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Category: Energy

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Helps Find Thawing Permafrost Adds to Near-Term Global Warming

    Source: NASA

    Earth’s far northern reaches have locked carbon underground for millennia. New research paints a picture of a landscape in change.
    A new study, co-authored by NASA scientists, details where and how greenhouse gases are escaping from the Earth’s vast northern permafrost region as the Arctic warms. The frozen soils encircling the Arctic from Alaska to Canada to Siberia store twice as much carbon as currently resides in the atmosphere — hundreds of billions of tons — and most of it has been buried for centuries.
    An international team, led by researchers at Stockholm University, found that from 2000 to 2020, carbon dioxide uptake by the land was largely offset by emissions from it. Overall, they concluded that the region has been a net contributor to global warming in recent decades in large part because of another greenhouse gas, methane, that is shorter-lived but traps significantly more heat per molecule than carbon dioxide.

    The findings reveal a landscape in flux, said Abhishek Chatterjee, a co-author and scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. “We know that the permafrost region has captured and stored carbon for tens of thousands of years,” he said. “But what we are finding now is that climate-driven changes are tipping the balance toward permafrost being a net source of greenhouse gas emissions.”
    Carbon Stockpile
    Permafrost is ground that has been permanently frozen for anywhere from two years to hundreds of thousands of years. A core of it reveals thick layers of icy soils enriched with dead plant and animal matter that can be dated using radiocarbon and other techniques. When permafrost thaws and decomposes, microbes feed on this organic carbon, releasing some of it as greenhouse gases.
    Unlocking a fraction of the carbon stored in permafrost could further fuel climate change. Temperatures in the Arctic are already warming two to four times faster than the global average, and scientists are learning how thawing permafrost is shifting the region from being a net sink for greenhouse gases to becoming a net source of warming.
    They’ve tracked emissions using ground-based instruments, aircraft, and satellites. One such campaign, NASA’s Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE), is focused on Alaska and western Canada. Yet locating and measuring emissions across the far northern fringes of Earth remains challenging. One obstacle is the vast scale and diversity of the environment, composed of evergreen forests, sprawling tundra, and waterways.

    Cracks in the Sink
    The new study was undertaken as part of the Global Carbon Project’s RECCAP-2 effort, which brings together different science teams, tools, and datasets to assess regional carbon balances every few years. The authors followed the trail of three greenhouse gases — carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide — across 7 million square miles (18 million square kilometers) of permafrost terrain from 2000 to 2020.
    Researchers found the region, especially the forests, took up a fraction more carbon dioxide than it released. This uptake was largely offset by carbon dioxide emitted from lakes and rivers, as well as from fires that burned both forest and tundra.
    They also found that the region’s lakes and wetlands were strong sources of methane during those two decades. Their waterlogged soils are low in oxygen while containing large volumes of dead vegetation and animal matter — ripe conditions for hungry microbes. Compared to carbon dioxide, methane can drive significant climate warming in short timescales before breaking down relatively quickly. Methane’s lifespan in the atmosphere is about 10 years, whereas carbon dioxide can last hundreds of years.
    The findings suggest the net change in greenhouse gases helped warm the planet over the 20-year period. But over a 100-year period, emissions and absorptions would mostly cancel each other out. In other words, the region teeters from carbon source to weak sink. The authors noted that events such as extreme wildfires and heat waves are major sources of uncertainty when projecting into the future.
    Bottom Up, Top Down
    The scientists used two main strategies to tally greenhouse gas emissions from the region. “Bottom-up” methods estimate emissions from ground- and air-based measurements and ecosystem models. Top-down methods use atmospheric measurements taken directly from satellite sensors, including those on NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) and JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite.
    Regarding near-term, 20-year, global warming potential, both scientific approaches aligned on the big picture but differed in magnitude: The bottom-up calculations indicated significantly more warming.
    “This study is one of the first where we are able to integrate different methods and datasets to put together this very comprehensive greenhouse gas budget into one report,” Chatterjee said. “It reveals a very complex picture.”
    News Media Contacts
    Jane J. Lee / Andrew WangJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-354-0307 / 626-379-6874jane.j.lee@jpl.nasa.gov / andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov
    Written by Sally Younger
    2024-147

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Barragán Announces $411 Million in Funding for Port of Los Angeles to Electrify Based on Barragán’s Climate Smart Ports Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    29 October 2024

    Contact: Kevin G. McGuire, 202-538-2386 (mobile)

    Kevin.McGuire@mail.house.gov

    Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) announced the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) has been awarded a $411 million grant award from the EPA Clean Ports Program to replace diesel equipment and trucks with human operated, zero-emission technology, clean energy microgrids, electric charging, shore power, and more.

    “This grant is a game-changer for the Port of LA and our port communities,” said Rep. Barragán. “Today’s funding announcement is the direct result of a five-year effort by my office to work with labor, environmental justice groups, industry, and ports, to secure billions of dollars to clean up ports across the country. It will help the Port of LA and ports across the country transition to zero-emission, human operated equipment. This investment will significantly reduce pollution from ports and help our nearby port communities breathe cleaner air.”

    “The men and women of the ILWU are thrilled to learn of this over $400 Million investment, by the U.S. EPA, in the environmental and economic well-being of our members and local communities. Human operated, zero-emission cargo handling equipment is the gold standard for maritime port operations not only because it protects good jobs while cleaning the air, but is also the most efficient and cost-effective in terms of port operations, while additionally providing the necessary safeguards against cyber threats to our national security,” said Gary Herrera, President, International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), Local 13.

    “This transformative investment will be a tremendous boost to our efforts to meet our ambitious zero emission goals, improve regional air quality, and combat climate change, while accelerating the port-industry’s transition to zero emissions across the country,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “This grant will fund over 400 pieces of ZE cargo handling equipment, replacing nearly one-third of the diesel equipment currently on our docks, and eliminating over 40,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. This successful application is the culmination of a deep partnership with environmental justice groups, labor, the private sector, and stakeholders at all levels of government, and we’ll continue to work with our local communities to ensure this investment delivers benefits in their neighborhoods. We thank Congresswoman Barragán, the EPA and the Biden-Harris Administration for their unprecedented support of our ambition and look forward to delivering on our commitment to cleaner air for future generations.”

    POLA processes the highest volume of containerized cargo in the United States, supporting 1 in 15 jobs in Los Angeles and 1.4 million jobs nationwide. However, cargo handling equipment (CHE) at POLA is a significant source of pollution, emitting over 500 tons of nitrogen oxides and other harmful emissions annually and contributing to high rates of asthma, cancer, and other health consequences.

    The grant, made possible by Congresswoman Barragán’s Climate Smart Ports Act, whose funding was included in the Inflation Reduction Act, will reduce air pollution and improve public health by helping the port transition to 100% zero-emissions terminal operations by 2030. In addition to the federal grant, POLA and its partners will also match $200 million for the project, totaling over $600 million to meet their clean air goals.

    In line with the Climate Smart Ports Act, which was supported by the ILWU and several community-based organizations, the funds must be used for human-operated equipment and technology.

    This grant will allow POLA to meet ZE goals by:

    • funding the acquisition of approximately 400 pieces of ZE CHE and associated charging infrastructure to replace nearly 30% of POLA’s diesel-burning CHE fleet;
    • procuring 250 ZE drayage trucks and associated charging infrastructure;
    • installing cutting-edge power management systems with solar generation and battery
    • providing energy storage capacity to power additional ZE CHE;
    • establishing one of the first shore-power support systems for auto carrier vessels to; and
    • eliminating nearly 41,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and 55 tons of NOx emissions annually.

    POLA and Harbor Community Benefit Foundation will also carry out an ambitious community-driven grant program to empower port-adjacent communities to award grants for zero-emission equipment, and offer opportunities for career engagement and workforce development.

    This large-scale deployment of zero-emission equipment will support continued commercialization while helping California meet its climate goals, improve air quality in nearby communities, promote sustainable maritime practices, and protect and create good-paying jobs.

    Rep. Barragán led a California Delegation letter of 19 members in support of the EPA grant.

    # # #

    Congressmember Nanette Barragán represents California’s 44th District.  She sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and works on environmental justice and healthcare issues.  She is also Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: HAProxy Fusion 1.3 Showcases the Power of a High-Performance Control Plane for App Delivery and Security

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEWTON, Mass., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HAProxy Technologies, the company behind HAProxy One, the world’s fastest application delivery and security platform, and HAProxy, the most widely used software load balancer, today announced the launch of HAProxy Fusion 1.3. HAProxy Fusion is the scalable control plane that provides full-lifecycle management, monitoring, and automation of HAProxy Enterprise deployments, and is central to the HAProxy One platform. The latest release of HAProxy Fusion significantly advances platform performance, observability, and ease of use.

    HAProxy Fusion combines a high-performance control plane with a modern GUI and API (with 100% coverage), enterprise administration, a comprehensive observability suite, and infrastructure integrations including AWS, Kubernetes, Consul, and Prometheus. Threat intelligence from HAProxy Edge, enhanced by machine learning, powers the next-gen security layers in HAProxy Fusion and HAProxy Enterprise. Today, with the release of version 1.3, HAProxy Fusion adds:

    • High-performance service discovery with near-instant configuration generation, which simplifies the automation of Kubernetes networking and application routing at scale.
    • Customizable monitoring dashboards, which enable high-level observability and the ability to drill down into granular metrics and events.
    • A pre-built security dashboard, which provides a unified view of bot management and web application firewall (WAF) data and any actions taken, empowering teams with the intelligence needed for threat response.
    • Collaborative configuration editing with efficient and low-latency updates, which makes it easier and faster for multi-team organizations to update rules safely.

    Kubernetes service discovery, first introduced in version 1.2, is made more powerful in HAProxy Fusion 1.3. New filters allow teams to pull targeted Kubernetes services into HAProxy Fusion, while performance has increased to enable dynamic generation of over 100,000 lines of HAProxy configuration in seconds. This automatic process provides everything that application teams need to route external traffic into Kubernetes clusters, including external IP addresses, routing rules, load balancing, and security layers (DDoS protection, bot management, API security, global rate limiting, and WAF). 

    “With massive Kubernetes deployments, updating traffic routing rules can be a slow process when backends are added, changed, or removed,” said Andjelko Iharos, Director of Engineering, HAProxy Technologies. “But with the power of HAProxy Fusion 1.3, the configuration is updated almost immediately. This allows businesses to be more agile and drastically simplify Kubernetes networking at scale.” 

    HAProxy was recently named a Leader in 20 G2 Fall 2024 Grid® Reports across multiple G2 categories including API Management, Container Networking, DDoS Protection, DevOps, Load Balancing, Web Application Firewall (WAF), and Web Security. HAProxy’s success in the reports was due to an exceptional Satisfaction Score of 99 and the reliability, flexibility, and performance of the platform.

    “When we say that our platform – HAProxy One – is the world’s fastest application delivery and security platform, we look at the impact of every layer,” said Dujko Radovnikovic, CEO, HAProxy Technologies. “We are known for the low latency and high throughput of HAProxy’s data plane, but high performance in the control plane is just as important – as HAProxy Fusion proves, with real benefits for large-scale customers. Very few vendors can offer the top-to-bottom performance that’s fundamental to our culture and available in the HAProxy One platform.”

    See HAProxy Technologies at KubeCon NA 2024
    HAProxy Technologies will attend KubeCon + CloudNativeCon, North America 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah to showcase its platform and latest Kubernetes capabilities. Visit the company’s booth on November 12-15 or schedule a meeting with us.

    Join the Global HAProxy Community at HAProxyConf 2025
    HAProxyConf 2025 will take the stage in San Francisco, California, from June 3 to 5, 2025. The 2+ days flagship conference for the highly active HAProxy community will be held in the Mission Bay Conference Center, hosting expert speakers from across the open source and enterprise landscape.

    HAProxy users, customers, and developers are invited to submit a talk and become a part of HAProxyConf 2025’s exciting lineup.

    Registration for HAProxyConf 2025 is coming soon.

    About HAProxy One
    HAProxy One is the world’s fastest application delivery and security platform, from the company behind HAProxy. It combines the performance, reliability, and flexibility of our open source core (HAProxy) with the capabilities of a unified enterprise platform. Its next-generation security layers are powered by threat intelligence from HAProxy Edge, enhanced by machine learning and optimized with real-world operational feedback. The platform consists of a flexible data plane (HAProxy Enterprise and HAProxy ALOHA), a scalable control plane (HAProxy Fusion), and a secure edge network (HAProxy Edge), which together enable multi-cloud load balancing as a service (LBaaS), web app and API protection, API/AI gateways, Kubernetes networking, application delivery network (ADN), and end-to-end observability.

    About HAProxy Technologies
    HAProxy Technologies is the company behind HAProxy One, the world’s fastest application delivery and security platform, and HAProxy, the most widely used software load balancer. Leading companies and cloud providers trust HAProxy to simplify, scale, and secure modern applications, APIs, and AI services in any environment. HAProxy Technologies is headquartered in Newton, MA, with multiple offices across the US and Europe. Learn more at HAProxy.com.

    For questions or comments, please contact press@haproxy.com.

    Media Contact:
    Deb Randel, VP Marketing
    HAProxy Technologies, LLC
    press@haproxy.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6eb842b3-7b37-4866-821c-faa14b2fac79

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Cielo Announces Cancellation and Rescheduling of Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. (TSXV:CMC; OTC PINK:CWSFF) (“Cielo” or the “Company”), announces today that its annual general meeting of shareholders (the “AGM”), which was originally scheduled to be held today, Tuesday, October 29th, 2024, has been cancelled and is being rescheduled to be held during the week of December 16, 2024, the final date to be set in the coming days. The Company’s Board of Directors determined that it would be in the best interest of the Company to reschedule the AGM, primarily as a result of technical difficulties. The rescheduled AGM, which was originally to be held using Microsoft Teams, will instead be held as an in-person meeting, which is anticipated to allow for greater efficiency and transparency and improved communication.

    Further details on the rescheduled AGM will be contained in a new Notice of Meeting and Management Information Circular that will be mailed to the shareholders of the Company as of the new record date and filed on SEDAR+.

    ABOUT CIELO

    Cielo is fueling renewable change with a mission to be a leader in the wood by-product-to-fuels industry by using environmentally friendly, economically sustainable and market-ready technologies. We are proud to advance our non-food derived model based on our exclusive licence in Canada for patented Enhanced Biomass to Liquids (EBTL™) and Biomass Gas to Liquids (BGTL™) technologies and related intellectual property, along with an exclusive licence in the US for creosote and treated wood waste, including abundant railway tie feedstock. We have assembled a diverse portfolio of projects across geographic regions and secured the ability to leverage the expertise of proven industry leaders. Cielo is committed to helping society ‘change the fuel, not the vehicle’, which we believe will contribute to generating positive returns for shareholders. Cielo shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “CMC,” as well as on the OTC Pink Market under the symbol “CWSFF.”

    For further information please contact:

    Cielo Investor Relations

    Ryan Jackson, CEO
    Phone: (403) 348-2972
    Email: investors@cielows.com 

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should” or similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes.

    Forward-looking statements are subject to both known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements and information are based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and are subject to certain factors and assumptions. Cielo is making forward looking statements, with respect to the AGM, including but not limited to the timing and forum.

    Investors should continue to review and consider information disseminated through news releases and filed by the Company on SEDAR+. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

    Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are described herein. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: How Copilots are helping drive innovation to achieve business results that matter

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: How Copilots are helping drive innovation to achieve business results that matter

    The pace of AI innovation today continues to be extraordinary, and at Microsoft we are focused on helping organizations embrace it. By providing our customers with the most advanced AI technology across every product we build — combined with our unparalleled partner ecosystem and co-innovation approach — we are helping them make real progress in ways that matter. I am proud to share over 100 customer stories from this quarter alone showing how we are helping customers accelerate AI Transformation — no matter where they are on their journey.

    Recently during the Microsoft AI Tour, I spoke with customers who shared ways they are adopting Copilots to empower human achievement, democratize intelligence and realize significant business value. I also discussed the concept of an AI-first business process and the differentiation you can drive when bringing together the power of Copilots and human ambition with the autonomous capabilities of an agent. I was inspired by the outcomes our customers have achieved through pragmatic innovation and the progress they are making to evolve the future of industry. I am pleased to share ten stories from the past quarter that illustrate how Copilots have yielded results for our customers, while highlighting AI Transformation experiences in their own words.

    Accenture and Avanade have a long history of helping customers implement cutting-edge solutions, with internal testing a key factor in their ability to deliver customizable Microsoft solutions with deep expertise. Putting Microsoft 365 Copilot into the hands of employees helped them realize ways to increase productivity, with 52% of employees seeing a positive impact on the quality of their work, 31% reporting less cognitive fatigue and 84% finding Copilot’s suggestions fair, respectful and non-biased. Accenture also piloted GitHub Copilot to help build better solutions faster with developers spending less time debugging, resulting in 95% of developers reporting they enjoyed coding more.

    “Using our extensive Microsoft technology expertise and practical learnings from our own experience implementing Microsoft 365 Copilot, our solutions empower clients to fully tap into Microsoft AI capabilities.”

    Veit Siegenheim, Global Future of Work Lead at Avanade

    Nigerian multinational financial services group Access Holdings Plc. serves more than 56 million customers across 18 countries. As the business grew and transitioned from a small bank to a major holding company, it adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot to address challenges in data management, meeting productivity and software development. With the integration of Copilot into daily tools, the company significantly enhanced efficiency and engagement across the business. Writing code now takes two hours instead of eight, chatbots can be launched in 10 days instead of three months and presentations can be prepared in 45 minutes instead of six hours. Copilot has also driven a 25% increase in staff engagement during meetings.

