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Category: KB

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

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Speakers:

    Yahlamed Israel
    Cybersecurity Consultant
    Merit America IT Support Alumni

    Marissa Ellis
    Director of Education
    Walmart

    Layla O’Kane
    Director
    Data Analytic Solutions
    Opportunity@Work

    Synopsis:

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

    Resources: 

    Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs)
    Cybersecurity Career Week

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Doorstop – Adelaide, South Australia

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Look it is just fantastic to be here at Ferguson Australia. Can I thank Andrew and Kate and all of the staff here for taking us around and talking us through the whole process of lobsters and lobster exports. And it’s wonderful to be here with Don, my wonderful colleague, the Trade Minister, and also with Joe Szakacs, the State Minister for Trade and Investments.

    We’re here the morning after the Prime Minister has announced we have agreed a timetable with China to allow the full resumption of Australian live rock lobster exports by the end of this year. And what does that mean for Australians, for Australian jobs and Australian workers? It means that in businesses like Ferguson Australia, for workers like the team we’ve seen here today, we have been able to open up an export market which is so important to the industry, to profits, and also to jobs and wages for Australians. I know from our discussions that the Fergusons have been involved in the fishing industry here in South Australia since the 1960s, but obviously, when under the previous government, the businesses were effectively blocked from entering the Chinese market, that a lot of businesses like this one here in South Australia took a really big hit. A $700 million market was shut down overnight. But as a result of the excellent work by the Albanese Government, the Prime Minister and obviously the Trade Minister as well, we’re able to start exporting this first-rate Australian product back into the Chinese market.

    Obviously, this has occurred in the context of the stabilisation of our relationship with China. I said before the election and what we have delivered on is that we would look to stabilise the relationship with China without compromising on things which are important to Australians. When we came to government we inherited some $20 billion worth of trade impediments. $20 billion worth of trade impediments under Peter Dutton. Now, less than $500 million of those impediments remain.

    Obviously, we will continue, as we have over the last two and a bit years, to press for those trade impediments to be removed. The approach we have taken to China has been patient, it has been calibrated, it has been deliberate. And our approach has paid dividends for Australians, for Australian businesses and for Australian workers. Very pleased that we have seen this announcement overnight by the Prime Minister. Very pleased that we’ll see Australian rock lobster in the Chinese market again. And again, I thank the Ferguson’s for their hospitality today and I’ll hand over to the Trade Minister.

    Don Farrell, Trade and Tourism Minister: Well, thank you, Penny, and thank you for the really good work that you’ve done with the Prime Minister to stabilise our relationship with China that has resulted in this decision yesterday to lift the final impediment on the final product back into China. We lost more than $700 million worth of trade with rock lobster going into China. By the end of the year, of course, Chinese consumers will have the advantage of the wonderful Australian product. The best rock lobster in the world comes from Australia and particularly from South Australia. And we are so pleased that the stabilisation process that you, as Foreign Minister, undertook has resulted in now the final removal of all the products.

    As you said, two and a half years ago, we started with $20 billion worth of trade impediments. They have now been removed. And of course, what that’s meant is greater prosperity for Australian producers, and more jobs for Australian workers. But we’re not going to rest on our laurels, as you will have seen in the last week or two, we’ve negotiated new free trade agreements with the United Arab Emirates and we’re encouraging companies like Fergusons to expand, to look at other markets so that we diversify our trading relationships. That’s the best way we can increase our prosperity and increase the number of jobs in this country.

    I want to thank the Fergusons. I was here only a couple of months ago where we said we’d be back with some good news, and that’s today. We’ve got that good news. And I want to thank the industry for sticking with us, it’s been a tough four years for this industry and all the way along the line I’ve wanted to give them some hope to make sure that they understood that if they stick with it, we would eventually get this sort of result. And I’m so pleased that the industry have toughed it out. They’ve diversified, but now the opportunity exists for them to go back into China. We’ve got a wonderful product here. We’ve got a clean and green image in China. We know from all of the other products that we’ve got back into the Chinese market over the last two and a half years, we actually go back with a greater volume than when we started. So, I’ve got the greatest of confidence that we’re not just going to stay where we are in terms of our exports, we’re actually going to increase those exports into the Chinese markets, and that’s very good news for this country. Thank you very much. And I want to thank my state colleagues, they’ve been working really hard with us – Joe and Claire. We’ve never given up hope. We’ve kept persisting and that persistence has now paid off. Thank you very much.

    Joe Szakacs, SA Minister for Trade and Investment: Thank you, everyone. Can I start by acknowledging the incredible work of the Commonwealth Government, particularly led by Senator Wong and Senator Farrell. The stabilisation of the China relationship has meant that important trade matters for South Australia have been able to be prosecuted by the Commonwealth Government, the Albanese Government, and thanks to their hard work and the support provided by our State Government here, we’ve seen these materialise today. Just yesterday, I announced that the trade numbers, the exports to China from South Australia, have hit another all-time high at $4.27 billion. To give some context for the impact that this announcement today or yesterday will have on the local industry in lobster, this was an over $70 million industry for South Australia that flatlined overnight. So, the resumption of the full exports of South Australian lobster into China will have a material impact for local jobs and local economic prosperity.

    Can I also say that the South Australian Government has been planning for this day for some time. Just a couple of months ago, I was actually just down here with Senator Farrell and Andrew to announce the $475,000 Seafood Support Package that our government implemented. That package is now ready to go. It supports one of two things. It supports the immediate re-engagement with China of our seafood industry, and particularly our lobster industry. It also supports and builds on the important diversification work that has been occurring to other markets, like Hong Kong, like Vietnam, like Korea and Japan. And we were in there inside today and we saw fresh live lobster being packed to head over to Hong Kong. That’s exactly the work that our State Government has been undertaking to diversify.

    Also, I just want to note that with the resumption of China Southern Airlines into South Australia, into Adelaide in December, we will see 15 tonnes of air freight every flight open up. Why is that critical? Well, it’s critical for lobster. We can’t put lobster on a boat. We can’t move lobster through ports of other states or territories. We need the best South Australian lobster to be in a plane, in the belly of a plane, into market in one day. With 15 tonne of air freight every single day being opened up from Adelaide to Guangzhou, that means direct air freight route for companies like Ferguson and other local producers. So, I just, again want to say thank you and particularly pay note to the Commonwealth Government for their extraordinary efforts in this regard.

    Clare Scriven, SA Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development: So, this is a wonderful announcement, but particularly for our regional economies. The rock lobster industry is worth $158 million to South Australia overall, and a significant amount of that has been in terms of China and the market there. So, it’s been a really difficult time for the lobster fishermen and also for the economies in our regional areas who rely on that lobster fishing industry. So, this is a great announcement. We are really pleased that the Federal Government and State Government has worked so hard to be able to achieve this and we look forward to an uplift for our regional economies as well as our lobster fishermen.

    Foreign Minister: Thanks, Clare. Okay, happy to take questions.

    Journalist: Minister Wong, when will the first lobsters hit China? Is this an immediate thing?

    Foreign Minister: Well, the announcement is by the end of the year that the trade impediments will be removed. Obviously, we’re hoping a little bit earlier than that. I was speaking to Andrew before about how that might be operationalised by the industry. I know with wine we started with a few shipments and then obviously month by month those, those exports grew. But the announcement is by the end of the year, but we’re hoping for earlier.

