access its expertise, as well as its image- and document-understanding capabilities, within Siri and Writing Tools without needing to jump between tools. And privacy protections are built in so a user’s IP address is obscured, and OpenAI won’t store requests. Users can access ChatGPT for free without creating an account, and ChatGPT’s data-use policies apply for those who choose to connect their account.

    Even Faster Connectivity

    With faster wireless and wired connectivity, users can do even more on iPad mini while on the go. The new iPad mini supports Wi-Fi 6E, which delivers up to twice the performance than the previous generation,3 so users can download files, play games online, and stream movies even faster. Wi-Fi + Cellular models with 5G allow users to access their files, communicate with peers, and back up their data in a snap while on the go. Cellular models of the new iPad mini are activated with eSIM, a more secure alternative to a physical SIM card, allowing users to quickly connect and transfer their existing plans digitally, and store multiple cellular plans on a single device. Customers can easily get connected to wireless data plans on the new iPad mini in over 190 countries and regions around the world without needing to get a physical SIM card from a local carrier. The USB-C port is now up to 2x faster than the previous generation, with data transfers up to 10Gbps, so importing large photos and videos is even quicker.

    Incredible Camera Experience

    Great cameras, along with the incredibly portable form factor of iPad mini, enable powerful mobile workflows. The 12MP wide back camera delivers gorgeous photos, and with Smart HDR 4, they will be even more detailed and vivid. Utilizing the powerful 16-core Neural Engine, the new iPad mini uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically identify documents right in the Camera app and can use the new True Tone flash to remove shadows from the document. The 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera in portrait orientation, with support for Center Stage, is great for all the ways customers use iPad mini.

    Magical Capabilities with Apple Pencil Pro

    Apple Pencil Pro unlocks magical capabilities and powerful interactions, turning iPad mini into a sketchbook users can take anywhere. Apple Pencil Pro can sense a user’s squeeze, bringing up a tool palette to quickly switch tools, line weights, and colors, all without interrupting the creative process. A custom haptic engine delivers a light tap that provides confirmation when users squeeze, double-tap, or snap to a Smart Shape for a remarkably intuitive experience. Users can roll Apple Pencil Pro for precise control of the tool they’re using. Rotating the barrel changes the orientation of shaped pen and brush tools, just like pen and paper, and with Apple Pencil hover, users can visualize the exact orientation of a tool before making a mark. Apple Pencil Pro features support for Find My, and pairs, charges, and is stored through a new magnetic interface on the new iPad mini. iPad mini also supports Apple Pencil (USB-C), ideal for note taking, sketching, annotating, journaling, and more, at a great value.

    iPadOS 18 Brings Powerful and Intelligent New Features

    In addition to the groundbreaking capabilities of Apple Intelligence, iPadOS 18 brings powerful features that enhance the iPad experience, making it more versatile and intelligent than ever. iPadOS also has advanced frameworks like Core ML that make it easy for developers to tap into the Neural Engine to deliver powerful AI features right on device.

    • Designed for the unique capabilities of iPad, Calculator delivers an entirely new way to use Apple Pencil to solve expressions, as well as basic and scientific calculators with a new history function and unit conversions. With Math Notes, users are now able to type mathematical expressions or write them out to see them instantly solved in handwriting like their own. They can also create and use variables, and add an equation to insert a graph. Users can also access their Math Notes in the Notes app, and use all of the math functionality in any of their other notes.
    • In the Notes app, handwritten notes become more fluid, flexible, and easy to read with Smart Script and the power of Apple Pencil. Smart Script unleashes powerful new capabilities for users editing handwritten text, allowing them to easily add space, or even paste typed text in their own handwriting. And as users write with Apple Pencil, their handwriting will be automatically refined in real time to be smoother, straighter, and more legible.
    • With new Audio Recording and Transcription, iPad can capture a lecture or conversation, and transcripts are synced with the audio, so users can search for an exact moment in the recording.
    • New levels of customization come to iPad, and users have even more options to express themselves through the Home Screen with app icons and widgets that can be placed in any open position. App icons and widgets can take on a new look with a dark or tinted effect, and users can make them appear larger to create the experience that is perfect for them. Control Center has been redesigned to provide easier access to many of the things users do every day, delivering quick access to new groups of a user’s most-utilized controls. Users can even organize new controls from third-party apps in the redesigned Control Center.
    • The Photos app receives its biggest update ever, bringing users powerful new tools that make it easier to find what they are looking for with a simplified and customizable app layout that takes advantage of the larger display on iPad and helps users browse by themes without having to organize content into albums.
    • Users have new ways to stay connected and express themselves in Messages, with all-new animated text effects, redesigned Tapbacks, and the ability to schedule messages to send at a later time.

    Better for the Environment

    The new iPad mini is designed with the environment in mind, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure, 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, and 100 percent recycled gold plating and tin soldering in multiple printed circuit boards. The new iPad mini meets Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency, and is free of mercury, brominated flame retardants, and PVC. The packaging is 100 percent fiber-based, bringing Apple closer to its goal to remove plastic from all packaging by 2025.

    Today, Apple is carbon neutral for global corporate operations and, as part of its ambitious Apple 2030 goal, plans to be carbon neutral across its entire carbon footprint by the end of this decade.

    Pricing and Availability

    • Customers can pre-order the new iPad mini starting today, October 15, on apple.com/store, and in the Apple Store app in 29 countries and regions, including the U.S. It will begin arriving to customers, and will be in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers, starting Wednesday, October 23.
    • Available in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, the new iPad mini starts at $499 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi model, and $649 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
    • The new iPad mini starts with 128GB of storage — double the storage of the previous generation. The new iPad mini is also available in 256GB and 512GB configurations.
    • For education, the new iPad mini starts at $449 (U.S.). Education pricing is available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and home-school teachers of all grade levels. For more information, visit apple.com/us-hed/shop.
    • Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with the new iPad mini. It is available for $129 (U.S.), and $119 (U.S.) for education. Apple Pencil (USB-C) is available for $79 (U.S.), and $69 (U.S.) for education.
    • The new Smart Folio, available in charcoal gray, light violet, denim, and sage, is $59 (U.S.).
    • Apple offers great ways to save on the latest iPad. Customers can trade in their current iPad and get credit toward a new one by visiting the Apple Store online, the Apple Store app, or an Apple Store location. To see what their device is worth and for terms and conditions, customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in.
    • Customers in the U.S. who shop at Apple using Apple Card can pay monthly at 0 percent APR when they choose to check out with Apple Card Monthly Installments, and they’ll get 3 percent Daily Cash back — all up front. More information — including details on eligibility, exclusions, and Apple Card terms — is available at apple.com/apple-card/monthly-installments.
    • AppleCare+ for iPad provides unparalleled service and support. This includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage, battery service coverage, and 24/7 support from the people who know iPad best.
    • Every customer who buys directly from Apple Retail gets access to Personal Setup. In these guided online sessions, a Specialist can walk customers through setup, or focus on features that help them make the most of their new device.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    1. Testing conducted by Apple in September 2024 using preproduction iPad mini (A17 Pro) and production iPad mini (6th generation) units. Tested with Affinity Photo 2 v2.5.5.2636 using the built-in benchmark version 25000. Performance tests are conducted using specific iPad units and reflect the approximate performance of iPad mini.
    2. Apple Intelligence will be available as a free software update for iPad with A17 Pro or M1 and later with device and Siri language set to U.S. English. The first set of features will be available in beta this month with iPadOS 18.1 with more features rolling out in the months to come. Later this year, Apple Intelligence will add support for localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. In the coming year, Apple Intelligence will expand to more languages, like Chinese, English (India), English (Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and others.
    3. Wi‑Fi 6E available in countries and regions where supported.

    Press Contacts

    Tara Courtney

    Apple

    tcourtney@apple.com

    Skylar Eisenhart

    Apple

    s_eisenhart@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Former SECDEF Panetta Shared Concerns, Insights During Guest Lecture at NPS

    Source: United States Navy

    With decades of public service, Panetta offered frank advice and lessons learned to the more than 1,300 students, faculty and staff gathered in the packed NPS King Hall auditorium.  

    “Fundamental to everything our democracy stands for is leadership, and that requires character, integrity, and courage,” said Panetta. “Those qualities are abundant in this room, and being selected to come to NPS further sets you apart. When you graduate, you will carry the additional obligation to do more, take risks, make hard decisions and lead solutions to complex national defense challenges if we’re going to remain the world’s strongest democracy.”

    In his opening comments, Panetta stressed the importance of alliances in addressing today’s conflicts, and terrorism instigated and supported by a growing axis of autocracies lead by China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.

    “Our adversaries are actively working to undermine trust,” Panetta remarked. “When our nation is distracted, tyrants will fill the void. The leader’s job is not to point fingers, but to point out falsehoods and elevate reality so we can agree on the problem, then work together to address it.  Across the aisle, or across alliances, that’s how leaders get things done. That’s how we win.”

    The “Fireside Chat” was moderated by retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Eric Wendt, a former Special Forces Green Beret and current professor of practice in the school’s Department of Defense Analysis, and an NPS distinguished alumnus. When asked the one thing he would do to improve DOD today, Panetta responded, “There are many things, but the one thing I am most concerned about is speed.”