    “To inspire everyone in the organization to take advantage of AI, we knew we had to integrate AI into the tools people use every day. Microsoft 365 Copilot made the most sense and was a natural fit for us.”

    Lanre Bamisebi, Executive Director IT and Digitalization at Access Holdings, Plc.

    To improve resident services and reinvent customer engagement, the City of Burlington, Ontario, embraced AI and low-code tools to develop new online services that transform and automate internal processes. In just eight weeks, the city utilized Copilot Studio to develop and launch a custom copilot designed to help residents quickly find answers to frequently asked questions. The city also developed a portal that streamlines building permit reviews and enables customers to track the status of their own applications. As a result, the average time it takes to process a permit approval decreased from 15 weeks to 5-7 weeks, allowing more time for city employees to evaluate complex submissions.

    “Our staff and citizens do not have to worry about mundane tasks as much anymore. Now they’re able to have rich, collaborative conversations about how to creatively solve problems, making for a much more fulfilling and rewarding work and customer experience.”

    Chad MacDonald, Executive Director and Chief Information Officer at the City of Burlington

    Finastra empowers financial institutions with leading software for lending, payments, treasury, capital markets and universal banking. To transform its marketing processes, the company used Microsoft 365 Copilot to automate tasks, enhance content creation, improve analytics and personalize customer interactions. Since integrating Copilot, the team reduced time-to-market for campaigns from three months to less than one. Copilot also significantly reduced the time marketers spend generating and gathering insights from each campaign, with employees citing a 20%-50% time savings across tasks like full-funnel analysis, supply management analysis and budget management.

    “Copilot makes you more effective because you get better insights, and it makes you more efficient because you can produce results faster. It also makes work more meaningful and fun because your team can focus on what matters — strategy, creativity and everything that sets you apart from the competition.”

    Joerg Klueckmann, Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Finastra

    GoTo Group provides technology infrastructure and solutions across Indonesia. It is bending the curve on innovation by significantly enhancing productivity and code quality across its engineering teams by adopting GitHub Copilot. With real-time code suggestions, chat assistance and the ability to break down complex coding concepts, the company has saved over seven hours per week and achieved a 30% code acceptance rate within the first month. With 1,000 engineers already using GitHub Copilot, the tool allows them to innovate faster, reduce errors and focus more time on complex tasks to deliver greater value to their users.

    “GitHub Copilot has significantly reduced syntax errors and provided helpful autocomplete features, eliminating repetitive tasks and making coding more efficient. This has allowed me to focus on the more complex elements in building great software.”

    Nayana Hodi, Engineering Manager at GoTo Group

    South Africa’s Milpark Education faced operational challenges when shifting to online learning due to legacy systems slowing down student interactions and support. Through close collaboration with Enterprisecloud, Milpark migrated its back-office infrastructure to Azure within three months, replacing its legacy student admissions system with an extensible, integrated digital platform powered by technologies such as Microsoft Copilot and Copilot Studio. In just four months, the educational institution improved efficiency and accuracy of student support, decreasing the average resolution time by 50% and escalations by more than 30%.

    “Using Copilot, agents are now able to use generative AI to rapidly get up to speed on case details and respond to students using standardized templates that help them provide more personalized and professional responses. The results speak for themselves.”

    Shaun Dale, Managing Director at Enterprisecloud

    For over two decades, Teladoc Health has been offering a broad spectrum of services to patients using virtual care services — from primary care to chronic condition management. After the rapid growth of telehealth adoption post-pandemic, operational efficiency was instrumental in managing internal processes and external client interactions. By deploying Microsoft 365 Copilot and using Copilot in Power Automate, the company has reshaped business processes to help employees realize greater time savings while enhancing the client experience. The Copilots and agents helped employees save five hours per week and thousands of enterprise hours annually by eliminating mundane daily processes and fostering better cross-department communications, while also helping new employees get set up to run their workflows 20% faster.

    “Copilot is changing the way we work. It’s not just about saving time; it’s about enhancing the quality of our work, allowing us to focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional care to our members.” 

    Heather Underhill, SVP Client Experience & Operations at Teladoc Health

    International energy company Uniper adopted a single-cloud strategy with Azure as its foundation to drive rapid AI innovation. To help its employees focus on using core competencies, the company implemented Microsoft 365 Copilot to reduce time spent on manual and repetitive tasks, and help workers focus on more pressing work, such as developing enhanced solutions to speed up the energy transition. Its in-house auditors have already increased productivity by 80% by using Copilot to create plans and checklists. Uniper is also using Copilot for Security to help identify risks twice as fast and take appropriate action sooner.

    “As an operator of critical infrastructure, we have to contend with a growing number of reports of phishing and attacks by hackers. AI can help us implement a sensible way of managing the sheer number of threats.”

    Damian Bunyan, CIO at Uniper

    British telecommunications company Vodafone has transformed its workplace productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot, already seeing strong ROI from its adoption. In early trials, Copilot saved employees an average of three hours per week by using the tool to draft emails, summarize meetings and search for information. Copilot is also enriching the employee experience, with 90% of users reporting they are eager to continue using Copilot and 60% citing improved work quality. For Vodafone’s legal and compliance team, Copilot has significantly accelerated the processes of drafting new contracts, reducing the time required to complete this work by one hour. As a result of these efficiency gains, Vodafone is rolling out Copilot to 68,000 employees.

    “Our AI journey is focusing on three areas: operational efficiency inside the organization; rewiring the business to provide an enhanced customer experience; and unlocking growth opportunities through new products and services that we can create around generative AI. Copilot will help drive all three.”

    Scott Petty, Chief Technology Officer at Vodafone

    Wallenius Wilhelmsen, a global leader in roll-on/roll-off shipping and vehicle logistics, is empowering better decision-making while fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion with AI tools. After participating in an early access program, the company broadly adopted Microsoft Copilot 365 to help streamline processes, enhance data management and improve communication across its 28 countries. To help strengthen Copilot immersion and realize value faster, they introduced a seven-week Microsoft Viva campaign to teach, communicate and measure Copilot adoption. The campaign resulted in 80% of employees using Copilot, with some teams realizing time savings of at least 30 minutes per day. The company also uses Copilot Dashboard to manage usage and gather user feedback, helping demonstrate ROI and measure results outside of time savings alone.

    “Copilot changes the way we think and work while keeping us curious and open to embracing opportunities. I think that is the sort of benefit that is not so measurable, but important. So, my time management and structured approach to my everyday work life has been enhanced with Copilot and Viva.”

    Martin Hvatum, Senior Global Cash Manager at Wallenius Wilhelmsen

    I believe that no other company has a better foundation to facilitate your AI Transformation than Microsoft. As we look ahead to Microsoft Ignite, I am excited by the latest innovation we will announce as a company, and the customer and partner experiences we will share. We remain committed to driving innovation that creates value in ways that matter most to our customers, and believe we are at our best when we serve others. There has never been a better opportunity for us to accomplish our mission of empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more than now, and I look forward to the ways we will partner together to help you achieve more with AI.

    AI Customer Stories from FY25 Q1

    Accelleron: Accelleron turbocharges IT support solutions and resolution times with Power Platform

    Agnostic Intelligence: Agnostic Intelligence transforms risk management with Azure OpenAI Service, achieving up to 80% time savings

    Alaska Airlines: How Alaska Airlines uses technology to ensure its passengers have a seamless journey from ticket purchase to baggage pickup

    Allgeier: Allgeier empowers organizations to own and expand data operations

    ANZ Group: ANZ launches first-of-its-kind AI Immersion Centre in partnership with Microsoft

    Asahi Europe & International: Asahi Europe & International charts new paths in employee productivity with Microsoft Copilot

    Auburn University: Auburn University empowers thousands of students, faculty and staff to explore new ways of using AI with Microsoft Copilot

    Avanade: Avanade equips 10,000 employees with Microsoft Fabric skills to help customers become AI-driven and future-ready

    Azerbaijan Airlines: Azerbaijan Airlines expands data access to increase efficiency by 70% with Microsoft Dynamics 365

    Aztec Group: Aztec Group uses Copilot for Microsoft 365 to enhance the client experience whilst powering efficiencies

    Bader Sultan: Bader Sultan uses Microsoft Copilot to boost productivity and serve clients faster

    BaptistCare: BaptistCare supports aging Australians and tackles workforce shortages through Microsoft 365 Copilot

    Barbeque Mania!: Barbecue Mania! centralizes your data with Microsoft Azure and saves $3.5 million over 5 years

    Bank of Montreal: Bank of Montreal reduces costs by 30% with Azure

    BlackRock: How BlackRock’s ‘flight crew’ helped Copilot for Microsoft 365 take off

    Capita: Capita uses GitHub Copilot to free developers and deliver faster for customers

    Cassidy: Cassidy and Azure OpenAI Service: Making AI simple for all

    Cdiscount: Cdiscount, Azure OpenAI Service and GitHub Copilot join forces for e-commerce

    Celebal: Celebal drives custom business transformations with Microsoft Fabric

    Chalhoub Group: Chalhoub Group’s People Analytics team speeds reporting with Microsoft Fabric

    ClearBank: ClearBank processes 20 million payments a month — up from 8,000 — with platform built on Azure

    Cloud Services: Faster with Fabric: Cloud Services breaks new ground with Microsoft

    Coles Supermarkets: Coles Supermarkets embraces AI, cloud applications in 500-plus stores with Azure Stack HCI​

    Commercial Bank of Dubai: Commercial Bank of Dubai: innovating a future proof banking platform with Microsoft Azure

    CPFL: CPFL expands its data repository by 1500% with Mega Lake project on Microsoft Azure

    Cummins: Cummins uses Microsoft Purview to automate information governance more efficiently in the age of AI

    Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA): DEWA pioneers the use of Azure AI Services in delivering utility services

    Digi Rogaland: Digi Rogaland prioritizes student safety with Bouvet and Microsoft Fabric

    Eastman: Eastman catalyzes cybersecurity defenses with Copilot for Security

    E.ON: A modern workspace in transition: E.ON relies on generative AI to manage data floods with Copilot for Microsoft 365

    EPAM Systems: Efficiency inside and out: EPAM streamlines communications for teams and clients with Copilot for Microsoft 365

    EY: EY redefines sustainability performance management with Microsoft

    Fast Shop: Fast Shop consolidated its data platform on Microsoft Azure and is now ready for the era of AI

    FIDO Tech: AI tool uses sound to pinpoint leaky pipes, saving precious drinking water

    Florida Crystals Corporation: Telecom expenses for Florida Crystals dropped 78% with Teams Phone and Teams Rooms

    Four Agency: Four Agency innovates with Microsoft 365 Copilot to deliver better work faster

    Fractal: Fractal builds innovative retail and consumer goods solutions with Microsoft’s AI offerings including Azure OpenAI Service

    GE Aerospace: GE Aerospace launches company-wide generative AI platform for employees

    Georgia Tech Institute for Data Engineering and Science: Georgia Tech is accelerating the future of electric vehicles using Azure OpenAI Service

    Hitachi Solutions: Hitachi Solutions transforms internal operations with Microsoft Fabric

    IBM Consulting: How IBM Consulting drives AI-powered innovation with Fabric expertise

    iLink Digital: Transforming user-driven analytics with Microsoft Fabric

    Insight Enterprises: Insight Enterprises achieves 93% Microsoft Copilot use rate, streamlining business operations to pave the way for customer success

    Intesa Sanpaolo: Intesa Sanpaolo accrues big cybersecurity dividends with Microsoft Sentinel, Copilot for Security

    ITOCHU Corporation: ITOCHU uses Microsoft Fabric and Azure AI Studio to evolve its data analytics dashboard into a service delivering instant recommendations

    IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU): IU revolutionizes learning for its students with the AI study buddy Syntea and Azure OpenAI Service

    John Cockerill: John Cockerill engages pro developers to build enterprise-wide apps with Power Platform

    Kaya Limited: Kaya Limited elevates customer experience and operational efficiency with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power BI

    LexisNexis: LexisNexis elevates legal work with AI using Copilot for Microsoft 365

    Lionbridge: Lionbridge disrupts localization industry using Azure OpenAI Service and reduces turnaround times by up to 30%

    Lotte Hotels & Resorts: Hotelier becomes a citizen developer, building a smart work culture based on Power Platform and hyper-automated work environment

    Lumen Technologies: Microsoft and Lumen Technologies partner to power the future of AI and enable digital transformation to benefit hundreds of millions of customers

    LS ELECTRIC: LS ELECTRIC uses data to optimize power consumption with Sight Machine and Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing

    MAIRE: MAIRE, transforming the energy sector and an entire company culture with Microsoft 365 Copilot

    Mandelbulb Technologies: Early-adopter Mandelbulb Technologies finds success with Fabric

    McKnight Foundation: McKnight Foundation accelerates its mission and supports community partners with Microsoft 365 Copilot

    MISO: MISO undergoes a digital transformation with Microsoft Industry Solutions Delivery

    Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI): Recognizing the essence of AI and building the future with clients: MHI’s DI to create proprietary architecture using Azure OpenAI Service

    Molslinjen: Molslinjen develops an AI-powered dynamic pricing strategy with Azure Databricks

    National Australia Bank: National Australia Bank invests in an efficient, cloud-managed future with Windows 11 Enterprise

    Nagel-Group: Works agreements and contracts: Nagel-Group uses Azure OpenAI Service to help employees find information

    NC Fusion: Elevating experiences with AI, from productivity to personalization

    National Football League Players Association: The National Football League Players Association and Xoriant use Azure AI Services to provide protection to players across 32 teams

    Northwestern Medicine: Northwestern Medicine deploys DAX Copilot embedded in Epic within its enterprise to improve patient and physician experiences

    Oncoclínicas: Oncoclínicas creates web portal and mobile app to store clinical and medical procedures with Azure Cognitive Services

    PA Consulting: PA Consulting saves hours a week with Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Copilot for Sales

    Parexel: Parexel speeds operational insights by 70% using Microsoft Azure, accelerating data product delivery and reducing manual work

    Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC): From weeks to days, hours to seconds: PIC automates work processes to save time with Microsoft 365 Copilot

    PKSHA Technology: PKSHA leans on Copilot for Microsoft 365 as part of their team

    Planted: Planted combines economic growth and environmental sustainability — with Microsoft Azure OpenAI

    Profisee: Profisee eliminates data siloes within Microsoft Fabric

    Programa De Atención Domiciliaria: The Home Care Program in Panama helped more than 17,000 people with the power of Microsoft Power Automate

    PwC: PwC scales GenAI for enterprise with Microsoft Azure AI

    QNET: QNET increases security response efficiency 60 percent with Microsoft Security Solutions

    RTI International: Research nonprofit RTI International improves the human condition with Microsoft 365 Copilot

    Rijksmuseum: Rijksmuseum transforms how art lovers engage with the museum, with Dynamics 365

    Sandvik Coromant: Sandvik Coromant hones sales experience with Microsoft Copilot for Sales

    Share.Market: Share.Market redefines the investment experience with Microsoft Azure

    Simpson Associates: Simpson Associates spurs justice for at-risk communities with Azure AI

    Softchoice: Softchoice harnesses Microsoft Copilot and reduces content creation time by up to 70%, accelerating customer AI journeys with its experience

    Sonata Software: Sonata Software goes from early adopter to market leader with Fabric

    Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS): SWISS targets 30% cost savings, increased passenger satisfaction with Azure

    SymphonyAI: SymphonyAI is solving real problems across industries with Azure AI

    Syndigo: Syndigo accelerates digital commerce for its customers by more than 40% with Azure

    TAL: TAL and Microsoft join forces on strategic technology deal

    Tecnológico de Monterrey: Tecnológico de Monterrey university pioneers ambitious AI-powered learning ecosystem

    Telstra: Telstra and Microsoft expand strategic partnership to power Australia’s AI future

    The University of Sydney: The University of Sydney utilizes the power of Azure OpenAI to allow professors to create their own AI assistants

    Torfaen County Borough: Torfaen County Borough Council streamlines organizational support for Social Care using Copilot for Microsoft 365

    Trace3: Trace3 expands the realm of clients’ possibilities with Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Copilot

    Unilever: Unilever is reinventing the fundamentals of research and development with Azure Quantum Elements

    University of Wisconsin: Microsoft collaborates with Mass General Brigham and University of Wisconsin–Madison to further advance AI foundation models for medical imaging

    Via: Marketplace, online support, and remote work: Via embraces the digital world supported by Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 and Azure

    Virgin Atlantic: How Virgin Atlantic is flying higher with Copilot

    Virgin Money: Redi, set, go: Virgin Money delivers exceptional customer experiences with Microsoft Copilot Studio

    Visier: Visier achieves performance improvements of up to five times using Azure OpenAI Service

    World2Meet (W2M): World2Meet, the travel company providing a better customer experience and operations with a new virtual assistant powered by Microsoft Azure

    Xavier College: Xavier College begins a process of modernizing its student information systems on Dynamics 365 and AI, unlocking powerful insights

    ZEISS: More time for research: ZEISS supports businesses and researchers with ZEISS arivis Cloud based on Microsoft Azure

    ZF Friedrichshafen AG (ZF Group): ZF Group builds manufacturing efficiency with over 25,000 apps on Power Platform

    Tags: Azure, Azure AI Services, Azure Cognitive Services, Azure Databricks, Azure OpenAI Service, Azure Quantum Elements, Azure Stack HCI, Copilot, Copilot for Sales, Copilot for Security, Copilot Studio, Dax Copilot, GitHub Copilot, Microsoft 365, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft AI Tour, Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft Power Platform, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Viva, Power Automate,

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Accountability for Ottawa’s carbon tax double standard

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    [embedded content]

    Alberta’s government is standing up against the federal government’s carbon tax exemption for heating oil to protect Albertans from the double standard Ottawa has created with the carbon tax, which means Albertans continue to pay carbon taxes to stay warm in winter.