    Journalist: Now, do you trust China as a trading partner after the past four years? And what lessons have you learnt here?

    Foreign Minister: Well, we learnt a few lessons as a country, didn’t we? The first is that Peter Dutton talking tough isn’t the same as being tough. And that Mister Dutton and his colleagues really took an approach to the relationship with China which ultimately didn’t end up with a relationship that was stable, where we could agree, disagree, cooperate where we can, disagree where we must and engage in the national interest. We saw that the Opposition continues to seek to politicise the China relationship. Now, I’ve been very clear: China has a set of interests. Some of those are very different to Australia’s. There are going to be areas where we disagree and Australia has been very clear about standing up for those issues which are important to Australians. But we also know that its important to engage and we will continue to do that in a mature, calibrated and deliberate way.

    Journalist: And will you pull back on other issues you might have with China to try and keep these trade deals going?

    Foreign Minister: Well, I think you’ve seen that we have been very clear about those areas where we disagree. And the whole point about trying to stabilise a relationship is to recognise there will be areas where you disagree and those will continue. There will be areas where you can cooperate and you want to work on them. And perhaps most importantly, you have to engage. You have to keep engaging in dialogue, in visits, in discussion, and we will continue to do that. And I was very pleased, for example, last night at the airport I saw a number of the Australian parliamentarians who are going to Beijing for the first parliamentarian trip for some time. So, we will have areas where we continue to have different views. Your Government will continue to articulate Australia’s position on them in accordance with our national interests. But we also recognise that it is important for us to seek to work with China to open up these markets. The reason is what you saw in there. This is about Australian jobs.

    Journalist: I just have some questions from Canberra about the Middle East. So, the Opposition says Australians fleeing from Lebanon should be made to pay for Government-supported flights back home if they’ve ignored Government warnings. What’s your response to that?

    Foreign Minister: Look, we’re taking the same approach on this as we talk to people who had to flee in the earlier part of the conflict after the horrific events of October 7. But I would say this; we have a flight scheduled for Sunday, that’s October 13, there are no further flights scheduled beyond that. So, I’d say to Australians, there is a flight scheduled on October 13. There are no further flights scheduled and any further flights would obviously, as I said, flights are not going to be scheduled indefinitely and are subject to operational and security constraints. You should leave now if you wish to leave.

    Journalist: And did the government go too far with its wording on the October 7 motion in Parliament? Should you have ensured it was wording the Coalition would support?

    Foreign Minister: Well, you know who’s gone too far in this and that’s Mr Dutton. Mr Dutton is out of step with the majority of the international community, including allies such as the US, the United Kingdom, members of the G7. He refused to support a ceasefire in Gaza. Can I remind everybody that a ceasefire in Gaza has been called for, led by the United States and backed in by every single member of the United Nations Security Council.

    So, the United States and every member of the UN Security Council have called for a ceasefire in Gaza, but Mr Dutton does not want to vote for it. I’d also make the point that we had a debate in the Senate yesterday – the Coalition there was prepared to support a broader motion, including some of the issues that Mr Dutton refused to support in the House. Mr Dutton is doing what he always does, which is to seek to divide, to seek to inflame. Whenever there is a moment where we need Australians to come together, you can always count on Peter Dutton to look to divide Australians. Whenever there is a moment where we need Australians to come together, Mister Dutton will always work to divide them.

    Journalist: Thank you, Ministers. I just wanted to ask about biosecurity testing requirements. Is that something we’ve agreed to?

    Trade and Tourism Minister: Thanks, Dominic. So, we have been in discussions, of course, for some months now with the Chinese authorities in order to deal with all of the biosecurity issues that have been raised by the Chinese Government in the past. We have now got a way forward to resolve all of those biosecurity issues in a way that meets all of the Chinese requirements. So, what you’ll see, I think, between now and Christmas when there’s a full resumption, is a gradual resumption of exports of Australian rock lobster into China that will meet all of the requirements of the Chinese Government.

    Journalist: And what does that mean for Australian companies? Do they have to do anything extra or is that onus on the government when it comes to testing?

    Trade and Tourism Minister: Well, every government imposes its regulations on products coming into their country. China is no different from that. But I’m very confident, as a result of all of the discussions that have taken place, particularly the good work of the Agriculture Minister, Minister Collins, and before that, Minister Watt, we will ensure that we satisfy all of the requirements that the Chinese Government require about all of the products that we export into China.

    Journalist: Thank you. And just one for the Foreign Minister, if that’s all right. Yesterday you met with the UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar and he put forward some suggestions about how Australia could act in terms of responding to the junta’s rule. I’m just wondering if there’s any particular ideas that you were receptive to or if we’re considering any further measures that he suggested?

    Foreign Minister: We are very concerned about the situation in Myanmar. We’re concerned because, as a decent country, the loss of life and the disrespect for human rights concerns us all. We’re also concerned because Myanmar is critical to regional stability. If you look at the history of Southeast Asia, the history of ASEAN, stability in Myanmar has been a central part of the stability of the region. So, that matters to Australia. We are very concerned about the situation. We are very concerned about the behaviour of the regime. You would have seen previously that we have put sanctions on particular members of the regime. And recently I also put sanctions on particular companies, including those supplying jet fuel, given that the regime was in engaging in attacks on its own people.

    I was very pleased to meet with the Rapporteur. We discussed the situation in Myanmar. We discussed the need to focus more on the humanitarian crisis. People might recall I visited Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh some time ago. I made the point that that is Australia’s largest single humanitarian contribution, under both governments. We have put very substantial amounts of humanitarian support there because it is a humanitarian crisis in our region. And we’ll continue to work with both the international community, regional partners, to try and contribute to finding stability in Myanmar and certainly averting or dealing with the humanitarian crisis which is on our doorstep.

    Thanks very much, everybody.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2024 NIST Portrait Gallery Induction Ceremony

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Credit: SAA

    Join us on October 17, 2024, for the NIST Portrait Gallery Induction Ceremony, celebrating five remarkable former NIST employees for their outstanding contributions to NIST and the nation. The event will take place simultaneously at two locations: the Green Auditorium in Gaithersburg from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm (EST) and the Auditorium in the Gebbie Building in Boulder from 8:30 am to 10:00 am (MST). For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will also be available via live stream.

    The NIST Portrait Gallery of Distinguished Alumni honors alumni from NBS/NIST for their exceptional career achievements. Their portraits and biographies will be showcased in the corridor of the NIST cafeteria in Gaithersburg and in the Digital Portrait Gallery at both the Gaithersburg and Boulder locations.

    This year, we proudly add these individuals to the esteemed NIST Gallery of Distinguished Scientists, Engineers, and Administrators, recognizing their lasting impact on NIST’s legacy:

    Wayne Itano

    Physical Measurement Laboratory, 1979-2009
    For broad and impactful contributions to atomic physics, including seminal studies on fundamental limits to laser cooling, the blackbody radiation shift in atomic clocks, and quantum projection noise

    Andrew Persily

    Engineering Laboratory, 1982-2024
    For technical leadership in the fields of building energy-use and indoor environmental performance that reduce energy use and improve occupant health

    Kent Rochford

    Office of the Director, 1992-2000; 2002-2012; 2014-2018
    For critical leadership to advance NIST’s measurement science mission and achieve exemplary outcomes in challenging assignments related to new technical programs, safety, and security management

    Emil Simiu

    Engineering Laboratory, 1971-2022
    For outstanding technical leadership in developing innovative solutions and standards in wind engineering for improved design and construction practices, leading to resilient, safe, and cost-effective structures

    Ellen Voorhees

    Information Technology Laboratory, 1996-2023
    For profound and sustained impact on the direction of information retrieval, information access, and search technology research and development    

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Credit: OWM/K. Dill

    Course Description

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

    This class covers the following procedures from NISTIR 6969:

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

    Learning Objectives

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

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

    Materials & Supplies

    Several notebooks and course materials will be provided.

