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Category: Machine Learning

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: NAVWAR at WEST 2025: The Future of Multi-Domain Warfare Demands Agility and Audacious Innovation

    Source: United States Navy

    As the premier naval conference and exposition on the West Coast, WEST offered industry and academia experts the valuable opportunity to engage with U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard leaders. Co-sponsored by Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) International and the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI), thousands of people attended at the San Diego Convention Center Jan. 28-30 to discuss the landscape of increasingly complex challenges in alignment with the theme: the future is now, are we advancing operational capabilities that pace the threat?

    NAVWAR Commander Rear Adm. Seiko Okano, representing the command for the first time at WEST, highlighted her organization’s commitment to supporting the Fleet with next-generation capability. On a panel with other military and industry experts, they discussed how the Department of Defense (DOD) is accelerating software development in support of the Replicator initiative, a DOD-wide effort to fast-track the acquisition of thousands of all-domain attritable autonomous systems.

    She highlighted the need for a shift in both culture and the development ecosystem, emphasizing that transformative change is essential for driving progress. “This isn’t a technology problem; this is a culture problem. The faster we figure out how to shift this together, I think we win,” she said. “The Navy has always prided itself on having brilliant technologists at our research labs, but we should also embrace the really fantastic solutions from industry that we can leverage to help us innovate at speed.”

    On another panel with systems commanders from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard on acquisitions, Okano continued to speak about the unique role NAVWAR has in delivering innovative capability to the Fleet. “NAVWAR is at the center of a significant shift in warfare—where traditional domains are blurring, and the fight is increasingly multi-domain and multi-spectral. Our role is to deliver a decisive information advantage, requiring speed, agility and adaptability,” she said. “The challenge is breaking down silos, fostering collaboration and instilling a culture that embraces rapid change to meet the demands of modern conflict.”

    During an informational brief about NAVWAR and its needs, John Pope, executive director of NAVWAR, reiterated the importance of rapid and easy adoption of new technologies. “In our world of information warfare, we need to be the ones who are the quickest to respond to what the Fleet needs,” he said. “To achieve that, we’re asking our workforce and our industry and academic partners to embrace our core values of audacious innovation and radical ownership to get after what we need to fix any outdated equipment until we can find modern solutions.”

    At the Navy’s Information Warfare pavilion, experts from across the NAVWAR enterprise had a significant presence, interfacing with industry at engagement zones and presenting cutting-edge technology. From Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific; Program Executive Office (PEO) Digital and Enterprise Services (Digital); PEO Manpower, Logistics and Business Solutions (MLB); and PEO Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I), NAVWAR’s wide-ranging program offices were represented on the exhibit floor.

    The tech demonstrations from NIWC Pacific showcased the latest and greatest from their labs, ranging from cloud development to cryogenic probes to a robot dog designed to assist in ship maintenance. One of the demos featured a Rapid Recreation into Modeling and Simulations (R2MS) tool, spearheaded by the Integrated Fires Team. This platform uses real-world data to create live virtual simulations at rapid speed, an invaluable tool for training and mission planning. “We’re exploring how AI and ML can take R2MS’ capabilities even further,” said Nadil Lopez, project manager for the Integrated Fires team. “There is a lot of untapped potential with this tool in creating complex and realistic environments for the Fleet.”

    All of NAVWAR’s PEOs also had significant industry engagement throughout the course of WEST. Through PEO C4I’s annual Engagement Event and the joint PEO Digital/MLB Industry Open house, around 250 individual companies met government representatives and leaders for insightful and collaborative conversations across all three PEOs. NIWC Pacific program managers and technical leads also met with industry through the engagement zones to discuss their needs in an informal one-on-one discussion.

    “As underscored by several of the leadership keynotes this year, the rapid pace of both technological and global change demand stronger partnerships across government, industry and academia,” said Michael McMillan, executive director of NIWC Pacific. “WEST 2025 provides NIWC Pacific the opportunity to showcase our latest innovations while forging connections that accelerate the transition of critical technologies from research and prototyping to operational capability. By strengthening collaborations today, we ensure our Navy remains ahead of tomorrow’s threats.”

    Efforts from PEO Digital were also acknowledged at the Department of Navy (DON) Information Technology Excellence Awards, held Monday, Jan. 27 prior to WEST. In honor of leading Flank Speed Zero Trust, the DOD’s first zero trust compliance pilot, Darren Turner received the Person of the Year award for his exceptional leadership and dual roles for both DON Chief Information Officer (CIO) and PEO Digital’s technical director office. Zero trust is a network security philosophy that states no one inside or outside the network should be trusted unless their identification has been thoroughly checked. The Navy’s Flank Speed service currently delivers enhanced collaboration, productivity and robust zero trust security to more than half a million users worldwide, completed three years before the DON CIO’s 2027 deadline.

    Rodrick Adams, the Marine Corps Logistics Integrated Information Systems (LI2S-MC) security manager at PEO MLB, was also recognized with a Fiscal Year 2024 Copernicus Award from AFCEA International and USNI. This award honors individual contributions to C4I, information systems, cyber operations and information warfare. Adams’ efforts in leading the planning, development and implementation of the Naval Identity Services effort for Global Combat Support System-Marine Corps led to greatly enhanced financial transaction security for its users.

    In continuing its commitment to helping the Navy reach new heights in cybersecurity and information warfare capabilities, NAVWAR leverages next-generation tools like AI/ML and industry partnerships to further drive innovation. As the battlefield becomes more complex, their role in the future fight demands a culture shift driven by collaboration, adaptability and agility.

    About NAVWAR:

    NAVWAR identifies, develops, delivers and sustains information warfighting capabilities and services that enable naval, joint, coalition and other national missions operating in warfighting domains from seabed to space and through cyberspace. NAVWAR consists of more than 11,000 civilian, active duty and reserve professionals located around the world.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Blue Tag Sale: Supporting Wellness with Cutting-Edge Home Technology

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung’s Blue Tag Sale, currently on until 2 March 2025, is offering exclusive deals on advanced home appliances, electronics and devices that promote healthier living. With a focus on Home for Wellness, Samsung is committed to bringing cutting-edge technology that takes care of you and your well-being, balance, and sustainable living. From smart TVs and monitors to air-conditioners, fridges, and washing machines, Samsung is empowering individuals to make healthier choices, all from the comfort of their homes.
     

     
    Samsung Smart TVs and Monitors: Wellness at Home
    Samsung’s innovative Smart TVs and monitors are not only designed for entertainment but also as essential wellness tools for modern living. With an array of wellness apps, fitness programs, and guided meditation features, these displays encourage a holistic approach to health at home. Users can stream exercise routines, relaxation videos, and track their fitness progress—all through their Samsung TVs and monitors. Whether you’re looking to stay active, relax, or practice mindfulness, a Samsung TV or monitor can help you turn your home into a wellness hub.
     
    Air-Conditioners: Breathing Easier with Clean Air
    Samsung’s air-conditioners go beyond providing comfort with temperature regulation. They not only keep your room temperature comfortably in check, they also include a specialised filter to keep the air in your home clean and hygienic.
     
    The Samsung WindFree Air Conditioners have a Tri-Care filter feature that is made up of three layers that reduce harmful particles to help maintain healthy indoor air quality, and has been certified by Intertek to reduce 99.9% of bacteria[1].
     
    With smart sensors that monitor air conditions in real-time, Samsung air-conditioners adjust to your home’s needs, ensuring optimal temperature and air quality for a healthier, more comfortable living environment. Ideal for those looking to create a cleaner, fresher atmosphere at home, Samsung air-conditioners contribute to better breathing and overall well-being.
     

     
    The WindFree also has a PM1.0 Filter that protects you from inhaling bacteria and tiny particles. It sterilises over 99% of bacteria[2].
     
    As part of the Blue Tag Sale, Samsung is offering amazing discounts on select wellness-enhancing appliances, making it easier for you to invest in healthier living:
     
    75 Inch QLED 4K Q60D Tizen OS Smart TV (2024) – QA75Q60DAKXXA. Now R17,999* (save R1,999). You can pair it with the Essential C-Series Soundbar (HW-C450) for R3,299*.
    65 Inch Neo QLED 4K QN85D Tizen OS Smart TV (2024) – QA65QN85DBKXXA. Now R25,999* (save R2,000).
    65″ DU7000 Crystal UHD 4K HDR Smart TV (UA65DU7000KXXA). Now R10,999* (save R1,000). Plus the Essential C-Series Soundbar HW-C400 (HW-C400/XA) at R1,299 (save R500).
    34″ Odyssey G55T UWQHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor (LC34G55TWWPXEN). Now R9,999* (save R3,000).
    32″ Smart Monitor M70D UHD, USB-C with Speakers & Remote (LS32DM702UAXXA). Now R7,999* (save R2,000).
    AR9500T Wall-mount AC with Windfree TM and AI technology, 12000 BTU/h (AR12BSAAAWK/FA). Now R16,599* (save R3,000).
     
    The Samsung Blue Tag Sale runs from 13 January – 2 March 2025, in Samsung stores, online, the Samsung Shop App, as well as participating retailers. Don’t miss out!
     
    For more information, visit www.samsung.com/za
     
    [1] Tested on Samsung AR9500T. The antiviral air filter (Tri-Care Filter) can remove up to 99.9% of the viruses based on Intertek Test.
    **Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352
    [2] Based on independent testing by Intertek. Removes 99.9% of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli collected on the electrostatic precipitator filter. Results may vary depending on environmental factors and individual use.
    *Offers available at participating Retailers and Online Stores. T&Cs apply.
    *Recommended Retail Price

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Kinematics Strengthens Global Leadership in Solar Tracker Intelligence with Completion of P4Q Acquisition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PHOENIX, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kinematics, a global leader in intelligent motion control, today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of P4Q. By integrating P4Q’s high-performance electronics portfolio—including over 1 million solar controllers deployed across 2,400 solar sites globally—with Kinematics’ installed base of 2.9 million solar actuators, the combined company becomes the world’s largest supplier of motion control technology for solar trackers supporting more than 134 gigawatts of solar installations worldwide.

    Kinematics has gained P4Q’s expertise in full-stack electronics, including their market-leading tracker controls brand, Suntrack®, to complement its innovative actuation systems. This acquisition allows Kinematics to provide a complete solution for solar tracker motion technology, simplifying design integration and supply for solar tracker OEMs, enabling the most advanced tracking systems for future installations and providing asset owners a path toward upgrading outdated systems.

    “This acquisition creates increased scale, expanded global support, and unified motion control solutions,” said John Payne, CEO of Kinematics. “By combining our strengths, we’re setting new standards for intelligent solar tracking technology. Our expanded portfolio of solutions will improve solar plant production, increase reliability, and enhance value to accelerate the growth and adoption of solar energy on a global scale.”

    “Our integration into Kinematics will enhance our business and create new opportunities for our team. Innovation is in our DNA, and we will continue providing disruptive solutions to our clients as well as excellent service,” said Aitor Alapont, CEO of P4Q.

    A cornerstone of the combined offering is P4Q’s revolutionary Self-Powered Plus (SPP) Controller Technology. This innovative solution eliminates the need for traditional pony panels, freeing up space on the tracker surface, and reducing both capital expenditure and installation complexity, while also offering superior power availability under low irradiance conditions.

    The acquisition builds on Kinematics’ recent innovations in motion control, including the breakthrough ST Series actuators launched in 2024. Featuring a maintenance-free design, the ST Series delivers up to 50% more holding torque in a smaller form factor, enhancing solar tracker performance and reliability – capabilities that will be further strengthened through the integration of both companies.

    “This milestone will create synergies, expand our portfolio of products and services, and optimize our global operations, undoubtedly providing a significant boost to all our business verticals,” said Noemí Pérez, Commercial Director at P4Q.

    The combined company will be headquartered in the U.S. with R&D in the U.S., Europe, and APAC. Kinematics will now have six manufacturing centers, including the U.S. and Europe, and seven service centers located globally.

    About Kinematics
    Founded in 1996, Kinematics is a global leader in precision motion control solutions, specializing in the design and manufacture of slew drives, slew rings, and actuation technology. With a strong focus on renewable energy, Kinematics supplies critical engineered systems, sensors, gears, and controllers that maximize the efficiency of solar installations worldwide, along with applications for the mobile industrial and satellite ground station sectors. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and operates globally with facilities in Asia and North America.

    About P4Q
    P4Q is a premier provider of IoT solutions, specializing in electronic devices, communication technologies, and cloud-based monitoring for solar tracking systems, medical diagnostic equipment, and more. The company also supports industries such as railway and industrial electronics. Renowned for its commitment to innovation and high-performance solutions, P4Q has established a strong reputation for excellence, particularly in the solar energy sector. Headquartered in Spain, P4Q serves clients across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

    Press Contact:
    Matt Clarke
    matt@teamsilverline.com
    301.467.7332

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a835f342-87fb-45f3-a382-21134f6fc8a4

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Mark Cuban Foundation and the Cosmosphere Bring AI Education to Hutchinson Teens

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HUTCHINSON, Kan., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Mark Cuban Foundation is proud to announce a pioneering museum pilot program in partnership with the Cosmosphere International Science Education Center and Space Museum in Hutchinson, Kansas. The program will bring the highly acclaimed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp to Hutchinson area high school students. This collaboration emphasizes the Foundation’s mission to reach students in underserved and previously unconnected regions, providing them with opportunities to engage with innovative technology.

    The program aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence and its applications to future careers. Students can select from six tracks: healthcare, arts and entertainment, business and entrepreneurship, computer science, sports science, or education and career readiness. Driven by the belief that fostering interest in AI at a young age is crucial for preparing the next generation for their future, the AI Bootcamps are introductory and accessible to students in 9-12 grade with an interest in technology. Students do not need any familiarity with computer science or programming to attend.

    This free AI Bootcamp is hosted for underserved high school students with a transparent focus on recruiting girls, students of color, first generation college students, and those from low to moderate income households. The AI Bootcamp Program provides students with lunch and a snack, transportation assistance, and technology equipment during bootcamp.

    “As AI continues to become an undeniable force in all of our lives, it’s crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it,” said Mark Cuban, founder. “While technology expands and becomes more advanced, it becomes more critical that we ensure our students are prepared when they apply for schools or jobs in the future. Thanks to our work with the Cosmosphere, the bootcamp will offer an avenue to explore this fascinating field of technology to any student, no matter their means.”

    This year’s bootcamp, taking place in Hutchinson on March 17- 19, is hosted and staffed by the Cosmosphere, a space museum with one of the largest collections of U.S. and Soviet space artifacts. It features the Apollo 13 command module, an SR-71 Blackbird, a planetarium, and hands-on exhibits for all ages.

    Cosmosphere is one of more than 25 host companies selected to host camps across the U.S.

    “At the Cosmosphere, we’re passionate about igniting curiosity in young minds and empowering the next generation of innovators. This AI bootcamp, in partnership with the Mark Cuban Foundation, represents a tremendous opportunity to do just that,” said JoAnna Strecker, Cosmosphere Vice President of Education. “We’re grateful to the Mark Cuban Foundation for their support in making this dream a reality, and we can’t wait to see the incredible things these students will achieve.”

    Apply for the bootcamp at: markcubanai.org.

    Watch Mark Cuban’s message about Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI bootcamps and access the full media kit here.

    To learn more, visit markcubanai.org.

    This bootcamp is facilitated with support from Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp Program’s media partner, Notified, a globally trusted technology partner for investor relations, public relations and marketing professionals.

    About Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI Bootcamp Initiative
    The Mark Cuban Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit led by entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban. The AI Bootcamps Program at MCF seeks to inspire young people with emerging technology so that they can create more equitable futures for themselves and their communities. Over 3 consecutive Saturdays underserved 9th – 12th grade students learn what AI is and isn’t, where they already interact with AI in their own lives, the ethical implications of AI systems, and much more. Learn more about the no-cost AI Bootcamp program at markcubanai.org.