    Last fall, after years of insisting that the carbon tax is applied equally across Canada, the federal government exempted the carbon tax for heating oils, which are used predominantly in Atlantic Canada and Quebec. Over the last year, the federal government has refused multiple requests to grant a similar carve-out on other heating methods from Alberta and others across the country who are also facing rising costs of living.

    Alberta’s government will now take this fight to the courts. Alberta filed an application seeking judicial review of the exemption with the Federal Court on Oct. 29, asking the court to declare that the exemption is both unconstitutional and unlawful. The application argues that Ottawa’s carbon tax exemption for heating oil is unconstitutional and inconsistent with the Government of Canada’s stated purpose for enacting the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act.

    “Last year, Ottawa decided Canadians in the East deserved a three-year break from paying the carbon tax on their home heating costs. While we’re happy for these Canadians, Alberta, Saskatchewan and other provinces who heat their homes with natural gas have been deliberately excluded from these savings. Albertans simply cannot stand by for another winter while the federal government picks and chooses who their carbon tax applies to. Since they won’t play fair, we’re going to take the federal government back to court.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    While the Supreme Court of Canada previously found the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act was constitutional, it found that Canada’s jurisdiction to regulate greenhouse gas emissions was limited to the ability to create minimum national standards for carbon pricing for the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    Alberta strongly opposes the federal carbon tax exemption on heating oil, as the federal government is no longer creating minimum national standards that apply evenly across the country, and is instead creating a regime that favours one region and fuel type over others.

     “This exemption is not only unfair to the vast majority of Canadians, but it is also unlawful as the federal government does not have the authority to make special exemptions for certain parts of the country under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. The federal government isn’t even following its own laws now. Someone needs to hold them accountable, and Alberta is stepping up to do just that.”

    Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

    The federal carbon tax adds to the rising cost of living for all Canadians. By 2030, it will cost Canadians $25 billion every year, in addition to lowering the gross domestic product (GDP) by $9 billion. In addition, the Bank of Canada has estimated that the federal carbon tax increases inflation by 0.15 per cent year over year.

    Quick facts

    • Since Apr. 1, 2024, Albertans have been paying around 35 cents in federal taxes on every litre of fuel – along with the carbon tax, that also includes the federal excise tax and the GST.
    • The following percentage of households use home heating oil by province:
      • Forty per cent in Prince Edward Island
      • Thirty-two per cent in Nova Scotia
      • Eighteen per cent in Newfoundland and Labrador
      • Seven per cent in New Brunswick
      • Four per cent in Quebec
      • Two per cent in Ontario
      • One per cent in British Columbia
      • Less than one per cent in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba

    Related news

    • Readout: Premier meets with Prime Minister (March 13, 2024)
    • Rebranding the carbon tax won’t fix a failure: Statement (February 14, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Delivers $54.9 Million Federal Boost for Zero-Emission Ferry Project, Driving Cleaner Transit Solutions for Highlands and Central New Jersey

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    Major Investment Made Possible Through Historic Inflation Reduction Act Championed by Pallone

    Highlands, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. has announced a major win for central New Jersey with $54.9 million in federal funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Ports Program to advance zero-emission high-speed ferries through Seastreak, LLC. This award will support the deployment of zero-emission ferries and essential charging infrastructure, aimed at cutting dangerous pollution and easing travel between New Jersey and Manhattan. Pallone, who helped author the Inflation Reduction Act as the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, championed Seastreak’s proposal as a model for clean, efficient transit in coastal communities.

    “Bringing these federal dollars back to New Jersey means cleaner air, less traffic on our busiest routes, and a long-term boost for communities like Highlands,” said Pallone. “This project is about more than cutting dangerous pollution; it’s about strengthening our local economy and supporting sustainable transit solutions that benefit residents and businesses alike. Projects like this put New Jersey on the cutting edge of homegrown, clean energy.”

    Headquartered in Atlantic Highlands, Seastreak operates a vital ferry service for thousands of central New Jerseyans daily. This funding allows the company to take a critical first step in its fleet overhaul, advancing zero-emission technology and setting a national example in coastal air quality improvement. The project also includes workforce development initiatives, such as training partnerships with local schools and industry groups.

    “Seastreak is committed to being the one of the most environmentally friendly passenger ferry operators in the country,” said James D. Barker, Seastreak Vice President. “High-speed electric ferry technology is a new and quickly evolving space. With this grant, we are excited to contribute to a new frontier in maritime technology while continuing our efforts to improve air quality within the communities we serve. We’re grateful for Congressman Pallone’s work in Congress to make this project possible.”

    Additionally, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) will receive $344 million to expand zero-emission equipment across port operations. Programs like the ZE Equipment for Ports (ZEEP) Voucher Incentive Program and Green Drayage Accelerator (GDA) will help replace polluting cargo vehicles and install new charging stations to reduce harmful port emissions affecting neighboring communities.

    EPA announced the selection of 55 applicants across 27 states and territories to receive nearly $3 billion nationwide through EPA’s Clean Ports Program.

    “Our nation’s ports are critical to creating opportunity here in America, offering good-paying jobs, moving goods, and powering our economy,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s historic $3 billion investment builds on President Biden’s vision of growing our economy while ensuring America leads in globally competitive solutions of the future. Delivering cleaner technologies and resources to U.S. ports will slash harmful air and climate pollution while protecting people who work in and live nearby ports communities.”

    The EPA’s Clean Ports Program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, reduces climate pollution from our nation’s ports.  It aims to cut harmful diesel pollution, including criteria pollutants, greenhouse gases, and air toxics, both at ports and in near-port communities by funding transformative infrastructure deployment and air quality planning. The EPA will work closely with Seastreak and PANYNJ to finalize agreements, ensuring these projects fulfill their commitment to cleaner, healthier communities across the New Jersey region.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: From a scream to a whisper – ‘quiet horror’ novels are making a comeback

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nick Freeman, Reader in Late Victorian Literature, Loughborough University

    Readers need to be imaginative rather than being startled by jump scares. zef art/Shutterstock

    Ever since its inception with Horace Walpole’s novel The Castle of Otranto (1764), a delirious mixture of violent death and familial conspiracy, gothic literature has been a restless cultural form, constantly mutating and assuming new guises but always exploring the darker side of life. Sometimes, its fashions are those of the historical moment. Sometimes they are initiated by a book enjoying unprecedented commercial success.

    One of these was Thomas Harris’s The Silence of the Lambs (1988). After the film adaptation scooped five Oscars in 1991, the deviant genius became the villain of choice for gothic films and novels. For a time, the violent merging of the crime thriller with the “body horror” of 1980s cinema ensured that the genre was dominated by such characters. Usually (though not always) men with high IQs, elevated artistic taste and ingenious ways of torturing and killing their fellow human beings, Hannibal Lecter and his ilk became modern icons.

    In the wake of such influences, crime novels (and films) got bloodier and horror novels grew longer. John Connolly’s first novel, EveryDeadThing (1999), for example, spent 470 pages documenting the murderous activities of a serial killer who mutilated his victims in the style of Renaissance anatomical drawings.

    In recent years however, there has been a reaction against these excesses. So-called “quiet horror” has become increasingly popular on both sides of the Atlantic. Perhaps taking its name from a 1965 collection of short stories by Stanley Ellin, which was literally called “quiet horror”, this is a genre that prizes suspense and subtlety over graphic bodily violence.

    The novelist Selena Chambers characterises quiet horror as exploring “the unexplained, the suppressed, the supernal [otherworldly], the material, the cosmic, and the secular … everything we cannot see, or verbalise and fail to feel concretely”. As she implies, suggestion is crucial.

    Readers need to be patient and imaginative, sensitive to the nuances and implications of language and willing to respond to spooky ambiguities rather than being startled by jump scares or “gross out” imagery.

    Slasher movies usually treat their characters as no more than fodder for the next brutal killing. Quiet horror, by contrast, takes character development far more seriously and imbues its stories with greater psychological depth. This in turn can enhance readers’ involvement. Put simply, those who dislike “splatter fiction” are more likely to care what happens to a well-rounded, sympathetic character than a stereotypical US teenager about to be put under a steam hammer.

    Women and quiet horror

    Female novelists have been at the forefront of this style of writing since the Victorian period. Elizabeth Gaskell’s tales, including The Old Nurse’s Story (1852), a chilling tale of a family curse, are foundational works.

    A long line of women writers have explored how the familiar, the domestic, the marital and the homely can be imbued with subtle terrors, from loneliness and isolation to paranoia, alienation, captivity and psychological trauma.

    The haunted house does not need to contain a typical ghost. From Elizabeth Bowen’s The Demon Lover (1945) to Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House (1959), to Sarah Waters’ The Little Stranger (2009) and beyond, the complex and fraught relationships between a dwelling and its occupants have frequently engaged women writers’ imaginations.

    The continuing success of Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black (1983) in its literary, theatrical and cinematic incarnations has helped ensure that quiet horror, particularly tales which recall the golden age of the ghost story a century or so ago, are once again much in vogue. This can be seen in the bestselling novels of Michelle Paver, such as Dark Matter (2010) and in anthologies such as The Haunting Season (2021).

    At the same time, readers are increasingly rediscovering forgotten practitioners of the genre. One such figure is Elizabeth Walter (1927-2006). As a writer (and the editor of Collins Crime Club for 30 years from the mid-1960s) Walter recoiled from sadistic violence, cardboard characterisation and haphazard plotting.

    Shirley Jackson was a master of ‘quiet horror’.
    Wiki Commons, CC BY

    After five collections of stories, beginning with Snowfall and Other Chilling Events (1965), she retired from writing supernatural fiction in the mid-1970s as the traits she didn’t like were becoming dominant within Anglo-American gothic. Many of her stories are set in the border country between England and Wales and draw upon folklore and a sensitivity to landscape to create creepily unnerving works such as The Sin Eater (1967) and Telling the Bees (1975).

    I edited a collection of Walter’s writing titled Let a Sleeping Witch Lie (2024). Spanning the ten years from Snowfall to her final collection, Dead Woman and Other Haunting Experiences (1975), the stories within anticipate some elements of Phil Rickman’s Merrily Watkins novels which also involve Welsh border settings, supernatural elements, and police procedural, though they lack Rickman’s religious dimension.

    There is no sense of providence at work in Walter’s borderlands, only ancient and mysterious menace. Marriages tend to be unhappy, families harbour terrible secrets, and the old ways continue to overshadow the present. Fifty years since her final collection, Walter’s work might be more relevant than ever before.

    Quiet horror has never really been away, but it seems to finding a new audience, one which both looks to its past and relishes its present.


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

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

    – ref. From a scream to a whisper – ‘quiet horror’ novels are making a comeback – https://theconversation.com/from-a-scream-to-a-whisper-quiet-horror-novels-are-making-a-comeback-241945

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Celebrating 75 Years of USGS Science at the Idaho National Laboratory

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Established in 1949, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho Operations (DOE-ID) office oversees work at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), one of 21 DOE-operated national laboratories and technology centers. The USGS began working at what is now the INL in 1949 by monitoring the amount of groundwater that was available for the facility and determining baseline groundwater chemistry prior to the development and implementation of nuclear reactor research on site. 

    In those early days, USGS scientists travelled to the INL either from USGS headquarters in Reston, Virginia, or from the Idaho district office in Boise. In 1959, it was decided to house a permanent office at the INL in the same building as DOE’s Radiological and Environmental Sciences Laboratory. USGS staff commuted out to the INL until 1998 when project offices were established in Pocatello and Idaho Falls. 

    Our USGS mission at the INL is to maintain a comprehensive groundwater monitoring and hydrogeologic studies program to evaluate the availability and movement of water in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer to align with DOE’s strategic goal of safeguarding the environment.  

    We are also tasked with describing the processes controlling the fate of contaminants (advective transport, dispersion, adsorption, dilution, diffusion, radioactive decay, and chemical reactions), and provide independent reviews of hydrogeological data and reports submitted by DOE and its contractors to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Idaho.  

    Throughout this 75-year history, USGS scientists at the INL have been at the forefront of science development in groundwater flow modeling, geochemistry research, unsaturated zone research, and volcanic hazards assessments. The USGS INL Project Office has drilled or contracted to drill more than 300 wells, and has collected data from more than 475 sites, including 72,000 water-level measurements, 22,000 water samples, 1,500 geophysical logs from 137 sites, and 1,500 surface-water measurements. We have published our research in more than 385 scientific publications. 

    Roy Bartholomay is the director of the Idaho Water Science Center. He previously served as the chief of the Idaho National Laboratory Project Office and as the water-quality specialist and chief of the Huron Programs Office of the USGS South Dakota Water Science Center. His scientific research involves studies on groundwater geochemistry and water quality. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Connecticut Technology Council Honors 11 From UConn

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    An impressive 11 members of the University of Connecticut community were honored as part of the 19th annual Women of Innovation Awards, hosted by the Connecticut Technology Council (CTC) and held on October 22 at the Woodwinds in Branford.

    Fumiko Hoeft, Dean and Chief Administrative Officer of UConn Waterbury, speaks at the CTIC awards ceremony on Oct. 22 (Photo courtesy of J. Fiereck Photography)

    The honorees included faculty and students from four different schools and colleges across UConn Health, UConn Storrs, and UConn Waterbury.

    “I could not be more proud of the extraordinary group of UConn women who received these well-deserved honors,” says UConn President Radenka Maric. “From undergraduate students to senior faculty, they exemplify the innovative spirit and passion for discovery that make our University such a special place.

    The CTC recognizes women who have achieved remarkable success and are empowering other women and girls in scientific research, education, manufacturing, and business. Formed in 1994, the organization is the voice of all technology companies in Connecticut.

    “Since the first Women of Innovation event that I attended, I have been extremely impressed with the great contribution these outstanding women – including this 2024 WOI group – have had and continue to have on the technology ecosystem and our society,” says Giovanni Tomasi, President/Chief Technology Officer of RSL Fiber Systems and Board Chair of CTC.

    All honorees are currently working or studying in Connecticut, demonstrating strong leadership abilities, and have served as a mentor – either short or long-term, peer, career or life mentor.

    The following are the UConn honorees from the event with the category that they were recognized in.

    (Photo courtesy of J. Fiereck Photography)

    Research Innovation and Leadership

    Xiuling Lu , Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy

    Zongjie Wang , Associate Director, Eversource Energy Center/Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

    Yanjiao Zhou, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, UConn Health

    Community Innovation and Leadership

    Jennifer Pascal, Associate Professor in Residence and Associate Department Head, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

    Academic Innovation and Leadership

    Sama Abdulmalik, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, UConn Health

    Caroline Dealy, Associate Professor, Departments of Orthodontics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Dental Medicine; and Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Cell Biology, School of Medicine.

    Fumiko Hoeft, Campus Dean and Chief Administrative Officer, UConn Waterbury

    Jasna Jankovic, Associate Professor, Materials Science and Engineering Department, College of Engineering

    Collegian Innovation and Leadership

    Patricia Hare, DMD-Ph.D. Candidate, School of Dental Medicine

    Tvesha Parikh, Ph.D. Graduate Student, Biomedical Sciences, UConn Health

    Laxmi Vobbineni, Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Engineering major

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Tenth Annual Richard Goode Lecture: International Lending in War and Peace

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    The International Monetary Fund will hold its tenth annual Richard Goode Lecture on November 5, 2024. The Richard Goode Lecture is an annual event hosted by the Fiscal Affairs Department for top academics to present their cutting-edge research on topical policy issues before a broad audience of policymakers, thinktanks, and staff of international organizations.

    The theme of this year’s seminar is “International Lending in War and Peace” presented by Professor Christoph Trebesch. The lecture will present some key trends in international capital flows across 200 years, focusing on turbulent episodes during war and peace. It will illustrate the crucial role of official finance in helping avert military defeat or financial collapse.

    Professor Trebesch is a professor at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy and the University of Kiel. His research focuses on international finance and macroeconomics as well as political economy and geopolitics. His research has been published in leading economic journals such as the American Economic Review, the Quarterly Journal of Economics, and the Journal of Political Economy and is regularly cited in international media, including The New York Times, the Financial Times, and the Wall Street Journal. He directs the CEPR Policy Network on “International Lending and Sovereign Debt” and co-directs the CEPR Network on “Geoeconomics,” for which he organizes an annual high-level conference on geopolitics and economics. He is also the creator of the widely referenced “Ukraine Support Tracker” on military and financial aid flows to Ukraine. In 2023, he was awarded an ERC Consolidator Grant, one of the most prestigious research recognitions in Europe.

    *Light refreshments will be served.

