PM to lay foundation stone of various development projects in Maharashtra worth over Rs 7600 crore on 9 October PM to lay foundation stone of upgradation of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur
PM to lay foundation stone of New Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi Airport
PM to inaugurate Indian Institute of Skills Mumbai and Vidya Samiksha Kendra Maharashtra
Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 7:31PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of various development projects in Maharashtra worth over Rs 7600 crore, at around 1 PM, through video conference.
Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the upgradation of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur with a total estimated project cost of around Rs 7000 crore. It will serve as a catalyst for growth across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, aviation, tourism, logistics, and healthcare, benefiting Nagpur city and the wider Vidarbha region.
Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the New Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi Airport worth over Rs 645 crore. It will provide world-class facilities and amenities for the religious tourists coming to Shirdi. The construction theme of the proposed terminal is based on the spiritual neem tree of Sai Baba.
In line with his commitment to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for all, Prime Minister will launch operationalization of 10 Government Medical Colleges in Maharashtra located at Mumbai, Nashik, Jalna, Amravati, Gadchiroli, Buldhana, Washim, Bhandara, Hingoli and Ambernath (Thane). While enhancing the under graduate and post graduate seats, the colleges will also offer specialised tertiary healthcare to the people.
In line with his vision to position India as the “Skill Capital of the World,” Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) Mumbai, with an aim to create an industry-ready workforce with cutting-edge technology and hands-on training. Established under a Public-Private Partnership model, it is a collaboration between the Tata Education and Development Trust and Government of India. The institute plans to provide training in highly specialised areas like mechatronics, artificial intelligence, data analytics, industrial automation and robotics among others.
Further, Prime Minister will inaugurate the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) of Maharashtra. VSK will provide students, teachers, and administrators with access to crucial academic and administrative data through live chatbots such as Smart Upasthiti, Swadhyay among others. It will offer high-quality insights to schools to manage resources effectively, strengthen ties between parents and the state, and deliver responsive support. It will also supply curated instructional resources to enhance teaching practices and student learning.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California
San Francisco – Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announced that the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) will receive up to $30.5 million in new federal funding for its research into preemptively identifying the side-effect targets a drug might have to design the drug to avoid them. This funding comes from the new Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) initiative, which was developed by Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and established by March 2022 government funding legislation that then-Speaker Pelosi led in negotiating and enacting.
“UCSF has long been a beacon of excellence in scientific research and medical treatment, especially its leadership on HIV/AIDS with Ward 86,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “With this new federal funding, UCSF will be able to support the cutting-edge research of San Francisco scientists into proactively preventing side-effects for FDA-approved drug therapies. We are grateful for President Joe Biden’s leadership and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo’s authorship in championing the ARPA-H legislation which has offered so many families across America hope for a better future.”
“The AVOID-OME project leverages high-throughput drug discovery and machine learning to flip the process of predicting adverse reactions on its head and markedly improve the time and cost involved in candidate drug discovery. This work will create a “public good” dataset and algorithm that the drug discovery community can leverage and grow to develop future drug candidates more efficiently and effectively,” said Harold Collard, Vice Chancellor for Research, UCSF.
UCSF will soon be able to draw on a $30.5 million federal budget to support its “structurally enabling the ‘avoid-ome’ to accelerate drug discovery” project. This initiative promises a more proactive and data-driven approach that will ultimately accelerate the delivery of new drug therapies to patients.
Modeled on successful defense and energy research initiatives, ARPA-H supports break-through research efforts with the potential to improve health outcomes for those living with devastating medical conditions.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on British-Canadian physicist Dr. Geoffrey E. Hinton being awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics:
“I join Canadians and the international science community to congratulate Dr. Geoffrey E. Hinton on being named the 2024 Nobel Prize laureate in Physics.
“World-renowned for his discoveries and inventions in artificial neural networks, Dr. Hinton is being recognized for his work alongside his American colleague Dr. John Hopfield. Their work is revolutionizing the way we understand, interact, and adapt to artificial intelligence (AI). With his Nobel Prize win, Dr. Hinton is now the seventh Canadian to receive this prestigious award.
“Dr. Hinton is a stalwart in his field. Celebrated as one of the ‘Godfathers of AI’, he brings decades of leading expertise in AI research as a professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto’s Department of Computer Science, and the current Chief Scientific Advisor at the Vector Institute in Toronto – one of our three national AI institutes.
“Dr. Hinton is also an outspoken advocate for the responsible development and adoption of AI, educating the world about the benefits and challenges this technology poses.
“Canada is at the forefront of AI technology thanks to trailblazers like Dr. Hinton. His curiosity for discovery and contributions to innovation will inspire generations to come. On behalf of all Canadians, I congratulate him on his remarkable achievement.”
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
In this video, Acting Associate Commissioner for Minority Health at the FDA, Dr. Christine Lee, sits down with Dr. Claudia Banquet, an affiliate professor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Together, they highlight ongoing efforts at HHS to support quality of life for a thriving Sickle Cell Disease community and discuss recent projects related to sickle cell disease. Don’t miss this insightful conversation!
As its wind speed increased, Milton became one of the most rapidly intensifying storms on record. And with 180 mph sustained winds and very low pressure, it also became one of the strongest storms on the planet in 2024.
Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, this kind of storm was the last thing Florida wanted to see. Hurricane Milton was expected to make landfall as a major hurricane late on Oct. 9 or early Oct. 10 and had already prompted widespread evacuations.
Hurricane Milton’s projected storm track, as of midday Oct. 7, 2024, shows how quickly it grew from formation into a major hurricane (M). Storm tracks are projections, and Milton’s path could shift as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico. The cone is a probable path and does not reflect the storm’s size. National Hurricane Center
So, what exactly is rapid intensification, and what does global climate change have to do with it? We research hurricane behavior and teach meteorology. Here’s what you need to know.
What is rapid intensification?
Rapid intensification is defined by the National Weather Service as an increase in a tropical cyclone’s maximum sustained wind speed of at least 30 knots – about 35 mph within a 24-hour period. That increase can be enough to escalate a storm from Category 1 to Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Milton’s wind speed went from 80 mph to 175 mph from 1 p.m. Sunday to 1 p.m. Monday, and its pressure dropped from 988 millibars to 911.
The National Hurricane Center had been warning that Milton was likely to become a major hurricane, but this kind of rapid intensification can catch people off guard, especially when it occurs close to landfall.
Hurricane Michael did billions of dollars in damage in 2018 when it rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm just before hitting near Tyndall Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle. In 2023, Hurricane Otis’ maximum wind speed increased by 100 mph in less than 24 hours before it hit Acapulco, Mexico. Hurricane Ian also rapidly intensified in 2022 before hitting just south of where Milton is projected to cross Florida.
What causes hurricanes to rapidly intensify?
Rapid intensification is difficult to forecast, but there are a few driving forces.
Ocean heat: Warm sea surface temperatures, particularly when they extend into deeper layers of warm water, provide the energy necessary for hurricanes to intensify. The deeper the warm water, the more energy a storm can draw upon, enhancing its strength.
Sea surface temperatures have been warm in the Gulf of Mexico, where Hurricane Milton was crossing just northwest of the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Oct. 7, 2024. A temperature of 30 degrees Celsius is equivalent to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. NOAA
Low wind shear: Strong vertical wind shear – a rapid change in wind speed or direction with height – can disrupt a storm’s organization, while low wind shear allows hurricanes to grow more rapidly. In Milton’s case, the atmospheric conditions were particularly conducive to rapid intensification.
Moisture: Higher sea surface temperatures and lower salinity increase the amount of moisture available to storms, fueling rapid intensification. Warmer waters provide the heat needed for moisture to evaporate, while lower salinity helps trap that heat near the surface. This allows more sustained heat and moisture to transfer to the storm, driving faster and stronger intensification.
Thunderstorm activity: Internal dynamics, such as bursts of intense thunderstorms within a cyclone’s rotation, can reorganize a cyclone’s circulation and lead to rapid increases in strength, even when the other conditions aren’t ideal.
How does global warming influence hurricane strength?
If it seems as though you’ve been hearing about rapid intensification a lot more in recent years, that’s in part because it’s happening more often.
The annual number of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean that achieved rapid intensification each year between 1980-2023 shows an upward trend. Climate Central, CC BY-ND
A 2023 study investigating connections between rapid intensification and climate change found an increase in the number of tropical cyclones experiencing rapid intensification over the past four decades. That includes a significant rise in the number of hurricanes that rapidly intensify multiple times during their development. Another analysis comparing trends from 1982 to 2017 with climate model simulations found that natural variability alone could not explain these increases in rapidly intensifying storms, indicating a likely role of human-induced climate change.
How future climate change will affect hurricanes is an active area of research. As global temperatures and oceans continue to warm, however, the frequency of major hurricanes is projected to increase. The extreme hurricanes of recent years, including Beryl in June 2024 and Helene, are already raising alarms about the intensifying impact of warming on tropical cyclone behavior.
Zachary Handlos receives funding from the National Science Foundation. He is affiliated with the American Meteorological Society as the incoming chair of their Board on Higher Education. He is also an academic faculty partner of the Georgia Climate Project.