    Prerequisites

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

    Pre-Work

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

    Pre-Work Deadline

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

    Post-Work

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

    Minimum Requirements

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

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

    Audience

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

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

    Cost

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

    Instructors

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

    Technology Requirements

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 91 Mass Metrology Seminar

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Credit: OWM/K. Dill

    Course Description

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

    Learning Objectives

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

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

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

    Materials & Supplies

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

    Prerequisites

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

    Pre-Work

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

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

    Post-Work

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

    Minimum Requirements

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

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

    Audience

    This training seminar is open to industry and government metrologists.

    Cost

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

    Instructors

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

    Technology Requirements

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Family Education Assistance Center to be Renovated in Novo-Peredelkino

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    One of the branches of the family education assistance center “Bereg Nadezhdy” will undergo major repairs. The design documentation for the work was approved by Moscow City Committee on Pricing Policy in Construction and State Expertise of ProjectsThe head of the department reported this. Ivan Shcherbakov.

    Repairs are planned for the building at the address: Sholokhova Street, Building 6, Block 3.

    “Moskomexpertiza has approved a major overhaul project for a three-story building in the Novo-Peredelkino district. It houses the Bereg Nadezhdy (Bank of Hope) family education assistance center, which helps orphans. The renovation will affect the first floor of the building,” said Ivan Shcherbakov.

    During the work, specialists will renew the exterior and interior finishes, replace door and window units in one of the center’s departments. Various materials are used to repair the walls, depending on the functional purpose of the premises.

    In addition, the department’s utility lines will be replaced.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145096073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

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

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

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

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

    Competent communication

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

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

    Confident speech and self-care

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

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

    Correct goals and objectives

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

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

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

    Personal growth and prioritization

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Meetings with employers, trainings and consultations: a job placement marathon was held at the single support center for SVO participants

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    IN single support center A marathon of employment and career development for veterans of the special military operation (SVO) who had completed their service was held. They were given training, career consultations and psychological testing. As part of the marathon, it was possible to have interviews with several potential employers at once and choose a training program.

    “Moscow provides ample opportunities for professional development and offers effective HR services for both quick employment and building a new career track. We regularly hold career events for both the fighters themselves and their relatives. Several new career scenarios have been developed for candidates who contact the unified support center, and all services are adapted to the needs of applicants – SVO participants and their family members,” said Sofya Noskova, head of the employment office of the unified support center.

    Candidates are supported by business start-up specialists, employer relations managers, and career and training consultants. They help update resumes, select relevant vacancies and retraining programs, prepare for interviews, and organize meetings with employers.

    Training sessions aimed at developing soft skills were organized for veterans. A separate session was devoted to the topic of “How to write a selling resume.” Those who wanted to took a photo for a specialist profile, underwent psychological testing, which is often used by recruiters when hiring, and immediately received the results.

    In addition, the employment marathon included consultations on training programs within the framework of the national project “Demography”. Employers presented current vacancies in various economic sectors. Candidates were able to pass interviews with several employers at once.

    The Unified Support Center is the first in the country where SVO participants and their relatives are provided with comprehensive support and help veterans return to civilian life after completing their service. The center is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 21:00 at the address: Beregovoy Proezd, Building 8, Building 2.

    Sergei Sobyanin: SVO participants and their relatives are provided with assistance in career development

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145094073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Filming in the scenery, a festival of tastes and master classes: what the Moskino cinema park has prepared for this weekend

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The upcoming weekend at the Moskino cinema park will be held in the format of a cinema weekend. On October 12 and 13, Muscovites will be able to join staged filming, attend various master classes and taste unusual dishes at the Golden Autumn festival venues. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of cinema, try yourself in various creative directions and simply relax with your family and friends.

    Honey expanse and culinary master classes

    On Saturday, October 12, three tents will be open on the territory of the cinema park festival “Golden Autumn”In the first of them, from 12:00 to 19:45, three master classes will be held for visitors every hour.

    The program will open with a traditional Russian tea ceremony. Guests will try four types of hot drinks with gingerbread, buns and pretzels. You will also be able to try on Pavlovo Posad shawls, kokoshniks, caps and take photos against the backdrop of old samovars.

    The chef will teach lovers of pelmeni and vareniki how to make them correctly. Red fish and cherries are used as filling. You can taste the dishes you have prepared yourself.

    In addition, guests will be treated to a master class on making traditional Russian drinks: cherry lemonade, lingonberry mors, and honey sbiten.

    In the second tent at 11:00 there will be a master class on pumpkin carving. A specialist will teach children and adults to make real works of art from vegetables, carving ornaments and patterns on them.

    Visitors will then be able to decorate cutting boards using decoupage techniques, using lace, beads, jute and dried flowers.

    You will learn how to decorate jars in the third tent. For this, you will use burlap, lace, ribbons, beads, ears of corn and acrylic paints. Here you can also decorate wooden horseshoes.

    The next day, October 13, in the second tent, guests will be able to make candles from beeswax with the addition of essential oils, dried herbs and dried flowers, and then lip balms from natural wax.

    The third tent will host a master class on creating eco-friendly bird feeders from cardboard and based on a grid of sticks and dough. After that, guests will make a panel from cereals.

    Pumpkin latte and zucchini tortilla: what else will visitors of the Golden Autumn festival be treated to

    Guests of the cinema park will also be able to try a variety of dishes. For example, chicken and beef liver pates with berries and mushrooms, rabbit with pine nuts, trout, tuna, duck, as well as red fish riet with olives.

    In addition, visitors to the cinema park’s gastronomic venues will enjoy the following types of honey: forest, buckwheat, sweet clover, linden, acacia, taiga, bee bread and honeycomb. They will also offer gingerbread or traditional handmade gingerbread with different flavors – from berry layer to condensed milk.

    Farmers will present sausages and delicacies – raw smoked meat and dishes from duck, lamb and veal. In addition, there will be a lot of smoked and dried fish on the shelves.

    The most popular product presented in the shopping chalets will be cheese. Guests of the Moskino cinema park will be able to choose from hard, semi-soft and soft, from cow’s and goat’s milk, with or without fillers.

    Bonuses for guests of the Golden Autumn festival

    Visitors to the Golden Autumn festival who purchase farm produce at the fair will be able to use the cashback system for the purchased ticket — this is a refund of the cost of the ticket to the cinema park or a free ticket to the cinema park, which will be valid until the end of the year. Upon purchase, festival guests will receive a coupon with a number that must be indicated in a message to a special chat bot of the cinema park in the Telegram messenger.

