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Category: MIL-OSI

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to US President Biden and Australian Prime Minister Albanese conveying high regard for peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to US President Biden and Australian Prime Minister Albanese conveying high regard for peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

    September 21, 2024  

    US President Joe Biden met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on September 20 in the US state of Delaware. Following the meeting, the White House published a readout stating that the two leaders had discussed their support for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait; their concerns about the coercive and destabilizing activities of the People’s Republic of China, including in the South China Sea; and the commitment of the United States and Australia to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable.

     

    Following the public expression of strong, all-round support for Taiwan in the joint statement on the Australia-US Ministerial Consultations in August, the readout of the meeting between the two leaders once again demonstrates both countries’ high regard for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sincerely appreciates and welcomes this.

     

    The United States, Australia, and other like-minded nations continue to frequently issue statements to express a joint position regarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, fully demonstrating that the safeguarding of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait has become an international consensus. As a responsible member of the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded nations to defend the common values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law; preserve the rules-based international order; and uphold peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific.

    MIL OSI China News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Resource Advisory: Tracking crude oil and natural gas production with EIA data

    Source: US Energy Information Administration – EIA

    Headline: Resource Advisory: Tracking crude oil and natural gas production with EIA data

    U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION
    WASHINGTON DC 20585

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 25, 2024

    The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has several sets of data on the domestic production of crude oil and natural gas. Depending on your interests, the resources below can help you find the crude oil and natural gas data you need.

    Table 1. Key production figures from the latest EIA data
      2023 annual June 2024
    Crude oil 12.9 million b/d 13.2 million b/d
    Dry natural gas 103.8 Bcf/d 103 Bcf/d

    Crude oil

    Crude oil production is typically measured in barrels or barrels per day. When EIA analyzes crude oil production, it relies on field production of crude oil and lease condensate, which is published at the national level, at the Petroleum Administration for Defense District (PADD) level, and at the state level.

    Crude oil is refined into a series of consumable petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. EIA publishes U.S. production of petroleum products in the Petroleum Supply and Disposition table, under the Refinery and Blender Net Production column.

    EIA publishes short-term forecasts of total U.S. crude oil production and forecasts of tight oil production (oil production by hydraulic fracturing, or fracking) by geologic formation.

    Natural gas

    Natural gas production is typically measured in billion cubic feet or billion cubic feet per day. Natural gas is unique in that its production can be measured in three ways:

    • Gross withdrawals of natural gas include everything pulled from the ground, including product that is ultimately flared or siphoned off to another product stream. EIA tracks gross withdrawals at the national level and by state.
    • Marketed or wet natural gas production is smaller than gross withdrawals because it does not include gas that was vented, flared, used for repressuring, or removed during treating and processing. EIA publishes historical and forecast marketed natural gas production at the national and regional level. Historical marketed production is also available by state.
    • Dry natural gas production is what goes to the consumer. It’s lower than wet production because it does not include natural gas plant liquids such as ethane and propane that are counted in marketed production. EIA publishes dry natural gas production at the national level and by state. EIA publishes dry natural gas production by hydraulic fracturing (fracking) by shale gas formation.

    EIA publishes varying data series of monthly and annual crude oil and natural gas production. The agency also publishes weekly estimates of some production measures. Members of the press can contact our media relations team with any questions at EIAMedia@eia.gov.

    The data described in this advisory were prepared by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. By law, EIA’s data, analysis, and forecasts are independent of approval by any other officer or employee of the U.S. government. The views in the product and this press release therefore should not be construed as representing those of the U.S. Department of Energy or other federal agencies.

    EIA Press Contact: Chris Higginbotham, EIAMedia@eia.gov

    MIL OSI Economics –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: CERo Therapeutics, Inc. Announces Financing and Provides Update on Investigational New Drug Application for CER-1236

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company requests Type A Meeting with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding clinical hold for CER-1236; announces key management changes

    SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: CERO) (“CERo”), an innovative immunotherapy company seeking to advance the next generation of engineered T cell therapeutics that employ phagocytic mechanisms, today announced that existing investors have committed a financing of $1.25 million. With these funds the Company plans to work with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to resolve the remaining IND issue for CER-1236, which is on clinical hold.

    Vice Chairman Chris Ehrlich will become Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer. Brian Atwood has elected to step down as President and CEO to become a consultant to CERo and to Mr. Ehrlich during this transition; he will remain on the board of directors. Both Charles Carter, CERo’s Chief Financial Officer, and Daniel Corey, M.D., Chief Technology Officer have also elected to step down from their positions and board seat in the case of Dr. Corey. The Company has already identified consultants to continue to progress its ongoing work.

    “This is a unique opportunity for us to reset and ensure that CERo is able to deliver on the promise of its science,” stated Mr. Ehrlich. “We will continue to benefit from Brian’s experience in the market, while we work diligently to progress CER-1236 into the clinic. In the meantime, we are implementing cost reductions to minimize our capital needs and have already made considerable headway in identifying replacements for the CFO and CTO positions, both activities which we believe will be instrumental in helping us to drive forward and complete the task at hand.”

    CERo continues to progress in its work to address the Clinical Hold placed on its Investigational New Drug Application for CER-1236. The company has requested a Type A Meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its open Investigational New Drug Application, which is currently on Clinical Hold. The Company intends to discuss its plans and data collected to date.

    As announced previously, the clinical hold is related to only two pharmacology and toxicology questions which the Company believes can be addressed. CERo has initiated pre-clinical in vitro studies and experiments, interim data from which constituted the Company’s Type A Meeting Request regarding the clinical hold. These experiments will continue into October, as CERo awaits FDA’s response to the submitted Type A Meeting Request.

    About CERo Therapeutics, Inc.
    CERo is an innovative immunotherapy company advancing the development of next generation engineered T cell therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Its proprietary approach to T cell engineering, which enables it to integrate certain desirable characteristics of both innate and adaptive immunity into a single therapeutic construct, is designed to engage the body’s full immune repertoire to achieve optimized cancer therapy. This novel cellular immunotherapy platform is expected to redirect patient-derived T cells to eliminate tumors by building in engulfment pathways that employ phagocytic mechanisms to destroy cancer cells, creating what CERo refers to as Chimeric Engulfment Receptor T cells (“CER-T”). CERo believes the differentiated activity of CER-T cells will afford them greater therapeutic application than currently approved chimeric antigen receptor (“CAR-T”) cell therapy, as the use of CER-T may potentially span both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. CERo anticipates initiating clinical trials for its lead product candidate, CER-1236, in 2024 for hematological malignancies.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This communication contains statements that are forward-looking and as such are not historical facts. This includes, without limitation, statements regarding the financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of management for future operations of CERo. These statements constitute projections, forecasts and forward-looking statements, and are not guarantees of performance. Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. When used in this communication, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strive,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. When CERo discusses its strategies or plans, it is making projections, forecasts or forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on the beliefs of, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to, CERo’s management.

    Actual results could differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements in this communication. Certain risks that could cause actual results to differ are set forth in CERo’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on April 2, 2024, and the documents incorporated by reference therein. The risks described in CERo’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are not exhaustive. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all such risk factors, nor can CERo assess the impact of all such risk factors on its business, or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. You should not put undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements made by CERo or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. CERo undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Contact:
    Brian Atwood
    Chief Executive Officer
    batwood@cero.bio

    Investors:
    CORE IR
    investors@cero.bio

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to US secretary of state and Japanese and ROK foreign ministers reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to US secretary of state and Japanese and ROK foreign ministers reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability

    September 24, 2024 

    United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa, and Republic of Korea Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul held a trilateral meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on September 23. According to a US Department of State press readout, the three sides reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity in the international community. They called for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues and affirmed their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the maritime domains of the Indo-Pacific.

     

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanks the United States, Japan, and the ROK for continuing to reaffirm the importance of cross-strait peace and stability at high-level bilateral and multilateral events, demonstrating their high regard and staunch support for stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific. Taiwan will continue to work with the United States, Japan, the ROK, and other like-minded countries to preserve peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the region.

    MIL OSI China News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to US, Japan, and other QUAD members reaffirming importance of regional peace and stability

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to US, Japan, and other QUAD members reaffirming importance of regional peace and stability

    September 22, 2024 

    US President Joe Biden met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in the US state of Delaware on September 21. In a readout released by the White House following the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed their resolve to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and underscored their opposition to any attempts to change the status quo by force. They also addressed shared concerns over coercive and destabilizing activities of the People’s Republic of China, including in the South China Sea. 

     

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sincerely welcomes and appreciates this reiteration by US and Japanese leaders of the importance of cross-strait peace and stability, which came one day after a US-Australia leaders’ meeting. 

     

    Separately, the leaders of the United States, Japan, Australia, and India met in Delaware on September 21 for the fourth Quad Leaders Summit. A joint statement released following the meeting stressed the parties’ support for maintaining regional peace and stability as an indispensable element of global security and prosperity. It also underscored their strong opposition to any destabilizing or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. The statement further condemned dangerous actions by coast guard or maritime militia forces, again showing the international community’s great concern for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. 

     

    MOFA thanks the United States, Japan, and other like-minded nations for again highlighting the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the region. As a responsible stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan will continue to cooperate with like-minded partners to uphold peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and in the region. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Video: BASIC EDUCATION MINISTER TO ADDRESS THE MEDIA ON DEVELOPMENTS ON BUDGET CUTS IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    The Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube briefs the media to provide an update on the provincial level analysis of the impact of budget cuts in the education sector

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSASuHD-MPo

    MIL OSI Video –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to US President Biden reaffirming staunch US support for cross-strait peace and stability in UNGA address

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to US President Biden reaffirming staunch US support for cross-strait peace and stability in UNGA address

    September 25, 2024  

    In his remarks before the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 24, US President Joe Biden underlined the United States’ determination to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, push back against unfair economic competition, and oppose military coercion in the South China Sea. He added that the United States would continue to strengthen its network of alliances and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific to build a free, open, secure, and peaceful region.