    “We need DOD bureaucracy to move at the speed of technology,” added Panetta. “I’m concerned that we can’t act swiftly enough to ensure our advantage by leveraging and learning about cutting edge technologies. Industry is setting the pace, and much of it is American innovation, but we need to apply innovative thinking to how we acquire, adapt and adopt technology to meet capability needs. I believe NPS and the future Naval Innovation Center at NPS are parts of the solution.”

    During his visit, Panetta also spoke with Defense Analysis students in the DA 3900 Command and Leadership course taught by Wendt, where he further encouraged students to apply their operational experience, NPS education and research to solving the most vexing challenges facing DOD.

    Before leading the DOD, Panetta served as a member of the United States House of Representatives, director of the Office of Management and Budget, White House Chief of Staff, and as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

    Today, Panetta co-directs with his wife, Sylvia, the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, based at California State University, Monterey Bay. The Institute is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit center that seeks to instill in young men and women the virtues and values of public service.

    • For more information on the Secretary of the Navy Guest Lecture program at NPS, and to watch past lectures, visit https://nps.edu/sgls

    Learn more about the NPS Department of Defense Analysis at https://nps.edu/web/da

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coventry holiday programme voted a brilliant success!

    Source: City of Coventry

    A Coventry teen enjoyed one of his best summers ever, thanks to the Holiday Food and Activities programme (HAF).

    Corey, a student at Woodfield School in the city, was anxious and reluctant to go along to any of the HAF sessions at first, but after attending one, he couldn’t wait to take part in more.

    Mum, Gemma, said:

    “He has enjoyed the experience of all activities provided, seeing him being so excited to come home and telling me about his days and showing pictures and making phone calls to me, tells me how much fun he’s having.

    “Corey’s told me his experiences were good and he scores summer school a nine out of 10. Just want to say a massive thank you to the staff for organising everything.”

    Over 4000 Coventry children enjoyed a fun-filled summer break with activities and a meal, thanks to the government-funded, council supported HAF programme.

    16,000 children are eligible in Coventry to attend the HAF programme across Easter, Summer and Winter.

    Cllr Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member, Education and Skills, commented:

    “It’s always really heart-warming to hear and read how people’s lives are impacted so positively by programmes such as this. As we know, there are lots of other young people, like Corey, who I’m sure would benefit from the activities being delivered via the Holiday and Activities programme.

     I’d urge Coventry families to check if they are eligible to access the Holiday Activity Fund programme in the future, especially as we will be offering another excellent range of activities over the Christmas holiday season.”

    Families are being encouraged to see if they qualify for the programmes by checking online and registering now to benefit in time for the Christmas holiday programme.

    The HAF programme gives those families who are eligible for free school meals the chance to take part in fun and enjoyable sessions during the holidays, all with food provided.

    Tuesday, 15th October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ghana’s informal settlements are not all the same – social networks make a difference in community development

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Seth Asare Okyere, PhD, Visiting lecturer, University of Pittsburg and Adjunct Associate Professor, Osaka University, University of Pittsburgh

    Informal settlements in Africa are diverse. Across regions and even in the same city, socioeconomic and physical conditions vary. One thing is common though: upgrading them is a challenge.

    Among the challenges are issues of including people, having enough funding and sustaining improvements. That’s why attention is shifting to community driven development. This concept refers to local interventions that are started or led by community groups with support from the local government, private or civil society organisations.

    Community driven development has gained support from international agencies such as the World Bank. The World Bank Group is estimated to have invested about US$30 billion in projects like this across 94 countries.

    These initiatives are considered more affordable, efficient and durable. Communities often contribute local resources and labour, and residents can learn skills from service providers which enable them to manage projects in the long term. When residents work together it can also strengthen bonds and build social capital. Social capital generally refers to the ties, bonds, relationships and trust found in a community. It is an important resource in informal settlements.

    We are a group of urban and development planners who examined the role of social capital in community driven development in urban Ghana.

    We conducted our study in the Abese Quarter (La township) and Old Tulaku communities, in the Greater Accra metropolitan area. These are both informal settlements but have different social characters.

    Our findings highlight the need for local governments to tailor development to the social context of informal settlements. Development planning institutions should use the networks already present in communities, as well as providing external help and resources.

    The research

    Our analysis was based on questionnaire responses from 300 residents of informal settlements in Greater Accra. Abese Quarter is what we call an indigenous settlement. It it composed of residents from the local Ga ethnic group with similar cultural practices. Old Tulaku is a migrant settlement. It includes a mix of residents originally from other regions in Ghana who moved to Accra in search of economic opportunities.

    We observed community water and sanitation projects planned and carried out by local residents.

    In doing so, we considered the role of two types of social capital: bonding and bridging.

    Bonding social capital deals with the personal relationships between individuals based on shared identity. It’s about family, close companionship, culture and ethnicity. Bridging social capital refers to the connection between people and external groups.

    In the indigenous settlement, bonding social capital had a positive influence on community driven development. Bridging social capital showed a negative relationship with it. For example, the public toilet in the community was in a deplorable state. This seemed to be explained by an inability to build wider connections outside the community to get the support needed. We reason that socially homogeneous communities tend to generate inward-looking networks that limit access to resources from beyond the group. Overemphasis on social ties can impede long-term community development.

    In the migrant informal settlement, our research revealed the opposite. Without shared identities (like ethnicity, language and social norms), migrant residents drew on shared challenges and goals. They organised and built connections to get support from businesses and donors for community projects.

    Our research reinforces the argument that the relationship between social capital and community-driven development of informal settlements is not straightforward. The social character of the settlement, be it indigenous or migrant, produces different outcomes.

    Bonding and bridging social capital

    Informal settlements are often neglected by local government and planning authorities. In such poor conditions, social connections influence the local capacity to carry out improvement projects.

    Typically, high levels of bonding social capital are seen to promote collective action in communities that share similar social and cultural norms and practices. However, the long term benefits of such projects may require building partnerships with external support organisations and service providers.

    Bridging social capital goes beyond shared identities. It fosters connection between people and external organisations.

    Generally, community-driven development success is greatest when both forms of social capital are high and used together. For instance, in the Ubungo Darajani informal settlement in Kinondoni Municipality in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, landholders relied on both to secure land for community development.

    What next?

    Local government and community-based organisations should harness the different forms of social capital for development.

    Policymakers can learn from the creative and innovative ways that informal communities solve problems. This could help improve informal settlements equitably and sustainably.

    Beatrice Eyram Afi Ziorklui, a registered valuer and auditor at the Performance and Special Audit Department of the Ghana Audit Service, was part of the research team and contributed to this article.

    – Ghana’s informal settlements are not all the same – social networks make a difference in community development
    – https://theconversation.com/ghanas-informal-settlements-are-not-all-the-same-social-networks-make-a-difference-in-community-development-239133

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New leader for ARU’s work-based courses

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 14 October 2024 at 10:30

    Specialist in education and workforce development Carl Dawson joins university

    Carl Dawson, a globally renowned expert in online education and workforce development with over 20 years of experience, has been appointed to lead Anglia Ruskin University’s Online and Degrees at Work teams.

    Relocating to the UK from Texas, Carl has previously worked closely with universities, governments and companies in the United States, Canada, Australia, Bangladesh, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

    Carl has extensive experience across both the public and private sectors and has implemented digital learning programs for institutions and governments, including the UK Cabinet Office. In 2013, he co-founded Construct Education, later recognized by Deloitte as one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the UK and now operating globally.

    He helped build accredited online education programs at institutions such as Howard University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Tennessee.

    In 2021, Carl became an advisor to the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on new digital learning strategies in a post COVID world. 

    His academic research includes time as a Transformational Leadership Fellow at Oxford University, a Policy Fellow at Cambridge University, and a Senior Research Associate at Jesus College, Cambridge, focusing on new economic models for higher education.

    The Degrees at Work team is at the forefront of driving growth for ARU’s distance learning and apprenticeships. The team collaborates closely with employers and academics to identify future talent needs, generating insights that shape ARU’s innovative, professional work-based programs.

    Carl, who takes the role of Director of Learning Development Services at ARU, said:

    “I’m thrilled to return to the UK to join Anglia Ruskin University and help shape the future of work in the East of England and beyond, ensuring this unique region leads in preparing learners for tomorrow’s industries and societal needs.