    After processing the application, you can choose the return method – 100% cashback in money on a card or ticket. The coupon is valid until the end of the day it is issued. The cashback application will be reviewed and registered in the chatbot no later than October 17, 2024. You can receive the service once, if you try to create another application, the previous one will be canceled. You must be careful when filling in contact information. If the data is incorrect, the service cannot be provided.

    The cashback service can be provided no later than 30 days from the date of registration of the application in the chatbot.

    Photo sessions in the scenery and educational film expedition

    During the cinema weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to take a photo “from the past” against the backdrop of the “County Town” stage. And for an additional fee – a professional photo as a keepsake and a retro-style card with various filters applied.

    A costumed photo session with partisan props will be held at the Partisan Village site, and in the Cowboy Town space, in themed costumes with a frame with the inscription “Wanted.”

    In addition, those who wish will be able to dress up as movie characters and take some photos as a keepsake.

    The President of Russia and the Mayor of Moscow ceremoniously opened the Moskino cinema park

    Guests of the cinema park will be able to go on a walking tour called “Cinema Expedition”. It includes a visit to the sites “County Town”, “Pitersky Bar”, “Cowboy Town”, “City Yard”, “Streets of Berlin” and “Gonzaga Theater”. An experienced guide will tell the participants the secrets of creating scenery, the intricacies of film production in the Moskino cinema park, as well as about the projects filmed in these scenery.

    “Cinema Expedition” will appeal to both adults and children. Excursions lasting 1.5 hours will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00. Meeting at the educational center, tickets can be purchased on site using a QR code. The excursion is intended for adults and children from 10 years old.

    Geometrical games and attractions

    An animation program awaits children in the fairy tale park. The kids will be able to play the game “Drawing”, which will help participants test their knowledge of geometric figures. Thus, it will be necessary to construct an oval, square or rhombus from a rope with their eyes closed. The “Mega Tetris” test is suitable for those who like active games. The relay race to find Tetris pieces will end with the creation of a high tower from them.

    Anyone can take part in the animated sports programs from 11:00 to 17:00 on Saturday and Sunday, October 12 and 13.

    There will also be children’s attractions on the territory: excavators, a two-story carousel and a Cheburashka carousel.

    Staged shooting and a journey into the world of shadows

    Staged filming will take place on location. Everyone will have the opportunity to try on the images of the most famous heroes of Russian cinema. Comfortable conditions will be created for changing the image.

    The set of the “Pitersky Bar” is planned to be used for filming a scene from the movie “The Three Musketeers”. The “Cowboy Town” site will be used to film the famous scene of the acquaintance of the residents of an American town with the main character of the movie “The Man from Boulevard des Capucines” – Mr. Johnny Fest. All visitors to the park can take part in the staged filming.

    At the “County Town” site, visitors will see an immersive show based on the famous comedy film “12 Chairs”. On the streets, you can meet Ostap Bender and Kisa Vorobyaninov, who are trying to find the treasured chair. Guests will witness the conflict between familiar and beloved characters.

    On Saturday and Sunday, visitors to the Gonzaga Theatre will be able to go on a fascinating journey through countries with shadow theatre artists, visiting different parts of the world together, which will leave lasting impressions.

    The parking lot near the Vadim Zadorozhny Museum of Technology will host an outdoor exhibition called “Behind the Ribbon,” as well as armored vehicles for the airborne, infantry, and support vehicles: BMD-1, BTR-60, BTR-70, Ural-375, GAZ-66, BTR-60, and other models.

    Film screenings and acting workshops

    This weekend, the Moskino Kinopark cinema will delight viewers with new Russian films. Morning sessions are for the little ones, they will be shown the cartoons Luntik. Returning Home and Malyshariki. Birthday.

    In the afternoon, the program includes the films “Ruki Vverh”, “Vasilisa and the Guardians of Time” and “The Count of Monte Cristo”. All screenings are paid. The schedule and ticket purchase are available on the website.

    For an additional fee, visitors to the cinema will be able to participate in master classes where children will learn about string art, or thread graphics, create the main cinematic symbol – a clapperboard, and also attend a class on artistic makeup, where they will be able to turn into their favorite superheroes. The events are intended for children aged six and up.

    In addition, there will be master classes in acting, aimed at revealing the creative potential of the participants, studying the basics of managing emotions, and getting acquainted with different roles – from dramatic to comedic.

    And for dance lovers, there will be classes called “Dance in the World of Cinema,” where they will talk about the features of body language and the ability to express emotions through movement.

    At the master classes “Sing in the World of Cinema” you will have the opportunity to learn how to control your voice and breathing. Vocal exercises of the stars will help to reveal hidden talents.

    The cost, detailed description and time of the event can be found atcinema platform “Moskino”.

    Photoshoot in the Wild West and a master class in sand animation: how the weekend went at the Moskino cinema parkHistorical authenticity and the magic of immersion: what filming locations does the Moskino cinema park offer?

    The Million Prizes program campaign as part of the Golden Autumn Film Weekend and Festival

    This weekend, guests of the Moskino Cinema Park will be able to earn points for the city loyalty program “Million Prizes.” For visiting entertainment events at the Moskino Cinema Park, participants will be awarded 625 city points. They can only be received once if you have a full or standard account on mos.ru. To take part in the promotion, you must show your ticket and personal QR code for a participant in electronic city projects to the administrator at the entrance on the day of the event. You can find the QR code on the website, by logging in using your mos.ru account and clicking on the button with the shield image in the upper right corner of the screen.

    Points can be exchanged for goods and services from more than 400 partners of the city loyalty program “Million Prizes”. For example, you can get discounts in restaurants and pharmacies, a ticket to a museum, top up your “Troika” transport card, or donate points to charity.

    Entry to the events of the cinema weekend is by tickets, which can be purchased online only, cash payment is not accepted. Parking for personal vehicles is free.

    The cinema park is part of the Moscow Cinema Cluster, which unites infrastructure facilities, services and services for filmmakers, which are being developed by the Moscow Government as part of Sergei Sobyanin’s project “Moscow – City of Cinema”. Currently, the cinema park has 18 natural sites, four pavilions and six infrastructure facilities, including the sets “Center of Moscow”, “Moscow of the 1940s”, “Vitebsk Station”, “Yurovo Airport”, “Cathedral Square of Moscow”, “Deaf Village”, “Partisan Village”, “County Town”, “Cowboy Town”, “Pitersky Bar” and others.

    The structure of the capital’s film cluster also includes the Maxim Gorky Film Studio (sites onRyazansky Prospect, Sergei Eisenstein Street and in Valdaisky Proezd), the Moskino cinema chain, the Moskino film commission and film platform.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145102073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Traffic patterns in central Moscow to change this weekend

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On the weekend of October 12 and 13, the traffic pattern in the center of the capital will temporarily change. This is due to the Moscow Marathon.

    On Saturday, October 12, it will be impossible to drive on several streets and embankments in the Khamovniki district. From 08:00 to 12:00, traffic will be closed on Luzhniki Street, from 08:00 to 13:30 – on Luzhnetskaya, Novodevichy, Savvinskaya, Rostovskaya and Frunzenskaya embankments. From 09:00 to 12:15, the outer side of Smolensky Boulevard will be closed to cars, and from 09:00 to 12:30 – the outer side of Zubovsky Boulevard.

