NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst, Grassley Call for Hamas-Linked Campus Orgs to Register as Foreign Agents

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) in raising concerns that Hamas-linked entities on college campuses may be noncompliant with the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) as they seek to shape U.S. public opinion and policy outcomes. 
    In the face of this national security threat, they are calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to look into the role of National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP) – which received backing from an organization whose associated entities the U.S. government has implicated for financing Hamas – and the hundreds of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapters NSJP claims to support across the U.S. 
    “It is incumbent upon all of us [to] crack down on hidden foreign influence. […] The introduction of hostile foreign adversaries into domestic political discussion is especially of issue when it is fueling an alarming rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment. The public reporting appears to indicate that NSJP and related chapters may fit into the FARA definition of ‘publicity agent,’ at minimum, and its conduct, among other activity, may constitute a public relations effort designed to impact U.S. public opinion in favor of a foreign principal, which would meet FARA’s definition of political activities,” the senators wrote.
    “Taken as a whole, these actions require further investigation from DOJ and FBI to fully determine whether NSJP and SJP chapters should register as foreign agents under FARA and the extent of Hamas and Iran’s potential involvement,” the senators continued.
    In the letter, the senators cite numerous examples that signal NSJP and SJP chapters may have an obligation to register as foreign agents under FARA.
    Additionally, the lawmakers are demanding answers to what actions DOJ has taken to assess whether NSJP and SJP chapters should register under FARA, if DOJ has assessed whether NSJP has committed violations under FARA-related statutes, and if any SJP chapter ever requested an opinion in relation to work done on behalf of a foreign entities.
    Read the full letter here.
    Background:
    Ernst led her colleagues in demanding the Department of Education uphold its legal obligations to ensure Jewish and Israeli students are not subjected to discrimination. She also sponsored the Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act to cut federal funding for any college or university that allows antisemitic events to occur on their campus.
    As cases of antisemitism on campuses started to increase, Ernst introduced the Students’ Bill of Rights to protect the First Amendment rights of students and stem discrimination at its source.
    She also joined her colleagues in calling on the Biden administration for its plan to restore order and protect Jewish students and demanded an investigation into organizations behind antisemitic protests.
    Ernst requested the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examine if any of the 501(c)(3) organizations backing violent antisemitic protests were in violation of their tax exempt status and reiterated her call to action when they blew off her request.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New lab to fill gap in deep-sea R&D capability

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

    The world’s first joint deepwater laboratory for wind, waves and currents, under construction in Dalian, Liaoning province, is expected to fill a gap in China’s research and development capabilities in deep-sea engineering, experts said.

    The laboratory is part of the Deep-Sea Engineering Innovation Experimental Base project, which is a key initiative by Dalian University of Technology (DUT) to establish a global deep-sea engineering center.

    DUT said the laboratory is poised to provide top-notch research and development conditions and high-quality technical services for critical needs such as deep-sea oil and gas resource development, nearshore renewable energy utilization and major transoceanic infrastructure construction.

    Covering 16,000 square meters with a building area of 8,100 sq m, the project commenced construction last November and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

    Key features include a 50-meter-long, 30 m wide, and 10 m deep comprehensive deep-sea engineering test pool, an 87.6 m long, 39.5 m wide and 19 m high vertical wind tunnel and an integrated office building.

    Currently, the main body of the deep-water pool, excavation support for the massive foundation pit and roof-topping of the office building have been completed.

    Sun Bowen, on-site manager of the project from China Construction Industrial and Energy Engineering Group Co Ltd, highlighted the challenges of the deep foundation pit excavation and support for the pool structure.

    “Next, we will focus on conducting water pool deformation observations and continuing the construction of the main structure of the office building, aiming to complete all main structures by the end of the year,” Sun said.

    Jointly funded by DUT and China Three Gorges Corp, the project will create an innovative platform integrating ocean hydrodynamics experiments, marine structural analysis, offshore renewable energy development, and fluid dynamics.

    It will feature a deep-sea test pool simulating a comprehensive ocean environment, catering to needs such as deep-sea mineral extraction simulations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China gets most orders for green ships

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

    China captured over 70 percent of global orders for green vessels and achieved full coverage across all mainstream ship types during the first three quarters of 2024, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Thursday.

    Propelled by advancements in green technologies and innovation, Chinese shipyards saw new orders surge 51.9 percent year-on-year to 87.11 million deadweight tons between January and September, accounting for 74.7 percent of the global total, the MIIT data showed.

    Meanwhile, the country’s shipbuilding output reached 36.34 million dwt, up 18.2 percent on a yearly basis, making up 55.1 percent of the world’s total.

    Hu Tieniu, a researcher at the Marine Design & Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, said that the notable growth underscores China’s commitment to advancing sustainable shipbuilding practices, catering to an increasing global demand for eco-friendly vessels.

    Chinese shipbuilders have made significant strides in incorporating green technologies, enhancing the industry’s competitiveness and solidifying the nation’s position as a leading shipbuilding powerhouse on the world stage, said Yu Mengsa, a researcher at China Ship Scientific Research Center in Wuxi, East China’s Jiangsu province.

    The latest data also revealed that among 18 major ship types, such as container ships and oil tankers, China ranked first in new orders with 14 of them during the nine-month period. Shipyards across the country have already surpassed their business targets for the year, driven by a surge in market demand.

    For example, Shanghai-based Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co Ltd, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corp, or CSSC, delivered 17 commercial vessels from January to September, with a record-breaking delivery of eight liquefied natural gas carriers anticipated by the end of this year.

    “With 34 new ship orders secured, we have reached 200 percent of the annual target for this year, and our production schedules are now projected to extend through to around 2030,” said Weng Hongbing, the group’s president.

    Cao Bo, deputy director at the statistics and information department of the Beijing-based China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry, said that in response to changes in the new supply and demand environment, green transformation has become a core trend in the global shipbuilding industry.

    “Confronted with new requirements for emission reductions, shipping companies, leading shipyards and major energy companies have begun to lead, provide, or invest in a variety of solutions,” said Cao.

    Energy-efficient, environmentally friendly vessel designs and a range of power options, including methanol, ammonia and hybrid systems, are gradually maturing or rapidly progressing toward commercialization, he added.

    China’s shipbuilding industry accelerated its green transformation in 2023. Orders for LNG- and methanol-powered green vessels have grown rapidly, with breakthroughs also achieved in zero-carbon vessel orders, including ships equipped with electric and hybrid systems or powered by hydrogen fuel. New orders for green-powered ships accounted for 57 percent of the global market share, data from the MIIT showed.

    Fueled by green technologies and high value-added vessels, Jiangsu province exported a diverse range of vessels valued at 69.27 billion yuan ($9.78 billion) in the first eight months of this year, achieving a 75.1 percent year-on-year increase, data from Nanjing Customs shows.

    Early this week, models of five 40,000-metric ton self-unloading bulk carriers were unveiled at the research and development unit of CSSC Chengxi Shipyard Co Ltd in Jiangyin, Jiangsu province, providing a design and manufacturing foundation for upcoming new builds.

    Huang Gang, a manager of the company’s sales unit, said that self-unloading bulk carriers differ from conventional bulk carriers as they are high-value, customized vessels that offer exceptional unloading efficiency and adaptability to various ports and sea conditions. Equipped with built-in unloading arms, these ships can extend and unload autonomously.

    For instance, a single unloading system can achieve a discharge rate of over 5,500 tons per hour, meaning a 26,000-ton self-unloading bulk carrier can be unloaded within five hours, while a standard bulk carrier would typically require two to three days to complete the same task.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Agri-food system to be revamped

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Researchers have seen a decline in consumer demand for grains and cereals in China and a rising interest in protein-rich and nutrient-dense foods, a change they said underscores the need to revamp the country’s agri-food system, which heavily relies on arable land.
    In 2022, food sourced from crop fields accounted for 83.5 percent of China’s total food consumption. In contrast, forest products contributed only 4.8 percent, grassland products 0.4 percent, aquatic harvests 1.5 percent and livestock 10 percent, according to agrarians and nutritionists from institutions such as China Agricultural University, Zhejiang University and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
    The researchers also highlighted additional structural challenges, including unsustainable production methods and a significant reliance on imports for items such as soybeans, which undermine the resilience of a populous nation’s food supply.
    The findings were published in the China and Global Food Policy Report 2024 during the World Agri-food Innovation Conference in Beijing.
    The report noted that by capitalizing on the food-yielding potential of forests, grasslands, rivers and lakes, China can conserve 6.5 million hectares of arable land and cut carbon emissions by 180 million metric tons, a 19 percent decrease from current levels.
    The researchers also proposed fostering the alternative protein industry, which focuses on creating protein-rich food sources not reliant on traditional animal agriculture. The aim is to alleviate pressure on water and soil resources and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
    They predict that by replacing 10 percent of pork and beef with plant-based meats and another 1 percent with lab-grown meat, as well as substituting 15 percent of milk from livestock with plant-based milk and using insect protein feed for 10 percent of soybean meal, livestock production could decrease by 8.2 percent and dairy production by 16.6 percent by 2035.
    This shift would lessen the demand for grains and soybean meal by 15.9 million tons and 9.23 million tons, respectively, while conserving 1.2 million hectares of arable land and reducing agricultural carbon emissions by 9 percent, the researchers said.
    “Alternative proteins hold significant promise in addressing environmental impacts and enhancing public health,” said Fan Shenggen, professor at the China Agricultural University, the lead author of the report.
    Fan said China, confronting environmental and health issues within its food systems, has the potential to spearhead global progress in alternative proteins. To translate these possibilities into tangible outcomes, he stressed the necessity of public investments in research and development, regulatory reforms, incentivizing the private sector and shifting consumption patterns.
    Bruce Friedrich, the founder and president of the Good Food Institute, a Washington-based think tank, said China has the potential to lead a global shift in protein sources, just as it has successfully promoted the expansion of renewable energy and electric vehicles.
    “The world is eating more and more meat, and that’s not going to change. But we can make that meat using science,” he said, adding plant-based and lab-grown meat could be a $1.1 trillion industry.
    Lasse Bruun, the United Nations Foundation’s director for climate and food, said by showcasing the socioeconomic and food security advantages of alternative protein, China could set a precedent for other BRICS+ nations.
    “We need to see a transition toward a global equitable and climate-safe consumption of animal products …and this transition will not be possible unless countries with excessive animal agriculture embrace alternative protein from plants, cells and fermentation,” he said.
    The report was published during a nationwide initiative to advocate for the idea of macro food, as China investigates novel protein and carbohydrate sources beyond traditional crops.
    In February, the most recent No 1 Central Document, a crucial annual policy declaration, reaffirmed its backing for deep-sea aquaculture. It called on local authorities to uphold a “macro food perspective”.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NICE Webinar: Developing Cybersecurity Talent Through Alternative Routes

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Speakers:

    Yahlamed Israel
    Cybersecurity Consultant
    Merit America IT Support Alumni

    Marissa Ellis
    Director of Education
    Walmart

    Layla O’Kane
    Director
    Data Analytic Solutions
    Opportunity@Work

    Synopsis:

    There are multiple learning pathways and credentials that lead to a career in cybersecurity. During Cybersecurity Career Week (October 14-19, 2024), we will shine a light on STARs – workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes rather than a bachelor’s degree – many of whom have the skills and experience needed to help employers fill open cyber roles. Making up over half of the labor market, STARs have built their skills in a variety of different modalities including military services, training programs, community colleges, and on-the-job. This webinar will highlight information on the demographics and skills of STARs across the country, feature STARs who are being successful as part of the growing cybersecurity workforce, and spotlight employers who have shifted the mindset of talent development towards skills-based hiring approaches that will lead to a more skilled and diverse workforce.

    Resources: 

    Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs)
    Cybersecurity Career Week

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 5866 Fundamentals of Metrology – CANCELED

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Credit: OWM/K. Dill

    Course Description

    The 5-day Fundamentals of Metrology seminar is an intensive course that introduces participants to the concepts of measurement systems, units, good laboratory practices, data integrity, measurement uncertainty, measurement assurance, traceability, basic statistics and how they fit into a laboratory Quality Management System. Additional topics covered will include overall Laboratory Management and specific discussions of the requirements for proficiency testing, calibration certificate generation and software verification and validation. Topics will be covered using a variety of measurement disciplines and laboratory measurements and case studies so that the participants will be able to apply the concepts to any measurement discipline upon completion. Topics are covered in a mixture of training styles including lecture, hands-on exercises, case studies and discussion.

    This class covers the following procedures from NISTIR 6969:

    • GLP 1, Quality Assurance of the Measurement Process;
    • GLP 9, Rounding Expanded Uncertainties and Calibration Values;
    • GMP 11, Assignment and Adjustment of Calibration Intervals for Laboratory Standards;
    • GMP 13, Ensuring Traceability;
    • SOP 1, Preparation of Calibration Certificates;
    • SOP 29, Assignment of Uncertainty; and
    • SOP 30, Process Measurement Assurance Program.