Ali Sarhadi receives funding from NSF and Georgia Tech.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)
UPDATE: Hurricane Milton Emergency Resources And Declarations – As Of 6:00 PM
Naples, Fla., October 7, 2024
NAPLES, Fla. – This Wednesday, Hurricane Milton is projected to make landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a major hurricane.
The office of Congressman Byron Donalds is closely monitoring Hurricane Milton and is actively coordinating storm preparations alongside federal, state, and local partners. The Congressman and his team stand ready to support our Southwest Florida community and ensure all necessary resources are available. Please see below for the latest emergency resources and declarations:
Southwest Florida Formal Evacuation Declarations:
Southwest Florida Shelters Open To Public:
Collier County:
Lee County:
Emergency Hotlines:
Local Government Operations:
School Closures:
Live Cameras:
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) Operations:
From mining to manufacturing, achieving a successful energy transition and net-zero emissions will require industries to accelerate their pace of decarbonization.
What new innovations and technologies can make decarbonization more efficient, cost-effective and scalable?
This session was recorded live September 23, 2024 during the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Meetings.
Speakers: Sadaf Hosseini Head of Growth, Partnerships and Innovation Ecosystems, UpLink, World Economic Forum
Vivek Salgaocar Managing Director and Founder, Prospect Innovation PTE LTD
Melissa C. Lott Professor, Climate School, Columbia University
Barinder Rasode CEO and Co-Founder, Tersa Earth Innovations
Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined his colleagues in introducing a resolution condemning the brutal attack on Israel that occurred on October 7, 2023. The resolution reiterates the United States’ commitment to “ensure the forever survival of Israel; destroy the ability of Hamas to reconstitute any leadership role in the region; and safely release and return all United States hostages.”
A year ago today, Iran-backed Hamas terrorists launched a heinous attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 individuals and taking 251 hostages, in addition to launching thousands of rockets toward Israel. One year later, 97 hostages still remain unaccounted for, including seven Americans.
“One year ago, terrorists attacked, kidnapped, and brutally murdered innocent people in Israel, including Americans,” said Senator Tuberville. “When the United States is strong, the world is a safer place. Under President Trump, we had historic peace in the Middle East and no new foreign wars. Now, under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, one of our closest allies is being attacked on all sides and we are on the brink of World War III. The United States must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel as they defend themselves in the face of unspeakable evil from these terrorists.”
Joining Sen. Tuberville are U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Rand Paul (R-KY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Todd Young (R-IN) in cosponsoring the bill.
Read the full text of the resolution here.
BACKGROUND:
Senator Tuberville stands unequivocally with Israel and is horrified by the rise of antisemitism of the Left, especially on college campuses. As a former educator and coach, he believes that teachers and professors have a grave responsibility to provide moral clarity to their students. Senator Tuberville believes that the Hamas-backed terror attacks on innocent Israeli and American citizens are morally repugnant and that support for Israel must be resolute.
Following the attacks last October, Senator Tuberville introduced and joined several pieces of legislation in support of Israel. He cosponsored the Emergency Resupply for IRON DOME Act of 2023, Revoke Iranian Funding Act, Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023, United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) Accountability and Transparency Act, and No Bailouts for Campus Criminals Act.
READ MORE:
Tuberville: Hamas Needs to be Totally Wiped Out
ICYMI: Joe Biden Talks, Tuberville Takes Action to Support Israel
Tuberville: “Support Israel and Supply Israel
Tuberville: Revoke Visas of Hamas Sympathizers
Tuberville, Colleagues Condemn “From the River to the Sea” Slogan as an Antisemitic Call for the Destruction of Israel
Tuberville, Colleagues Condemn Biden’s Unprecedented Halt on Ammunition, Weapons to Israel
Tuberville Continues to Sound Alarm About Rise of Anti-Semitism on College Campuses
Tuberville, Colleagues Condemn Anti-Israel Protests, Praise UNC Fraternity Heroes
Tuberville Statement on Confirmed Reports of Biden Administration Delaying Weapon Sales to Israel
Tuberville Holds State Department Accountable for Withholding Critical Weapons to Israel
We have no leadership from Biden: Sen. Tommy Tuberville
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville: Biden’s Bill is dead on arrival
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.
Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and George Helmy (D-NJ) addressed over 500 New Jersey students and their parents at the annual Service Academy Information Day at Seton Hall University. The event provides information to interested New Jersey high school students on service academies and their admission requirements. Attendees had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
“Today, I had the incredible privilege of meeting young leaders from all over New Jersey who are eager to serve our nation and attend an esteemed service academy,” said Senator Booker. “I am so impressed by their passion and dedication to making a difference and shaping the future of our country for the better. Our nation’s service academies are institutions of academic excellence, but more importantly they are places where young people are able to learn the true meaning of service and sacrifice. I wish the best of luck to all of the young men and women I met today as they embark on this journey; their commitment is an honor to the countless American heroes who came before them.”
“Graduates of the service academies lead not just because of the knowledge they gain in the classroom, but because of the values they learn through hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to service,” said Senator Helmy. “It is not simply about command; it’s about service, standing up when others sit down, and speaking out when others remain silent. I am proud of the decisions of these young New Jerseyans to pursue this path and represent not just the best of our state, but the best of America.”
The deadline to apply for a service academy nomination from Sen. Booker for the Fall of 2025 is October 11, 2024. More information can be found here.
A UConn graduate and experienced healthcare industry leader, Zembrowski currently serves as the Director of Dermatology Marketing Development at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, where he has supported the growth of the blockbuster brand DUPIXENT for the past 6 years.
Zembrowski, who graduated from UConn’s School of Pharmacy in 2007, has held leadership roles at major healthcare companies including Regeneron, Allergan, and Nestlé Health Science. In his current role at Regeneron, he leads marketing efforts for Dupixent, a key dermatology treatment, overseeing scientific marketing, and key opinion leader initiatives. Throughout his career, he has successfully launched award-winning campaigns, and played a key role in product launches in multiple disease states.
Some of his notable career achievements include launching Direct-to-Consumer (TV advertising) for Regeneron and leading a global line launch for Nestle. Zembrowski is also dedicated to mentoring future healthcare leaders. He established the Bryan Zembrowski Pharmaceutical Industry Scholarship, which has supported UConn student pharmacists since 2007, and has mentored students through programs at both Rutgers University and UConn.
Bryan Zembrowski
In addition to his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from UConn, Zembrowski holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Boston College and has completed executive training in leadership and digital marketing from Rutgers University and the Center for Creative Leadership.
His keynote speech is sure to inspire and encourage UConn’s future pharmacists as they step into the evolving healthcare field.
Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released a video honoring U.S. Navy Lieutenant John Vick of Andalusia as the October “Veteran of the Month.” John is the founder of the Covington Veterans Foundation, which pays tribute to veterans in Covington County.
Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, and his complete remarks can be found here.
“When you ask John Vick of Andalusia where his desire to serve in the military began, he traces it back to when he was just seven years old. Growing up near a depot in the small town of Red Level, John recalls watching the train bring in flag-draped caskets of American soldiers killed in war. He was touched by the patriotism of his local community to honor each of these soldiers who’d made the ultimate sacrifice. This experience not only created a desire to serve in the military, but to ensure that the sacrifices of America’s heroes are never forgotten.”
“After graduating from Andalusia High School, John received a full Navy ROTC scholarship, which he used to attend Auburn University. There, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering in 1962, and was commissioned into the Navy that same year. John rose through the ranks to become a Navy Lieutenant before returning home to Covington County in 1966.”
“In 2019, John founded the Covington Veterans Foundation where he continues this spirit of patriotism that was instilled in him as a child. Thanks to John’s efforts, CVF has been able to display more than 600 veteran banners throughout the City of Andalusia. He has also served for a number of years as chairman of the board of Southern National Corporation and has served on the board of CCB Community Bank for more than 45 years. Additionally, John is an active member of the Andalusia Lions Club and First Methodist Church of Andalusia. He represents the ideals of service and patriotism that Alabamians hold so dear.”
Senator Tuberville recognizes a different Alabama veteran each month for their service and contribution to their community. Constituents can nominate an Alabama veteran and submit their information to Senator Tuberville’s office for consideration by emailing press_office@tuberville.senate.gov.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.
Principals and teachers say a lack of resources and funding mean the needs of students with disability at their school are not being met.
The increasing incidence of disability, combined with a teacher shortage and insufficient funding, creates a perfect storm.
In my first year teaching in a public primary school, I had two students with disability in my class. The second year, just one. Even though I was fresh out of university, it was manageable. I had the time to make sure they felt part of the class, and the work was adjusted to meet their needs.
We applied for and got additional funding to pay for a teacher’s aide. If one of the children needed a break from the classroom, they could take it. If they needed help with their work, they got it.
A decade later it couldn’t be more different. At the public school I work at now there are up to eight students with a diagnosed or undiagnosed disability in every class. We have a lot of students with autism, ADHD and mental health issues, which have increased noticeably since the onset of the COVID pandemic.
When you consider our school serves a multicultural community with high levels of disadvantage, you can imagine how diverse and complex our classrooms are.
Every child with disability is unique. It is wonderful, it is eye-opening, and it is a good experience, but it also means they need something different to cater for their needs.