     

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and appreciates President Biden’s consistent public support for cross-strait peace and stability during his term in office. Within the past week, in addition to his address at the UNGA, President Biden has reiterated his high regard for and firm commitment to the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific during meetings with the leaders of Australia and Japan. Taiwan will continue to work with the United States and other like-minded countries to safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the region. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Additional funding to the Swedish Work Environment Authority for stricter and more effective supervision to prevent fatal accidents and other work environment risks

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Additional funding to the Swedish Work Environment Authority for stricter and more effective supervision to prevent fatal accidents and other work environment risks – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry of Employment

    Published 25 September 2024

    In the Budget Bill for 2025, the Government proposes allocated funds to the Swedish Work Environment Authority for stricter and more effective supervision to prevent fatal accidents and other work environment risks. It also includes developing the selection of workplaces for inspection to ensure that the supervision is directed to a greater extent at the workplaces where the risk is greatest. To this end, the proposal is that the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s administrative appropriation be increased by SEK 50 million for 2025. The appropriation is then expected to increase by SEK 75 million in 2026 and permanently by SEK 100 million in 2027.

    In 2023, 63 workers died in work-related accidents, which is an increase compared to previous years. A poor work environment is considered a contributory cause to premature deaths in many cases each year. For example, stress contributes to the premature death of more than 770 people per year. Efforts to prevent fatal accidents in the workplace and to achieve effective oversight are essential to maintaining worker protection and ensuring that fair competition prevails in the labour market.

    The level of ambition must remain high for work environment policy to meet various types of challenges in the workplace. The Government is therefore allocating additional funds to the Swedish Work Environment Authority for a stricter and more effective supervision to prevent fatal accidents and other serious work environment risks.

    A safe and stimulating workplace is key for citizens’ welfare and makes an essential contribution to a safer and more secure Sweden. A good work environment promotes growth and employment opportunities, as well as good, equal and equitable health. Nobody should die or be injured as a result of their work.

    The Government has submitted these proposals in the Budget Bill for 2025. They are based on an agreement between the Government and the Sweden Democrats.

    Press contact

    Budget Bill for 2025

    On 19 September the Government will submit its proposal for the central government budget to the Riksdag.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sanders, Welch, Balint Urge FEMA to Address Staffing Issues Slowing Flood Recovery in Vermont

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large) called on Deanne Criswell, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to address concerns raised by Vermont municipalities about high staff turnover and other bureaucratic inefficiencies within the agency’s Public Assistance (PA) program, which has slowed the disaster recovery process for small and rural communities across Vermont. The lawmakers also urged FEMA to shift more resources and administrative control to local communities who can be more effective in disaster response.  
    The Delegation raised the concern that many municipalities have struggled to get clear guidance, timely responses, or consistent staffing from FEMA’s Program Delivery Managers (PDMG), further exacerbating the complicated process of securing PA funding from the agency. Lyndon  has worked with four PDMGs since July 2023, while Ludlow is on its seventh PDMG. New managers add to the bureaucratic backlog and set back communities’ recovery.  
    In May, Sanders, Welch, and Balint called on FEMA Administrator Criswell and the Agency to work with Congress and the Delegation to improve disaster response and FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) process, which has slowed assistance for many seeking aid.  
    Sanders, Welch and Balint requested answers to several questions outlined in their letter related to short- and long-term concerns impacting Vermont’s disaster recovery, specific to the PA process and control of administrative responsibilities.  
    Read the full letter below or here. 
    Dear Administrator Criswell:  
    We write to express our concern about two issues—one short-term and administrative, and the other long-term and structural—regarding FEMA’s disaster recovery response to Vermont’s severe flooding. As you know, Vermont suffered devastating storms in July 2023 (DR-4720-VT), followed by another two storms in July (DR-4810-VT, and a pending Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Scott for July 29-31, submitted August 27) and one August 2024 (EM-3609-VT).  
    We want to begin by acknowledging our immense appreciation of the work of you and your team, and FEMA’s immediate response to the damage sustained by Vermont homeowners, businesses, and farms.  
    The immediate issue of concern is this: homeowners, businesses, selectboards, farmers, and other stakeholders across Vermont have faced, and continue to face, delays, confusing and conflicting guidance, and inefficiencies in getting clear answers and timely responses from FEMA to predictable inquiries about what help they can expect and when they can expect it. These frustrations have caused immense concern, added expense, and despair for Vermonters doing their best to move on from catastrophic losses. For municipalities in particular, we believe that the extraordinary turnover in Program Delivery Managers (PDMG) exacerbates the already complicated Public Assistance process. Let us provide a few examples:    
    Ludlow, one of the most heavily impacted communities in 2023, has worked with six PDMGs since July 2023. On August 9, 2024, the town manager learned a seventh PDMG would be starting the following week. Ludlow has nearly $4 million in projects for which it has not received payment from FEMA.  
    Another small community, Lyndon, which was severely flooded again last month, has worked with four PDMGs. The Lyndon town administrator reported that with each new PDMG, he had to file all the required paperwork to receive assistance over again, starting from scratch. This resulted in hundreds of unnecessary emails and hours of duplicated work. As Lyndon was struggling to rebuild its roads and bridges in 2024, it was still awaiting reimbursement for infrastructure repairs made following the 2023 flood, in part because of this bureaucratic backlog.  
    The second issue is long-term and structural. We believe that follow up services from FEMA would be more effective, responsive, and efficient, if far more administrative responsibility for resource distribution were transferred to local officials in affected communities. For example, a recent Vermont report found that for every $2 FEMA spent on administrative costs, it only spent $1 on Individual Assistance. In order to provide the best relief at the most efficient prices, local leadership is essential. With respect to our short-term concerns regarding PDMG turnover rates, we request information from FEMA to help us to evaluate concretely how this impacts Vermont. Specifically: 

    What have been the PDMG turnover rates within FEMA Region 1 and Vermont?  
    What is the average timeline in Vermont for towns to get approvals for their reimbursements from their PDMGs?  
    How often do PDMGs reverse project approvals from previous PDMGs? Even without an overt reversal, how often do replacement PDMGs require project requests be submitted from scratch? 
    What processes does FEMA have in place to ensure continuity between outgoing and incoming PDMGs? 
    What specific legislative changes or other support that Congress could provide to minimize PDMG staff turnover? 

    With respect to our long-term concerns:  

    What are your suggestions on how to concretely move administrative responsibilities, along with resources, to local communities directly affected by disasters?  

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to receiving a response by October 11, 2024.  
    Sincerely,  
    Senator Bernie Sanders    
    Senator Peter Welch   
    Representative Becca Balint  

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE University Opens Enrollment for the Second Internship Program in Teaching Excellence

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    On October 14, the Higher School of Economics will launch a two-week advanced training program calledTeaching Workshop” . It is designed for teachers from Russian educational institutions who want to expand their professional experience: learn how to design training courses, select assessment tools, and apply elements of blended learning. In the first week, classes will be held at HSE, and in the second week, online. You can apply for participation until October 10.

    The developer of the program is Department of Educational Innovations and Special International Programs HSE, which is responsible for the project,Teach for HSE / We teach at HSE“This is an intra-university project that has been implemented for seven years and has played an important role in maintaining and improving the quality of teaching.

    At the beginning of this year, the authors of the project decided to offer their developments on the external market. This is how the advanced training program “Educational Course Design 3.0” was created, under which teachers from nine regions of Russia were trained at the beginning of 2024. Their reviews can be read Here.

    It is noteworthy that, although the program was initially designed for representatives of higher education, those who work with children and teenagers and teach courses for adults have also signed up for it. So this time, when recruiting for the “Teaching Workshop”, it does not matter which educational institution the potential students work for.

    “The workshop content was designed taking into account both the many years of experience of the Teach4HSE project and the feedback received from the graduates of “Educational Course Design 3.0″. The leitmotif of advanced training this time will be AI, we will dedicate a separate block to it. Students will master effective techniques for organizing classes using media technologies and AI in an interactive educational environment,” notes Oksana Chernenko, Director of Educational Innovations at HSE.

    Participants of the project “Consultants on teaching in a digital environment” — HSE employees who successfully use digital tools in teaching and help their colleagues implement them. Students will be shown specific examples of how AI can be used in classes on certain subjects.

    The program also includes such topics as the organization of team and group work of students, pedagogical design (designing a course in a blended format), teaching styles in a modern university from the student’s point of view, formative and final assessment as mandatory elements of the course, and others. The masters will be renowned HSE teachers representing various disciplinary fields.

    As last time, classes in the first week will be held at the HSE building on Pokrovsky Boulevard, and in the second week, colleagues will travel to their regions. Using the knowledge they have gained, they will update their training courses with remote support from teaching experts. The final day of the program is the presentation of the updated training courses.

    Each graduate of the program will receive a certificate of advanced training from the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    You can find out more about the workshop program and apply here Here.