    Questions for the speaker can be sent before the event to FADRG@imf.org

    Agenda

    10:02 AM – 10:05 AM Welcoming remarks by Vitor Gaspar, Director, Fiscal Affairs Department
    10:05 AM – 10:50 AM Presentation by Professor Christoph Trebesch
    10:50 AM – 11:05 AM Conversation between Vitor Gaspar and Christoph Trebesch
    11:05 AM – 11:25 AM Audience Q&A

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Helps U.S. Fish and Wildlife Spawn Lake Trout at White River National Fish Hatchery 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    BETHEL, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, joined representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to tour the White River National Fish Hatchery (NFH) and discuss the importance of the hatchery’s collaborative efforts to conserve and protect Vermont’s fish, ecosystem, and wildlife. At the event, Senator Welch also helped the USFWS spawn lake trout. 
    “The White River National Fish Hatchery plays a vital role in repopulating fish populations and protecting them from invasive species in Vermont, across the U.S. and around the world. I’m incredibly grateful to those who worked so hard to rebuild this facility after Tropical Storm Irene and will continue to do what I can in Washington to support the hatchery,” said Senator Welch. 
    The White River National Fish Hatchery facilitates collaboration between the states of Vermont, New York, and the province of Quebec through the Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative, as well as with other conservation organizations, to address the challenges overfishing, agricultural runoff, development, and dams pose to fish who need to migrate to naturally spawn. 
    Following extensive damage from Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011, the hatchery was decommissioned for 5 years. Since reopening in 2016, the hatchery has renewed its work to raise landlocked Atlantic salmon and lake trout to support restoration efforts in Lake Champlain and the Great Lakes.  
    View photos from the event below: 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Van Drew Calls on NJBPU to Follow the Lead of Other State Utility Commissions Dealing with Energy Companies Overcharging Consumers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ02)

    Washington, DC –Today, Congressman Van Drew sent a letter to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) urging an immediate review of Atlantic City Electric’s (ACE) recent rate hikes. This call for action comes on the heels of reports from Maine, where the Maine Public Utilities Commission ordered Electricity Maine to refund $6 million to customers after discovering that the company had unfairly overcharged them.

    “We can learn from what is happening in Maine,” said Congressman Van Drew. “It only took 125 phone calls for agencies in Maine to take action. South Jerseyans have been reaching out by the thousands, so it is time for a review of ACE’s practices. Since the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has not acted, we are moving forward with requesting a federal investigation through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), with a meeting with them scheduled in the coming weeks. While we are frustrated with the slow pace of this process, I will not stop until residents receive the relief they deserve.”

    Click here to view the letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Van Drew to Meet with ACE to Demand a Clear Action Plan for Relief for Residents

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ02)

    Washington, DC –Today, Congressman Van Drew sent a letter to Atlantic City Electric (ACE) ahead of their upcoming meeting to discuss the ongoing issue of skyrocketing electricity bills for South Jersey residents.

    “We are looking forward to a productive meeting with ACE and expect to leave with clear answers and a solid action plan to support the thousands of residents whose bills are obviously incorrect,” said Congressman Van Drew. “We are beyond the point of accepting excuses or vague reassurances from them. In the meantime, we have engaged in meaningful conversations with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) about a federal investigation and will continue to pursue this until ACE presents and implements real solutions to bring relief to our constituents.”

    Click here to read the full letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ACP Statement on Gulf of Maine Lease Sale

    Source: American Clean Power Association (ACP)

    Headline: ACP Statement on Gulf of Maine Lease Sale

    Lease sale generated $21.9 million for the U.S. Treasury 
    ATLANTIC CITY, NJ, October 29, 2024 – The American Clean Power Association (ACP) released the following statement from Anne Reynolds, ACP Vice President for Offshore Wind after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) concluded a successful lease sale for the development of floating offshore wind farms in the Gulf of Maine. Four lease areas offshore Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, were sold in today’s auction facilitated by BOEM, generating $21.9 million in revenue for the U.S. Treasury. The provisional winners were Avangrid with two leases and Invenergy NE Offshore Wind LLC, a subsidiary of Invenergy, with two leases. Once fully developed, these projects are expected to generate enough energy to power over 2.3 million homes:
    “American Clean Power commends the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management for conducting this wind energy lease sale in the Gulf of Maine, marking the first opportunity for deploying floating wind technology on the East Coast.
    “Governor Janet Mills and Maine’s proactive approach to floating offshore wind technology deserves recognition. Today’s lease sale, along with Maine’s procurement planning, is a significant step toward achieving the state’s three-gigawatt offshore wind goal.
    “As New England continues to use more and more electricity, this growing power demand can be met with clean, pollution-free offshore wind generation. Development in the Gulf of Maine will not only generate needed electricity but create jobs and investment for New England.
    “With today’s lease sale building on earlier deepwater auctions on the West Coast, the United States is truly on track to become a global leader in floating offshore wind technology.”
    Additional Background:    
    Offshore wind will play an important role in achieving Maine’s target of generating 100 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2040, and Massachusetts plans to procure 5.6 GW of offshore wind energy by 2027. 
    BOEM’s lease sale follows extensive environmental analysis and thorough public engagement resulting in incorporation of feedback from a variety of stakeholders. The commercial lease gives the awardee the exclusive right to propose a project in the area and obtain federal review of its proposal. BOEM plans to continue growing the offshore wind sector by facilitating up to 12 offshore wind energy lease sales through 2028, including a second sale in the Gulf of Maine. 
    Most of the world’s usable offshore wind resources exist at depths greater than 60 meters, which according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the limit where fixed-bottom support structures can be placed – instead, floating substructures are needed.  
    There are strong economic incentives to develop floating wind technology that can make capturing these resources cost competitive.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What the Menendez brothers’ case tells us about the moral paradox of true crime

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Michael Arntfield, Associate Professor of Criminology & English Literature, Western University

    Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has recommended that a judge resentence Lyle and Erik Menendez almost three decades after the brothers were sentenced to life without parole for murdering their parents.

    The brothers were convicted in 1996 of first-degree murder for the 1989 killings of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. If a judge approves the recommendation, it would make them eligible for immediate parole. Gascón said he believed the brothers have “paid their debt to society.” If a parole board agrees, they could soon be released from prison.

    These extraordinary developments come in the wake of two true crime productions on Netflix: the scripted limited series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, and the documentary, The Menendez Brothers. Both revivify the defence strategy used in the brothers’ 1994 and 1996 trials that they murdered their parents as a form of self-defence following years of alleged sexual abuse by their father.

    In these two productions, we see the moral conundrum of so-called “true crime” on full display. That is, whose definition of “true” should viewers rely on when assessing the veracity of a narrative?

    More often than not, there are two kinds of truth. There’s what really happened, and the narrative of what happened. This is a reality that I’ve noted as a criminologist and forensic historian and a police detective before that.

    As a form of historical revisionism, true crime has shown both the willingness and ability to change official narratives, for better or worse.

    In a press conference, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón outlined the reasons he is recommending the Menendez brothers be resentenced.

    True crime and the Menendez case

    The true crime genre has taken off in recent decades, with countless podcasts, documentaries and TV series produced recounting gruesome and often unsolved murders. The genre has garnered criticism for focusing on, and sometimes, exploiting the real suffering of victims and their families.

    The 2022 season of the Netflix Monster series, which told the story of Milwaukee serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, was widely derided as being exploitative and mired in controversy.



    Read more:
    ‘They’re making money off tragedy’ – Netflix’s Dahmer series shows the dangers of fictionalising real horrors

    However, the second instalment, focusing on the Menendez brothers, has become an overnight cause celebre and a bandwagon clarion call to have the evidence in the case reviewed and the brothers’ life sentence reconsidered, if not jettisoned altogether.

    The productions have renewed interest in this infamous case for those old enough to remember while, at the same time, introducing a new generation to the sordid details of the proceedings.

    These details include, most notably, the controversial and ultimately failed defence strategy of depicting the murders as a form of self-defence following years of alleged sexual abuse the boys endured at the hands of their father, patriarchal record mogul Jose Menendez.

    Following mistrials for both brothers in 1994, Lyle and Erik were convicted of the murders in 1996 and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

    A trailer for the Netflix true crime documentary ‘The Menendez Brothers.’

    But now, in the wake of these same series and Gascón’s announcement, the case has been re-opened. “Significant new evidence” has been cited in the form of a potential additional victim of abuse by Jose Menendez. In addition, a letter from Erik to a cousin about the alleged sexual abuse of his father has been disclosed lending credence to the original defence position.

    We might wonder if this evidence would have merited such attention, and the district attorney’s intervention, were it not for the cultural influence of the Netflix productions.

    What we can say for certain is that this is not the first instance of true crime directly influencing the criminal justice system. HBO’s Paradise Lost trilogy of documentaries, along with the 2012 film West of Memphis, are generally credited with enabling the release of the wrongfully convicted West Memphis Three.

    The first season of the Serial podcast in 2014 also led to the 2022 release of Adnan Syed after serving 20 years in prison for the 1999 murder of his girlfriend Hae Min Lee. That same conviction was reinstated in 2023 as part of an ongoing saga driven by intense public interest.

    That interest is what differentiates the current iteration of true crime from its antecedents: it aims to transcend passive viewers and listeners to promote direct action, advocacy and public participation.

    The four waves of true crime

    While the term “true crime” may be comparatively new, as a cultural phenomenon it certainly is not. The Mystery Writers of America has issued awards for Best Fact Crime books since 1948. True crime in one form or another has arguably existed since the 1850s and was pioneered by Charles Dickens.

    Yet it is still unclear what societal forces drive this trendy, cyclical interest in semi-true retellings or thinly fictionalized treatments of criminality. However, in my book, How to Solve a Cold Case…And Everything Else You Wanted to Know About Catching Killers, I argue that, true crime as we now know it can be delineated into four distinct eras, or waves:

    The First Wave, circa 1850-1890, was purely literary. Key works included the likes of On Duty With Inspector Field by Charles Dickens and the Illustrated Police News.

    The Second Wave, between 1965-1975, was also primarily literary. Its most notable works included Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood and Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi, who prosecuted serial killer Charles Manson.

    In the third wave in the 1980s, true crime stories started to become multimedia, with Ann Rule’s book The Stranger Beside Me about serial killer Ted Bundy, and the semi-interactive NBC docuseries Unsolved Mysteries.

    A trailer for the Netflix show ‘MONSTERS: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.’

    The fourth and current wave began in 2010. The hallmarks of this wave are unfolding before us in the Menendez case. The current wave is immersive, participatory and accessible. Amateur sleuths, advocates, pundits and activists proliferate with each new feature. Podcasts beget further podcasts.

    Viewers and listeners are also keenly self-aware and facetiously self-deprecating. True crime is consistently discussed in the context of — and perhaps even designed to promote — what can only be characterized immoderate consumption. Some true crime fans are, for instance, self-described “junkies” and “addicts” who “binge” content. And yet, depending on the case, these same “junkies” are newly empowered and qualified to demand action.

    The legal and ethical questions that arise are what cases make their way into this ecosystem and whose story are they to tell? How is a series on Dahmer a bridge too far when, two years later, another same series created by the same producers can alter the course of California legal history?

    These are, of course, unanswerable questions. In the meantime, however, the Menendez brothers’ saga is a cautionary tale about how the invisible hand of the true crime market will select certain crimes over others — and prioritize certain victims and offenders alike over other — based on criteria we still don’t fully understand.

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

    – ref. What the Menendez brothers’ case tells us about the moral paradox of true crime – https://theconversation.com/what-the-menendez-brothers-case-tells-us-about-the-moral-paradox-of-true-crime-242199

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Medicare for Physicians and Patients

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla)

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement after introducing the bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, to support physicians and protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries. 

    “America’s physicians are at a breaking point and access to high-quality, affordable care is at risk for millions of Medicare patients,”said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. “When a physician sees a Medicare patient, they do so out of the goodness of their heart, not because it makes financial sense. Medical inflation is much higher and the cost of seeing patients continues to rise. Unfortunately, reimbursements continue to decline, putting immense pressure on doctors to retire, close their practices, forgo seeing new Medicare patients, or seek a less efficient employment position. This bipartisan legislation would stop yet another year of reimbursement cuts, give them a slight inflationary adjustment, and protect Medicare for physicians and patients alike.”

    “Medicare payments to physicians are just not keeping pace with our economic realities and the cost of care,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta. “Our bipartisan legislation would not only prevent harmful cuts but also would adjust provider reimbursements for inflation.  Such a law would expand seniors’ access to quality healthcare by helping medical providers continue their care for Medicare beneficiaries.”

    “Access to quality healthcare is a something every senior deserves, but declining Medicare reimbursement is putting that access at risk,” said Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks. “The bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act is crucial to reversing the damaging trend of cuts that threaten our healthcare providers, especially in underserved communities. We must act now to prevent further burnout and consolidation in our system, ensuring that every Medicare beneficiary receives the care they need and deserve.”

    “Having an outdated Medicare reimbursement rate for physicians makes it harder for healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care, putting patients at risk,” said Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. “Physicians, unlike the rest of the players in health care, have never received an inflationary update and consistently received cuts. This bill ensures a more stable Medicare payment system, allowing providers to focus on delivering care rather than worrying about losing their practice. With this bipartisan effort, we are working toward a system that supports both patients and doctors.”

    “All patients deserve timely access to healthcare from quality physicians in their communities,” said Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. “Inadequate Medicare reimbursement threatens that access. I have long fought to correct the current trend of cutting reimbursement levels year after year, and I am proud to join my bipartisan colleagues to introduce the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act. The current path toward further consolidation, physician burnout, and closure of medical practices must be corrected.”

    “Over the past 22 years, adjusting for inflation, physicians have essentially taken a 26% pay cut from Medicare,” said Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. “Their reimbursement has been flat or declining, while overhead costs have increased by about 47%: rent, labor, equipment, and insurance. I cannot think of another profession whose compensation has dropped by 26% over 2 decades. Physicians have been holding their breath, year after year, hoping that Congress will act to avert these devastating decreases in reimbursement. Without adequate reimbursement, solo and small practice physicians—most often in rural or underserved areas—are already closing their doors.  It’s up to Congress to ensure that physicians are fairly compensated and can continue to practice, so that all Medicare patients have access to high-quality, affordable care, and I am proud to co-sponsor legislation that will achieve just that.”

    “As a physician, I recognize that year after year cuts to Medicare reimbursement jeopardizes access to care for our nation’s seniors,” said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. “We must work in Congress to create a more sustainable long-term solution to ensure that Medicare patients continue to receive the high-quality affordable care that they deserve. While we continue this important work, I am proud to co-lead the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, in order to protect access for Medicare beneficiaries and support Medicare physicians in the face of these proposed cuts.”

    “As an emergency medicine physician, I know how important it is for families and individuals I serve to have access to the necessary health care services they rely on,” said Congressman Raul Ruiz M.D. “I am deeply concerned about the impact the outdated Medicare reimbursement rate has on health care access for my constituents. That is why I am co-leading the ‘Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act’ that will move us away from a system where every year seniors’ access to essential care is threatened due to potential cuts.”

    Background
    In July 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a rule that would decrease Medicare reimbursement for physician services by 2.8% beginning on January 1, 2025. Compounded with CMS’ own estimates of a projected 3.6% increase in practice cost expenses for next year, physicians will be faced with an 6.4% cut unless Congress acts.

    According to the American Medical Association, when adjusted for inflation, Medicare reimbursement for physician services has declined 29% from 2001 to 2024. 

    Medicare reimbursement cuts for physicians have significant ripple effects across our health care system, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

    The decline in reimbursement rates, while wages and operational costs continue to rise, is forcing many physician practices to consider layoffs, reduced services, or office closure.

    At a time when we’re facing a physician shortage and a historic number of doctors are nearing retirement age, these cuts risk accelerating physician burnout and reducing access to care for Medicare patients.

    Supporting Organizations
    Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, ADVION (formerly National Association for the Support of Long Term Care), Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy, Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation, Alliance of Specialty Medicine, Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders, Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, American Academy of Audiology, American Academy of Dermatology Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Pain Medicine, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Chiropractic Association, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, American College of Cardiology, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Mohs Surgery, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Internists, American College of Physicians, American College of Radiation Oncology, American College of Radiology, American College of Rheumatology, American College of Surgeons, American Gastroenterological Association, American Geriatrics Society, American Glaucoma Society, American Health Care Association, American Medical Association, American Medical Group Association, American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association, American Medical Women’s Association, American Occupational Therapy Association, American Optometric Association, American Osteopathic Association, American Physical Therapy Association, American Physical Therapy Association – Private Practice Section, American Podiatric Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association Services, American Society for Clinical Pathology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Society for Radiation Oncology, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, American Society of Dermatopathology, American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Hand Therapists, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Retina Specialists, American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, American Urogynecologic Society, American Urological Association, Association for Clinical Oncology , Association of American Medical Colleges, Association of Clinicians for the Underserved, Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, Association of Women in Rheumatology, Brain Injury Association of America, California Medical Association, CardioVascular Coalition, Clinical Social Work Association, Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations, College of American Pathologists, Community Oncology Alliance (COA), Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Dialysis Vascular Access Coalition, Digestive Health Physicians Association, Digestive Health Physicians Association, Emergency Department Practice Management Association, Endocrine Society, Federation of American Hospitals, Free2care, Healthcare Business Management Association, Heart Failure Society of America, Heart Rhythm Society, Indiana Associations Pathologists, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Infusion Providers Alliance, LUGPA, Massachusetts Medical Society, Medical Group Management Association, National Association of ACOs, National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies, National Association of Spine Specialists, National Infusion Center Association, National Rural Health Association, North Carolina Rheumatology Association, Office-Based Facility Organization, Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society, Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc., Physician-Led Healthcare for America, Physicians Advocacy Institute, Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association, Practicing Physicians of America, Renal Physicians Association, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society for Vascular Surgery, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Society of General Internal Medicine, Society of Gynecologic Oncology, Society of Hospital Medicine, Society of Interventional Radiology, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Texas Medical Association, and the US Oncology Network.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of White  House Discussion on AI and Advanced Software Solutions to Accelerate Clean Energy Grid  Integration

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Today, the White House Task Force on AI Datacenter Infrastructure convened experts from power companies, grid operators, software companies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to explore how advanced computing and software solutions, including artificial intelligence (AI), can accelerate grid integration of clean energy. Maintaining U.S. leadership of AI globally is a national security and an economic imperative. That is why the Biden-Harris Administration is focused on maintaining the strongest AI ecosystem in the world here in the United States and ensuring AI datacenters run on clean energy and without raising costs for American consumers. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy John Podesta, and National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi encouraged participants to invest in innovative solutions that further accelerate deployment and ensure we reliably meet our energy needs, keep electricity costs low, and achieve U.S. climate targets.
    Participants discussed efforts underway to get more sources of supply on the grid by addressing the backlog of projects to power the grid currently waiting in “interconnection queues,” situations where additional computing solutions can make the biggest difference, and strategies on how to pursue those opportunities.
    Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Willie Phillips joined the convening and explained how stakeholders would benefit from the Commission’s July 2023 rule on interconnecting new generation resources.
    The Department of Energy (DOE) announced a forthcoming new program that will use AI to help clean energy project developers submit applications that grid operators can evaluate more quickly. DOE also highlighted an investment announced earlier this month to help transmission owners and grid operators replace fragmented data management systems with a standardized, cloud-based software solution that supports a faster interconnection process.
    Moreover, participants discussed DOE initiatives unveiled earlier this year as part of its novel Interconnection Innovative e-Xchange, or i2X, program, highlighting roadmaps with recommended solutions to implement a simpler, faster, and fairer interconnection process and opportunities for stakeholders to get involved.
    The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda has accelerated hundreds of billions of dollars of investments in clean electricity generation across the country and enabled historic actions to get energy projects funded, permitted, and deployed across the country – fueling over 250,000 new, good-paying energy jobs in 2023, which are growing at twice the rate of the rest of the economy. Applications for nearly 2,600 gigawatts of generation and battery storage capacity – twice current U.S. generation capacity – are waiting in interconnection queues to be connected to the grid. Accelerating the process by which grid operators study, determine, and approve needed grid upgrades to interconnect projects will enable clean energy to come online faster – energy America needs to fuel our economic growth, from our expanding manufacturing sector to datacenters that ensure U.S. leadership in AI to electric vehicles and more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: AIIB Commits EUR75 Million to Support ENGIE’s Global Renewable Energy Expansion, Decarbonization

    Source: Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank

    The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has committed EUR75 million to a EUR500 million sustainability-linked green loan facility to support ENGIE’s global renewable energy portfolio expansion and decarbonization efforts.