Declining support
Our biggest issue is that, as the number of students with disability has exponentially increased, the available support has declined.
If we are lucky, we have a counsellor in the school three days a fortnight. All they do is assessments to determine disability and needs. Our children with mental health issues, particularly trauma, need face-to-face counselling sessions but we just don’t have the capacity.
Because we have so many students who aren’t at the level of learning that they should be, the assessments take priority. We have to make sure we are supporting them based on a diagnosis that is accurate, not just by guessing.
Finding a place in a support class for students with disability is nearly impossible. At the last count in my area, the number of approved applications was 10 times higher than the number of vacant positions.
Many students with disability don’t attract individualised funding, and there is such a large percentage of students who need additional support but there isn’t enough funding to go around.
We did have a specialist teacher with expertise in teaching students with disability, who provided advice and support, but she retired and has not been replaced.
Teachers teaching in the support units within mainstream schools who have additional university qualifications, and therefore more knowledge on teaching students with disability, seem to be fewer than they once were.
Not enough teachers
Because of the teacher shortages, we had 10 vacant positions at the start of the year. That means every teacher has to be in class and we can’t run programs such as English as an additional language or dialect, even though more than 95 per cent of students are from a non-English speaking background.
Teachers do the best they can, but without the right support it is exhausting doing all your programming and planning, all the assessing for the students in your class, along with individualising learning programs and making adjustments to cater for different students’ needs – whether it be learning, behaviour or social skills.
You also have to be so conscious of the classroom dynamic. That can shift when one student walks into a class. Relationships can be disrupted and children can trigger one another. It becomes like putting out spot fires at times because one child who may be on the autism spectrum and has sensory needs might be triggered by another student who has externalising behaviours from mental health. That might upset a child with ADHD who has been sitting too long because you are trying to manage the other two children who are annoyed with one another.
Fortunately, at our school we fund an extra class in each year to reduce the class sizes. If there were 30 or 31 kids in the class, it would be utter chaos.
We have a high number of early career teachers and you can just imagine how challenging it is for them. But even those who have been teaching for more than 25 years say every year is the hardest year they have ever had because of the increasing number of children with really complex needs.
As public school teachers we join the profession to make a difference. We set really high standards for ourselves because we are educating the next generation and we don’t want to let kids down. But right now, we are being let down by a lack of resources and so are our students.
More than 430 Federation University Australia students will celebrate their education milestones across three graduation ceremonies in Ballarat this week.
Among them will be University Medallist Kara Sewart, who is being recognised for embracing a range of study and research opportunities that have come her way.
When Kara began her undergraduate science degree, she was not sure where she wanted her career to ‘land’, just that she hoped her passion for wildlife and sustainability could one day help contribute towards large scale conservation.
Now, with that degree completed, including two overseas study programs, Kara is taking her passion to the next level, working with the New South Wales government on the release of captive-bred threatened species the Eastern Bristlebird as part of honours studies.
Her overseas study programs included a New Colombo Plan (NCP) fellowship to study in Sri Lanka in 2023 where she was immersed in local culture and learnt about the environmental challenges of the region and restoration projects being championed by the University of Peradeniya.
This was followed by a prestigious NCP scholarship to undertake a semester-long overseas study program where she completed a tropical biodiversity research project at the University of Brunei.
“I had some incredible experiences, including visiting a research centre situated in a remote rainforest only accessible by boat, spotting hornbills, setting up camera traps to search for carnivorous cats, and even delivering a lecture to Bruneian high school students on Australian biodiversity,” Kara said.
“Saying yes to unique and interesting opportunities has been a consistent choice throughout my degree and exposed me to some amazing experiences in both an academic and personal capacity.
“I am proud of the work I have put in over the last few years and feel honoured to have it recognised at such a large scale. I had to make some sacrifices while trying to balance my professional, personal, and academic life but am happy I committed to university and got the most I could out of my degree.”
Federation University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley said Kara’s willingness to make the most of the experiences available during her studies, her excellent academic record, and constructive collaboration with her peers, made her a worthy recipient of this year’s University Medal.
“We offer our congratulations to Kara and all students graduating this month and hope they take a moment with family and friends to reflect on all they have achieved,” Professor Bentley said.
“We are delighted to see our graduates celebrate their success and carry their knowledge and passion into their communities.”
Graduation ceremonies will be held at Founders Theatre, Mt Helen Campus, on Tuesday, 8 October and Wednesday, 9 October.
More than 620 graduates across the University’s campuses will mark the academic milestone in front of family, friends and classmates in October.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL
Illinois Second Congressional District leads state in school bus electrification.
HERSCHER, Ill. – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) attended the unveiling of a state-of-the-art electric school bus barn for Herscher Community Unit School District No. 2 (CUSD No. 2). This project stands as the largest electric school bus deployment effort in Illinois to date.
The school district’s new bus barn has been specifically designed to accommodate its electric fleet with charging infrastructure. Herscher’s recently acquired a brand-new fleet of 25 all-electric LionC school buses from The Lion Electric Company (NYSE: LEV) (TSX: LEV), a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles.
The bus depot also features a solar array, which will help offset the facility’s new energy consumption. It is expected to generate approximately 773,000 kilowatt-hours annually.
“I’m thrilled that the largest effort in Illinois to replace old school buses with new electric buses is happening right here in my district. The new charging station and 25 zero-emission buses will have a long-term impact on our children’s health and environment,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02). “Our children will breathe better, and their future environment will be better protected because of these new electric buses. I can think of no better investment for our children’s future – for their education, health, and environment.”
Rep. Kelly also received an award from Madeleine Féquière, the Consul General of Canada in Chicago, in recognition of Illinois Second Congressional District’s trade with Canada. Rep. Kelly’s district has over $1 billion in annual trade with Canada.
“This initiative positions Herscher CUSD No. 2 at the forefront of sustainability efforts in Illinois, offering eco-friendly, safe, and efficient transportation for our 1,800 students,” said Dr Richard S. Decman, Superintendent of Herscher CUSD No. 2. “This marks a new era in student transportation, where safety, sustainability, and innovation go hand in hand. Thanks to the expert guidance from Lion, we were supported in every step of the way to ensure the success of this project.”
“Herscher School District is a prime example of the impact dedicated federal investments into clean energy can have on school districts across the country, regardless of zip code,” said Nate Baguio, Senior Vice-President of Commercial Development at Lion Electric. “Herscher’s transition to electric school buses is not just a significant step for the district, but a clear demonstration of how it’s possible to lead the charge toward zero-emission transportation. We are proud to have partnered with Herscher to make this vision a reality.”
“ComEd is proud to power the new all-electric buses at Herscher School District, which is demonstrating how to use clean energy technology to drive down emissions in pursuit of a cleaner, more resilient future for their students and broader community,” said Louie Binswanger, SVP of Governmental, Regulatory and External Affairs at ComEd. “With EVs on the rise in northern Illinois, ComEd remains committed to working with our communities and partners across the state to ensure the grid is prepared to reliably meet the demands of our customers today, and well into the clean energy future of tomorrow.”
“With plans underway to integrate complementary solar energy projects alongside its electric bus infrastructure, Herscher CUSD No. 2 is setting a new standard for school districts across Illinois,” said Ana Diaz-Puskar, Head of Illinois Public Sector at ForeFront Power. “It’s an honor to serve as the district’s solar partner in its journey toward zero-emission transportation and long-term energy savings.”
The LionC buses, capable of traveling up to 125 miles on a single charge, represent the district’s commitment to student health and reducing carbon emissions while modernizing its transportation infrastructure. Those buses are fully assembled by Lion at its Joliet, Illinois, facility. Attendees at the unveiling event also had the opportunity to participate in a Ride and Drive experience, offering a firsthand look at the smooth, quiet operation of these electric buses.
The acquisition of the buses was made possible in part by the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, which is allocating $5 billion over five years to help school districts across the United States transition to electric school buses.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A study published in Brain looks at MRI scans and brain damage associated with long lasting Covid-19 symptoms.
Prof Paul Mullins, Professor in Neuroimaging, University of Bangor, said:
Does the press release accurately reflect the science?
“The press release is a fairly good reflection of the science, although it does over sell the ability of the data to explain long COVID.
Is this good quality research? Are the conclusions backed up by solid data?
“This is a piece of research using sophisticated imaging techniques to provide data not available from clinical imaging scanners. The imaging is good and shows that there are differences in the brain stem of patients who were hospitalised with COVID-19, with greater changes in patients with more severe COVID.
How does this work fit with the existing evidence?
“This fits with some earlier work showing a change in the specific measure, QSM, from this group, and also other work showing long term changes on such sophisticated brain scanning. This finding adds to our knowledge about which regions of the brain COVID impacts, showing change in those regions involved in respiration and other autonomic functions.
Have the authors accounted for confounders? Are there important limitations to be aware of?
“The authors have attempted to account for most confounders, however, there is some limitation with the small number of patients scanned, and the use of a single time point. This is understandable considering that the study took place during the first waves of the pandemic with associated lockdowns and complications.
What are the implications in the real world? Is there any overspeculation?