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

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

    http://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/edu/966348954.html

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Braun, Klobuchar Support USPTO Rule to Help Lower Drug Prices, Rein in Big Pharma

    US Senate News:

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

    Proposed rule is in alignment with the Senators’ bipartisan bill to hold Big Pharma accountable for abusing the patent system
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.),and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) sent a letter to Kathi Videl, Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), expressing strong support for a proposed rule released by USPTO that would help restore competition to the prescription drug market and lower prescription drug prices for patients. The Senators urged USPTO to quickly finalize the rule and called on Congress to pass their bipartisan, bicameral bill to streamline drug patent litigation and make it easier for generic and biosimilar companies to enter the market. 
    “Restoring competition to the prescription drug market would provide American patients with much needed and overdue relief on the cost of prescription drugs—and USPTO’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is an important step towards this goal. The rule would require patent applicants filing terminal disclaimers to agree that their patent will be unenforceable if any claim in another patent tied to the original patent by a terminal disclaimer has been held unpatentable or invalid by a federal court or the USPTO,” wrote the Senators. “Challenging patents is extremely costly, and this rule would reduce incentives for filing numerous duplicative patents that are tied to each other by terminal disclaimers, which would reduce gamesmanship by patent holders and allow for more innovation in the market. USPTO should finalize this rule without delay.” 
    “To further bolster USPTO’s efforts, Congress should also pass S. 3583, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that complements the proposed rule. S. 3583 would limit the number of patents with a common terminal disclaimer that a pharmaceutical company can assert in infringement litigation to one,” continued the Senators. “While our bill attempts to address patent thickets that have already been created, the proposed rule is equally as important, as it will prevent pharmaceutical companies from manipulating the use of terminal disclaimers to build future patent thickets. Together, by advancing our bill to address patent thickets and finalizing the proposed rule, we could provide tangible benefits to the patient community.” 
    The Senators concluded: “We strongly urge USPTO to finalize the proposed rule so that Americans can start to see the benefits of lower cost prescription drugs.” 
    In January, Senators Welch, Braun, and Klobuchar introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to streamline drug patent litigation, encourage fair market competition, and lower prescription drug prices by making it easier for generic and biosimilar companies to enter the market. The bill codifies the practice that many federal district courts across the country already apply to limit the number of patents or patent claims a company can assert in litigation. Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced companion legislation in the House. Read more about the bill. 
    Read the full letter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic at the exhibition-fair “Russian Education. Tashkent-2024”

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    On September 20-21, the largest exhibition of Russian higher education, organized by the representative office of Rossotrudnichestvo, was held in Uzbekistan. Representatives of 50 Russian universities took part in the exhibition-fair “Russian Education. Tashkent-2024”. The event brought together more than 4,000 visitors, including schoolchildren and their parents, students, representatives of schools, educational centers, recruiting agencies and the media of Uzbekistan.

    During the exhibition, a meeting of Russian university employees with Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo Pavel Shevtsov and Head of the Representative Office in Uzbekistan Irina Staroselskaya was held, where they discussed the implementation of the 2024–2025 quota admission campaign and attracting applicants from Uzbekistan to Russia.

    The opening ceremony of the exhibition was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Russian Embassy and the heads of Rossotrudnichestvo. Minister-Counselor of the Russian Embassy in Uzbekistan Andrey Lanchikov welcomed the participants: It is gratifying that Russian education continues to be popular in the Republic of Uzbekistan. This is evidenced by the number of universities from 21 regions of Russia represented here. I really hope that within the framework of this fair, young people, applicants, students will find interesting specialties for themselves, discover new opportunities, see prospects for further education and improvement.

    The annual educational exhibition-fair is held by the representative office of Rossotrudnichestvo in order to show the potential of Russian education and unique opportunities for everyone who wants to get to know Russia better.

    Our task is to improve the quality of education and campus infrastructure so that young people can see the rise that is currently happening in Russia. It is important to demonstrate to Uzbek applicants all the opportunities that Russian education offers, as well as the modern achievements of our universities. This will create a basis for the formation of joint projects in business, science and technology, given the active development of technological potential in both Russia and Uzbekistan, – noted Pavel Shevtsov.

    Irina Staroselskaya addressed schoolchildren: It is very important to make the right choice of specialty. Today you will not only get acquainted with the programs of our universities. You will be able to talk directly with their representatives and get information first-hand: find out how educational programs are organized at universities, where there are dormitories, what scholarships are available, what events are held as part of the training.

    At the international exhibition and fair, the Polytechnic University was represented by the Director of the Center for International Recruitment and Communications Maria Bocharova, Deputy Head of the Department of International Education Tatyana Sytnikova and the Manager of the Center for Work with Applicants Kristina Lavrentyeva. During the exhibition, the SPbPU stand was visited by more than 300 foreign applicants, who asked many questions about their future profession. Also present at the exhibition were undergraduate students from universities in Uzbekistan interested in master’s programs.

    Polytechnic University annually participates in the autumn educational exhibition of Rossotrudnichestvo. Uzbekistan is traditionally one of the priority markets for the export of Polytechnic University educational programs. We pay great attention to promoting our university so that schoolchildren and students of Uzbekistan receive the most up-to-date information about studying at the Polytechnic University within the framework of the quota of the Government of the Russian Federation and through participation in the International Olympiad Open Doors: Russian Scholarship project, as well as on a contractual basis, – commented Maria Bocharova.

    SPbPU staff provided detailed consultations on admission issues, told about areas of training and opportunities for scientific and project activities. This year, applicants are most interested in specialties in the field of IT, artificial intelligence, linguistics, construction and design of buildings, law, design, economics and management, biotechnology.

    The exhibition organizers also held a B2B meeting to discuss cooperation between Russian universities and educational institutions of Uzbekistan. University representatives emphasized the importance of creating a common educational space between the two countries, including joint conferences, seminars, and competitions. Agreements between educational institutions of Russia and Uzbekistan are an important step in developing cooperation in the field of education. This is an opportunity to exchange experiences, joint educational programs, and practices, which in turn will help improve the system of vocational education in Uzbekistan and provide young people with access to quality education in Russia.

    The Polytechnic University cooperates with many universities of Uzbekistan, including SamSU, TSTU, TSUE, KSU, FPI. This year, meeting of the rector of SPbPU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy with the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan Kongratbay Sharipov, where the leaders discussed work on creating joint network educational programs, advanced training courses for teachers and staff, summer school modules and scientific seminars.

    During the exhibition, Tatyana Sytnikova held a number of working meetings with the heads of the Alfakom and General Lessons training centers, where they discussed options for career guidance events, the organization of preliminary entrance examinations, and assistance in the specialized training of applicants. The head of the Alfakom center, Bakhtiyor Tursunov, noted: Polytechnic consistently attracts students from Uzbekistan. Our task is to assist in their high-quality preparation as applicants.

    In the near future, selection and competitive events will begin for foreign applicants wishing to study at the Polytechnic University for free under the direction of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (under a quota) in the next academic year. You can get up-to-date information about the dates of their holding inPolytechnic’s English-language Telegram channel.

    The first qualifying round of the International Olympiad started on September 5 Open Doors: Russian Scholarship project. Starting this year, the winners will have the opportunity to enroll in the Polytechnic University’s bachelor’s, master’s and postgraduate programs without entrance examinations and study for free in the 2025–2026 academic year.

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

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

    http://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/international_activize/polytech-at-exhibition-fair-russian-education-tashkent-2024/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Wenstrup-Led Bills to Help Veterans, Expand Employee Access to Health Care, & Support Adopting Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-02)

    Today, the House passed H.R. 1432, the VSO Equal Tax Treatment Act or the VETT Act, and H.R. 3800, the Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act, legislation sponsored by Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH). In addition, the House passed language from Rep. Wenstrup’s the Foster Care Adoption Oversight and Support Act in H.R. 9076, the Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act.

    H.R. 1432 – The VSO Equal Tax Treatment Act or the VETT Act is a bipartisan and bicameral bill that would update a provision in the Federal tax code that currently prevents Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) from accepting tax-deductible donations unless they maintain a membership of at least 90 percent wartime veterans. Current rules exclude veterans who joined and served after the Vietnam War and prior to the Persian Gulf War in 1991 from being considered “wartime” veterans. The VETT Act will permit all Congressionally-chartered VSOs to receive tax-deductible donations regardless of wartime membership. Federal tax policy should encourage Americans to donate to these invaluable institutions that support our nation’s veterans.

    H.R. 3800 – The Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act expands choice, increases flexibility and reduces burdens in providing health care for employees. In particular, it will codify chronic disease management flexibilities to encourage employers to offer high-value health care services. This legislation would help employers provide expanded ‘”first dollar coverage” and allow employers the option to cover 14 chronic care management medical services including beta-blockers, glucometers, and cholesterol-lowering medications.

    H.R. 9076 – The Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act would reauthorize and modernize title IV-B of the Social Security Act to strengthen child welfare services and expand the availability of prevention services to better meet the needs of vulnerable families. A provision of this bill includes language from Rep. Wenstrup’s the Foster Care Adoption Oversight and Support Act, that would gather data to assess the effectiveness of post-adoption services and resources provided to families, in order to identify gaps in accessible services, inform strategic investments, and improve outcomes for adopted children and their families.

    “I am proud that the House passed this legislation today that would help our veterans, employee access to health care, and adopting families, and I hope my colleagues in the Senate move these bipartisan bills swiftly to the President’s desk to sign,” said Rep. Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: USGS supercomputers help assess volcanic hazards in support of community resilience

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Eruptions can last anywhere from hours to years and can produce a diverse and difficult to predict set of hazardous phenomena including explosions, earthquakes, ash clouds and deposits, lava flows, landslides, and lahars (high-speed floods of water, mud, and rocks). Worse still, these hazards can affect a wide range of areas, from near the vent (explosions) to regional (volcanic ash) to global (climatic changes due to volcanic gas dispersal in the stratosphere).  