    About Cosmosphere

    The Cosmosphere International Science Education Center and Space Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate. Located at 1100 North Plum in Hutchinson, KS, its collection includes U.S. space artifacts second only to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow. This unique collection allows the Cosmosphere to tell the story of the Space Race better than any museum in the world while offering fully immersive education experiences that meet Next Generation Science Standards. The Cosmosphere also features the Carey Digital Dome Theater, offering daily documentary showings, a digital Planetarium, Dr. Goddard’s Rocket Lab Experience, where visitors experience live science demonstrations, and CosmoKids, an interactive STEAM area for children accompanied by an adult.

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Coons declares in a new Washington Post op-ed that President Trump’s attacks on USAID are an assault on Americans’ safety and national security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, published an op-ed in the Washington Post discussing the national security consequences of President Donald Trump’s efforts to freeze U.S. foreign assistance funding and halt operations at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 

    This weekend, reports broke that President Trump plans to sign an executive order drastically reducing USAID’s budget and operations and folding it into the State Department. It’s one of many steps to decapitate our foreign aid apparatus, including freezing nearly all U.S. foreign aid for 90 days on his first day back in office.

    In his op-ed, Senator Coons pointed out that for less than one percent of the federal budget, USAID and foreign aid spending keep Americans abroad and within the 50 states safe. Whether containing dangerous diseases before they can reach this country or preventing security vacuums in which terrorist groups thrive, USAID funds keep Americans safe and our nation secure. Additionally, cutting our foreign aid budget will create a vacuum that will allow China and our adversaries to expand their influence.

    The Washington Post: Trump’s attack on USAID is an assault on Americans’ safety

    Donald Trump ran for president on a promise that he would keep Americans safe. His effort to defund and destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development shows he has a misguided idea of how to do that.

    …

    U.S. foreign assistance makes up 1 percent of our federal budget, and this money isn’t charity. It bolsters our security and advances our values. The reckless steps the Trump administration is taking as part of its isolationist “America First” agenda are, simply put, dangerous for Americans. Our foreign assistance and engagement wins us friends around the world, establishes our leadership and, more important, neutralizes distant threats to the United States well before they put our country at risk.

    …

    U.S. foreign and development assistance carried out by USAID might occur out of the public eye and far from our borders, but it addresses instability and keeps Americans safe. It keeps Americans living overseas safe. It keeps our service members stationed around the world safe. It keeps my constituents in Wilmington safe. As Gen. Jim Mattis, Trump’s first defense secretary, said, if we don’t fund foreign aid, “then I need to buy more bullets.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Britain’s leading the way protecting children from online predators

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    UK becomes the first country in the world to create new AI sexual abuse offences to protect children from predators generating AI images.

    Children will be protected from the growing threat of predators generating AI images and from online sexual abuse as the UK becomes the first country in the world to create new AI sexual abuse offences.

    AI tools are being used to generate child sexual abuse images in a number of sickening ways including by “nudeifying” real life images of children or by stitching the faces of other children onto existing child sexual abuse images. The real-life voices of children are also often used in this sickening material, meaning innocent survivors of traumatic abuse are being re-victimised.

    Perpetrators are also using those fake images to blackmail children and force victims into further horrific abuse including streaming live images. AI tools are being used to help perpetrators disguise their initial identity and more effectively groom and abuse children online.

    To better protect children against this sickening abuse the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has today (2 February) revealed the UK will be the first country in the world to:

    • make it illegal to possess, create or distribute AI tools designed to generate CSAM, punishable by up to 5 years in prison
    • make it illegal for anyone to possess AI “paedophile manuals” which teach people how to use AI to sexually abuse children, punishable by up to 3 years in prison

    At the same time, the Home Office will:

    • introduce a specific offence for predators who run websites designed for other paedophiles to share vile child sexual abuse content or advice on how to groom children, punishable by up to 10 years in prison
    • give Border Force the necessary powers to keep the UK safe and prevent the distribution of CSAM which is often filmed abroad by allowing officers to compel an individual who they reasonably suspect poses a sexual risk to children to unlock their digital devices for inspection. Punishable by up to 3 years in prison, depending on the severity

    All 4 measures will be introduced as part of the Crime and Policing Bill when it comes to Parliament. The bill will support the delivery of the government’s safer streets mission to halve knife crime and violence against women and girls in a decade and increase confidence in policing and the wider criminal justice system to its highest levels.

    The increased availability of AI CSEA imagery not only poses a real risk to the public by normalising sexual violence against children, but it can lead those who view and create it to go on to offend in real life.

    Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:

    We know that sick predators’ activities online often lead to them carrying out the most horrific abuse in person. This government will not hesitate to act to ensure the safety of children online by ensuring our laws keep pace with the latest threats.

    These 4 new laws are bold measures designed to keep our children safe online as technologies evolve. It is vital that we tackle child sexual abuse online as well as offline so we can better protect the public from new and emerging crimes as part of our plan for change.

    The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has warned that more and more sexual abuse AI images of children are being produced.

    Over a 30 day period in 2024, IWF analysts identified 3,512 AI CSAM images on a single dark web site. Compared with their 2023 analysis, the prevalence of Category A images (the most severe category) had risen by 10%. 

    New data from the charity shows that reports showing AI generated CSAM have risen 380%, with 245 confirmed reports in 2024 compared with 51 in 2023. Each report can contain thousands of images.

    The charity also warns that some of this AI generated content is so realistic that sometimes they are unable to tell the difference between AI generated content and abuse that is filmed in real life. Of the 245 reports the IWF took action against, 193 included AI generated images which were so sophisticated and life-like, they were actioned under UK law as though they were actual, photographic images of child sexual abuse.

    The predators who run or moderate websites designed for other paedophiles to share vile child sexual abuse content or advice on how to groom children are often the most dangerous to society by encouraging others to view even more extreme content.

    Covert law enforcement officials warn that these individuals often acting as ‘mentors’ for others with an interest in harming in children by offering advice on how to avoid detection and how to manipulate AI tools to generate CSAM.

    Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle said:

    For too long abusers have hidden behind their screens, manipulating technology to commit vile crimes and the law has failed to keep up. It’s meant too many children, young people, and their families have been suffering the dire and lasting impacts of this abuse.

    That is why we are cracking down with some of the most far-reaching laws anywhere in the world. These laws will close loopholes, imprison more abusers, and put a stop to the trafficking of this abhorrent material from abroad. Our message is clear – nothing will get in the way from keeping children safe, and to abusers, the time for cowering behind a keyboard is over.

    Through the new laws, The Home Office is leading on the international stage by continuing to invest in law enforcement capabilities to target online child sexual abuse offenders to disrupt the highest harm and most technically sophisticated offenders.

    Which is why we are giving Border Force the necessary powers to keep the UK safe and prevent the distribution of CSAM which is often filmed abroad. Border Force officers will have the power to compel an individual, where they reasonably suspect that the individual poses a sexual risk to children, to unlock their digital devices for inspection.

    Once the device is accessed, specialist technology will be used to compare the contents of the device against the Child Abuse Image Database (CAID), to identify the presence of known child sexual abuse material.

    Interim Chief Executive of the IWF, Derek Ray-Hill, said:

    We have long been calling for the law to be tightened up, and are pleased the government has adopted our recommendations. These steps will have a concrete impact on online safety.

    The frightening speed with which AI imagery has become indistinguishable from photographic abuse has shown the need for legislation to keep pace with new technologies.

    Children who have suffered sexual abuse in the past are now being made victims all over again, with images of their abuse being commodified to train AI models. It is a nightmare scenario, and any child can now be made a victim, with life-like images of them being sexually abused obtainable with only a few prompts, and a few clicks.

    The availability of this AI content further fuels sexual violence against children. It emboldens and encourages abusers, and it makes real children less safe. There is certainly more to be done to prevent AI technology from being exploited, but we welcome today’s announcement, and believe these measures are a vital starting point.

    While AI can be used as a force for good to transform people’s lives, make public services more efficient and help bolster creative industries, the risk of its use to children continues to grow.

    The crime risks normalising sexual violence against children and re-victimising survivors of traumatic abuse. Which is why this government is prepared to build upon the Online Safety Act and will not hesitate to go further if necessary.

    Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips, said: 

    As technology evolves so does the risk to the most vulnerable in society, especially children. It is vital that our laws are robust enough to protect children from these changes online. We will not allow gaps and loopholes in legislation to facilitate this abhorrent abuse.

    However, everyone has a role to play, and I would implore Big Tech to take seriously its responsibility to protect children and not provide safe spaces for this offending.

    Crossbench Peer and Chair of 5Rights Foundation, Baroness Kidron said:

    It has been a long fight to get the AI Child Sexual Abuse Offences into law, and the Home Secretary’s announcement today that they will be included in the Crime Bill, is a milestone. AI-enabled crime normalises the abuse of children and amplifies its spread. Our laws must reflect the reality of children’s experience, and ensure that technology is safe by design and default.

    I pay tribute to my friends and colleagues in the specialist police unit that brought this to my attention, and commend them for their extraordinary efforts to keep children safe. All children whose identity has been stolen or who have suffered abuse deserve our relentless attention and unwavering support. It is they –  and not politicians – who are the focus of our efforts

    In January, the Home Secretary announced a raft of new measures and an investment of £10 million that will allow us to do more to protect vulnerable children, find more criminals, and get justice for more victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.

    More victims of child sexual abuse and exploitation will be given power to seek an independent review of their cases following the widening of the Child Sexual Abuse Review Panel. Chief constables of all police forces in England and Wales have been urged to re-examine non-recent and live cases of gang exploitation to increase prosecutions.

    At the same time, Baroness Louise Casey has been appointed to lead a rapid audit of existing evidence on grooming gangs to help deliver quicker action to tackle the crime and help victims. By Easter, the government will lay out a clear timetable for taking forward the recommendations from the final IICSA report.

    Policy Manager for Child Safety Online at the NSPCC, Rani Govender said:

    It is encouraging to see the government take action aimed at tackling criminals who create AI generated child sexual abuse images.

    Our Childline service is hearing from children and young people about the devastating impact it can have when AI generated images are created of them and shared. And, concerningly, often victims won’t even know these images have been created in the first place.

    It is vital the development of AI does not race ahead of child safety online. Wherever possible, these abhorrent harms must be prevented from happening in the first place. To achieve this, we must see robust regulation of this technology to ensure children are protected and tech companies undertake thorough risk assessments before new AI products are rolled out.

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    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: Hunger rises as food aid falls – and those living under autocratic systems bear the brunt

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jonas Gamso, Associate Professor and Deputy Dean of Knowledge Enterprise for the Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University

    Volunteers hand out USAID flour at the Zanzalima Camp in Ethiopia. J. Countess/Getty Images

    “No famine has ever taken place in the history of the world in a functioning democracy,” observed Nobel Prize-winning economist Amartya Sen in his 1999 book “Development as Freedom.”

    My recent research doesn’t tackle Sen’s central argument – premised on the belief that democratic leaders prioritize food security because they cannot win reelection if the most basic needs of their constituents are not met – head on. Instead, I explored an auxiliary question: Do democratic governments cope better than their autocratic counterparts when their countries are confronted by sudden drops in food aid?

    The answer is a resounding “yes.”

    I came to that conclusion by analyzing food insecurity data from 110 countries from 2000 to 2020.

    Food aid – a form of international assistance in which donors give food, or funds to buy food, to low- or middle-income countries – has recently fallen, reaching fewer people in 2024 than in 2023, according to estimates from the World Food Program, a United Nations agency. Major donors like Germany and the United States have reduced or suspended aid, citing budgetary constraints or concerns about theft, including to some of the neediest countries, such as Afghanistan, Haiti and Ethiopia. Adding to concerns, the Trump administration has signaled that it may move to “close down” the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, the largest provider of global food assistance.

    At the same time, the world has faced a significant hunger crisis since 2019 due to a combination of factors, including the impacts of civil conflict, climate change and stubbornly high prices.

    I wanted to determine whether food aid cuts and rising hunger are connected, and if democracy matters. I started by cataloging instances when countries had experienced significant reductions in food aid inflows. I then looked at whether those “aid shocks” were followed by upticks in food insecurity, using data from the U.N.’s Food and Agricultural Organization. Finally, I assessed whether the relationship between aid shocks and food insecurity varied across countries and political systems.

    The results indicate that autocracies experience heightened food insecurity when sharp cuts to international food assistance occur, whereas democracies keep their people fed.

    For example, autocratic Eswatini, an absolute monarchy in southern Africa that was formerly known as Swaziland, experienced a food aid shock in 2010 that was followed by a 2 percentage point uptick in the prevalence of undernourishment. In contrast, when Mongolia, a robust democracy, experienced an aid shock in 2007, undernourishment actually declined by about 3 percentage points.

    On the one hand, this isn’t entirely surprising, as democratic leaders – unlike their autocratic counterparts – have to face the public in national elections, and winning is difficult when people are experiencing widespread hunger. Because leaders in a democracy are more accountable to their citizens, they make more of an effort to make up for the lost aid or cushion the adverse effects of food aid shocks on their populations.

    On the other hand, democracies often struggle to move quickly, due to their complex policymaking processes and checks and balances. This may lead some to conclude that it is harder for them to move nimbly during a foreign aid crisis.

    Why it matters

    While many question the effectiveness of aid, including food aid, my findings suggest that cutting it – as some critics suggest – will have negative effects on the health and well-being of vulnerable people around the world. Already, food systems experts have expressed fears over the Trump administration’s proposed aid freezes and the potential breaking up of USAID.

    For this reason, donor nations should be cautious about halting or rapidly shifting their foreign giving.

    At the same time, donor governments, which are mostly Western democracies, have often used aid as a tool for promoting democratic institutions, at times cutting off aid to autocratic countries that abuse human rights. While this practice seems sensible to donors that wish to punish or discourage autocrats, my findings raise a significant concern: People living in autocratic countries may be left starving when aid is withdrawn.

    And donor nations could take further steps to support democratization and democratic resilience, particularly in countries that are vulnerable to food insecurity. For example, donors can engage with civil society groups in aid-recipient nations, empowering them with tools and techniques to promote, protect and preserve democratic institutions. This way, countries will be more resilient and less likely to fall into crisis levels of hunger if and when aid cuts occur.

    What’s next

    While there is a tendency to treat governments as either “democratic” or “autocratic,” that approach obscures a good deal of nuance. Democracies vary in terms of their rules, procedures and governing structures. Likewise, autocracies can differ greatly from one another, with military regimes, personalist dictatorships and party-based autocracies each having unique characteristics.

    Moving forward, I hope to dig into these varieties of democracy and autocracy to see how countries representing each respond to aid shocks.

    The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

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

    – ref. Hunger rises as food aid falls – and those living under autocratic systems bear the brunt – https://theconversation.com/hunger-rises-as-food-aid-falls-and-those-living-under-autocratic-systems-bear-the-brunt-247759

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/PARAGUAY – Appointment of new director of the Pontifical Mission Societies

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Tuesday, 4 February 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On January 2, 2025, Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches), appointed Sister Justina Santander, SSPS, as national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Paraguay for the period 2025-2030.Sister Justina Santander, 66, and of Paraguayan nationality, has more than 40 years of religious and missionary life in the Missionary Congregation of the Servants of the Holy Spirit. For 33 years, she worked as a missionary abroad, mainly in Botswana. She has a diploma in spirituality and pastoral care from The Milltown Institute in Ireland, where she also studied English. She obtained a degree in religious education and another in educational management from the University of South Africa, and has participated in numerous specialization courses, including one on sign language and inclusive education.Last year, she took part in leadership and spiritual development at the Mater Dei Pastoral Center in South Africa. Her pastoral duties include her work as director of the St. Arnold Primary School in Tonota (Botswana), coordinator of the HIV/AIDS program at St. Joseph School, superior in the community of Gaborone, and teacher of religious and Christian education at St. Joseph Kale School, where she developed a pastoral program for orphanage students with specific needs, among other tasks. In addition, she worked at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Desert in Francistown and is a member of missionary animation at the Society of the Divine Word, in Paraguay. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 4/2/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: ATIF Holdings Limited Announces Approximately $2.5 Million Registered Direct and Private Placement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAKE FOREST, Calif., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ATIF Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: ZBAI) (the “Company”), a Lake Forest-based business consulting company that specializes in providing professional IPO, M&A advisory and post-IPO compliance services to small and medium-sized companies seeking to go public on a stock exchange in the United States, today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements with an institutional investor for the purchase and sale of its ordinary shares, par value $0.001 per share (“Ordinary Shares”) and pre-funded warrants to purchase Ordinary Shares (each, a “Pre-Funded Warrant”) in a registered direct offering. In a concurrent private placement, the Company also agreed to sell to the same investor warrants to purchase Ordinary Shares (the “Warrants”). Aggregate gross proceeds to the Company from both transactions are expected to be approximately $2.5 million.