    On October 13, restrictions will be in effect from 07:00 to 16:30. They will be introduced on Luzhniki, Smolenskaya, Yauzskaya, Tverskoy, Mokhovaya, Okhotny Ryad, Bolshaya Ordynka, Balchug streets, as well as Khamovnichesky Val, Krymsky Val, Korovy Val, in Lubochny and Bolshoy Putinkovsky lanes.

    It will also be impossible to drive along Luzhnetskaya, Novodevichy, Savvinskaya, Rostovskaya, Smolenskaya, Nikoloyamskaya, Kostomarovskaya, Poluyaroslavskaya, Serebryanicheskaya, Moskvoretskaya, Kotelnicheskaya, Goncharnaya, Krasnokholmskaya, Kremlevskaya, Prechistenskaya and Frunzenskaya embankments.

    In addition, traffic will be closed for the marathon on Smolensky, Novinsky, Zubovsky, Yauzsky, Pokrovsky, Chistoprudny, Sretensky, Rozhdestvensky, Petrovsky, Strastnoy and Tverskoy Boulevards. Restrictions will also affect Sadovnichesky, Ustinsky, Teatralny and Kitaygorodsky Drives.

    The Krymsky, Maly Moskvoretsky, Bolshoy and Maly Ustinsky, Astakhovskiy, Kostomarovsky bridges, as well as the Oktyabrsky tunnel, Smolenskaya, Lubyanskaya, Novaya and Staraya squares will be closed to traffic.

    From 00:01 on October 12 until the end of the marathon, parking will not be possible in restricted areas.

    Drivers are asked to plan their route in advance. Detailed information is available on the website Traffic Management Center.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145079073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

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

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

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

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

    Vladimir Filippov.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

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

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

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

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

    Come up with an idea and create your own brand

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

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

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

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

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

    Set goals and find mentors

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

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

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

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

    From maternity leave to entrepreneurship

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

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

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

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

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

    Overcome the crisis and expand your business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: The Mahjong Portal for Seniors. SharpMind Games, a gaming company from Christchurch, is announcing the launch of a new gaming portal.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, Oct. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Christchurch gaming industry news

    New Zealand has its own online gaming portal for seniors with this new Mahjong portal designed primarily for elderly players aged 65+. The goal of this project was to create the best Mahjong game tailored to the specific needs of our senior audience, helping them easily interact with the game elements.

    According to the latest studies, Mahjong solitaire and other similar puzzle games, when played regularly, can help prevent neurological conditions associated with cognitive decline and may even enhance cognitive function. For instance, a study published in Frontiers in Neurology by the National Institute of Health demonstrated that playing Mahjong for 12 weeks improved executive function in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment (Zhang et al., 2020).

    The senior audience can significantly benefit from playing online puzzle games like Mahjong. However, many seniors find it difficult, or even impossible, to play modern browser games due to various challenges such as vision problems and limited hand or finger mobility. For example, vision problems can make it hard to distinguish game elements on the screen. Or it can be difficult, and sometimes even painful, to click mouse buttons due to limited finger mobility. In response, SharpMind created a web-site to allow the largest number of senior players to enjoy the game comfortably.

    The main factors considered during the development of the new product were the following:

    • Availability of special high-contrast modes for people with vision impairments,
    • Ability to scale elements and customize the interface to personal preferences,
    • Brightness and contrast adjustment options for UI and game board elements,
    • High-quality customer support, recognizing that elderly users may be less familiar with modern technical environments and may need patient, friendly assistance,
    • Additional features such as special tile layouts, relaxing music, and more.

    As a result, TheMahjong.com addresses all these needs, providing senior players with a highly comfortable Mahjong online gaming experience.

    TheMahjong.com is another great game for seniors joining alongside TheJigsawPuzzles.com in its home of New Zealand.

    According to Quantcast, their site TheJigsawPuzzles.com is the most popular entertainment website in the U.S. for people aged 65+, and it ranks among the top five overall websites in the U.S. for a senior audience.

    Contact information: yurilukas@shaprmind.com or call +64 21 157 6470

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at 
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4def66fc-5c87-43eb-aedd-7940440d03d5

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s message on the International Day of the Girl Child: “Girls’ Vision for the Future” [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations – English

    he potential of the world’s more than 1.1 billion girls is limitless. But as we creep closer to the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals, the world continues to fail girls.

    Girls account for more than 70 percent of new adolescent HIV infections. They are almost twice as likely as boys to miss out on education or training. And child marriage remains widespread, with approximately one in five girls globally married before the age of 18. Across the world, hard-won gains for gender equality are being erased by a war on the fundamental rights of women and girls, endangering their lives, restricting their choices, and limiting girls’ futures.

    The theme of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child is ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future’.

    Girls already have a vision of a world where they can thrive. They are working to turn that vision into action, and demanding their voices be heard. It is high time we listened. We must provide girls with a seat at the table, through education, and by giving them the resources they need and opportunities to participate and lead.  

    The courage, hope and determination of girls are a force to be reckoned with. It is time for the world to step up and help transform their vision and aspirations into reality.

    *****
    Les filles sont plus de 1,1 milliard dans le monde, et leur potentiel est illimité. Mais alors qu’approche inexorablement l’échéance de 2030 pour les objectifs de développement durable, le monde continue de manquer à ses engagements envers elles.

    Les filles représentent plus de 70 % des nouvelles infections par le VIH chez les adolescents. Elles sont presque deux fois plus susceptibles que les garçons de ne pas bénéficier d’une éducation ou d’une formation. Le mariage d’enfants reste très répandu : environ une fille sur cinq sur la planète est mariée avant l’âge de 18 ans. Partout, les progrès obtenus de haute lutte en matière d’égalité des genres sont réduits à néant par la guerre menée contre les droits fondamentaux des femmes et des filles, qui met la vie de celles-ci en danger, restreint leurs choix et limite l’avenir des plus jeunes.

    Cette année, le thème de la Journée internationale de la fille est « La vision des filles pour l’avenir ».

    Les filles savent déjà à quoi pourrait ressembler un monde où elles pourraient s’épanouir. Elles s’efforcent de concrétiser cette vision et exigent d’être entendues. Il est grand temps que nous les écoutions. Nous devons leur donner voix au chapitre, en leur permettant de s’éduquer et en leur donnant les ressources dont elles ont besoin, ainsi que les possibilités de participer et de diriger.

    Le courage, l’espoir et la détermination des filles sont une force avec laquelle il faut compter. Il est temps que le monde se montre à la hauteur et s’emploie à faire de leur vision et de leurs aspirations une réalité.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tea ceremonies and a gastronomic route: what awaits Muscovites in the last days of the Golden Autumn festival

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The festival ends in Moscow “Golden Autumn”During its duration, residents and guests of the capital managed to try seasonal dishes, saw a gallery of art pumpkins and a fashion installation, and also followed a gastronomic route. We tell you what awaits festival guests this weekend.

    Tea ceremonies and mini tractor races

    This weekend, October 12 and 13, the Moskino Cinema Park, located in the village of Yurovo, has prepared a special program for city residents. Here, against the backdrop of film sets, a gastronomic area has appeared. Guests will be able to purchase farm products delivered from 30 farms across the country, as well as learn production secrets and recipes for all occasions.

    At creative workshops in the cinema park, children will make wooden horseshoes, decorate cutting boards using decoupage, create wax candles and eco-friendly bird feeders, and also assemble a panel from cereals and make lip balm.