“This data shows that there may be an increase in iron deposition within the brain stem regions – which likely reflects inflammation – however the technique is not able to determine if this is ongoing inflammation, or the result of past inflammations, so it is likely too early for the authors to conclude that persistent inflammation is present in the brain stem, and that this is the cause of long covid, from this data set alone.
Does this study conclusively prove what causes long COVID?
“While this study does not conclusively prove the causes of long COVID, it does point a finger at one possible suspect for some of the symptoms experienced.
What does this tell us about how long COVID should be treated now and in the future?
“It is not clear that this shows much in the way of possible treatments for long COVID once it has occurred, but it perhaps does point to the need to reduce inflammatory responses during initial COVID infection and response, as lower inflammation was related to smaller changes in the QSM measure used.”
‘7-Tesla quantitative susceptibility mapping in COVID-19: brainstem effects and outcome associations.’ by Catarina Rua et al. was published in Brain at 0:01 UK time on Tuesday 08 October 2024.
DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae215
Declared interests
Prof Paul Mullins “is a professor in neuroimaging at Bangor University and the Director of the Masters in Neuroimaging degree at Bangor University, has received European funding for the use of Neuroimaging in ageing and dementia studies in the past, and has received UKRI funding for research into the use of nutraceuticals for brain health. Professor Mullins researches brain metabolism and physiology, and the brain’s response to environmental stresses, including hypoxia as might be experienced during server acute COVID-19 infections.”
Championing innovative local projects to support families.
More families across Scotland will get access to the help they need, where and when they need it – as local projects receive a funding boost from the Scottish Government.
Grants of up to £80,000 have been awarded to 12 projects undertaking a range of work, including:
helping families to access health services
providing money and budgeting advice
supporting employees to work flexibly around their family life
The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund invests in innovative, local projects to tackle child poverty – a commitment in this year’s Programme for Government.
First Minister John Swinney welcomed the announcement on a visit to CentreStage, a performing arts charity in Kilmarnock.
Later today (Tuesday 8 October) the First Minister will also meet people with experience of poverty at Bute House, before leading a Parliamentary debate as part of Challenge Poverty Week.
The First Minister said:
“Organisations like CentreStage demonstrate how the government is working closely with communities, local government and the third sector to help families facing challenges right now. My national mission to end child poverty is underpinned by the importance of this type of collaboration.
“We want to see this community-focussed approach replicated across Scotland. That’s why our Fairer Future Partnerships are expanding to five new areas across Scotland – joining up local services, offering financial advice and supporting parents into work.
“Engaging people with experience of poverty as we build these services is at the heart of the government’s approach – and we are building on the strong foundations we have laid to end poverty in Scotland.
“The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund will kick-start another 12 innovative projects across the country to give even more families the help and support they need.”
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council and Chair of East Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Board said:
“In East Ayrshire, we recognise that the challenges of addressing poverty and inequality require the combined efforts of a whole range of partners. We are therefore delighted to be one of five new Fairer Future Partnerships and look forward to working with Scottish Government and our partners, including the third sector, to advance local, innovative approaches that reduce child poverty through improving wellbeing, maximising incomes and supporting people into work.
“As a Council we have already committed £40 million to be spent over the next ten years in support of change, prevention and early intervention, reflecting our commitment to tackling poverty and increasing fairness in our communities.”
Background
List of projects to receive grants from Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund:
Area
Project
West Lothian
Identifying and addressing unmet need among low-income families
Fife
Embedding income maximisation across children’s health services aligning with a preventative and proactive care programme
East Lothian
What Matters? Collecting, measuring and using data that is meaningful to families in East Lothian
Aberdeen City
Evaluation and design of lone parent employability support to inform and direct future provision
East Renfrewshire
Flexible for families employer scheme
South Ayrshire
Exploring interconnection between child poverty and additional support needs: enhancing neurodiverse parenting support in South Ayrshire through preventative family wellbeing approaches
Dumfries & Galloway
Accessible Financial Wellbeing Support for Priority Families Project
Grampian
Health Equity & Learning Project (HELP), identifying and addressing barriers for families accessing NHS services
Scottish Borders
Money advice and budgeting support for families in the Scottish Borders
Edinburgh
Challenging poverty related stigma
Stirling
Early intervention family engagement
Tayside
Dundee Dads Rock
Challenge Poverty Week is a Poverty Alliance initiative which has taken place every year since 2013. This year it will take place from 7–13 Oct, with organisations across Scotland coming together to highlight the injustice of poverty in Scotland.
Expanding place‑based ‘fairer futures partnerships’ to five more areas (North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, Perth and Kinross, Inverclyde, and Aberdeen City) – alongside three existing ones – supporting innovative, local approaches to joined‑up services that improve family wellbeing, maximise incomes, and support people into work. This will build an evidence base and share approaches that can be transferred to other parts of Scotland.
Investing in innovative, local projects to tackle child poverty, through a second round of our Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund.
Between December 2023 and February 2024, the City of Greater Bendigo experienced widespread flooding across the municipality.
In addition to the cleanup, recovery and additional proactive inspection and maintenance works undertaken, the City has prioritised six key areas to receive upgrade and improvement works after they experienced significant flood and storm damage earlier this year.
The program of works includes:
Willis Road, Huntly – install new box culverts
Pasley Street, Huntly – drain reshaping/widening and driveway culvert upgrades
Gungurru Road, Huntly – pit installation
Domain Village, McIvor Highway, Junortoun – install new box culverts
Strickland Street / Sullivan Street, Epsom – pipe realignment
Railway Place / Midland Highway, Goornong – drain reshaping and widening and vegetation management, subject to V-Line authorisation
Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney said the works would take up to six months to complete.
“The works are subject to contractor and material availability, but these are our priority areas to receive treatment as soon as possible,” Mr Cooney said.
“These areas have been chosen following an assessment of our customer request enquiries, feedback received through our recovery drop-in sessions held earlier this year, and impact assessment data undertaken immediately after the flood and storm events.”
Priority pit inspection and drain clearing will also take place in the next three months in the following precincts:
Dead Horse Gully/Shakespeare Street to Patterson Street, Heathcote
Earlier this year the City submitted four applications to the Federal Government’s Disaster Ready Fund.
Applications to undertake waterway flood mitigation plans for Epsom, Huntly, Junortoun and Heathcote, and prepare a Goornong Flood Study were successful.
Unfortunately, applications to prepare a separate Huntly drainage analysis and flood mitigation plan, with a focus on Goldleaf Wetland, and a drainage and culvert improvement program were not supported this time around.
Mr Cooney said despite being unsuccessful, the City would still release its share of the funds for these projects to progress works and would continue to seek other funding opportunities.
“The City will invest $2.25M over the next three years, with a particular focus on improving drainage and culvert infrastructure in Huntly, Junortoun and Heathcote. Our focus will be on fixing infrastructure that otherwise sees streets or suburbs cut off for a period of time when we get flood events.
“The City will also invest in expanding the scope of the Huntly waterway flood mitigation plan to include Goldleaf Wetland and use this process to identify future investment opportunities for the site, which is used as a detention basin to store stormwater runoff.
“The City is in the final stages of designing the Racecourse Creek levy, which would help mitigate flooding along the Epsom/Ascot/Midland corridor, to the right of Bendigo Creek, and will seek State and Federal funding to repair a critical 1.2km section.
“I thank residents for their patience when it comes to our flood recovery. The damage that has been caused is extensive and very expensive to fix.”
To support the community’s resilience during an emergency, the City is currently working with emergency services and community organisations on a range of emergency initiatives, including:
Confirming locations for sandbagging before a rain event
Ensuring clear processes and protocols are in place to activate emergency relief centres when required
Facilitating conversations amongst agencies and community organisations about other emergency planning initiatives needed at a local level
Mr Cooney said the City was taking a community-led approach to understand what communities need heading into the summer months.
“This means the processes we put in place will be different for each community and we’ll be working with local community groups to confirm the details and promote key locations where people can access help and support, as they are needed,” he said.
“If we do find ourselves in an emergency this summer, these details will also be promoted via the City’s social media accounts.
“The City also has a range of information on our website and an engagement program planned to raise awareness about how to prepare your property for floods and fires, and the importance of having a plan in the event of an emergency.”
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in counties across East Tennessee, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) announced pop-up office hours in affected counties for staff to provide immediate assistance to flood victims:
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the recent flooding,” said Senator Blackburn. “As we continue to coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to support recovery efforts, I want to ensure that every impacted resident has access to the resources they need.”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Pop-up office hours will be available to help residents access critical federal resources and navigate replacing any federal documentation that may be needed to receive federal assistance, including social security cards, veteran records, and tax information.
Staff can also assist flood victims in following up on disaster assistance applications with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Constituents are encouraged to bring any relevant documentation with them, such as proof of residency and identification, to streamline the process.
For more information on pop-up office hours, please contact (423) 753-4009.
SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONS:
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 – Johnson and Carter Counties
Johnson County Courthouse – Lower Courtroom9:00AM – 12:00PM ET222 West Main StreetMountain City, TN 37683
Carter County Courthouse – Mayor’s Conference Room2:00PM – 5:00PM ET
801 E Elk AveElizabethton, TN 37643
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 – Washington and Unicoi Counties
Jonesborough Visitors Center Community Room9:00AM – 12:00PM ET117 Boone St.Jonesborough, TN 37659
Erwin City Hall2:00PM – 5:00PM ET211 N Main AveErwin, TN 37650
Thursday, October 10, 2024 – Greene and Cocke Counties
Greene County Annex
9:00AM – 12:00PM ET204 N Cutler St.Greeneville, TN 37745
Cocke County Recreation Center2:00PM – 5:00PM ET466 Learning WayNewport, TN 37821
Friday, October 11, 2024 – Hamblen and Hawkins Counties
Hamblen County Mayor’s Office
9:00AM – 12:00PM ET511 W 2nd St. Morristown, TN 37814
Mayor’s Office Admin Building2:00PM – 5:00PM ET301 E. Washington St. Rogersville, TN 37857
Mental health impacts nearly every aspect of our daily lives, from our physical health to our relationships with friends, family, and communities, as well as productivity at work and beyond. Despite the critical role mental health plays in overall well-being, most technology is centered around physical health. Samsung is committed to fostering innovative health solutions for both today and the future, which is we frequently collaborate with leading medical institutions and universities to leverage advanced technologies and explore new possibilities in health and wellness.
In support of World Mental Health Day, Samsung is highlighting ongoing research programs with Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT Media Lab, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and Tulane University School of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute. Samsung has collaborated with these institutions to create a range of studies that dive deep into the mind-body connection. By examining various health indicators, including depression, mood, recovery, and even cardiovascular diseases, Samsung and leading medical institutions seek to deliver more comprehensive and preventative health solutions for all.
Enabling Depression Prevention & Detection with Massachusetts General Hospital
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) continues to analyze the correlation between depression and various biomarkers by evaluating the health metrics of 150 participants — each with different levels of depression — using Galaxy Watch. The study aims to validate the correlations between depression and biometrics, such as participants’ patterns of biometric data, active time, sleep stage, and latency on both weekends and weekdays, to identify more detailed characteristics. The findings will be used to introduce a mental health index, allowing users to better understand their mental state and take proactive measures.
Measuring Well-Being through Sleep with MIT Media Lab
MIT Media Lab has expanded the understanding of sleep’s role in well-being by linking sleep patterns to overall health. Approximately 200 college students participated in the study, tracking their sleep over the course of a month and self-evaluating across five well-being indicators every morning, including alertness, happiness, energy, health, and calmness. The study found strong associations between sleep and well-being, particularly when considering not only sleep duration, but also sleep regularity. Moreover, utilizing an AI-based mixed-effect random forest (MERF) model, MIT Media Lab was able to predict the participants’ self- reported well-being based on their sleep patterns within a mean absolute error of 11- 15 points on a 100 point scaler, which closely matched their self-evaluation results. This outcome highlights the link between sleep and well-being, as well as the possibility of personalized well-being assessment and management through the analysis of sleep patterns.
Helping Rapid Recovery with Brigham & Women’s Hospital
Brigham & Women’s Hospital (BWH) is studying the relationship between biomarkers and an individual’s resilience, or how quickly one recovers from major stressors. As a holistic measure, resilience captures both the capacity of the body and the mind to withstand major events such as disease and surgery. As a first use case, they are monitoring patients before, during and after undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgery. Galaxy Watch tracks participants’ lifestyle patterns and health conditions in real time while the data is automatically collected and analyzed using the Samsung Health Research Stack, a system designed to increase the efficiency and accuracy of large-scale research. This study aims to uncover insights into recovery and ability to withstand stressors, not only to help inform from medical decisions, but also help individuals understand how they can be prepared in both mind and body for any challenges that may come.
Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
MONROE – This afternoon, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Monroe Street Corridor Project, which will improve roads and create more space for runners and cyclists in Ruston, including at Louisiana Tech University.
“This street is an example of when Louisiana leaders serving in Washington connect with local leaders in Louisiana. I was pleased to combine my efforts with those locally to carry out a vision that makes Ruston and Louisiana better for our citizens,” said Dr. Cassidy.
Thanks in part to a $17.1 million RAISE Transportation Discretionary Grant, the Monroe Street Corridor Project has reached completion, and will yield over $3.47 in net public benefits compared to every single dollar invested. By revitalizing brownfield sites, embracing features like LED lighting and via other measures, Ruston is making the Monroe Street corridor safer for drivers, joggers, and cyclists, including at Louisiana Tech.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provides $7.5 billion for similar projects around the state. Just this year, over $10 million was distributed from the IIJA for projects in Lafourche, Plaquemines, and St. Tammany Parishes. Additionally, $900,000 was granted from the IIJA for the Ruston Regional Airport, and $7.5 million was secured in separate appropriations by Cassidy for utility upgrades in Ruston and for domestic semiconductor technology research at Louisiana Tech.
Cassidy was hosted at the ribbon-cutting ceremony by Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson and Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker, who praised his leadership and advocacy for the City of Ruston.
“This project will make it easier for our neighbors, students and visitors to travel through Ruston, to get to work or class, or to enjoy our downtown,” said Mayor Walker. “And it will make it safer to drive, and add to the more than 30 miles of walking and biking trails in our great city. We appreciate Senator Cassidy’s support of this project, and his continued work to help us meet our infrastructure needs.”
Earlier, Cassidy spoke to the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and with members of the Lincoln Parish Police Jury, to discuss many of the opportunities available for the parish in the IIJA and via separate appropriations. Money is still available in the IIJA for roads, water and sewage projects, and flood mitigation, and Cassidy will be hosting a series of rural community funding summits this month to expose local leaders to those opportunities.
“Lincoln Parish and Louisiana Tech are examples for the rest of the state on how to build safe and livable cities and campuses. That is only possible thanks to our partnership with elected officials, business leaders and university officials dedicated to this community,” said Dr. Cassidy.
At the Chamber, he was introduced to the group by Mr. Thomas Graham, chair of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and was welcomed to the Lincoln Parish Police Jury office by Mr. Courtney Hall, the administrator for Lincoln Parish.
“We always enjoy hosting Senator Cassidy and want to thank him for providing such an engaging update to our business community,” said Mr. Graham. “We are grateful to Senator Cassidy for his steadfast leadership in Washington, D.C., and for representing our interests in North Louisiana.”
“We are grateful that Senator Cassidy and his staff have taken time out of their busy schedule to meet with the Lincoln Parish Police Jury to discuss Federal funding opportunities for local projects,” said Mr. Hall. “Lincoln Parish is experiencing unprecedented growth and getting these Federal tax dollars back and working at the local level is critical to ensuring that our transportation infrastructure keeps up with that rapid growth.”
Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
WASHINGTON – In order to best serve South Carolinians who were impacted by Hurricane Helene, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) is joining Governor Henry McMaster and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette in announcing a series of Team South Carolina Days. These will be one-stop-shops for South Carolinians who need access to federal, state and nonprofit resources as the state rebuilds after Hurricane Helene.
Click here to watch Graham’s video on Team South Carolina Days
Graham said, “I know it’s been tough on our state. There has been so much devastation. I’ll be working with Governor McMaster and Lieutenant Governor Evette to host Team South Carolina Days where we will get federal, state and local people together so you’ll know where to go to get the services you need.”
Graham concluded, “I know people are hurting out there. I believe this will help.”
Team South Carolina Days will include representatives from South Carolina state agencies to assist with a variety of services including information for seniors, veterans, and children, and information concerning insurance and unemployment benefits. Officials from the Small Business Administration (SBA) will be on hand to provide information on disaster loans for small businesses. The South Carolina Office of Resilience will be able to provide assistance with applying for disaster relief and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will attend to take applications for individual assistance. Several nonprofits are expected to be in attendance as well.
Please see below for information on the Team South Carolina Days that have been announced.
Serving Pickens, Anderson, and Oconee Counties:
Wednesday, October 9
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Clemson Littlejohn Coliseum
219 Perimeter Road
Clemson, SC 29634
Serving Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties:
Thursday, October 10
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
University of South Carolina Upstate
Health Education Complex
300 N. Campus Blvd
Spartanburg, SC, 29303
Serving Greenville County:
Friday, October 11
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Greenville Technical College
Student Success Center
506 South Pleasantburg Drive
Greenville, SC 29607
Additional Team South Carolina Days will soon be announced for the weeks of October 14 and 21 for other impacted counties.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
October is officially marked as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. This creates an opportunity to shed light on the most common learning disability in the United States, one that affects millions of Americans every day. Dyslexia is not a measure of intelligence, but a unique way of how the brain processes language which ultimately presents challenges in reading and writing. This month is about raising awareness and advocating for the proper tools and resources needed to help those with dyslexia unlock their full potential. It is unfortunate that, as the most common learning disability, dyslexia remains woefully misunderstood and unnoticed. Because of this, the inability to provide better resources for educators and parents only continues to hold us back. By fostering a better understanding of dyslexia, we can create a more successful and inclusive environment for all learners.