    In the U.S., there are about 170 potentially active volcanoes, which are monitored by the USGS Volcano Hazards Program Volcano Science Center. The Center is home to the five regional observatories in Hawaiʻi, Alaska, the Cascades, California, and Yellowstone.  USGS scientists at these observatories are responsible for monitoring these volcanoes as well as delivering forecasts, warnings, and information about volcano hazards while helping communities to be prepared during an eruption.  

    Fortunately for scientists, the USGS has three available HPC systems, supported by Core Science Systems Science Analytics and Synthesis group – named Denali, Tallgrass, and Hovenweep — that can quickly and efficiently process very large datasets and solve complex systems of equations in geophysics. 

    Although each of these machines are different, their power is derived from the ability to split a large task into chunks, compute all the chunks “in parallel”, that is, at the same time on different processors, and then combine the results. This is noticeably different from running “serial” tasks on a single processor, where the chunks must be computed one after another.

    The large increase in speed made possible by HPC systems also enables scientists to develop more complex data analysis techniques (such as machine learning models) as well as more sophisticated approaches to geophysical modeling (such as data assimilation and probabilistic hazards assessments).    

    Since the development of the first USGS supercomputer

    Yeti in 2013, USGS volcanologists have greatly increased their use of HPC resources, expanding both the complexity of the calculations and the range of applications.   

    HPC resources now commonly serve in a variety of real-world applications such as models of landslide and lahar scenarios at Mt. Rainier to ash fall hazards assessments to real-time forecasting of lava flows in Hawaiʻi, to machine learning of satellite-based volcano deformation data.  

    Looking into a volcano’s plumbing 

    Because many volcanic processes are too hazardous to observe up close or are otherwise inaccessible (for example, we can’t see underground), volcanologists rely upon other methods. Some of the data is captured after an area is safe to visit, while other geophysical methods such as seismicity, infrasound, and gravity changes, can be measured from a distance.  In both cases, volcanologists seek to link these data to the processes that generated them using models of various kinds.   

    Recently, Dr. Roger Denlinger, Research Geophysicist at the Cascades Volcano Observatory led the largest active seismic experiment ever conducted at Kīlauea volcano, Hawaiʻi.  Thousands of small temporary seismometers were deployed around the volcano summit which “listened” together for natural (passive) earthquakes as well as vibrations caused by an active seismic source mounted on a large truck.  

    Because both the truck-generated seismic waves and those received by the seismometers that have passed through the complex structure of Kīlauea are known, scientists can compute variations in density in the subsurface, enabling “imaging” of the volcano’s magma plumbing system. With an improved image of Kīlauea’s subsurface, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will be able to make improved assessments of volcanic hazards. 

    Of course, this imaging is easier said than done, requiring perhaps millions of computer hours to compute how volcanic features attenuate and scatter seismic waves below Kīlauea to match those recorded by the seismic network.  Using a combination of machine learning tools and seismic geophysical models, USGS scientists are using Tallgrass and Hovenweep to tackle this monumental task.   

    “Machine learning methods help us monitor changes in volcanic systems and anticipate eruptions by probing the increasingly mind-numbing quantity of data that modern instrumentation produces,” says Denlinger. “For example, the Kīlauea imaging project is analyzing more than 200 million seismic waveforms to produce three-dimensional images of the magma system. This is physically impossible for any group of scientists to do by hand.”  

    Hazard forecasting for active volcanoes 

    Since the advent of using computational tools to model volcanic hazards, volcanologists have sought to be able to forecast volcanic eruptions and the hazards they produce.  Although an eruption forecasting model is still only an area of active research, some volcanic hazards such as ash dispersal and lava flows have seen the development of robust forecasting models. These models focus on predicting where ash or lava will go in the case of an eruption and are often used in real time when and where these hazards appear. 
     

    Recently, USGS scientists have developed a new geophysical model called Lava2d to simulate how lava flows over the landscape during an eruption. Lava2d can produce very realistic model flows even when run with a coarse resolution, and its effectiveness was demonstrated during the 2022 eruption of Mauna Loa, Hawaiʻi. It was used to produce experimental forecasts in real time of where lava flows could inundate and how fast they would get there. 

    Lava2d simulation of the fissure 3 lava flow from the 2022 eruption of Mauna Loa, Hawaiʻi. Colors represent lava flow depth after 5 days of activity. Inset: USGS mapped lava flow extent at about the same time in the eruption.

    Most of these models were computed on the Yeti supercomputer, enabling the computation of thousands of runs with different lava flow properties and scenarios. These experimental forecasts were used by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to assess the possibility of future flow advance towards a major highway.  

    “USGS HPC resources have advanced our ability to accurately assess and forecast volcanic hazard before and during eruptions to protect life, property, and infrastructure in the US,” says Dr. Hannah Dietterich, Research Geophysicist at the Alaska Volcano Observatory and hazard modeling lead during the eruption. “Running large numbers of simulations allows us to generate better, more quantitative, and robust hazard information at volcanoes in the US but also elsewhere.” 

    Current research using the lava flow model Lava2d is focused on optimizing the model for use on Hovenweep, where it will be used to quickly compute high resolution lava flow forecasts when volcanoes in Hawaiʻi or the central Cascades next produce lava flows.   

    USGS HPC resources are also playing a significant role in longer-term volcanic hazard assessments, especially where volcanologists are planning for the next eruption of long-dormant volcanoes. In these cases, data on past hazards is limited to whatever lava or ash is still exposed at the surface.  This can cause a great deal of uncertainty about the nature of “typical” volcanic materials for a given volcano.  

    When a model is run, the researcher needs to feed it specifications about material properties, ambient conditions, and the magnitude or size of the eruption. Unfortunately, these factors are typically highly uncertain, reducing the predictive value of any individual model run. However, if many models are made with different inputs, the collection of models, which researchers call an “ensemble”, work together to produce a much more probabilistic assessment of the hazard.   

    Complicating factors 

    This is particularly important for volcanic hazards that are greatly affected by atmospheric conditions, such as ash dispersal and deposition. Wind direction at the exact time the eruption occurs is a major factor controlling where volcanic ash will be deposited.  

    USGS researchers use a specific ash dispersal model, known as Ash3d, to compute how the wind will carry the ash and how quickly it will fall out of suspension.  

    Because wind direction and speed can vary so much, many thousands of Ash3d runs are required to capture the range of possible ashfall deposits. Running these very large jobs on supercomputers like Denali and Hovenweep allows the USGS to estimate the probability of ashfall in different locations for significant explosive eruptions in the future.  

    Animated Ash3D simulation of a volcanic ash cloud from a hypothetical eruption of Mt. St. Helens, WA if it occurred today. Colors represent ash concentrations in the cloud.

    A similar ensemble modeling approach is in development for estimating the hazard posed by a variety of volcanic hazards including lava flows, ashfall, and lahars from Newberry Volcano near Bend, OR which last erupted in 690 CE. 

    Landslides and lahars (high-speed floods of water, mud, and rocks) are other types of hazards that pose a unique computing challenge due to the complexity of the equations used to models them.  The USGS uses a model known as D-Claw that incorporates sophisticated algorithms to simulate these highly destructive flows. To simulate the flows, D-Claw must first break down many related complex processes involved in the overall flow, such as levee formation, particle segregation, dilatancy, and pore pressurization. These highly complex dynamics require a sophisticated algorithm operating within a high-resolution grid. 

    Because of the high-resolution needed, D-Claw models tend to be very large in scale and are optimized for parallel computing on USGS HPC systems.   

    D-Claw was recently used to model lahar scenarios originating from possible landslide collapses high on Mt. Rainier, WA. These highly detailed models were used to estimate the hazard posed to communities downstream.  

    Animated D-Claw simulation of a hypothetical landslide and lahar originating from the failure of a section of the Tahoma Glacier headwall at Mt. Rainier, WA.

    These are just a snapshot of applications of USGS HPC resources in volcanic hazards studies, but these tools are only gaining popularity and relevance.  As more USGS scientists get the training needed to work on these machines, the free access to vast computational power that they offer them makes these HPC systems highly attractive settings for solving the big questions in volcanology. The gain in new knowledge accelerated by USGS HPC resources is helping to develop next-generation tools for assessing volcanic hazards, helping to protect and inform the public.  

    Denali is the USGS’s flagship supercomputer installed and housed at the EROS Data Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

    Dr. Tina Neal, Volcano Science Center Director, is excited to see this work into the future. “The application of HPC to volcano science is truly exciting to see flourish; from simulating ash cloud dispersal to modelling the complex motion of lava flows and lahars, results improve our scientific understanding of hazards and the quality of USGS decision support information for stakeholders.” 

    For more information or to get started using Denali, Tallgrass, or Hovenweep, contact us at hpc@usgs.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: 5 areas where NSF funding is enhancing undergraduate STEM participation at Hispanic-serving institutions

    Source: US Government research organizations

    In the U.S., just over 21% of the undergraduate student body identified as Hispanic in 2021. Nearly 63% of those students were enrolled at Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs).* Despite representing only a small portion of the nation’s public and private institutions of higher education, HSIs produce key STEM research. These institutions have made great strides in advancing STEM education for the diverse populations of students they serve, including expanding undergraduate research opportunities, improving technical training at two-year institutions, and introducing active learning to calculus courses to improve student success. And to continue these efforts, HSIs require support.

    According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, HSIs have extensive infrastructure and equipment needs due to outdated buildings, natural disasters and lack of funding. To address some of these needs, NSF has awarded more than $3 million to provide new STEM equipment to broaden STEM participation and education across five different areas through two solicitations from the NSF HSI program, Enriching Learning, Programs, and Student Experiences and Equitable Transformation in STEM Education.**

    The goal of these solicitations is to meet the National Science Board’s vision for a more diverse and capable science and engineering workforce by enhancing the quality of undergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics education at HSIs. These solicitations focus on transforming STEM education at HSIs through improving the student experience and the institutional infrastructure.