    The ENGIE Sustainability Linked Green Loan Project has been co-financed with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Société de Promotion et de Participation pour la Coopération Economique (Proparco). This is AIIB’s second engagement with ENGIE, one of the world’s largest multinational electric utilities and independent power producers, following the financing of the 400MW Gujarat Solar Project earlier this year.

    AIIB joins IFC and Proparco to provide a green sustainability-linked loan facility to support the expansion of the group’s clean energy assets in Poland and South Africa, both AIIB members. Proceeds will finance the acquisition, development and construction of over 550MW of installed capacity. In line with sustainability-linked principles, remuneration of the loan will be linked to ENGIE’s global performance in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy expansion and occupational health and safety.

    “This project reinforces AIIB’s global mandate, strong partnership and innovative focus on climate finance,” said Najeeb Haider, AIIB Director General, Project and Corporate Finance Clients, Global. “With its agility and international presence in strategic markets, AIIB is uniquely placed to support multinational energy groups like ENGIE to advance the energy transition in Asia and beyond with their investments. We congratulate ENGIE and our cofinancing partners on their respective achievements.”

    Through the loan, AIIB is supporting its members by leveraging ENGIE’s global leadership in green energy and climate transition. ENGIE aims to invest EUR22-25 billion in renewable energy and low-carbon energy solutions between 2023 and 2025. The projects are aligned with AIIB’s Energy Sector Strategy, which directs the Bank to support traditional energy conglomerates and state-owned enterprises as they shift their corporate strategies and business modalities to redirect investments toward the energy transition.

    “To accelerate the energy transition, considerable resources and efforts are needed from many stakeholders,” said Jean-Marc Turchini, Group Head of Corporate Finance at ENGIE. “Our partnership with AIIB is certainly a meaningful contribution and we feel grateful for what they achieved with this financing. We are also proud to highlight the innovative structure of this most recent corporate loan, which includes climate-related targets for scope 3 emissions and a health and safety performance indicator that covers ENGIE employees and subcontractors on all sites, reflecting ENGIE’s sustainability and social ambitions.”

    About AIIB

    The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow in Asia and beyond – infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in 2016 and have since grown to 110 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and AAA-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients’ needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: ​Shanghai Disneyland offers spooky fun during Halloween

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Shanghai Disney Resort’s Halloween Spook-tacular is now in full swing, transforming the theme park into a haunting wonderland.

    Classic Disney characters pose at Shanghai Disneyland, donning their Halloween costumes. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

    At the world’s first Zootopia-themed land, which opened last year, visitors can enjoy the first Zootopia “Howl-o-ween” celebration, featuring wolf-howling sessions and the lively “Howl-o-ween Party Time.” Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite plush toys to dance along to high-energy music spun by a DJ, creating a festive atmosphere.

    Halloween celebrations extend throughout the park, with the main activities having run last weekend (Oct. 25-26) and continuing this Thursday through Saturday (Oct. 31-Nov. 2). These dates give visitors more opportunities to participate in costume events across the park’s designated party zones.

    Guests jam to music with their plush toys at “Howl-o-ween Party Time” in the Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disneyland. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

    The Halloween parade “Donald’s Halloween Treat Cavalcade” marches through the park twice daily, featuring Donald Duck and other Disney characters in special Halloween costumes. Guests can also meet Disney villains at various locations throughout the park, including several new character greeting spots.

    At the Pepsi E-Stage in Tomorrowland, visitors can enjoy “The Villains Club” show featuring music, dancers and special appearances by Cruella de Vil and Gaston. Meanwhile, from Oct. 11 to Nov. 7, the “Coco”-themed area in Adventure Isle returns, inviting guests to sing along with Miguel from the Pixar film. Traditional favorites like “Treasure Cove Ghost Pirates: ‘A Trial of Darkness’” continue alongside new additions to the “Villain Balcony Walk,” featuring Dr. Facilier, Lady Tremaine and her daughters.

    A photo captures “Donald’s Halloween Treat Cavalcade” at night in Shanghai Disneyland. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

    The park’s regular evening fireworks spectacular, “Illuminate! A Nighttime Celebration,” is followed by a special Halloween transformation of the Disney castle. By utilizing projection technology, the castle transforms into a Halloween spectacle featuring a stunning display of Disney villains.

    Despite rain during the opening weekend on Oct. 25-26, costumed guests filled the park. Attendance is expected to increase Oct. 31-Nov. 2 with better weather conditions forecasted.

    Halloween-themed installations and decorations appear throughout Shanghai Disneyland. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

    During the festive season, the resort is offering Halloween-themed toys, merchandise, and devilishly delicious food and drinks.

    The excitement continues in Disneytown with classic experiences such as listening to the spellbinding tales from Lost Souls performers, greeting the roguish Magic Mirror installation, enjoying The Ghost Band’s bewitching music, and joining the “Frightfully Fun Dance Party.”

    For extra spooky fun, children can get their faces painted during the Disneytown Halloween Tour — just in time for the Trick-or-Treat Parade — or explore the Halloween Market for tempting snacks and goods.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Equinor ASA: Share buy-back

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Please see below information about transactions made under the fourth tranche of the 2024 share buy-back programme for Equinor ASA (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR, CEUX:EQNRO, TQEX:EQNRO).

    Date on which the fourth tranche of the 2024 programme was announced: 24 October 2024.

    The duration of the fourth tranche of the 2024 programme: 25 October to no later than 31 January 2025.

    Further information on the tranche can be found in the stock market announcement on its commencement dated 24 October 2024, available here: https://newsweb.oslobors.no/message/630240

    On 25 October 2024 Equinor ASA has purchased a total of 400,000 own shares at an average price of NOK 278.5692 per share.

    Overview of transactions:

    Date Trading venue Aggregated daily volume (number of shares) Weighted average share price (NOK) Total transaction value (NOK)
    25 October OSE 400,000 278.5692 111,427,680.00
      CEUX      
      TQEX      
             
    Total for the period OSE 400,000 278.5692 111,427,680.00
      CEUX      
      TQEX      
             
    Previously disclosed buy-backs under the fourth tranche of the 2024 programme OSE      
    CEUX      
    TQEX      
    Total      
             
    Total buy-backs under fourth tranche of the 2024 programme (accumulated) OSE 400,000 278.5692 111,427,680.00
    CEUX      
    TQEX      
    Total 400,000 278.5692 111,427,680.00

     
    Following the completion of the above transactions, Equinor ASA owns a total of 48,006,940 own shares, corresponding to 1.72% of Equinor ASA’s share capital, including shares under Equinor’s share savings programme (excluding shares under Equinor’s share savings programme, Equinor owns a total of 39,531,815 own shares, corresponding to 1.42% of the share capital).

    This is information that Equinor ASA is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and that is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Appendix:
    A overview of all transactions made under the buy-back tranche that have been carried out during the above-mentioned time period is attached to this report and available at www.newsweb.no.

    Contact details:

    Investor relations
    Bård Glad Pedersen, senior vice president Investor Relations,
    +47 918 01 791

    Media
    Sissel Rinde, vice president Media Relations,
    +47 412 60 584

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Webcast details for Orrön Energy’s Q3 presentation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Orrön Energy AB (“Orrön Energy”) will publish its financial report for the third quarter 2024 on Wednesday, 6 November 2024 at 07:30 CET, followed by a webcast at 14.00 CET.

    Listen to Daniel Fitzgerald, CEO and Espen Hennie, CFO commenting on the report and describing the latest developments in Orrön Energy at a webcast on 6 November 2024 at 14:00 CET, followed by a question-and-answer session.

    Registration for the webcast presentation is available on the website and the below link:
    https://vimeo.com/event/4678321/54544efc16

    For further information, please contact:

    Robert Eriksson
    Director Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations
    Tel: +46 701 11 26 15
    robert.eriksson@orron.com

    Jenny Sandström
    Communications Lead
    Tel: +41 79 431 63 68
    jenny.sandstrom@orron.com

    Orrön Energy is an independent, publicly listed (Nasdaq Stockholm: “ORRON”) renewable energy company within the Lundin Group of Companies. Orrön Energy’s core portfolio consists of high quality, cash flow generating assets in the Nordics, coupled with greenfield growth opportunities in the Nordics, the UK, Germany and France. With significant financial capacity to fund further growth and acquisitions, and backed by a major shareholder, management and Board with a proven track record of investing into, leading and growing highly successful businesses, Orrön Energy is in a unique position to create shareholder value through the energy transition.

    Forward-looking statements
    Statements in this press release relating to any future status or circumstances, including statements regarding future performance, growth and other trend projections, are forward-looking statements. These statements may generally, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek”, “will”, “would” or similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that could occur in the future. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements due to several factors, many of which are outside the company’s control. Any forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date on which the statements are made and the company has no obligation (and undertakes no obligation) to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Law reform in the age of AI

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    *Check against delivery*

    Acknowledgments omitted

    Welcome to my hometown.

    I grew up right here in Fremantle. My primary school is around the corner on Henry Street. My childhood home on the same road as Fremantle Prison, a building now on the World Heritage List. Back then, home to 337 of Western Australia’s prisoners.

    I enjoyed the freedom of a social media free childhood. The only technology that terrified me was the Swan Blimp, roaring in the skies above Esplanade Park, while Fremantle boomed with the America’s Cup. So technology can scare us, but also enable us to achieve greatness.

    I now live in North Perth. The Australia II still lives in Fremantle at the Maritime Museum. It was first launched in 1982, a year away from its history-making America’s Cup win. With a winged keel and the 1980s best 3D design.

    As the TELEX message that was sent amongst the designers said:

    “ABOUT TO TAKE YACHT DESIGN INTO THE SPACE AGE. 
    DARTH VADER LOOKS GOOD IN COMPUTER IN 3 DIMENSION WILL TEST ON WEDNESDAY 10th JUNE, BEN SKYWALKER”

    That was designer Ben Lexcen’s cryptic Telex message of May 1981. The Australia II team did enter the yacht race space age. And far away down in Hobart, an eccentric politician made a bold prediction.

    Barry Jones had just published a book, called ‘Sleepers, Wake!’ exploring the potential impacts of the ICT Revolution on society. The book suggested that technological innovation would be a major component of economic growth, that the increased accessibility of information would transform our lives in almost every conceivable way. The book was ridiculed by some and its claims were regarded by many as wildly exaggerated.

    Barry Jones delivered his famous prediction in a speech to a public meeting in Hobart. He predicted that by the year 2000 there would be more computers in Tasmania than cars. This prediction was considered laughable. The Mercury newspaper suggested he had lost his grip on reality. But he was right.

    Many of us start our days by turning off the alarm blaring out of our small handheld smartphone computers. We get up and dressed and put on our smart watches. We get into our car and use our GPS systems to get to work, where we log on to our work computers for a long day ahead before we can watch some TV on our smart TVs at home.

    Few in 1982 would have had the foresight to make this prediction, and few had the foresight to take it seriously.

    So, what technological advancements are we in danger of overlooking in 2024? The obvious answer is of course Artificial Intelligence.

    The age of AI

    The age of AI is now here. AI is no longer the stuff of science fiction, it is here and it is already embedding itself into our daily lives. The names are cute. Inoffensive. Co-pilot. Chat GPT. Gemini. Cyber Dynamics Model 101.

    Well, that last one is the official name of The Terminator, but I am sure the others are harmless. Australians are already using AI in the workplace. Teachers are now providing students with personalised AI chatbots to help provide additional tutoring to students needing support. AI is assisting medical doctors to scan vast data sets and gather medical insights that were previously not possible. In the public sector, the Australian Government recently conducted a six-month trial of Co-pilot for Microsoft 365. And of course, AI is also impacting the legal sector.

    Recent surveys suggest that a majority of lawyers are already using AI in their work. They are also optimistic for the potential for AI to bring significant innovation to the sector. AI tools are being developed to assist lawyers with document review, legal research and more. Most of us wish we had time to be an incredible professional, as well as an accomplished artist, writer and musician.

    Generative AI is that best version of our imagined selves. Producing music, art and video that has already won artistic competitions when submitted anonymously alongside the work of human artists.

    AI Regulation

    This is where wonder and risk collide. There are serious risks associated with the development and deployment of AI. AI has implications in copyright law, where vast amounts of data and creative work have been scraped for the training of AI models from web sources. AI generative content can also be created to mimic the works of existing Australian artists and creatives. This raises serious concerns for Australian artists and creatives, about the future of their work and livelihoods.

    As Australian Artist Ben Lee said on AI:

    “I don’t think art has ever succeeded in trying to fight technology…
    [but] we have to consider what we will lose if we put all our eggs in that basket.”

    And even if we aren’t recording artists – every Australian has eggs in this basket. We know the risks of having our sensitive data harvested and used. Your information could be training AI without your knowledge or consent.

    AI creates potential challenges in the areas of law enforcement and criminal behaviour, notably in relation to cybercrime. So we must consider the role of regulation and legislative frameworks for the development of AI.

    I am aware I am in a room of legal experts. I expect many of you may have an interest in AI. Equally, the current opportunities for law reform in the age of AI.

    It is worth noting that Barry Jones, when he made his famous prediction, was no great scientist. He studied arts and law. He had been a schoolteacher. It was deep thinking about Australian society and the road ahead of us. He couldn’t avoid the impacts of emerging technologies.

    Similarly, you all witness the iterative way in which law and society steadily adapt to each other, every day in the course of your work. Like Barry, you are in a position to see and understand the transformative impacts of new technology on how a society and its legal framework function. I hope you engage with and contribute to the current conversation about the safe and effective development and implementation of AI in Australia.

    Law reform in the age of AI

    Things are changing. Fast.

    Our regulatory approach is engaged with those changes. It is the role of law makers to balance risk with opportunity. To shield the Australian public from the dangers of AI, while not restricting the potential for AI to deliver positive and profound improvements in living standards.

    Later this month the Susan McKinnon Foundation will release new research on AI. Its report, ‘Partisanship, polarisation and social cohesion in Australia’ surveyed 3,000 Australians. It found familiar divides across many issues amongst progressives and conservatives.

    Surprisingly in one area they found agreement from left and progressive, centre and moderate, right and conservative. They all had similar results on the increased use of AI in daily life, and they all opposed the AI intrusion. Negative 15 per cent support from the left and progressives. Negative 20 per cent support from the right and conservatives.

    So Australians are looking for leadership on how best to protect themselves from potential harms. When conducting law reform we must keep front of mind the rights and needs of those who are most subject to vulnerability. To make sure those who are most disadvantaged are not put to further disadvantage.

    Some legislation is developed for specific technologies, like gene technologies or nuclear technologies. Other legislation is crafted to be technology neutral.

    The Australian Government is continually working to ensure that our robust system of existing legislative frameworks is fit-for-purpose. Capable of responding to harms, including harms enabled by AI.

    Australians know that the regulation of AI is a challenging issue. They recognise the potential dangers and benefits and the importance of getting it right. Where the community has expectations, law reform must respond to and uphold those community expectations. The laws of Australia, are ultimately, a mirror held up to our society. Our laws must reflect those expectations and beliefs of the collection of diverse individuals that make up this country.

    International developments

    The questions Australia faces are not ours alone. The United Nations has alerted the world to the growing energy demands of AI.

    Noting:

    “A request made through ChatGPT, an AI-based virtual assistant, consumes 10 times the electricity of a Google Search, reported the International Energy Agency.