    “Being part of the University of the Year is an incredible opportunity, and I’m eager to build on our Gold Award for teaching, pioneering degree apprenticeships, and decade-long distance and online learning success.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Spotlight: Felipe Valdez, an Inspiring Engineer

    Source: NASA

    Felipe Valdez is someone who took advantage of every possible opportunity at NASA, working his way from undergraduate intern to his current job as a flight controls engineer. 
    Born in the United States but raised in Mexico, Valdez faced significant challenges growing up.  
    “My mom worked long hours, my dad battled addiction, and eventually, school became unaffordable,” Valdez said. 
    Determined to continue his education, Valdez made the difficult choice to leave his family and return to the U.S. But as a teenager, learning English and adapting to a new environment was a culture shock for him. Despite these changes, his curiosity for subjects such as math and science never wavered.  
    “As a kid, I’d always been good with numbers and fascinated by how things worked. Engineering combined both,” Valdez said. “This sparked my interest.”  
    While he pursued an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from California State University, Sacramento, guidance from his professor, Jose Granda, proved to be pivotal.  
    “He encouraged me to apply for a NASA internship,” Valdez said. “He’d actually been a Spanish-language spokesperson for a [space] shuttle mission, so hearing about someone with my background succeed gave me the confidence I needed to take that step.”  
    Valdez’s hard work paid off – he was selected as a NASA Office of STEM Engagement intern at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. There, he worked on software development for vehicle dynamics, actuators, and controller models for a space capsule in computer simulations. 
    “I couldn’t believe it,” Valdez said. “Getting that opportunity changed everything.”  
    This internship opened the door to a second with NASA this time at the agency’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. He had the chance to work on flight computer development for the Preliminary Research Aerodynamic Design to Lower Drag, an experimental flying wing design. 
    After these experiences, he was later accepted as an intern for NASA’s Pathways Program, a work-study program that offers the possibly of full-time employment at NASA after graduation. 
    “That was the start of my career at NASA, where my passion for aeronautics really took off,” he said.  
    Valdez was the first in his family to pursue higher education, earning his bachelor’s degree from Sacramento State and his master’s in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of California, Davis. 
    Today, he works as a NASA flight controls engineer under the Dynamics and Controls branch at Armstrong. Most of his experience has focused on flight simulation development and flight control design, particularly for distributed electric propulsion aircraft. 
    “It’s rewarding to be part of a group that’s focused on making aviation faster, quieter, and more sustainable,” Valdez said. “As a controls engineer, working on advanced aircraft concepts like distributed electric propulsion allows me design algorithms to directly control multiple motors, enhancing safety, controllability, and stability, while enabling cleaner, and quieter operations that push the boundaries of sustainable aviation.”  
    Throughout his career, Valdez has remained proud of his heritage.   “I feel a strong sense of pride knowing that inclusion is one of our core values, opportunities are within reach for anyone at NASA.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: EDB and CMAB organise “Dreams to Greater Bay Area Come True” Itinerary Design Competition under Mainland Exchange Programmes for Students (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    EDB and CMAB organise “Dreams to Greater Bay Area Come True” Itinerary Design Competition under Mainland Exchange Programmes for Students (with photos)
    EDB and CMAB organise “Dreams to Greater Bay Area Come True” Itinerary Design Competition under Mainland Exchange Programmes for Students (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Education Bureau (EDB) and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Development Office of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB) have organised the “Dreams to Greater Bay Area Come True” Itinerary Design Competition under Mainland Exchange Programmes for Students, encouraging secondary students to design routes for Mainland exchanges covering the GBA cities as destinations. Through the activities, students are encouraged to gather information so as to deepen their understanding of the interconnectivity, history and culture, innovative technology, and development opportunities of the GBA cities, thereby broadening their horizons and cultivating their affection for the country.      The kick-off ceremony cum briefing session of the competition was held today (October 14) as part of the celebrations for the 15th anniversary of the founding of the “Passing on the Torch” National Education Activity Series Platform. Officiating guests included the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai; the Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan; Second-level Inspector of Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Zhang Guolai; the Chairperson of the Organising Committee for the 15th Anniversary of the Founding of the “Passing on the Torch” National Education Activity Series Platform, Mr Lung Chee-ming; and various Executive Chairpersons of the Platform.      Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Sze said that the “Passing on the Torch” National Education Activity Series Platform has been strongly supported by the Central People’s Government Offices in Hong Kong and eminent individuals from various sectors in Hong Kong since its establishment in 2009, enabling smooth progress in all areas of work.       Mr Sze said under the leadership of various Executive Chairpersons, more than 550 000 primary and secondary students have benefited over the years. Mainland Exchange Programmes for primary and secondary students have covered 22 provinces, four autonomous regions and four municipalities.       Mr Sze also expressed gratitude to the GBA Development Office for co-organising the competition with the EDB, providing students with more opportunities to understand the history, culture and development opportunities of the GBA, which will widen their horizons and foster their sense of national identity.     During the kick-off ceremony, the officiating guests lit a cauldron with torches, symbolising “Passing on the Torch”. About 400 teachers, students and guests participated by switching on the lighting decorations, expressing their wish for the Platform to continue promoting affection for both the country and Hong Kong in the Hong Kong school sector.     Secondary students will participate in the competition on a team basis. Each team should submit a proposal on such themes as root-tracing/remembrance of origins, innovation/aerospace technology, and intangible cultural heritage. The proposal should include an itinerary for a student exchange lasting one to three days in the GBA cities.       The champion itineraries will be turned into actual trips, and the winning teams will be fully subsidised to join the trips as an award. Completed proposals should be submitted by December 20. For details, please visit the designated webpage (www.bayarea.gov.hk/itinerary-design-competition/en/home/index.html).

     
    Ends/Monday, October 14, 2024Issued at HKT 18:19

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Kenya’s presidents have a long history of falling out with their deputies – Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment would be no surprise

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gabrielle Lynch, Professor of Comparative Politics, University of Warwick

    The process of removing Kenya’s deputy president Rigathi Gachagua is part of a long history, dating back to independence, of fallouts between the president and his deputy. The difference this time around is the process.

    Historically, presidents have fired their deputies. But the adoption of a new constitution in 2010, saw the introduction of a process for impeachment – for both the president and the deputy – that’s run by the legislature. This is the first time it’s been used.

    On 8 October 2024, members of Kenya’s national assembly voted to impeach Gachagua on grounds that included corruption, insubordination and ethnically divisive politics. The case now moves to the senate where members will hear the charges – and Gachagua’s defence – and vote.

    If at least two-thirds of senate accept the charges, and Gachagua’s legal challenges fail, then Gachagua will make history as Kenya’s first deputy leader to be impeached.

    So far, President William Ruto has stayed silent on the matter, but the process would not be proceeding without his blessing.

    Amid the novelty of the impeachment process, it’s easy to forget that it is the norm for Kenyan presidents to fall out with their deputies. As a political scientist interested in Kenya’s ethnic politics and democratisation, I argue that this is because of how deputies are selected in the first place.

    Deputies are initially selected largely on pragmatic grounds as people who bring something useful to a political alliance. This could be resources, a support base or a reputation for being a good technocrat or administrator.

    They’re not usually people with whom the president has a strong and continuous personal relationship or someone with whom they share a clear political ideology. Neither are they usually someone who has made their way up through a political party.

    This has brought about a long history of tensions and fallout between Kenya’s presidents and their deputies.

    History of fallouts

    Independent Kenya’s first vice president, Oginga Odinga, saw his ministerial portfolio gradually reduced by President Jomo Kenyatta. Kenyatta then replaced Odinga as vice president of the ruling Kenya African National Union (Kanu) in 1966 further undermining his powers. Soon after, Odinga joined the opposition Kenya’s People’s Union.

    His successor, Joseph Murumbi, resigned within months. The official reason given was ill health, but it is widely believed that Murumbi was troubled by corruption and authoritarianism within the Kenyatta regime.

    Kenya’s second president, Daniel arap Moi, elected Mwai Kibaki as his first deputy. Kibaki was dropped after a decade. He went on to form an opposition party as soon as Kenya shifted to multi-party politics in 1992.

    Moi’s second vice president, Josephat Karanja, resigned after a year to avoid a vote of no confidence for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.

    Moi’s third deputy, George Saitoti was sidelined to pave way for Uhuru Kenyatta’s nomination as the party flagbearer in 2002. Moi’s final deputy, Musalia Mudavadi, fell with the rest of the Kanu government in the 2002 elections.

    As Kenya’s third president, Kibaki similarly oversaw a regular change of guard. His first deputy, Michael Wamalwa, died after a few months in office. His second, Moody Awori, lost his seat in the 2007 election.

    Kibaki’s third deputy, Kalonzo Musyoka, joined the president during Kenya’s post-election violence of 2007-08. He left at the end of his term in 2013 to run with Raila Odinga in the 2013, 2017 and 2022 presidential elections.

    Kenya’s fourth president, Uhuru Kenyatta, was the only leader to have the same deputy, William Ruto, for his full term as president – from 2013 to 2022. However, relations between Kenyatta and Ruto were hardly rosy. The two fell out after the 2017 elections as Kenyatta teamed up with long-standing opposition leader, Raila Odinga. Ruto beat Odinga, Kenyatta’s favoured candidate in the 2022 elections.

    Lessons to learn

    Because deputies are selected for their practical value, the person who made a good deputy at one point in time can come to be seen as a liability or threat as the political context changes.

    For example, at independence, Oginga Odinga made an excellent ally for Jomo Kenyatta. He had some resources and was a proven mobiliser. He brought a support base. However, within a few years, Odinga became a problem for the president as a more radical faction within the ruling party coalesced around him.

    Similarly, Ruto made an excellent ally for Uhuru Kenyatta when they both faced charges for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. The two fell out once Kenyatta had won his second and final term, and Kenyatta turned to his succession.

    Gachagua was useful to Ruto in 2022. He had personal wealth, was an effective mobiliser and hailed from central Kenya where the election looked to be won or lost. However, once elected, Gachagua’s populist statements and reputation for ethnic bias became more of a liability.

    Second, as contexts change, someone else can soon come to be seen as more useful as second in command.

    For Jomo Kenyatta, Moi had shown his utility and loyalty during the “little general elections” of 1966, which effectively sidelined the Kenya People’s Union and Oginga Odinga.

    Kithure Kindiki, Kenya’s interior cabinet secretary, is the current frontrunner to replace Gachagua. He is seen as better able to negotiate with the international community, especially during a critical economic period for Kenya as it seeks new International Monetary Fund loans.