    Learning Objectives

    At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

    • IDENTIFY and USE reference materials to ensure good quality, accurate, traceable measurement results;
    • EXPLAIN highlights and key concepts of each topic (noted on the Table of Contents and the detailed learning objectives) to each other and to your managers and show how these topics fit in to a management system using ISO/IEC 17025 as the basis;
    • Have and know how to IMPLEMENT several simple tools, job aids, and references to use and improve your laboratory operations.

    Materials & Supplies

    Several notebooks and course materials will be provided.

    Prerequisites

    The instructor will send confirmed participants the prerequisite documentation ‘AFTER’ the registration deadline.  Required prerequisites include having a demonstrated knowledge of basic mathematics (pre-test) and completion of a number of reading assignments (listed in Pre-work section). Additional helpful pre-work will be provided to students who have been accepted by the instructor prior to the seminar to minimize course homework time. Participants must be proficient in spreadsheet functions and operations, and formatting in word processing software.

    Pre-Work

    In addition to completing and submitting the Math Exercises, please read:

    Pre-Work Deadline

    Submit the math exercises (pre-work) according to instructions by COB on Monday, September 2, 2024.

    Post-Work

    Fundamentals of Metrology, Laboratory Auditing Program (LAP) Problems – required for State Weights and Measures Laboratories (not applicable for other participants.)

    Minimum Requirements

    Successful completion requires that participants fully participate in all classroom and laboratory exercises, turn in or present accurate work assignments, and be present for the entire course. There will also be a Final Exam on the last day of the class. The Final Exam and Final Calibration Certificate each contribute equal value to the final grade; the final grade also includes class participation and laboratory exercises. A passing grade on all portions is required to obtain a training certificate that indicates “successful completion” (e.g., getting a 100 percent on the final is not an excuse to participate minimally in classroom and laboratory.) Successful completion qualifies the participant to participate in the Mass, Volume and Length seminars, though those may have additional prerequisites.

    *Homework note: students generally report taking one to two hours for homework each night.

    Audience

    State laboratory personnel who have responsibilities for developing, implementing, and/or improving the quality management system in their laboratory, as well as those who are seeking OWM recognition and/or accreditation or improvements to support recognition/accreditation.  This course is also available for non-weights and measures participants. 

    Please make sure you have read the NIST Visitor and Contractor Protocols for Mitigating COVID-19 Exposure on NIST Campuses page before arriving on site.

    Cost

    The current registration fee for this seminar is $2,800 and confirmed participants will be sent payment instructions.  This fee does not cover travel, lodging or meal expenses.  Registration fees for State weights and measures regulatory officials and metrologists are funded by NIST OWM.

    Instructors

    Isabel Chavez Baucom and Jose Torres
    Email: isabel.chavez.baucom [at] nist.gov (isabel[dot]chavez[dot]baucom[at]nist[dot]gov)

    Technology Requirements

    Registered participants will need to bring a 10-digit scientific calculator to use during this seminar.  Participants MUST be familiar with the use of the hand-held scientific calculator.  Additionally, use of a laptop or tablet PC is required to succeed in the seminar.  Participants must have access to Microsoft Word and Excel (version 2010 or newer are acceptable) and be able to open and use template Excel workbooks that will be provided on USB media.  Participants must be able to save/store files to USB media devices to facilitate printing and turning in homework assignments; if not able to use USB media, participants must be able to connect their laptop to a printing device by cable or BlueTooth and be able to upload files to a secure Google Drive.

    You will need a government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license) when you check into the Visitors Center at the entrance of NIST and if bringing a vehicle onto the NIST campus, a vehicle registration card.

    PLEASE NOTE: Effective July 21, 2014, under the REAL ID Act of 2005 (https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-frequently-asked-questions), agencies, including NIST, can only accept a state-issued driver’s license or identification card for access to federal facilities if issued by states that are REAL ID compliant or have an extension. NIST currently accepts other forms of federally issued identification in lieu of a state-issued driver’s license, such as a valid passport, passport card, DOD’s Common Access Card (CAC), Veterans ID, Federal Agency HSPD-12 IDs, Military Dependents ID, Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), and TSA Trusted Traveler ID. See Visitor Information for the latest information.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 91 Mass Metrology Seminar

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Credit: OWM/K. Dill

    Course Description

    The Mass Metrology Seminar is a two-week, “hands-on” seminar.  It incorporates approximately 30 percent lectures and 70 percent demonstrations and laboratory work in which the participant performs measurements by applying procedures and equations discussed in the classroom.  The seminar focuses on the comprehension and application of the procedures, the equations, and calculations involved.  The seminar includes the operation of the laboratory equipment, review of publications, standards, specifications, and tolerances relevant to the measurements.  Training covers mass calibration procedures published in NISTIR 6969 and NISTIR 5672 and are suitable for the calibration of mass standards to OIML R111 Class E2 through M3 tolerances, ASTM classes 1 through 7 and NIST HB 105-1 Class F.  Training is provided to enable the participant to correctly identify and implement the correct calibration process for each weight classification.  Each procedure and the entire seminar incorporates concepts covered in the Fundamentals of Metrology seminar, especially, concepts related to metrological traceability, statistical analysis, measurement assurance methods, uncertainty analyses, software validation, and generation of ISO/IEC 17025 compliant calibration certificates for all measurements made during the seminar.

    Learning Objectives

    At the end of this seminar, using Standard Operating Procedures 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 29, 30, and 34 and Good Measurement Practices 10, 11, 12, and 13 participants will be able to:

    • IDENTIFY mass artifacts and use appropriate procedures to ensure good quality, accurate, traceable mass measurement results;
    • EXPLAIN highlights and key concepts of each topic to each other and to your managers using the slides and reference materials; and
    • PERFORM mass calibration procedures, use and validate the job aids, and use reference materials to perform laboratory calibrations, including hands-on handling of mass standards and balances, calculation of measurement results, integration of measurement assurance, uncertainty analysis, and software validation to produce valid calibration results and certificates.

    Note regarding course level and expectations:  This course is conducted equivalent to a university-level course and is part of our IACET-accredited processes with requirements to demonstrate successful achievement of learning objectives within each module.  Significant time outside of the classroom and laboratory is expected and is commonly reported (1 hour to 2 hours per day) to complete homework, reading, data entry, and creation and editing of calibration certificates. Students should avoid trying to meet other obligations while attending this course as much as possible.

    Materials & Supplies

    Participants are encouraged to bring template versions of the mass calibration certificates issued by their laboratory as a starting point for the calibration certificates to be submitted during the seminar. Alternatively, participants should bring the calibration certificate they generated during the Fundamentals of Metrology seminar as a starting point. The former is recommended! Feedback and suggested changes to ensure ISO/IEC 17025 compliance will be provided during the seminar. Generation of calibration certificates will be required, so come prepared. A number of notebooks and course materials will be provided, so please ensure you have extra luggage space to carry these items.

    Prerequisites

    Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Metrology Seminar is a prerequisite for the Mass Metrology Seminar. The Mass Metrology Seminar is built on the concepts learned during the Fundamentals of Metrology Seminar, applying units, measurement uncertainty, measurement assurance, traceability, and Quality Management System concepts to the mass calibration procedures.

    Pre-Work

    It is strongly recommended that you complete the Basic Mass Metrology CD as it will give you a head start on the Mass Seminar, including exposure to the contents of NISTIR 6969, Selected Laboratory and Measurement Practices, and NISTIR 5672, Advanced Mass Calibrations and Measurements Assurance Program for the State Calibration Laboratories.. Completing the NIST SP 1001 should take 16 to 40 hours. Participants are encouraged to read and comprehend as much as possible the content of NISTIR 6969 and NISTIR 5672 regardless of completing NIST SP 1001.

    NOTE:  Additional reading pre-work and Excel preparation recommendations may be sent by the instructor prior to the seminar. Extensive use of Excel is made in this course; strong familiarity equation entry and validation is essential.

    Post-Work

    Laboratory Auditing Program (LAP) problems are assigned at the completion of the course to those metrologists who participate in the NIST OWM State Laboratory Program.  Acceptable completion of the problems is required for NIST Office of Weights and Measures Laboratory Recognition in support of mass calibrations.  (See Handbook 143, Program Handbook training requirements as updated here.

    Minimum Requirements

    To receive a Training Certificate for this course, successful completion requires participants to actively participate in the entire course (e.g., 100 % attendance, take notes, engage in discussions, ask questions), complete all classroom, homework, and application exercise assignments, successfully perform mass calibrations as evidenced by measurement results entered in course control charts and calibration certificates, and pass a written final exam.  In addition, students submit a series of calibration certificates that are graded based on SOP 1 and NIST SP 811 criteria, as evidence of completion of all application exercises conducted during the hands-on portion of class exercises.

    *Homework note: students generally report taking one to two hours for homework each night.

    Audience

    This training seminar is open to industry and government metrologists.

    Cost

    The current registration fee for this seminar is $6,200 and confirmed participants will be sent payment instructions.  This registration fee does not cover travel, lodging or meal costs.  Registration fees for State weights and measures regulatory officials and metrologists are funded by NIST OWM.

    Instructors

    Elizabeth Koncki and Jose Torres
    Email:  elizabeth.koncki [at] nist.gov (elizabeth[dot]koncki[at]nist[dot]gov)

    Technology Requirements

    • Registered participants must provide a notebook computer for the Mass Metrology Seminar and be well trained in the development and use of spreadsheets for complex repetitive calculations.
    • Participants must have access to Microsoft Excel (versions 2010 and later are acceptable) and can open and effectively create their own spreadsheets to perform calculations, and use template Excel workbooks that will be provided on USB media.  Be aware that for networked access of Microsoft files, access to the NIST network is not ensured (e.g., it can be problematic if using a version of Office 365 that requires network access to operate properly.) 
    • Participants must have administrative rights for the computer so that that files can be transferred to and from it as required by the seminar exercises through the use of USB memory sticks:  You must also be able to save/store files to USB media devices to facilitate printing and turning in classwork.  Internet and network access is not assured during the seminar.  Students without administrative approvals or ability to use USB media are encouraged to contact the instructor before the class to discuss alternatives (e.g., using a personal laptop, using a RW/CD,  or other alternatives.)   Students need to verify the capability to run executable files to ensure successful access and use of the software needed in this course.  If not able to use USB media, participants must be able to upload files to a secure NIST Box and/or Google Drive and/or Microsoft SharePoint data transfer cloud service.
    • Availability of a scientific calculator (minimum 12 digits) may be useful as a supplement to Excel; if using a calculator, familiarity with its operation is essential.

    All visitors must be preregistered and present photo identification and vehicle registration information upon arrival. NIST can only accept a state-issued driver’s license or identification card for access to federal facilities if issued by states that are REAL ID compliant or have an extension.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New Level: Moscow to Host Personal Growth Festival

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Technograd Innovation and Educational Complex at VDNKh invites Muscovites to the New Level personal development festival. The event will take place on October 13 in the Art. Technograd pavilion at 119 Mira Avenue, building 318. Participation is free, but a pre-registrationGuests will be arriving from 10:30 to 11:00.

    Participants will master the tools and techniques of effective communication and clarify their goals for the year. In addition, guests will learn how to increase motivation to move from plans to actions. More than 10 specialists from different fields will help with this – business trainers, psychologists and coaches.

    Competent communication

    The festival will open with a lecture on the power of soft skills and their impact on quality of life and career development. It will be held by Tatyana Eremina, a business coach and expert in effective communication. In addition, master classes, trainings and workshops aimed at developing skills of awareness, self-improvement and professional development are planned.

    At the master class “How to effectively interact with others and achieve your goals” Tatyana Eremina will reveal the basics of competent communication. The speaker will also talk about the influence of emotional and kinetic intelligence when communicating with people and share tips on how to form an image and manage impressions of yourself.

    Confident speech and self-care

    At the training “Acting for Career and Life” participants will be shown exercises for working on the voice, body, attention, imagination and self-esteem. They are used by students of theater schools to train self-confidence and charm. The lesson will be conducted by Maria Antipova – a professional actress, director, teacher. In addition, there will be a master class on producing clear speech and a beautiful voice.

    As part of the workshop “Making decisions with the help of emotions”, psychologist Lyudmila Burlakova will teach visitors to listen and recognize their feelings when making decisions. And Valentina Lisina, a psychologist-consultant and game practitioner, will tell about how to work through internal fears and stop underestimating your achievements. Participants will master several tools that will allow them to change their thinking, learn to recognize successes and take care of themselves. And the master class “The code of success: from a request to the formation of internal motivation” will help find resources to solve difficult situations.

    Correct goals and objectives

    Those interested in art are invited to the lesson “Creativity without Borders”. The host Olga Korniltseva, a psychologist-consultant and coach, will offer to discover new facets of your personality and go the path to the goal from the idea to its implementation. The speaker will devote the second master class to the analysis of four universal competencies – critical thinking, creativity, communication and cooperation. Participants will practice universal competencies, work on personal goals.