    The transactions consisted of the sale of 1,580,000 Ordinary Shares (each, a “Share”) and 887,553 Pre-Funded Warrants, each of which will be sold together with one Warrant to purchase one Ordinary Share per Warrant at an exercise price of $1.20. The offering price per Share is $1.00 (or $0.99 for each Pre-Funded Warrant, which is equal to the offering price per Share minus an exercise price of $0.01 per Pre-Funded Warrant). The Pre-Funded Warrants will be immediately exercisable and may be exercised at any time until exercised in full.

    Aggregate gross proceeds to the Company are expected to be approximately $2.5 million. The transactions are expected to close on or about February 5, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the offerings, together with its existing cash, for general corporate purposes and working capital.

    R. F. Lafferty & Co., Inc. is acting as exclusive placement agent for the offerings. Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC is acting as counsel to the Company. Lucosky Brookman LLP is acting as counsel to R. F. Lafferty & Co., Inc.

    The registered direct offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-268927) previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and declared effective by the SEC on March 21, 2023. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus describing the terms of the proposed offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained, when available, by contacting R. F. Lafferty & Co., Inc by email at offerings@rflafferty.com or via standard mail to R. F. Lafferty & Co., Inc, 40 Wall Street, 27th Floor, New York, NY10005.

    The offer and sale of the securities in the private placement are being made in a transaction not involving a public offering and have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the securities may not be reoffered or resold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws. The securities were offered only to accredited investors. Pursuant to the securities purchase agreement with the investors, the Company has agreed to file one or more registration statements with the SEC covering the resale of the Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.

    Before investing in this offering, interested parties should read in their entirety the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the other documents that the Company has filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in such prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, which provide more information about the Company and such offering.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About ZBAI

    ATIF Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: ZBAI) is a Lake Forest-based business consulting company that specializes in providing professional IPO, M&A advisory and post-IPO compliance services to small and medium-sized companies seeking to go public on a stock exchange in the United States. The company has a proven track record in successfully delivering comprehensive U.S. IPO consulting services to clients primarily in the United States but also internationally. The mission of ZBAI is to provide one-stop, comprehensive consulting services that guide clients through the complex and often challenging process of going public. ZBAI recognizes the complexity and challenges associated with the process of going public, and endeavors to simplify it while ensuring optimal outcomes for its clients through its comprehensive consulting services. ZBAI has been awarded the “Golden Bauhinia Award”, the highest award in the financial and securities industry in Hong Kong, for “Top 10 Best Listed Companies”. 

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe Harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, “estimated,” “projected,” Words such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “predict”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “seek”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “future”, “propose” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the opposite of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance, conditions or results and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control and may cause actual results or achievements to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors include future financial and operating results, including revenues, income, expenses, cash balances and other financial items; Ability to manage growth and expansion; Current and future economic and political conditions; The ability to compete in industries with low barriers to entry; The ability to obtain additional financing to fund capital expenditure in the future. Ability to attract new customers and further enhance brand awareness; Ability to hire and retain qualified management and key staff; Trends and competition in the financial advisory services industry; Pandemic or epidemic disease; Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions you that actual results may differ materially from the expected results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements we make. You should not interpret forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements represent only the beliefs and assumptions of our management as of the date such statements are made. The above forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release.

    Contact Information
    kenny@atifchina.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: nuVizz Unveils AI-Powered “Vizzard” for Smarter Last-Mile Logistics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — nuVizz, a leading innovator in Last-Mile Transportation Management Solutions (TMS), announces the release of its latest software version and its new artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, Vizzard. nuVizz’s Vizzard is an intelligent assistant designed to transform last-mile operations by leveraging data-driven insights and the latest in artificial intelligence technology. The innovation comes as part of nuVizz’s latest software update, version 10.01, marking a decade of groundbreaking advancements in the last-mile logistics space.

    nuVizz’s last-mile TMS solution supports retail, healthcare, food distribution, third-party logistics providers (3PL), carriers, and automotive parts distribution. During the past decade, nuVizz has accumulated an unparalleled depth of data, which has helped glean intelligence and fuel the development of AI-based models that deliver cutting-edge solutions for last-mile logistics challenges, including Vizzard.

    “As we celebrate a decade of innovation, the release of version 10.01 reflects our commitment to empowering our customers with smarter, more efficient solutions,” said Guru Rao, CEO of nuVizz. “Our introduction of nuVizz’s AI Vizzard also represents a significant leap forward in AI-driven last-mile logistics. By combining a decade of data intelligence with cutting-edge AI technologies, we are redefining the way businesses approach last-mile operations.”

    The 10.01 version extends the nuVizz platform’s capabilities to address critical logistics decisions with precision and efficiency, including:

    • Optimized Route Generation: AI-driven algorithms that create intelligent, cost-effective delivery routes.
    • Real-Time On-Demand Routing: Dynamic adjustments to delivery routes based on real-time events and data inputs.
    • Intelligent Data Mapping: Seamless integration of customer data from external sources, minimizing manual processes.

    Vizzard further empowers logistics teams by simplifying complex decision-making including:

    • Algorithm Selection Assistance: Helps dispatchers select the ideal algorithm to optimize routes, improve vehicle utilization, and reduce driven miles based on their delivery demand patterns.
    • Ease of Data Integration: Intelligently maps customer data from multiple external sources, streamlining data integration.
    • Address Correction and Validation: Provides intelligent suggestions and corrections by automatically detecting and correcting inaccurate customer addresses to minimize incorrect deliveries and operational inefficiencies.

    nuVizz continues to lead the way in last-mile TMS innovation by delivering customer-centric, technology-driven solutions, ensuring businesses can adapt to the rapidly evolving logistics landscape. You can learn more about the latest version, 10.01, of nuVizz’s last-mile TMS solution and AI Vizzard here.

    About nuVizz
    nuVizz lights the way to better delivery and transportation logistics. From the first mile to the last mile-and everything in between – we’re trailblazers in supply chain optimization and digitization. Infinitely flexible, the nuVizz SaaS platform drives visibility, control, cost savings, and a better customer experience across the fulfillment lifecycle.

    Our single-minded mission: simple, sustainable transportation solutions for every business on the planet. Go further, grow faster. For more information, visit nuvizz.com.

    Media Contact
    Erika Belezarian
    LeadCoverage
    erika@leadcoverage.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Solicits Impact of Trump Administration’s Federal Funding Freeze on Vermonters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) on Friday convened Vermonters to discuss how the Trump Administration’s federal funding freeze has impacted communities, families and workers across the state.  
    “This Administration is blocking the federal funding that Vermonters rely on—for their health care, child care, education, nutrition, community safety, disaster recovery, firefighting, and so much more. This is shocking, appalling, and it also happens to be illegal. When it comes to Congressional appropriations and the Article I powers of Congress, President Trump does not have the right to pick and choose what he’ll honor. It’s clear his main mission is to create incredible chaos and confusion for our communities,” said Senator Welch. “I am working with my Democratic colleagues in the Senate and with the Vermont Delegation to push back on this cruelty and do everything we can to stop this federal funding freeze.” 
    President Trump’s order to halt the disbursement of trillions of dollars in federal funding was issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The federal courts temporarily blocked the order, and on Monday extended the temporary restraining order. In addition, the court has required OMB to re-open funding currently held by the government and provide the court a compliance report by the end of the week. 
    Senator Welch heard directly from a variety of impacted Vermonters on Friday. Read the concerns of Vermonters below, and watch the full roundtable to hear from every participant here: 

    “Federal funding in Vermont supports emergency shelter and hotline services for victims of domestic and sexual violence, and many of our programs also provide rapid rehousing, including paying rents for survivors who have had access to housing. And as with the other nonprofits on this call, our work is done on a reimbursement basis with the federal government. So many of our organizations were frozen out of payment systems earlier this week, and for those that have been able to access those portals, many of the payments still show us pending and not deposited. Despite this, these amazing organizations continue to provide 24-hour access to services to victims of domestic and sexual violence.” – Sarah Robinson, Vermont Network Against Sexual and Domestic Violence 
    ■■■
    “This has been a week like none other that threatened the continuation of our health center in operations and has dearly affected the feeling of safety for our staff and patients…This week when the Health and Human Services payment management system went down—and it really did, I have the screenshots of the different statuses it had had—it literally brought us to our knees. And we’re here standing strong…It rippled through all our staff, our board of directors, and threatened the care of about 10,000 Vermonters. We also have capital projects that have had long standing federal loans across Northern Borders, USDA, Health and Human Services. We had a pause, and the current next step for progression on those was approval by USDA, and they weren’t able to work with us…which puts a threat on our subcontractors, which then puts a threat on completing these projects…But we’re here. We have a lot of tenacity.” – Andy Barter, Little Rivers Health Care 
    ■■■
    “Our agencies are currently serving 78 youth, and any further delay in receiving our resources would be hugely detrimental to the 78 youth. And this is at a time when we’ve seen the number of Vermont’s youth experiencing housing instability or homelessness quadruple in the last five years. We meet a fraction of the need in the state. Right now, our programs are already underfunded due to years of level funding with the expectation that our agencies would continue to do the same level of work. There is inadequate support provided for grants administration and no possibility of using funds to maintain reserves, meaning that direct program work always takes precedent over capacity building and development work. So, things are tight.” – Vermont State Rep. Kate Logan, Elevate 
    ■■■
    “We have 79 families in temporary housing. This is very challenging for us. It’s a lot of funds—we don’t have the funds, and it’s a public safety issue because there’s homelessness, and we don’t have the funds to go on paying their rents.” – Sonali Samarasinghe, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants 
    ■■■
    “The Executive Order, and the memo, has thrown all of our funding that we have relied on into disarray. We had problems accessing our funding portals. On Tuesday, we had no idea whether we would receive any more funding. We suspended all of our planned activities. We talked about furloughing our employees…We have employees, we have operational expenses. Cash flow for a nonprofit like the [Family Network] is tight, we cannot sustain a prolonged non receipt of funding. Every day since Tuesday has been filled with anxiety and uncertainty.” – Karen Price, Vermont Family Network 
    ■■■
    “We administer federal funds that helped build housing and help to make farmland affordable to farmers, and this week we had to contemplate what it looks like to Vermonters to not have that support. We see that federal funds play a critical role in filling the gaps in projects to make sure they can go forward, and that they’re done through a reimbursement basis, which puts housing projects to fill Vermont’s great housing need at incredible risk…We have developers that want to meet the housing needs of our state, that would not be able to do so if this federal funding were to be pulled back, so we are highly concerned about the path the federal government is going down, and what it means to builders, to construction teams, to anyone who is on wait lists depending on these homes, to secure housing if these federal funds are pulled back.” – Pollaidh Major, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board 
    ■■■
    “We do things like weatherization, housing, our food insecurity programs, and our Head Start programs. So primarily, about 50% of each of our community action agencies’ budgets are federal funding, that we don’t have access to right now. Head Start, although it’s been rescinded, we do not have access to payments. So, we are able to get into the payment management system, but we are not able to draw down any funds…We have many leases on properties our Head Start sites that were unable to pay landlords, and we are, we are in a really tough situation.” – Jenna O’Farrell, Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NECKA) 
    ■■■
    “For Landmark College specifically, this funding represented the single greatest, largest grant in our 40-year history, and if granted in full, it will be transformational to our research endeavors, creating new opportunities for our faculty and students, as well as for innovative businesses, not for not-for-profits and local governments in our area. As a college that serves exclusively neurodivergent individuals and is proud to do so in rural Vermont, we are firmly committed to the success and wellbeing of our students, as well as the families of the more than 200 individuals who make our college run in both white and blue collar jobs. For all of these folks, students, parents, staff and faculty alike, Monday night’s Executive Order up ended daily life, introduced new and urgent questions and severely disrupted our ability to do our jobs…” – Jim Dlugos, Landmark College 
    ■■■
    “70 percent of our work is with the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the State Department. Before Secretary of State’s and Secretary Marco Rubio’s foreign assistance stop work order, we had 88 full time staff here in the United States. With the stop work order, 62 of those have now been laid off, furloughed or put on reduced hours…We are currently owed in excess of $3 million in current and past due invoices from USAID and State. This is for work that has been completed to the full satisfaction of the government, and we are not receiving payment. USAID has switched off its payment systems, so no payments are being processed. We believe this is illegal. Best estimate right now this is happening across the foreign assistance field. This is a $40 billion field.” – Steve Schmida, Resonance 
    ■■■
    “When you’ve already got nine months out the door and you’re expecting money back, and suddenly that’s in question, you really have to think about laying off this staff immediately to stop the bleeding at that point, which is extremely painful. For the municipal and the nonprofit projects that are either ready to go or already have a shovel in the ground, it means they really have to stop and think about whether they want to continue at this point.” – Andy Julow, Regional Development Corporations of Vermont 
    If allowed to proceed, the order would cause chaos in Vermont. The funding freeze could: 

    Freeze funding for Head Start, which provides early childhood education for around 1,200 children in Vermont. The state received around $26.8 million last year for the program.  
    Freeze funding for Community Health Centers in Vermont, which supported the state with $25.1+ million in funding for health care in 2023 and served nearly 200,000 patients.  
    Freeze funding for more than 10,000 women, infants, and children in Vermont who use WIC to keep from going hungry, as well as stop funding for more than 12,000 Vermont seniors who rely on nutritious food from Meals on Wheels and at senior centers. 
    Freeze grant funding from the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program, which provided $625,000 for our law enforcement in Vermont last year.  
    Freeze funding for home heating assistance for nearly 24,000 Vermonters who use the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to stay warm through the winter.  
    Freeze funding for 9,000 Vermonters who rely on Section 8 vouchers to keep a roof over their head, and risk shutting down housing and shelter services for unhoused youth. 
    Freeze funding for Vermont’s opioid response, which could lose around $5.9 million in funding to prevent, treat and support recovery services.   
    Freeze funding for Vermont’s small businesses impacted by disasters, which would lose $30.3 million on small business loans.  
    Freeze funding for Violence Against Women Act Grant Funding for Vermont. 
    Freeze funding for disaster recovery for Vermont. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung and UScellular Enhance 5G Fixed Wireless Service in the Mid-Atlantic Region

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung Electronics today announced that UScellular has enhanced its 5G network capabilities in the Mid-Atlantic region with Samsung’s 5G solutions. The companies have worked together to deploy a new network architecture using Samsung’s 5G mmWave and virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) solution to support UScellular’s growing fixed wireless access and mobile traffic. In November, the operator launched this new service in several markets in the region, already delivering elevated connectivity to its customers.
     
    For the Mid-Atlantic markets, UScellular utilized Samsung’s 5G Compact Macro — a 3GPP-based distributed architecture solution — to enable mmWave connectivity, offering its customers fast, reliable mobile and broadband services. Compact Macro consolidates the baseband, radio and antenna into a single, lightweight form factor for swift and easy installation. Samsung’s mmWave technology allows the operator to access the expansive bandwidth in the 28GHz and 39GHz bands, which support ultra-high speeds and low latency. By leveraging Samsung’s advanced solutions, UScellular could rapidly enhance the 5G performance through multi-gigabit speeds.
     