    Third, being the country’s vice or deputy president comes with a lot of opportunities to network. These interactions have often led individuals to be seen as a growing threat, or as actively plotting against the president. They may also be seen as a future challenger.

    History has shown that there is no ideal way of dealing with such a potential challenger, leading subsequent presidents to try different approaches.

    Current context

    Ruto and Gachagua have clearly fallen out. Their differences became apparent soon after the 2022 elections. However, they came into sharp relief in the face of anti-tax protests in June 2024. There were subsequent allegations that Gachagua and some of his allies had helped to finance the protests.

    The question, therefore, isn’t why they have fallen out but why Gachagua is being impeached now.

    Ultimately the answer to this can only be known by a few individuals. But perhaps an indication of the answer lies in the emotions the fallout has stirred: a desire to distract the public and show that the government is taking action to deal with Kenya’s ongoing economic crisis. There may also be a desire to undercut Gachagua before he can build national networks.

    Ruto has the numbers in the senate to see the impeachment process through. But this is a dangerous game. Those sidelined have a habit of coming back to haunt their former allies.

    At the moment, most Kenyans are supportive of the impeachment process, but many also feel that Gachagua is being unfairly targeted especially in central Kenya, where a majority oppose the process.

    While a successful impeachment might see Gachagua barred from holding public office, this wouldn’t necessarily mean an end to his career as an effective political mobiliser.

    The next few months – and the narratives that emerge about why Ruto and Gachagua fell out – will be critical in determining both their futures.

    Gabrielle Lynch 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. Kenya’s presidents have a long history of falling out with their deputies – Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment would be no surprise – https://theconversation.com/kenyas-presidents-have-a-long-history-of-falling-out-with-their-deputies-rigathi-gachaguas-impeachment-would-be-no-surprise-241139

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Kenya’s presidents have a long history of falling out with their deputies – Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment would be no surprise

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gabrielle Lynch, Professor of Comparative Politics, University of Warwick

    The process of removing Kenya’s deputy president Rigathi Gachagua is part of a long history, dating back to independence, of fallouts between the president and his deputy. The difference this time around is the process.

    Historically, presidents have fired their deputies. But the adoption of a new constitution in 2010, saw the introduction of a process for impeachment – for both the president and the deputy – that’s run by the legislature. This is the first time it’s been used.

    On 8 October 2024, members of Kenya’s national assembly voted to impeach Gachagua on grounds that included corruption, insubordination and ethnically divisive politics. The case now moves to the senate where members will hear the charges – and Gachagua’s defence – and vote.

    If at least two-thirds of senate accept the charges, and Gachagua’s legal challenges fail, then Gachagua will make history as Kenya’s first deputy leader to be impeached.

    So far, President William Ruto has stayed silent on the matter, but the process would not be proceeding without his blessing.

    Amid the novelty of the impeachment process, it’s easy to forget that it is the norm for Kenyan presidents to fall out with their deputies. As a political scientist interested in Kenya’s ethnic politics and democratisation, I argue that this is because of how deputies are selected in the first place.

    Deputies are initially selected largely on pragmatic grounds as people who bring something useful to a political alliance. This could be resources, a support base or a reputation for being a good technocrat or administrator.

    They’re not usually people with whom the president has a strong and continuous personal relationship or someone with whom they share a clear political ideology. Neither are they usually someone who has made their way up through a political party.

    This has brought about a long history of tensions and fallout between Kenya’s presidents and their deputies.

    History of fallouts

    Independent Kenya’s first vice president, Oginga Odinga, saw his ministerial portfolio gradually reduced by President Jomo Kenyatta. Kenyatta then replaced Odinga as vice president of the ruling Kenya African National Union (Kanu) in 1966 further undermining his powers. Soon after, Odinga joined the opposition Kenya’s People’s Union.

    His successor, Joseph Murumbi, resigned within months. The official reason given was ill health, but it is widely believed that Murumbi was troubled by corruption and authoritarianism within the Kenyatta regime.

    Kenya’s second president, Daniel arap Moi, elected Mwai Kibaki as his first deputy. Kibaki was dropped after a decade. He went on to form an opposition party as soon as Kenya shifted to multi-party politics in 1992.

    Moi’s second vice president, Josephat Karanja, resigned after a year to avoid a vote of no confidence for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.

    Moi’s third deputy, George Saitoti was sidelined to pave way for Uhuru Kenyatta’s nomination as the party flagbearer in 2002. Moi’s final deputy, Musalia Mudavadi, fell with the rest of the Kanu government in the 2002 elections.

    As Kenya’s third president, Kibaki similarly oversaw a regular change of guard. His first deputy, Michael Wamalwa, died after a few months in office. His second, Moody Awori, lost his seat in the 2007 election.

    Kibaki’s third deputy, Kalonzo Musyoka, joined the president during Kenya’s post-election violence of 2007-08. He left at the end of his term in 2013 to run with Raila Odinga in the 2013, 2017 and 2022 presidential elections.

    Kenya’s fourth president, Uhuru Kenyatta, was the only leader to have the same deputy, William Ruto, for his full term as president – from 2013 to 2022. However, relations between Kenyatta and Ruto were hardly rosy. The two fell out after the 2017 elections as Kenyatta teamed up with long-standing opposition leader, Raila Odinga. Ruto beat Odinga, Kenyatta’s favoured candidate in the 2022 elections.

    Lessons to learn

    Because deputies are selected for their practical value, the person who made a good deputy at one point in time can come to be seen as a liability or threat as the political context changes.

    For example, at independence, Oginga Odinga made an excellent ally for Jomo Kenyatta. He had some resources and was a proven mobiliser. He brought a support base. However, within a few years, Odinga became a problem for the president as a more radical faction within the ruling party coalesced around him.

    Similarly, Ruto made an excellent ally for Uhuru Kenyatta when they both faced charges for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. The two fell out once Kenyatta had won his second and final term, and Kenyatta turned to his succession.

    Gachagua was useful to Ruto in 2022. He had personal wealth, was an effective mobiliser and hailed from central Kenya where the election looked to be won or lost. However, once elected, Gachagua’s populist statements and reputation for ethnic bias became more of a liability.

    Second, as contexts change, someone else can soon come to be seen as more useful as second in command.

    For Jomo Kenyatta, Moi had shown his utility and loyalty during the “little general elections” of 1966, which effectively sidelined the Kenya People’s Union and Oginga Odinga.

    Kithure Kindiki, Kenya’s interior cabinet secretary, is the current frontrunner to replace Gachagua. He is seen as better able to negotiate with the international community, especially during a critical economic period for Kenya as it seeks new International Monetary Fund loans.

    Third, being the country’s vice or deputy president comes with a lot of opportunities to network. These interactions have often led individuals to be seen as a growing threat, or as actively plotting against the president. They may also be seen as a future challenger.

    History has shown that there is no ideal way of dealing with such a potential challenger, leading subsequent presidents to try different approaches.

    Current context

    Ruto and Gachagua have clearly fallen out. Their differences became apparent soon after the 2022 elections. However, they came into sharp relief in the face of anti-tax protests in June 2024. There were subsequent allegations that Gachagua and some of his allies had helped to finance the protests.

    The question, therefore, isn’t why they have fallen out but why Gachagua is being impeached now.

    Ultimately the answer to this can only be known by a few individuals. But perhaps an indication of the answer lies in the emotions the fallout has stirred: a desire to distract the public and show that the government is taking action to deal with Kenya’s ongoing economic crisis. There may also be a desire to undercut Gachagua before he can build national networks.

    Ruto has the numbers in the senate to see the impeachment process through. But this is a dangerous game. Those sidelined have a habit of coming back to haunt their former allies.

    At the moment, most Kenyans are supportive of the impeachment process, but many also feel that Gachagua is being unfairly targeted especially in central Kenya, where a majority oppose the process.

    While a successful impeachment might see Gachagua barred from holding public office, this wouldn’t necessarily mean an end to his career as an effective political mobiliser.

    The next few months – and the narratives that emerge about why Ruto and Gachagua fell out – will be critical in determining both their futures.

    – Kenya’s presidents have a long history of falling out with their deputies – Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment would be no surprise
    – https://theconversation.com/kenyas-presidents-have-a-long-history-of-falling-out-with-their-deputies-rigathi-gachaguas-impeachment-would-be-no-surprise-241139

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Awful reality’: Albanese government injects $95 million to fight the latest deadly bird flu

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Wille, Senior research fellow, The University of Melbourne

    The Australian government has committed A$95 million to fight a virulent strain of bird flu wreaking havoc globally.

    With the arrival of millions of migratory birds this spring, there is an increased risk of a deadly strain arriving in Australia, known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.

    Australia is the only continent free of this rapidly spreading strain. Overseas, HPAI H5N1 has been detected in poultry, wild birds and a wide range of mammals, including humans. But our reprieve will likely not last forever.

    As Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek warned on Monday, “the awful reality of this disease is that – like the rest of the world – we will not be able to prevent its arrival”. HPAI H5N1 is like nothing we’ve seen in Australia. The extra funding, which is in addition to Australia’s current biosecurity budget, will help us prepare and respond.

    A trail of destruction

    Avian influenza is a virus that infects birds, but can infect other animals.