    From 12:00, traditional Russian tea ceremonies will be held in a separate tent. In addition, participants will be shown how to cook pelmeni, vareniki and national drinks, as well as how to make a work of art from a pumpkin, decorating the fruit with carved floral and other ornaments and patterns.

    On Saturday, October 12, from 12:00 to 18:00, a gastromarket and two make-up vans will be open. At the same time, a picnic and a tour of the cinema park will take place. Guests will be able to feel like movie characters and take part in a filming inspired by the characters of the films “The Thaw” and “Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears”. Visitors will also enjoy mini-tractor races, and a cart with a samovar and traditional Russian sweets will be installed on the site, which will be served until 21:00.

    This weekend, an unusual gallery will move to the Moskino cinema park. Guests will see 20 art objects in the form of pumpkins, painted by street artists. In addition, there will be culinary competitions between professional chefs.

    Drum and dance show and neofolk

    Artists and musical groups will perform at the venues of the Moscow Seasons cycle of city street events in different districts of the capital.

    On Saturday, October 12, at 17:00 on Admirala Rudneva Street, the cover band “VIA The Champions” will perform. On the same day, at 17:00, the performer Karl Hitch will take the stage on Volgogradsky Prospekt. Guests will enjoy a hit parade of popular songs, as well as an immersive show. And at 18:30 on Gorodetskaya Street, Muscovites will see a drum and dance show by the Drumma Queens group.

    On Sunday, October 13, at 17:00 on Krasnodarskaya Street you can listen to neofolk. Victoria Bars will perform at the new venue of the Moscow Seasons. She performs Russian folk songs in a modern style. Her repertoire includes the compositions “The Volga River Flows”, “Oh, It’s Not Evening”, “Romashki Sprytalis”, “Za Tikhoi Rekoyu”.

    Open-air theatres

    In addition to musical concerts, festival guests can also enjoy theatrical performances.

    On Saturday, October 12, at 4:00 p.m., the play “Three from Prostokvashino” will be shown on Volgogradsky Prospekt. The actors of the Pushkin Musical and Drama Theater will perform on stage.

    On Sunday, October 13, at 4:00 p.m. on Mitinskaya Street, the Magic Fan Theatre will show the play “Tales Told by the Learned Cat.” At the same time, on Krasnodarskaya Street, the Yaroslava Slavskaya Theatre will present the play “Fly-Tsokotukha.”

    Creative activities and gastronomic master classes

    One of the most popular places of the Golden Autumn festival was the site located on Tverskaya Square. This weekend, master classes will be held there for guests of all ages.

    At 13:00 you can learn how to paint clay plates, and at 14:00 you can learn how to create a decorative pumpkin that will decorate your autumn interior. Here at 15:00 guests will make a panel from cereals.

    Muscovites will be able to learn how to cook delicious dishes in a real oven on Svyatoozerskaya and Teply Stan streets. At 13:00 they will make a chicken pie with rice and seasonal vegetables, and at 15:00 – a roast with mushrooms, sweet onions and new potatoes.

    At Revolution Square, guests will try various types of pancakes, as well as grilled veal and pumpkin latte. In the Brigantina Park on Koptevsky Boulevard, you can enjoy pork ribs and brisket, which will be cooked in a smoker. In the park near Golyanovsky Pond, visitors will be offered meat solyanka.

    In addition, Tverskaya Square will feature fish delicacies from Astrakhan, craft cheeses made from premium milk, caviar and canned goods. On Dmitry Donskoy Boulevard, you can buy Dombai jam, pickles, as well as tea and herbs from Karachay-Cherkessia. Pastila and marmalade made from cheese are sold on all days of the festival at the Moscow Seasons site near the Nekrasovka metro station.

    In Kamergersky Lane, guests will be able to follow the autumn gastronomic route. About 20 restaurants will present special set menus and seasonal hot drinks. In addition, a famous DJ will perform here.

    During the Golden Autumn festival, sports, culinary and creative events will be held at venues across the capital. Guests can take part in weightlifting, push-ups, squats and other competitions. Children will learn wood carving and wickerwork. A special program will be organized at the Moskino cinema park, where a large-scale gastrofestival will take place. Guests will enjoy barbecue parties, chef battles, tastings of farm products and much more. For the first time, city fish markets located in the Kosino-Ukhtomsky and Mitino districts will become festival venues.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145063073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CHIPS National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP) Proposer’s Day

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Purpose

    The Proposer’s Day is intended to familiarize potential applicants with the objectives and structure of the NAPMP Advanced Packaging Research and Development Notice of Intent (NOI), published on July 19, 2024. It will bring potential applicants together in a collaborative atmosphere to network and support partnerships among the community. 

    Who should attend

    On July 19, 2024, CHIPS R&D released a Notice of Intent (NOI) to invest up to $1.55 billion for funding across the five research and development areas (RDAs) outlined in the NAPMP vision paper. CHIPS R&D expects to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit proposals for activities that will establish and accelerate domestic advanced packaging through investments in five RDAs: (1) Equipment, Tools, Processes, and Process Integration; (2) Power Delivery and Thermal Management; (3) Connector Technology, including Photonics and Radio Frequency (RF); (4) Chiplets Ecosystem; and (5) Co-design/Electronic Design Automation (EDA). 

    Audience

    For industry representatives, technical experts, researchers, and semiconductor industry alliances. CHIPS R&D expects eligible lead applicants and subrecipients will include for-profit organizations; non-profit organizations; accredited institutions of higher education, including community and technical colleges and minority serving institutions; and state, local, territorial, and Tribal government. It is expected that the NOFO will require that applicants must be domestic entities, meaning entities incorporated in the United States (including U.S. territories) with their principal place of business in the United States, including U.S. territories, and will potentially be subject to other eligibility requirements. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

    BAZA Production/Shutterstock

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

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

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

    In fact, they actually raise new problems.

    What are the details of the social media ban?

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

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

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

    The government is also considering an:

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

    The problem with “low risk”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    But this doesn’t solve the risk problem.

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

    A better approach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Auckland Council appoints Watercare board chair

    Source: Auckland Council

    Auckland Council’s Performance and Appointments Committee today appointed Geoff Hunt to be the chair of the Watercare Services Limited Board with effect from 12 October 2024.

    A ‘revisited’ appointment

    The council revisited its process to appoint the chair following a judicial review of the process undertaken for the appointment earlier this year. The outcome of that process was that the High Court set aside the appointment of the chair made on 25 June 2024.

    The judgment did not direct concern toward the appointment itself, but rather the process that was followed to complete the appointment.

    “Ensuring the appropriate appointment practices are in place, and carried out, to deliver well-governed council-controlled organisations is a priority for us and we have adjusted our processes accordingly,” says Alastair Cameron, the council’s Manager CCO/External Partnerships team.

    The Performance and Appointments Committee is responsible for all appointments to the boards of council-controlled organisations, in accordance with the council’s Appointment and Remuneration Policy for Board Members and the Local Government Act.

    About Geoff Hunt

    Geoff’s career has been mainly in construction, operation, and maintenance of critical infrastructure. Over a 27-year period he has been CEO of four successful New Zealand-based companies operating in these areas. He has worked in the UK and the USA and has been involved in project delivery and infrastructure maintenance services in Australia, the Pacific, Melanesia, and SE Asia.