As the co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, I have been a proud advocate in the halls of Congress for science-based approaches to bolster support for those who experience learning disabilities due to dyslexia. But on a more personal level, as a former school board president and the husband of a teacher, I understand firsthand the importance of providing helpful resources for educators to assist those with dyslexia and all learning disabilities. Last year, I was proud to sponsor legislation, The 21st Century Dyslexia Act, which emphasizes the need for a more modern understanding of the definition of dyslexia. Instead of the more overly broad definition of dyslexia as a Specific Learning Disability (SLD), it would be included in the list of disabilities that are under the definition of a “child with disability.” Additionally, I recently introduced a Resolution recognizing October 2024 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. This resolution was an important step in ensuring that educators and parents are aware of the prevalence of dyslexia and can give their students the learning resources they need. I am once again proud to have supported this resolution and am grateful to my colleagues from the House and the Senate who made this a bipartisan and bicameral effort.
As we continue through the month of October, it is important to understand that dedicating a month to dyslexia awareness is a noble cause, but it is only the first step. True change and progress will come from the continued search for improved resources and creating environments where people with dyslexia can succeed in learning. It’s time for dyslexia to no longer be a barrier to greater understanding and learning. My hope is that we can commit to finding the resources needed to support evidence-based policy not only in the month of October but throughout the year.
New Zealand Police is pleased to announce the 378-recruit wing will be graduating from their initial training course on Thursday morning 10 October in front of whānau and friends.
Attending the ceremony will be Assistant Commissioner Jevon McSkimming and the Police executive, Hon Mark Mitchell the Minister for Police, Hon Casey Costello, Associate Minister for Police along with Wing Patron, Hon Hekia Parata.
Wing 378’s prize-winners are spread across five policing districts, namely Auckland City, Bay of Plenty, Eastern, Tasman and Canterbury.
More details about statistics, prize winners and other recruits will be shared after graduation on Thursday.
Patron details:
The Honourable Hekia Parata (Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Porou) has provided 41 years of public service to New Zealand.
She began her public service career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after graduating from the University of Waikato with a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Māori Studies. Hekia was a Member of Parliament, representing the National Party, from 2008 until 2017 when she retired. Since then she’s has had several appointments to ministerial inquiries, such as leading the 2023 inquiry into forestry land use after Cyclone Gabrielle.
Graduation day:
Media are welcome to attend the graduation parade which takes place at 10am at The Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua.
Please RSVP to the Police Media Centre as soon as possible: media@police.govt.nz
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Maria O’Sullivan, Associate Professor of Law, Member of Law as Protection Centre, Deakin Law School, Deakin University
Australians’ ability to protest has again been in the news this week. Against the background of an armed conflict in the Middle East and rallies nationwide, the government has suggested Australia should establish a permit system for all protests.
Minister for the NDIS and Government Services Bill Shorten made the suggestion on television this week:
how the permit system works is it doesn’t stop people protesting, but the purpose of is to look at the circumstances […] I don’t necessarily think it should apply to industrial relations, but for some of these protests we’ve seen week in, week out, I do think that having a permit system would at least straighten it up.
So what are protest laws like around the country? Do any states or territories have this permit system, and should they? And importantly, what effect to these laws have on the right to protest?
What are the laws like nationally?
A permit system to allow protest organisers to hold an “authorised public assembly” operates in most states and territories in Australia. These systems allow police to “authorise” a particular protest and require a written application to police and/or the relevant local council.
For instance, in New South Wales, people who wish to hold an authorised protest must lodge a “notice of intention to hold a public assembly” with the NSW Police Commissioner.
Similar provisions also exist in Queensland, where organisers wishing to obtain authorisation for a protest must send a “Notice of Intention to Hold a Public Assembly” form to Queensland Police Service and the local council.
In Western Australia, organisers may apply for a permit to hold a public meeting and/or procession under the Public Order in Streets Act.
However, there a significant differences in the detail of these laws. In most states, the permit system simply allows the protest to be “authorised”. This means that while it is not a criminal offence to hold a protest without a permit, it provides a level of protection to protesters from certain criminal charges such as obstructing traffic.
Victoria does not have a permit system like NSW. Instead, it has laws that enable police to move people on, or to arrest someone for violent or anti-social behaviour.
However, in Tasmania, a section of the Police Offences Act makes it an offence for a person to organise or conduct a demonstration without a permit if it is to be held, wholly or partly, on a public street. It’s punishable by a fine.
The period of notification also varies widely. In most states and territories, the lead time is anywhere from five days to two weeks.
However, in Tasmania, protest organisers are advised to lodge an application with police 12 weeks before the demonstration.
Finally, the grounds for rejection of a permit can be overly broad. For instance, in South Australia, police and other authorities may reject a permit on the ground that “it would, if effectuated, unduly prejudice any public interest”. The legislation does not set out any criteria for that test.
Which laws are the best?
In terms of how these laws compare with one another and which approach is the most preferable, we need to consider two factors: the practicalities of a permit system, and whether allowing government authorities to control protests is advisable.
In terms of practicalities, the paperwork burden, cost and uncertainty of a mandatory permit system may be unworkable. There could also be ensuing litigation to consider.
This was starkly demonstrated in 2020 when planned protests against Indigenous deaths in custody were litigated in the NSW Supreme Court.
In NSW, which has a permit system, the “Stop All Black Deaths in Custody” protest was initially rejected by the NSW Supreme Court but was then declared an authorised public assembly by the NSW Court of Appeal only minutes before the protest was scheduled to start.
In deciding on the best approach to permits, we must also consider whether it is wise to allow government agencies to give the green light to some protests and disallow others. Will this put too much power into the hands of police and individual judges?
The human right of protesting
Here it is relevant to consider Australia’s international human rights treaty obligations, which protect the right to assemble peacefully. United Nations guidance on this right recognises that states can set up notification provisions for protests, but they cannot establish authorisation requirements.
This means Australia can set up a notification system to allow police to facilitate the smooth conduct of a protest in advance (such as by organising road closures).
However, this cannot require people to get permission from the police before undertaking a protest. In fact, this international human rights guidance states that having to apply for permission to protest undermines its status as a basic human right.
More generally, it should be remembered that protests can be spontaneous and should be allowed to be so.
This is best illustrated by one of the most important acts of protest in Australian history: the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. This was set up spontaneously on January 26 1972 when four Indigenous men set up a beach umbrella on the lawns opposite Parliament House in Canberra as a protest against the government’s approach to Indigenous land rights.
It stands to this day and is a visual reminder of the power of spontaneous protest, carried out without police permission, and a sober reminder of the importance of protest in our democratic system.
Maria O’Sullivan is part of a Public Intoxication Reform Evaluation which is funded by the Victorian Department of Justice.
The HMNZS Manawanui ran aground last weekend on a reef about one nautical mile off the south coast of Upolu, Samoa’s most populated island. The specialist dive and hydrographic vessel was on its third deployment, conducting a reef survey, when it caught fire and sank.
Manawanui listing on the reef, October 6. Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority via Facebook
The ship has come to rest at a depth of up to 150 metres, which means it may be relatively undisturbed even during storms. Any hull cracks from the impact should not be exacerbated.
But depth makes the salvage operation challenging. Crew may need decompression chambers, and there’s only a narrow window of time to seal any fuel leaks – and, ideally, pipe out more than 900 tonnes of marine diesel the ship carries.
Fuel leaks the first priority
The Manawanui’s sinking is a marine disaster. But it arguably poses a lesser risk than the oil spill caused by the container ship MV Rena, which ran aground near the Astrolabe Reef off Tauranga in 2011.
The Rena was loaded with 1,368 containers, some of which contained hazardous materials, as well as 1,700 tonnes of heavy fuel oil. It also carried thousands of tonnes of dairy products, which effectively fertilised the ocean and caused massive algal blooms, visible from space.
The fuel oil on board the Manawanui is lighter. Its most toxic short-chain hydrocarbons will likely evaporate with wave action. But if the remaining slick washes up on beaches, it will be harder to remove. During low tides, it will be running onto the reef, likely killing off corals and fish in a swath moving inshore or driven by wind and currents.
The salvage crew’s first focus will probably be on mitigating fuel leaks. But they will also need to clean up any crushed coral and contaminated sediment around the reef and wreck as quickly as possible, as it may have been exposed to the ship’s anti-fouling paint. In calm weather this would be possible as it’s shallow on the reef crest.
Ships in the past have been painted with the anti-fouling paint Tributylin. It has now been banned because of its toxicity, but many ships simply painted over it with modern paints. Any damage to the hull could expose old layers. Without a thorough cleanup, this could preclude coral recovery.
My experience, and that of colleague’s both in New Zealand and in tropical Australia, shows a speedy cleanup can make all the difference for the environmental recovery after ships ground on reefs and sometimes sink.
When the Malaysian-flagged container ship Bunga Teratai Satu ran into the Sudbury Reef in the Great Barrier Reef in 2001, the vessel was refloated without losing any cargo or fuel. But it had scraped against the reef, spreading tributyltin-coated fragments. The salvage operation cleaned up the toxic material and the coral was on a recovery trajectory within four years.
In contrast, the sinking of the Shen Neng 1 in 2010 flattened 8,000 square metres of reef east of Great Keppel Island on Queensland’s Capricorn coast. While the ship was also refloated and removed, there was no cleanup and no signs of coral recovery a decade after the disaster.
Should oil dispersants be used?