    “We’re excited to work with Samsung as we continue to enhance our next-generation network,” said Mike Dienhart, Vice President of Engineering and Network Operations, UScellular. “Tapping into the ultra-high bandwidth of the mmWave spectrum allows us to unleash new capabilities and deliver cutting-edge customer experiences. Samsung’s proven expertise in innovative 5G and vRAN makes them an ideal partner.”
     
    Samsung is also offering its notable and widely used vRAN solution with Central Unit functionality to support UScellular’s virtualized network. Samsung’s vRAN provides the operator with additional bandwidth and advanced intelligence capabilities including energy saving features, while enabling the company to quickly scale capacity and efficiently deploy advanced services. This network advancement highlights UScellular’s commitment to leading 5G innovation.
     
    “We’re extremely pleased that UScellular selected Samsung’s industry-leading mmWave and vRAN solutions as key enablers for their 5G network enhancement in this area,” said Wilf Norrlinger, Vice President, US Sales, Networks Business, Samsung Electronics America. “This collaboration showcases how our innovations in areas such as vRAN and mmWave are unlocking new capabilities. It’s exciting to collaborate with forward-thinking providers like UScellular and push the next-generation wireless to new frontiers.”
     
    The companies have a strong working relationship and have been working together on new network configurations to support UScellular’s growing fixed wireless customer base.
     
    Samsung has pioneered the successful delivery of 5G end-to-end solutions, including chipsets, radios and cores. Through ongoing research and development, Samsung drives the industry to advance 5G networks with its market-leading product portfolio, including vRAN 3.0, Open RAN, core to private network solutions and AI-powered automation tools. The company currently provides innovative network solutions to mobile operators that deliver boundless connectivity to hundreds of millions of users worldwide.
     
     
    About UScellular
    UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has donated more than $30 million in hotspots and service to help youth connect to reliable internet. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Channel Factory Selected As Google TV™ Masthead’s Sales Partner

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Channel Factory, the global brand suitability and contextual advertising platform, has partnered with Google TV to sell inventory of Google TV Masthead’s ad units on Google TV and Chromecast with Google TV devices in major and emerging markets. Google TV — built into smart TVs and streaming devices — brings together movies, shows, and more from across your apps and subscriptions and organizes them just for you.

    With personalized recommendations from Google, users can discover new movies and shows based on what they’ve watched and what interests them. The Google TV Masthead is the first ad unit users see on the “For You” tab at the top of their Google TV home screen.

    By partnering with Channel Factory, advertisers can leverage the Google TV Masthead to showcase their brands through a high-impact ad unit with strong visibility. Key highlights include:

    • The Google TV Masthead offers a high-impact format that efficiently reaches millions of people in the living room.
    • Drive brand awareness by securing ad space occupying the top and most visible position on the Google TV home screen.
    • Bespoke packages to reach target audiences based on affinity, gender, age, and/or geo-targeting.
    • Opportunities for brand integration on custom-designed seasonal content and 100% SOV of moment-specific content collections on Google TV, including curated carousels of top TV shows and movies to watch around those seasonal moments.

    “The audience shift from linear TV to CTV has been massive, creating more demand for video discovery platforms like Google TV. By partnering with Google TV, we’re allowing our advertising partners to own the first impression on Google TV users,” said Jenny Chau, Chief Solutions Officer at Channel Factory. “Whether as a complement to existing ad strategies on YouTube or a new campaign, we can’t wait to see how brands take advantage of this wholly unique and immersive ad experience.”

    By engaging with Channel Factory, leading global brands like Werner&Metz, De’Longhi, and more can ensure they are front and center during key seasonal moments, signature sporting events, cultural celebrations, and more, through high-impact CTV reach alongside relevant and engaging content.

    Channel Factory’s partnership with YouTube extends far beyond the preferred access brands will now receive with the Google TV Masthead ad format. For over a decade, Channel Factory’s mission has been to help brands align their ads with brand-suitable videos on YouTube. In 2020, Channel Factory was selected to join the YouTube Measurement Program (YTMP), which offers advertisers trusted solutions for driving and measuring marketing performance on YouTube.

    About Channel Factory
    Channel Factory is a global technology and data platform that optimizes business performance and enhances brand reputation through ethical and effective contextual targeting. Utilizing proprietary AI and brand suitability technologies, Channel Factory ensures ads are placed on brand-safe, contextually relevant content across YouTube, CTV platforms, and social media, including Meta and TikTok. Through its conscious media planning, Channel Factory is committed to promoting sustainability, diversity, and positive content, helping brands achieve their goals while fostering a healthier digital ecosystem.

    Channel Factory has a presence in 31 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and ANZ, providing advertisers with IAB standard category lists and customized content options in 49+ languages. For more information about Channel Factory, please visit http://www.channelfactory.com

    Google, YouTube and Google TV are trademarks of Google LLC.

    Media Contact:
    Andrew Krepow
    andrew@broadsheetcomms.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: STMicroelectronics and HighTec EDV-Systeme collaborate for safer software-defined vehicles

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STMicroelectronics and HighTec EDV-Systeme collaborate for safer software-defined vehicles

    Where safety meets safety: ST’s Stellar MCUs certified to the highest level of risk management, ISO 26262 ASIL D, are now supported with the same safety level by HighTec’s Rust compiler

    Geneva, Switzerland and Saarbrücken, Germany, February 4, 2025 – STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, and HighTec EDV-Systeme GmbH are advancing automotive functional safety with a complete solution that will accelerate the development of safety-critical systems to make software-defined vehicles safer and more affordable.

    The solution supports the Rust programming language and combines HighTec’s Rust compiler, qualified to ISO 26262 ASIL D, with ST’s Stellar, the first 28nm microcontrollers certified to the same safety standard. Rust is gaining significant momentum in the automotive industry for its strong safety and reliability features.

    “Software-defined principles are transforming vehicle design, and ownership experiences, replacing traditional hardwired electronic control units (ECUs) with programmable systems,” explained Davide Santo, Automotive Microcontroller Business Unit Director, STMicroelectronics. “This is the future for vehicles with any type of powertrain, letting automakers easily differentiate their product ranges and dynamically update vehicle features. The collaboration with our longstanding partner HighTec, ensures that automotive manufacturers can leverage the power of Rust while meeting the highest safety standards in the industry.”

    “Here at HighTec, our engineers created the industry’s first software compiler to support Rust, the modern safety-ready programming language, and achieve qualification to the highest level of the automotive functional-safety standard, ISO 26262 ASIL D,” said Mario Cupelli, CTO at HighTec EDV-Systeme. “On the other hand, ST’s Stellar automotive microcontrollers are the first 28nm components certified according to ISO 26262 ASIL D. This makes them a natural fit with our compiler, enabling customers to have a complete solution where safety is assured seamlessly across compiler, hardware, and software.”

    As automakers face intense pressure to shorten development cycles and meet evolving safety standards, this collaboration provides a robust and powerful safety compliant solution for automotive software development. The integration of the ASIL D qualified Rust compiler into the Stellar MCU family accelerates the development of safety-critical systems, reducing time-to-market while maintaining strict compliance with automotive safety requirements.

    Rust’s safety, performance, and reliability have made it an emerging choice for automotive mission-critical systems, poised to shape the future of the automotive industry. With HighTec’s Rust compiler support for Stellar products, ST is offering to its automotive customers an integrated, richly featured, and efficient toolchain that accelerates development cycles while ensuring compliance with ISO 26262.

    ST and HighTec are sharing a vision of creating innovative solutions that meet the highest safety standards in the automotive industry. The close cooperation ensures that developers can now integrate Rust along with their valuable C/C++ code base into their safety-critical projects with Stellar and accelerate the development of safety-critical systems, reducing time-to-market while maintaining strict compliance with automotive safety and security requirements.

    Further technical information:
    Rust contains provisions to protect the safety of memory, process threads, and data types. This ensures superior resilience appropriate for critical automotive systems, while Rust’s runtime efficiency is comparable to C/C++ in execution time and memory usage. These characteristics significantly lower costs in software development and maintenance, shorten development cycles, and increase safety and security.

    HighTec’s C/C++ and Rust automotive grade compiler allows Rust’s safety benefits to be integrated alongside legacy C/C++ code to build safe and secure automotive applications for the next-generation of software-defined vehicles.

    ST’s Stellar automotive MCUs are built on Arm® Cortex®-R52+ cores and a robust safety-focused hardware architecture. They are the first 28nm MCUs to achieve an ISO 26262 ASIL D certification, attained through an accredited assessor early in 2024. Additionally, they adhere to ISO 21434 cybersecurity standards and comply with UN155 requirements, which ensure meeting the latest safety and security standards. The Stellar MCUs offer exceptional performance, scalability, and integration for next-generation automotive vehicles, electrification, and safety-critical systems.

    The HighTec Rust compiler complements the already established HighTec C/C++ compiler suite. Both are qualified according to the highest safety level ISO 26262 ASIL D and enable automotive software developers to take full advantage of the high reliability and performance features of ST’s Stellar MCUs. The overall toolchain is built on the modern LLVM open-source technology and allows a hybrid development of Rust code along with C/C++, enabling the transition to modern software architectures. ST’s Stellar MCUs now benefit from HighTec’s Rust compiler, allowing a seamless development of safety-critical applications.

    For more information about HighTec’s ISO 26262 ASIL D qualified Rust and C/C++ compiler for ST’s Stellar automotive MCUs, please visit www.hightec-rt.com/rust

    About STMicroelectronics
    At ST, we are over 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of cloud-connected autonomous things. We are committed to achieving our goal to become carbon neutral on scope 1 and 2 and partially scope 3 by 2027. Further information can be found at www.st.com.

    INVESTOR RELATIONS
    Jérôme Ramel
    EVP Corporate Development & Integrated External Communication
    Tel: +41.22.929.59.20
    jerome.ramel@st.com

    MEDIA RELATIONS
    Alexis Breton
    Corporate External Communications
    Tel: +33.6.59.16.79.08
    alexis.breton@st.com

    About HighTec EDV Systeme GmbH
    HighTec EDV-Systeme GmbH, Saarbruecken/Germany, is the world’s largest commercial provider of compilers using innovative open-source technologies and offers ISO 26262 ASIL D certified tools for embedded software development, the real-time operating system PXROS-HR, and a wide range of design-in services.
    HighTec’s ASIL D qualified C/C++ compiler for leading multicore microcontrollers in the automotive and industrial sectors such as Arm®, TriCore™/AURIX™/TRAVEO™ families, RISC-V, Power Architecture (PowerPC) and GTM architectures are continuously adapted and optimized to new architectures in close cooperation with the silicon partners.
    In addition to the multi-architecture compiler, HighTec offers PXROS-HR, a safety-certified multicore RTOS for applications with safety and multicore requirements. PXROS-HR guarantees robustness, safety, high performance, and data security in real-time environments. PXROS-HR is certified according to ISO 26262 ASIL D / IEC 61508 SIL 3 and is complemented for ASIL D development by a Tool Qualification Kit as a basis for the certification of customer applications.
    Complementing this portfolio, HighTec offers development, training and consulting services.
    Founded in 1982, HighTec is a privately held global company with offices in Germany, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Hungary and China. For more information about HighTec EDV-Systeme GmbH, visit www.hightec-rt.com.

    Company Contact
    HighTec EDV-Systeme GmbH
    Europaallee 19
    66113 Saarbrücken/Germany
    Tel.: +49 681 92613-16
    Email: info@hightec-rt.com

    Press Contact Agency:
    Catherine Schneider
    Mexperts AG
    Tel.: +49 8143 59744-27
    Email: catherine.schneider@mexperts.de

    Attachments

    • T4671A — Feb 4 2025 — ST_HighTec auto MCU collaboration_FINAL FOR PUBLICATION
    • T4671A — Feb 4 2025 — ST_HighTec auto MCU collaboration_PARTNER VISUAL

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Cequence Security Triples ARR in MEA, Achieves Record Customer Wins & Strengthens Leadership Ahead of LEAP 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cequence Security, a pioneer in API security and bot management, today announced significant momentum in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, driven by rapid customer adoption, strategic partnerships and a strengthened leadership team. This expansion further solidifies Cequence’s position as the go-to API security and bot management provider in the region, addressing the growing demand for advanced threat protection and digital risk mitigation.

    “APIs are the backbone of modern digital transformation, but they are also the most exploited attack surface,” said Ameya Talwalkar, CEO of Cequence Security. “We are not just expanding—we are transforming how businesses defend their digital assets. As the only solution that provides data sovereignty in the region, we empower enterprises with AI-driven security tailored to their unique regulatory and threat landscapes. By combining innovative threat intelligence with proactive defense, we enable organizations to anticipate and mitigate attacks before they impact operations.”

    Cequence’s expansion in MEA has been marked by:

    • New customer acquisitions across financial services, telecommunications, oil and gas, and technology, securing organizations such as:
      • A top Islamic bank in the UAE
      • One of the largest financial institutions in the Middle East and Africa
      • A major telecom provider in Turkey
      • A digital transformation leader in the energy sector
    • A 193% increase in ARR in the MEA region year-over-year.
    • A 68% increase in partner deal registrations, demonstrating strong market demand for Cequence’s Unified API Protection (UAP) platform.
    • An 83% increase in reseller partnerships, spanning KSA, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain and Egypt.
    • The planned signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at LEAP 2025 with a strategic GTM partner, underscoring Cequence’s commitment to regional cybersecurity initiatives.
    • Hiring for multiple positions across various departments in the region, reinforcing Cequence’s investment in local talent and its commitment to long-term growth in MEA.

    Strategic Leadership Appointment
    To drive Cequence’s expansion in MEA, the company has appointed Mohammad Ismail as its new Head of Go-to-Market (GTM) & Sales for EMEA, strategically based in Dubai to accelerate regional growth and customer success. With over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity and enterprise IT across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Ismail brings a proven track record of driving business growth and forging strategic alliances.

    “My focus at Cequence is to strengthen our presence in the EMEA region by deepening relationships with customers and partners,” said Mohammad Ismail, Head of GTM & Sales for EMEA. “With the increasing adoption of the growing reliance on APIs to power digital services, organizations need robust API security and bot management solutions. I look forward to leveraging my experience to expand our footprint, provide strategic guidance, and help customers stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.”

    Customer Success and Industry Validation
    Cequence’s platform has helped organizations across MEA overcome critical API security and bot management challenges. Customers have leveraged Cequence to:

    • Secure APIs during open banking transitions, ensuring compliance and real-time protection for sensitive financial data.
    • Enhance API governance and security testing, integrating seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines to enforce OWASP Top 10 protections.
    • Detect and stop sophisticated API attacks with AI-driven threat detection and real-time behavioral analysis, mitigating risks from shadow APIs and automated threats.
    • Improve visibility and response times with comprehensive API activity monitoring, automated security enforcement, and automated enforcement with no human intervention.
    • Meet stringent data sovereignty requirements, ensuring security policies remain within customer-controlled environments.

    These capabilities combined with Cequence’s unified approach, continue to drive strong adoption among MEA enterprises seeking to protect their digital environments.

    Investor Confidence and Market Leadership
    Cequence’s expansion in MEA has garnered continued support from investors, including Prosperity7 Ventures and Sanabil Investments.

    “The Middle East presents a unique and fast-growing opportunity for cybersecurity innovation, and Cequence is leading the charge with its best-in-class API security solutions,” said Abhishek Shukla, managing director and head of North America at Prosperity7 Ventures. “With an experienced leadership team, strong regional partnerships, and a relentless focus on innovation, Cequence is well-positioned to drive continued success in the MEA market.”

    Commitment to Innovation
    As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation, Cequence has introduced new capabilities tailored to the MEA market, including:

    • Expanded cloud and on-premises deployment options, ensuring compliance with regional data sovereignty requirements.
    • Enhanced partner enablement programs, equipping resellers and service providers with advanced API security expertise.

    “With API threats growing more sophisticated, we remain focused on delivering cutting-edge security solutions that empower organizations to stay ahead of attackers,” added Talwalkar. “Our investment in MEA reflects our dedication to supporting businesses with the tools they need to protect their digital assets and maintain trust with their customers.”