    In Australia we have various strains of avian influenza that don’t cause disease, referred to as low pathogenic avian influenza. While these viruses occur naturally Australian wild birds, it is the disease-causing strains, such as HPAI H5N1 and HPAI H7 we are worried about. These HPAI strains have enormous consequences for wild birds, domestic animals, and animal producers and workers.

    HPAI H5N1 first emerged in Asia in 1996, and has been circulating in Asian poultry for decades. Following genetic changes in the virus, it repeatedly jumped into wild birds in 2014, 2016 and again in 2020, after which it caused an animal pandemic, or panzootic.

    Starting in 2021, the virus rapidly spread. First, from Europe to North America in 2021. Then into South America in 2022. There, in South America, the virus caused the death of more than 500,000 wild birds and 30,000 marine mammals.

    While we had seen large outbreaks in wild birds globally, the huge outbreaks in seals and sea lions in South America was unprecedented. With this came substantial concern that the virus was spreading from mammal to mammal, rather than just bird to bird or bird to mammal, as was happening elsewhere.

    About a year after arriving in South America, the virus was detected in the sub-Antarctic, and a few months later, on the Antarctic Peninsula.

    Australia and New Zealand are still free of the virus, for now.

    The rising death toll

    Beyond wildlife, HPAI H5N1 is having a huge impact on poultry.

    In 2022 alone, it caused 130 million poultry across 67 countries to die of the illness or be euthanased because they were infected.

    In contrast, earlier this year Australia’s biggest avian influenza outbreak to date – caused by a different strain, HPAI H7 – caused the death or destruction of 1.5 million chickens. That’s a drop in the bucket compared to what is occurring globally.

    Concerningly, in the United States, the virus has jumped into dairy cattle and so far has affected more than 200 dairy herds in 14 states. It has also jumping into humans: in the past ten days alone, six human cases have occurred – all in dairy workers in California.

    Given HPAI H5N1 has spread around the globe, the risk of the virus entering Australia has increased.

    In a recent risk assessment, my colleague and I identified two main pathways for H5N1 into Australia.

    The most likely route is that H5N1 is brought in from Asia by long-distance migratory birds. Birds such as shorebirds and seabirds arrive in the millions each spring from Asia (and in some cases as far away as Alaska).

    A second route is with ducks. If the virus spreads across the Wallace Line (a biogeographical boundary that runs through Indonesia), it will come into contact with endemic Australian duck species.

    Unlike shorebirds and seabirds, ducks are not long-distance migrants, and don’t migrate between Asia and Australia. That endemic Australian ducks are not exposed to this virus because they don’t migrate to Asia may be one of the reasons why H5N1 has not yet arrived in Australia.

    So, what’s the plan?

    The Australian government’s new $95 million funding commitment is a crucial response to the heightened level of risk, and the dire consequences if H5N1 entered the country.

    The funding is divided between environment, agriculture and human health – the three pillars of the “One Health” approach.

    Broadly, the money will be spent on:

    • enhancing surveillance to ensure timely detection and response if the disease enters and spreads in animals within Australia

    • strengthening preparedness and response capability to reduce harm to the production sector and native wildlife

    • supporting a nationally coordinated approach to response and communications

    • taking proactive measures to protect threatened iconic species from extinction

    • investing in more pre-pandemic vaccines to protect human health.

    Importantly, the funding covers preparedness, surveillance and response.

    Preparedness includes proactive measures to protect threatened birds – for example, vaccination or reducing other threats to these species) and improving biosecurity.

    Surveillance is essential to catch the virus as soon as it arrives and track its spread. Australia already has a wild bird surveillance program which, among other things, investigates sick and dead wildlife as well as sampling “healthy” wild birds. The additional commitment will bolster these activities.

    Response will include things like better and faster tests. It will also include funding for practical on-ground actions to limit the spread and impacts of HPAI H5N1 for susceptible wildlife. This might include a vaccination program for vulnerable threatened species, as an example.

    Work has already begun

    This funding is a long-term investment, and mostly allocated to future activities. In the short term, my colleagues and I have already begun our spring surveillance program.

    We aim to test about 1,000 long-distance migratory birds arriving in Australia for avian influenza. Based on our risk assessments, we are focusing on long-distance migratory seabirds such as the short-tailed shearwater, and various shorebirds including red-necked stints, arriving from breeding areas in Siberia.

    This surveillance program is supported by, and contributes to, the national surveillance program managed by Wildlife Health Australia

    In addition to our active surveillance, we need your help! If you see sick or dead wild birds or marine mammals, call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.

    In addition, the Wildlife Health Australia website offers current advice for:

    For more information, visit birdflu.gov.au or Wildlife Health Australia’s avian influenza page

    Michelle Wille receives funding from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Wildlife Health Australia.

    – ref. ‘Awful reality’: Albanese government injects $95 million to fight the latest deadly bird flu – https://theconversation.com/awful-reality-albanese-government-injects-95-million-to-fight-the-latest-deadly-bird-flu-241243

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Invesco Ltd: Form 8.3 – Learning Technologies Group PLC; Public dealing disclosure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Invesco Ltd.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		    
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Learning Technologies Group PLC  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 11.10.2024  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 No  
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: 0.375p ordinary GB00B4T7HX10  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 8,079,444 1.02      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 8,079,444 1.02      
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    		  
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    		  
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
    0.375p ordinary GB00B4T7HX10 Sale 3,381,761 0.93 GBP  
       
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements, or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (c) Attachments  
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 14.10.2024  
    Contact name Philippa Holmes  
    Telephone number +441491417447  
       

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at http://www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: InFocus: Updates from the Government Property Agency (October 24)

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    InFocus brings together news and views from across the Government Property Agency.

    WELCOME TO INFOCUS, October 2024

    Yvette Greener, Client Director

    It’s been a busy few months here at the Government Property Agency (GPA) as we supported clients through the General Election period and transition to a new Government.

    Last month we confirmed the permanent appointment of Mark Bourgeois as our Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mark has filled the post as interim CEO since November 2023, during which time we have identified a number of focus areas for improved performance across our services. With this insight, along with his extensive leadership experience from the private sector, Mark is now well positioned to lead our organisation in delivering on these priorities for our clients.

    I am also pleased to welcome Georgina Dunn to our Executive Committee as interim Capital Projects Director, following the retirement of Clive Anderson. Georgina has joined on secondment from Turner & Townsend, where she is Director and Global Head of Government and Public Sector. Her experience leading large scale and high-profile infrastructure, property and construction programmes is already bringing great value to our team.

    Carly Ersser will join the GPA as interim Director of Workplace Services in November, replacing Louis Roberts. Carly will transfer from HM Treasury, where she worked as Deputy Director Multisite Darlington Economic Campus Programme. Carly has an excellent insight as to what it’s like to be a GPA client, a very clear strategic view of the GPA and a real passion to deliver for our clients. She will make an excellent addition to the leadership team and drive the development and improvement of our workplace services.

    Last week our new Strategic Client Committee convened for the first time. More details about the Committee are included in this newsletter, and I’m looking forward to the strides forward we can take with the Committee’s strategic recommendations and feedback.

    Ongoing plans to improve the workplace experience of people in our buildings include the redevelopment of our Customer Service Portal, which will provide helpful information, resources and community forums across a number of our offices. Our new PropTech Experience Group, which is open to technology professionals across government, is also ensuring that we are proactive in understanding how our technology services can be optimised to meet the needs of end users.

    We’ve made substantial progress on a number of projects in our Government Hubs Programme in recent months, with key milestones reached in Manchester, York, Croydon and Darlington. Our Peterborough Hub, which opened in 2023, has also been recognised as one of the world’s leading public sector offices for workplace experience.

    I hope you enjoy reading our latest updates below. On behalf of our executive and client teams, thank you for your continued support.

    In this issue:

                                                         

    Focus on audiovisual (AV) for upcoming Property Technology Experience Group events

    Following the success of our Property Technology Experience Group launch in June, two more events are coming up which focus on how we are advancing our AV capabilities across the government office estate.

    AV Solution Show & Tell – date TBC

    We will showcase our latest v3 AV solution at 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London. This in-person and hybrid event will offer an exclusive demonstration of meeting rooms with cutting-edge AV technology. This is a fantastic opportunity to see our latest AV advancements and learn about how they can be applied across government hubs.

    AVIXA Day, 19 December, Peterborough, Quay House

    A dedicated day with AVIXA, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, a leading organisation that supports AV professionals worldwide, offering resources that can greatly benefit those working in the civil service. At this event, they will raise awareness of international standards for AV, explore industry groups, and introduce a comprehensive range of training programmes and online webinars.

    These events are designed to keep technology professionals in government at the forefront of our technology developments and ensure departments are equipped with the latest knowledge and best practice in AV. It will also be a valuable opportunity for us to hear from you about your own AV experiences within your department, allowing an exchange of insights and effective strategies across the community.

    Join our Property Technology knowledge community

    Members of our Knowledge Hub group can gain access to a wealth of resources, participate in ongoing discussions with fellow professionals, and benefit from shared knowledge and experiences. There will also be information about future events and developments in the Property Technology space. 

    Interested in attending?

    Please register interest in the events by completing our Google Form. More details and official invites will follow.

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    Coming soon: a relaunched customer service portal

    We are pleased to announce that our customer service portal will soon be relaunched to provide a better, accessible platform for building users to access and share information about their workplaces. The portal is currently available to people working in 28 of our managed buildings, and will be rolled out across more buildings in the future following the improvements.