    While global data is sparse, the agency estimates that in the tech hub of Ireland, the rise of AI could see data centres account for nearly 35 per cent of the country’s energy use by 2026.”

    Then there is the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act – designed to specifically address unique high-risk considerations associated with AI.

    By assigning AI systems and applications to three risk categories:

    1. unacceptable risk
    2. high-risk, and
    3. minimal risk.

    In this framework, unacceptable risk systems and applications are prohibited.

    Last year in the UK, an AI white paper was released which argues for a risk-based approach to AI regulation. The paper classifies AI systems based on the level of risk they pose. It emphasises the development of AI systems that are human-centric and trustworthy, whilst also promoting innovation through the development of AI innovation hubs to support research and development.

    In the United States, the first state-based AI legislation has been passed. Known as the Colorado AI Act, it will come into effect from February 2026. The Act requires developers of high-risk artificial intelligence systems to use reasonable care to protect consumers from foreseeable risks of algorithmic discrimination.

    Canada has proposed legislation, the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, which is broadly aligned with the EU AI Act. The Bill established initial classes of high-impact AI systems and parameters for government to deem further classes of systems as high-impact systems. It would also require developers and deployers of general-purpose high-risk AI systems to establish accountability frameworks. It also provides new enforcement powers for the AI and Data Commissioner.

    These are all developments that the Australian Public Service is monitoring closely.

    AI regulation in Australia

    I began this speech talking about the 1980s here in Fremantle. The 1980s in Canberra saw computers occupy the desk real estate of the public service. Forty years ago, the Attorney-General’s Department assisted with the Copyright Amendment Act 1984, clarifying copyright protection for computer programs.

    The same year the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General “agreed on the desirability of uniform legislation to penalise the appropriation or use of computer data without lawful authority or excuse”.

    Forty years on the technology changed, but the work continues. The Minister for Industry and Science recently held consultations on proposals for introducing mandatory guardrails for AI in high-risk settings. This process is informing the Government’s consideration of how we can most effectively regulate the development and deployment of AI.

    The Senate Select Committee on Adopting AI is currently investigating opportunities and impacts for Australia arising out of the uptake of AI technologies. The Committee is scheduled to present its final report on the 26th of November.

    The Australian Public Service is also working to ensure that government serves as an exemplar for the responsible use of AI. On the 1st of September 2024, the Digital Transformation Agency introduced a policy for responsible use of AI in government, providing a framework for the safe and responsible use of AI by public servants.

    Attorney-General’s Department – AI law reform

    I would like to also talk specifically about some of the law reform being led by the Commonwealth Attorney-General relevant to AI regulation. This reform crosses a number of policy areas, including privacy, copyright, automated decision making, cybercrime, and technology facilitated abuse.

    Privacy reforms

    In the privacy space, Australians are becoming increasingly aware that the advent of AI technologies has introduced the potential for new privacy risks. While AI has the potential to provide major economic benefits, we know Australians are also cautious about the use of AI to make decisions which may affect them.

    In a survey by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, respondents made clear they want conditions in place before AI is used in this way. 
    In particular – they want to be told when this is the case. Our Government believes that entities have a responsibility to protect Australians’ personal information and ensure individuals have control and transparency over how it is used.

    On 12 September 2024, the Attorney-General introduced legislation to Parliament to reform the Privacy Act. The Bill implements a first tranche of reforms, agreed by Government in its response to the Privacy Act Review, ahead of consultation on a second tranche of reforms. The Bill will amend the Privacy Act to enhance its effectiveness, strengthening the enforcement tools available to the privacy regulator, while better facilitating safe overseas data flows.

    The Bill will also introduce a statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy, and criminal offences for the malicious release of an individual’s personal data online, otherwise known as ‘doxxing.’ Importantly, the Bill will provide individuals with transparency about the use of their personal information in automated decisions which significantly affect their interests. Entities will need to specify the kinds of personal information used in these sorts of decisions in their privacy policies.

    The Government is approaching this important reform work carefully. Ensuring increased privacy protections are balanced alongside other impacts, so that we deliver the fairest outcome for all Australians.

    Copyright and AI

    AI and copyright issues are another complex global challenge needing to be worked through in an Australian context. The Attorney-General’s Department is considering complex and contested AI and copyright issues in a careful and consultative way. This approach is consistent with advice from industry stakeholders that participated in a series of Copyright Roundtables in 2023.

    The Government is conscious of the need for balance. Between – on the one hand – the urgency with which the rapid development and adoption of AI demands a policy response.And on the other – the importance of taking the time necessary to get that response right, avoiding harmful repercussions.

    In December 2023, the Attorney-General established the Copyright and AI Reference Group as a standing mechanism for engagement with stakeholders. These stakeholders represent a wide range of sectors, including the creative, media and technology sectors. The Reference Group’s role is to consider copyright and AI issues. The Attorney-General’s Department’s ongoing consultation with the Reference Group is informing the development of policy for Government’s consideration.

    This work on copyright is part of the Government’s broader engagement on AI-related matters. It complements the work being led by the Minister for Industry and Science on the safe and responsible use of AI.

    Automated decision-making

    Automated decision making (or ‘ADM’) has long been part of administrative processes, inside and outside of government. When implemented thoughtfully and responsibly – which is the majority of cases – we can all benefit from faster, more efficient, and more accurate service delivery. From e-Gates at airports through to faster processing of claims, these benefits can meaningfully improve the services individuals receive from Government.

    However, where ADM is used to make decisions that adversely affect people’s rights or wellbeing, the community is understandably concerned. In particular, concerns centre on how these automation and artificial intelligence technologies are governed. When assurance processes fail, there can be life-altering impacts on individuals. As many of you would recall, this was this was vividly and painfully illustrated in the ‘Robodebt’ scandal and resulting Royal Commission.

    The Royal Commission made several recommendations to improve governance and safeguards around the use of ADM in administrative decision-making. The Government has fully accepted those recommendations and work is well underway in the Attorney-General’s Department to develop stronger safeguards.

    Australia learnt many lessons from the Robodebt scandal. We heard that individuals were able to successfully challenge particular decisions. However, most individuals did not feel they were in a position to challenge the assessments they received.

    Considerable harm across a large number of individuals was done before the system was brought to an end. The legal system was able to compensate individuals for what had happened.

    A key focus for better governing ADM, including systems that use AI, is therefore to ensure that systems and processes are sufficiently robust. To ensure that flaws in ADM design and implementation are identified and addressed before decisions are made that affect individuals. This could include ensuring that any use of ADM systems in administrative processes is consistent with the principles of administrative law.

    Cybercrime and technology-facilitated abuse

    Generative AI is being rapidly adopted by criminal actors in a range of contexts. For example, artificial intelligence is already being used to generate hyper realistic deepfakes. These can be used as a tool for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment online.

    It is essential that the Australian Government keeps our laws under constant review. To ensure they remain fit-for-purpose in responses to rapid changes in technology – such as the emergence of AI.

    Earlier this year, the Attorney-General led legislative reform through the Criminal Code Amendment (Deepfake Sexual Material) Act 2024. The Act introduces new offences and strengthens the current criminal law framework. Ensuring the non-consensual transmission of sexual material developed or altered by such technologies is criminalised and subject to significant penalties. This came into force in September 2024.

    Partnership with the states and territories is also important, to ensure a cohesive national approach. In September, the Police Ministers Council agreed to a review of Commonwealth, state and territory frameworks. The review seeks to ensure they adequately address the issue of technology-facilitated abuse, including deepfakes.

    In March 2024, the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters commenced an inquiry into civics education, engagement and participation in Australia. This came from a referral from Government. The inquiry is considering how governments and the community can prevent or limit inaccurate or false information influencing electoral outcomes. Particularly with regard to AI, foreign interference, social media, and mis- and disinformation.

    As AI technologies continue to evolve and transform, it is critical that Australia harnesses the opportunities arising from the uptake of AI technologies. To bolster Australia’s economic and social prosperity, as well as ensuring our legal frameworks remain fit for purpose. Making sure we combat the misuse and abuse of AI for criminal purposes.

    Conclusion

    I started this speech talking about the excitement of the America’s Cup. What it did to my hometown of Fremantle. The joy that win gave the nation.

    I see that excitement again in the possibility of Artificial Intelligence. To unlock the potential of our people, wherever they live. Powered by a publicly owned National Broadband Network.

    In 2024 we stand on the doorstep of the AI age and that door is opening.

    The age of AI is now here. This is a time of great excitement, where the bounds of human creativity and imagination are currently being pushed. But it is also, a time to stop, and to carefully consider the potential hazards and pitfalls, as we move forward.

    The Australian Government is working hard to ensure our legislative framework shields Australians from the potential harms of AI technologies.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: CECO Environmental to Acquire Profire Energy for $125 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Expands CECO’s leadership position in niche energy and industrial markets with expanded environmental solutions for mission critical applications
    • Provides cost synergies and enhances Profire’s strategic growth by utilizing CECO’s established international operations and customer relationships
    • CECO to host its Quarterly Earnings call today at 8:30 a.m. ET including further commentary regarding the transaction

    DALLAS and LINDON, Utah, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO) (“CECO”), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment and industrial equipment, and Profire Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: PFIE) (“Profire”), a technology company providing solutions that enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of industrial combustion appliances, today announced a definitive agreement where CECO will acquire Profire, in an all-cash transaction.

    Profire is a leader in burner management technology and combustion control systems that provide mission-critical combustion automation and control solutions and services to improve environmental efficiency, safety and reliability for industrial thermal applications globally. Profire estimates its 2024 sales to be greater than $60 million with adjusted EBITDA margins of approximately 20 percent.​

    “I am excited to announce the acquisition of Profire and we look forward to welcoming their tremendous organization to our portfolio of leading solution companies,” said Todd Gleason, CECO’s Chief Executive Officer. “With an installed base approaching 100,000 burner management systems and a growing industrial market product offering, we look forward to accelerating their global market expansion and introducing their high-efficiency solutions to more customers in industrial air and water. We are also confident that the increased scale and combined corporate organizations will generate meaningful efficiencies and synergies. The addition of Profire is another important step in our ongoing execution of programmatic M&A and we expect it will further advance our position as the leading environmental solutions provider in industrial markets.”

    “We are extremely pleased to announce this transaction with CECO which is a testament to the value that has been created for Profire employees, customers and shareholders,” said Cameron Tidball and Ryan Oviatt, co-CEOs of Profire. “The combination of our well-established leadership in niche energy and industrial mission critical applications with CECO’s proven track record of acquiring and investing in companies to enhance their growth and create scale will unlock even more value for all constituents.”

    Transaction Details and Timing

    Under the terms of the agreement, a subsidiary of CECO (“Merger Sub”) will commence a tender offer to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Profire common stock at a price of $2.55 per share, in cash, without interest and subject to applicable withholding tax.  The tender offer will initially remain open for 20 business days from the date of commencement of the tender offer, subject to extension under certain circumstances. The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by Profire’s Board of Directors, implies an equity value of approximately $125 million and a total enterprise value for Profire of approximately $108 million.

    The tender offer is subject to customary closing conditions, including that at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Profire’s common stock are tendered and not withdrawn in the tender offer and the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

    The price represents a 46.5% premium over Profire’s closing share price of $1.74 on October 25, 2024 and a premium of 60.3% to Profire’s 30-day volume weighted average share price on October 25, 2024. 
    Following a successful completion of the tender offer, including the satisfaction of certain customary conditions, CECO will acquire all remaining untendered shares of Profire common stock at the same price of $2.55 per share in cash through a merger of Merger Sub with Profire, with Profire continuing as the surviving corporation.

    Upon completion of the transaction, Profire will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of CECO and shares of Profire’s common stock will no longer be listed on any public market. The parties anticipate that the combination will be completed in the first quarter of 2025.  

    Advisors

    Stephens Inc. is serving as financial advisor and Mayer Brown LLP is serving as legal counsel to Profire.
    CECO Environmental Corp. is being advised by Foley & Lardner LLP (Legal), and KPMG (tax).

    ABOUT CECO ENVIRONMENTAL
    CECO Environmental is a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company, serving a broad landscape of industrial air, industrial water, and energy transition markets across the globe through its key business segments: Engineered Systems and Industrial Process Solutions. Providing innovative technology and application expertise, CECO helps companies grow their business with safe, clean, and more efficient solutions that help protect people, the environment and industrial equipment. In regions around the world, CECO works to improve air quality, optimize the energy value chain, and provide custom solutions for applications including power generation, petrochemical processing, general industrial, refining, midstream oil and gas, electric vehicle production, polysilicon fabrication, battery recycling, beverage can, and water/wastewater treatment along with a wide range of other applications. CECO is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CECO.” Incorporated in 1966, CECO’s global headquarters is in Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visit www.cecoenviro.com.

    ABOUT PROFIRE ENERGY, INC.
    Profire Energy is a technology company providing solutions that enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of industrial combustion appliances while mitigating potential environmental impacts related to the operation of these devices. It is primarily focused in the upstream, midstream, and downstream transmission segments of the oil and gas industry. However, in recent years, Profire has completed many installations of burner-management solutions in other industries that will be applicable to expand the addressable market over time. Profire specializes in the engineering and design of burner and combustion management systems and solutions used on a variety of natural and forced draft applications. Its products and services are sold primarily throughout North America. It has an experienced team of sales and service professionals that are strategically positioned across the United States and Canada. Profire has offices in Lindon, Utah; Victoria, Texas; Midland-Odessa, Texas; Homer, Pennsylvania; Greeley, Colorado; Millersburg, Ohio; and Acheson, Alberta, Canada. For additional information, visit www.profireenergy.com.

    SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
    Any statements contained in this Press Release, other than statements of historical fact, including statements about management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements and should be evaluated as such. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding CECO’s full year 2024 outlook, statements about CECO’s expectations regarding the integration of Profire Energy, Inc., into CECO; the benefits of the acquisition of Profire Energy, Inc., and the expectations regarding the transaction’s impact on CECO’s strategic growth plan. We use words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intends,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “will,” “plan,” “should” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks regarding the parties’ ability to complete the proposed transactions in the anticipated timeframe or at all, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the transaction agreement between the parties, the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed transaction on business relationships, operating results, and business generally, disruption of current plans and operations and potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the proposed transaction, diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations, the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted related to the proposed transaction, the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and other charges related to the proposed transaction, the risk that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made, the achievement of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, the ability of Profire to achieve its 2024 earnings guidance, our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize the synergies from acquisitions, as well as a number of factors related to our business, including the sensitivity of our business to economic and financial market conditions generally and economic conditions in our service areas; dependence on fixed price contracts and the risks associated therewith, including actual costs exceeding estimates and method of accounting for revenue; the effect of growth on our infrastructure, resources, and existing sales; the ability to expand operations in both new and existing markets; the potential for contract delay or cancellation as a result of on-going or worsening supply chain challenges; liabilities arising from faulty services or products that could result in significant professional or product liability, warranty, or other claims; changes in or developments with respect to any litigation or investigation; failure to meet timely completion or performance standards that could result in higher cost and reduced profits or, in some cases, losses on projects; the potential for fluctuations in prices for manufactured components and raw materials, including as a result of tariffs and surcharges, and rising energy costs; inflationary pressures relating to rising raw material costs and the cost of labor; the substantial amount of debt incurred in connection with our strategic transactions and our ability to repay or refinance it or incur additional debt in the future; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations; our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock and the amounts and timing of repurchases, if any; our ability to successfully realize the expected benefits of our restructuring program; our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize the synergies from strategic transactions; the unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including cyber security threats, acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities or public health crises, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; and our ability to remediate our material weakness, or any other material weakness that we may identify in the future that could result in material misstatements in our financial statements. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed under “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” of CECO’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and may be included in subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Many of these risks are beyond management’s ability to control or predict. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material aspects from those currently anticipated. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements as they speak only to our views as of the date the statement is made. Except as required under the federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Additional Information about the Transaction and Where to Find It

    The tender offer has not yet commenced. This communication is neither an offer to buy nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of Profire Energy, Inc., nor is it a recommendation by Profire Energy, Inc., its management or board of directors that any investors sell or otherwise tender any securities of Profire Energy, Inc. in connection with the transactions described elsewhere in this communication. The solicitation and the offer to buy shares of Profire Energy, Inc.’s common stock will only be made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an offer to purchase, a letter of transmittal and other related materials that a subsidiary of CECO Environmental Corp. intends to file with the SEC. In addition, Profire Energy, Inc. will file with the SEC a Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. Once filed, investors will be able to obtain the tender statement on Schedule TO, the offer to purchase, the Recommendation Statement of Profire Energy, Inc. on Schedule 14D-9 and related materials filed with the SEC with respect to the tender offer and the merger, free of charge at the website of the SEC at www.sec.gov or from the information agent named in the tender offer materials. Investors are advised to read these documents when they become available, including the Recommendation Statement of Profire Energy, Inc. and any amendments thereto, as well as any other documents relating to the tender offer and the merger that are filed with the SEC, carefully and in their entirety prior to making any decisions with respect to whether to tender their shares in the tender offer because such documents contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the tender offer.

    CECO Company Contact:
    Peter Johansson
    Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
    888-990-6670

    PFIE Company Contact:
    Ryan Oviatt
    Co-CEO & CFO
    (801) 796-5127

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Steven Hooser
    Three Part Advisors
    214-872-2710
    Investor.Relations@OneCECO.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rajasthan village marches towards zero-waste through green technology interventions

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 3:11PM by PIB Delhi

    Aandhi, a tiny village in the district of Jaipur, and about 43 Km from Rajasthan’s capital city of Jaipur is transforming itself to a zero-waste model with the help of green technology interventions.