All 75 crew and passengers have been taken off the Manawanui by life rafts and other boats that came to the rescue. A Court of Inquiry is under way to establish exactly what caused the sinking.
Rescued crew and passengers from Manawanui on Upolu’s southern coast. Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority via Facebook
The focus is now on mitigating environmental impacts.
At this point, there are no signs of oil on the beaches where the vessel sank, but locals are reporting an oil-like substance in the water around the wreck.
Should fuel oil spill ashore, locals will have to find ways of harnessing the public for the beach cleanup. When the oil slick from the Rena contaminated local beaches, thousands of volunteers helped with the recovery operation.
Locals will likely also face decisions about using oil dispersants, which break up oil into smaller droplets into the water column.
At the time of the Rena operation, there was a public outcry against the use of dispersants because they spread the pollution further into the marine environment, and the chemical combination of oil and dispersant can be more toxic than either alone.
The use of dispersants makes sense however, if an oil spill threatens turtle nesting areas for example, as it did when the cargo ship Pacific Adventurer was caught in a cyclone off Queensland in 2009 and 270 tonnes of oil created a 5.5 kilometre long slick.
The reef where the Manawanui struck is well known for its large population of sea turtles, which come to feed in the area. They are likely to sense the pollution and eventually stay away, as will pelagic fish.
Given the area is the local villagers’ food basket and a tourist destination, any deleterious effects on the coastal environment and coral reefs will be keenly felt. As in Aotearoa, the intimate bond between people and the sea is profound. Drawing on past experiences will empower speedy action and hasten ecological restoration.
Christopher Battershill received funding from the Ministry for the Environment to examine the environmental effects of the MV Rena ship wreck. He is affiliated with the Oil Pollution Advisory Committee and has previously worked with the Australian Institute of Marine Science.
Often when people come into our sleep clinic seeking treatment, they share ideas about healthy sleep.
Many think when their head hits the pillow, they should fall into a deep and restorative sleep, and emerge after about eight hours feeling refreshed. They’re in good company – many Australians hold the same belief.
In reality, healthy sleep is cyclic across the night, as you move in and out of the different stages of sleep, often waking up several times. Some people remember one or more of these awakenings, others do not. Let’s consider what a healthy night’s sleep looks like.
Sleep cycles are a roller-coaster
As an adult, our sleep moves through different cycles and brief awakenings during the night. Sleep cycles last roughly 90 minutes each.
We typically start the night with lighter sleep, before moving into deeper sleep stages, and rising again into rapid eye movement (REM) sleep – the stage of sleep often linked to vivid dreaming.
If sleeping well, we get most of our deep sleep in the first half of the night, with REM sleep more common in the second half of the night.
Deepest sleep usually happens during the first half of the night. Verin/Shutterstock
Adults usually move through five or six sleep cycles in a night, and it is entirely normal to wake up briefly at the end of each one. That means we might be waking up five times during the night. This can increase with older age and still be healthy. If you’re not remembering these awakenings that’s OK – they can be quite brief.
What does getting a ‘good’ sleep actually mean?
You’ll often hear that adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. But good sleep is about more than the number of hours – it’s also about the quality.
For most people, sleeping well means being able to fall asleep soon after getting into bed (within around 30 minutes), sleeping without waking up for long periods, and waking feeling rested and ready for the day.
You shouldn’t be feeling excessively sleepy during the day, especially if you’re regularly getting at least seven hours of refreshing sleep a night (this is a rough rule of thumb).
But are you noticing you’re feeling physically tired, needing to nap regularly and still not feeling refreshed? It may be worthwhile touching base with your general practitioner, as there a range of possible reasons.
Common issues
Sleep disorders are common. Up to 25% of adults have insomnia, a sleep disorder where it may be hard to fall or stay asleep, or you may wake earlier in the morning than you’d like.
Rates of common sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnoea – where your breathing can partially or completely stop many times during the night – also increase with age, affecting 20% of early adults and 40% of people in middle age. There are effective treatments, so asking for help is important.
Beyond sleep disorders, our sleep can also be disrupted by chronic health conditions – such as pain – and by certain medications.
There can also be other reasons we’re not sleeping well. Some of us are woken by children, pets or traffic noise during the night. These “forced awakenings” mean we may find it harder to get up in the morning, take longer to leave bed and feel less satisfied with our sleep. For some people, night awakenings may have no clear cause.
A good way to tell if these awakenings are a problem for you is by thinking about how they affect you. When they cause feelings of frustration or worry, or are impacting how we feel and function during the day, it might be a sign to seek some help.
If waking up in the night is interfering with your normal day-to-day activities, it may indicate a problem. BearFotos/Shutterstock
We also may struggle to get up in the morning. This could be for a range of reasons, including not sleeping long enough, going to bed or waking up at irregular times – or even your own internal clock, which can influence the time your body prefers to sleep.
If you’re regularly struggling to get up for work or family needs, it can be an indication you may need to seek help. Some of these factors can be explored with a sleep psychologist if they are causing concern.
Can my smart watch help?
It is important to remember sleep-tracking devices can vary in accuracy for looking at the different sleep stages. While they can give a rough estimate, they are not a perfect measure.
In-laboratory polysomnography, or PSG, is the best standard measure to examine your sleep stages. A PSG examines breathing, oxygen saturation, brain waves and heart rate during sleep.
Rather than closely examining nightly data (including sleep stages) from a sleep tracker, it may be more helpful to look at the patterns of your sleep (bed and wake times) over time.
Understanding your sleep patterns may help identify and adjust behaviours that negatively impact your sleep, such as your bedtime routine and sleeping environment.
And if you find viewing your sleep data is making you feel worried about your sleep, this may not be useful for you. Most importantly, if you are concerned it is important to discuss it with your GP who can refer you to the appropriate specialist sleep health provider.
Amy Reynolds receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Medical Research Future Fund, the Australian Research Council, the Lifetime Support Authority, and has received consulting and/or speaker fees from industry-funded sources including Compumedics, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Sydney Trains.
Claire Dunbar received funding from The Hospital Research Foundation for their PhD Scholarship and previously from Flinders University development grants.
Hannah Scott receives research funding from Re-Time Pty Ltd, Compumedics Ltd, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation, and Flinders University.
Nicole Lovato receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Medical Research Future Fund, the Hospital Research Foundation, the Lifetime Support Authority, and industry including ResMed, Phillips, and ReTime.
Gorica Micic does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
MINGO COUNTY, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) made two stops in Mingo County focused on health services and economic development.
First, Senator Capito, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), visited Williamson Memorial Hospital to get an in-person update about ongoing upgrades at the facility. This was Senator Capito’s first visit to the facility under new leadership.
“West Virginians in Mingo County and surrounding areas rely on Williamson Memorial Hospital for a range of health services,” Senator Capito said. “That’s why it was welcome news when Dr. Beckett purchased the hospital, and since then has made investments and renovations to improve the facility, filling a critical health care gap. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with hospital leadership and staff, as well as tour the facility and learn more about the operations, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact in and around the region in the near future.”
“Returning Williamson Memorial to our community is an endeavor that has drawn all of us together, starting here in Williamson, extending throughout the Tug Valley and reaching across our state,” Williamson Health & Wellness Center CEO Dr. C. Donovan “Dino” Beckett said. “We are honored Sen. Capito is a part of it and excited to share with her a look at the extraordinary strides we’ve made at the new Williamson Memorial. Our hospital represents the resolve, commitment and ingenuity of West Virginia and is a testament to our overarching mission at Williamson Health & Wellness Center: Health for everyone.”
“We are so pleased to have Sen. Capito join with us in celebrating the great strides we’ve made with the return of Williamson Memorial,” Tim Hatfield, CEO of the new Williamson Memorial said. “She recognizes, as we do, the importance of this effort. It means greatly improved access to care for the people of our community and it means the return of valuable jobs to our economy. And because of the upgrades to the facility and our reliance on an integrated care model, the new Williamson Memorial is not only back, it is better than ever and here to stay.”
Next, Senator Capito traveled to the Buck Harless Wood Products Industrial Park in Whitman, W.Va. where she met with community business leaders and participated in a roundtable discussion. Additionally, Senator Capito received a tour of the Coal-Mac Trucking facility and a demonstration at JP Technical Services.
“It was great to meet with business leaders today in Mingo County and hear more about the success they have had at the Industrial Park. Whether it’s the employee growth Coal-Mac is experiencing or the expansion of services JP Technical Services is offering, I enjoyed the opportunity to hear about what is working for these local businesses and how I can continue to be a good partner to them in the Senate. I look forward to taking insights from our conversation today back to Washington in order to better support West Virginia workers,” Senator Capito said.
Photos from today’s visits are included below:
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits Williamson Memorial Hospital in Williamson, W.Va. on Monday, October 7, 2024.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits the Buck Harless Wood Products Industrial Park in Whitman, W.Va. on Monday, October 7, 2024.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with Mingo County business leaders at the Buck Harless Wood Products Industrial Park in Whitman, W.Va. on Monday, October 7, 2024.