    Here are five areas where NSF funding is changing the educational landscape for Hispanic students by providing new, state-of-the-art equipment to eight different HSIs.

    1. Virtual reality technology

      The Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico received funding to install an advanced physics laboratory equipped with high-performance computers and 3D immersive VR technology, enabling the simulation of physics principles that are difficult to replicate in a traditional lab and allowing students to visualize abstract concepts, increasing student retention and engagement.

    2. Virtual anatomy

      NSF funded the installation of Anatomage tables at three different HSIs, Cossatot Community College, Colorado State University Pueblo and Hartnell Community College District, as well as additional critical equipment, instruments and computing resources in chemistry, biology, earth science and mathematics. Anatomage clinical tables provide high-definition 3D models of systems and structures across the human body, allowing students to conduct virtual dissection. The technology also allows for the upload and study of medical images (e.g., X-ray, CT and MRI scans). Enhancing anatomy and physiology education at these community colleges will contribute to more STEM bachelor’s degrees and a more diverse STEM workforce.

    3. Weather studies

      California State University Desert Studies Center installed a research-grade weather station. The weather station will allow students to collect and analyze real-time environmental data, support data science instruction and climate science investigation, and prepare students to work with networked data systems. The weather station will be connected to the NSF-funded Dendra network of over 200 monitoring sites throughout the Mojave Desert and across the southwestern U.S., augmenting efforts to understand the consequences of climate change in one of the hottest places on the planet.

    4. Manufacturing

      Funding from NSF helped expand the industrial and manufacturing engineering capabilities at two HSIs, the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (CPP) and the University of Houston-Clear Lake. CPP secured an Industry 4.0 training system, allowing students to learn from simulations of real-world assembly processes, strengthening undergraduate learning in industrial and manufacturing engineering. The University of Houston-Clear Lake funded a metal additive manufacturing machine, giving students hands-on learning and allowing them to compete in state and national-level design and manufacturing challenges. These projects will prepare a more diverse and skilled workforce equipped with the latest technological knowledge for the industrial and manufacturing sectors.

    5. Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity

      Expanding AI and cybersecurity education at HSIs and other minority-serving institutions is critical to creating a strong, diverse STEM network. NSF funding will provide New Mexico State University (NMSU) with state-of-the-art servers and robots to expand its computer science curriculum, including adding a new Bachelor of Science degree in artificial intelligence, making NMSU the second HSI to offer an undergraduate degree program in AI. Another grant at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona will fund the installation of a Security Operations Center (SOC), which will be student-run to give students hands-on learning and combine theoretical knowledge with practical application in cybersecurity. SOC will allow students to engage in regional, national and global cybersecurity competitions, and it will aid students in seeing themselves as cybersecurity professionals.

    * To qualify as an HSI, a higher education institution must be accredited, not-for-profit, and have an enrollment of full-time undergraduate students that is at least 25% Hispanic students at the end of the award year. For more information about HSI eligibility, please see the Department of Education’s definition.

    **Learn more about the HSI Program.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: MetLife Stadium to Become a Mission Ready Venue, Serving as a Vital Location During Disasters and Part of NFL and FEMA’s National Strategy to Make Venues Mission Capable During Disasters

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: MetLife Stadium to Become a Mission Ready Venue, Serving as a Vital Location During Disasters and Part of NFL and FEMA’s National Strategy to Make Venues Mission Capable During Disasters

    MetLife Stadium to Become a Mission Ready Venue, Serving as a Vital Location During Disasters and Part of NFL and FEMA’s National Strategy to Make Venues Mission Capable During Disasters

    New Jersey – Stadiums and venues provide a central and accessible location to help communities respond to extreme weather crises, providing safe storage and shelter in times of need. With these events becoming more frequent, severe, and expensive, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier today announced that MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, home of the New York Jets and New York Giants, will be among the first NFL venues to be designated as a Mission Ready Venue that can be used during response and recovery missions. Through Mission Ready Venues, a public-private partnership, MetLife Stadium will increase its capabilities to better sustain public safety and be a source of support for the community they serve. The designation identifies the ways MetLife Stadium could be used for response and recovery activities during declared emergencies or disasters.

    “We are honored that MetLife Stadium is one of the first NFL venues designated as a Mission Ready Venue,” said MetLife Stadium President and CEO Ron VanDeVeen. “The stadium will serve as a staging area and safe space that will offer critical support and comfort to our community in the event of a crisis.” 

    “During large-scale emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes, or tornados, we’ve seen how large music, sports and entertainment venues can serve as a safe space for communities,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “This new strategy we’re launching with the NFL is a groundbreaking opportunity to help our partners use these venues for emergency response and recovery needs, while keeping communities safe and making them more resilient. While we are starting with the NFL, all venues across sports organizations and leagues can become assets to their communities, and I encourage them to join in this collaborative effort as we grapple with the impacts of the climate crisis.”

    “Public-private partnerships are essential to helping communities during the response and recovery phases of a disaster,” said FEMA Region 2 Administrator David Warrington. “Establishing relationships of this type will not only enhance our nation’s resilience toward the disasters we face today but will be critical in shaping tomorrow due to the ever-changing landscape of emergency management. This collaborative effort with the NFL is a true reflection of whole-community engagement and I welcome the opportunities it will bring.”

    “Stadiums are valuable community assets that are often used in times of disasters,” said NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier. “This designation reflects the role that many stadiums play, not only on Sundays, but especially in times of need. We are proud to work with FEMA and first responders at the local and state level to ensure disaster response agencies have the information and tools they need to help a community recover when disaster strikes.” 

    According to the NYU School of Professional Studies and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, stadiums and arenas can improve the public health and well-being of their communities —including pandemic response during COVID-19. 

    “Collaborating with our Federal counterparts and the NFL to designate MetLife Stadium as a mission-ready venue for disasters highlights a critical step in strengthening our state’s emergency preparedness,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police and State Director of Emergency Management. “In times of crisis, every second counts. This partnership ensures we have a strategically located, fully equipped facility capable of supporting large-scale emergency operations, allowing us to respond swiftly and effectively to protect the lives and well-being of New Jersey’s residents.”

    Given the size, capabilities, and locations of large sports venues, these existing community assets can serve the public in a variety of ways including emergency shelters, staging areas, commodity distribution sites, evacuation pick up points, disaster recovery centers, mass vaccination and testing, temporary hospitals and more. FEMA and the NFL recognized this unique opportunity for collaboration and are enlisting the support of venue owners, operators, and the tenants of these facilities to work with government officials in the planning and preparation for emergency or disaster response and recovery efforts.  To receive an official Mission Ready Venue designation, venues must undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine what capabilities the venue may be able to support in emergency and disaster response and recovery efforts. The designation highlights the following attributes of selected venues: 

    • Provide Safety and Security: Stadiums are usually centrally located, close to major roadways and transportation hubs, and critical services like hospitals. If used to respond to a disaster, the designation will save valuable time and resources and will further enhance coordination between the public and private sectors during disaster response and recovery. 
    • Provide Accessibility: Stadiums are also compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act and can support persons with disabilities and others with access or functional needs. Additionally, 73% of NFL venues are accessible by mass transportation. This provides an avenue to promote equitable service to underserved populations to access potentially critical lifesaving/life sustaining services after an event.  
    • Strengthen Community Resilience: Stadiums and arenas are a focal point of communities and help strengthen social networks by enhancing connections between residents with home team pride. These Mission Ready Venues can boost morale amidst disaster. By providing a more robust and resilient environment, these venues can enhance social networks amongst survivors while providing ample opportunities to establish connections with the venue’s main tenants.
    • Ensure Unity of Effort: Coordination of stadium resources and services can support survivors and responders and help stabilize an incident quickly. Since stadiums are fixed locations, resources and services can be deployed quickly. This promotes the community’s physical and economic recovery.

    Mission Ready Venue designations are for five-year increments with a yearly check-in to ensure continued readiness of the venue. Redesignation will be necessary every five years and designation does not supersede any agreements with state, local or private sector entities.

    kate.macedo
    Wed, 09/25/2024 – 13:08

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Bronchiolitis in infants: how to protect yourself this winter?

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Republic of France in FrenchThe French Republic has issued the following statement:

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    Childhood diseases

    Published on September 25, 2024 – Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

    Every winter, bronchiolitis affects around 30% of newborns and infants. To prepare well, the Ministry of Labor, Health and Solidarity is strengthening its awareness campaign. What are the right actions to take and the treatments available? Service-Public.fr answers you.

    Image 1Credits: Kaspars Grinvalds – stock.adobe.com

    Aimed primarily at parents but also at everyone, this campaign reminds us the right gestures to adopt to limit contamination but also to be attentive and act if the first symptoms appear.

    Since the end of 2023, a vaccine for pregnant women and preventive treatments for infants have existed:

    An injection of the Abrysvo vaccine can be administered during pregnancy, between the 7th and 8th months. The vaccine allows the mother to develop antibodies that are transmitted directly to the child, who will be immunized from birth to the first 6 months; 2 preventive treatments can be given to the infant: Synagis, intended for premature or high-risk newborns with heart or lung malformations; Beyfortus, intended for newborns and infants under 1 year old.

    These products are available in pharmacies and maternity wards (except Synagis, available only in maternity wards).

    They are 100% covered by health insurance, subject to some specificities.