    Food waste, agro waste, waste water, hospital waste coming from various village sources including institutions like schools, agricultural fields, community health centres could now be converted to resources with the help of a package of technology interventions that have been recently installed in the village.

    The package of technology interventions consisting of Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant, Vermifiltration Technology, Constructed Wetlands, resource recovery centre, stands as a unique and socially relevant initiative, creating a zero-waste model through the integration of innovative technologies.  

    Recently, the demonstration plants were inaugurated at three identified locations—a government school, a community health centre, and the constructed wetland at the main pond. It was graced by Dr. Anita Gupta, Head of the Climate, Energy, and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division, along with Dr. G.V Raghunath Reddy, the Programme Officer.

    The Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant at Government School (100 Kg Capacity) converts organic waste, such as food scraps and agricultural residues, into biogas through anaerobic digestion. Equipped with a 5 KW solar energy system. It provides clean energy for cooking and electricity generation, reducing reliance on traditional fuels and promoting renewable energy, cleaner air, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

    Utilizing earthworms to filter and treat wastewater, the Vermifiltration Technology at the Community Health Center (10 KLD Capacity) makes it suitable for purifying greywater and sewage. The treated water can be reused for agricultural irrigation or landscape watering. Solar energy integration in this patented technology ensures an eco-friendly and energy-efficient wastewater management process, contributing to sustainable water reuse and environmental conservation.

    The Constructed Wetlands at the Main Pond in Aandhi Village (20 KLD Capacity) replicate natural wetland processes to treat wastewater and restore ecosystems. This system will help manage village wastewater while enhancing biodiversity, supporting local flora and fauna, and improving the overall health of the pond ecosystem.

    Partnerships have been established with recycling agencies for the collection and segregation of recyclable waste from the Resource Recovery Center (RRC), ensuring its proper disposal and recycling. Vermicomposting units have also been developed, and the techniques have been disseminated among the villagers for their utilization.

    These initiatives demonstrate the transformative power of green technology in rural communities, showcasing DST’s commitment to promoting innovation and environmental stewardship. The project aligns closely with India’s broader goals of achieving environmental sustainability, mitigating climate change, and promoting waste-to-wealth models that uplift local communities.

    By leveraging advanced green technologies, the project aims to create a self-sustaining model of zero-waste management that can be replicated in other rural areas across the country, contributing to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for all.

    Such interventions could potentially offer a good prospect to be replicated across various villages creating a new pathway for India to march towards a development led inclusive and sustainable net Zero nation.

     

     

    ***

    NKR/KS/AG

    (Release ID: 2069178) Visitor Counter : 56

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 82nd Meeting of Network Planning Group under PM GatiShakti evaluates key Infrastructure projects

    Source: Government of India

    82nd Meeting of Network Planning Group under PM GatiShakti evaluates key Infrastructure projects

    NPG assesses Rail and Road projects

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 10:23AM by PIB Delhi

    The 82nd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti initiative, chaired by Additional Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur was held on 24 October 2024, to evaluate key infrastructure projects across India. Representatives from project proponents, Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics(BISAG-N), and nodal officers from respective States participated, focusing on enhancing multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency in alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).

    The NPG evaluated all seven projects based on the core principles of PM GatiShakti, including integrated development of multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, intermodal connectivity, and synchronized project implementation. These projects are anticipated to play pivotal roles in national development by boosting logistical efficiency, reducing travel times, and delivering substantial socio-economic benefits to the regions they serve.The evaluation and anticipated impacts of these projects are detailed below:

    A. Projects of the Ministry of Railways (MoR)

    1. Jharsuguda to Sason 3rd & 4th lines Rail Line, Odisha

    Spanning a total alignment of 64 km, this rail line enhancement lies within the Jharsuguda-Sambalpur section, a strategic part of Odisha’s industrial corridor that includes the Talcher coalfields and IB Valley (Sundargarh). The project supports the “Mission 3000 MT” target by aiming to double coal transport capacity by 2027, contributing to increased logistics efficiency and freight throughput. This Energy Corridor connects with key economic nodes, including industries in Jharsuguda, Rengali, and Lapanga, and provides links to Paradip and Dhamra Ports for coastal shipping. The line integrates with PM GatiShakti for multimodal infrastructure, incorporating goods sheds at Rengali, Lapanga, and Brundamal, and enhancing connections to NH-49 & SH10​.

    2. Sambalpur to Jarapada Rail Line (3rd & 4th lines), Odisha

    Spanning a total alignment of 127.2 km, this rail line expansion between Sambalpur and Jarapada is integral to the coal supply chain in Odisha’s industrial region, including the IB Valley and Talcher coalfields. The project aligns with PM GatiShakti’s objectives to double coal transport capacity by 2027 in support of the “Mission 3000 MT” initiative. Key industrial clusters benefiting from this rail line include major Aluminum production facilities in Jharsuguda, Lapanga, Rengali, and Paradip. The rail route also connects efficiently to Paradip and Dhamra ports, providing seamless multimodal logistics and supporting the regional energy sector. Integrated with PM GatiShakti’s framework, the project enhances logistical capacity by connecting to NH-55 and NH-53 for broader industrial access​.

    3. Tirupati-Katpadi Double Line, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu

    With a total alignment of 104.39 km, this project addresses the high traffic density between Tirupati and Katpadi by enhancing rail connectivity and alleviating bottlenecks in this single-line section. The corridor, which passes through key industrial clusters, includes two industrial parks near Renigunta (approx. 15 km from Tirupati) and a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) (85 km from Tirupati). The SEZ is a significant industrial hub, hosting numerous export-oriented units, while Renigunta’s proximity to a granite industry near Chittoor provides opportunities for improved freight logistics. Additionally, this project aligns with PM GatiShakti by optimizing access to ports such as Krishnapatnam (104 km from Tirupati) and Chennai Port (140 km from Tirupati) and facilitating faster movement of goods and passengers to support tourism and local industries

    4. Two (02) Projects of doubling the Rail lines in the State of Jharkhand

    (i) Koderma – Arigada Rail line

    (ii) Shivpur – Kathautia Rail line

    These two projects i.e., Doubling of Koderma-Arigada and Shivpur-Kathautia Rail Lines, spanning about 133.38 km and 49.08 km respectively, both in the state of Jharkhand focuses on increasing freight capacity in key coal-transporting regions. The NPG discussed solutions to address bottlenecks and improve overall logistics performance, projecting notable improvements in freight movement and economic benefits for the region.

    B. Projects of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

    1. Prayagraj-Jaunpur-Azamgarh-Dohrighat-Gorakhpur Road, Uttar Pradesh

    Covering an alignment of 144 km, this project spans cities such as Prayagraj, Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Dohrighat, and Gorakhpur, integrating Greenfield and Brownfield sections. Planned bypasses for key towns aim to reduce traffic congestion and enhance both freight and passenger movement. PM GatiShakti principles are applied to support multimodal logistics and ensure swift land acquisition and infrastructure alignment with regional needs.

    2. Ghazipur-Syed Raja Road Section, Uttar Pradesh

    Designed as a 41.53 km Greenfield alignment, this corridor connects Ghazipur with strategic logistics hubs to enhance freight movement and access to economic zones. Key multimodal connections include the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFCCIL), local railway stations like Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and Ghazipur City, and air links through Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi. Additionally, the Varanasi Inland Waterway Terminal via NH-19 provides an alternative cargo route, optimizing logistics under the PM GatiShakti framework to streamline trade and reduce logistics costs in the region.

    Upon completion, these projects will significantly contribute to India’s infrastructure landscape, ensuring that the advantages of seamless connectivity extend to every region. By strengthening multimodal transport systems and addressing critical infrastructure gaps, these initiatives align with the Government’s vision for integrated and sustainable development.

    ****

    AD/CNAN

    (Release ID: 2069070) Visitor Counter : 77

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Director General Highlights Agency’s Role in Global Non-Proliferation, Nuclear Security and Safety at Nuclear Law Workshop

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Mr Grossi also spoke about the immense promise of nuclear science and technology, ranging from small modular reactors (SMRs) to radiotherapy for cancer treatment, in addressing global challenges such as climate change, health and food and energy insecurity.

    Workshop participants attended expert lectures and panels on IAEA safeguards and non-proliferation as well as sessions on the legal frameworks for nuclear safety and civil liability for nuclear damage led by IAEA experts. From protection to prevention and minimization of radiation risks, to the mitigation of consequences in the event of a nuclear accident, nuclear safety is a prerequisite for nuclear power. Mechanisms for compensation and civil liability for nuclear damage provide the legal certainty needed by the public, industry, lenders and investors. 

    IAEA’s Legal Adviser and Assistant Director General Peri Lynne Johnson said: “This IAEA-led workshop under the umbrella of three universities, provides a unique opportunity to address the importance of nuclear law to stakeholders from academia, industry and lawfirms.”

    The final day of the workshop took as its theme “The Law of Nuclear Security in the Midst of World Challenges”. Ms Johnson gave a keynote address on the legal framework for nuclear security and how it can mitigate the risks of nuclear terrorism. A discussion followed on the role of international law in nuclear security and conflict.

    The IAEA applies safeguards in more than 190 States. Its inspectors carry out activities to verify that countries are fulfilling their international commitments not to use nuclear material and technology for nuclear-weapons purposes. The global Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and regional nuclear-weapon-free zone treaties entrust the IAEA with these verification responsibilities.

    By ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear material and technology around the world through the implementation of legally binding instruments, the IAEA contributes to the maintenance of international peace and security, including adherence to  international law.

    Question and answer sessions following both of Mr Grossi’s keynote addresses gave participants the opportunity to find out more about nuclear safety and security, safeguards, nuclear law and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. 

    Students and young professionals attending the workshop also had the chance to learn more about career opportunities in nuclear law and humanitarian law, including opportunities at the United Nations and the IAEA, as well as at intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: CECO Environmental Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company Produces Record Q3 Bookings and Highest-Ever Backlog
    Q3 Revenue and Income Impacted by Customer-Driven Project Delays
    Announced the Acquisition of Profire Energy (Nasdaq: PFIE) for $125 Million
    Completed Acquisition of WK, in Early October
    Updates FY24 Guidance and Introduces 2025 Outlook

    DALLAS, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO) (“CECO”), (the “Company”), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment, and industrial equipment, today reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2024. In addition, CECO, announces it has completed the acquisition of WK, an Industrial Air company headquartered in Germany, in early October. Additionally, the Company announced the acquisition of Profire Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: PFIE) (“Profire”), a leader in burner management technology and combustion control systems that provide mission-critical combustion automation and control solutions and services to improve environmental efficiency, safety and reliability for industrial thermal applications globally.

    Third Quarter Summary(1)

    • Orders of $162.3 million, up 12 percent
    • Backlog of $437.5 million
    • Revenue of $135.5 million, down 9 percent
    • Gross profit of $45.3 million, up 5 percent; Gross margin of 33.4 percent, up 460 basis points
    • Net income of $2.1 million, down 36 percent; non-GAAP net income of $5.2 million, down 32 percent
    • GAAP EPS (diluted) of $0.06; non-GAAP EPS (diluted) of $0.14, down 36 percent
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $14.3 million, down 5 percent
    • Free cash flow of $11.1 million, down $17.4 million

    Subsequent to the Quarter

    • Completes the acquisition of WK in early October
    • Announces the acquisition of Profire; expected to close by January 2025

    (1) All comparisons are versus the comparable prior year period, unless otherwise stated.
    Reconciliations of GAAP (reported) to non-GAAP measures are in the attached financial tables.

    Todd Gleason, CECO’s Chief Executive Officer commented, “While our third quarter produced very strong orders and a new record backlog, we were disappointed that we fell short of the anticipated quarterly revenue and income outlook as a handful of customer-driven delays in larger projects could not be overcome by continued progress with margin expansion and other actions. These delayed projects are expected to begin activity over the coming months and the impact is reflected in our updated full year 2024 and newly introduced full year 2025 outlook. We are excited to have been awarded several large energy transition and general industrial orders in the quarter and we anticipate this trend to continue as we are forecasting a very strong fourth quarter bookings period.”

    Third quarter operating income was $7.2 million, down $0.7 million or 9 percent when compared to $7.9 million in the third quarter 2023. On an adjusted basis, non-GAAP operating income was $11.0 million, down $1.8 million or 14 percent when compared to $12.8 million in the third quarter of 2023. Net income was $2.1 million in the quarter, down $1.2 million or 36 percent when compared to $3.3 million in the third quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net income was $5.2 million, down $2.4 million or 32 percent when compared to $7.6 million in the third quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA of $14.3 million, reflecting a margin of 10.6 percent, was down 5 percent compared to $15.1 million in the third quarter of 2023. Free cash flow in the quarter was $11.1 million, down $17.4 million compared to $28.5 million in the third quarter of 2023.

    Completes Acquisition of WK

    CECO today announced that in early October it completed the acquisition of Germany-based, WK – a leading industrial air business with well-established global customers and a strong Asia-Pacific presence, based out of Singapore. WK designs, engineers and supplies a broad range of cutting-edge technical equipment and systems for process and environmental and surface technology applications, as well as innovative sustainable solutions. This acquisition strengthens CECO’s footprint and capabilities within the industrial processing solutions segment and further advances the Company’s Industrial Air and leadership positions. WK is expected to deliver full year 2024 sales of approximately $15 million with the potential for high-teen EBITDA margins.

    “I would like to welcome the WK organization to our portfolio of leading industrial air solutions businesses,” said Mr. Gleason. “Together we will advance our joint capabilities to better serve global customers while penetrating markets with solutions and services from across our diverse enterprise.”

    Announces Acquisition of Profire Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: PFIE)

    “I am excited that today we announced the acquisition of Profire in an all-cash transaction that we expect will close in January 2025. Profire expects to generate approximately $60 million in revenues with adjusted EBITDA margins of approximately 20 percent in the full year 2024. With an installed base approaching 100,000 burner management systems and a growing industrial market product offering, we look forward to accelerating their global market expansion and introducing their high-efficiency solutions to more customers in the industrial air and water markets. We are confident the increased scale and combined corporate organizations will generate meaningful efficiencies and synergies. The addition of Profire is another important step in our ongoing execution of programmatic M&A and we expect it will further advance our position as the leading environmental solutions provider in industrial markets,” added Mr. Gleason.

    Updates 2024 Full Year Guidance

    The Company updated its 2024 full year revenue guidance to reflect revenue between $575 and $600 million, up approximately 10 percent year over year at the midpoint of the range, and adjusted EBITDA between $65 to $70 million, up approximately 17 percent year over year, at the midpoint of the range. The updated expected full year guidance compares to the previous outlook for revenues of between $600 to $620 million and adjusted EBITDA of between $68 to $72 million. The Company expects 2024 full year bookings guidance to reflect a book to bill rate of or in excess of 1.2x, up from a previous range of 1.05x to 1.1x. The Company maintains its full year outlook for free cash flow of 50% to 70% of adjusted EBITDA.

    “Our updated full year 2024 guidance essentially mirrors the initial outlook we provided as we entered 2024. As previously mentioned, unfortunately, the customer-driven delays associated with a handful of larger projects impacted our ability to hit the raised guidance we issued mid-year. This is the first time we have reduced guidance in company history, and although this is disappointing for our short-term results, we remain very pleased with our bookings, margin expansion progress and overall execution. Additionally, the revenue and associated income from the 2024 project delays slide into upcoming quarters, so we remain focused on execution and controlling factors we can influence,” said Mr. Gleason.

    Introduces 2025 Full Year Guidance

    The Company introduced its 2025 full year guidance to reflect revenue between $700 and $750 million, up approximately 25 percent at the midpoint of the range, and adjusted EBITDA between $90 and $100 million, up approximately 40% at the midpoint of the range. The Company expects full year free cash flow of between 50% to 70% of adjusted EBITDA.

    Mr. Gleason concluded, “Our full year 2025 outlook reflects the visibility we have with our record backlog, ongoing strong bookings, 2024 related project push outs, and the impact from already completed acquisitions and the pending transaction with Profire. We continue to drive an aggressive operating model that supports strong organic growth, coupled with steady margin expansion and additions from accretive and strategic acquisitions.”

    EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL

    A conference call is scheduled for today at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the third quarter 2024 financial results. Please visit the Investor Relations portion of the website (https://investors.cecoenviro.com) to listen to the call via webcast. The conference call may also be accessed by visiting https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/4ui844vi.

    A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website for a period of one year. The replay may also be accessed by visiting https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/4ui844vi.

    ABOUT CECO ENVIRONMENTAL

    CECO Environmental is a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company, serving the broad landscape of industrial air, industrial water and energy transition markets globally providing innovative solutions and application expertise. CECO helps companies grow their business with safe, clean, and more efficient solutions that help protect people, the environment and industrial equipment. CECO solutions improve air and water quality, optimize emissions management, and increase energy efficiency for highly-engineered applications in power generation, midstream and downstream hydrocarbon processing and transport, electric vehicle production, polysilicon fabrication, semiconductor and electronics, battery production and recycling, specialty metals and steel production, beverage can, and water/wastewater treatment and a wide range of other industrial end markets. CECO is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CECO.” Incorporated in 1966, CECO’s global headquarters is in Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visit www.cecoenviro.com.

    Company Contact:
    Peter Johansson
    Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
    888-990-6670
    investor.relations@onececo.com

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Steven Hooser and Jean Marie Young
    Three Part Advisors, LLC
    214-872-2710
    investor.relations@onececo.com

    CECO ENVIRONMENTAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
               
    (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)
    September 30, 2024    		     December 31, 2023  
    ASSETS          
    Current assets:          
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 38,700     $ 54,779  
    Restricted cash   226       669  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $7,214 and $6,460   100,111       112,733  
    Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts   68,500       66,574  
    Inventories, net   37,760       34,089  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   27,143       11,769  
    Prepaid income taxes   3,826       824  
    Total current assets   276,266       281,437  
    Property, plant and equipment, net   32,306       26,237  
    Right-of-use assets from operating leases   24,690       16,256  
    Goodwill   220,026       211,326  
    Intangible assets – finite life, net   51,547       50,461  
    Intangible assets – indefinite life   9,598       9,570  
    Deferred income taxes   287       304  
    Deferred charges and other assets   6,792       4,700  
    Total assets $ 621,512     $ 600,291  
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
    Current liabilities:          
    Current portion of debt $ 10,580     $ 10,488  
    Accounts payable   92,316       87,691  
    Accrued expenses   43,762       44,301  
    Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts   64,801       56,899  
    Notes payable   1,700       2,500  
    Income taxes payable   —       1,227  
    Total current liabilities   213,159       203,106  
    Other liabilities   10,336       12,644  
    Debt, less current portion   122,818       126,795  
    Deferred income tax liability, net   9,622       8,838  
    Operating lease liabilities   19,696       11,417  
    Total liabilities   375,631       362,800  
    Commitments and contingencies (See Note 14)          
    Shareholders’ equity:          
    Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 10,000 shares authorized, none issued   —       —  
    Common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 34,979,018 and
    34,835,293 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively    		   349       348  
    Capital in excess of par value   253,590       254,956  
    Retained earnings (accumulated loss)   1,692       (6,387 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (14,374 )     (16,274 )
    Total CECO shareholders’ equity   241,257       232,643  
    Noncontrolling interest   4,624       4,848  
    Total shareholders’ equity   245,881       237,491  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 621,512     $ 600,291  
    CECO ENVIRONMENTAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (unaudited)
               
      Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    (in thousands, except share and per share data) 2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Net sales $ 135,513     $ 149,390     $ 399,367     $ 391,134  
    Cost of sales   90,247       106,269       259,921       273,303  
    Gross profit   45,266       43,121       139,446       117,831  
    Selling and administrative expenses   34,262       30,439       105,636       86,082  
    Amortization and earnout expenses   2,617       1,968       7,036       5,988  
    Acquisition and integration expenses   1,210       1,386       1,876       2,210  
    Executive transition expenses   —       1,258       —       1,417  
    Restructuring expenses   (10 )     217       544       217  
    Asbestos litigation expenses   —       —       225       —  
    Income from operations   7,187       7,853       24,129       21,917  
    Other expense, net   (398 )     (216 )     (2,589 )     (670 )
    Interest expense   (2,648 )     (3,340 )     (9,315 )     (9,498 )
    Income before income taxes   4,141       4,297       12,225       11,749  
    Income tax expense   1,602       585       2,664       1,577  
    Net income   2,539       3,712       9,561       10,172  
    Noncontrolling interest   (453 )     (382 )     (1,482 )     (1,140 )
    Net income attributable to CECO Environmental Corp. $ 2,086     $ 3,330     $ 8,079     $ 9,032  
    Earnings per share:                      
    Basic $ 0.06     $ 0.10     $ 0.23     $ 0.26  
    Diluted $ 0.06     $ 0.09     $ 0.22     $ 0.26  
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                      
    Basic   34,966,625       34,771,742       34,910,165       34,612,163  
    Diluted   36,488,788       35,301,429       36,322,690       35,215,843  
    CECO ENVIRONMENTAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
         
      Nine months ended September 30,  
    (in thousands) 2024     2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities:          
    Net income $ 9,561     $ 10,172  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
    Depreciation and amortization   10,536       8,769  
    Unrealized foreign currency gain (loss)   201       (138 )
    Fair value adjustment to earnout liabilities   400       296  
    Gain on sale of property and equipment   135       43  
    Debt discount amortization   357       271  
    Share-based compensation expense   5,790       3,096  
    Bad debt expense   404       154  
    Inventory reserve expense   850       526  
    Other   77       —  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:          
    Accounts receivable   9,653       (25,961 )
    Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts   (1,498 )     6,006  
    Inventories   (4,305 )     (10,395 )
    Prepaid expense and other current assets   (18,059 )     (8,228 )
    Deferred charges and other assets   (2,755 )     (268 )
    Accounts payable   15,387       21,162  
    Accrued expenses   (550 )     7,868  
    Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts   7,286       19,330  
    Income taxes payable   (1,140 )     261  
    Other liabilities   (9,330 )     (3,473 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities   23,000       29,491  
    Cash flows from investing activities:          
    Acquisitions of property and equipment   (11,237 )     (5,511 )
    Net cash paid for acquisitions   (14,954 )     (48,102 )
    Net cash used in investing activities   (26,191 )     (53,613 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:          
    Borrowings on revolving credit lines   58,400       94,200  
    Repayments on revolving credit lines   (54,800 )     (63,200 )
    Repayments of long-term debt   (7,843 )     (2,478 )
    Payments on finance leases and financing liability   (692 )     (680 )
    Deferred consideration paid for acquisitions   (2,050 )     (1,247 )
    Earnout payments   (1,672 )     (1,496 )
    Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan and exercise of stock options   846       1,435  
    Noncontrolling interest distributions   (1,707 )     (1,364 )
    Common stock repurchased   (5,000 )     —  
    Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities   (14,518 )     25,170  
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   1,187       703  
    Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   (16,522 )     1,751  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period   55,448       46,585  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 38,926     $ 48,336  
    Cash paid during the period for:          
    Interest $ 9,714     $ 8,531  
    Income taxes $ 6,779     $ 8,633  
    CECO ENVIRONMENTAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES
               
      Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    (in millions, except ratios) 2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Operating income as reported in accordance with GAAP $ 7.2     $ 7.9     $ 24.1     $ 21.9  
    Operating margin in accordance with GAAP   5.3 %     5.3 %     6.0 %     5.6 %
    Amortization and earnout expenses   2.6       2.0       7.1       6.0  
    Acquisition and integration expenses   1.2       1.4       1.9       2.2  
    Restructuring expenses   —       0.2       0.5       0.2  
    Executive transition expenses   —       1.3       —       1.4  
    Asbestos litigation expenses   —       —       0.2       —  
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 11.0     $ 12.8     $ 33.8     $ 31.7  
    Non-GAAP operating margin   8.1 %     8.6 %     8.5 %     8.1 %
      Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    (in millions, except share data) 2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Net income as reported in accordance with GAAP $ 2.1     $ 3.3     $ 8.1     $ 9.0  
    Amortization and earnout expenses   2.6       2.0       7.1       6.0  
    Acquisition and integration expenses   1.2       1.4       1.9       2.2  
    Restructuring expenses   —       0.2       0.5       0.2  
    Executive transition expense   —       1.3       —       1.4  
    Asbestos litigation expense   —       —       0.2       –  
    Foreign currency remeasurement   0.3       0.8       1.8       (0.1 )
    Tax (benefit) expense of adjustments   (1.0 )     (1.4 )     (2.8 )     (2.4 )
    Non-GAAP net income $ 5.2     $ 7.6     $ 16.8     $ 16.3  
    Depreciation   1.4       1.2       4.0       3.5  
    Non-cash stock compensation   1.9       1.1       5.8       3.1  
    Other expense, net   0.1       (0.6 )     0.8       0.8  
    Interest expense   2.6       3.3       9.3       9.5  
    Income tax expense   2.6       2.0       5.6       4.0  
    Noncontrolling interest   0.5       0.4       1.5       1.2  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 14.3     $ 15.0     $ 43.8     $ 38.4  
                           
    Earnings per share:                      
    Basic $ 0.06     $ 0.09     $ 0.23     $ 0.26  
    Diluted $ 0.06     $ 0.10     $ 0.22     $ 0.26  
                           
    Non-GAAP net income per share:                      
    Basic $ 0.15     $ 0.22     $ 0.48     $ 0.47  
    Diluted $ 0.14     $ 0.22     $ 0.46     $ 0.46  
      Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    (in millions) 2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 15.1     $ 30.1     $ 23.0     $ 29.5  
    Acquisitions of property and equipment   (4.0 )     (1.6 )     (11.2 )     (5.5 )
    Free cash flow $ 11.1     $ 28.5     $ 11.8     $ 24.0  
                                   

    NOTE REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

    CECO is providing certain non-GAAP historical financial measures as presented above as we believe that these figures are helpful in allowing individuals to better assess the ongoing nature of CECO’s core operations. A “non-GAAP financial measure” is a numerical measure of a company’s historical financial performance that excludes amounts that are included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

    Non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP earnings per basic and diluted share, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow, as we present them in the financial data included in this press release, have been adjusted to exclude the effects of amortization expenses for acquisition-related intangible assets, contingent retention and earnout expenses, restructuring expenses primarily relating to severance and legal expenses, acquisition and integration expenses which include retention, legal, accounting, banking, and other expenses, foreign currency remeasurement and other nonrecurring or infrequent items and the associated tax benefit of these items. Management believes that these items are not necessarily indicative of the Company’s ongoing operations and their exclusion provides individuals with additional information to better compare the Company’s results over multiple periods. Management utilizes this information to evaluate its ongoing financial performance. Our financial statements may continue to be affected by items similar to those excluded in the non-GAAP adjustments described above, and exclusion of these items from our non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as an inference that all such costs are unusual or infrequent.

    Non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP earnings per basic and diluted share, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow are not calculated in accordance with GAAP, and should be considered supplemental to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the costs associated with the operations of our business as determined in accordance with GAAP. As a result, you should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of CECO’s results as reported under GAAP. Additionally, CECO cautions investors that non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

    In accordance with the requirements of Regulation G issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP earnings per basic and diluted share, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow stated in the tables above are reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

    Non-GAAP measures presented on a forward-looking basis were not reconciled to the comparable GAAP financial measures because the reconciliation could not be performed without unreasonable efforts. The GAAP measures are not accessible on a forward-looking basis because we are currently unable to predict with a reasonable degree of certainty the type and extent of certain items that would be expected to impact GAAP measures for these periods but would not impact the non-GAAP measures. Such items may include amortization expenses for acquisition-related intangible assets, contingent retention and earnout expenses, restructuring expenses primarily relating to severance and legal expenses, acquisition and integration expenses which include retention, legal, accounting, banking, and other expenses, foreign currency remeasurement and other nonrecurring or infrequent items and the associated tax benefit of these items. The unavailable information could have a significant impact on our GAAP financial results.

    SAFE HARBOR

    Any statements contained in this Press Release, other than statements of historical fact, including statements about management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended, and should be evaluated as such. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance. We use words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intends,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “will,” “plan,” “should” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties, among others, that could cause actual results to differ materially are discussed under “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and may be included in subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and include, but are not limited to: the parties’ ability to complete the proposed Profire transactions in the anticipated timeframe or at all, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Profire transaction agreement between the parties, the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed Profire transaction on business relationships, operating results, and business generally, disruption of current plans and operations and potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the proposed Profire transaction, diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations as a result of the Profire transaction, the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted related to the proposed Profire transaction, the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and other charges related to the proposed Profire transaction, the risk that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made, the achievement of the anticipated benefits of the Profire transaction, the ability of Profire to achieve its 2024 earnings guidance, our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize the synergies from acquisitions, the sensitivity of our business to economic and financial market conditions generally and economic conditions in our service areas; dependence on fixed price contracts and the risks associated therewith, including actual costs exceeding estimates and method of accounting for revenue; the effect of growth on our infrastructure, resources, and existing sales; the ability to expand operations in both new and existing markets; the potential for contract delay or cancellation as a result of on-going or worsening supply chain challenges; liabilities arising from faulty services or products that could result in significant professional or product liability, warranty, or other claims; changes in or developments with respect to any litigation or investigation; failure to meet timely completion or performance standards that could result in higher cost and reduced profits or, in some cases, losses on projects; the potential for fluctuations in prices for manufactured components and raw materials, including as a result of tariffs and surcharges, and rising energy costs; inflationary pressures relating to rising raw material costs and the cost of labor; the substantial amount of debt incurred in connection with our strategic transactions and our ability to repay or refinance it or incur additional debt in the future; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations; our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock and the amounts and timing of repurchases, if any; our ability to successfully realize the expected benefits of our restructuring program; our ability to successfully identify acquisition targets, integrate acquired businesses and realize the synergies from strategic transactions; and the unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including cyber security threats, acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities or public health crises, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors. Many of these risks are beyond management’s ability to control or predict. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material aspects from those currently anticipated. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements as they speak only to our views as of the date the statement is made. Except as required under the federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: OPDC pioneers innovative, money-saving technology as one of England’s first Heat Network zones

    Source: Mayor of London

    Old Oak & Park Royal paves the way for England’s future sustainable energy solutions as one the government’s first heat network zones.

    Announced as one of six designated heat network zones, Old Oak and Park Royal will be home to a new district heat network. The project, spearheaded by the Mayor of London’s development corporation, OPDC, will use pioneering innovative technology that draws waste heat from data centres to provide low-cost, low carbon energy to over 10,000 new homes, businesses, and a major hospital.

    The six selected towns and cities, including Leeds, Plymouth, Bristol, Stockport and
    London are part of the government’s plan to accelerate the delivery of heat networks across England in areas where zones are likely to be designated in the future. The
    learnings from these pilots will inform the work to reduce bills, enhance energy
    security, and achieve net zero by 2050.

    OPDC’s new heat network is expected to deliver 95GWh of heat across five phases between 2026 and 2040. The project was awarded £36m from the government’s
    Green Energy Heat Network Fund in November 2023 with procurement for a partner to help develop the network now in the final stages, an announcement on the successful delivery partner is expected in early 2025. In September, the corporation announced the acquisition of the site for the heat network’s energy centre in Park Royal. Before the site is transformed into the nerve centre for the new district heat network, OPDC is using the former warehouse building as a new circular economy hub, where small businesses recycle waste into new and useful products, including film and TV sets, furniture and other household items.

    OPDC’s district heat network will be in London’s largest Opportunity Area, benefitting new and existing communities living and working in the corporation’s planned new urban district. OPDC’s regeneration plans will see tens of thousands of new and affordable homes and 250,000m2 of commercial, retail and leisure development, high-quality public realm and community services and facilities, all surrounding HS2 and the Elizabeth Line at the new Old Oak Common Station.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Solar Alliance signs contract for $3.7 million solar project in Kentucky

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO and KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solar Alliance Energy Inc. (‘Solar Alliance’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX-V: SOLR, OTC: SAENF), a leading solar energy solutions provider focused on the commercial and utility solar sectors, is pleased to announce it has signed a contract for the design, engineering and installation of a $3.7 million solar project for a customer in Kentucky. The project consists of two sites, both scheduled to begin construction in November 2024: a 553-kilowatt (“kW”) project targeted for completion by the end of 2024 and a 943-kilowatt (“kW”) project targeted for completion by the end of March 2025.

    “This project is a pertinent illustration of the growth we are encountering as a company, and the trust and reputation we are building with regional customers,” said U.S. General Manager Jon Hamilton. “Our in-depth, local expertise combined with practical, efficient execution results in an attractive solar solution for our customer. We are enabling our clients to reduce their energy costs; to secure their long-term energy requirements and to meet their sustainability and energy efficiency objectives – and this is resulting in increased sales for the Company.”

    Solar Alliance assesses the daily demands and energy use profiles of manufacturers, warehousers, retailers and data centers and provides cost-effective solar solutions that include design, engineering, installation and project management services. The Company offers a turnkey approach and simplifies the transition to solar energy.

    “Our strategy of targeting larger revenue projects is generating positive results for Solar Alliance, while lowering operating costs and delivering substantial environmental benefits to our customers,” said CEO Brian Timmons. “We have passed an inflection point and are now delivering larger commercial solar projects on a consistent basis. This project is an outstanding example of the type of project we are now targeting in the U.S. Southeast and reflects the consistent progress we continue to make.”

    Brian Timmons, CEO


    About Solar Alliance Energy Inc. (    www.solaralliance.com)

    Solar Alliance is an energy solutions provider focused on the commercial, utility and community solar sectors. Our experienced team of solar professionals reduces or eliminates customers’ vulnerability to rising energy costs, offers an environmentally friendly source of electricity generation, and provides affordable, turnkey clean energy solutions. Solar Alliance’s strategy is to build, own and operate our own solar assets while also generating stable revenue through the sale and installation of solar projects to commercial and utility customers. The technical and operational synergies from this combined business model supports sustained growth across the solar project value chain from design, engineering, installation, ownership and operations/maintenance.

    Statements in this news release, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company’s future plans and objectives or expected results, constitute Forward-looking statements. The words “would”, “will”, “expected” and “estimated” or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this press release include, but is not limited to the targeted completion dates of both sites of the Kentucky solar project and the types of solar projects that the Company is now targeting. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different than those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to: uncertainties related to the ability to raise sufficient capital, changes in economic conditions or financial markets, litigation, legislative or other judicial, regulatory, legislative and political competitive developments, technological or operational difficulties, the ability to maintain revenue growth, the ability to execute on the Company’s strategies, the ability to complete the Company’s current and backlog of solar projects, the ability to grow the Company’s market share, the high growth US solar industry, the ability to convert the backlog of projects into revenue, the expected timing of the construction and completion of the Company’s solar projects, the targeting of larger customers, potential corporate growth opportunities and the ability to execute on the key objectives in 2024. Consequently, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

    “Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.”

    The MIL Network –