Mental health impacts nearly every aspect of our daily lives — from physical health to relationships with friends, family and communities, as well as productivity at work and beyond. Despite the critical role mental health plays in overall well-being, the majority of available technologies are centered around physical health. Samsung is committed to fostering innovative health solutions for both today and tomorrow which is why we frequently collaborate with leading medical institutions and universities to leverage advanced technologies and explore new possibilities in health and wellness.
In support of World Mental Health Day, Samsung is highlighting ongoing research programs with Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT Media Lab, Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Tulane University School of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute. These studies dive deep into the mind-body connection by examining various health indicators including depression, mood, resilience and even cardiovascular diseases to deliver more comprehensive and preventative health solutions for all.
Enabling Depression Prevention & Detection With Massachusetts General Hospital
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has been analyzing the correlation between depression and various biomarkers by evaluating the health metrics of 150 participants with different levels of depression using the Galaxy Watch. The study aims to validate the correlations between depression and biometrics — such as participants’ patterns of biometric data, activity level, sleep stage, duration and latency on both weekends and weekdays — to identify more detailed characteristics. The findings will be used to introduce a mental health index, allowing users to better understand their mental state and take proactive measures
Supporting Well-Being Through Better Sleep With MIT Media Lab
MIT Media Lab has expanded the understanding of sleep’s role in well-being by linking sleep patterns to overall health. Approximately 200 college students participated in the study, tracking their sleep over a month and self-evaluating across five well-being indicators every morning — including alertness, happiness, energy, health and calmness. The study found strong associations between sleep and well-being with both sleep duration and sleep regularity directly affecting them. By utilizing a mixed-effect random forest (MERF) model, MIT Media Lab was able to predict the participants’ self-reported well-being based on their sleep patterns with a mean absolute error of 11-15 points on a 100-point scale which closely matched their self-evaluation results. This outcome highlights the link between sleep and well-being as well as the possibility of personalized well-being assessment and management through the analysis of sleep patterns.
Helping Rapid Recovery With Brigham & Women’s Hospital
Brigham & Women’s Hospital (BWH) is studying the relationship between biomarkers and an individual’s resilience, or how quickly one recovers from major stressors. As a holistic measure, resilience captures the capacity of the body and mind to withstand major events such as disease and surgery. For a first use case, they are monitoring patients before, during and after undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgery. The Galaxy Watch tracks participants’ lifestyle patterns and health conditions in real time while the data is automatically collected and analyzed using the Samsung Health Research Stack, a system designed to increase the efficiency and accuracy of large-scale research. This study aims to uncover insights into recovery and the ability to withstand stressors — not only to help inform medical decisions but also to help individuals understand how they can be prepared in both mind and body for any challenges that may come.
Identifying Cardiovascular Risks With Tulane University School of Medicine
Mental health has a well-established relationship with reduced risk of future cardiovascular disease. Tulane University School of Medicine is utilizing data from the Galaxy Watch and Samsung Health SDK to create biomarkers for early detection of cardiovascular disease risk factors. The study will closely monitor thousands of participants from diverse demographics and areas of high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors for up to three years. Each participant’s health records and biometric data will then be analyzed to examine complex and interconnected health factors. Samsung and Tulane’s Heart and Vascular Institute hope to identify factors that impact cardiovascular disease with a goal of developing algorithms for individual cardiovascular disease prediction and prevention.
“At Samsung, we are committed to supporting the health community by unlocking new frontiers that were previously impossible to explore,” said Dr. Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, MX Business at Samsung Electronics. “That’s why we collaborate with leading medical institutions and accelerate research focused on the mind-body connection, leveraging our sensor technology and combined expertise to deliver truly holistic and preventative health solutions.”
About Massachusetts General HospitalMassachusetts General Hospital, founded in 1811, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The Mass General Research Institute conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the nation, with annual research operations of more than $1 billion and comprises more than 9,500 researchers working across more than 30 institutes, centers and departments. MGH is a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system.
About the MIT Media LabAt the intersection of engineering, design, science, and art, the MIT Media Lab is an interdisciplinary creative playground rooted in academic excellence, made up of dozens of research groups, initiatives, and centers working collaboratively on hundreds of projects. Our overarching research themes address global challenges from well-being and cryptocurrencies to robotics and sustainable futures. Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the MIT Media Lab collaborates with corporations, governments, NGOs, donors, and others around the globe to drive impactful change across sectors. Learn more at media.mit.edu.
About Brigham and Women’s HospitalBrigham and Women’s Hospital is a world-class academic medical center based in Boston, Massachusetts. The Brigham serves patients from New England, across the United States and from 120 countries around the world. A major teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital has a legacy of clinical excellence that continues to grow year after year.
The Brigham network includes 1,200 doctors throughout New England working across 150 outpatient practices. An international leader in virtually every area of medicine, the Brigham has led numerous medical and scientific breakthroughs that have improved lives around the world.
U.S. News & World Report recognizes Brigham and Women’s Hospital among the best hospitals in many specialty areas, including cancer, heart and vascular, diabetes and endocrine disorders, ear, nose and throat, gastroenterology and GI surgery, geriatric care, gynecology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology, rheumatology, and urology.
About Tulane University School of MedicineFounded in 1834 as the Medical College of Louisiana, Tulane University School of Medicine is one of the oldest medical schools in the United States. Established to combat yellow fever and smallpox in New Orleans, the school is a leading institution known for medical education, research, and patient care. Over the years, it has significantly contributed to medicine, including groundbreaking research and innovative treatments. Today, Tulane continues its legacy of excellence, training the next generation of healthcare leaders and advancing medical knowledge.
Tulane Medicine recruits top faculty, researchers, and students from around the world so they can collaborate and develop groundbreaking medical research and surgical advances. From new drugs to innovative care techniques, or the invention of the binocular microscope to robotic surgeries, we remain a constant presence at the forefront of modern medical innovation. Tulane Medicine equips the next generation of medical professionals — whether scientific or clinical — with a broad set of tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world. When you see the Tulane Shield, you always know that the future of medicine… is here.
The Department of Defense (DoD) today announced a one-year pilot program to provide no-cost supplemental health support services to DoD civilian employees serving in Japan after a yearlong effort to identify and address concerns regarding access to medical care.
“The Department recognizes the significant contributions of our DoD civilian workforce around the world,” said Ashish Vazirani, who is performing the duties of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. “In keeping with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s commitment to taking care of all our people, we owe it to our civilians to facilitate access to health care no matter where they are. The support from this pilot program will help enhance the patient experience for the approximately 11,000 civilians stationed in Japan through the new pilot.”
This pilot is called the Pilot Health Insurance Enhancement for DoD Civilian Employees in Japan and will assist eligible civilian employees with health care navigation and upfront costs associated with accessing Japan’s healthcare system.
To be eligible, the employee must be enrolled in a participating health plan through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. The enrollment window for eligible employees will be the Federal Benefits Open Season, which runs this year Nov. 11 through Dec. 9. Federal Benefits Open Season allows federal civilians to enroll in or change health care options.
The services provided under this pilot will begin Jan. 1, 2025, when participants can use the services and access support through a call center. The call center will be open 24/7 and staffed with bilingual service representatives who will assist callers with identifying their needs, make appointments with provider offices, and issue payment guarantees up front. Dependents are not eligible for services during the pilot, which runs through Sept. 29, 2025.
Employees working in Japan with the following military departments, defense agencies and DoD field activities are eligible for this supplemental coverage:
Department of the Air Force
Department of the Army
Department of the Navy
Defense Information Systems Agency
Defense Logistics Agency
Department of Defense Education Activity
Defense Commissary Agency
Defense Contract Management Agency
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Defense Health Agency
Defense Media Activity
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
National Security Agency
Defense Intelligence Agency
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
“We are excited to offer this program,” said Seileen Mullen, who is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. “This is a no-cost supplemental service, and we encourage civilian employees in Japan to use it.”
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs will oversee the pilot program and has awarded a $4.2 million contract to International SOS Government Services Inc., which is also the prime contractor for the TRICARE Overseas Program. The contract for this pilot is being funded by the military departments, defense agencies and DoD field activities that have civilian employees working in Japan.
Active-duty service members and TRICARE Prime beneficiaries have prioritized access to health care in military hospitals and clinics based on current federal law and DoD policy. DoD civilians who are not TRICARE beneficiaries may use military health facilities on a space-available basis.
Agreements with FEHB insurance carriers who currently provide coverage for DoD civilian employees in Japan will be established to provide direct billing agreements. Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) employees are eligible for this program if enrolled in an Aetna International plan.
Additional details dedicated to this pilot program will be announced before Federal Benefits Open Season begins. This information will also be posted to web sites for military hospitals and clinics in Japan in their “Getting Care” section.
The top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) would never allow the destruction of the balance of force on the Korean peninsula, but develop defence science and industry to bolster up the war deterrent for self-defence “limitlessly,” the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Tuesday.
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, made the remarks during a speech at the Kim Jong Un University of National Defence on Monday.
During the address to the teaching staff and students of the elite military academy, Kim underscored the validity of the DPRK’s logic of building self-defence capability, saying the country should have physical strength capable of always deterring the enemy and keeping the situation under control, according to the KCNA report.
He also stressed the need to “neutralize the imperialists’ aggressive and adventurous military activities with absolute superiority of the defence sci-tech capabilities,” the KCNA said.