    Meet Us at LEAP 2025
    Cequence will be at Stand H1.D30 during LEAP 2025. Stop by to meet our team and learn more about how our industry-leading API security and bot management solutions can help protect your digital ecosystem.

    Join Ameya Talwalkar, CEO of Cequence, as he discusses the evolving API security and bot management landscape. His session will cover emerging threats, regional trends and strategies for mitigating cyber risks.

    When: 7:30 PM – 7:50 PM
    Where: Stand H1.D30

    About Cequence Security
    Cequence is a pioneer in API security and bot management, protecting the applications and APIs that organizations depend on from attacks, business logic abuse, and fraud. Our unique Unified API Protection platform unites discovery, compliance, and protection capabilities, providing unmatched real-time security in the face of sophisticated threats. Demonstrating value in minutes rather than days or weeks, Cequence offers a flexible deployment model that requires no app instrumentation or modification. Cequence solutions scale to meet the needs of the largest and most demanding private and public sector organizations, protecting more than 8 billion daily API interactions and 3 billion user accounts. To learn more, visit www.cequence.ai.

    Media Contact
    Katrina Porter
    press@cequence.ai

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: TRC Amends Its Tender Offer for NVIDIA Corporation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TRC Capital Investment Corporation (TRC) announced today that based on current market conditions, TRC has amended the terms of its tender offer for up to 1,000,000 common shares of NVIDIA Corporation (the Company) and has decreased the offer price payable to US$115.45 per share from US$131.50 per share.

    TRC also announced that its offer will still expire at one minute after 11:59 p.m. New York City time on February 20, 2025, unless further extended.

    As of close of business on Monday, February 3, 2025, 167 shares had been tendered.

    TRC will accept for payment and will pay for all shares validly tendered prior to the expiration date and not properly withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the offer. TRC will not be required to accept for payment or pay for any shares and may terminate the offer if certain conditions which, in the reasonable judgment of TRC in any such case, makes it inadvisable to proceed with the offer or with such acceptance for payment or payment.

    Stockholders of the Company who have already tendered their shares and have not withdrawn such shares need not take any additional action with respect to TRC’s amended tender offer. These stockholders will receive the decreased offer price of US$115.45 per share in TRC’s tender offer.

    TRC has amended its tender offer materials to reflect the decreased offer price and other relevant changes.

    THIS PRESS RELEASE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT AN OFFER TO BUY OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY SHARES. THE SOLICITATION AND THE OFFER TO BUY THE COMPANY’S SHARES WILL ONLY BE MADE PURSUANT TO THE OFFER TO PURCHASE AND RELATED MATERIALS, AS SUCH DOCUMENTS ARE SUPPLEMENTED AND AMENDED. STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD READ THESE MATERIALS CAREFULLY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER. STOCKHOLDERS CAN OBTAIN A COPY OF THE OFFER TO PURCHASE AND RELATED MATERIALS WITH RESPECT TO THE TENDER OFFER BY CONTACTING THE INFORMATION AGENT FOR THE OFFER, CNRA FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. AT (416) 861-9446.

    TRC Capital Investment Corporation is a private investment corporation that manages a diverse investment portfolio.

    For further information, contact:

    Contact:      Lorne H. Albaum, President
    Phone:        (416) 304-1474

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Applied Systems and Applied Client Network Announce Applied Net 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Chicago, IL., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Systems and Applied Client Network today announced the opening of registration for Applied Net 2025. Applied Net will take place October 6 – 9 at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Building on its recognition from the Best in Biz 2024 Awards and IMCA 2024 Showcase Awards, plus the success and record-breaking attendance at last year’s event, Applied Net 2025 is set to provide even more educational sessions, inspiring keynotes and networking opportunities that will explore the Intelligent Insurance Era.

    “Each year, our members benefit from our partnership with Applied to drive greater collaboration and connectivity at all stages of the product development lifecycle – and that comes to life no better than at our annual user conference each year,” said Brian Langerman, chief executive officer, Applied Client Network. “We look forward to providing more opportunities to learn and explore the latest trends and technology at this year’s Applied Net for the whole insurance ecosystem.”

    This year’s conference will feature inspiring keynotes, more than 250 education sessions, and new product innovation across Applied’s portfolio, including EZLynx, Tarmika, Ivans and Planck, to bring stakeholders into the Intelligent Insurance Era. Applied Net 2025 will also offer the opportunity to build connections with colleagues and participate in hands-on workshops, as well as gain knowledge about the latest trends influencing the insurance industry.

    “Applied Net continues to be the leading forum for insurance innovation, bringing agents, brokers, carriers and MGAs from around the world together to connect and learn from each other,” said Taylor Rhodes, chief executive officer, Applied Systems. “We are excited to raise the bar this year with world-class content and networking opportunities that will explore trends and technology innovations in this Intelligent Insurance Era, like data and AI, that are empowering our industry to make smarter decisions that can grow their book and optimize staff productivity more than ever.”  

    Register today!

    # # #

    The Applied products and logos are trademarks of Applied Systems, Inc., registered in the U.S.

    About Applied Systems
    Applied Systems is the leading global provider of cloud-based software that powers the business of insurance. Recognized as a pioneer in insurance automation and the innovation leader, Applied is the world’s largest provider of agency and brokerage management systems, serving customers throughout the United States, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. By automating the insurance lifecycle, Applied’s people and products enable millions of people around the world to safeguard and protect what matters most.

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Blueface Featuring The Game’s “Stop Cappin” Acquired by Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) (OTC: SONGD)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Naples, FL, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) (OTC:SONGD) is thrilled to announce its acquisition of royalty-generating intellectual property stakes in “Stop Cappin” by Blueface featuring The Game. While the work will continue to be administered by third-party organizations, Music Licensing, Inc. will receive ongoing passive royalty payments from its performance.

    Blueface, a platinum-selling rapper known for his unique offbeat style, has become a defining voice in contemporary hip-hop. His collaboration with The Game, a legend in the genre with multiple chart-topping albums, resulted in “Stop Cappin”, a powerful anthem that blends gritty lyricism with unparalleled charisma. The track has amassed millions of streams globally, affirming its cultural impact and commercial success.

    This acquisition enhances Music Licensing, Inc.’s growing portfolio of iconic works, cementing its reputation as a leader in acquiring and managing high-value music royalties.

    Watch “Stop Cappin” by Blueface featuring The Game here.

    About Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) (ProMusicRights.com)

    Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG), also known as Pro Music Rights, is a diversified holding company and the fifth public performance rights organization (PRO) formed in the United States. Its licensees include notable companies such as TikTok, iHeart Media, Triller, Napster, 7Digital, Vevo, and many others. Pro Music Rights holds an estimated market share of 7.4% in the United States, representing over 2,500,000 works by notable artists such as A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, Young Jeezy, Juelz Santana, Lil Yachty, MoneyBagg Yo, Larry June, Trae Pound, Sauce Walka, Trae Tha Truth, Sosamann, Soulja Boy, Lex Luger, Trauma Tone, Lud Foe, SlowBucks, Gunplay, OG Maco, Rich The Kid, Fat Trel, Young Scooter, Nipsey Hussle, Famous Dex, Boosie Badazz, Shy Glizzy, 2 Chainz, Migos, Gucci Mane, Young Dolph, Trinidad James, Chingy, Lil Gnar, 3OhBlack, Curren$y, Fall Out Boy, Money Man, Dej Loaf, Lil Uzi Vert, and countless others, as well as artificial intelligence (A.I.) created music.

    Additionally, Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) owns royalty stakes in Listerine “Mouthwash” Antiseptic and musical works by artists such as The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Elton John, Mike Posner, blackbear, Lil Nas X, Lil Yachty, DaBaby, Stunna 4 Vegas, Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne, XXXTentacion, BlueFace, The Game, Jeremih, Ty Dolla $ign, Eric Bellinger, Ne-Yo, MoneyBagg Yo, Halsey, Desiigner, DaniLeigh, Rihanna, and numerous others.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. to accomplish its stated plan of business. Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Pro Music Rights, Inc., Music Licensing, Inc., or any other person.

    Non-Legal Advice Disclosure:

    This press release does not constitute legal advice, and readers are advised to seek legal counsel for any legal matters or questions related to the content herein.

    Non-Investment Advice Disclosure:

    This communication is intended solely for informational purposes and does not in any way imply or constitute a recommendation or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities, commodities, bonds, options, derivatives, or any other investment products. Any decisions related to investments should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor or professional. We assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this communication

    Contact: investors@ProMusicRights.com

    SOURCE: Music Licensing, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Brightpick Launches Giraffe, an Autonomous Mobile Picking System that Triples Warehouse Storage Density

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Giraffe raises the Brightpick solution to new heights, reaching 20 feet (6 meters) to maximize warehouse density

    Ecommerce leader The Feed and medical wholesaler McGuff to be first customers to deploy Brightpick Giraffe in 2025

    ERLANGER, Ky., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brightpick, a leading provider of warehouse automation solutions for order fulfillment, has unveiled Brightpick Giraffe, an innovative robot capable of reaching heights up to 20 feet (6 m). With this advancement, Brightpick users can now achieve up to three times the warehouse storage density of manual operations and double the density compared to the previous Brightpick solution.

    Brightpick Giraffe is designed to work alongside Brightpick Autopicker robots for automated order picking. It retrieves storage totes from upper-level shelf locations and delivers them to lower levels, where an Autopicker can access them for picking (up to a height of 11 feet / 3.4 m). After the pick is completed, Giraffe efficiently returns the product tote to its original upper-level storage location.

    This innovative system maximizes both density and throughput by storing slower-moving items on upper levels (accessible to Giraffes) and fast-moving products within easy reach of Autopickers on lower levels. In a typical setup, the solution will include one Giraffe for five Autopickers, creating an optimal balance between cost, density, and performance. Beyond their primary tote retrieval function, Giraffes can also handle inventory replenishment and order picking using Goods-to-Person stations.

    “Brightpick has always excelled at providing high throughput and maximum labor savings at a competitive price,” said Jan Zizka, CEO of Brightpick. “Now, with Giraffe, we deliver these same benefits as well as improved warehouse space utilization through expanded storage density.”

    The Brightpick Giraffe features a telescopic lift that retracts during travel, reducing its height to a compact 8.5 feet (2.6 m). This design ensures easy deployment in warehouses, as each robot arrives pre-assembled, enabling customers to seamlessly add Giraffes to their fleet with minimal installation time and effort.

    Multiple U.S. installations planned for 2025
    Two U.S. companies are set to install Brightpick Giraffe in 2025. Leading e-commerce retailer The Feed is an existing Brightpick customer currently operating 48 Autopickers at its Colorado fulfillment center. The Feed will expand its system with an additional 25 Autopickers and 6 Giraffes, boosting throughput by 50% to 75,000 picks per day – and doubling storage capacity.

    The second customer, McGuff Company Inc., a family- and veteran-owned business established in 1972, is a leading medical wholesaler. McGuff offers a comprehensive catalog of quality medical products, including injectable medications, as well as services that support a diverse range of healthcare customers worldwide. McGuff will deploy 12 Autopickers and 4 Giraffes at its California warehouse. This integrated system will enable a throughput of more than 850 picks per hour, ensuring precise handling and faster fulfillment of critical medical products.

    Brightpick will be demonstrating a prototype of Giraffe at LogiMAT, booth 8B53 in Hall 8 (March 11-13, 2025, in Stuttgart, Germany).

    About Brightpick
    Brightpick offers AI robots for warehouses to easily automate every step of their order fulfillment. The company’s innovative robots enable warehouses of any size to fully automate order picking, consolidation, dispatch, and stock replenishment. The award-winning Brightpick solution takes just weeks to deploy and allows companies to keep their fulfillment labor to a minimum. Headquartered near Cincinnati, Ohio, Brightpick has more than 200 employees and hundreds of AI robots deployed with customers across the U.S. and Europe. For more information, visit www.brightpick.ai.

    Media inquiries
    Sinead Carthy
    Trevi Communications for Brightpick
    Email: brightpick@trevicomm.com
    Mobile: +1 914 217 9912

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8460bfa7-4dba-4959-9844-1cc8bd7303ea
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2853008f-4d59-4345-a37c-e3bf19248383

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Onex to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results on February 21, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    All amounts in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated 

    TORONTO, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Onex Corporation (TSX: ONEX) will release its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 on February 21, 2025.

    A live broadcast of Onex’ webcast to discuss the results will begin at 11:00 a.m. ET on February 21, 2025.

    A link to the webcast and on-line replay will be available at www.onex.com/events-and-presentations.

    About Onex

    Onex invests and manages capital on behalf of its shareholders and clients across the globe. Formed in 1984, we have a long track record of creating value for our clients and shareholders. Our investors include a broad range of global clients, including public and private pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, family offices and high-net-worth individuals. In total, Onex has approximately $50 billion in assets under management, of which $8.5 billion is Onex’ own investing capital. With offices in Toronto, New York, New Jersey and London, Onex and its experienced management teams are collectively the largest investors across Onex’ platforms.

    Onex is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ONEX. For more information on Onex, visit www.onex.com. Onex’ security filings can also be accessed at www.sedarplus.ca.

    For further information:
    Zev Korman
    Vice President, Shareholder Relations and Communications
    +1 416.362.7711

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Payscale Elevates Compensation Management with AI-powered Data Innovations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Payscale Inc., the leading provider of compensation data, software and services, unveiled groundbreaking advancements designed to transform how organizations approach pay decisions. These market-leading capabilities underscore the company’s commitment to empowering compensation professionals with smarter, faster, and more effective solutions.

    “These aren’t just everyday product enhancements. This is a transformative leap in how our customers make confident and timely pay decisions,” Payscale CEO Chris Hays said. “These releases extend our history of data innovation and our mission to equip our customers with the tools and insights necessary to attract, retain, and reward talent. Payscale has even more transformative solutions on the horizon to help organizations make data-driven, equitable pay decisions with confidence.”

    Payscale Pulse

    In 2025, Payscale’s journey of ingenuity begins by delivering AI-powered compensation data to make smart pay decisions. This dataset includes Payscale’s Peer data—a trusted, HR-reported network of industry peers. Payscale Pulse provides MarketPay customers over 4,900 job roles covered across 3,800 organizations and data from 9 million employees boasting an average age of less than five months, delivering fresh, reliable insights for compensation decisions.

    Payscale Pulse uses HR-reported U.S. data and select AI-powered Calculated Cuts, providing compensation professionals another trusted source to confidently make compensation decisions. AI-enhanced Calculated Cuts deliver modeled answers that fill gaps where traditional survey data may not exist and offer insights tailored to meet the complex challenges of today’s workforce.

    “Our MarketPay customers are compensation data experts and understand data deeply. We wanted to deliver innovation they find tremendously valuable — data,” Payscale Vice President of Data Expansion Gerard Smith said. “This isn’t years-old data aged to today. This is the freshest data available for compensation professionals with AI-modeled insights to fill critical information gaps and help our customers complete those difficult to price jobs.”

    HRIS integrations

    With customer experience and data innovation at the forefront of Payscale’s latest innovations, Payfactors customers also benefit. They now have seamless access to both employee and pay data in one platform with 10 new HRIS integrations for informed, real-time pay decisions, allowing streamlined access to up-to-date salary data directly in Payfactors.

    “Compensation professionals no longer need to jump through hoops to integrate their compensation data with their employee data,” Chief Product Officer Peh Keong Teh said. “We’ve made it easy to integrate relevant information quickly, equipping our customers to make well-informed decisions directly in Payscale products without system hopping and compromising security.”

    The 14 total integrations with leading HRIS vendors eliminate the tedious, repetitive process of importing and updating employee data, boosting efficiency and effectiveness for compensation professionals. Direct data access in Payfactors eliminates file shuffling and protects against risks associated with having sensitive employee information in disparate spreadsheets.

    Advanced compensation analytics

    Payscale’s drive towards data innovation extends to data insights. With market-leading advancements in analytics dashboards, Payfactors customers can transform their job and employee data into actionable insights instantly. These enhancements create powerful reports to monitor an organization’s vital signs without complexity or manual spreadsheets, and help HR lead strategic conversations with stakeholders using impactful data visualizations.