    Namely

    80% of parents have received treatment since its introduction and around 5,800 hospitalizations for bronchiolitis have been avoided.

    See also

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Iodine distribution campaign for people living near a nuclear power plant

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Republic of France in FrenchThe French Republic has issued the following statement:

    Since 1997, preventive and free distributions of stable iodine tablets have been organized for people living near a nuclear facility. A new distribution campaign is being set up from September 2024. It is aimed at people living in a municipality located:

    within a radius of 10 kilometers around a nuclear power plant; within a radius of 5 kilometers around other civil or military nuclear installations.

    To find out if you are affected by this distribution campaign, you must indicate your address in the “know the risks near me” section of the Géorisques website, then click on “access detailed information”. If you are concerned, a “2024/2025 iodine campaign” banner will be present on the page. You are therefore invited to withdraw a number of boxes of tablets adapted to the size of your household, free of charge from a pharmacy partnering with this distribution campaign. You do not need to provide any supporting documents.

    Please note

    If your workplace is located in an area affected by this stable iodine distribution campaign, your company manager is responsible for supplying the tablets.

    Establishments open to the public receive withdrawal vouchers allowing them to obtain a supply of stable iodine tablets for the people they welcome.

    When to take stable iodine tablets?

    In the event of a major accident, some nuclear facilities may release radioactive elements into the atmosphere, particularly radioactive iodine, which increases the risk of developing thyroid cancer. Taking stable iodine protects your thyroid gland against the effects of radioactive iodine.

    You should only take stable iodine when instructed to do so by the prefect. Information is disseminated via public service media and loudspeaker vehicles. Having stable iodine tablets at home is a precautionary measure; it allows you to save time when iodine intake is ordered.

    Taking stable iodine tablets concerns everyone, but in priority people whose thyroid is most sensitive to the effects of radioactive iodine:

    newborns; persons under 18 years of age; pregnant and breastfeeding women.

    The number of tablets to take varies depending on the person’s age; the dosage appropriate for each situation is indicated in the leaflet.

    Please note

    Tablets distributed from 2024 are valid for 10 years. During this period, they must be stored in their cardboard packaging, protected from humidity and at room temperature.

    If you have iodine tablets from previous campaigns that have expired, you can return these boxes of expired tablets to the pharmacy.

    Attention

    Stable iodine tablets do not protect against releases of other radioactive elements for which sheltering or evacuation is the only protection.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Translation: APL up 3.26% on average on October 1

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Republic of France in FrenchThe French Republic has issued the following statement:

    The APL is a social benefit paid by the Family Allowance Fund (CAF) to the most modest households. As every year on October 1, it is revalued on the basis of the evolution of the rental reference index of the second quarter of the current year.

    In the 2nd quarter of 2024, theIRL showed an increase of 3.26% (in metropolitan France, Corsica and the overseas regions and departments). The APL should increase by 3.26% on October 1, 2024, unless the government decides otherwise.

    In October 2023, the APL revaluation was 3.5% in mainland France, 2% in Corsica and 2.5% overseas.

    Each APL application is personalized. The amount of aid is calculated based on housing expenditure parameters and resource parameters. The following elements are taken into account in particular:

    the amount of your rent; the number of dependents usually living in your household; the amount of your resources and, where applicable, the amount of resources of the person with whom you live as a couple and of the people usually living in your household; the value of your real estate and financial assets and, where applicable, the value of the assets of the person with whom you live as a couple and of the people usually living in your household. This value is only taken into account if it is greater than €30,000.

    The increase in APL is applied automatically by the Family Allowance Fund (CAF) or the Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA). Check on your online account that the revaluation has been taken into account and that the updated amount is paid. If there is a problem updating the amount, contact your CAF or MSA.

    Namely

    The CAF takes into consideration the date on which the request for assistance was made and compensates its beneficiaries at the beginning of the month following this request.

    Please note

    Some of the resource parameters are, for their part, updated on January 1 of each year also on the basis of the IRL. This is the case, for example, of the resource floors for personal housing assistance paid to student beneficiaries.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Encourages High School Juniors to Apply to Attend Fall 2024 Sacramento FBI Teen Academy

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    Free, Single-Day Class Offers “Insider View” of the FBI

    SACRAMENTO—The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sacramento Field Office encourages all high school juniors within the office’s 34-county area of responsibility to apply to attend the Fall 2024 FBI Teen Academy held at the field office’s headquarters in Roseville. All high school juniors— to include those enrolled in public, private, charter, or home school—who are curious about the FBI are eligible to apply to be considered for the program.

    Students selected to attend the academy spend an informative, interactive day learning about the FBI’s investigative priorities; participating in unique, interactive experiences; connecting with FBI personnel representing diverse professional backgrounds; and gaining knowledge that can be shared with their peers and community. Students who attend the program gain greater awareness of the threats their communities face, the challenges presented by the online environment, and the personal choices that can affect their future careers. This knowledge better prepares students to mentor their peers. Ideal candidates are engaged with their respective communities and each student must obtain signatures from their school administration endorsing their participation.

    The class is offered at no charge. Families do not incur any fees for the class, meals, and refreshments offered during FBI Teen Academy instruction. Transportation to and from the class is not provided. If travel is necessary to attend the class, families must arrange for transportation and cover any expenses incurred to facilitate attendance.

    Students interested in attending the free class must download the Fall 2024 FBI Teen Academy application from the FBI Sacramento Field Office’s Community Outreach web page, complete and obtain signatures on all forms, and complete an essay as directed in the application instructions without the assistance of artificial intelligence. Completed application packages must arrive at FBI Sacramento Field Office Headquarters by 4 p.m. on Friday, October 11, 2024. Late applications may be rejected.

    The FBI Sacramento Field Office serves the following 34 California counties: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lassen, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Tuolumne, Trinity, Yolo, and Yuba.

    Links:

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gun Supplier Convicted of Murdering 13-Year-Old Boy Gets 108½ Years in Prison

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

                WASHINGTON – Stephon Nelson, 33, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court to 108 ½ years in prison for first degree murder and other charges stemming from the killing of 13-year old Malachi Lukes in March of 2020. A jury found Nelson and two co-defendants–Tyiion Freeman and Koran Jackson—guilty of first-degree murder while armed, several counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, conspiracy to commit various firearms offenses and other firearms-related charges.  Last week Freeman received 108 years while Jackson was sentenced to 164 years in prison.

                The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge James VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Between February 1, 2020, and May 31, 2020, the defendants, along with two other defendants (whose cases were severed pre-trial), participated in a conspiracy to illegally possess, carry, and transfer firearms for the purpose of using those firearms in the commission of dangerous and violent crimes. Jackson and Freeman, along with the severed defendants, are members and associates of neighborhood crews. Between 2019-2020, the defendants’ neighborhood crews were feuding with other crews and the feud escalated when Tahlil Byrd, also known as Slatt Goon, was killed in September 2019.

                Stephon Nelson, who is a felon and approximately 10 years older than his coconspirators, supplied the firearms that were illegally possessed, carried, and transferred in the conspiracy. Over the span of nine days, February 22-March 1, 2020, the defendants engaged in a shooting spree in the Petworth, Shaw, and Stronghold neighborhoods using the firearms they illegally acquired and shared as a part of the firearms conspiracy. The first charged shooting occurred on February 22, 2020, in the Petworth neighborhood when two victims were fired upon after a mere verbal exchange with two defendants. Two days later, on February 24, 2020, the conspirators drove through rival crew territory Ninth Street where they shot three rival crew members. An innocent bystander who was sitting in her vehicle was caught in the barrage of gunfire. She fortunately escaped with little physical injury because her front windshield suffered the bulk of the damage. The spree culminated on March 1, 2020, when the defendants participated in two shootings in two separate neighborhoods over the span of ten minutes. At 2:08 p.m., the defendants, who were traveling in a stolen Kia Soul, followed 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, along with his three friends, into the Ninth Street area of the 600 block of S Street, N.W., where two defendants exited the Kia Soul and opened fire on them. Malachi Lukes was shot in the back as he fled. The bullet traveled through his heart and lung causing him to collapse to his death. The defendants then traveled to another neighborhood where members of the rival crew were known to gather and at 2:18 p.m., opened fire on individuals in that block. No injuries were reported in that shooting spree.     

                In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those investigating the case from the MPD, the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force and ATF along with the Arlington County Police Department. They also thanked the Arlington County Sheriff Department; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Capitol Police; D.C. Department of Forensic Sciences; DOJ Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section; Montgomery County Police Department; D.C. Department of Corrections; and the Internal Revenue Service—Atlanta Branch.

                The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Jackson, Tamara Rubb, and Nebiyu Feleke, with assistance from Lead Paralegal Sharon Newman, Supervisory Paralegal Tasha Harris, Paralegals April Urbanowski and Alyssa Schroeder, Superior Court Operations Manager Linda McDonald, and Victim Witness Advocate Jennifer Allen. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illinois Man Charged with Helping to Scam Elderly Victims Out of Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in Retirement Savings

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    WANTED: Abdul Mohammed is currently a fugitive. If you have any information on Abdul’s whereabouts, please contact the FBI at 317-595-4000 or FBI.gov/tips

    INDIANAPOLIS—A federal grand jury had charged Abdul Mohammed, 31, of Des Plaines, Illinois, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud.

    According to the indictment, Mohammed and other conspirators allegedly participated in a scheme in which conspirators contacted victims, typically the elderly, and claimed to be a government agent. The conspirators falsely represented that the victims had been compromised in some way and needed to provide money to federal law enforcement for safekeeping. The conspirators instructed victims convert their savings and retirement accounts to cash or gold bars, and to provide those funds to law enforcement for “protection.”