    The game “My Financial Path” will help you assess your own financial literacy and gain skills in planning and achieving financial goals. The game will be conducted by career consultant and coach Svetlana Poroskova.

    Psychologist and game practitioner Elena Makarycheva invites you to join the game “Me and My Career”. Those gathered will be able to work through key issues in choosing a career path – define tasks and goals, analyze knowledge and skills.

    Personal growth and prioritization

    The game “Life as a Home” will help you find out how to harmonize seven areas of your life. Participants will have to evaluate their personal growth, environment and communication, relationships, health, work and finances, everyday life, hobbies, and also set priorities. Host Oksana Chernysh is a psychologist, game practitioner, and career guidance specialist.

    Innovative and educational complex “Technograd” — a unique platform at VDNKh, offering a new format of career guidance, training and educational leisure for residents and guests of the capital. The Career Development Center is one of the divisions of Technograd. Its specialists help with training, choosing a profession and career planning. The project is supervised by Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City of Moscow.

    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.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145097073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mental Health and Longevity: Older Muscovites Attend Psychology Classes

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    For project participants “Moscow Longevity” Psychology classes are organized. Together with professionals, they analyze various situations – from conflict resolution and building communication with relatives to questions on how to maintain motivation for personal development.

    “Psychology classes are becoming an alternative to personal therapy for project participants. In old age, the number of psychological needs for many increases: there is a desire to rethink life, strengthen relationships with grown-up children and grandchildren, and most importantly, to realize their own importance. Psychology is one of the priority areas of the project. According to the latest study, which we conducted jointly with the Research Institute of Health Organization and Medical Management of the Moscow Department of Health, project participants have a positive attitude towards psychological trainings and seeking help from specialists. This may indicate a high degree of trust among the older generation in the project’s classes and a desire to deal with psychological issues, to approach mental health consciously,” said the Deputy Head of the Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the City of Moscow

    Vladimir Filippov.

    There are currently over 300 psychology groups open. The classes are attended by over 19,000 senior citizens. Teachers select topics for discussion based on the requests of the participants themselves.

    “The main goal of the classes is to give participants various techniques and practices that they can immediately begin to apply in life. In addition, the classes help not only the older generation, but also their children and grandchildren become happier. Adult family members play a major role in shaping the personality of children, and when grandparents can set an example with their behavior and correctly build communication with their grandchildren, this is a great contribution to their upbringing and future,” shared Olga Dobrynina, a psychology teacher at the Silver University of the Moscow Longevity project.

    Research by the Research Institute of Health Organization and Medical Management of the capital Department of Health and the Moscow Longevity project showed that its participants have a higher mental well-being index, are less prone to anxiety and consider themselves active in socio-cultural life. 76 percent of respondents are not afraid of developing mental disorders and believe that the main tools in preventing them are working on themselves and engaging in activities that support and develop cognitive functions.

    To university for knowledge, to yoga for health: what opportunities do older Muscovites haveSergei Sobyanin spoke about the capital’s active longevity systemThe number of Moscow longevity centers has increased to 134 — Sergei Sobyanin

    All interested senior citizens are invited to join the classes of the Moscow Longevity project. You can choose a group and sign up for the project on the portal mos.ruor by contacting any Moscow longevity center. The project offers more than 40 types of classes – from vocals and drawing to computer graphics and animation.

    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.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145090073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Heading for your own business: how the MBM Business School helps aspiring entrepreneurs

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Find an idea for a business, register your business, learn the basics of marketing and develop a strategy for promoting your personal brand – these and other important knowledge for entrepreneurs can be obtained in“MBM Business School”Any Muscovite who wants to open their own business and run it successfully can become a participant in free classes.

    In October, the MBM Business School celebrated its seventh anniversary. During this time, more than 16 thousand people have completed their studies there. Every second graduate opens your own business. Read about how experts help aspiring entrepreneurs to identify their target audience, study the market and modern trends, and work through legal and accounting issues in the mos.ru article.

    Come up with an idea and create your own brand

    Many people dream of switching from a paid job to their own business in order to freely manage their time, gain financial independence, set goals and achieve results. But starting a business and achieving success is not so easy: it requires not only courage and organizational skills, but also certain knowledge and skills. During the five-day free course at the MBM Business School, students will be helped to find an entrepreneurial idea, taught how to prepare effective presentations, “package” a product or service, analyze the market and promote a brand on social networks.

    “Every day, different speakers address the participants of the classes with specific topics. I talk about the importance of social networks for expanding the audience, attracting customers and increasing brand awareness. At the same time, it is better to limit yourself to two or three social networks at first, because you may not have enough time and energy for more. The next important point is to choose a social network that is used more often by the target audience. For example, Odnoklassniki is preferred by older people than users of the social network VKontakte. In addition, during the class, we have time to create a Telegram channel, come up with a name for it and invite the first subscribers,” says Alexandra Lynova, an expert in visual communication in digital and social media at the MBM Business School.

    To register for the school, you don’t necessarily have to have a ready-made entrepreneurial idea: anyone who wants to start their own business can join. For the convenience of participants, classes are held in person or online.

    “Everyone has entrepreneurial skills, and it’s never too late to change your life. For example, a man over 60 years old became a participant in the last cohort of the MBM Business School. He had worked in journalism all his life, and now he is thinking about his own publishing business. We also had a mother of many children who was inspired by the idea of creating a network of fitness clubs for women with small children. Experts help aspiring entrepreneurs in all matters,” continues Alexandra Lynova.

    Sobyanin: Entrepreneurs can receive educational support from the cityThe country’s first youth entrepreneurship hub has been created in Moscow — Sobyanin

    Set goals and find mentors

    The training at the MBM Business School is structured in such a way that students not only receive theoretical knowledge, but also complete practical tasks and adopt the experience of experts. Thus, the founder and director of the online educational center Diana Ipkeeva came to the MBM Business School a year ago with an already working project, but without a specific understanding of where to move next. Experts helped her refine the concept, formulate the mission and values.

    “I always wanted to work for myself, and after moving to Moscow, my husband and I started tutoring Russian and mathematics. As a result, there were so many students that we decided to open our own educational center and attract other teachers. But I didn’t know where to get them, how to train them and employ them. At the MBM Business School, I became convinced that people needed my idea, received tremendous support from teachers and other entrepreneurs, mastered accounting and legal aspects, and learned the rules of marketing,” says Diana Ipkeeva.

    After training, the entrepreneur added English to the list of subjects at her educational center, tripled the number of teachers, and the number of students increased several times.

    “On this course I found two mentors who still support me. New plans appeared, an understanding of where to grow further, we already have goals planned for two years in advance. I recommend the MBM Business School to anyone who wants to start their own business. These five days are enough to understand whether a person is ready to become an entrepreneur or if it is better for them to work for hire. For those who are not ready, this will help to avoid mistakes and disappointments, and if after the classes a person is strengthened in their desire, they will be informed enough to boldly follow this path,” the mos.ru interlocutor believes.

    From maternity leave to entrepreneurship

    Participants of the MBM Business School take various industry streams: courses for the self-employed, social business, education, restaurant business, beauty industry, marketplace business and women’s entrepreneurship. The latter is in demand among young mothers.

    “My target audience is aspiring female entrepreneurs who dream of being successful in their favorite business. And most of them are mothers who have two, three or even four children. It is important for me to show how a woman can achieve success at a comfortable pace and attract grateful clients, relying on her personal qualities,” says Oksana Sharaya, entrepreneur, coach and women’s trainer at the MBM Business School.

    One of her students, working as a marketer at a bank, decided to start her own jewelry business during the coronavirus pandemic. After completing the course, the aspiring entrepreneur created a business project, registered as self-employed, and today is the owner of a successful jewelry brand.

    “The main thing in training is the search for meaning. A female entrepreneur must understand what she can bring to this world and who will benefit from it. In classical business, it is absolutely unimportant for an entrepreneur and his target audience to have similar values, but for women’s self-realization it is important. In addition, women, as a rule, have good organizational skills and can be unobtrusive leaders, and they implement these qualities in business, inspiring and supporting their employees,” Oksana Sharaya is sure.

    Women entrepreneurs are invited to take part in the MBM mini-intensive

    Overcome the crisis and expand your business

    Participation in the MBM Business School helps aspiring entrepreneurs to work out an idea, form a concept for their brand, and strengthen their business and personal qualities. Offline stream participants prepare projects that they present at the end of the program — a business plan or strategy for developing their company. For example, fashion designer and head of a shoe fashion house Daria Detkina, studying at the business school in 2018 helped her get out of the crisis and find a new direction in her favorite business.

    “Working in one company, I grew from a designer to a creative director. At the same time, private orders began to come in, and I became more and more immersed in the world of entrepreneurship. And after 2014, I finally decided to go into my own business. Fortunately, I quickly found clients, and then a business partner. However, three years later, I realized that I needed to change somehow. Then I learned about the MBM Business School,” says Daria Detkina.

    After participating in the program, the fashion designer decided to create not only custom-made shoes, but also limited collections, and provide services to entrepreneurs who want to produce shoes under their own brand. Darya Detkina has a workshop, a production facility with 3D equipment, and a photo studio, and she recently rented another space, where she is currently renovating.

    “At business school, they told us how to analyze the target audience, create unique offers, explained accounting and legal subtleties. I save all these lectures and often review them. But the most valuable thing for me in my studies was networking. When you communicate with similarly charged, motivated people, it is very inspiring,” says the mos.ru interlocutor.

    The next stream of the MBM Business School will begin offline classes on October 14. You can register for participation by link.

    State Budgetary Institution “Small Business of Moscow” also holds free forums, seminars, trainings, conferences for entrepreneurs, which help to improve professional competencies and find like-minded people. You can get advice on opening and running your own business and learn more about measures to support entrepreneurs on the website “Small Business of Moscow”, in person at business service centers and by phone: 7 495 225-14-14.

    Support for entrepreneurs is provided within the framework of the national project “Small and medium entrepreneurship and support for individual entrepreneurial initiatives”. More information about this and other national projects implemented in Moscow can be found on a special page.

    Starting with coffee: entrepreneurs are invited to join the new MBM training projectInvent, produce and sell: what entrepreneurs are taught in the courses of the State Budgetary Institution “Small Business of Moscow”The number of small and medium entrepreneurs in the education sector has grown by 27 percent in three years

    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.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144990073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The government’s social media ban for kids will exempt ‘low-risk’ platforms. What does that mean?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University

    BAZA Production/Shutterstock

    In a speech to the New South Wales and South Australian government social media summit today, Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland announced more details of how the federal government’s proposed social media ban would actually work.

    The government first announced the ban last month, shortly after SA said it will ban children under 14 from social media. But experts have heavily criticised the idea, and this week more than 120 experts from Australia and overseas wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and state and territory premiers urging a rethink.

    Despite this, the government appears to be ploughing ahead with the proposed ban. The details Rowland announced today do not meaningfully address many of the criticisms made over the past few weeks.

    In fact, they actually raise new problems.

    What are the details of the social media ban?

    In her speech, Rowland said the government will amend the Online Safety Act to “place the onus on platforms, not parents or young people” to enforce the proposed social media ban.

    The changes will be implemented over 12 months to give industry and the regulator time to implement key processes.

    The government says it “will set parameters to guide platforms in designing social media that allows connections, but not harms, to flourish”. These parameters could address some of the “addictive” features of these platforms, for instance by limiting potential harms by prioritising content feeds from accounts people follow, or making age-appropriate versions of their apps.

    The government is also considering an:

    exemption framework to accommodate access for social media services that demonstrate a low risk of harm to children.

    The problem with “low risk”

    But allowing young people to access social media platforms that have a demonstrated “low risk of harm” is fraught with issues.

    Risk is difficult to define – especially when it comes to social media.

    As I explained earlier this year around potential harms of artificial intelligence, risk “sits on a spectrum and is not absolute”. Risk cannot be determined simply by considering a social media platform itself, or by knowing the age of the person using it. What’s risky for one person may not be risky for someone else.

    How, then, will the government determine which social media platforms have a “low risk of harm”?

    Simply focusing on technical changes to social media platform design in determining what constitutes “low risk” will not address key areas of potential harm. This may give parents a false sense of security when it comes to the “low-risk” solutions technology companies offer.

    Let’s assume for a moment that Meta’s new “teen-friendly” Instagram accounts qualify as having a “low risk of harm” and young people would still be allowed to use them.

    The teen version of Instagram will be set to private by default and have stronger content restrictions in place than regular accounts. It will also allow parents to see the categories of content children are accessing, and the accounts they follow, but will still require parental oversight.

    But this doesn’t solve the risk problem.

    There will still be harmful content on social media. And young people will still be exposed to it when they are old enough to have an unrestricted account, potentially without the support and guidance they need to safely engage with it. If children don’t gain necessary skills for navigating social media at an early age, potential harms may be deferred, rather than addressed and safely negotiated with parental support.

    A better approach

    The harmful content on social media platforms doesn’t just pose a risk to young people. It poses a risk to everybody – adults included. For this reason, the government’s heavy focus on encouraging platforms to demonstrate a “low risk of harm” only to young people seems a little misguided.