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    Our new Strategic Client Committee

    We have introduced a new Strategic Client Committee to gather strategic insight, feedback and recommendations regarding your current and future requirements, and to inform our future direction

    The committee is made up of a small group of senior leaders invited from a representative selection of client organisations. The clients represented will change on a yearly basis and work alongside the chair of the government COO network and our own senior leaders.

    The committee will meet quarterly and serve as a collaborative forum to ensure that you have a senior level voice into the GPA, as part of our commitment to fostering a client-centric culture.

    The first meeting took place last week and covered topics including the spending review, closing the funding gap and workplace design and space planning.

    In addition, we are introducing a quarterly Client Working Group, replacing the previous Client Committee meetings, which will include representation from all of our Portfolio clients. Further details of the Client Working Group will be shared in due course.

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    More than five tonnes of furniture reused

    We’ve coordinated more than 170 items of used office furniture, the equivalent of five tonnes, to be reused ensuring they didn’t end up in landfill, saving over 13 tonnes of carbon emissions.

    The surplus furniture was removed from Feethams House in Darlington. It was part of a project to maximise workpoints within the hub following the successful recruitment of over 700 roles at the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC).

    The refurbishment was completed in April and resulted in surplus used furniture. Rather than sending the items to landfill, our Innovation and Assurance team worked with Go Green Managed Services to reuse the items on our other projects across the government’s office portfolio as well as sending some items to the Department for Education.

    Miguel Godfrey, Head of Sustainability said:

    With millions of pieces of furniture discarded in the UK each year, it is vital that we as an organisation are able to redistribute our equipment to our other projects enabling teams and departments to help their staff operate effectively while also saving on carbon emissions and taxpayer spend.

    Of the 178 items of furniture, we reused 13%, 57% is being stored for use on some of our other projects (including Temple Quay House in Bristol) and 30% is being reused by the Department for Education, saving a total of 13.2 tonnes of carbon emissions.

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    Croydon Hub fit-out close to completion

    We have entered the final phase of one of our most challenging and complex projects to-date – our Croydon Hub.

    Set to be home for more than 7,000 Home Office (HO) civil servants, 2 Ruskin Square in Croydon will be the largest new build government hub we have delivered.

    The project has been carefully designed to support the Home Office requirements, with a range of operational facilities including a significant public facing area with specialist interview rooms, family areas and a café to support customer needs.

    There will also be new, fully inclusive furniture to suit all working styles including meeting pods, railway carriages and focus settings. The hub will have a range of interoperable technology including GovWifi, GovPrint and GovPass.

    The programme has focused on the efficient transition and migration of staff to ensure the existing HO estate is successfully decommissioned ahead of the lease end date. This has been achieved by combining much of the CAT B and C works into the main fit out contract, minimising the time required to complete the project. The early integration of our teams across Capital Projects, Workplace Services, Customer Experience, Client Solutions and property has allowed us to deliver more efficiently.

    Rationalising the HO estate is expected to return savings to the public purse, by reducing operating and property costs.

    Leading the fit out and preparation of this 10-storey, 33,000 square metre building is our GPA Integrated Delivery team, in collaboration with AECOM, AtkinsRealis, Hoare Lea, Tetra Tech, Turner & Townsend, our construction partner Wates and furniture supplier Southerns Broadstock. As well as fully inclusive refreshment hubs, home zones and meeting rooms, the building will deliver an effective mix of flexible and hybrid workspaces which will support neurodiversity, collaboration and wellbeing.

    The project also included mobilising new facilities management contracts as part of our Workplace Services Transformation Programme (WSTP) to achieve greater efficiencies across the government office estate.

    Georgina Dunn, interim Director of Capital Projects said:

    Ruskin Square will provide inclusive, flexible, digitally connected workspaces to support greater productivity and will enhance carbon reduction. We are extremely proud to deliver this brand new, purpose built hub to support the Home Office.

    The Croydon hub is highly sustainable with fully decarbonised power. It will form part of the nine-acre Ruskin Square development and sits alongside One Ruskin Square, the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) regional centre which opened in 2017 adjacent to East Croydon train station.

    The Government Hubs Programme has so far supported regeneration and economic development in 17 locations throughout the UK including; Glasgow, Belfast, Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Cardiff, Birmingham, Peterborough and Bristol to support around 60,000 civil servants and in so doing create a smaller, better and greener public estate.

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    Mystery shopping across our portfolio

    Our Workplace Experience team is working in partnership with our Performance Partner, JLL, to lead the development of a set of standards across all areas of the customer journey within our government office spaces. Our aim is to implement a single, consistent set of standards across our estate, ensuring everyone receives a consistent service wherever they choose to work.

    Once these standards are launched, JLL will support us in evaluating how successfully these are being delivered.

    In preparation, JLL’s workplace experience team has already started to conduct mystery-shop style visits across our estate. Their purpose is to cast an objective eye over the experience people have and provide recommendations to support our drive for continuous improvement.

    During the visits they will be looking at the overall performance of our Supply Chain Partners across the following areas:

    1. Welcome experience focusing on reception and security services experienced by visitors on arrival.

    2. Diversity and inclusion – are there accessible means of entry and mobility throughout the building, supportive signage on display, hearing loops available, and environment and lighting suitable for neurodiverse colleagues?

    3. Soft services such as cleaning and general building appearance.

    4. Hard services such as maintenance and heating, ventilation and air conditioning

    5. External areas – is the street lighting adequate, are pathways clear, car park and bicycle facilities well maintained and are smoking areas kept tidy?

    6. Amenities including refreshment and wellness areas.

    7. Meeting spaces – are these ready for use and offer ‘how to’ guides.

    After each visit JLL collates its findings and generates a ‘score’ which enables comparison across the portfolio, but also acts as a benchmark against which to measure future visits. A report will also be issued to our Workplace Services team and Supply Chain Partners indicating JLL’s observations and recommendations for action. These are followed up to ensure that agreed actions are completed and can be reviewed on the next visit.

    In the five months from November 2023, JLL visited 27 locations and made a total 131 recommendations. While many of these might be quick fixes, there are some that require potential capital investment to enhance the office environment. Some of these are already in the pipeline and others will feed into future planning cycles. This work is complementary to the action plans that are developed as a result of the customer satisfaction surveys, which together, and in collaboration with JLL, help to demonstrate our commitment to delivering better workplaces for the Civil Service.

    If you spot the team on their visit, do feel free to share your experience of your office space.

    If you have any questions or would like any more information, please contact:  customerinsights@gpa.gov.uk

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    Celebrating our team successes

    We’re extremely proud of our people’s success at this year’s Government Property Awards and the CIPD People Management Awards.

    At the Government Property Awards, Project Director Sarah Mackintosh won in the Leadership category, with an entry that focused on her achievements while managing the build and fit-out at Quay House in Peterborough, creating a strong and integrated team to work through the many challenges such a project brings.

    Sarah Mackintosh said: > Now I’m over the shock of hearing my name called out, I’m thrilled to receive this recognition. For me it was all about the team, they worked brilliantly together and were hugely supportive. I am so happy I had the chance to work with them on this project.

    Quay House was also Highly Commended in the Project of the Year award. The building is in Fletton Quays, previously a derelict brownfield site but now part of the city’s £120 million vibrant regeneration scheme. The Passport Office and Defra are two of several clients now based there.

    Our PropTech team was also Highly Commended in the Transforming Places category for installing networks for GovWifi throughout GOGGS, a historically significant site, delivering a fast resilient network despite the restrictions of a listed building. 

    At the CIPD People Management Awards, our Skills and Specialism programme was shortlisted in two categories and was awarded the Best Learning and Development Initiative.

    The judges said that they were particularly impressed by our Skills Builder tool because it “allows for a deeper set of quality conversations that support self-directed learning and the drive to the desired learning culture”. 

    Chief Executive Mark Bourgeois said:

    It’s so rewarding to see the excellent work of our own people recognised and celebrated in these awards, against stiff competition. Congratulations to everyone involved, it’s a proud moment for the GPA.

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    Find out more about the Government Property Agency here

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Smarter Working Live Awards 2024 shortlist

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Winners will be announced on Thursday 21 November for the awards celebrating outstanding examples of smarter working in the UK public sector.

    This November the Smarter Working Live Awards will recognise outstanding innovation through community, collaboration and creativity in the public sector. Now in it’s fourth year, the event is hosted by the Government Property Agency (GPA) in partnership with GovNews.

    This year’s award categories include:

    • Improving Spaces – creating a great place to work
    • Future Focused and Sustainable Property
    • Innovation as a Service
    • Digital Innovation as a Service
    • Harnessing the Value of Data
    • Customer Experience
    • User Experience
    • Smarter Workflows
    • Digital Inclusion
    • Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
    • Building Collaborative Communities
    • Small-scale, Big Impact
    • Putting People First
    • Championing Continuous Improvement
    • Outstanding Smarter Working Leadership
    • Judges Choice – Special Recognition
    • Judges Choice – Beyond Smarter Working

    View the Smarter Working Live Awards 2024 shortlist.

    The GPA continues to lead the sector in championing smarter working practices and innovation as a key part of our vision for a transformed, shared, sustainable and value for money government estate supporting civil servants to work productively in every nation and region of the UK.

    Smarter Working Live continues the legacy of our Smarter Working Programme, which enabled 31 government bodies to achieve Smarter Working Mature status, empowering their workforce with choices about how, where and when to work.