    In one instance, an elderly victim began receiving unsolicited phone calls, texts, and emails from a conspirator purporting to be “Agent Roy” of the FBI. “Agent Roy” told the victim that his computer had been hacked and his personal information was compromised. “Agent Roy” also told the victim he was implicated in a drug crime. “Agent Roy” instructed the victim to withdraw $80,000 from retirement their accounts and exchange it for gold bars or it would be frozen by the IRS. A member of the conspiracy, acting as “Agent Roy,” then met the victim in a Meijer parking lot in Westfield to collect the gold bars.

    Even after delivering the gold, the victim was led to believe their money was not safe and they needed to give the “agents” more money. On December 8, 2023, an unknown member of the conspiracy emailed the elderly victim with a document from “Officer Jason Roy” which bore a purported seal from the Department of Justice. The document instructed the victim to withdraw funds and provide them to FBI agents as part of an operation. The document further stated “If . . . at any point of time you deny to follow our instructions or disclose this information to anyone all your accounts will be frozen.” A few weeks later, Abdul Mohammed met the victim in the same parking lot in an attempt to collect another $45,000 in cash.

    “There is an outstanding warrant for the arrest of Abdul Mohammed, a resident of Des Plaines, Illinois, following a federal indictment alleging his involvement in a scheme to defraud elderly victims through false claims that federal law enforcement agencies were seeking to keep their money safe,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We encourage Mr. Mohammed to contact the FBI immediately to arrange for his safe surrender to answer the charges against him. Mr. Mohammed, or anyone with information on his whereabouts, should contact the FBI at 317-595-4000 or FBI.gov/tips.”

    The FBI is investigating this case. If convicted, Abdul Mohammed faces up to 60 years in federal prison.

    U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Eakman, who is prosecuting this case. 

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rockford Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison for His Role in Retail Store Robberies

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    ROCKFORD — A Rockford man has been sentenced to over seven years in federal prison for conspiring to commit robberies of electronic stores.

    KATRAIL BRIDGES, 32, was convicted after a four-day jury trial in March of conspiracy to commit robbery.  U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston on Thursday sentenced Bridges to 87 months in federal prison.

    Bridges joined the conspiracy and agreed to participate in the robberies of electronic stores at two locations: a Best Buy store in DeKalb, Ill. on Dec. 2, 2016, and a Simply Mac store in Cherry Valley, Ill. on December 16, 2016. During these robberies, the members of the group used pepper-spray against employees to gain compliance and to escape with merchandise.  The group stole over $22,000 worth of merchandise during these two robberies.

    Eight other alleged conspirators were charged as part of the federal investigation.         

    The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the FBI.  The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, Cherry Valley Police Department, and DeKalb Police Department assisted in the investigation.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirstin J. Krivanec.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Thibodaux Man Sentenced to 60 Months’ Imprisonment for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SIMON PAUL ADAMS (“ADAMS”), age 28, a resident of Thibodaux, La., was sentenced on September 18, 2024, to 60 months imprisonment by United States District Judge Lance M. Africk after ADAMS had previously pled guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B).  Judge Africk also ordered ADAMS to serve 10 years of supervised release after his release from prison, to comply with sex offender registration requirements, to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, and to pay $18,000 in restitution to the victims.

    According to court documents, on multiple dates, including, on or about October 15, 2022, December 14, 2022, and January 19, 2023, Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) agents investigated the sharing of digital files depicting the sexual exploitation of children via a peer-to-peer file sharing network.  Agents downloaded a series of files and videos  depicting, among other things,  the sexual exploitation of juvenile females, from an IP address connected to   ADAMS’s residence in Thibodaux.

    Agents executed a search warrant at ADAMS’s residence in July 2023 and seized electronic devices, containing files (i.e., obscene images and videos) depicting the sexual victimization and abuse of children.  An analysis of the devices revealed approximately 5 images and 70 videos depicting the sexual victimization of children and over 30 images and 1,500 videos depicting obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children.  Some of the depictions included children, less than three years old, being victimized, as well as, depictions portraying sadism, masochism, or violence, generally.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, was in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Carmanville — Man arrested by RCMP for discharging firearm at residence in Frederickton

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following a recent report of a firearm being discharged at a residence in Frederickton, 22-year-old Aaron Russell of Carmanville was arrested by RCMP on September 24, 2024.

    During the early morning hours of Saturday, September 14, 2024, Carmanville RCMP received a report of a shot fired at a home on Bayview Road in Frederickton. RCMP officers from Carmanville and Gander detachments, as well as RCMP Police Dog Services and Forensic Identification Services, attended the scene. The investigation determined that a shot had been fired at the home and that the incident was not a random act. No one was injured.

    RCMP NL’s East District General Investigation Section assisted in the investigation and the suspect, Aaron Russell, who was known to the home occupant, was identified. Efforts to locate Russell were unsuccessful and a warrant for his arrest was obtained.

    Russell turned himself in last evening and remains in custody. He will appear in court today and is charged with the following offences:

    • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
    • Discharging a firearm while being reckless
    • Careless use of a firearm

    The investigation is continuing.

    RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Behind the Scenes of Galaxy Ring: Product Planning a Game Changer in Health Management

    Source: Samsung

    Dating back more than 3,000 years to ancient Egypt, rings have symbolized different values throughout human history — including love, power and self-expression. With Samsung Electronics’ newly unveiled Galaxy Ring, health has now been added to that list.
    The smallest and most compact form factor in the Galaxy wearable portfolio, the Galaxy Ring fits comfortably on users’ fingers like a traditional ring. Equipped with cutting-edge sensors and Galaxy AI features, the Galaxy Ring offers a powerful health management experience.
    Samsung Newsroom sat down with Sungjin Kim and Yujin Roh from the Wearable Product Planning Group, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, to learn how the Galaxy Ring came to be.

    Ultra-Compact Form Factor Optimized for 24/7 Health Monitoring
    Q: What inspired the creation of the Galaxy Ring, a completely new addition to Samsung’s wearable lineup?
    Kim: We’ve been exploring new opportunities in the wearable market with a particular focus on the rapidly growing field of health management. This led us to look for the optimal form factor to provide more accurate, uninterrupted health data for personalized health solutions. After evaluating various form factors, we settled on the ring — a user-friendly, small and lightweight shape that can be worn 24/7.

    Q: What key health management benefits does the Galaxy Ring offer?Roh: Sleep is the foundation of health. The Galaxy Ring is comfortable enough to wear while sleeping and can last up to a week on a single charge,1 making it ideal for collecting detailed and in-depth sleep data. A powerful sleep AI algorithm provides advanced sleep insights to help users better understand and improve their sleep. Furthermore, Energy Score analyzes sleep quality, activity levels, sleeping heart rate and sleeping heart rate variability data to deliver a daily health index to users.
    Yujin Roh
    Q. What factors were considered during the design process?
    Kim: To maximize the advantages of the ring form, we examined the historical and biological significance of rings before incorporating these insights into the product. For example, we adopted a simple yet modern concave style to enhance the Galaxy Ring’s value as an everyday accessory. Moreover, the charging case and packaging have clamshell designs reminiscent of a jewelry box — elevating the quality of the product down to the finest details that users touch.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Pixability and Ad Fontes Media Join Forces to Empower Advertisers to Safely Support News Content on YouTube

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pixability, (www.pixability.com), a leader in AI-driven contextual targeting, brand suitability and performance on YouTube and CTV, today announced the launch of a brand safety solution for news content with Ad Fontes, a leader in rating news sources for bias and reliability. The new offering will be the only misinformation solution in the marketplace that tackles the two-part problem of protecting advertisers on news channels on YouTube–(1) identifying sources of news that are reputable, trustworthy and not overly biased and (2) screening those reputable news channels for high risk, sensitive news stories. Pixability will combine its brand safety solution, which includes tech and human monitoring, with Ad Fontes’ in depth news ratings system to ensure marketers are running their ads in a trusted news environment.

    “At a time when false and misleading information is rampant across all platforms, it’s important we identify and provide support for sources of news that are trustworthy and not expressing extreme bias,” said Vanessa Otero, founder and CEO of Ad Fontes. “As the largest video platform in the world, YouTube has a vast ocean of content of varying reliability, which presents both huge opportunities and challenges. We believe our solution, combined with Pixability’s brand suitability technology, will together provide a much-needed way to target high-quality journalism and information on YouTube while in turn steering clear of low-reliability content.”

    The new solution will give advertisers the ability to select channels on YouTube that are not overly biased and that follow proper and recognized journalistic practices of fact-checking. It also incorporates Pixability’s brand suitability technology and real-time monitoring of sensitive news to isolate stories, even on reputable sources, that may not be appropriate for certain advertisers.

    “We are thrilled to be partnering with Ad Fontes to bring this solution to the market at a time when supporting reputable news sources matters more than ever,” commented David George, CEO of Pixability. “We’ve seen a pattern of brands and agencies avoiding news content altogether because of a lack of effective brand suitability solutions in the market tailored for news sites and are proud to be solving for this problem on YouTube specifically.”

    Industry leaders are also acknowledging the importance of the new solution for YouTube. AJ Brown, COO of the Brand Safety Institute said the following:
    “Brands play a critical role in safeguarding the future of reliable, quality journalism. The decision to invest in news calls for nuanced buying options that go beyond traditional brand suitability risk categorization, which too often bluntly demonetizes high-quality, high-impact journalism. Bringing together Pixability’s Brand Safety solutions and Ad Fontes Media’s reliability and bias scoring allows marketers to support quality journalism with targeted ad buys on YouTube that align with their brand’s values.”