    A better approach would be to strive to ensure social media platforms are safe for all users, regardless of their age. Ensuring platforms have mechanisms for users to report potentially harmful content – and for platforms to remove inappropriate content – is crucial for keeping people safe.

    Platforms should also ensure users can block accounts, such as when a person is being bullied or harassed, with consequences for account holders found to engage in such harmful behaviour.

    It is important that government requirements for “low-risk” accounts include these and other mechanisms to identify and limit harmful content at source. Tough penalties for tech companies that fail to comply with legislation are also needed.

    The federal government could also provide extra resources for parents and children, to help them to navigate social media content safely.

    A report released this week by the New South Wales government showed 91% of parents with children aged 5–17 believe “more should be done to teach young people and their parents about the possible harms of social media”.

    The SA government appears to be heeding this message. Today it also announced a plan for more social media education in schools.

    Providing more proactive support like this, rather than pursuing social media bans, would go a long way to protecting young Australians while also ensuring they have access to helpful and supportive social media content.

    Lisa M. Given receives funding from the Australian Research Council. She is a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and a former President of the Association of Information Science and Technology.

    – ref. The government’s social media ban for kids will exempt ‘low-risk’ platforms. What does that mean? – https://theconversation.com/the-governments-social-media-ban-for-kids-will-exempt-low-risk-platforms-what-does-that-mean-241120

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: School Closures, Shelter Use, and Learning Outcomes in the Philippines: Evidence from 2019 TIMSS

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    In many parts of the world, schools are often used as temporary shelters before, during, and after disasters that may prolong calamity-induced school closures. We combined student assessment data from the Philippine round of the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study with school administrative records and area-level typhoon warnings to assess the impact of short school closures on learning outcomes. Results show that one school closure day induced by school-as-shelter use reduces student achievement by 12% to 14% of a standard deviation, equivalent to roughly half to a full year’s worth of learning. This is likely driven by a decline in student interest, rather than by a contraction in the breadth of topics covered in class or by poorer teaching quality. These findings highlight potential hidden disasters from seemingly benign but frequent hazards. 

    WORKING PAPER 1487

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Chairs Inaugural Plenary Meeting of Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    On October 7-8, 2024, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante chaired the inaugural plenary meeting of the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR) in Honolulu, HI. National Armament Directors, and similarly positioned senior leaders, joined him from all PIPIR member nations in both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions. The engagement was hosted by the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).

    PIPIR is a multi-lateral forum of allies and partners aimed at strengthening defense industrial resilience to promote continued regional security, economic security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. It serves as a platform to accelerate defense industrial base (DIB) cooperation by reducing barriers to production, creating new sustainment hubs, and addressing supply chain constraints.

    “From day one, Secretary Austin has driven success through teamwork,” Dr. LaPlante said. “Today’s security environment demands closer collaboration with our allies and partners. PIPIR will help strengthen our collective ability to produce and sustain warfighting capability in the Indo-Pacific, and the National Armaments Directors are uniquely positioned to drive action in these areas.”

    During this inaugural plenary meeting, participants adopted a Core Vision Statement, which establishes strategic principles to guide collaboration on defense industrial resilience. The agreement of a Core Vision Statement builds upon the Statement of Principles for Indo-Pacific Defense Industrial Base Collaboration endorsed by 13 nations, including by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the Shangri-La Dialogue held in May 2024.

    Members also announced the creation of workstreams, each tasked with identifying key projects appointed leadership for each, and discussed plans to operationalize project activities. The four workstreams are Sustainment, Production, Supply Chain Resilience, and Policy and Optimization. Participants underscored the need to deliver material solutions that enhance shared defense industrial resilience. They also emphasized the importance of forging closer partnerships with industry and committed to creating a standing industrial advisory board with whom to consult. PIPIR will include other advisors as necessary to address the complexity and challenges of the DIB.

    The day prior to the plenary session, INDOPACOM hosted the PIPIR delegation at Camp Smith to provide the command’s regional perspective and discuss the implications and role of multi-lateral industrial partnerships for their mission.

    The establishment of PIPIR directly supports DoD’s implementation of the National Defense Industrial Strategy and Regional Sustainment Framework, which emphasize the importance of strengthening international defense production and sustainment relationships.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ​​New guidance on assessing the delivery confidence of digital projects​

    Source: Australia Digital Transformation Agency

    Assurance plays a key role in keeping decision-makers informed of the status of digital projects and helping focus attention where it is needed most. In partnership with the University of Sydney’s John Grill Institute for Project Leadership, new guidance to support more effective assurance of digital projects is being released. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: High skills, low protection: the legal hurdles for foreign workers in Indonesia

    Source: The Conversation – Indonesia – By Wayne Palmer, Senior Research Fellow, Bielefeld University

    ilikeyellow/Shutterstock

    Developing countries like Indonesia use foreign high-skilled and high-wage workers to drive economic growth and innovation. However, protection of their legal rights is often neglected, affecting these workers’ productivity and well-being and Indonesia’s reputation as a destination country for employment.

    My research delves into the flaws of Indonesia’s labour market institutions, such as the national labour dispute settlement system, revealing that current mechanisms are inadequate in protecting the rights of high-skilled foreign workers.

    The study

    My findings show the national dispute settlement system exhibits significant systemic shortcomings, such as processing cases slowly and siding with employers, which limit its capacity to protect all workers effectively. But disputes involving foreign workers are further complicated by the fact that immigration law allows employers to cancel residence permits, meaning that the government requires the workers to leave the country even though the workers may have been unfairly dismissed.

    Foreign workers are mainly from Northeast Asia (China, Japan and Korea), and their use on investment-tied projects coupled with Indonesia’s downstreaming programme will ensure their numbers continue to grow. In 2023, the Indonesian government issued 168,048 permits for foreigners to work in Indonesia with the top three destinations being Central Sulawesi (18,678), Jakarta (13,862) and West Java (10,807). By July 2024, the government had already issued more than 14% more permits than by the same time the previous year.

    My study examined 92 labour disputes involving foreign workers between 2006 (when the new national dispute settlement system was implemented) and 2022, which were settled by the Industrial Relations Court. One additional dispute was filed in 2023, but the Industrial Relations Court has not yet published the settlement despite a legal requirement to do so.

    I complemented these court settlements with 98 qualitative interviews with other stakeholders, including policymakers, labour rights activists, legal professionals, and other foreign workers, such as foreign spouses, remote workers and digital nomads.

    As in other countries too, the number of registered labour disputes is only the tip of the iceberg, as workers tend to cut their losses and move on rather than invest time, energy and limited financial resources in challenging their better-resourced employers.

    Employers were all Indonesian companies, so no foreign workers who filed a lawsuit worked for a multinational company, and those who did so had at least 20 nationalities.


    CC BY

    In terms of geographical distribution, the studied disputes were settled in 13 local jurisdictions, and were mostly lodged by workers rather than employers.

    The nature of the disputes mostly involved claims that an employment contract had been terminated prematurely (87 cases), while a much smaller number involved resignation (4 cases) or were unknown (1 case). Of the 92 claims, 83 were initiated by workers, and eight by an employer. In one case, the lodging party was not recorded in the final decision.

    Hiring a private lawyer

    Employers used the Immigration Law to undermine the protective role of the Manpower Law – as it stands foreign workers are only entitled to employment protection if they hold a valid residence permit, which employers can and do shorten. Doing so shows that the Indonesian government prioritizes the flexibility of employers at the expense of employment protection for foreign workers.

    In at least 92% cases, foreign workers used paid assistance of a private lawyer to represent themselves at formal meetings and hearings required by the Disputes Settlement Law, the cost of which could be hefty.

    As one foreign worker explained:

    It’s always in the back of your mind, to do whatever to make employers happy if you want to stay. No matter what the work permit and contract say, they can ask immigration to kick us out within a week!“

    A retired government official responsible for designing policy regarding foreign workers was surprised when he heard this, explaining that:

    I thought they could look after themselves because they earn such high wages. Well, higher than the average Indonesian worker, that is.

    Hiring a private lawyer is the only way to represent themselves throughout the dispute resolution process because they need to leave Indonesia once they are fired. Not having the legal right to remain in Indonesia makes it very difficult – even impossible – to do it without them.

    Addressing institutional failures

    Engaging a private lawyer served as an ‘institutional fix’ that enabled most foreign workers to engage with Indonesia’s labour dispute settlement system by attending formal meetings and hearings, as well as filling out required paperwork and sending essential letters and replies.

    Addressing this institutional failure requires a shift in law and policy. Firstly, legal reforms are essential to ensure that immigration and employment laws are integrated to enable foreign workers to have access to legal processes intended to help protect labour rights. At a minimum, this would involve amending policy to prevent employers from cancelling residence permits so that foreign workers need to leave the country prematurely.

    Alternatively, the Directorate-General of Immigration could still permit employers to do so, but then provide the affected foreign workers with a limited-stay visa so that they can remain in Indonesia to engage with the legal process. The Hong Kong Immigration Department does this for Indonesian migrant workers.

    Secondly, there is a need for enhanced support systems that provide immediate and effective assistance to foreign workers. Government agencies tasked with settling labour disputes, such as local manpower offices and the Industrial Relations Court, should be equipped with adequate resources and trained personnel to handle migrant labour issues. Doing so would decrease the reliance of foreign workers on private lawyers.

    Failure to protect the employment rights of foreign workers has the potential to damage Indonesia’s reputation as a destination country for employment. Such damage could undermine Indonesia’s ambitious plans to build a new capital city (Ibu Kota Nusantara) with the assistance of foreign workers, and undermine the government’s downstreaming programme, which helps Indonesia earn more from the export of raw minerals.

    Wayne Palmer has received research funding from the International Labour Organization, the Freedom Fund, and the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. High skills, low protection: the legal hurdles for foreign workers in Indonesia – https://theconversation.com/high-skills-low-protection-the-legal-hurdles-for-foreign-workers-in-indonesia-230795

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: NBPE Announces September Monthly NAV Estimate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, ITALY, DENMARK, JAPAN, THE UNITED STATES, OR TO ANY NATIONAL OF SUCH JURISDICTIONS

    NBPE Announces September Monthly NAV Estimate

    11 October 2024

    NB Private Equity Partners (NBPE), the $1.3bn1, FTSE 250, listed private equity investment company managed by Neuberger Berman, today announces its 30 September 2024 monthly NAV estimate.

    NAV Highlights (30 September 2024)

    • NAV per share was $27.37 (£20.40), a total return of (0.3%) in the month
    • Year to date NAV TR of 0.9%
    • $73 million invested in new and follow on investments year to date
    • $391 million of available liquidity at 30 September 2024
    As of 30 September 2024 YTD 1 Year 3 years 5 years 10 years
    NAV TR (USD)*
    Annualised    		 0.9% 4.3% (2.8%)
    (1.0%)    		 70.9%
    11.3%    		 172.2%
    10.5%
    MSCI World TR (USD)*
    Annualised    		 19.3% 33.0% 30.7%
    9.3%    		 89.1%
    13.6%    		 175.2%
    10.7%
    Share price TR (GBP)*
    Annualised    		 0.8% 6.4% 14.1%
    4.5%    		 76.0%
    12.0%    		 245.2%
    13.2%
    FTSE All-Share TR (GBP)*
    Annualised    		 9.9% 13.4% 23.9%
    7.4%    		 32.2%
    5.7%    		 83.6%
    6.3%

    * All NBPE performance figures assume re-investment of dividends on the ex-dividend date and reflect cumulative returns over the relevant time periods shown. Three-year, five-year and ten-year annualised returns are presented for USD NAV, MSCI World (USD), GBP Share Price and FTSE All-Share (GBP) Total Returns.