    The awards ceremony will take place at The Vox Conference Venue in Birmingham on Thursday 21 November. Tickets are available from the Smarter Working Live website.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A representative of the State University of Management spoke at the Forum of graduates of Soviet and Russian universities

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    From October 9 to 10, 2024, Advisor to the Rectorate of the State University of Management Sergey Karseka took part in the Forum of graduates of Soviet and Russian universities – representatives of the education and healthcare systems of the CIS countries, which was held in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana.

    More than 150 representatives from 11 countries took part in the event.

    The program included a grand opening, a plenary session, discussions during four round tables, and training on the topic of “Management in the Higher Education System.”

    “Holding this forum in Astana demonstrates the close attention that Russia pays to graduates of Soviet and Russian universities, to those people who graduated from our universities and who, together with Russia, are developing relations between our countries,” noted Pavel Shevtsov, Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo).

    Advisor to the rector’s office of the State University of Management Sergey Karseka spoke on the topic of “Network University as a form of scientific and educational interaction between the EAEU countries” (using the example of the Scientific and Educational Consortium “Eurasian Network University”) during the round table “Development of cooperation in the field of education and healthcare between Russia and the CIS countries, Abkhazia and South Ossetia”.

    The forum was organized by Rossotrudnichestvo and the North Caucasus Federal University.

    The main goal of the Forum is to strengthen ties and cooperation between graduates of Soviet and Russian universities who work in the field of higher education and healthcare in the CIS countries, heads of alumni associations, as well as the exchange of experience, ideas and joint initiatives, the maintenance and development of the Russian language, cultural and educational space between representatives of the CIS countries.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/14/2024

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

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

    A representative of the State University of Management spoke at the Forum of graduates of Soviet and Russian universities

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Eligible Leeds residents urged to protect themselves against viruses with free winter jabs

    Source: City of Leeds

    Leeds’s public health boss has issued a plea for all those eligible to take up the offer of a free flu vaccine this winter after worrying uptake levels last year.

    Leeds City Council’s director of public health has urged people to take the chance to protect themselves against both the flu and Covid 19, with both viruses spreading more easily in winter as people spend increasing amounts of time indoors together.  

    The winter vaccine programme focuses on those at greatest risk of getting seriously ill – including people with long-term health conditions, people aged over 65 and pregnant women – yet last year Leeds saw lower uptakes of the free annual jabs among some of these cohorts.

    While uptake in older people remained high (79.5 per cent of over 65s), less than four in 10 (39 per cent) of people deemed ‘at risk’ received the flu vaccine, with similarly low levels seen among pregnant women (38 per cent) and two- to three-year-olds (37 per cent).

    It comes as national figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that over the past two winters at least 18,000 deaths across the UK were associated with flu, despite last winter being a relatively mild flu season.

    For the first time this year, pregnant women and older people aged 75 to 79 are also eligible for the RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccination, with the maternal vaccine providing strong protection for newborns in their first few months, when they are most at risk of severe illness from RSV. Pregnant women should speak to their GP or maternity team for more information.

    Leeds City Council’s director of public health Victoria Eaton said: “After clean water, immunisation is the most effective public health intervention in the world for saving lives and promoting good health.

    “Over the winter period, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu, Covid 19 or RSV before, it’s vital that you top up your protection as immunity fades over time and these viruses can change each year.

    “It is therefore extremely important that anyone eligible to receive their winter vaccinations takes up the potentially life-saving opportunity. The national mortality figures are a stark reminder of how deadly these viruses can be to those at risk.

    “Receiving the vaccinations means that if you do catch any of these viruses, you are likely to have milder symptoms and recover faster, cutting your risk of being hospitalised.

    “I’m urging all those eligible to join the millions of others across the UK in taking up their free vaccine offer to ensure they stay winter strong.”

    Councillor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, said: “We want to protect our city’s most vulnerable from these respiratory viruses which spread more easily in winter and usually reach their peak over the festive and new year period.

    “Nobody wants to miss out on festive celebrations with their families and friends and these vaccines provide the best possible protection.

    “Our city’s GPs and community pharmacies stand ready to provide these free jabs to all those eligible – please book your appointment today and arm yourself against the risk of severe illness.”

    Over 65s, those under 65 in clinical risk groups and pregnant women should contact their GP surgery or community pharmacy (for those aged 18 or over) to book their vaccinations.

    Parents of children who are aged two or three (on or before August 31, 2024) should contact their GP surgery to book their child’s flu vaccination.

    School-aged children (from reception to year 11) will mainly be offered their flu vaccines at school and for most this is a nasal spray, not an injection. A flu vaccine injection is available that does not contain gelatine. Parents who do not want their child to have the nasal spray vaccine should speak to the person vaccinating the child or ask for the injection on the school consent form.  

    For full details, to check eligibility and to book online, visit at http://www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations.

    ENDS

    For media enquiries please contact:

    Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

    Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

    Tel: 0113 378 6007

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Jilla Sahakari Kendriya Bank Maryadit, Bhind, Madhya Pradesh

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated October 03, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.75 lakh (Rupees Two Lakh Seventy Five Thousand only) on Jilla Sahakari Kendriya Bank Maryadit, Bhind, Madhya Pradesh (the bank) for contravention of the provisions of section 26A read with section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act) and non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Membership of Credit Information Companies (CICs) by Co-operative Banks’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of section 47A(1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act and section 25 of the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with statutory provisions / RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said provisions/directions.

    After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, oral submissions made during the personal hearing and examination of additional submissions made by it, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had:

    1. failed to transfer eligible unclaimed deposit amounts to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund within the prescribed period; and

    2. failed to submit credit information of its borrowers to any of the four CICs.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1286

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Finding critical minerals from scoops of sand

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Smartphones, batteries and satellites all require critical minerals like cobalt, niobium and tin. As society increasingly relies on these minerals to create a more sustainable energy economy, demand may soon outpace available supply.

    To potentially help boost national supply of critical minerals, which are crucial to both the economy and national security, Dustin Trail and Rachel Glade, professors at the University of Rochester, are collaborating on a U.S. National Science Foundation-supported project to find novel ways to identify undiscovered critical mineral reservoirs.

    “With just a scoop of sand from a river basin, we can sample all the surface rocks and see if any of them came from critical mineral-enriched sources,” Trail said. Quartz carries tiny amounts of critical minerals inside, which could be used to fingerprint whether each quartz grain found in a riverbed originally came from a critical mineral-rich rock or not.

    In addition to studying the minerals themselves, the team will also study how mineral grains move in rivers and drainage basins. Glade will collect hundreds of rocks, drill into the rocks to add a radio frequency identification tracker, put them back in the stream and then see how far they travel. These data points will go into a mathematical model to help predict how minerals’ shape and size affect how they move in river basins, with the goal of using these quantities to predict travel distance, and therefore origin, of the sediments.

    The team is focusing efforts on sites around Rochester, New York, but could see following a similar approach in areas that are more remote and difficult to explore, such as Alaska.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Why isometric exercises are so good for you

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 14 October 2024 at 12:00

    VIEWPOINT: ARU experts explain why wall sits and planks can improve heart health

    By Dan Gordon, Chloe French and Ruby Cain, Anglia Ruskin University

    Exercise is great for improving heart health. But the thought of hitting the gym or going for a jog might put some people off from doing it. And, if you have a heart condition already, such dynamic exercises may not be safe to do.

    The good news is, you don’t necessarily need to do a vigorous workout to see heart benefits. You can even improve your heart health by holding still and trying really hard not to move.

    Isometric training, as this is called, is becoming increasingly popular as a way of reducing blood pressure and hypertension, and improving strength and muscle stability.

    Normally, to build strength and force, our muscles need to change length throughout a movement. Squats and bicep curls are good examples of exercises that cause the muscle to change length throughout the movement.

    But isometric training involves simply contracting your muscles, which generates force without needing to move your joints. The harder a muscle is contracted, the more forceful it becomes (and the more forceful a muscle is, the more powerfully we can perform a movement).

    If you add weight to an isometric exercise, it causes the muscle to contract even harder. A wall sit and a plank are examples of isometric contractions.

    Isometric exercises are associated with a high degree of “neural recruitment”, because of the need to maintain the contraction. This means these exercises are good at engaging specialised neurons in our brain and spinal cord, which play an important role in all the movements we do – both voluntary and involuntary. The greater this level of neural activation, the more muscle fibres are recruited – and the more force generated. As a result, this can lead to strength gains.

    Isometric exercises have long been of interest to strength and power athletes as a means of preparing their muscles to generate high forces by activating them. But research also shows isometric exercises are beneficial for other areas of our health – including reducing hypertension and promoting better blood flow.

    There are a couple reasons why isometric exercises are so good for the heart.

    When a muscle is contracted, it expands its size. This causes it to compress the blood vessels supplying this muscle, reducing blood flow and raising the blood pressure in our arteries – a mechanism known as the “pressor reflex”.

    Then, once the contraction is relaxed, a sudden surge of blood flows into the blood vessels and muscle. This influx of blood brings more oxygen and (crucially) nitric oxide into the blood vessels – causing them to widen. This in turn reduces blood pressure. Over time, this action will reduce stiffness of the arteries, which may lower blood pressure.