    “During pay planning cycles, when talking with leaders, we can show them real-time data—like where compression is happening and what trends we’re seeing. I think it could be a lightbulb moment for them, helping them think differently just by seeing the visuals you provide,” a Payscale customer said.

    AI-powered job matching

    Finally, building on the foundation of ingenuity, both Payfactors and MarketPay customers can streamline their processes and confidently price jobs with AI Match Suggestions. This new tool transforms market pricing by leveraging advanced AI to do the heavy lifting, boosting pricing efficiency and accuracy.

    AI Match Suggestions ensures a seamless market pricing experience by automatically revealing strong survey matches with unparalleled speed and accuracy, dramatically reducing the time spent on an often-manual process. Users simply review and accept the AI-generated suggestions.

    “Payscale’s strong start to 2025 highlights our reputation of delivering innovative data and tech solutions so compensation professionals can have greater confidence in their compensation practices,” Chief Customer Officer Kate Peter said. “With best-in-class, validated datasets on par with leading paid databases, and innovative technology to improve the speed from insights to action, customers can ensure employee compensation is fair and transparently calculated.”

    About Payscale
    As the industry leader in compensation management, Payscale is on a mission to help job seekers, employees, and businesses get pay right and to make sustainable fair pay a reality. Empowering 65% of the Fortune 500, Payscale provides a combination of diverse and dynamic data sources, experienced compensation services, and scalable software to enable organizations such as Panasonic, ZoomInfo, Chipotle, AccentCare, University of Washington, American Airlines, and PetSmart to make fair and appropriate pay decisions.

    Pay is powerful.

    To learn more, visit www.payscale.com.

    Contact: press@payscale.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: insightsoftware Powers Jet Reports with AI, Cloud Functionality, and Excel Online Integration

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — insightsoftware, the most comprehensive provider of solutions for the Office of the CFO, today announced the launch of Jet Reports Online, a reporting solution designed to deliver unmatched ease, flexibility, and accuracy for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central users. This release builds on more than two decades of Jet Reports’ strong user growth, with the Online deployment introducing modern features such as AI capabilities, cloud functionality and Microsoft Excel Online integration for a next generation reporting experience with smarter insights and greater adaptability.

    Organizations are navigating an ever increasingly cloud-first world. With 62% of businesses operating in a hybrid environment and 27% already fully cloud-based, modern financial reporting tools must bring mobility, adaptability, and scale. Unlike legacy offerings that rely on replicated and outdated data sets, Jet Reports Online connects directly to real-time cloud data, eliminating the need for additional IT infrastructure. With native Excel formulas and built-in Dynamics 365 Business Central security protocols, Jet Reports Online ensures seamless, secure reporting.

    “Finance leaders seek to maximize productivity and efficiency and achieve more with fewer resources – this requires flexible, cloud-based tools that provide instant access to real-time data, enabling faster, smarter decision-making,” said Chief Product Officer and General Manager, ERP Reporting & BI at insightsoftware, Lee An Schommer. “Solutions that rely on manual data refreshing place an undue burden on financial teams, driving up costs for the finance function. In today’s fast-paced business environment, real-time data isn’t just a luxury—it’s an absolute necessity,” said Schommer.

    The foundation of Jet Reports Online is Reports Center, a secure, cloud-based portal designed for seamless management and cross-functional collaboration within Microsoft Dynamics Business Central Cloud. Finance teams can now run, schedule, and distribute their reports in one centralized location, reducing manual effort and the costs associated with self-hosted, self-managed solutions. The portal enhances collaboration by securely centralizing access and automating crucial tasks like scheduling and distribution in the cloud, as well as opening reports in Excel Online or Excel Desktop for deeper analysis.
    Key functionality includes:

    • AI Capabilities Powered by the insightsoftware Platform – Jet Reports Online is powered by the insightsoftware Platform, giving users access to powerful AI tools like Doc Assist, Data Assist, and Report Assist to generate faster, more accurate, and reliable reports with ease.
    • Automated Cloud Report Execution, Distribution, and Scheduling – Reports Center enables organizations to automate the running, scheduling, and distribution of reports from anywhere with an internet connection, aligning with the increasing demand for cloud-based solutions in the finance sector.
    • Enhanced Reporting Flexibility for Modern Finance Teams – The integration of Jet Reports Online with Excel Online streamlines key financial reporting tasks, providing users with an intuitive, cloud-based solution for designing, managing, viewing, and running reports in a browser, meeting the demands of modern businesses for flexible, adaptable financial reporting solutions.

    Read more about how Jet Reports empowers teams with enhanced financial reporting capabilities while ensuring Dynamics NAV users enjoy a smooth transition to Business Central Cloud.

    About insightsoftware
    insightsoftware is a global provider of comprehensive solutions for the Office of the CFO. We believe an actionable business strategy begins and ends with accessible financial data. With solutions across financial planning and analysis (FP&A), accounting, and operations, we transform how teams operate, empowering leaders to make timely and informed decisions. With data at the heart of everything we do, insightsoftware enables automated processes, delivers trusted insights, boosts predictability, and increases productivity. Learn more at insightsoftware.com.

    Media Contacts
    Inkhouse for insightsoftware
    insightsoftware@inkhouse.com

    Daniel Tummeley
    Corporate Communications Manager
    PR@insightsoftware.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Presidio Launches First of its Kind Private Gen AI Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Presidio, a leading technology services and solutions provider, today announced Private AI Accelerator, a new gen AI solution developed by Presidio and powered by NVIDIA AI and accelerated computing to create secure, scalable and customizable on-premises AI platforms. Initial capabilities range from personalized chat, image processing, content drafting, LLM-powered agents and document synthesis of large volumes of data.

    “Presidio unlocks the transformative power of AI across IT modernization, security, digital transformation and cost optimization for our customers,” said Rob Kim, Chief Technology Officer at Presidio. “Our engineers developed our Private AI Accelerator to provide Gen AI’s many benefits without the risk of exposing business assets and data.”

    In addition to improving and optimizing processes, Private AI Accelerator can address the top gen AI concerns in the enterprise including:

    • Cost Optimization: manage IT resources cost-effectively, similar to public cloud services, allowing companies to control expenses and maximize AI investment returns.
    • Integrated Deployment: Integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure, ensuring flexibility, faster deployment and the ability to tailor AI applications to specific business requirements.
    • Compliance and Privacy: Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements by keeping sensitive data within the organization’s control, reducing breach risks and building trust.
    • Data Governance: The solution Improves data access and security and increases the accuracy of model outputs, leading to increased productivity and strategic decision making.

    “Enterprises everywhere are eager to adopt AI solutions that can preserve security and scale with demand,” said Craig Weinstein, vice president of the Americas Partner Organization at NVIDIA. “Built with NVIDIA accelerated computing and full-stack software, Presidio’s Private AI Accelerator provides a fast track for businesses deploying AI to supercharge productivity.”

    Presidio’s turnkey Private AI solution includes hardware, software, services and use cases – delivering a running application two weeks after hardware delivery. Clients can choose their own model, container platform and compute platform. Private AI Accelerator features a Private GPT with NIM microservices for large language models (LLMs), part of the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform. It is compatible with any hardware in Presidio’s extensive OEM portfolio such as Dell Technologies, Cisco and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Clients can start with a single server or scale out to a multi-node cluster.

    To learn more about how to adopt gen AI securely, attend the “Bringing GenAI In House” webinar on March 11 at 12 PM ET or learn more here.

    About Presidio

    At Presidio, speed and quality meet technology and innovation. Presidio is a trusted ally for organizations across industries with a decades-long history of building traditional IT foundations and deep expertise in AI and automation, security, networking, digital transformation, and cloud computing. Presidio fills gaps, removes hurdles, optimizes costs, and reduces risk. Presidio’s expert technical team develops custom applications, provides managed services, enables actionable data insights and builds forward-thinking solutions that drive strategic outcomes for clients globally. For more information, visit www.presidio.com.

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin presented awards to young researchers ahead of Russian Science Day

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On the eve of Russian Science Day Sergei Sobyanin presented to young scientists Moscow Government Prizes for 2024.

    “We never had so many competitive applications – more than 1300 works have been announced. And choosing you for us was also not an easy business. So these are really deserved awards that you deserve with your talent, skill, commitment to science. And of course, I hope that these awards in your life are not the last, but only the beginning of your large scientific career. In recent years, our country has been in difficult conditions of international sanctions, a special military operation. And more than ever, issues related to the technological sovereignty of our country in almost all key areas, starting from space to medicine. In recent years, we had to solve very difficult issues related to domestic industry, and high technology supply. And of course, the demand for own scientific research, for domestic science, for technologies related to both the military-industrial complex and with civilian technologies, more than ever. And what you do in your areas, inventing important, necessary technologies, opening new technologies for medicine, astronautics, aircraft building, new materials, creating a huge layer of inventions in the field of medical technologies, of course, is also very cool. Without this, we do not have to talk about any sovereignty. So you do a very important work, of course, for yourself as scientists, for the city, one of the most advanced technological centers not only of our country, but also the world, well, for Russia – for sovereignty, for security, for the future of our great power “, – said Sergey Sobyanin.

    The Moscow mayor thanked the scientists for their work on his own behalf and on behalf of Muscovites and congratulated them on their well-deserved awards. According to him, a decision was made to double the size of the bonus, which has not been indexed since 2019. The bonuses received by young specialists today are also planned to be recalculated taking into account the increase.

    The Moscow Government Prize Competition for Young Scientists has been held since 2013. Awards are given annually for achieving outstanding results in fundamental and applied scientific research in the field of natural, technical and humanitarian sciences, as well as for the development and implementation of new technologies, equipment, devices, equipment, materials and substances that contribute to improving the efficiency of activities in the real sector of the economy and the social sphere of the capital.

    Young Moscow scientists under the age of 35 (doctors of sciences under the age of 40) may apply for the award. We are talking about scientific and scientific-pedagogical workers, postgraduate students, doctoral students, and other specialists engaged in scientific and scientific-technical activities in scientific and higher education organizations located in the city, as well as employees of enterprises and organizations conducting experimental developments.

    In 2019, at the suggestion of the Mayor of Moscow, the size of one award was increased from 1.5 million to two million rubles. If the award is given to a research team, it is divided equally between its members, and diplomas are awarded to each of them.

    The number of awards has also increased from 33 to 50. At the same time, the number of nominations remains unchanged (22), including 11 nominations in the field of research and the same number in the field of development.

    During the competition for the awards in 2013–2024, more than eight thousand applications were submitted. The awards were given to 758 young scientists.

    In 2024, 1,332 applications were received from employees of 310 organizations.

    “

    The prize is awarded since 2013 for outstanding results in fundamental and applied research. Moscow scientists under 35 years of age, and doctors of science under 40 years of age can apply for it. Compared to the previous year, the size of the prize has been doubled – from two to four million rubles,” the Mayor of Moscow wrote in his telegram channel.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin

    The awards were won by 78 researchers whose developments and research have already proven themselves in practice.

    Photodetectors, biostimulators and vacuum tubes

    Thus, the award was presented to Sofia Morozova from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University). She developed methods for obtaining nanostructured polymeric materials, which are important for the creation of environmentally friendly transport based on hydrogen-air fuel cells and for preserving public health.

    “We were all lucky to become laureates of the Moscow Government Prize in a special period, the Decade of Science and Technology. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you, Sergey Semenovich, for the development of the city, which is happening through the development of Moscow universities, Moscow schools, colleges, and city infrastructure. Special thanks for the Fiztekh metro station and the Novodachnaya station of the first Moscow Central Diameter, which help us get to work, and also for the inspiration for us, young scientists. I congratulate everyone on receiving this significant award and wish to see how the developments will be put into practice,” said Sofia Morozova.

    Natalia Semenchenko, Vladislav Burlakov and Renat Davletshin from the Orion Scientific and Production Association have created photoreceiving devices for space-based optical-electronic systems that allow surveying the Earth’s surface and obtaining images of the thermal field of the entire Earth’s disk. The devices are used in the Electro-L and Arktika-M series of space weather satellites.

    Kristina Skuratovskaya, Anton Budaev and Maxim Makarov from the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Care have come up with new types of medical preparations and materials that allow for the effective treatment of patients with intra-articular pathology of the musculoskeletal system. The developments are used in the surgery department of City Clinical Hospital No. 13 and the emergency traumatology department of the musculoskeletal system of the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Care to replace traumatic defects in intra-articular fractures, which allows for the axial load on the operated limb to be reduced immediately after surgery.

    Seda Kurbanova from the Morozov Children’s City Clinical Hospital has developed a diagnostic program for verifying cardiovascular damage in Kawasaki disease. The program has already been implemented in the practice of the capital’s healthcare system.

    Andrey Briko and Vladislava Kapravchuk, representing the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, conducted a series of studies aimed at creating technologies for mapping neuromuscular activity. The results of the research and the technologies developed can be used to create exoskeletons for medical and industrial purposes, bionic prostheses, and rehabilitation robotic complexes for patients with impaired motor functions.

    Tatyana Bezbabicheva and Ramin Malik oglu Afandiev from the National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery named after Academician N.N. Burdenko have developed a comprehensive method for monitoring the state of the visual pathways during neurosurgical operations on the occipital, parietal and temporal lobes of the brain. The solution is already being used in neurosurgical operations at the center to ensure the greatest safety for patients.

    The work of Alexander Pushkarev from the Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education resulted in unique technologies of local exposure to low temperatures, which are used in cryosurgery, cryopreservation and cryotherapy. They are used in the treatment of oncological diseases, as well as for physiotherapy and rehabilitation of patients for the purpose of pain relief, reducing inflammation and swelling in diseases of the musculoskeletal system, sports, mine-explosive and other injuries. The method is used at the Russian University of Medicine, the Russian National Research Medical University named after N.I. Pirogov and CryoEngineering LLC.

    Another laureate of the award, Evgeny Bychkov from the Central Research Institute “Kurs”, is the author of an industrial technology for designing low-temperature refrigeration machines on multicomponent mixtures of refrigerants. The development allows for thermostatting of objects at temperatures from minus 90 to minus 160 degrees, which makes it possible to reduce the time and material costs of design, as well as increase the energy efficiency of machines of this class. The technology has already been implemented in the institution.

    Sergey Surkov and Sergey Sharkov, representing the scientific and production enterprise “Toriy”, received the award for electrovacuum devices for amplification and generation of electromagnetic oscillations of ultra-high frequency. The devices are used at the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute” to maintain the operability of the “Olivin” station, which is part of the “Siberia” accelerator-storage complex.

    The work of Milana Sharikova and Pavel Nikitin from the Scientific and Technological Center for Unique Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences is aimed at creating devices and methods for optical information processing in long-wave spectral ranges – infrared and terahertz. Interest in the terahertz range is due to the fact that by 2035 it is planned to create 6G generation information systems. The developments are in demand at domestic industrial enterprises, in institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences and universities.

    The use of a biostimulant composition created by Inessa Lugova (All-Russian State Center for Quality and Standardization of Animal Medicines and Feed) has made it possible to improve the qualitative and quantitative indicators of poultry farming, including hatching of chickens and preservation of livestock, as well as to save electricity during egg incubation due to the acceleration effect. The drug is in demand at the country’s leading poultry farms.

    Dmitry Korolev and Vladimir Alferov from the Research Institute of Molecular Electronics have developed the software and hardware of the NE501CD microcontroller, implementing a cryptographically protected protocol for contactless electronic travel documents. The microcontroller is currently being actively implemented in the Troika and Strelka transport cards.

    View the full list of winners of the Moscow Government Prizes for Young Scientists for 2013–2024 you can on the website Andfollow the link.

    Moscow Government Prize for Young ScientistsHow young scientists can receive the Moscow Government Prize

    In 2020, a council of laureates of the Moscow Government Prize for Young Scientists was created.