    Portfolio Update to 30 September 2024

    NAV performance during the month driven by:

    • 0.2% NAV increase ($2 million) from the receipt of private company valuation information
    • 0.2% NAV increase ($3 million) from positive FX movements
    • 0.3% NAV decrease ($4 million) from the value of quoted holdings (which now constitute 6% of portfolio fair value)
    • 0.4% NAV decrease ($5 million) attributable to expense accruals and changes in the Zero Dividend Preference share (ZDP) liability

    Realisations from the portfolio continue in 2024

    • $160 million of realisations received year to date, driven by Action, Cotiviti and previously announced sales of Melissa & Doug, FV Hospital and Safefleet as well as sales of public stock and continued realisations from the legacy income investment portfolio

    $391 million of total liquidity at 30 September 2024

    • $181 million of cash and liquid investments with $210 million of undrawn credit line available

    $73 million invested in 2024 in new and follow-on investments

    • $25 million invested in FDH Aero, a leading parts distributor to the aerospace and defense industry
    • $38 million invested into two U.S. healthcare businesses, Benecon and Zeus
    • $10 million of additional new and follow on investments

    Portfolio Valuation

    The fair value of NBPE’s portfolio as of 30 September 2024 was based on the following information:

    • 6% of the portfolio was valued as of 30 September 2024
      • 6% in public securities
    • 94% of the portfolio was valued as of 30 June 2024
      • 93% in private direct investments
      • 1% in private funds

    For further information, please contact:

    NBPE Investor Relations         +44 (0) 20 3214 9002
    Luke Mason                              NBPrivateMarketsIR@nb.com 

    Kaso Legg Communications   +44 (0)20 3882 6644

    Charles Gorman                        nbpe@kl-communications.com
    Luke Dampier
    Charlotte Francis

    Supplementary Information (as at 30 September 2024)

    Company Name Vintage Lead Sponsor Sector Fair Value ($m) % of FV
    Action 2020 3i Consumer                        68.9 5.4%
    Osaic 2019 Reverence Capital Financial Services                        62.7 4.9%
    Solenis 2021 Platinum Equity Industrials                        58.2 4.6%
    BeyondTrust 2018 Francisco Partners Technology / IT                        42.0 3.3%
    Branded Cities Network 2017 Shamrock Capital Communications / Media                        40.1 3.2%
    Monroe Engineering 2021 AEA Investors Industrials                        38.3 3.0%
    Business Services Company* 2017 Not Disclosed Business Services                        37.1 2.9%
    True Potential 2022 Cinven Financial Services                        35.8 2.8%
    Kroll 2020 Further Global / Stone Point Financial Services                        31.4 2.5%
    Constellation Automotive 2019 TDR Capital Business Services                        30.9 2.4%
    Marquee Brands 2014 Neuberger Berman Consumer                        30.8 2.4%
    Staples 2017 Sycamore Partners Business Services                        30.7 2.4%
    GFL (NYSE: GFL) 2018 BC Partners Business Services                        30.5 2.4%
    Fortna 2017 THL Industrials                        28.7 2.3%
    Viant 2018 JLL Partners Healthcare                        27.2 2.1%
    Stubhub 2020 Neuberger Berman Consumer                        26.6 2.1%
    Engineering 2020 NB Renaissance / Bain Capital Technology / IT                        25.8 2.0%
    FDH Aero 2024 Audax Group Industrials                        25.3 2.0%
    Agiliti 2019 THL Healthcare                        25.3 2.0%
    Benecon 2024 TA Associates Healthcare                        25.2 2.0%
    Solace Systems 2016 Bridge Growth Partners Technology / IT                        24.4 1.9%
    Addison Group 2021 Trilantic Capital Partners Business Services                        23.8 1.9%
    USI 2017 KKR Financial Services                        23.2 1.8%
    Auctane 2021 Thoma Bravo Technology / IT                        22.5 1.8%
    Excelitas 2022 AEA Investors Industrials                        21.9 1.7%
    Qpark 2017 KKR Transportation                        21.5 1.7%
    AutoStore (OB.AUTO) 2019 THL Industrials                        21.3 1.7%
    Exact 2019 KKR Technology / IT                        20.1 1.6%
    Renaissance Learning 2018 Francisco Partners Technology / IT                        19.4 1.5%
    Bylight 2017 Sagewind Partners Technology / IT                        18.7 1.5%
    Total Top 30 Investments                            $938.5 73.8%

    *Undisclosed company due to confidentiality provisions.

    Geography % of Portfolio
    North America 76%
    Europe 23%
    Asia / Rest of World 1%
    Total Portfolio 100%
       
    Industry % of Portfolio
    Tech, Media & Telecom 23%
    Consumer / E-commerce 20%
    Industrials / Industrial Technology 17%
    Financial Services 14%
    Business Services 12%
    Healthcare 9%
    Other 4%
    Energy 1%
    Total Portfolio 100%
       
    Vintage Year % of Portfolio
    2016 & Earlier 11%
    2017 19%
    2018 16%
    2019 14%
    2020 12%
    2021 16%
    2022 5%
    2023 2%
    2024 5%
    Total Portfolio 100%

    About NB Private Equity Partners Limited
    NBPE invests in direct private equity investments alongside market leading private equity firms globally. NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the “Investment Manager”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC, is responsible for sourcing, execution and management of NBPE. The vast majority of direct investments are made with no management fee / no carried interest payable to third-party GPs, offering greater fee efficiency than other listed private equity companies. NBPE seeks capital appreciation through growth in net asset value over time while paying a bi-annual dividend.

    LEI number: 213800UJH93NH8IOFQ77

    About Neuberger Berman
    Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $481 billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. The PRI identified the firm as part of the Leader’s Group, a designation awarded to fewer than 1% of investment firms for excellence in environmental, social and governance practices. Neuberger Berman has been named by Pensions & Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money Management for each of the last ten years (firms with more than 1,000 employees). Visit http://www.nb.com for more information. Data as of June 30, 2024.

    1Based on net asset value.

    This press release appears as a matter of record only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any security.

    NBPE is established as a closed-end investment company domiciled in Guernsey. NBPE has received the necessary consent of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. The value of investments may fluctuate. Results achieved in the past are no guarantee of future results. This document is not intended to constitute legal, tax or accounting advice or investment recommendations. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making any investment decision. Statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of NBPE’s investment manager. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Additionally, this document contains “forward-looking statements.” Actual events or results or the actual performance of NBPE may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking statements.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tai chi activities spread Chinese culture overseas

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    When 24-year-old Peter Onyango arrived in Chenjiagou village in Henan province, he encountered a 75-year-old woman who challenged him to push her with all his might.

    Despite his hesitation, to his surprise the young man failed to move her. “People you see in Chenjiagou engage in exercises frequently, a sight I’ve never witnessed elsewhere. It truly inspired me to practice tai chi more,” he said.

    Onyango, from Kenya, was one of 31 participants who recently took part in on-site instruction, seminars and interactive sessions in Chenjiagou, the birthplace of tai chi. He expressed gratitude for the immersive experience in Henan.

    Organized by the Ministry of Commerce and hosted by Henan University of Technology, the program was designed to cater to developing countries such as Ethiopia, Burundi, Kenya and Sierra Leone from Aug 22 to Sept 11. It offered participants firsthand experience of tai chi’s captivating charm.

    Chen Bing, president of Chenjiagou Tai Chi Boxing Association, said most participants are dedicated martial arts enthusiasts and could quickly and earnestly grasp the teachings.

    “We are showcasing our culture to them. Tai chi is inclusive, emphasizing the balance between yin and yang, hardness and softness, inspiring individuals,” Chen said.

    “Not only can they learn martial arts and tai chi movements, but I also hope they can get traditional Chinese culture and wisdom to enrich their training,” Chen added.

    Iva Kufr, a 61-year-old from the Czech Republic, said it was a new and positive experience, especially since it was her first visit to Henan. “Even though I have been practicing tai chi for more than 25 years, I got innumerable new information from here,” she said.

    She said that her visit to the Tai Chi Museum in Chenjiagou was an “unforgettable experience and permanent source of information” for her.

    “And our master is very good, he knows what is important for our improvement. He is a great inspiration for me as a teacher, and I am sure I will follow some of his teaching methods and communication in my future teaching life,” she added.

    Liu Kefei, dean of the School of Education and Training of Henan University of Technology, highlighted Henan’s abundant cultural heritage. After returning to their own countries, many participants like to focus on establishing wushu associations and clubs to promote and spread traditional Chinese martial arts culture.

    Also as director of the Henan Foreign Aid Training Center, Liu said that the center has successfully conducted 58 sessions for traditional martial arts culture-themed training. Approximately 1,700 sports officials, athletes and coaches from foreign countries have immersed themselves in and experienced traditional Chinese culture.

    “We have also forged enduring friendships with individuals worldwide, expanding the circle of friends in the countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative,” Liu added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Paris collection draws evolution of ink painting

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Art lovers in China may not be aware of this, but a museum in Paris houses an important collection of Asian and Chinese art. The ongoing exhibition The Journey of Ink: Modern and Contemporary Chinese Paintings From the Musee Cernuschi showing at the Bund One Art Museum in Shanghai marks the first time a selection of masterpieces from the Paris museum is on display in China.

    Running until Jan 5, the exhibition features 89 paintings from the collection of the Musee Cernuschi, including works by familiar masters such as Zhang Daqian, Lin Fengmian, Qi Baishi and Sanyu.

    The Musee Cernuschi’s collection of modern and contemporary Chinese art has been displayed for more than 70 years, says Eric Lefebvre, director and general curator of the French museum. This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France, “so we think it is a great opportunity to share the ink paintings with audiences in Shanghai”, he told media at the opening ceremony.

    “We have selected artworks spanning almost a century to showcase how Chinese ink art innovated and developed throughout this period.”

    The exhibition ranges from paintings made at the beginning of the 20th century to the creations of living artists in the final chapter.

    “We search for a link with the past in the paintings,” says Mael Bellec, head of the Chinese and Korean collections at the Musee Cernuschi.

    In the curatorial process, Lefebvre and Bellec discovered a narrative thread connecting the works and chose ink painting as the main theme. “Because ink is native to Chinese characteristics, viewing it conjures the feeling of its history,” Bellec says.

    Many Chinese artists stayed in Paris and “while they were there, they did new things with what they learned … When two cultures meet, there is a blending that happens almost immediately and brings forth new ideas”, Bellec tells China Daily.

    “In France, people tend to forget that these artists were there and are part of our history,” he says. “Except for a few artists such as Pan Yuliang, whose biographic movie was made starring famous actress Gong Li, it’s not so easy to recognize and acknowledge them as part of our history, too,” he adds.

    For French visitors to the Cernuschi Museum in Paris, Bellec says: “Studying the art from a faraway country helps you to get out of your own culture and broaden your view of the world and its aesthetics, which is very different from your own.”

    Visitors to the exhibition in Shanghai will find landscape paintings, flowers and birds, and hand scrolls traditionally mounted in the first showroom.

    “Then, one chapter after another, they will observe the evolution of ink paintings, from the forms to the techniques,” Lefebvre says.

    To give audiences a full evolutionary experience, Lefebvre and Bellec also selected a series of videos from the institution’s archives, dating as early as the 1930s, that document the painting process of some artists.

    “From these videos, we can learn about the techniques of Zhang Daqian and see how artist Walasse Ting created the popular action painting style of the United States, reflecting the integration of Chinese and Western art,” Lefebvre says.

    A significant part of the exhibit joins the museum collection from the 1950s when the Musee Cernuschi received an important donation of paintings from Guo Youshou, a Chinese diplomat who later worked for UNESCO.

    An important collector and promoter of Chinese art, Guo facilitated the first series of exhibitions of Chinese art in France, Switzerland and Slovakia. From the 1950s to 60s, he helped to organize three exhibitions of Zhang Daqian in France, says Xie Dingwei, founding director of the Bund One Art Museum.

    “In 1953, Guo donated 76 paintings to the Musee Cernuschi, including works by Xu Beihong, Lin Fengmian, Pu Ru and my father,” says Xie, the son of renowned Chinese artist Xie Zhiliu.

    Guo’s donation played an important part in the Musee Cernuschi’s collection of modern Chinese art. Today, “we recognize him as a pioneer who made great contributions by introducing Chinese art to the world”, Xie says.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa needs more nautical scientists and marine engineers – if you love the sea these may be the careers for you

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ekaterina Rzyankina, Lecturer, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

    When most people are asked to picture an engineer at work, they probably imagine a civil engineer in a hard hat at a construction site, a chemical engineer in a laboratory or an electrical engineer examining a complex circuit board. Very few, I’m willing to bet, visualise someone aboard a ship.

    But, for those drawn both to engineering and a seafaring life, marine engineering and nautical science are ideal careers – especially in a country like South Africa, uniquely positioned where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge.

    Over 90% of the world’s goods are transported by sea. That means both marine engineers and nautical scientists are crucial to global trade, transportation and resource management. These professionals play a critical role in ensuring that vessels operate reliably, comply with environmental regulations and navigate safely through the world’s oceans.

    South Africa’s Department of Higher Education does not distinguish between different types of engineering when collecting statistics about graduates. However, those of us in the marine engineering and nautical science space in academia can confirm the numbers are low. At my own institution, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town, between ten and 20 people graduate each year from these programmes. At another, Nelson Mandela University in the Eastern Cape province, around seven people graduate in these fields each year. With so few people studying these disciplines, the skills they impart are in high demand. The government’s list of scarce skills for 2024 includes “marine engineering technologist”.

    I’m an engineering lecturer in the Department of Maritime Studies at CPUT. There, I teach in both the Bachelor of Nautical Science and Marine Engineering programmes, lecturing on a variety of subjects, including mathematics and applied thermodynamics (the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat, energy and work).

    Watching my students complete their degrees and start careers in marine engineering or nautical science has made it clear that this work offers a blend of adventure, technical challenge, and the opportunity to contribute to an industry that is essential to global commerce and environmental stewardship.

    Whether it’s designing cutting-edge marine technology or navigating the world’s vast oceans, the maritime field promises a fulfilling professional journey.