    When blood flow is reduced during an isometric movement, it also reduces the amount of available oxygen that cells need to function. This triggers the release of metabolites, such as hydrogen ions and lactate, which stimulate the sympathetic nervous system – which controls our “fight of flight” response. In the short term, this leads to an increase in blood pressure.

    But when an isometric exercise is done repeatedly over many weeks, there’s a reduction in sympathetic nervous system activity. This means blood pressure is lowered and there’s less strain on the cardiovascular system – which makes these exercises good for the heart.

    Isometric exercises may be even more beneficial for heart health than other types of cardiovascular exercise. A study which compared the benefits of isometric exercise versus high-intensity interval training found isometrics led to significantly greater reductions in resting blood pressure over the study period of between two and 12 weeks.

    How to use isometric exercise

    If you want to use isometric training to reduce blood pressure, it’s recommended that you should do any isometric contraction for two minutes at around 30-50% of your maximum effort. This is enough to trigger physiological improvements.

    You can start by doing this four times a day, three-to-five times per week – focusing on the same exercise. As you progress, you can start to vary the exercises you do, add weights to the exercise, or add in more than one isometric exercise.

    Some good isometric exercises to begin with include a static squat, a wall sit or a plank. Even during these small bouts of exercise, your heart rate, breathing and arterial pressure will all increase – the same responses that occur during more conventional whole-body exercises, such as cycling and running.

    The beneficial improvements in blood pressure start to manifest around 4-10 weeks after starting isometric training – though this depends on a person’s health and fitness levels when starting out.

    Isometric training appears to be a simple, low-intensity mode of exercise that offers big benefits for cardiovascular health – all while requiring little time commitment compared with other workouts.

    Dan Gordon, Professor of Exercise Physiology, Anglia Ruskin University; Chloe French, PhD Candidate in Sport and Exercise Science, Anglia Ruskin University, and Ruby Cain, PhD Candidate, Anglia Ruskin University

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

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

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

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nguyen a Biomedical Engineering Star

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Through millions in coveted grants, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are recognizing how impactful Thanh Nguyen’s research is to the field of biomedical engineering.

    Nguyen, an associate professor of mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering, has already established himself as one of the top-funded researchers at UConn. The NIH is adding to that success by awarding Nguyen four R01 grants totaling more than $9.5 million, with $7.5 million going to UConn researchers.

    His research is the interface of biomedicine, material engineering, and the use of nano- and microtechnology.  Nguyen has made strides on multiple fronts, with multi-disciplinary projects dedicated to helping heal helping people with diverse afflictions.

    “We are always motivated by medical problems that have a high impact on human health,” says Nguyen.

    R01 grants are highly competitive, awarded to research and development projects that live up to the NIH’s mission to improve health, extend life, and reduce illness and disability.

    For Nguyen, his collaborators, and students, the grants present an opportunity to improve technology to help bones and cartilage to heal. He is also working to develop improved methods to deliver lifesaving vaccines and antibodies to worldwide populations.

    Assistant professor Thanh Nguyen supports numerous postdoctoral and Ph.D. students in his biomedical engineering laboratory.

    Two of the grants are brand new, providing $2.1 million and $1.5 million toward respective projects. On the former, Nguyen is the primary investigator on a project to stimulate and accelerate healing defects to the longest bones in the body, such as the femur and tibia.

    “Bones in most parts of the body can regenerate themselves, but when you get a long and large bone injury, the body needs help to regenerate,” Nguyen says.

    Significant long bone injuries are often treated with growth factors or stem cells to stimulate healing. However, the techniques often include serious side effects that can impair patients.

    Nguyen and his team are working to minimize the danger through the application of safe biomaterials as an electrically active scaffold over a bone defect. The scaffold would be biodegradable and able to produce electrical charges, stimulating bone repair.

    Concurrently, Nguyen is working with fellow researchers to provide needed antibodies to breastfeeding infants with HIV. Globally, more than 130,000 babies are infected with HIV annually, and certain antibodies have shown to be effective against the virus.

    The second new R01 grant will fund the development microneedle technology to deliver multi-potent antibodies which can last a long time in the baby body to sustain the immune protection against infectious HIV virus. Currently, multiple injections are required, and the antibodies must be stored at cold temperatures. The process is expensive and burdensome.

    Nguyen says microneedle patches would greatly simplify the process and reduce the cost of cold-chain storage. Along with the collaborators in Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), Nguyen’s research would investigate the effectiveness of the anti-HIV patches in small animals and large animals like monkeys.

    Nguyen says the treatment is applied similar to a nicotine patch, painlessly delivering the antibodies into the recipient. Ultimately, the patches will be tested in pediatric patients who have a high risk of HIV infection as a result of breastfeeding from HIV-infected mothers.

    Besides these two grants, he received a $2.16 million grant to research how his invented biodegradable ultrasound technology can increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy in brain cancer patients.

    The fourth grant, for nearly $2 million, investigates how tissue-scaffolding made of his lab’s invented biodegradable electrically active polymer can regrow cartilage, as successfully performed on rabbits. The treatment could be a game changer for osteoarthritis patients whose cartilage in body parts such as the knee has deteriorated through injury or aging.

    Beyond the NIH, Nguyen has received significant support through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in a $2.6 million project as the PI on development of a microneedle array patch capable of delivering multiple human vaccines at once.

    In late September, the Gates Foundation awarded Nguyen another $4 million for his work on the microneedle patch. Nguyen and his team are working to scale up production of the patch, which can deliver multiple vaccines at ones. This includes vaccines or antibodies to fight diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, HIV, and polio.

    Once almost eradicated, polio continues to affect populations in developing countries, with the most cases reported in Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan. Nguyen hopes the microneedle patch will make new progress in the effort to eliminate the threat of polio once and for all.

    Now with $6.6 million in Gates Foundation funding, Nguyen is pleased to be able to expand his team, including offer more opportunities to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

    Together, his prolific research funding has brought a total amount of $25 million funding to UConn since 2016 when he started as an assistant professor, a testament to the impact of his research.

    “I am very grateful to the NIH and the Gates Foundation for the opportunity to pursue vaccination and biomedical engineering research at UConn,” Nguyen says.

    Nguyen’s breakthroughs have led to numerous awards, more than 20 issued and pending patents, and an induction into the U.S. National Academy of Inventors. He is also a reputable mentor, adviser and collaborator, with his work currently supporting more than 21 people, including 11 post-doctoral and 10 Ph.D. students in his biomedical engineering lab.

    While he has been successful as a fundraiser, Nguyen says it has taken many years and widespread publication to achieve his level of support. He backs his proposals through innovative ideas, significant problems to address and extensive scientific data, utilizing the resources at his disposal.

    “We keep working and producing high quality research published in well-known scientific journals,” he says. “That has helped create a successful and impactful research program.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: GBA student design contest set

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Education Bureau and the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau’s Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Development Office organised an itinerary design competition under Mainland Exchange Programmes for Students, encouraging secondary students to design routes for Mainland exchanges covering the GBA cities as destinations.

    The competition’s kick-off ceremony and briefing session was held today as part of the celebrations for the 15th anniversary of the founding of the “Passing on the Torch” National Education Activity Series Platform.

    Officiating guests included Under Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai, Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Maisie Chan and Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Second-level Inspector Zhang Guolai.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Sze said that the platform has been strongly supported by the Central People’s Government Offices in Hong Kong and eminent individuals from various sectors in the city since its establishment in 2009, enabling smooth progress in all areas of work.

    Mr Sze said under the leadership of various Executive Chairpersons, more than 550,000 primary and secondary students have benefited over the years. Mainland exchange programmes for primary and secondary students have covered 22 provinces, four autonomous regions and four municipalities.

    He also thanked the GBA Development Office for co-organising the competition with the bureau, providing students with more opportunities to understand the history, culture and development opportunities of the GBA, which will widen their horizons and foster their sense of national identity.

    Secondary students will participate in the competition on a team basis. Each team should submit a proposal on such themes as root-tracing/remembrance of origins, innovation/aerospace technology, and intangible cultural heritage. The proposal should include an itinerary for a student exchange lasting one to three days in the GBA cities.

    The champion itineraries will be turned into actual trips and the winning teams will be fully subsidised to join the trips as an award.

    Completed proposals should be submitted by December 20.

    Click here for details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics shared by 3 recipients

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences decided on Monday to award the 2024 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson.

    This trio, consisting of Acemoglu and Johnson from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Robinson from the University of Chicago, has been honored “for studies of how institutions are formed and affect prosperity.”

    Jakob Svensson, chair of the Committee for the Prize in Economic Sciences, stated that the laureates have demonstrated the importance of societal institutions in achieving the goal of reducing income differences between countries.

    The laureates’ research contributes to the understanding that “societies with a poor rule of law and institutions that exploit the population do not generate growth or change for the better,” the committee stated in a press release.

    Daron Acemoglu was born in 1967 in Istanbul, Türkiye. He earned his PhD in 1992 from the London School of Economics and Political Science and is currently a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, the United States. Simon Johnson, born in 1963 in Sheffield, the United Kingdom, received his PhD in 1989 from MIT and is also a professor there. James A. Robinson, born in 1960, obtained his PhD in 1993 from Yale University and is a professor at the University of Chicago, IL, USA.

    The prize includes 11 million Swedish Krona (approximately 1 million U.S. dollars). Established in 1968 by Sweden’s central bank Sveriges Riksbank, the prize has been awarded since 1969 by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which selects the laureates in economic sciences.

    MIL OSI China News –