    Geoff has worked in and held governance roles in both the government and private sectors and in industry bodies. He is currently a New Zealand Infrastructure Commission board member and director of two privately owned business providing materials to the construction sector. Through Geoff Hunt Consulting Ltd he advises on business performance improvement, staff relations and development, construction project delivery, and construction sector dispute resolution.

    Geoff has a master’s degree in engineering, is an Engineering New Zealand Distinguished Fellow and a member of the Institute of Directors.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

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

    Source: Asia Development Bank

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

    WORKING PAPER 1487

    MIL OSI Economics –

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

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Foreign Investment and Gender Equality in India: Competitive Pressures or Technology Transfer?

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    We examine the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into a large, emerging economy and advances in gender equality. Several studies have examined how competitive FDI pressures might lower gender inequality by reducing an employer’s ability to practice taste-based discrimination. Other studies examine how FDI-induced technology transfer reduces gender employment and gender wage gaps in developing countries. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to consider the possibility that foreign investment both places strong competitive pressures on domestic industries and also allows for technology adoption. These ideas are particularly important in service-oriented sectors, where the highest values of foreign investments flow and the largest shares of women are employed. We expect increased competition associated with foreign investment to reduce gender inequality in occupations that suffer most from discrimination, while technology transfer serves to further reduce gender gaps in occupations for which automation reduces the demand for tasks. We use worker-level data from India to examine the differential effects on women relative to men of horizontal (measuring competition) and vertical (measuring technology transfer) FDI across occupational categories. Our findings suggest that competitive pressures associated with horizontal FDI narrow the gender employment gap in nonroutine cognitive occupations, while the technology transfer associated with vertical FDI supports increases in the relative demand for women in routine-manual occupations.

    WORKING PAPER 1486

    MIL OSI Economics –

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

    Source: Australia Digital Transformation Agency

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

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China ready to join EU for stable, positive ties: Premier Li

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

    VIENTIANE, Oct. 11 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said China is ready to work with the EU to further consolidate the momentum of stable and positive relations between both sides, enhance strategic mutual trust and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.

    Li made the remarks on Friday during his meeting with European Council President Charles Michel on the sidelines of the leaders’ meetings on East Asia cooperation held in Vientiane.

    Calling next year’s 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties an important node of connecting the past with the future, Li said China also stands ready to make greater contributions to improving the well-being of people of the two sides and advancing the cause of global peace and development with the EU.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Energy Resources Aotearoa welcomes pragmatic approach in Electricity GPS

    Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

    Energy Resources Aotearoa welcomes the refreshing pragmatism in the Government’s Policy Statement (GPS) to the Electricity Authority.
    The GPS says mitigating climate change is not the job of the Electricity Authority, and Minister Brown has made it clear that the Authority should take a “fuel agnostic” approach to the electricity sector.
    Chief Executive John Carnegie says, “This is a welcome dose of pragmatism and the direction we need as we transition to a low-carbon electrified economy.
    This winter highlighted that we still need thermal generation to ensure a secure energy system.
    “We must keep our options open with facilities like Genesis’ Huntly Power Station, which can generate energy from domestic gas, coal, and biomass” Carnegie says.
    The GPS also says that the Government will not intervene in the wholesale market as this “can undermine incentives on market participants to manage their risks properly, chilling hedging and new investment leading to increased scarcity, more periods of high prices and reduced security. We couldn’t agree more”.
    The statement clarifies that the Electricity Authority must refrain from favouring one form of fuel or technology over another, something we have consistently advocated for over the last five years. Carnegie says it is great to see the government agree with Energy Resources’ Aotearoa’s long-standing position on fuel and technology agnosticism. 
    If thermal generation is cheaper than renewable alternatives, we should use it. It also says that the Emissions Trading Scheme with carbon pricing should be the mechanism for addressing climate change.
    Carnegie says, “This is a welcome departure from ideologically driven policy, which contorted our largely renewable energy system into a vehicle for reducing emissions. Right now, thermal generation is a necessary part of our generation mix, and it is great that the government acknowledges this. 
    “Now we need the right regulatory and market conditions to encourage the development of gas-fired peaking plants and the fuel we so badly need to keep the lights on.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

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

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

    ilikeyellow/Shutterstock

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

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

    The study

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

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

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

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

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

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


    CC BY

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

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

    Hiring a private lawyer

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

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

    As one foreign worker explained:

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

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

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

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

    Addressing institutional failures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Results of Underwriting Auctions Conducted on October 11, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    In the underwriting auctions conducted on October 11, 2024, for Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) of the undernoted Government securities, the Reserve Bank of India has set the cut-off rates for underwriting commission payable to Primary Dealers as given below:

    (₹ crore)
    Nomenclature of the Security Notified Amount Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) Amount Additional Competitive Underwriting Amount Accepted Total Amount underwritten ACU Commission Cut-off rate
    (paise per ₹100)
    7.04% GS 2029 14,000 7,014 6,986 14,000 0.04
    7.34% GS 2064 15,000 7,518 7,482 15,000 0.09
    Auction for the sale of securities will be held on October 11, 2024.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1268

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 19th East Asia Summit reviews cooperation and future direction

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today participated in the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS), held in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The 19th EAS was attended by Heads of State/Government and High Representatives of the EAS participating countries, the Secretary-General of ASEAN and Timor-Leste as Observer. The President of the European Council and the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation attended the Open Session and briefed the Meeting on enhancing connectivity and on economic integration.

    The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the EAS as the premier Leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on broad strategic, political and economic issues of common interest and concern.

    The post 19th East Asia Summit reviews cooperation and future direction appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Appointment of CFA CEO – Greg Leach AFSM

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    I am delighted to announce that following an extensive search Greg Leach AFSM has been appointed by the Victorian Government as the new Chief Executive Officer for CFA.

    Greg brings deep emergency management expertise to the role, with a career spanning more than three decades working across senior leadership roles in four emergency services agencies in both Victoria and Queensland (Ambulance Victoria, Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Victoria State Emergency Service). 

    Greg is a current member of the Board of the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Council (AFAC).

    Greg started his service with CFA as a volunteer in 1978, before commencing in 1988 in a staff position in Bendigo. During his time with CFA, he performed various operational roles including Operations Manager (Regional Officer) and Manager, Structural Fire Planning. 

    From these very early days Greg has had a passion for supporting volunteers in the vital work they do in protecting the community. 

    Since October 2023, Greg Leach has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the VICSES.  In this capacity, he has been instrumental in championing a significant health, safety, and wellbeing program to support the mental and physical health of SES volunteers and staff as well as overseeing a review of the VICSES Operating Model.

    I know that Greg is very excited by the prospect of returning to CFA to continue the ongoing program of work to ensure CFA is a great place to volunteer and work, and a contemporary, progressive emergency service.

    On behalf of the Board, I would also like to acknowledge and thank Robyn Harris for so ably fulfilling the role of Interim CEO since 1 August while the search for the substantive CEO was undertaken.

    It has been a great pleasure to work closely with her during this time and I am very grateful to her, Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and the full executive team for their ongoing professionalism and dedication which has supported a smooth transition.

    Greg will commence in the role on 18 November 2024.

    Jo Plummer
    CFA Chair

    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Surgeons call for pause on “risky” fast-tracking of overseas specialists

    Source: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

    The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) has added its voice to growing calls for a pause on proposed fast-tracking of overseas-trained doctors saying the plan is risky and won’t increase workforce supply where it’s needed most.