    “In addition, we have created a Council, which includes 70 award winners. They act as consultants

    under the Department of Education and Science of Moscow and are engaged in educational work. We involve them in such projects as “Scientists in Schools” and the All-Russian Festival SCIENCE 0,” said the Mayor of Moscow in his telegram channel.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin

    This is a permanent advisory body whose main tasks are the popularization of science, the involvement of students in scientific activities, and the improvement of the quality of education.

    Moscow is the center of Russian science

    By decision of Vladimir Putin, the years 2022–2031 have been declared in Russia Decade of Science and Technology.

    Moscow has one of the most powerful intellectual and technological potentials among the world’s megacities. The capital is home to 840 scientific organizations — 20.3 percent of all organizations conducting research and development in Russia. Among them are academic and research institutes, national research universities and leading universities of the country.

    Moscow employs 33.3 percent of the country’s scientific personnel, including 44.9 percent of doctors of science and 38.5 percent of candidates of science. 22.3 percent of undergraduates and 42.2 percent of postgraduates in Russia study in the capital’s universities.

    The Moscow government attaches great importance to the development of science and the stimulation of scientific work. The largest project of the coming years in the field of scientific development is the creation of the innovative scientific and technological center of the Moscow State University (MSU) named after M.V. Lomonosov “Vorobyovy Gory”. In 2023, the Lomonosov cluster, the flagship of the MSU innovation center, opened. Its residents are 76 companies, employing more than two thousand employees.

    High-tech companies create developments in the fields of medicine, information and biotechnology, unmanned systems, robotic systems and other areas. Every year, the cluster residents invest more than two billion rubles in scientific research.

    In 2024, the creation of a new campus of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University was completed. As part of the project, 14 buildings with a total area of about 170 thousand square meters were built and restored. The campus includes a central cluster, a multifunctional scientific and educational building, a multifunctional complex “Quantum Park”, a center for biomedical systems and technologies, research and engineering centers, the Palace of Technologies and other buildings, which have all the necessary conditions for modern educational and research activities.

    Large-scale scientific and innovative projects include the construction of a national space center, the creation of production clusters for photonics, electric vehicle manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as support for the development of artificial intelligence technologies.

    47 Moscow technology parks have become a huge space for the development of applied science and innovation, where more than 2,200 high-tech companies have located their production, and over 74.5 thousand jobs have been created there. About a third of the residents of technology parks work in the field of scientific research and certification.

    Four technology parks were created on the basis of research institutes. The Kurchatov Institute technology park conducts research in the field of nuclear physics and genetics, and develops new methods of storing and transmitting data. The Research Institute of Computer Complexes (NIIVK) technology park creates new communication and navigation systems, as well as technologies for the space industry. The Innopark VNIRO technology park conducts research in the field of fisheries and biotechnology and is engaged in new methods of processing and storing food products. The Moscow State University Science Park technology park works in the field of biology, chemistry, physics and other sciences.

    Putin: Moscow has fully fulfilled its obligations to create the MSU clusterDigital platforms and useful services: which projects reached the final of the fourth stream of the capital’s “Academy of Innovators”

    The Moscow Innovation Cluster and its affiliates have become the link between science, business and the state. digital platform i.moscow. The platform unites everyone who wants to create a new product or service. More than 200 thousand users have already registered on it. 40 thousand companies from Moscow and other regions of the country have become participants and partners of the cluster. Thanks to i.moscow, every 10th company engaged in scientific research and development in the field of natural and technical sciences received support from the city. Their revenue is three times higher than that of other companies in the industry.

    In addition, much attention is paid to creating conditions for self-realization of young scientists, engineers, software developers and other specialists involved in the technology business.

    In 2024, a youth entrepreneurship hub opened in Moscow — the first center in Russia for engaging young talents in technology business. The project is aimed at creating a single point of attraction for Moscow youth involved in entrepreneurship, increasing entrepreneurial literacy and the level of public trust in young entrepreneurs.

    Over the past year, over 32,000 participants have joined the project, opening over a thousand new technology businesses in Moscow. Young entrepreneurs can take advantage of the hub’s programs, including:

    — The Academy of Innovators is an international continuous program for the intensive development of technology projects and startups. Students have access to training sessions with leading industry experts in the market, and they can also interact with personal business mentors. In addition, as part of the program, participants find their first customers among city structures and large businesses, and attract their first investments. Currently, the Academy’s digital ecosystem has over 28 thousand participants from more than 300 cities in Russia and about 40 countries around the world. They have founded over 800 new technology businesses in Moscow and attracted over 380 million rubles in funding in the form of investments and grants;

    — “Digital Transformation Leaders” is a Moscow Mayor’s competition for young IT specialists. This is the world’s largest competition for the development of digital solutions for city structures and large businesses. Over six years, more than 40 thousand people have taken part in the competition (hackathon), creating over two thousand digital solutions for customers. Vladimir Putin instructed to scale up the successful practice of holding a hackathon in the regions of Russia. In 2023, regional stages of the competition were held in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) and Krasnodar Krai, and Volgograd Oblast and Kamchatka Krai became task setters at the hackathon last year;

    — “Moscow Innovator” is a Moscow Mayor’s competition that promotes the recognition of talented young inventors and scientists. Participants compete for Moscow Mayor’s awards in six priority areas of urban economy and three nominations for different stages of project development. This allows identifying scientific and technological solutions (from promising ideas to finished products). The competition was first held in 2020. Over 11 thousand inventors took part in it during its existence. 174 innovative projects became winners.

    Along with the annual Moscow Government Prize, young scientists and winners of the Moscow Innovator competition can apply for annual grants in the amount of one billion rubles. The funds are intended for scientific teams of the capital’s medical organizations. This is provided for by the city’s ecosystem for supporting scientific research. The operator is the Moscow Center for Innovative Technologies in Healthcare. Over 170 breakthrough studies have been supported in three years. The projects are being implemented, among other things, jointly with leading Russian universities and research organizations.

    Moscow doctors and scientists are developing high-tech methods of diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation and implementing them in the city’s healthcare system. Some of the solutions have been created and applied in clinical practice for the first time in Russia and the world.

    The Moscow government provides financial support to the winners of the regional competition of the Russian Science Foundation in the amount of 50 million rubles annually. We are talking about scientific projects in priority areas for the city, implemented on the basis of scientific organizations and universities in the capital. Since 2022, more than 530 applications have been submitted for participation in the regional competition. 84 scientific teams have become winners.

    In addition, the city allocates grants to universities and scientific organizations. In 2024, 1.176 billion rubles were allocated for events with students within the framework of pre-professional, specialized and additional education programs, career guidance and education, as well as for the development and popularization of science. In particular, the following was provided:

    — 400 grants for the development of a system of specialized and pre-professional training;

    — 35 grants for the popularization of science, as well as for the support and implementation of additional education programs for students, including at centers for technological support of education.

    In 2024, the XIX All-Russian Science Festival Nauka 0 took place, which took place at 100 city venues. The festival events in a mixed format (online and offline) were attended by more than 18.5 million participants.

    The largest joint project of the Moscow Government and the scientific community is pre-professional classes of city schools (engineering, psychological and pedagogical, medical, IT, media and entrepreneurship), in which about 44 thousand schoolchildren study. Leading universities and scientific organizations of the city act as partners of pre-professional classes. Scientists and practitioners are actively involved in teaching in pre-professional classes. Schoolchildren are also introduced to scientific activities in academic classes. The curricula describe the practical application of scientific knowledge and the results of scientific research.

    Since 2013, within the framework of the Moscow Pre-University project, specialized classes for teaching high school students have been opened at Moscow universities. Fifteen universities are participating in the project: Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russian University of Transport (MIIT), Russian State University for the Humanities, Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, Kosygin Russian State University, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow State Linguistic University, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow State Pedagogical University, Moscow Aviation Institute, Moscow Finance and Law University, State University of Management, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation.

    Touch the world of science. How future scientists are trained in academic classes of Moscow schoolsFruit leather, electronic nurse and printer-builder, or What the capital’s innovators have invented

    Under the guidance of university teachers, more than 7.3 thousand schoolchildren engage in practical work in laboratories, conduct educational research projects, and also participate in scientific student associations.

    In 2024, Moscow schools hosted more than 450 lectures by representatives of the scientific community — young scientists and professors of the Russian Academy of Sciences. They were attended by over 12 thousand students. Scientists told schoolchildren about new developments and advanced technologies, and also helped them make an informed choice of an educational trajectory in the field of science.

    Since 2024, the project “In the Center of Science” has been implemented, aimed at creating a community of young scientists in the capital and popularizing science among schoolchildren and teachers. Within its framework, festivals, clubs, trips and laboratory workshops are held, where students can get acquainted with the modern work of scientists and implement their own projects under the guidance of young researchers and teachers of leading universities in Moscow. The project helps teachers open scientific clubs in schools, and allows scientists to exchange experiences and learn about opportunities for professional growth. In 2024, over 10 thousand scientists, students and teachers of Moscow educational organizations took part in its events.

    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 access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12346050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Ed Harbison to Participate in 2025 College Tour Press Conference

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (February 4, 2025) — On Tuesday, February 4, at 1:00 p.m., Senator Ed Harbison (D–Columbus) will join House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley (D–Columbus), House Minority Caucus Chairwoman (D–Atlanta), Rep. Anne Allen Westbrook (D–Savannah) and Rep. Tremaine “Teddy” Reese (D–Columbus) for a 2025 College Tour Press Conference.

    EVENT DETAILS:                      

    • Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
    • Time: 1:00 p.m.
    • Where: 203 Coverdell Legislative Office Building, 18 Capitol Square, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30334
    • This Event is Open to the Public.

    MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

    We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    # # # #

    Sen. Ed Harbison serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on State Institutions and Property. He represents the 15th Senate District, which includes Chattahoochee, Macon, Marion, Schley, Talbot and Taylor counties, as well as a portion of Muscogee County. He may be reached at 404.656.0074 or via email at ed.harbison@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Nykredit Realkredit A/S has received the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority’s approval of Nykredit’s increase of the qualifying shareholding in Spar Nord Bank A/S – Nykredit Realkredit A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE DOING SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

    Nykredit Realkredit A/S has received the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority’s approval of Nykredit’s increase of the qualifying shareholding in Spar Nord Bank A/S.

    4 February 2025

    Nykredit Realkredit A/S has received the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority’s approval of Nykredit’s increase of the qualifying shareholding in Spar Nord Bank A/S.

    In accordance with section 4(1) of the Danish Takeover Order1, Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) announced on 10 December 2024 that Nykredit intended to submit a voluntary public tender offer (the “Offer”) to acquire all shares in Spar Nord Bank A/S (“Spar Nord Bank”), with the exception of Spar Nord Bank’s treasury shares, for a cash price of DKK 210 per share, valuing the aggregated issued share capital of Spar Nord Bank at DKK 24.7 billion.

    On 8 January 2025, Nykredit published the offer document regarding the Offer (the “Offer Document”), as approved by the Danish FSA in accordance with section 11 of the Danish Takeover Order. The Offer Period ends on 19 February 2025 at 23:59 (CET).

    Nykredit has received the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority’s approval in accordance with section 61 of the Danish Financial Business Act to increase Nykredit’s qualifying shareholding in Spar Nord Bank up to 100 per cent of the share capital.

    In addition to the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority’s approval, the Offer is subject to fulfilment of the conditions set out in section 6.6 of the Offer Document, including approval by the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority and achievement of the 67 per cent acceptance limit.

    It is Nykredit’s view that the shareholders of Spar Nord Bank find the Offer attractive. At the time of this announcement, Nykredit holds 31.1 per cent of the shares in Spar Nord Bank, and Nykredit’s information about acceptances received so far indicates that the 67 per cent acceptance limit stated in the Offer has been reached.

    Nykredit aims to delist Spar Nord Bank from Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S and to compulsorily acquire the remaining shares as soon as possible after completion of the Offer.

    Nykredit expects the Offer to be completed during H1/2025.

    The full terms and conditions of the Offer are contained in the Offer Document. The Offer Document is published in the Danish FSA’s OAM database: https://oam.finanstilsynet.dk/ and can also, with certain restrictions, be accessed at https://www.nykredit.com/en-gb/offer-spar-nord/ and https://www.sparnord.com/investor-relations/takeover-offer.   

    About Spar Nord Bank

    Spar Nord Bank was founded in 1824 and is now a nationwide bank with 58 branches. Spar Nord Bank offers all types of financial services, consultancy and products, focusing its business on retail customers and primarily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the local areas in which the bank is represented. The bank is also focused on leasing operations and large corporate customers, which are both business areas handled by the head offices.

    Spar Nord Bank has historically been rooted in northern Jutland and continues to be a market leader in this region. However, in the period from 2002 to 2024, Spar Nord Bank has established and acquired branches outside northern Jutland. Over the course of the years, the bank has adjusted its branch network in an ongoing process and now has a nationwide distribution network comprising 58 branches. These 58 branches are distributed on 32 banking areas, each of which is headed by a manager reporting directly to the bank’s executive board.

    The Spar Nord Bank Group consists of two earnings entities: Spar Nord Bank’s branches and the Trading Division. As an entity, the Trading Division serves customers from Spar Nord Bank’s branches as well as large retail customers and institutional clients in the field of equities, bonds, fixed income and forex products, asset management and international transactions. Finally, under the concept Sparxpres, the bank offers consumer loans to personal customers through Sparxpres’ platform as well as debt consolidation loans and consumer financing via retail stores and gift voucher solutions via shopping centres and city associations.

    About Nykredit

    Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) is a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Denmark, company reg. (CVR) no. 12 71 92 80, having its registered office at Sundkrogsgade 25, 2150 Nordhavn, Denmark. Nykredit is a mortgage credit institution and, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary Totalkredit A/S, is a market leader of the Danish mortgage credit market with a market share of some 45.2 per cent. Nykredit offers mortgage financing for private individuals and businesses.

    Nykredit is part of the Nykredit Group, which historically dates back to 1851. In addition to carrying on mortgage credit business, the Group carries on banking business through Nykredit Bank – including banking and wealth management operations – and has a total of around 4,000 employees in Denmark.

    Nykredit is owned by an association of the Nykredit Group’s customers, Forenet Kredit. Forenet Kredit owns close to 80 per cent of Nykredit’s shares. Other major shareholders are five Danish pension funds: Akademikernes Pension AP Pension, PensionDanmark, PFA and PKA.

    Nykredit is known for the advantages offered through the association. Forenet Kredit makes capital contributions to the Nykredit Group when times are good, and Nykredit has decided to pass these on to its customers.

    Since, 2017, Forenet Kredit has paid over DKK 8 billion in capital contributions to the Nykredit Group, and in the period to 2027, Forenet Kredit has provided a further DKK 7 billion.

    Questions and further information

    Any questions concerning the Offer may be directed to:

    Nykredit Bank A/S

    Company reg. (CVR) no.: 10 51 96 08

    Sundkrogsgade 25

    2150 Nordhavn

    Denmark

    Telephone: +45 7010 9000

    and

    Carnegie Investment Bank

    Filial af Carnegie Investment Bank AB (publ), Sverige

    Company reg. (CVR) no. 35 52 12 67

    Overgaden Neden Vandet 9B

    1414 Copenhagen K

    Denmark

    E-mail: annette.hansen@carnegie.dk

    For further information about the Offer, please see: https://www.nykredit.com/en-gb/offer-spar-nord/.

    This announcement and the Offer Document are not directed at shareholders of Spar Nord Bank A/S whose participation in the Offer would require the issuance of an offer document, registration or activities other than what is required under Danish law (and, in the case of shareholders in the United States of America, Section 14(e) of, and applicable provisions of Regulation 14E promulgated under, the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The Offer is not made and will not be made, directly or indirectly, to shareholders resident in any jurisdiction in which the submission of the Offer or acceptance thereof would be in contravention of the laws of such jurisdiction. Any person coming into possession of this announcement, the Offer Document or any other document containing a reference to the Offer is expected and assumed to independently obtain all necessary information about any applicable restrictions and to observe these.