    Theory and practice

    Three universities – CPUT, Nelson Mandela University and the Durban University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal – offer maritime studies courses aimed at those who intend to work at sea. A fourth, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, offers this degree with a focus on maritime law and logistics. There are also some specialised training institutions, among them the South African Maritime Safety Authority, that provide various qualifications and certifications.

    You’ll need to have taken mathematics, physical science and English in your school-leaving matric year, and to have passed them well. (Contact individual universities to find out their precise degree requirements.) A strong interest in and commitment to a career at sea or in the maritime industry more broadly is crucial.

    Being a strong swimmer can be an advantage. But it is not necessarily a requirement. Students who do not know how to swim will typically have the opportunity to learn and develop their swimming skills as part of their training.

    There are practical and theoretical components to these degrees. At our Granger Bay campus near the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, for instance, we’ve set up a survival centre – a practical facility where students receive training to equip them for life at sea. It is fully equipped with three fully enclosed lifeboats, two open lifeboats, a rigid capsule, two fast rescue craft, a heated 12 x 7 metre pool, an underwater escape training dunker, various life rafts, life jackets, immersion suits, and more.

    Read more: Seasickness: we built a digital monitoring system on a South African research ship to help manage it

    On the theoretical side, a Bachelor of Nautical Science programme focuses on the navigation and operation of ships. It encompasses navigation techniques, ship stability, cargo handling, meteorology, and maritime laws. This prepares students for careers as navigators in the merchant navy. (Not to be confused with the military navy – a merchant navy is a country’s commercial shipping industry, which includes all the cargo and passenger ships that are registered under that nation and used for trade, transport and other non-military purposes.)

    Some of our graduates have gone on to become ship’s masters, also called captains – the highest ranking officer on any ship.

    Marine engineering programmes, meanwhile, focus on the design, development, operation and maintenance of the mechanical systems and equipment used on ships and other marine vessels. This includes everything from engines and propulsion systems to refrigeration and steering mechanisms. Marine engineers ensure that these systems function efficiently and safely. They often work closely with naval architects to integrate these technologies into new ship designs or retrofit them into existing vessels.

    Ample opportunities

    Oceanic African countries, like South Africa, need people with these skills to harness the full potential of their maritime resources.

    Read more: What South Africa can do to harness a neglected resource – its oceans

    The development of local expertise in maritime engineering and nautical science is essential for ensuring safe and efficient maritime operations. It also helps to protect marine environments and contributes to global maritime trade. Skilled professionals in these fields help these countries take advantage of their maritime assets, promote economic growth and enhance their roles in international commerce.

    As a proud lecturer, I am thrilled to see my students progress and develop both internationally and locally. Many have gone on to work in various exciting and prestigious roles around the world. Some have become ship’s masters, navigating and managing large vessels on international waters, while others have taken on critical roles in maritime operations, port management and logistics in countries such as Singapore, Norway and the United Kingdom. Some have pursued careers in maritime law and policy. Their career paths reflect the diverse and global opportunities available in the maritime industry.

    – South Africa needs more nautical scientists and marine engineers – if you love the sea these may be the careers for you
    – https://theconversation.com/south-africa-needs-more-nautical-scientists-and-marine-engineers-if-you-love-the-sea-these-may-be-the-careers-for-you-234104

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University Strengthens Ties with Belarusian Universities

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Last week, a planned working trip of representatives of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade of SPbPU to the capital of Belarus, Minsk, took place. The delegation included Professor, Deputy Director of the Higher School of Service and Trade for Research Sergey Barykin and Associate Professor, Deputy Director of the Higher School of Industrial Management for International Activities Natalia Alekseyeva. The trip included visits to four Belarusian universities.

    Sergey Barykin visited the Belarusian State University of Economics (BSEU) under the state program of the Republic of Belarus “Education and Youth Policy” at the invitation of the Dean of the Faculty of Marketing and Logistics Svetlana Lapina. He held open lectures for students on the topic “Logistics and Digitalization of Logistics”. The Polytechnic University staff also discussed issues of joint academic mobility with the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Olga Morozevich. At a meeting with the Vice-Rector for Ideological and Educational Work Sergey Skriba, the Polytechnicians outlined plans for joint scientific cooperation aimed at students of universities in Belarus and Russia.

    Communication with students was positive, in an atmosphere of mutual dialogue. Working meetings with colleagues allowed us to find new opportunities for interaction in various areas, – said Sergey Barykin.

    At the Belarusian National Technical University (BNTU), IPMET representatives took part in the plenary session of the XX international scientific and practical seminar. The event was held by the Faculty of Marketing, Management, and Entrepreneurship of BNTU under the auspices of the XXII international scientific and technical conference “Science for Education, Production, and Economy”, where a joint work with polytechnics “Network-centric organizations as a new basis for managing scientific and technical cooperation” was presented.

    IPMET representatives met with the dean of the faculty Alexey Danilchenko, deputy dean for research and development Irina Ustinovich and head of the department of “Economics and management of innovative projects in industry” Natalia Ponomareva. The participants summed up the results of the faculty’s performance in the international scientific conference “GDTM-2024: Global Challenges of Digital Transformation of Markets”, which took place at IPMET at the end of September.

    It is pleasant to note that over several years of cooperation with universities of the Republic of Belarus, we are met here not only as colleagues, but also as friends. In the corridors of universities we see familiar students, which came to the Polytechnic University. This gives us a sense of unity, despite the distance between our cities, shared Natalia Alekseeva.

    At the Belarusian State University (BSU), the polytechnics visited the Department of Logistics of the Institute of Business. Together with the head of the Department of Logistics Nikolai Zenchuk, they discussed promising areas of cooperation related to modeling the behavior of logistics systems and academic mobility.

    IPMET maintains strong friendly ties withFaculty of Engineering and Economics Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics (BSUIR). This year, the collective monograph, which is being published as part of the GDTM-2024 conference, included the work of Vladimir Parkhimenko, Head of the Department of Economics and Marketing at BSUIR, and Daria Frolova, Senior Lecturer of the Department.

    Natalia Alekseeva told BSUIR students about the IPMEiT student scientific society and the annual scientific conference “Youth Week of Science IPMET”. In addition, at a meeting with the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Economics, Veronika Vernyakhovskaya, colleagues discussed Internship plan Belarusian teachers and students.

    Representatives of IPMET also attended a festive concert dedicated to Teacher’s Day.

    Our institute has started actively develop cooperation with Belarusian universities since 2022. And over these years we have achieved tangible results in academic mobility of teachers and students, joint scientific and congress activities. We regularly We accept students from Minsk and send our students to events organized by Belarusian universities. For several years now, teachers from partner universities have been participating in IPMEiT conferences and forums and working on joint scientific research. I would like to note that after our colleagues’ trip to Minsk, we plan to sign a cooperation agreement with the Institute of Business of the Belarusian State University and are already working on a roadmap. The Higher School of Industrial Management and the Higher School of Service and Trade are jointly developing a program for the admission of Belarusian students scheduled for the period of the annual conference “Youth Science Week of IPMEiT,” noted Vladimir Shchepinin, Director of IPMEiT.

    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.

    https://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/partnership/polytech-strengthens-ties-with-Belarusian-universities/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Students of the State University of Management visited the Russian Ecological Forum

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Students of the State University of Management attended the main event in the field of circular economy – the Youth Day of the Russian Environmental Forum (REF).

    Representatives of the government apparatus, industry specialists and entrepreneurs gathered at one site.

    The main topics of the forum in 2024 are extended producer responsibility (EPR) and new mechanisms for regulating the industry, investment projects, green financing, rule-making in the field of solid municipal waste management, digitalization of the industry and building a closed-loop economy.

    At the Youth Day of the REF-2024, GUU was represented by 4th-year students of the IOM and IM Danila Yakovlev and Sergey Zvonarev. As part of the project-based learning at GUU, the students are developing their environmental project ECOGROUP|Voskresensk, which is aimed at developing and implementing innovative technologies in the procedure for collecting and processing solid municipal waste. The project involves the creation of a network of micro-enterprises using methods of sorting, recycling and reusing solid municipal waste.

    “Participation in the forum from the Russian Environmental Operator is an excellent opportunity to meet industry representatives and understand what opportunities there are for business projects in the environmental agenda,” the students noted.

    The Russian Environmental Forum is the largest industry event that brings together the main players in the field of municipal solid waste management. The REF was first held in 2021. This fall, the forum opened its doors for the fourth time.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 11.10.2024

    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.

    Students of the State University of Management visited the Russian Ecological Forum

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: South Africa needs more nautical scientists and marine engineers – if you love the sea these may be the careers for you

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ekaterina Rzyankina, Lecturer, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

    Careers in the maritime industry can take graduates all over the world. Igor-Kardasov

    When most people are asked to picture an engineer at work, they probably imagine a civil engineer in a hard hat at a construction site, a chemical engineer in a laboratory or an electrical engineer examining a complex circuit board. Very few, I’m willing to bet, visualise someone aboard a ship.

    But, for those drawn both to engineering and a seafaring life, marine engineering and nautical science are ideal careers – especially in a country like South Africa, uniquely positioned where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge.

    Over 90% of the world’s goods are transported by sea. That means both marine engineers and nautical scientists are crucial to global trade, transportation and resource management. These professionals play a critical role in ensuring that vessels operate reliably, comply with environmental regulations and navigate safely through the world’s oceans.

    South Africa’s Department of Higher Education does not distinguish between different types of engineering when collecting statistics about graduates. However, those of us in the marine engineering and nautical science space in academia can confirm the numbers are low. At my own institution, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town, between ten and 20 people graduate each year from these programmes. At another, Nelson Mandela University in the Eastern Cape province, around seven people graduate in these fields each year. With so few people studying these disciplines, the skills they impart are in high demand. The government’s list of scarce skills for 2024 includes “marine engineering technologist”.

    I’m an engineering lecturer in the Department of Maritime Studies at CPUT. There, I teach in both the Bachelor of Nautical Science and Marine Engineering programmes, lecturing on a variety of subjects, including mathematics and applied thermodynamics (the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat, energy and work).

    Watching my students complete their degrees and start careers in marine engineering or nautical science has made it clear that this work offers a blend of adventure, technical challenge, and the opportunity to contribute to an industry that is essential to global commerce and environmental stewardship.

    Whether it’s designing cutting-edge marine technology or navigating the world’s vast oceans, the maritime field promises a fulfilling professional journey.

    Theory and practice

    Three universities – CPUT, Nelson Mandela University and the Durban University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal – offer maritime studies courses aimed at those who intend to work at sea. A fourth, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, offers this degree with a focus on maritime law and logistics. There are also some specialised training institutions, among them the South African Maritime Safety Authority, that provide various qualifications and certifications.

    You’ll need to have taken mathematics, physical science and English in your school-leaving matric year, and to have passed them well. (Contact individual universities to find out their precise degree requirements.) A strong interest in and commitment to a career at sea or in the maritime industry more broadly is crucial.

    Being a strong swimmer can be an advantage. But it is not necessarily a requirement. Students who do not know how to swim will typically have the opportunity to learn and develop their swimming skills as part of their training.

    There are practical and theoretical components to these degrees. At our Granger Bay campus near the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, for instance, we’ve set up a survival centre – a practical facility where students receive training to equip them for life at sea. It is fully equipped with three fully enclosed lifeboats, two open lifeboats, a rigid capsule, two fast rescue craft, a heated 12 x 7 metre pool, an underwater escape training dunker, various life rafts, life jackets, immersion suits, and more.



    Read more:
    Seasickness: we built a digital monitoring system on a South African research ship to help manage it

    On the theoretical side, a Bachelor of Nautical Science programme focuses on the navigation and operation of ships. It encompasses navigation techniques, ship stability, cargo handling, meteorology, and maritime laws. This prepares students for careers as navigators in the merchant navy. (Not to be confused with the military navy – a merchant navy is a country’s commercial shipping industry, which includes all the cargo and passenger ships that are registered under that nation and used for trade, transport and other non-military purposes.)

    Some of our graduates have gone on to become ship’s masters, also called captains – the highest ranking officer on any ship.

    Marine engineering programmes, meanwhile, focus on the design, development, operation and maintenance of the mechanical systems and equipment used on ships and other marine vessels. This includes everything from engines and propulsion systems to refrigeration and steering mechanisms. Marine engineers ensure that these systems function efficiently and safely. They often work closely with naval architects to integrate these technologies into new ship designs or retrofit them into existing vessels.

    Ample opportunities

    Oceanic African countries, like South Africa, need people with these skills to harness the full potential of their maritime resources.



    Read more:
    What South Africa can do to harness a neglected resource – its oceans

    The development of local expertise in maritime engineering and nautical science is essential for ensuring safe and efficient maritime operations. It also helps to protect marine environments and contributes to global maritime trade. Skilled professionals in these fields help these countries take advantage of their maritime assets, promote economic growth and enhance their roles in international commerce.