    Pixability’s insights team recently released data that showed that, on average, 40% of YouTube advertisers ask to avoid news content on YouTube. This not only leads to a lack of funding for reputable news sources but also hurts advertisers as they may miss engagement opportunities with their audiences in key areas of interest.

    Pixability’s insights team also released the following data that demonstrates the value of news content for advertisers:

    • Advertisers from food & beverage, automotive, entertainment, travel and many other industries see that news content drives anywhere from 24%-44% better engagement than the average content category on YouTube
    • The desirable 18-24 year old demographic is most likely to engage with advertising on news content on YouTube
    • Reputable news channels on YouTube have a 99% favorability rating from audiences

    About Pixability

    Pixability is the leading AI-driven technology company empowering the world’s largest brands and their agencies to maximize the value of their video advertising on YouTube and CTV. Leveraging its proprietary technology platform and data, Pixability makes every video impression matter by identifying contextually relevant, brand suitable inventory and maximizing cost efficient outcomes. Pixability’s suite of solutions are used by the top media agencies including IPG, Publicis, Omnicom, Dentsu, Stagwell, and GroupM, as well as brands such as KIND, McDonalds, Salesforce, Lego and CVS. The company is the only YouTube partner certified for brand suitability and contextual targeting as well as content insights, enabling unique solutions for the benefit of brands and their agencies. For more information about Pixability, please visit www.pixability.com.

    About Ad Fontes Media

    Ad Fontes Media is the producer of The Media Bias Chart®, which rates media sources in terms of political bias and reliability. The company was founded with the mission of rating all the news to positively impact the media ecosystem. Ad Fontes Media rates content at the source level, article level, and episode level using a combination of human analysts and AI for the most accurate and real-time ratings available on the market. The company’s Interactive Media Bias Chart Data Platform, API, and direct ad-tech integrations allow Ad Fontes Media’s brand, media, and media technology partners to leverage its comprehensive news source ratings so they can engage with them in real time in media planning, activation, and reporting.

    CONTACT:

    Silicon Alley Media for Pixability
    Alexandra Levy
    alex@siliconalley-media.com 

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI China: China home to 4 million 5G base stations

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The number of 5G base stations in China exceeded 4.04 million at the end of August, data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology showed Wednesday.
    The figure accounted for 32.1 percent of the total number of mobile base stations nationwide.
    The number of 5G mobile subscribers hit 966 million in China.
    The country has seen its 5G network and commercialization develop rapidly in recent years. Its 5G network now covers every city and town, as well as more than 90 percent of villages.
    China’s 5G standard essential patent declarations account for 42 percent of the global total.
    The ministry said China would continue to advance 5G development and expand 5G network coverage in places such as cultural and tourism sites, healthcare facilities, universities, transportation hubs and subway systems.

    MIL OSI China News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Africa: DPWI Minister briefed on department’s performance

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, September 25, 2024

    Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson today met with the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) for a briefing on the department’s performance for the 2022/2023 year, which saw systemic failures in meeting its targets on delivery and financial management.

    The Minister and the AGSA have committed to working together to assist the department to improve its performance and auditing processes. 

    This forms part of the measures the Minister has committed to implementing to improve audit outcomes within the department following the results reported last week by the AG. 

    This will ensure that public money is spent on the intended outcomes and corruption is met with consequence management.

    “… It is important that drastic action is taken to quickly improve oversight, accounting and reporting within the department. 

    “The findings that irregular expenditure jumped from R98 million in 2020/21 to R521 million in 2022/23 is deeply concerning because it is public money that is being wasted.

    “Working together with the AGSA will help increase the oversight within our branches to expose any malpractices, as well as help officials to improve their reporting to ensure that we can begin the journey to meeting our targets and audit outcomes within the shortest timeframe possible,” the Minister said.

    Macpherson said today’s meeting forms part of other actions he has taken to avoid the wastage of public money within the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, including removing the ability for officials to spend up to R20 million without accounting officer approval, and requesting a skills audit at the Senior Management Service (SMS) level to ensure the department has the necessary skills.

    “The actions we are taking are part of our goal to lay a strong foundation at the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to ensure we deliver on our mandate to use public assets for public good and to turn South Africa into a construction site.

    “It will not be an overnight journey to resolve these problems, but it is something I am committed and determined to do at all costs,” Macpherson said. – SAnews.gov.za

    Share this post:

    MIL OSI Africa –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: What is Thorp?

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant on the Sellafield site in West Cumbria.

    What is Thorp?

    Today, the ponds inside the Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant (or as we like to call it, Thorp) are used to store nuclear fuel that has been used in the UK’s 7 operational nuclear reactors.

    Before taking on this new mission, Thorp reprocessed 9,000 tonnes of used nuclear fuel from around the world, generating an estimated £9 billion in revenue for the UK over 2 decades.

    The parts of the plant that were used to reprocess used fuel are called ‘chemical separation’ and are currently going through a process called Post Operational Clean Out (POCO).

    A pulse column used in the chemical separation process

    This stage sees our teams removing any remaining radioactive and non-radioactive materials from the plant and is the first stage of decommissioning.

    In this case study we’ll share:

    • How we’re helping to keep the UK’s lights on by safely looking after used nuclear fuel.
    • The history of one of the biggest nuclear buildings on the Sellafield site.

    Thorp is helping to keep the UK’s lights on

    Even though it’s original reprocessing mission came to an end in 2018, Thorp continues to key role in the UK’s energy strategy.

    Ponds inside the plant that were originally used to store spent oxide fuel before it was reprocessed have been modified so that they can store Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) fuel.

    By doing this Thorp:

    Supports electricity generation in the UK

    With limited interim storage at the AGR reactor sites, spent fuel is transferred to the Sellafield site. This is crucial in enabling continued nuclear reactor operation and electricity generation within the UK.

    Supports with the bulk-defueling of AGR reactors

    As the fleet of 7 UK AGR power stations start come to the end of their operational life, Thorp is also playing a key role in assisting with the bulk defueling (similar to refuelling a reactor but new fuel isn’t put back in) of the reactors before they are decommissioned.

    As of September 2024, 3 of the reactors (Hunterston B, Hinkley Point B and Dungeness B) have ceased generating and begun defueling.

    All other reactors are expected to have completed their defueling operations by the early 2030s.

    At this point there will no longer be new commercial nuclear fuel being received into the ponds.

    Making changes to Thorp’s receipt and storage ponds

    Our teams have been working to make some changes and improvements to Thorp’s receipt and storage pond so that used nuclear fuel can be stored safely for longer.

    The receipt and storage area in Thorp

    Storage

    The Thorp receipt and storage ponds hold the same volume of water as 20 Olympic sized swimming pools. Although large, its storage capacity is finite.

    The solution has been the development and deployment of a new design of fuel can storage racks. Because these new racks are taller but have a smaller footprint than the previous design, they can hold 6,000 tonnes of fuel each. That’s more than 50% more fuel than the previous design.

    Fuel that was already being stored in the pond is being transferred into the new storage racks and all future fuel receipts will be stored in this way.

    The 63 can rack

    Thorp’s history

    Thorp’s story started back in the mid-1970s when a new fleet of nuclear reactors came online and used oxide fuels rather than Magnox fuel. Thorp was designed to reprocess this fuel after it had been used inside the reactors.

    Planning and construction of Thorp (1974 to 1988)

    1974 to 1978

    • For 100 days in 1977, a public inquiry – The Windscale Inquiry – looked at the implications of building Thorp.

    1978

    • The government approved the construction of Thorp.
    • This new building at Sellafield would stretch over a third of mile, housing the facilities needed to reprocess oxide fuel under one roof.

    1981

    • Site clearance and construction began. Thorp was one of the largest and most complex construction projects in Europe, rivalled only by the Channel Tunnel and Disneyland Paris.

    1984

    • Major civil work began.
    • The construction project dominated the site, and the local area. Local towns and villages were filled with the thousands of construction workers required to make this one-stop shop a reality.
    • It was one of the biggest construction projects of its times and saw more than 5,000 people on site and a further 10,000 roles in the supply chain.

    1988

    • The receipt and storage pond opened, taking receipt of the first batch of irradiated fuel.
    • The pond is the size of 20 Olympic swimming pools, at 73m long, 23m wide and 8m deep.

    1993

    • Following a further major Government review of the viability of the project, Thorp was given permission to operate.

    Thorp operations (1994 to 2018)

    1994

    • Thorp reprocessing facility becomes operational with the first batch of fuel sheared.
    • Shearing is where nuclear fuel is cut into pieces at the beginning of the reprocessing cycle.

    1997

    • Thorp is fully operational and has 34 customers in nine different countries.

    2005

    • The plant temporarily closed due to pipe failure in the feed clarification cell.

    2011

    • The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority started to consider the credible options for the future of Thorp, looking at safety, cost, technical and performance risks.

    2012

    • 7,000 tonnes of fuel have now been reprocessed.
    • The decision is made to close Thorp in 2018 when existing contracts have been completed.

    2018

    • The last batch of fuel to be reprocessed began its journey through the plant at 11.32am on Friday 9 November.
    • Over its lifetime, Thorp reprocessed 9,000 tonnes of fuel from around the world, generating an estimated £9 billion in revenue for the UK during its lifetime.

    Further reading and sources

    What is reprocessing?

    New era at Sellafield as Thorp reprocessing ends

    End in sight for reprocessing nuclear fuel at Sellafield

    Operational power stations

    The Sellafield Magazine – issue 8

    The Sellafield Magazine – issue 6

    Overview of the Production and Management of Radioactive Waste in the UK – fact sheet (nda.gov.uk)

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024
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