    The College says there is a real need to grow the surgical workforce in rural and regional parts of Australia particularly but says the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’s (AHPRA) plan lacks the nuance to fix the issue in a safe and effective way.

    RACS has joined other Australian medical colleges in writing to the Federal Health Minister on Friday 11 October asking for a rethink of the proposal.

    RACS President Associate Professor Kerin Fielding says the College has long been advocating for targeted reforms to address healthcare shortages but says these need to be done in a way that prioritise areas most in need, including rural locations, and uphold patient safety. The College’s concerns particularly centre on the proposal to reduce supervision time for Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) and their lack of targeted measures to retain a rural/regional workforce.

    “The proposals in their current form present significant risks to patients and may result in a lack of consistency of surgical standards across Australia. The lack of clear supervision requirements and inadequate support systems for SIMGs, especially in rural areas, could compromise standards of care.

    “We need to ensure that SIMGs entering Australia are properly trained, supported, and retained in the areas where they are most needed. This is about ensuring every Australian, no matter where they live, has access to safe, high-quality surgical care,” Associate Professor Fielding says.

    RACS has raised the following key concerns with AHPRA’s proposed pathways:

    • Inadequate supervision – The shortened six-month supervision period proposed by AHPRA may not be sufficient to identify performance issues or ensure that SIMGs are adequately prepared to practice safely in Australia’s healthcare system, especially for procedural specialties like surgery.
    • Lack of rural support – SIMGs placed in isolated rural areas may lack the necessary supervision and support, potentially lowering the standard of care for patients in those regions.
    • Undermining surgical standards – The expedited pathways risk creating a two-tier surgical workforce, undermining the rigorous training and accreditation processes currently in place.
    • Retention and distribution concerns – The proposal lacks targeted measures to ensure SIMGs remain in rural and regional areas, which could result in ongoing workforce shortages in underserved regions.

    RACS is advocating for a more strategic and transparent approach, calling on AHPRA to:

    • Pause the implementation of the expedited pathways until further consultation and review can occur.
    • Introduce specific measures to recruit and retain surgeons in areas of critical need, both geographically and by specialty.
    • Ensure transparency around qualification criteria, supervision models, and assessment processes.

    RACS remains committed to working collaboratively with AHPRA, the Medical Board of Australia, and other stakeholders to develop a solution that addresses workforce shortages while upholding the high standards of surgical practice and training in Australia.

    About the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

    RACS is the leading advocate for surgical standards, professionalism and surgical education in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The College is a not-for-profit organisation that represents more than 8000 surgeons and 1300 surgical trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates. RACS also supports healthcare and surgical education in the Asia-Pacific region and is a substantial funder of surgical research. There are nine surgical specialties in Australasia being: Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Urology and Vascular Surgery. http://www.surgeons.org

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung’s AI-Powered Home Appliances Are Becoming More Secure With Knox Matrix

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics is taking protection to the next level with Samsung Knox, the proprietary security platform safeguarding its AI home appliances, alongside additional solutions. The company aims to strengthen the security of not only individual products but also interconnected devices, providing users with peace of mind when using AI home appliances.
     
    At Samsung Developer Conference 2024 (SDC24), Samsung announced plans to extend Knox Matrix from mobile devices and TVs to home appliances following Samsung Knox’s expansion. Knox Matrix provides integrated protection for interconnected devices, allowing them to mutually monitor for security threats and notify users of threat-blocking measures.
     
    ▲ Jong-Hee Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics, delivers the SDC24 keynote address.
     
    In addition, Samsung plans to introduce mobile biometric authentication to its home appliances next year — eliminating the need to enter IDs and passwords and preventing login information from being exposed.
     
     
    Detecting Security Threats and Notifying Users
    All Samsung smart home appliances1 are safeguarded by Samsung Knox, a holistic and multi-defense security platform that protects users’ data from external threats including malicious software. Nonetheless, Samsung set out to build a secure environment for interconnected devices since strong connectivity between devices creates an improved user experience and protection against data exposure in the age of AI home appliances.
     
    Knox Matrix is a security solution that comprehensively protects connected devices and networks using private blockchain technology. The system consists of Trust Chain, Cross Platform and Credential Sync.
     
    ▲ Knox Matrix is comprised of three main technical elements.
     
    Based on blockchain technology, Trust Chain allows connected devices to monitor each other for security threats and notifies users of threat-blocking measures if there is a problem with the security status. Cross Platform ensures consistent security standards are applied to connected devices, even if they run on different operating systems (OS) and platforms. Credential Sync encrypts data shared between devices and synchronizes credentials to maintain security.
     
    First introduced to the 2024 Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub , Credential Sync uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE) technology to share data between devices on the server. Information can be safely shared between connected devices, and existing user data can be restored when a new product is purchased.
     
    Samsung plans to expand the application of Knox Matrix’s Trust Chain, Cross Platform and Credential Sync to major products such as the refrigerator with AI Family Hub beginning next year.
     
     
    Introducing Biometric Authentication
    At SDC24, Samsung also announced that Passkey will be introduced next year to the refrigerator with AI Family Hub as well as home appliances equipped with the 7-inch AI Home LCD screen. Part of Credential Sync, Passkey is a digital credential that allows users to log in to home appliance apps and websites2 using biometrics such as fingerprints on their smartphones.
     
    With the increasing use of apps and web services, the risk of password leaks is on the rise. Passkey alleviates this concern and eliminates the inconvenience of having to remember passwords for each login.
     
    Furthermore, Samsung is planning to apply Knox Vault to its AI home appliances starting next year to further improve hardware-based security. Samsung home appliances equipped with Knox Vault will store sensitive personal information such as passwords and biometric data on a separate hardware security chip — protecting sensitive information from OS-based security breaches or physical hacks.
     
     
    Expanding Recognition From Top-Tier Organizations
    Samsung is committed to improving the reliability of its AI home appliances by expanding security verification from authorized organizations. In February, the Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub + became the first in the global home appliance industry to receive the highest rating of Diamond in the IoT Security Rating conducted by leading certification company UL Solutions. Now, five products including the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo and the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI have received the same rating — setting an industry record.3
     
    ▲ The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo received the Diamond security rating from UL Solutions.
     
    UL Solutions’ IoT Security Rating uses a five-level rating system based on rigorous testing of hacking risks and the security capabilities of smart home appliances. The Diamond rating requires passing stringent evaluations including detecting malicious software tampering, preventing illegal access attempts and anonymizing user data. Samsung plans to expand Diamond certification to even more of its AI home appliances.
     
    Additionally, Samsung conducts internal cyberattack simulations at least once a quarter to verify the security of its AI home appliances. The company’s software developers perform these hacking tests on products and services to identify vulnerabilities and create updates to address any security flaws.
     
    “As the connected ecosystem of AI home appliances expands, the importance of security is growing exponentially,” said Miyoung Yoo, EVP and Head of the Software Development Team, Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung will continue to develop security solutions and achieve new certifications to ensure that users can experience peace of mind when using AI home appliances and services in Samsung’s ecosystem.”
     
     
    1 Samsung Knox is applied to select appliances launched in 2018 and later.2 Available on websites that support the international Fast Identity Online (FIDO) standard.3 As of August 2024.

    MIL OSI Economics –