    As a proud lecturer, I am thrilled to see my students progress and develop both internationally and locally. Many have gone on to work in various exciting and prestigious roles around the world. Some have become ship’s masters, navigating and managing large vessels on international waters, while others have taken on critical roles in maritime operations, port management and logistics in countries such as Singapore, Norway and the United Kingdom. Some have pursued careers in maritime law and policy. Their career paths reflect the diverse and global opportunities available in the maritime industry.

    Ekaterina Rzyankina is affiliated with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

    – ref. South Africa needs more nautical scientists and marine engineers – if you love the sea these may be the careers for you – https://theconversation.com/south-africa-needs-more-nautical-scientists-and-marine-engineers-if-you-love-the-sea-these-may-be-the-careers-for-you-234104

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Provost Bill Campbell Blog #28

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    Hello and welcome to my End of Month Blog #28 as the Lord Provost of Dundee.

    After having taken time off from carrying out events in August due ill health, from the beginning of September I returned to active duties and seen some of the fantastic activities and events taking place in the city.

    Activities over September included:

    • On Thursday 5th, I attended the Consular Corps in Scotland Summer event in Edinburgh. I was very keen to attend this event to meet with the many Consuls based in Scotland, some of whom I had previously met, and some of whom this event facilitated me meeting some of the recently appointed Consuls for the first time. Events such as this allow me to carry out part of my duties as Lord Provost which include promoting Dundee internationally;
    • I attended the Annual Dundee Submarine Memorial Service at the Dundee International Submarine Memorial on Saturday 7th. I laid a wreath during the Service on behalf of the City and followed on to a reception at the Apex Hotel where I spoke with representatives from the Royal Navy, Dutch and French Navies, and Officers from Dundee Sea & Royal Marines Cadets;
    • On Sunday 8th, Depute Lord Provost Kevin Cordell attended and officially opened the 2024 Dundee Cyclathon. This was the landmark 20th anniversary of the Cyclathon;
    • Following an invite from a Modern Studies 1st Year class at St Paul’s RC Academy, I took part in a Question & Answer session on the role of Lord Provost of Dundee on Wednesday 11th. I was delighted to visit the class and take part in the Q&A which was a very enjoyable experience with wide-ranging and very interesting questions put to me;
    • On Thursday 12th, I attended the Order of Malta’s 2024 Scottish Mass and Investiture at St Margaret’s Chapel which is situated not far from the Meadows area in Edinburgh. I was honoured to be invited to attend and following the Mass, there were Order of Merit presentations of medals to Scots who had assisted with work over many years;
    • The Lady Provost and I attended the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee Glovers Dinner & Annual General Meeting on Friday 13th at the Woodlands Hotel. I have been honoured to have been regularly associated with The Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee since becoming Lord Provost and am I hugely appreciative of their support. As Lord Provost, I was part of a Q&A event at this Dinner;
    • On Saturday 14th, the Lady Provost and I attended a service in the Congregational Church in Dundee to lay up the previous Standard for The War Widows Association and welcome in the new Standard. I had the great honour of making a speech during the Service in the Congregational Church;
    • The Lady Provost and I attended a performance of Snake in the Grass at Dundee Rep on Wednesday 18th. This was a superb performance from an amazing cast and we were engrossed in this play from start to finish;
    • On Thursday 19th, I was delighted to be asked to give a welcome speech and present the 25 Year Long Service Awards to employees of Tayside Contracts at this year’s Tayside Contracts Long Service Recognition Ceremony in the City Chambers;
    • I was very grateful to be invited by David Dorward, MBE, DL to attend the fifth birthday event on the evening of Thursday 19th for Launch It (Dundee) who support enterprising young founders and is based in Kandahar House in the city centre. David, as the chairperson, very kindly showed me around the facilities and I had the opportunity to meet with a number of current and former attendees;
    • On Saturday 21st, I attended the 140th Anniversary Celebratory Dinner for the Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association (YeAABA) which was formed in 1884. This was a superb event held at Forbes of Kingennie with special stories, awards and great conviviality with the very large attendance contributing to an excellent atmosphere. I was delighted to be asked to make a speech at this event. My congratulations to YeAABA on reaching this magnificent milestone;
    • I attended the Dundee Design Festival at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) on Sunday 22nd. I was delighted to be invited for a preview of Scotland’s National Festival of Contemporary Design which showcased the work of over 180 Scottish designers and design companies. MSIP provided a stunning backdrop to this amazing festival which I hugely enjoyed;
    • On the morning of Wednesday 25th, I had the pleasure of providing a Civic Welcome in the City Chambers to a group of just over 20 visitors from the Isle of Lewis as part of their visit to Dundee and Fife. They arrived at the Civic Floor for a Civic Tour and I was delighted to greet them all individually on behalf of the City as well as exchange gifts;
    • On the afternoon of Wednesday 25th, I took the Citizenship Ceremony in the Committee Rooms in City Square;
    • On the afternoon of Thursday 26th, I gave a Civic Reception to the Salvation Army in Dundee in the City Chambers;
    • Depute Lord Provost Kevin Cordell welcomed the Scottish Ambulance Service to the City Chambers for their Awards Ceremony on the evening of Thursday 26th;
    • The Lady Provost and I attended the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee Biennial Dinner on Friday 27th where I replied to a toast to the City of Dundee. This was an evening celebrating Raymond Edwards’ successful term as Deacon Convener and the impressive heritage of the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee and how they contribute to the city;
    • I attended an event at Holyrood marking the 25th Anniversary of the Scottish Parliament on Saturday 28th of which included an address by His Majesty The King and an introduction by the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament. The celebration also included music from the Gaelic Cóisir Alba from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a performance from over 90 young people brought together by Sistema Scotland.

    Outwith the events outlined above, this was a very busy month of activities which included a number of visits to the capital and a variety of meetings and additional events held within the city.

    For updates as they occur, you can find the latest Lord Provost news and activities on both Facebook and Twitter/X.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my Blog.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Gazing at your dog can connect your brain with theirs, research shows

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jacqueline Boyd, Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, Nottingham Trent University

    Reshetnikov_art/Shutterstock

    It might sound far-fetched, but recent research suggests that dogs’ and humans’ brains synchronise when they look at each other.

    This research, conducted by researchers in China, is the first time that “neural coupling” between different species has been witnessed.

    Neural coupling is when the brain activity of two or more individuals aligns during an interaction. For humans, this is often in response to a conversation or story.

    Neural coupling has been observed when members of the same species interact, including mice, bats, humans and other primates. This linking of brains is probably important in shaping responses during social encounters and might result in complex behaviour that would not be seen in isolation, such as enhancing teamwork or learning.

    When social species interact, their brains “connect”. But this case of it happening between different species raises interesting considerations about the subtleties of the human-dog relationship and might help us understand each other a little better.

    What’s new puppy dog?

    The dog was one of the first animals humans domesticated. And they have a long history of sharing time and space with us. Dogs are not only companions for us, they also have key roles in our society, including therapeutic support, detecting diseases and protecting and herding livestock.

    As a result, dogs have developed some impressive skills, including the ability to recognise and respond to our emotional state.

    In the recent study, the researchers studied neural coupling using brain-activity recording equipment called non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG). This uses headgear containing electrodes that detect neural signals – in this case, from the beagles and humans involved in the study.

    Looking into those irresistible eyes could help deepen your bond.
    Wirestock Creators/Shuterstock

    Researchers examined what happened to these neural signals when dogs and people were isolated from each other, and in the presence of each other, but without looking at each other. Dogs and humans were then allowed to interact with each other.

    Look into my eyes

    When dogs and humans gazed at each other and the dogs were stroked, their brain signals synchronised. The brain patterns in key areas of the brain associated with attention, matched in both dog and person.

    Dogs and people who became more familiar with each other over the five days of the study had increased synchronisation of neural signals. Previous studies of human-human interactions have found increased familiarity between people also resulted in more closely matching brain patterns. So the depth of relationship between people and dogs may make neural coupling stronger.

    The ability of dogs to form strong attachments with people is well known. A 2022 study found the presence of familiar humans could reduce stress responses in young wolves, the dog’s close relative. Forming neural connections with people might be one of the ways by which the dog-human relationship develops.

    The researchers also studied the potential effect of differences in the brain on neural coupling. They did this by including dogs with a mutation in a gene called Shank3, which can lead to impaired neural connectivity in brain areas linked with attention. This gene is responsible for making a protein that helps promote communication between cells, and is especially abundant in the brain. Mutations in Shank3 have also been associated with autism spectrum disorder in humans.

    Study dogs with the Shank3 mutation did not show the same level of matching brain signals with people, as those without the mutation. This was potentially because of impaired neural signalling and processing.

    However, when researchers gave the study dogs with the Shank3 mutation, a single dose of LSD (a hallucinogenic drug), they showed increased levels of attention and restored neural coupling with humans.

    LSD is known to promote social behaviour in mice and humans, although clearly there are ethical concerns about such treatment.

    The researchers were clear that there remains much to be learned about neural coupling between dogs and humans.

    It might well be the case that looking into your dog’s eyes means that your respective brain signals will synchronise and enhance your connection. The more familiar you are with each other, the stronger it becomes, it seems.

    So the next time a dog gazes at you with their puppy dog eyes, remember you could be enhancing your relationship.

    Jacqueline Boyd is affiliated with The Kennel Club (UK) through membership and contributor to the Health Advisory Group. Jacqueline is a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT #01583) and she also writes, consults and coaches on canine matters on an independent basis, in addition to her academic affiliation at Nottingham Trent University.

    – ref. Gazing at your dog can connect your brain with theirs, research shows – https://theconversation.com/gazing-at-your-dog-can-connect-your-brain-with-theirs-research-shows-239859

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU and Profit Service will launch production of new unmanned systems

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    GUU and Profit Service presented a joint project for the production of small-sized drones intended for use in anti-drone systems.

    The basis for the development was a model of an unmanned aerial vehicle, previously created and patented by one of the members of the project team formed at the State University of Management.

    A joint team of the university and the company, which included GUU postgraduate student Vladimir Kutkov, performed at the in-person stage of the competitive selection of projects, organized by the National Technological Initiative Foundation, which took place at the site of the Federal Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the Rudnevo Industrial Park.

    The industrial partner plans to launch production of a new type of aircraft, developed by engineers of the Engineering Project Management Center of the State University of Management together with specialists from the Profit Service company based on the presented scientific and technical background, in the first quarter of 2025.

    In addition, specialists from the Engineering Project Management Center of the State University of Management took part in a strategic session on the application of various types of radio-technical means and systems to solve problems in developing the unmanned aircraft systems industry, organized by the Department for Coordination of Educational Organizations of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. The event was held at MIREA.

    Representatives of the State University of Management outlined a number of promising areas based on the integrated use of diverse unmanned systems, as well as complexes that combine unmanned aircraft with ground robots and other technical means and systems.

    The outcome of the meeting was a list of areas in which various universities are ready and have the opportunity to develop new technologies of radio engineering, communication and navigation equipment for unmanned aviation.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 11.10.2024

    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.

    GUU and Profit Service will launch production of new unmanned systems

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Post-flood recovery: lessons from Germany and Nigeria on how to help people cope with loss and build resilience

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Olasunkanmi Habeeb Okunola, Visiting Scientist, United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), United Nations University

    Extreme climate events — floods, droughts and heatwaves — are not just becoming more frequent; they are also more severe.

    It’s important to understand how communities can recover from these events in ways that also build resilience to future events.

    In a recent study, we analysed how communities affected by the extreme flood events of 2021 in Germany’s Ahr Valley and in Lagos, Nigeria, grappled with recovery from floods.

    Our aim was to identify the factors – and combinations of factors – that served as barriers (or enablers) to recovery from disasters.

    We found that financial limitations, political interests and administrative hurdles led to prioritising immediate relief and reconstruction over long-term sustainable recovery.

    In both cases immediate and long-term recovery efforts were siloed, underfunded and focused on reconstruction to pre-disaster conditions.

    We concluded from our findings that the success of recovery efforts lies in balancing short-term relief and a long-term vision. While immediate aid is essential after a disaster, true resilience hinges on proactive measures that address systemic challenges and empower communities to build a better future.

    Recovery should not be merely action-oriented and building back infrastructure (engineering). It should also include insights in other areas, like governance and psychology, helping people to deal with losses and to heal.

    What worked

    To understand the recovery pathways of the two regions, we reviewed relevant literature, newspaper articles and government documents. We also interviewed government agencies, NGO representatives, volunteers and local residents in the communities where these floods occurred.

    We found that in the Ahr Valley, recovery wasn’t just about rebuilding structures, it was about empowering individuals.

    Through initiatives like mental health and first aid courses, residents learned to support one another. This fostered a sense of community and resilience that was essential for meeting the emotional challenges posed by the disaster.

    The focus on rebuilding with a sustainable vision also included environmental initiatives. For example, a type of heating system was put in place that didn’t rely on fossil fuels.

    Not only did this reduce carbon emissions, it also served as a symbol of hope. It showed there was an opportunity to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly community.