    This announcement does not constitute an offer or an invitation to purchase securities or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in accordance with the Offer or otherwise. The Offer will be submitted only in the form of the Offer Document approved by the FSA, which sets out the full terms and conditions of the Offer, including information on how to accept the Offer. The shareholders of Spar Nord Bank are advised to read the Offer Document and any related documents as they contain important information.

    Restricted jurisdictions

    The Offer is not made, and acceptance of the Offer to tender Spar Nord Bank Shares is not accepted, neither directly nor indirectly, in or from any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of the Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction or would require any registration, approval or any other measures with any regulatory authority not expressly contemplated by the Offer Document (the “Restricted Jurisdictions”). Neither the United States nor the United Kingdom is a Restricted Jurisdiction.

    Restricted Jurisdictions include, but are not limited to: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

    Persons obtaining documents or information relating to the Offer (including custodians, account holding institutions, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) should not distribute, communicate, transfer or send these in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction or use mail or any other means of communication in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction in connection with the Offer. Persons (including, but not limited to, custodians, custodian banks, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) intending to communicate this Offer Document or any related document to any jurisdiction outside Denmark or the United States should inform themselves about these restrictions before taking any action. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the Laws of such jurisdiction, including securities Laws. It is the responsibility of all Persons obtaining this Offer Document, an acceptance form and/or other documents relating to the Offer Document or to the Offer, or into whose possession such documents otherwise come, to inform themselves about and observe all such restrictions.

    Nykredit is not responsible for ensuring that the distribution, dissemination or communication of this Offer Document outside Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom is consistent with applicable Law in any jurisdiction other than Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom.

    Important Information for Shareholders in the United States

    The Offer concerns the shares in Spar Nord Bank, a public limited liability company incorporated and admitted to trading on a regulated market in Denmark, and is subject to the disclosure and procedural requirements of Danish law, including the Danish capital markets act and the Danish takeover order.

    The Offer is being made to shareholders in Spar Nord Bank in the United States in compliance with the applicable US tender offer rules under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “U.S. Exchange Act”), including Regulation 14E promulgated thereunder, subject to the relief available for a “Tier II” tender offer, and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Danish law and practice

    Accordingly, US Spar Nord Bank shareholders should be aware that this announcement and any other documents regarding the Offer have been prepared in accordance with, and will be subject to, the disclosure and other procedural requirements, including with respect to withdrawal rights, the Offer timetable, settlement procedures and timing of payments of Danish law and practice, which may differ materially from those applicable under US domestic tender offer law and practice. In addition, the financial information contained in this announcement or the Offer Document has not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or derived therefrom, and may therefore differ from, or not be comparable with, financial information of US companies.

    In accordance with the laws of, and practice in, Denmark and to the extent permitted by applicable law, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, Nykredit, Nykredit’s affiliates or any nominees or brokers of the foregoing (acting as agents, or in a similar capacity, for Nykredit or any of its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time, and other than pursuant to the Offer, directly or indirectly, purchase, or arrange to purchase, outside of the United States, shares in Spar Nord Bank or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such shares in Spar Nord Bank before or during the period in which the Offer remains open for acceptance. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Any information about such purchases will be announced via Nasdaq Copenhagen and relevant electronic media if, and to the extent, such announcement is required under applicable law. To the extent information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase is made public in Denmark, such information will be disclosed by means of a press release or other means reasonably calculated to inform US shareholders of Spar Nord Bank of such information.

    In addition, subject to the applicable laws of Denmark and US securities laws, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, the financial advisers to Nykredit or their respective affiliates may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of Spar Nord Bank, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities.

    It may not be possible for US shareholders to effect service of process within the United States upon Spar Nord Bank, Nykredit or any of their respective affiliates, or their respective officers or directors, some or all of which may reside outside the United States, or to enforce against any of them judgments of the United States courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or other US law. It may not be possible to bring an action against Nykredit, Spar Nord Bank and/or their respective officers or directors (as applicable) in a non-US court for violations of US laws. Further, it may not be possible to compel Nykredit and Spar Nord Bank or their respective affiliates, as applicable, to subject themselves to the judgment of a US court. In addition, it may be difficult to enforce in Denmark original actions, or actions for the enforcement of judgments of US courts, based on the civil liability provisions of the US federal securities laws.

    The Offer, if completed, may have consequences under US federal income tax and under applicable US state and local, as well as non-US, tax laws. Each shareholder of Spar Nord Bank is urged to consult its independent professional adviser immediately regarding the tax consequences of the Offer.

    NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY IN ANY STATE OF THE U.S. HAS APPROVED OR DECLINED TO APPROVE THE OFFER OR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THE OFFER OR PROVIDED AN OPINION AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR ANY OFFER DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE IN THE UNITED STATES.


    1 Executive Order no. 636 of 15 May 2020

    Attachment

    • Section 61 announcement 04022025

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP and Italy partner with the Government of Iraq to boost climate resilience and agricultural livelihoods

    Source: World Food Programme

    BAGHDAD – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a generous contribution from the Italian Government, through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), to help Iraqi communities strengthen their resilience to climate change while creating economic opportunities, especially for women.

    This initiative, in collaboration with Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment, will introduce climate-smart farming techniques, irrigation improvements, and financial support to help farmers and entrepreneurs adapt to climate change.  Rising temperatures, worsening water scarcity, and land degradation have put Iraq’s agricultural sector under increasing strain. Asmuch as 40 percent of arable land in the south is feared to have been lost to desertification, with negative consequences for livelihoods and food security. 

    “Iraq’s farmers and rural communities are on the frontlines of the fight against climate change, and WFP is committed to working with the Government of Iraq to support local governments and communities in developing scalable and sustainable climate solutions,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Iraq Mageed Yahia. “Through this initiative, we are ensuring that smallholder farmers and vulnerable groups have access to better water management, resilient crops, and climate financing. These efforts, alongside early warning systems and disaster risk reduction measures, will help communities withstand environmental shocks and secure long-term food security.” 

    The project will be implemented in Ninewa, Salah al-Din, Thi-Qar, and Basra; facing the harshest effects of climate change and will benefit vulnerable women-led households, crisis-affected people, and smallholder farmers. WFP will introduce efficient irrigation systems, helping farmers cut water use by 40% while boosting productivity as well as training sessions to help farmers transition to drought-resistant crops and better land management practices, ensuring long-term food security and soil preservation. 

    The initiative will also empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities by integrating them into climate adaptation programs, providing technical training, and facilitating access to financial resources to support entrepreneurial ventures. 

    WFP will partner with the Government of Iraq, academia and a number of Italian experts to provide technical solutions, equipment and expertise, to enable more efficient management of ecosystem resources. This can be done through community water ponds, nurseries and afforestation and revegetation initiatives. These approaches contribute to improved agricultural productivity and, subsequently, strengthened food systems. 

    “Climate change poses significant risks to Iraq’s agricultural sector, threatening livelihoods and food security all over the Country, and especially for women-led households” highlighted H.E. Niccolò Fontana, Ambassador of Italy to Iraq. “Various regions across Iraq face the harsh realities of water scarcity, land degradation, and rising temperatures. This project directly addresses these challenges by promoting green skills and expanding the private sector workforce, enhancing agricultural value chains, supporting women’s entrepreneurship in climate-resilient sectors. Italy is proud to commit to fostering a green transition that will benefit not only the environment, but also the population, empowering their communities and nurturing sustainability.” 

    WFP will continue working with the Government of Iraq to support communities affected by climate change by aligning its project implementation with the Government’s priorities, particularly focusing on the addressing unemployment, improving water management in irrigation to drive up production and empower women to seek and maintain sustainable livelihoods.  

     

    #                 #                   # 

     

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. 

     

     

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media 

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Washington Field Office Releases Seeking Information Posters for Two Senior Iranian Intelligence Officers Involved in the Abduction of Robert A. Levinson

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    The FBI Washington Field Office today released seeking information posters featuring two senior Iranian intelligence officers who were involved in the abduction of retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. “Bob” Levinson from Kish Island, Iran, on March 9, 2007. The release of the posters is part of the FBI’s ongoing investigation into Bob’s abduction and our commitment to resolving the case for his long-suffering family.

    The two intelligence officers—Mohammad Baseri and Ahmad Khazai—allegedly acted in their capacity as officials of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) during Bob’s abduction, detention, and probable death.

    “The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to return Bob to his family,” said Sanjay Virmani, special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division. “Our extensive investigation continues to develop new leads and intelligence, and we will pursue all options to hold every Iranian official involved in his abduction accountable.”

    For nearly 18 years, the Iranian government has denied knowledge of Bob’s whereabouts despite senior intelligence officials authorizing Bob’s abduction and detention and launching a disinformation campaign to deflect blame from the Iranian regime.

    Both Baseri and Khazai are high-ranking MOIS officers. In December 2020, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated Baseri and Khazai for their role in Bob’s abduction.

    AHMAD KHAZAI

    MOHAMMAD BASERI

    According to the designation, Baseri has been involved in counterespionage activities inside and outside Iran, as well as sensitive investigations related to Iranian national security issues. He has worked directly with intelligence officials from other countries to harm U.S. interests.

    Khazai has led MOIS delegations to other countries to assess security situations.

    The FBI continues to offer a reward of up to $5 million for information that leads to Bob’s location, recovery, and return. If you have information about Bob or if you have information about Baseri, Khazai, or others who may have played a role in Bob’s abduction, please email levinsonfbireward@fbi.gov. You can also contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip via tips.fbi.gov.

    Additionally, the U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is offering a reward of up to $20 million for information that leads to Bob’s location, recovery, and return. You can visit RFJ’s website for more information about this reward.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Data443 Acquires Breezemail.ai, Accelerating AI-Powered Email Privacy Capabilities for Microsoft Office and Google GMail

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Data443 Risk Mitigation, Inc. (OTCPK: ATDS) (“Data443” or the “Company”), a data security and privacy software company for “All Things Data Security,” today announced the acquisition of intellectual property and operational assets of Breezemail.ai, an innovative provider of AI-powered email management technology. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of Data443’s capabilities in intelligent threat detection and leverages its leadership at the forefront of the rapidly evolving AI security landscape.

    Breezemail.ai leverages proprietary implementations of machine-learning algorithms that manage end-user mailboxes for both Microsoft Office365 and Google GSuite GMail. This capability is the industry’s first implementation, giving end users direct management of their inboxes from outside the service provider – creating private implementations of email organization, detection, and visibility for important information. Managing this privately ensures that the mail provider does not have access to the rulesets that the end user designs, ensuring ongoing privacy of private rulesets for the customer. Email providers do not see the rules that the end user creates.

    “AI privacy continues to be a major issue the industry continues to tackle. End users should be able to keep their mailbox organization rules private, change them at will, and have a simple interface for managing this. Breezemail.ai enables this capability in a few mouse clicks and gives the user ultimate control. Even more importantly, the users’ private rules and decisions are not shared with any service provider,” stated Jason Remillard, CEO and Founder of Data443.

    Integrating this technology into Data443’s award-winning product suites increases the adoption of these capabilities in other segments, such as healthcare, national defense, and government organizations.

    The acquisition coincides with significant market validation of AI-powered email security solutions, evidenced by Abnormal Security’s anticipated IPO and growing enterprise demand for intelligent security platforms. This strategic move positions Data443 to capture an expanding share of the email security market, which is experiencing rapid growth driven by the increasing sophistication of cyber threats.

    The integration of Breezemail.ai’s technology will deliver immediate benefits to Data443’s customers:

    • Seamless integration with existing Cyren by Data443 deployments
    • Enhanced protection against sophisticated social engineering attacks
    • Real-time threat intelligence sharing across the customer base
    • A rich implementation for selective decision-making driven by the end-user without IT assistance
    • Complete privacy on how the users’ internal mindset works with data

    “Combining Breezemail.ai’s innovative AI implementations with our existing security capabilities, we’re building on our compounding advantages with our Cyren by Data443 email and threat intelligence product stack,” added Remillard. “This integration will provide our customers with unprecedented AI privacy enablement protection while significantly simplifying management tools for end users.”

    “This acquisition transcends mere technological expansion, marking a pivotal shift in email privacy protection. As artificial intelligence continues to automate more aspects of our digital lives, safeguarding user privacy has emerged as one of the industry’s most pressing challenges. This enables millions of users to self-manage their data with complete privacy,” concluded Mr.Remillard.

    About Data443 Risk Mitigation, Inc.

    Data443 Risk Mitigation, Inc. (OTCPK: ATDS) provides software and services to enable secure data across devices and databases, at rest and in flight/in transit, locally, on a network or in the cloud. We are All Things Data Security™. With over 10,000 customers in over 100 countries, Data443 provides a modern approach to data governance and security by identifying and protecting all sensitive data regardless of location, platform or format. Data443’s framework helps customers prioritize risk, identify security gaps and implement effective data protection and privacy management strategies.

    Forward-Looking Statements 

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by use of terms such as “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “pursuant,” “target,” “continue” or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. Statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding Data443’s plans, objectives, future opportunities for Data443’s services, future financial performance and operating results, and any other statements regarding Data443’s future expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, financial conditions, assumptions or future events or performance, or regarding the anticipated consummation of any transaction, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are difficult to predict or are beyond Data443’s control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. They may relate to the outcome of litigation, settlements and investigations; actions by third parties, including governmental agencies; volatility in customer spending; global economic conditions; inability to hire and retain personnel; loss of, or reduction in business with, key customers; difficulty with growth and integration of acquisitions; product liability; cybersecurity risk; anti-takeover measures in the Company’s charter documents; and the uncertainties created by global health issues, such as the ongoing outbreak of COVID, and political unrest and conflict, such as the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. These and other important risk factors are described more fully in the Company’s reports and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“the SEC”), including in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 17, 2024, and subsequent filings with the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release, which are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, Data443 undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

    “DATA443” is a registered trademark of Data443 Risk Mitigation, Inc.

    All product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this press release are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.

    For further information:

    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/data443-risk-mitigation-inc/
    Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZXDhJcx-XgMBhvE9aFHRdA
    Sign up for our Investor Newsletter: https://data443.com/investor-email-alerts/
    To learn more about Data443, please watch the Company’s video introduction on its YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/1Fp93jOxFSg

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Matthew Abenante
    ir@data443.com
    919.858.6542

    Attachment

    • Data443 Risk Mitigation, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: EZCORP to Release First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Results After Market Close on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EZCORP, Inc. (“EZCORP” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: EZPW), a leading provider of pawn transactions in the United States and Latin America, will issue first quarter fiscal 2025 results (period ended December 31, 2024) on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, after the market close.

    The Company will host a webcast and conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time on Thursday, February 6th, 2025, to discuss its results. The presentation slides will be posted to the Investor Relations section of its website after the market close on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025.

    Date Thursday, February 6th, 2025
    Time: 9:00 a.m. Eastern time
    Dial-in registration link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI86f9072cf4c447ae86954e0a22daa957
    Live webcast registration link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/j568nkgu

    A replay of the conference call will be available online at http://investors.ezcorp.com shortly after the live call concludes. If you have any difficulty accessing the conference call, please contact Elevate IR at EZPW@elevate-ir.com.

    About EZCORP
    Formed in 1989, EZCORP has grown into a leading provider of pawn transactions in the United States and Latin America. We also sell pre-owned and recycled merchandise, primarily collateral forfeited from pawn lending operations and merchandise purchased from customers. We are dedicated to satisfying the short-term cash needs of consumers who are both cash and credit constrained, focusing on an industry-leading customer experience. EZCORP is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol EZPW and is a member of the S&P 1000 Index and Nasdaq Composite Index.

    Follow EZCORP on social media:
    Facebook EZPAWN Official https://www.facebook.com/EZPAWN/
    EZCORP Instagram Official https://www.instagram.com/ezcorp_official/
    EZPAWN Instagram Official https://www.instagram.com/ezpawnofficial/
    EZCORP LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ezcorp/

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Sean Mansouri, CFA
    Elevate IR
    EZPW@elevate-ir.com
    (720) 330-2829

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
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