    In Lagos, too, residents found strength in community and innovation. Grassroots efforts using sustainable materials like bamboo and palm wood highlighted the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people. Faith-based organisations provided material aid as well as emotional and spiritual support. This reinforced the bonds that held the community together.

    Each community faced unique challenges. But they shared a common thread: the importance of adaptive governance – flexible decision-making and strong community ties.

    For example, established building codes in the Ahr Valley provided a framework for reconstruction, ensuring that new structures were resilient and safe.

    In Lagos, the absence of strong government support highlighted the critical role of community organisations in providing services and fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

    What needs improvment

    In both the Ahr Valley and Lagos, the journey towards recovery has been fraught with obstacles as well.

    In the Ahr Valley, bureaucratic red tape has become a formidable barrier. Residents, eager to rebuild their lives, find themselves entangled in a complex web of regulations and lengthy approval processes. This has delayed their access to insurance and recovery funds. Waiting for months or even years has eroded hope and fuelled a sense of abandonment.

    Meanwhile, in Lagos, insufficient government support has left communities to fend for themselves, creating a breeding ground for uncertainty and conflict.

    Land tenure disputes, fuelled by a lack of clear property rights, sow seeds of distrust and hinder resettlement efforts. Political disagreements complicate the picture, as competing interests divert attention and resources away from those who need them most.

    In Lagos, none of the respondents reported having insurance to help them to recover from disaster-related losses.

    While some residents in the Ahr Valley did have insurance, many were under-insured.

    The Ahr Valley’s building codes offer a framework for reconstruction. But it’s clear that processes should be streamlined so communities can take ownership of their recovery.

    In Lagos, the importance of robust social safety nets is clear. Partnerships between communities and authorities are also needed.

    A different approach

    Recovery isn’t a separate process that occurs after disasters only. It should be seen as an essential part of managing risks. It’s important to understand what recovery involves and what resources are needed.

    This will help reduce future risks and increase resilience after extreme events.

    Governments should encourage flexible governance structures that value community voices and local knowledge to enable recovery. A good example is the New Orleans Recovery Authority, established after Hurricane Katrina. It involved local residents and city officials in planning and rebuilding efforts.

    Grassroots efforts in Lagos demonstrated the power of sustainable materials and community-led initiatives. Seeing things from the community’s point of view can help tailor solutions that fit the situation and adapt to evolving challenges.

    Training and capacity-building programmes empower communities to be active in their own recovery.

    Mental health and first aid courses were successful in the Ahr Valley. Equipping individuals with skills in sustainable practices and disaster preparedness helps weave a social fabric capable of weathering future storms.

    Olasunkanmi Habeeb Okunola is a Visiting Scientist at, the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)

    Saskia E. Werners works with United Nations University, Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS). She is grateful to have received research grants in support of her research on climate change adaptation and recovery.

    – ref. Post-flood recovery: lessons from Germany and Nigeria on how to help people cope with loss and build resilience – https://theconversation.com/post-flood-recovery-lessons-from-germany-and-nigeria-on-how-to-help-people-cope-with-loss-and-build-resilience-240260

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Post-flood recovery: lessons from Germany and Nigeria on how to help people cope with loss and build resilience

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Olasunkanmi Habeeb Okunola, Visiting Scientist, United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), United Nations University

    Extreme climate events — floods, droughts and heatwaves — are not just becoming more frequent; they are also more severe.

    It’s important to understand how communities can recover from these events in ways that also build resilience to future events.

    In a recent study, we analysed how communities affected by the extreme flood events of 2021 in Germany’s Ahr Valley and in Lagos, Nigeria, grappled with recovery from floods.

    Our aim was to identify the factors – and combinations of factors – that served as barriers (or enablers) to recovery from disasters.

    We found that financial limitations, political interests and administrative hurdles led to prioritising immediate relief and reconstruction over long-term sustainable recovery.

    In both cases immediate and long-term recovery efforts were siloed, underfunded and focused on reconstruction to pre-disaster conditions.

    We concluded from our findings that the success of recovery efforts lies in balancing short-term relief and a long-term vision. While immediate aid is essential after a disaster, true resilience hinges on proactive measures that address systemic challenges and empower communities to build a better future.

    Recovery should not be merely action-oriented and building back infrastructure (engineering). It should also include insights in other areas, like governance and psychology, helping people to deal with losses and to heal.

    What worked

    To understand the recovery pathways of the two regions, we reviewed relevant literature, newspaper articles and government documents. We also interviewed government agencies, NGO representatives, volunteers and local residents in the communities where these floods occurred.

    We found that in the Ahr Valley, recovery wasn’t just about rebuilding structures, it was about empowering individuals.

    Through initiatives like mental health and first aid courses, residents learned to support one another. This fostered a sense of community and resilience that was essential for meeting the emotional challenges posed by the disaster.

    The focus on rebuilding with a sustainable vision also included environmental initiatives. For example, a type of heating system was put in place that didn’t rely on fossil fuels.

    Not only did this reduce carbon emissions, it also served as a symbol of hope. It showed there was an opportunity to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly community.

    In Lagos, too, residents found strength in community and innovation. Grassroots efforts using sustainable materials like bamboo and palm wood highlighted the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people. Faith-based organisations provided material aid as well as emotional and spiritual support. This reinforced the bonds that held the community together.

    Each community faced unique challenges. But they shared a common thread: the importance of adaptive governance – flexible decision-making and strong community ties.

    For example, established building codes in the Ahr Valley provided a framework for reconstruction, ensuring that new structures were resilient and safe.

    In Lagos, the absence of strong government support highlighted the critical role of community organisations in providing services and fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

    What needs improvment

    In both the Ahr Valley and Lagos, the journey towards recovery has been fraught with obstacles as well.

    In the Ahr Valley, bureaucratic red tape has become a formidable barrier. Residents, eager to rebuild their lives, find themselves entangled in a complex web of regulations and lengthy approval processes. This has delayed their access to insurance and recovery funds. Waiting for months or even years has eroded hope and fuelled a sense of abandonment.

    Meanwhile, in Lagos, insufficient government support has left communities to fend for themselves, creating a breeding ground for uncertainty and conflict.

    Land tenure disputes, fuelled by a lack of clear property rights, sow seeds of distrust and hinder resettlement efforts. Political disagreements complicate the picture, as competing interests divert attention and resources away from those who need them most.

    In Lagos, none of the respondents reported having insurance to help them to recover from disaster-related losses.

    While some residents in the Ahr Valley did have insurance, many were under-insured.

    The Ahr Valley’s building codes offer a framework for reconstruction. But it’s clear that processes should be streamlined so communities can take ownership of their recovery.

    In Lagos, the importance of robust social safety nets is clear. Partnerships between communities and authorities are also needed.

    A different approach

    Recovery isn’t a separate process that occurs after disasters only. It should be seen as an essential part of managing risks. It’s important to understand what recovery involves and what resources are needed.

    This will help reduce future risks and increase resilience after extreme events.

    Governments should encourage flexible governance structures that value community voices and local knowledge to enable recovery. A good example is the New Orleans Recovery Authority, established after Hurricane Katrina. It involved local residents and city officials in planning and rebuilding efforts.

    Grassroots efforts in Lagos demonstrated the power of sustainable materials and community-led initiatives. Seeing things from the community’s point of view can help tailor solutions that fit the situation and adapt to evolving challenges.

    Training and capacity-building programmes empower communities to be active in their own recovery.

    Mental health and first aid courses were successful in the Ahr Valley. Equipping individuals with skills in sustainable practices and disaster preparedness helps weave a social fabric capable of weathering future storms.

    – Post-flood recovery: lessons from Germany and Nigeria on how to help people cope with loss and build resilience
    – https://theconversation.com/post-flood-recovery-lessons-from-germany-and-nigeria-on-how-to-help-people-cope-with-loss-and-build-resilience-240260

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Congratulations to Otari Didmanidze on being awarded the honorary title of “Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation”

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    On October 11, 2024, at the 26th Russian agro-industrial exhibition “Golden Autumn”, a solemn ceremony of presenting state awards was held, timed to coincide with the Day of Agricultural and Processing Industry Workers. The ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin.

    “It is you who, with your hard work, are solving issues of food security, which are the most important issues for the development of the entire society and the achievement of national development goals that the head of state sets for us,” Mikhail Mishustin addressed the laureates and congratulated them on the upcoming holiday.

    For merits in scientific and pedagogical activity, training of qualified specialists and many years of conscientious work, the honorary title “Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation” was awarded to Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Department of Tractors and Automobiles of the Russian State Agrarian University named after K.A. Timiryazev, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Otari Didmanidze.

    The State University of Management has long and fruitfully cooperated with Otari Nazirovich in the field of training a personnel reserve for subordinate organizations of the Russian Academy of Sciences. In addition, Otari Didmanidze is the scientific director of a large project “Ensuring food security of the country based on the creation of software and hardware systems and intelligent platform digital solutions in the field of development of agro-industrial technologies of the full life cycle”, carried out by the State University of Management together with the Omsk Agrarian Scientific Center and the Udmurt State University.

    Let us recall that within the framework of this project, a team of young scientists from the State University of Management is developing a high-tech system for managing agricultural enterprises, and this week a working meeting was held between the management of the State University of Management and the Omsk Scientific and Technical Center, where the process of implementing the project was discussed.

    The State University of Management congratulates Otari Nazimovich on being awarded the honorary title of “Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation”, wishes him further success in science and work, and also expresses hope for the continuation of fruitful cooperation.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 11.10.2024

    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.

    Congratulations to Otari Didmanidze on being awarded the honorary title of “Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation”

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New research promises to connect the dots around marine microbiome A major European research project which aims to harness the full potential of the marine microbiome has entered a new stage.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Photo credit:Tabitha Turner on unsplashA major European research project which aims to harness the full potential of the marine microbiome has entered a new stage.
    A microbiome is the community of microorganisms that can usually be found living together in any given habitat. The marine microbiome is one of the fastest growing segments of the so-called ‘blue bioeconomy’, and its study is vital for the discovery, understanding, protection and use of ocean resources. 
    The BlueRemediomics project, which was awarded funding through the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programme, involves researchers from a range of universities and research organisations worldwide, including Professors Abbe Brown and Marcel Jaspars, from the University’s School of Law and Department of Chemistry respectively. 
    Professor Jaspars is leading the use of genomic data for the discovery of new antimicrobial peptides (part of the innate immune response found among all classes of life) to target bacterial infections. 
    Meanwhile, Professor Brown is exploring innovative legal and policy approaches to improving access, protection, and governance of marine genetic resources and intellectual property rights. 
    This month, the completion of the 15-month long Traversing European Coastlines (TREC) expedition marks the beginning of an exciting research phase that involves the analysis of 23,000 marine samples and 70,000 terrestrial samples, providing new opportunities to study human impact on coastal ecosystems in unprecedented detail. 
    For the BlueRemediomics project, which aims to develop novel tools and approaches to explore marine microbiome data, these samples will provide critical insights into the search for novel products and cosmeceuticals derived from valuable marine bioresources. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: One day until Dinosaur Trail takes over city centre

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    An exciting new dinosaur trail is set to roar into Aberdeen’s city centre tomorrow.  

    Local businesses taking part gathered today to mark one day until the Iconic Bricks Dinosaur Trail begins, a two-week event from 12th to 27th October with free parking available in two city centre car parks. 

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “We are delighted to welcome the Iconic Bricks Dinosaur Trail into Aberdeen throughout the school holidays. 

    “This is set to be an exciting trail that all ages can follow and I would like to extend my thanks to all the businesses involved. There are lots of ways to access the city centre, including free weekend parking in certain places.”  

    Education and Children’s Services Convener Councillor Martin Greig said: “The Iconic Bricks Dinosaur Trail is a great way for families to come together to explore and enjoy our vibrant city centre. 

    “This will hopefully be a fun and memorable experience that will encourage people to make the most of their city centre throughout the year.”

    Visitors and locals will be able to discover 18 brick dinosaur models located in various city centre businesses, including a Stegosaurus, Triceratops and adorable baby dinosaurs. 

    Participants will be able to get an insight into how each model is made and learn more about the creations, including how many bricks were used to build the model and learn a fun dinosaur fact. 

    There will also be a Hidden Lego Minifigure Trail, where small Lego figures have been hidden across ten shop windows around the Upperkirkgate and Belmont Street area for people of all ages to find in a treasure-hunt style challenge. 

    Once each minifigure is found, there is the chance to enter into a prize draw to win an Aberdeen Gift Card worth £20. 

    Additional activities including dinosaur-themed bookbug and storytelling sessions will take place throughout the October Holidays in businesses hosting the trail.  

    The Iconic Bricks Dinosaur Trail has received £30,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

    Free weekend parking will be available in the Denburn and Frederick Street car parks throughout the October holidays and the first weekend in November. Parking for £1 will be available after 5pm at Virginia Street, the Gallowgate, Frederick Street, Summer Street, Chapel Street, West North Street, and the Denburn. Normal charging rates will resume from 8am. 

    For more information on the event and travelling into the city centre, visit our website. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –