NewzIntel.com

Category: MIL-OSI

  • MIL-OSI China: Construction of core array of China’s FAST telescope begins

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The construction of the Core Array of China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) started Wednesday, highlighting China’s growing potential in global radio astronomy research.
    As a proposed extension of FAST, the Core Array integrates 24 secondary 40-meter antennas implanted within 5 kilometers of the FAST site, said Jiang Peng, deputy director of the National Astronomical Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
    The Chinese-designed array will combine the unprecedented sensitivity of FAST with a high angular resolution, thereby exceeding the capabilities at similar frequencies of next-generation arrays in the world.
    The FAST Core Array is estimated to be completed and put into operation in 2027. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese research ship harassed by Philippine vessels in South China Sea

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A Chinese research ship was approached and harassed by a military speed-gunboat and a coastguard vessel of the Philippines while conducting scientific research in the South China Sea on Tuesday.
    According to personnel aboard the Chinese ship, a speed-gunboat from the Philippine side approached and zigzagged around the Chinese ship Haiyang Dizhi 12, or Ocean Geology 12 in English, in the early morning, disrupting its normal research operations.
    Subsequently, vessel No. 4411 of the Philippine coastguard crossed in front of the Chinese research vessel and passed through with malicious intent, violating international rules on averting maritime collisions and gravely hampering the safety of the Chinese vessel and its operation.
    According to the captain of the Chinese research ship, this was the second time that the Philippine side had harassed China’s research vessels since the start of the scientific research mission.
    Previously, a Philippine vessel with the number 298 painted on its side deliberately covered the name on its bow, turned off its lighting and automatic identification system, and passed in front of the Chinese research vessel about 300 meters away at a high speed during nighttime, the captain said, noting that the Philippine vessel neither steered to make way nor answered radio communication from the Chinese vessel, posing a serious threat to the latter’s safety of navigation.
    The Chinese scientific research mission carried out by the ship is based on peaceful purposes and aimed at enriching humankind’s scientific knowledge of the ocean, said the chief scientist of this mission, adding that the methods and tools used in the mission are scientific and appropriate.
    The mission comply with the general principles outlined in article 240 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea regarding the conduct of marine scientific research, and are both legitimate and legal, the chief scientist said.
    Ding Duo, a researcher with the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, noted that China’s marine scientific exploration activities in relevant waters are based on China’s territorial sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao and its corresponding maritime rights. China’s relevant activities are exercising the rights of coastal countries granted by international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, said Ding.
    China welcomes scientific research institutions of other countries in the South China Sea to conduct joint maritime scientific research activities with China, promote practical maritime cooperation in various fields, and create favorable conditions for peace and stability in the South China Sea, as well as regional development and prosperity, Ding added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: PLA launches intercontinental ballistic missile to high seas in Pacific Ocean

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force launched an intercontinental ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead into the high seas in the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday morning, according to the Ministry of National Defense.
    The missile fell into expected sea areas, the ministry said, adding that this was a routine arrangement in the annual training plan and relevant countries had been notified in advance.
    The launch tested weaponry performance and military training effectiveness and achieved desired goals, the ministry noted.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Sweet journey for EIT graduate turned business owner | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    2 hours ago

    Courtney Booth has achieved success with her own business since graduating from EIT.

    EIT graduate Courtney Booth has transformed her love for food into a flourishing business with Cuteneys Cakes

    The 29-year-old always had a love for food, nurtured by baking alongside her mum in her hometown of Napier.

    After finishing Year 12 at Tamatea High School, she followed her passion for cooking and enrolled at EIT to study the NZ Certificate in Cookery in 2013.

    “I always knew that I wanted to be a chef, so when I left high school, I knew that I wanted to go to EIT,”

    “But back when I studied, patisserie wasn’t really a thing. It was just like six months on the end of the cookery course and then it wasn’t until 2016 they created a course purely for patisserie. So, I ended up doing it in the second year that it ever ran.”

    During her two-year cookery programme, she worked at Mint Restaurant on Marine Parade.

    “I ended up working there for eight years as a chef. Started off as just a sous chef and then by the end of it, I was doing the head chef role.”

    In 2017, Courtney returned to EIT, this time to study patisserie, and graduated as the top student.

    While working full-time between two jobs, Courtney began making cakes for friends and family, slowly building a reputation on social media.

    “I was doing that for about three years, and then it wasn’t until COVID-19 that I started to think maybe I should look at doing cakes full time. We had just bought our house after the second lockdown, and we converted my garage into a commercial kitchen.”

    “I just jumped into the role full-time doing desserts on top of cakes and it just blew up. It was mostly word of mouth and through social media, and then I started on Uber Eats and Deliver Easy.”

    Her “little kitchen at home got too small” and about a year ago, she opened a storefront on Dalton Street in Napier. It was at this point that she brought on full-time baker and long-time friend Dana MacDonald.

    “Dana used to tutor at EIT and we have been on each other’s radars for many years. She was the one that actually judged my final patisserie dish at EIT. But I always fangirled over her because she worked at Elephant Hill and Malo and all these different fancy places as the pastry chef.”

    “She’s just like another me. We’re the exact same. It’s great to have somebody with the same skill set and I can just leave her to it.”

    Courtney admits every week is “just getting busier and busier”.

    Reflecting on her EIT experience, Courtney praises the institution for equipping her with the skills and confidence to pursue her ambitions.

    “EIT was really good for me, especially the patisserie course. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone interested in food.”

    Looking ahead, Courtney has even bigger plans for her business, potentially opening another location in Hastings or expanding her current operation with a dedicated prep kitchen.

    EIT Professional Chef Tutor Mark Caves said: “We love it when our graduates progress their career into senior roles or to open their own businesses.”

    “Courtney came to us at a young age with passion and a desire to learn the craft of cooking. It has been amazing to watch Courtney be able to stay in Hawke’s Bay, progress her career under talented local chefs and fulfil her dream like many others who have trained in our world class facilities, and under our experienced tutors.”

    “It is also encouraging to know that anyone who progresses through our range of culinary programmes from introduction to food and beverage at level 3, advanced cookery at Level 4, and Level 5 advanced diploma in cookery or patisserie, can go out into the industry with the knowledge skills and confidence to fulfil their career ambitions, whether it is a food truck, head chef or your very own patisserie shop like Courtney!”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Lifestyle and Health – Daylight Savings: More Daylight, More Opportunities to Exercise!

    Source: Exercise NZ

    As daylight saving time begins in Aotearoa on Sunday, 29th September, many people worry about the potential disruption to their routines. While some studies indicate that the time shift can negatively affect exercise habits, ExerciseNZ urges Kiwis to see it as an opportunity. With longer daylight hours, there’s more time to stay active and enhance overall well-being.

    Previous research has shown that the shift to daylight savings can disrupt sleep and exercise routines, with some people finding it difficult to adjust to the new schedule. A recent study published in the Journal of Marketing highlights that these disruptions to our body clock can lower motivation and energy levels for exercise, particularly in the first few weeks. The study suggests that during this initial period, organisations should provide extra support to consumers to help them stay active throughout the transition phase.

    Rather than seeing daylight saving as a setback, ExerciseNZ views it as an ideal opportunity to reset and embrace new routines. The extended daylight hours offer the perfect chance to enjoy outdoor activities, reconnect with nature, or take advantage of later gym sessions—all proven to boost both physical and mental well-being. Reflecting this seasonal shift, spring in Aotearoa typically brings a surge in gym memberships—rising by up to 20%, according to ExerciseNZ’s 2023 research—as people gear up for the more active summer months ahead.

    In line with global health guidelines, daylight savings also offers Kiwis a timely opportunity to align their exercise habits with public health recommendations. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week to maintain good health and prevent chronic diseases (or 75 minutes of moderate to intense activity for those who prefer higher intensity). With longer daylight and warmer days, there’s more flexibility to fit outdoor activities or gym sessions into daily routines. Whether it’s enjoying the outdoors after work or school or taking advantage of the extended hours to hit the gym, the warmer season makes it easier to stay active to reap the holistic benefits of physical activity and exercise well into the evening. Therefore, heading into daylight savings, ExerciseNZ would like to offer these three tips.

    Utilise Extended Daylight for Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the longer daylight hours to enjoy outdoor activities.  It’s also a great time to enjoy a new activity, like joining the gym or starting a yoga class.

    Adjust Slowly to New Routines: While the shift to daylight savings may disrupt sleep and exercise habits, focus on gradually adjusting your routine to maintain motivation and energy levels during the transition.

    Engage in Local Fitness Initiatives: Engage in community activities which are designed to help people stay active and make the most of the extra daylight hours.

    ExerciseNZ encourages everyone to use the shift to daylight savings as motivation to revamp their fitness routine, try new activities, and enjoy the outdoors. More daylight means more chances to prioritise your health. Daylight savings doesn’t have to disrupt your activity goals. Instead, let it remind us of the power of physical activity and how we can make the most of the changing seasons.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arts News – New exhibition at Adam Art Gallery represents an innovative moment for museum practice in Aotearoa

    Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington / Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery

    Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery launches its spring season with Vaiei Tupuna (heritage of our ancestors). This exhibition of contemporary tapa from across Moana Nui brings together newly commissioned responses to taonga from the collections of Ngā Puhipuhi o Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Art Collection and The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, with key historic works. Realised in collaboration with Te Papa, Vaiei Tupuna asserts the enduring wairua (spirit) of tapa’s past, present and future practitioners.

    This exhibition articulates a special moment in museum practice in Aotearoa. In late 2023, a delegation from Te Papa travelled to Tahiti with a recently acquired rare book, a 1787 tapa sampler collated by Alexander Shaw. Eleven tapa makers were invited to Tahiti to engage with the sampler and make works in response as part of a wananga titled ‘Ahu: Ngā Wairua o Hina(Tapa: The Spirit of Hina). These responses are on display for the very first time as part of Vaiei Tupuna.

    Another commission premiering in Vaiei Tupuna is new work by ‘Uhila Moe Langi Nai in response to a 24-metre long ngatu tāhina (Tongan Tapa), on display at Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery in 2023. Nai found in the ngatu a kupesi pattern inherited from her grandmother. A contemporary revisioning of the kupesi patterns used in the ngatu, Nai conceives of her new work, Hala Kafa, as an iteration of the original gift of the ngatu to the University Art Collection in 1999.

    Hina, the atua of tapa making, is also present in Vaiei Tupuna in a collaborative work by Pauline Reynolds and Sue Pearson. Hina Sings… includes an immersive experience of poetry, song and moving image projected onto a screen of ‘ahufafa tapa. The exhibition both opens and closes with the 1785 portrait of Poeatua, one of the first images of an Indigenous woman of Moana Nui to circulate in Europe. Poeatua’s presence here represents a commitment to rereading the past, restoring knowledge, honouring our tūpuna, and speaking their names.

    Exhibition details

    Vaiei Tupuna

    Cora-Allan, Dalani Tanahy, Doron Semu, Hinatea Colombani, Liviana Qaranivalu, Nikau Hindin, Pauline Reynolds, Sarah Vaki, Sue Pearson, Sulieti Fieme’a Burros, Tui Emma Gillies, ‘Uhila Moe Langi Nai.

    Curated by Isaac Te Awa, Nalani Wilson-Hokowhitu, Rosalie Koko, Rebecca Rice, Sophie Thorn

    Dates: 05.10.24 – 15.12.24

    Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery in collaboration with Te Papa                      

    Opening hours:
    Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery
    Tuesday–Sunday 11 am–5 pm

    FREE ENTRY

    Group visits are welcome. If your group is larger than five people and you would like a tour or introduction to the shows, contact the gallery administrator Ann Gale on ann.gale@vuw.ac.nz or 04-463 5229.

    Address

    Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
    Gate 3, Kelburn Parade
    Wellington 6140
    adamartgallery.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon Business and SK Shieldus team up to bolster cybersecurity offerings

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon Business and SK Shieldus team up to bolster cybersecurity offerings

    SEOUL – Verizon Business and SK Shieldus have agreed to collaborate to deliver cybersecurity solutions to South Korean and Asian enterprises operating on a global scale. This strategic relationship will leverage Verizon Business’ extensive global reach and SK Shieldus’ deep-rooted expertise to provide comprehensive, world-class protection addressing the unique needs of Asian businesses.

    By combining their strengths in real-time threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment, incident response, and managed security services, Verizon Business and SK Shieldus aim to empower enterprises to confidently navigate the complex global threat landscape, safeguarding their operations and assets worldwide.

    Verizon Business works with 99% of Fortune 500 companies and governments worldwide and offers a suite of management and data security services. The company operates nine Security Operations Centers, six forensics labs and one of the largest IP networks in the world, monitoring 61 billion security events annually. In addition, Verizon’s investigative response team boasts more than 400 security experts and conducted 500+ IT investigations in 2023.

    “South Korea boasts one of the largest and most advanced economies in the world, and SK Shieldus has developed world-class cyber security capabilities in this market. We’re pleased to be working with them to enable businesses to further navigate the complexities of the digital landscape with confidence and resilience,” said Robert Le Busque, Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific at Verizon Business Group.

    Headquartered in South Korea, SK Shieldus is South Korea’s largest security services provider with a comprehensive suite of offerings, including physical security, security monitoring, consulting, system integration, solution supply, and operations. SK Shieldus was formed in 2021 following the merger of SK Infosec and ADT Caps. As a result, this integrated security provider, with physical and cybersecurity capabilities, has positioned itself as an industry leader by offering comprehensive security services. These services include security monitoring, consulting, system integration (SI), security solution supply, and security operations. With a customer base of over 1,800 across public, financial, and corporate sectors, including affiliates of the SK Group.

    SK Shieldus Chief Executive Officer, Dr. W.P. Hong stated that ‘Verizon is one of the world’s biggest technology providers with strong cyber capabilities. With the synergies and our capabilities in the Korea market, we will further strengthen cyber security capabilities for our customers in the market. As No.1 cyber security provider in Korea, we will utilise this collaboration to service our clients in Asia and globally’.

    To learn more about Verizon Business’ cybersecurity portfolio, visit https://www.verizon.com/business/en-sg/products/security/ .

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Seeds planted for $16.7 million agriculture precinct

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Government is continuing to invest in the nation’s future as an agritech powerhouse, investing $16.7 million into the Western Sydney University’s Agri Tech Precinct.

    Once complete, the precinct will be a world-leading hub of research, innovation, incubation and production, working to advance sustainable and resilient food systems.

    It will create new education pathways for future students as well as collaborative opportunities with other agricultural institutions.

    The approximately $30 million project is jointly funded with Western Sydney University, and is an election commitment being delivered under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program.

    Western Sydney University has estimated the construction phase will create 150 direct jobs and up to an additional 240 jobs in the precinct’s day-to-day operations.

    Delivered in two stages, the Commonwealth’s contribution is for stage 1 of the roughly 50-hectare precinct on the Hawkesbury campus. 

    Planning for the precinct is well underway with construction due to commence in April 2025, and stage 1 of the precinct expected to open to students from late 2025 with Stage 2 to follow.

    For more information on the Priority Community Infrastructure Program visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.  

    Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

    “Agriculture makes up around13% of Australia’s export economy and 55% of its land mass. 

    “With growing demand for sustainable, resilient food systems, the Agri Tech Precinct will help keep Australia at the forefront of innovation in the agriculture sector.

    “This is a smart, long-term investment in both the economy of Western Sydney, and the future of agriculture across Australia.

    “Our commitment to this project is another example of our investment in infrastructure that will deliver benefits for all Australians for generations.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman:

    “This is an important investment in the WSU Hawkesbury campus in Richmond.

    “The Hawkesbury is the heart of peri-urban farming in NSW, with a rich tradition in food production and land management, and this initiative opens up opportunities for 21st Century agri-tech.

    “Not only will the Agri Tech Precinct play a growing role in the future of agriculture in Australia, but it will create hundreds of exciting new jobs plus new higher education opportunities in the Hawkesbury and Western Sydney.  

    “I’m proud to have this election commitment become a reality and look forward to seeing the results of the investment in the WSU Richmond campus over many years to come.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins:

    “Innovation is at the heart of growing the agriculture sector’s productivity. The new Western Sydney University Agri Tech Precinct will bring students, researchers, businesses and industry together to develop and use new technology and methods to continue Australian agriculture’s competitiveness and success, which is why our Government is backing it.

    “Agriculture is increasingly drawing on technology and scientific advances to manage resource use, monitor production and target pests and diseases. 

    “I am excited by the prospects of bringing our best minds and technology together in the Western Sydney University Agri Tech Precinct. Collaboration can encourage innovation and attract investment and will be crucial to growing the jobs Australian agriculture needs into the future.”

    Quotes attributable to Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO:

    “Western Sydney University’s Agri Tech Precinct is a multi-million dollar investment in the future of sustainable agriculture production. 

    “The precinct will draw on the University’s expertise and research innovation ecosystem, with a focus on challenges faced by communities globally, to be advanced in genuine partnership with industry, government and community.

    “Offering exceptional work-integrated learning opportunities for students in agriculture and food production, it will create much-needed career pathways and a future jobs pipeline for Australia’s agricultural sector. 

    “Critically, the precinct will also create skilled jobs for Western Sydney and capitalise on the proximity to Sydney’s premier international airport at Badgery’s Creek – strengthening our opportunity to rapidly-export fresh, high-yield produce to the rest of the world. 

    “Our Hawkesbury campus has a long history of agricultural education and cutting-edge research. We are delighted this facility continues that proud tradition, cementing Western Sydney’s position as a world-leading hub for agricultural research and innovation.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin: Lomonosov Cluster Plays Leading Role in Import Substitution Development

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The need for import substitution has become one of the drivers for the development of Moscow production. Work in this direction was discussed by in his blog Sergei Sobyanin.

    “Our comprehensive business support system is designed to provide all necessary assistance to new developments and production of domestic products. The leading role in this matter is given to

    cluster “Lomonosov”, the operator of which is Moscow Innovation Cluster“, the Mayor of Moscow wrote.

    The new building of the scientific valley of the Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov has allowed to unite the most promising innovations of the capital. All necessary conditions for the operation of high-tech productions have been created here.

    More than 60 companies have become residents of the cluster since 2023. They develop high-tech solutions for the medical, space, oil and gas, food and other industries.

    More than two thousand people are employed in production. The enterprises’ revenues exceeded 11 billion rubles last year. They have access to support from the entire innovation ecosystem of the capital, including the “Academy of Innovators” – one of the most successful projects of the capital Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development, which helps develop projects from an idea to a startup.

    Powerful controllers, efficient filters and software for pharmaceuticals

    The developments of the residents of the Lomonosov cluster successfully compete with both domestic and foreign analogues.

    For example, the company “Adaptto” produces controllers – electronic devices for controlling the electric drive of vehicles. Compact and functional devices are two to four times more powerful than similar imported devices. They are used in all types of electric transport (in land, air, water transport), as well as in industry (fans, elevators).

    The company plans to complete new developments in the near future. These include a three-in-one unit (controller, inverter, gearbox) for electric vehicles and hybrid power plants.

    “Pharmaceutical and microelectronic production requires a particularly clean air environment – there literally shouldn’t be a speck of dust in the room,” noted Sergei Sobyanin.

    Aerolife specialists have developed a fundamentally new type of filters. Innovative filters allow achieving the highest level of purification according to class U15. Air is purified by 99.9995 percent with a size of polluting particles greater than 0.1 micrometer. The products have no analogues in Russia, and imported ones are inferior in such characteristics as dust capacity and energy efficiency.

    Aerolife systems are used at microprocessor manufacturing plants in Zelenograd, in the development of new drugs at institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in the production of vaccines at the N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology (NRCEM), and at more than 20 pharmaceutical companies.

    Serial production of new filters has been launched in the Mosgormash technology park. This year, the company plans to triple its capacity.

    The Simurg computing platform, created by Simurgpharm, is the first drug development software in Russia. It can be used to analyze and predict preclinical and clinical data during drug planning and testing.

    The use of such mathematical models is a mandatory condition for registering new drugs. The platform is registered in the register of domestic software. It was tested jointly with specialists from the companies “Alpharma”, “Biocad” and others and is actively used in educational programs of the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov and the Scientific and Technological University “Sirius”.

    Wireless communications, seismological equipment and protective coatings

    INWAVE (OOO Microwave Electronics) is a leading domestic manufacturer of control and measuring equipment, wireless communications and antenna systems. Wireless communications solutions include broadband access, radio relay and satellite communications.

    “The company’s technologies are successfully used in the development and production of various radio-electronic products, such as onboard equipment for space systems. Over the past year, with the support of the city, the company has increased its production capacity and is also planning to improve the line of control and measuring equipment, introducing new technologies and materials, which will improve the characteristics and reliability of the products,” the Mayor of Moscow said.

    The Split company produces a hardware and software complex using SplitMultiSeis technology. The system helps to conduct high-quality seismic research on land and at sea. It is used to solve engineering and geological problems, for example, when developing offshore fields or in transition zones. With the help of the complex, more than 100 projects have been implemented in the Arctic seas of Russia, the Black, Caspian, Baltic, Japanese seas, Onega and Ladoga lakes, Lake Baikal and others.

    OOO TSZP develops and implements technologies for surfacing and spraying multifunctional protective coatings from metals, ceramics and metal ceramics. Such coatings allow to extend the service life of products by three to four times, reduce the costs of major repairs by 30 percent and increase the interval between repairs of equipment, as well as provide a sufficient reserve of time for technical re-equipment of enterprises.

    “Innovative technologies for repair and strengthening of hot gas path elements of turbines from General Electric, Siemens, Ansaldo and others, which have successfully replaced foreign analogues, play a major role in import substitution. Over the past year alone, about 300 gas turbine parts have been restored for Moscow enterprises, and five research projects have been conducted to create import-substituting technologies,” wrote Sergei Sobyanin.

    The company’s customers include enterprises in the energy, oil, gas, oil refining, metallurgy, shipbuilding, aircraft manufacturing and other industries.

    Sergei Sobyanin: The Lomonosov Cluster has united the best innovators of the capital

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

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

    https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11748050/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – GlobalData outlines strategies adopted by businesses to minimize the impact of inflation

    Source: GlobalData

    Inflation remains a significant concern for economies globally, with some experiencing moderation while others facing persistently elevated levels. This disparity has led companies to reevaluate their strategies to mitigate inflation’s effects. Companies across industries are taking decisive steps to deal with the pressure emerging out of these challenges, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    An analysis of GlobalData’s Company Filing Analytics Database reveals the various action plans of companies to tackle inflation or minimize its impact on margins in their respective filing documents.

    Misa Singh, Business Fundamentals Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While some companies are seen to be keen on covering inflation with pricing actions, some are focused on cost management. Meanwhile, some companies are considering reducing the pressure on their lower-end customers as inflation begins to ease.”

    Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc believes that inflation is beginning to ease and interest rates are expected to be lowered in the coming months. The company hopes this will lessen some pressure on the lower-end customers. The Canada-based Convenience store company is also working to provide customers with value and ease inside stores and on forecourts.

    Darden Restaurants Inc revealed its attempt to minimize the annual effects of inflation through appropriate planning, operating practices, and menu price increases. The filing documents reveal that some of the impacts of the inflation have been offset by menu price increases and other adjustments made during the year.

    Bio-Techne Corp discussed its plan to fund all new investments with productivity initiatives and cover inflation with pricing actions. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co expects the pricing to remain competitive, which might impact the company’s financial results. The information technology company plans to mitigate the impact of these dynamics through disciplined cost management.

    Haier Smart Home Co Ltd revealed in its latest report that the company strengthened its supply chain and distribution network, enhanced its high-end product lineup, and increased price indices to achieve 9.9% revenues growth in South Asia, 12.4% in Southeast Asia and 26.8% in Middle East & Africa in the first half this year.

    Singh concludes: “As businesses navigate these pressures and try to maintain profitability it requires a careful balance between cost management, market development, and portfolio diversification. Companies will need to stay agile to adapt to the ongoing economic uncertainties and the evolving inflationary landscape.”

    About GlobalData

    4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Landlord govt finds new way to undermine public housing

    Source: Green Party

    Proposed cuts to Kāinga Ora reflect a failure to fully commit to fixing the housing crisis.

    “The Government is undermining public housing and intentionally aggravating the housing crisis to benefit a privileged few at the expense of everyone else,” says the Green Party’s Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul. 

    “Housing is a human right. Public housing has always been an important safety net for some of the most marginalised people in our communities. Public housing can help to insulate against the uncertainty and unaffordability of private rental housing and ensure that people don’t fall through the cracks and into homelessness and poverty.

    “However, this Government would rather treat housing as a business opportunity, rather than the human right that all people rely upon. They have delayed over 300 public housing projects around the country so that house prices and rents continue to rise, and landlords continue to cash in on people’s need to survive.

    “The current Government has shown little interest or ambition in building public housing. Kāinga Ora has been clear that these cuts are a result of them planning to build less housing at a time where more than 20,000 people across the country are waiting for a public home to become available.

    “These cuts will do nothing to bolster our public housing stock and address Aotearoa’s severe shortage of homes. This is a significant step backwards. 

    “As a country we must rise to the challenge of addressing the housing crisis which has left so many New Zealanders struggling for a place to live. It requires commitment to public housing as a means to end homelessness and guarantee everyone a warm and secure place to live.

    “The Government must commit to an ambitious public housing programme. We have demonstrated how it would be possible to clear the public housing waitlist by building 35,000 new healthy, affordable, public houses over the next five years.

    “The Government must commit to building more homes, not just lining the pockets of landlords,” says Tamatha Paul. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Progress on Crown Minerals is a step toward prosperity

    Source: ACT Party

    The first reading-passage of the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill is a step toward prosperity, says ACT Energy and Resources spokesman Simon Court.

    The Bill delivers on ACT coalition commitments to repeal the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration and promote the use of Crown minerals.

    “Taking full advantage of the mineral resources at our disposal will boost foreign investment, create high-paying jobs, and offer hope to young people looking to remain in New Zealand for work and family,” says Mr Court.

    “Restoring oil and gas exploration is a crucial step to deliver energy security. A high-wage economy depends on affordable and reliable energy. We came far too close to blackouts this winter, and ACT is determined to restore energy security so homes stay heated and factories keep running.

    “We support oil and gas exploration so the Greens can have jet fuel for the planes they fly to Parliament. We support mining for the minerals in iPhones so Greenpeace can livestream their protests. Above all, we support harnessing the untapped wealth beneath our feet so New Zealanders can prosper and enjoy happier, warmer lives.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Former model loving studying at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    3 mins ago

    Shona Clarke, 24, is currently enrolled in the NZ Certificate of Study and Career Preparation (Hauora | Nursing/Health Pathway) (Level 4).

    A former model, who moved to Hawke’s Bay from South Africa to be close to family, is loving studying at EIT.

    Shona Clarke, 24, who appears in this year’s EIT brand campaign,  is currently enrolled in the NZ Certificate of Study and Career Preparation (Hauora | Nursing/Health Pathway) (Level 4), and hopes to study for the Bachelor of Nursing next year.

    Having arrived in Hawke’s Bay from Durban at the beginning of the year, Shona decided to follow her brother, Austin, to  EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus. Austin is currently pursuing the Bachelor of Business (Accounting). Having always had an interest in health and science, Shona enrolled in the NZ Health and Wellbeing (Level 3) programme, which she completed in June.

    She says that she found the programme “amazing”, especially placements at Graceland Rest home in Hastings and at Kōwhai Specialist School.

    “I absolutely loved it. I got to work at Graceland, which was phenomenal, but I found the love that I had for children when I did my five-week placement at Kōwhai.”

    “And then I started meeting people in the industry, and that’s how I got involved in the holiday programme at the Havelock North High School Special Needs Unit. I think I’d go into that field for sure if I wasn’t so set on the fact that I wanted to be a nurse.”

    It has been a long and varied journey for Shona who went to school in Durban, South Africa.

    “I actually came out of school and went straight into working. And six years later, I’ve decided that I’m going to study something.”

    “After school I did modelling full-time and I worked with Suncoast Casino for four years, part of their marketing team. I also modelled in Dubai for a year.”

    Some of her modelling work included brand work for Bonds, a photo shoot for Dubai Tourism and a shoot imitating Margot Robbie before the release of the Barbie movie.

    Studying at EIT is a far cry from an international modelling career, but Shona says it was a simple choice for her.

    “It was my career until my family moved here. And then I thought: ‘I’m going to move over with my family because I’m family oriented. I just want to be with them’. And then when I moved over, I said, I’m going to change my career path.

    She says that it was an easy decision to study at EIT

    And now in the Study and Career Preparation (Hauora | Nursing/Health Pathway) (Level 4) programme, Shona is glad that she made the choice.

    “ I’m absolutely loving it, because of all the science-based parts of it.”

    “That is what I think I will enjoy most about nursing, is learning about the human body, learning about how everything works, how to treat everything. It’s very interesting. I’m thoroughly enjoying it, and getting really good marks.”

    Shona says returning to study after having worked full-time for so long took some adjustment.

    “I think I fitted in quite easily with the people, but the going from working full-time, having independence, and having my own life, to going back to full-time studying, working part-time, not being fully independent, that’s a big change for me.”

    For now Shona is focused on finishing the programme and hopefully starting the Bachelor of Nursing, which she will apply for later this year.

    She is hoping to have a long career in nursing and is interested in paediatrics, surgical or even oncology, because she has had family members who have had cancer.

    As for EIT, Shona has no hesitation in recommending it as a place to study.

    “I know I’m an international student, but the support that I have felt from EIT has been amazing. And I felt so included in everything that I’ve been a part of so far, from the photoshoot for the billboards to meeting new people.”

    Les Blair, EIT Health and Wellbeing Team Leader and Verena Lyons, EIT Health and Wellbeing Team Member, say that “Shona has been an enthusiastic, bubbly student who formed positive relationships with everybody.”

    “She made the most of every opportunity offered to her and we wish her well in her study journey.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal Crash, Galloway Street, Hamilton East

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    One person has died following a crash involving one vehicle at the intersection of Galloway Street and Albert Street, Hamilton East.

    Emergency services responded around 12:15pm.

    One person was located deceased at the scene.

    The Serious Crash Unit was advised.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Meeting of the Council of Ministers on 25 September 2024

    MIL OSI Translation. Timor-Leste Portuguese to English –

    Presidency of the Council of Ministers

    Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
    ……………………………………………. ……………………………………………. …………………….

    Press release

    Meeting of the Council of Ministers on 25 September 2024

    The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in office, Adérito Hugo da Costa, and by the President of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus, which sets the vacancies for the promotion of personnel integrated in the General Regime of Public Administration Careers for the year 2024.

    Of the total of 817 vacancies for promotion established by this Government Resolution, 47 are for the category of Senior Technician – Grade A, 122 for Senior Technician – Grade B, 188 for Professional Technician – Grade C, 234 for Professional Technician – Grade D, 149 for Administrative Technician – Grade E and 77 for Assistant – Grade F.

    Vacancies for promotion are set annually by the Government, based on a proposal from the Civil Service Commission, up to a limit of ten percent of the total staff in each category or professional group.

    *****

    An initial assessment was made of the initiative to create a seniority-based promotion system for civil servants, also presented by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Civil Service Commission, concerning. This initiative aims to ensure career progression for those who, for various reasons, have not been able to obtain merit-based promotions in recent years, based on criteria such as seniority, performance, age, professional training, work in remote areas, good behaviour and attendance.

    *****

    The Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina de Sousa Carvalho, made a presentation to the Council of Ministers on the implementation of the gender equality policy and the recommendations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The Third Phase of the Maubisse Declaration (2023-2028) was also presented, which follows on from the previous phases, focusing on the economic empowerment of rural women and people with disabilities. This phase is aligned with the priorities of the IX Constitutional Government and the recommendations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

    The main commitments of this phase are organised into three areas: Social Capital, which covers social protection, inclusive education and health care, with a focus on preventing gender-based violence and improving maternal health care; Infrastructure, which promotes access to safe and accessible markets, the development of roads, sanitation and adapted public buildings, with a focus on inclusive public transport; and Economy, which prioritises agricultural development, female entrepreneurship and access to credit for rural women, strengthening their participation in sectors such as tourism and agriculture. Monitoring mechanisms are also being strengthened to ensure the implementation of these commitments. Implementation is led by several key government institutions, including relevant ministries and the National Bank of Commerce of Timor-Leste (BNCTL), which ensure the effective implementation of the planned measures.

    *****

    In order to resolve the payment of existing debts to hospitals abroad and ensure the continuity of health services, the Council of Ministers decided to instruct the Minister of Health to carry out a detailed survey of debts and payment deadlines, as well as the funds available to meet these commitments. The Minister of Health must establish prioritization criteria for payments, based on the urgency of the services, risks to public health and impact on hospital operations.

    Among other measures, the Council of Ministers also instructed the Minister of Health to start negotiations with hospitals for debt restructuring and to propose to the Ministry of Finance a budgetary reinforcement for the health sector. The implementation of these measures will be monitored by a working group created specifically for this purpose, which will be required to report regularly to the Council of Ministers on the progress made in regularizing hospital debts. ENDS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI: BGHL (EUR): NAV(s)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

                                          BOUSSARD & GAVAUDAN HOLDING LIMITED

    Ordinary Shares

    The Directors of Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Limited would like to announce the following information for the Company.

    Close of business 24 Sep 2024.

    Estimated NAV

      Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Estimated NAV €    28.5679 £    25.6374
    Estimated MTD return     -0.53 %     -0.36 %
    Estimated YTD return      3.70 %      4.34 %
    Estimated ITD return    185.68 %    156.37 %

    NAV and returns are calculated net of management and performance fees

    Market information

    Euro Shares Amsterdam (AEX) London (LSE)
    Market Close €    27.40 N/A
    Premium/discount to estimated NAV     -4.09 % N/A
         
    Sterling Shares Amsterdam (AEX) London (LSE)
    Market Close N/A GBX 2,360.00
    Premium/discount to estimated NAV N/A     -7.95 %

    Transactions in own securities purchased into treasury

    Ordinary Shares Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Number of shares N/A N/A
    Average Price N/A N/A
    Range of Price N/A N/A

                                               

    Liquidity Enhancement Agreement Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Number of shares N/A N/A
    Average Price N/A N/A

    BGHL Capital

    BGHL Ordinary Shares Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Shares Outstanding   12,299,516      123,090
    Held in treasury N/A N/A
    Shares Issued   12,299,516      123,090

    Estimated BG Fund NAV

    Class B Euro Shares (estimated) €   258.1153
    Class GBP A Shares (estimated) £   137.3552

    The Class B Euro Shares of BG Fund are not subject to investment manager fees, as the Investment Manager receives management fees and performance fees in respect of its role as Investment Manager of BGHL.

    For further information please contact:

    Boussard & Gavaudan Investment Management, LLP.
    Emmanuel Gavaudan +44 (0) 20 3751 5389 Email : info@bgam-uk.com

    The Company is established as a closed-ended investment company domiciled in Guernsey. The Company has received the necessary approval of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission and the States of Guernsey Policy Council. The Company is registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets as a collective investment scheme pursuant to article 2:73 in conjunction with 2:66 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht). The shares of the Company (the “Shares”) are listed on Euronext Amsterdam. The Shares are also listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange plc’s main market for listed securities.

    This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to purchase any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of the securities referred to in this announcement in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

    Neither the Company nor BG Fund ICAV has been, and neither will be, registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). In addition the securities referenced in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Consequently any such securities may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US persons except in accordance with the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom and under circumstances which will not require the issuer of such securities to register under the Investment Company Act. No public offering of any securities will be made in the United States.

    You should always bear in mind that:

    • all investment is subject to risk;
    • results in the past are no guarantee of future results;
    • the investment performance of BGHL may go down as well as up. You may not get back all of your original investment; and
    • if you are in any doubt about the contents of this communication or if you consider making an investment decision, you are advised to seek expert financial advice.

    This communication is for information purposes only and the information contained in this communication should not be relied upon as a substitute for financial or other professional advice.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for posting and sharing terrorist content online after Counter Terrorism investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A 21-year-old man has been jailed for posting and sharing terrorist content online, as a result of a proactive Met Police Counter Terrorism investigation.

    An investigation led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command exposed how Ayoub Nacir, 21 (26.07.03) of south-west London, was posting terrorist material on various social media accounts and platforms during the course of 2022 and 2023.

    Nacir was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Tuesday, 24 September, to six years and nine months’ imprisonment.

    Acting Commander Gareth Rees, of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “We’re aware of the significant impact that spreading online terrorist material can have on vulnerable individuals may be at risk of being drawn into terrorism. The work that went into this investigation shows how seriously we take online terrorism, and we will continue to identify those individuals who spread this material online”.

    Online material promoting terrorism or extremism can be reported anonymously via www.gov.uk/report-terrorism

    When officers became aware that Nacir was distributing terrorist-related material online, it led to his arrest and seizure of electronic devices in October, 2023 at his home in south-west London. Officers examined Nacir’s devices, and they found that he had not only shared material that was promoting the terrorist group Daesh, but he also had documents that were likely to be useful to someone committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

    In particular, detectives found he was in possession of documents containing instructions on how to make poisonous or noxious substances capable of endangering health, as well as other files containing practical guidance and advice for people interested in potentially preparing and carrying out terrorist acts.

    Nacir was charged on 27 October, 2023 with five counts of dissemination of a terrorist publication, contrary to section 2 of the Terrorism Act (TACT) 2006, which related to videos he shared. He was also charged with five counts of possession of a document or record for terrorist purposes, contrary to section 58 TACT 2000, which related to various digital documents and files found on his devices.

    Nacir pleaded guilty to eight of the ten counts and was sentenced as above on Tuesday, 24 September. Two counts of dissemination of terrorist publication, will lie on file.

    + Communities defeat terrorism, and information from the public is vital to counter terrorism investigations. If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious and think someone may be engaging in terrorist activity, trust your instincts and act by reporting it in confidence at www.gov.uk/act or call police direct on 0800 789 321.

    In an emergency, dial 999.

    Visit the ACT Early website – www.actearly.uk – to find out how you can seek help and support for anyone who you suspect may be being radicalised.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Sampo plc’s share buybacks 24 September 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sampo plc, stock exchange release, 25 September 2024 at 8:30 am EEST

    Sampo plc’s share buybacks 24 September 2024

    On 24 September 2024, Sampo plc (business code 0142213-3, LEI 743700UF3RL386WIDA22) has acquired its own A shares (ISIN code FI4000552500) as follows:                

    Sampo plc’s share buybacks Aggregated daily volume (in number of shares) Daily weighted average price of the purchased shares* Market (MIC Code)
      3,541 41.49 AQEU        
      43,470 41.45 CEUX
      1,127 41.51 TQEX
      43,087 41.46 XHEL
    TOTAL 91,225 41.46  

    *rounded to two decimals                

    On 17 June 2024, Sampo announced a share buyback programme of up to a maximum of EUR 400 million in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052. On 16 September 2024, the Board of Directors of Sampo plc resolved to increase the share buyback programme to EUR 475 million. The programme, which started on 18 June 2024, is based on the authorisation granted by Sampo’s Annual General Meeting on 25 April 2024.

    After the disclosed transactions, the company owns in total 7,312,345 Sampo A shares representing 1.33 per cent of the total number of shares in Sampo plc, taking the issuance of shares on 16 September 2024 into account.

    Details of each transaction are included as an appendix of this announcement.

    On behalf of Sampo plc,
    Morgan Stanley

    For further information, please contact:

    Sami Taipalus
    Head of Investor Relations
    tel. +358 10 516 0030

    Distribution:
    Nasdaq Helsinki
    Nasdaq Stockholm
    Nasdaq Copenhagen
    London Stock Exchange
    The principal media
    FIN-FSA
    DEN-FSA
    www.sampo.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Issue of Confederation bonds on 9th October 2024

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Finance

    Bern, 25.09.2024 – Optional auction date will be maintained.

    The Federal Finance Administration will maintain the optional issue date on 9th October 2024. On 8th October it will announce as usual which Confederation bond will be issued.

    Address for enquiries

    Michael Girod, Communications, Federal Finance Administration, tél. +41 58 465 41 41, kommunikation@efv.admin.ch

    Publisher

    Federal Finance Administration
    http://www.efv.admin.ch

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: BGHL (GBP): NAV(s)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

                                          BOUSSARD & GAVAUDAN HOLDING LIMITED

    Ordinary Shares

    The Directors of Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Limited would like to announce the following information for the Company.

    Close of business 24 Sep 2024.

    Estimated NAV

      Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Estimated NAV €    28.5679 £    25.6374
    Estimated MTD return     -0.53 %     -0.36 %
    Estimated YTD return      3.70 %      4.34 %
    Estimated ITD return    185.68 %    156.37 %

    NAV and returns are calculated net of management and performance fees

    Market information

    Euro Shares Amsterdam (AEX) London (LSE)
    Market Close €    27.40 N/A
    Premium/discount to estimated NAV     -4.09 % N/A
         
    Sterling Shares Amsterdam (AEX) London (LSE)
    Market Close N/A GBX 2,360.00
    Premium/discount to estimated NAV N/A     -7.95 %

    Transactions in own securities purchased into treasury

    Ordinary Shares Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Number of shares N/A N/A
    Average Price N/A N/A
    Range of Price N/A N/A

                                               

    Liquidity Enhancement Agreement Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Number of shares N/A N/A
    Average Price N/A N/A

    BGHL Capital

    BGHL Ordinary Shares Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Shares Outstanding   12,299,516      123,090
    Held in treasury N/A N/A
    Shares Issued   12,299,516      123,090

    Estimated BG Fund NAV

    Class B Euro Shares (estimated) €   258.1153
    Class GBP A Shares (estimated) £   137.3552

    The Class B Euro Shares of BG Fund are not subject to investment manager fees, as the Investment Manager receives management fees and performance fees in respect of its role as Investment Manager of BGHL.

    For further information please contact:

    Boussard & Gavaudan Investment Management, LLP.
    Emmanuel Gavaudan +44 (0) 20 3751 5389 Email : info@bgam-uk.com

    The Company is established as a closed-ended investment company domiciled in Guernsey. The Company has received the necessary approval of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission and the States of Guernsey Policy Council. The Company is registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets as a collective investment scheme pursuant to article 2:73 in conjunction with 2:66 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht). The shares of the Company (the “Shares”) are listed on Euronext Amsterdam. The Shares are also listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange plc’s main market for listed securities.

    This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to purchase any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of the securities referred to in this announcement in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

    Neither the Company nor BG Fund ICAV has been, and neither will be, registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). In addition the securities referenced in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Consequently any such securities may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US persons except in accordance with the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom and under circumstances which will not require the issuer of such securities to register under the Investment Company Act. No public offering of any securities will be made in the United States.

    You should always bear in mind that:

    • all investment is subject to risk;
    • results in the past are no guarantee of future results;
    • the investment performance of BGHL may go down as well as up. You may not get back all of your original investment; and
    • if you are in any doubt about the contents of this communication or if you consider making an investment decision, you are advised to seek expert financial advice.

    This communication is for information purposes only and the information contained in this communication should not be relied upon as a substitute for financial or other professional advice.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrest made, drugs seized, Southland

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Detectice Sergeant Mark McCloy, Southern District Organised Crime: 

    Firearms, drugs and items consistent with drug supply have been stripped from a Winton address and a man charged following the execution of a search warrant.

    Detectives from the Southland Organised Crime Group arrested a 28-year-old man and discovered an array of firearms and the Class B drug, MDMA, on Monday 23 September.

    Three firearms which were not being handled in accordance with the firearms licensing regulations, $1,860 dollars in cash, 4.8 grams of MDMA, and items consistent with drug supply were seized.

    The man’s firearms licence has been revoked.

    A 28-year-old man has been remanded in custody due to reappear in the Invercargill District Court, Monday 28 October, on eight drug supply and driving related charges.

    This operation was designed to disrupt one of the sources of illicit drugs in our community. It was concerning to locate firearms being improperly and dangerously held.

    Holding a firearms licence is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly, it is important firearms are kept in safe and secure storage and firearms licence holders are held to a high standard.

    We will continue our work to disrupt unlawful activity in an effort to help our community feel and be safe.

    If you see any suspicious or unlawful activity please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Police, either via 111 if it’s happening now or 105 if it’s after the fact.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS meets Spanish business leaders

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Continuing his visit to Madrid, Spain, Financial Secretary Paul Chan yesterday spoke at a business lunch, met Spanish officials and visited local enterprises.

    Delivering a keynote speech at a lunch with about 150 leaders from Spain’s business, financial, and innovation and technology sectors, Mr Chan stressed that Hong Kong has restored its global connections following the COVID-19 pandemic, and is eager to deepen co-operation with Spain to deliver mutual benefits.

    With the advantages brought by “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is solidifying its role as a super-connector, and welcomes Spanish enterprises to use the city as a springboard to tap into the vast markets of the Greater Bay Area, the Mainland, and Asia more broadly, he said.

    He added that through its mutual access schemes with the Mainland’s capital markets, Hong Kong provides a channel through which Spanish companies can easily attract funds.

    Furthermore, as Hong Kong’s green standards are compatible with those of the European Union, green projects in Europe can leverage Hong Kong as a fund-raising platform. Mr Chan elaborated that Hong Kong can also collaborate with Spain’s tech ecosystem across key sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, and new energy and new materials.

    In the afternoon, the finance chief met Spanish Secretary of State for Trade Amparo López Senovilla and briefed her on economic developments in Hong Kong. The two officials also held in-depth exchanges on the promotion of economic and trade co-operation and mutual investment.

    Additionally, Mr Chan led a delegation of Hong Kong tech startups on a visit to IMPACT, a Spanish startup accelerator, for an exchange of views on entrepreneurial strategies in the innovation and technology sector. He and the delegation also visited the Spanish telecommunications company Telefónica to learn about its development strategies in 5G telecommunications, the Internet of Things and Web3.0.

    The Financial Secretary was due to continue his stay in Madrid this morning before heading to London in the afternoon.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Update in our Berkeley Living Retirement Village court action

    Source: Government of Victoria 2

    Our Supreme Court case seeking to recover in-going contributions paid by former retirement village residents is off to the High Court, after support from the Victorian Attorney-General. 

    The former Berkeley Living Retirement Village in Patterson Lakes closed in 2017, leaving many former residents and their families, who had paid considerable refundable fees, out of pocket.  

    Following our successful prosecution of former manager Stephen George Snowden and reforms to Victoria’s retirement villages laws, we filed a legal application in the Supreme Court of Victoria last year, seeking to sell all the retirement village land and use the sale funds to ensure residents are repaid what they are owed. 

    Last month at our request, the Victorian Attorney-General applied to take the matter to the High Court of Australia. The Attorney-General is seeking a ruling that would give the Supreme Court of Victoria full powers to make all the orders we are seeking in the case, including the sale of all the individual lots of land that make up the former village.  

    The reason this is important is that some of the lots of land are now owned by the Commonwealth or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, because the previous owners were companies that are now deregistered under federal law. This means that the Supreme Court must consider making orders that would cover the Commonwealth government – this raises constitutional issues, that the Attorney-General’s application to the High Court can help resolve. 

    Director Nicole Rich said Consumer Affairs Victoria would continue to support the High Court application and do anything in its powers to progress the case. 

    “Our priority is ensuring that the former Berkeley Living residents and their families receive their entitlements under the law,” Rich said. 

    “As soon as the High Court application is resolved, we will take any next steps available to us to finalise our Supreme Court case in the public interest.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: RIBER: 2024 first-half earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    2024 first-half earnings

    • Solid half-year revenues growth (+13%)
    • Gross margin up by 21% and operating income at breakeven
    • Net profit of €0.2m despite the lower seasonal revenues
    • Strong increase in order book at June 30, 2024 (+18%), reaching €36.0m
    • Outlook confirmed: revenues exceeding €40m with growth in earnings expected for the full year

    Bezons, September 25, 2024 – 8:00am – RIBER, a global market leader for semiconductor industry equipment, is releasing its earnings for the first half of 2024.

    (€m) H1 2024 H1 2023 Change
    Revenues
    Systems revenues
    Services and accessories revenues    		 13.7
    9.4
    4.3    		 12.2
    8.5
    3.6    		 +13 %
    +10 %
    +19 %
    Gross margin
    % of revenues    		 4.8
    34.8 %    		 3.9
    32.3 %    		 +21 %
    +2,5 pts
    Operating income
    % of revenues    		 (0.0)
    (0.2 %)    		 (1.1)
    (9.3 %)    		 +97 %
    +9,1 pts
    Net income
    % of revenues    		 0.2
    1.2 %    		 (1.2)
    (10.2 %)    		 +113 %
    +11,4 pts

    Key developments

    In the first half of 2024, despite an uncertain macroeconomic environment, RIBER achieved solid business growth. This performance reflects its strong position in the MBE market, driven by a sharp rise in orders during the first half, with 8 systems ordered for both research and industrial production. Additionally, the services and accessories business saw a significant upturn compared to a favourable base.

    Revenues

    In this context, revenues for the first half of 2024 came to €13.7m, up +13% compared with the first half of 2023. Systems revenues increased by +10% to €9.4m, while services and accessories revenues were up by +19% to €4.3m.

    Earnings

    The company points out that first-half earnings cannot be extrapolated over the full year due to the lower seasonality of revenues in the first half.

    The first-half gross margin was €4.8m, representing 34.8% of revenues, compared to 32.3% for the first half of 2023.

    Operating profit improved by €1.1m, reaching breakeven in the first half of 2024.

    Net income was positive at €0.2m, compared to a loss of €1.2m for the first half of 2023. This includes net financial income of €0.2m.

    Cash flow and balance sheet

    At the end of June 2024, the cash position was positive at €7.1m, compared to €9.7m at December 31, 2023, and €8.3m at June 30, 2023.

    Shareholders’ equity at end-June 2024 totaled €19.6m, compared to €21.2m at December 31, 2023, primarily taking into account the half-year earnings and the distribution to shareholders from the issue premium paid out in June.

    Order book

    The order book at June 30, 2024 totaled €36.0m, up +18% compared with June 30, 2023. System orders, amounted to €30.2m (+27%), based on 12 machines, including 7 production machines. Orders for services and accessories (€5.8m) are down -14%.
    This order book does not include the order announced in August 2024 for 1 research machine.

    Outlook

    Given the current orders scheduled for delivery in 2024 and the opportunities for its systems, services and accessories, RIBER expects full-year revenues exceeding €40m, along with further improvements in earnings.

    In a semiconductor market driven by innovation, the company expects new orders in the fourth quarter.

    Next date: 2024 third-quarter revenues on October 30, 2024, before start of trading.

    The condensed consolidated half-year accounts have not been subject to an audit or a limited review by the statutory auditors. They were approved by the Board of Directors on September 24, 2024. The half-year financial report is available in French on the company website (www.riber.com).

    About RIBER

    Founded in 1964, RIBER is the global market leader for MBE – molecular beam epitaxy – equipment. It designs and produces equipment for the semiconductor industry, and provides scientific and technical support for its clients (hardware and software), maintaining their equipment and optimizing their performance and output levels.
    Accelerating the performance of electronics, RIBER’s equipment performs an essential role in the development of advanced semiconductor systems that are used in numerous applications, from information technologies to photonics (lasers, sensors, etc.), 5G telecommunications networks and research, including quantum computing.

    RIBER is a BPI France-approved innovative company and is listed on the Euronext Growth Paris market (ISIN: FR0000075954).
    www.riber.com

    Contacts

    RIBER : Annie Geoffroy| tel: +33 (0)1 39 96 65 00 | invest@riber.com

    CALYPTUS : Cyril Combe | tel: +33 (0)1 53 65 68 68 | cyril.combe@calyptus.net

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NBPE Announces August Monthly NAV Estimate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, ITALY, DENMARK, JAPAN, THE UNITED STATES, OR TO ANY NATIONAL OF SUCH JURISDICTIONS

    NBPE Announces August Monthly NAV Estimate

    25 September 2024

    NB Private Equity Partners (NBPE), the $1.3bn1, FTSE 250, listed private equity investment company managed by Neuberger Berman, today announces its 31 August 2024 monthly NAV estimate.

    NAV Highlights (31 August 2024)

    • NAV per share was $27.44 (£20.88), a total return of 0.1% in the month
    • Performance driven by 1.4% quarterly uplift in private company valuations (ex-FX), offset by negative FX adjustments of 0.2%
    • Year to date NAV TR of 1.2%
    • $73 million invested in new and follow on investments year to date
    • $390 million of available liquidity at 31 August 2024
    • 2H 2024 dividend of $0.47 paid on 30 August 2024
    • Annualised dividend yield at  31 August 2024 NAV of 3.4%; annualised share price yield is 4.5% based on the closing share price of £15.92 on 31 August 2024
    As of 31 August 2024 YTD 1 Year 3 years 5 years 10 years
    NAV TR (USD)*
    Annualised    		 1.2% 1.7% 6.8%
    2.2%    		 72.8%
    11.6%    		 177.1%
    10.7%
    MSCI World TR (USD)*
    Annualised    		 17.1% 25.0% 23.8%
    7.4%    		 89.7%
    13.7%    		 162.9%
    10.1%
    Share price TR (GBP)*
    Annualised    		 (0.3%) 8.1% 12.0%
    3.8%    		 77.1%
    12.1%    		 263.0%
    13.8%
    FTSE All-Share TR (GBP)*
    Annualised    		 11.3% 17.0% 24.4%
    7.5%    		 37.9%
    6.6%    		 80.9%
    6.1%

    *Reflects cumulative returns over the time periods shown and are not annualised.

    Portfolio Update to 31 August 2024

    Following the 1H private portfolio valuation increases, movements in public holdings and FX in July and August, NBPE’s NAV TR year to date was 1.2%.

    NAV performance during the month driven by:

    • 0.1% NAV increase ($1 million) from postive FX movements
    • 0.5% NAV increase ($7 million) from the value of quoted holdings (which now constitute 7% of portfolio fair value)
    • 0.4% NAV decrease ($5 million) attributable to expense accruals and changes in the Zero Dividend Preference share (ZDP) liability

    Realisations from the portfolio continue in 2024

    • $5 million received during the month and a further $6 million expected in the coming months from the announced realisation of Syniti
    • $158 million of realisations received year to date, driven by Action and previously announced sales of Cotiviti, Melissa & Doug, FV Hospital and Safefleet as well as partial sales of public stock and continued realisations from the legacy income investment portfolio

    $390 million of total liquidity at 31 August 2024

    • $180 million of cash and liquid investments with $210 million of undrawn credit line available

    $73 million invested in 2024 in new and follow-on investments

    • $25 million invested in FDH Aero, a leading parts distributor to the aerospace and defense industry
    • $38 million invested into two U.S. healthcare businesses, Benecon and Zeus
    • $10 million of additional new and follow on investments

    $0.47 semi annual dividend paid on 30 August 2024

    • Bringing total dividends paid to shareholders since 2013 to approximately $360 million

    Portfolio Valuation

    The fair value of NBPE’s portfolio as of 31 August 2024 was based on the following information:

    • 7% of the portfolio was valued as of 31 August 2024
      • 7% in public securities
    • 93% of the portfolio was valued as of 30 June 2024
      • 92% in private direct investments
      • 1% in private funds

    For further information, please contact:

    NBPE Investor Relations         +44 (0) 20 3214 9002
    Luke Mason                              NBPrivateMarketsIR@nb.com 

    Kaso Legg Communications   +44 (0)20 3882 6644

    Charles Gorman                        nbpe@kl-communications.com
    Luke Dampier
    Charlotte Francis

    Supplementary Information (as at 31 August 2024)

    Company Name Vintage Lead Sponsor Sector Fair Value ($m) % of FV
    Action 2020 3i Consumer                        68.3 5.4%
    Osaic 2019 Reverence Capital Financial Services                        62.7 4.9%
    Solenis 2021 Platinum Equity Industrials                        58.2 4.6%
    BeyondTrust 2018 Francisco Partners Technology / IT                        42.0 3.3%
    Branded Cities Network 2017 Shamrock Capital Communications / Media                        40.1 3.2%
    Monroe Engineering 2021 AEA Investors Industrials                        38.3 3.0%
    Business Services Company* 2017 Not Disclosed Business Services                        37.2 2.9%
    True Potential 2022 Cinven Financial Services                        35.5 2.8%
    GFL (NYSE: GFL) 2018 BC Partners Business Services                        33.8 2.7%
    Kroll 2020 Further Global / Stone Point Financial Services                        31.4 2.5%
    Marquee Brands 2014 Neuberger Berman Consumer                        30.8 2.4%
    Staples 2017 Sycamore Partners Business Services                        30.7 2.4%
    Constellation Automotive 2019 TDR Capital Business Services                        30.6 2.4%
    Fortna 2017 THL Industrials                        28.7 2.3%
    Viant 2018 JLL Partners Healthcare                        27.2 2.1%
    Stubhub 2020 Neuberger Berman Consumer                        26.6 2.1%
    Engineering 2020 NB Renaissance / Bain Capital Technology / IT                        25.6 2.0%
    FDH Aero 2024 Audax Group Industrials                        25.3 2.0%
    Agiliti 2019 THL Healthcare                        25.3 2.0%
    Benecon 2024 TA Associates Healthcare                        25.2 2.0%
    Solace Systems 2016 Bridge Growth Partners Technology / IT                        24.4 1.9%
    Addison Group 2021 Trilantic Capital Partners Business Services                        23.8 1.9%
    USI 2017 KKR Financial Services                        23.2 1.8%
    Auctane 2021 Thoma Bravo Technology / IT                        22.5 1.8%
    AutoStore (OB.AUTO) 2019 THL Industrials                        22.2 1.7%
     

    Excelitas

    		  

    2022

    		  

    AEA Investors

    		  

    Industrials

    		                        21.9  

    1.7%
    Qpark 2017 KKR Transportation                        21.3 1.7%
    Exact 2019 KKR Technology / IT                        20.0 1.6%
    Renaissance Learning 2018 Francisco Partners Technology / IT                        19.4 1.5%
    Bylight 2017 Sagewind Partners Technology / IT                        18.6 1.5%
    Total Top 30 Investments                            $940.8 74.0%

    *Undisclosed company due to confidentiality provisions.

    Geography % of Portfolio
    North America 77%
    Europe 22%
    Asia / Rest of World 1%
    Total Portfolio 100%
       
    Industry % of Portfolio
    Tech, Media & Telecom 23%
    Consumer / E-commerce 20%
    Industrials / Industrial Technology 17%
    Financial Services 14%
    Business Services 13%
    Healthcare 8%
    Other 4%
    Energy 1%
    Total Portfolio 100%
       
    Vintage Year % of Portfolio
    2016 & Earlier 11%
    2017 19%
    2018 15%
    2019 14%
    2020 12%
    2021 17%
    2022 5%
    2023 2%
    2024 5%
    Total Portfolio 100%

    About NB Private Equity Partners Limited
    NBPE invests in direct private equity investments alongside market leading private equity firms globally. NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the “Investment Manager”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC, is responsible for sourcing, execution and management of NBPE. The vast majority of direct investments are made with no management fee / no carried interest payable to third-party GPs, offering greater fee efficiency than other listed private equity companies. NBPE seeks capital appreciation through growth in net asset value over time while paying a bi-annual dividend.

    LEI number: 213800UJH93NH8IOFQ77

    About Neuberger Berman
    Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $481 billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. The PRI identified the firm as part of the Leader’s Group, a designation awarded to fewer than 1% of investment firms for excellence in environmental, social and governance practices. Neuberger Berman has been named by Pensions & Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money Management for each of the last ten years (firms with more than 1,000 employees). Visit www.nb.com for more information. Data as of June 30, 2024.

    1Based on net asset value.

    This press release appears as a matter of record only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any security.

    NBPE is established as a closed-end investment company domiciled in Guernsey. NBPE has received the necessary consent of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. The value of investments may fluctuate. Results achieved in the past are no guarantee of future results. This document is not intended to constitute legal, tax or accounting advice or investment recommendations. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making any investment decision. Statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of NBPE’s investment manager. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Additionally, this document contains “forward-looking statements.” Actual events or results or the actual performance of NBPE may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking statements.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Sudan: Pregnant women and children dying in shocking numbers in South Darfur

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    • A new report by MSF details how women and children are dying of preventable conditions in South Darfur state, as their health needs surpass what MSF can respond to.
    • We call on the UN to act decisively and mobilise a response with all available resources.

    Nyala/ Amsterdam – One of the worst maternal and child health emergencies in the world is unfolding in South Darfur, Sudan, according to a report released by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Pregnant, birthing, and postpartum women, as well as children, are dying from preventable conditions as their health needs far exceed what MSF can respond to.

    Driven to oblivion: the toll of conflict and neglect on the health of mothers and children in South Darfur reveals the number of maternal deaths in just two MSF-supported hospitals in South Darfur between January and August to be more than seven per cent of the total number of maternal deaths in all MSF facilities worldwide in 2023. A screening of children for malnutrition also found rates well beyond emergency thresholds.

    Driven to oblivion: the toll of conflict and neglect on the health of mothers and children in South Darfur pdf — 9.75 MB Download

    For these crises to be addressed, the United Nations (UN) must act decisively to prevent further loss of life in Darfur. The UN must accelerate the return of UN staff and agencies to Darfur and leverage all available resources and political influence to ensure that aid reaches those in need. Only a coordinated international response, supported by robust funding and unyielding pressure on the warring parties, can avert mass starvation and alleviate the suffering of millions.

    “This is a crisis unlike any other I have seen in my career,” says Dr Gillian Burkhardt, MSF sexual and reproductive health activity manager speaking in Nyala, South Darfur. “Multiple health emergencies are happening simultaneously with almost no international response from the UN and others. Newborn babies, pregnant women, and new mothers are dying in shocking numbers. And so many of these deaths are due to preventable conditions, but almost everything has broken down.”

    From January to August in South Darfur, there were 46 maternal deaths in Nyala Teaching and Kas Rural hospitals, where MSF teams provide obstetric care and other services. The scarcity of functioning health facilities and unaffordable transportation costs mean many women arrive at hospital in critical condition. Around 78 per cent of these 46 deaths occurred in the first 24 hours following admission.

    Fatoum Abdelkarim, from Nyala, is in her seventh month of pregnancy. South Darfur, Sudan, September 2024.
    Abdoalsalam Abdallah/MSF

    Sepsis was the most common cause of maternal death in all MSF-supported facilities in South Darfur. The dearth of functioning health facilities forces women to give birth in unsanitary environments that lack basic items such as soap, clean delivery mats, and sterilised instruments. Without these basic items women are getting infections. And with antibiotics in low supply, they can arrive at a hospital only to be met with no treatment option available.

    “A pregnant patient from a rural area waited two days to collect the money needed to get care,” says Maria Fix, MSF medical team leader in South Darfur. “When she travelled to a health centre, they had no drugs, so she went back home.”

    “After three days, her condition deteriorated but again she had to wait five hours for transportation. She was already in a coma when she reached us,” says Fix. “She died from a preventable infection.”

    The crisis in South Darfur extends to children, with thousands on the brink of death and starvation, while others are dying of preventable conditions. From January to June 2024, 48 newborns died from sepsis in in Nyala Teaching and Kas Rural hospitals, meaning one in five newborns with sepsis did not survive.

    In August, 30,000 children under two-years-old were screened for malnutrition in South Darfur. Of these, 32.5% were found to be acutely malnourished, well beyond the World Health Organization’s emergency threshold of 15%. Furthermore, 8.1% of children screened were severely acutely malnourished.

    Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, was a hub for humanitarian organisations before the war. But since its outbreak, most organisations have not returned. The UN still has no international staff in the city, where MSF is one of the only international organisations present. Between January and August, MSF teams in South Darfur provided 12,600 ante- and post-natal consultations and assisted in 4,330 normal and complicated deliveries.

    Across Sudan, interrelated crises are compounding to cause immense suffering, with little help available, as Dr Burkhardt, who worked in North Darfur prior to her assignment in South Darfur, explains.

    “The disparity between the huge needs for healthcare, food, and basic services, and the consistently lacking international response is disgraceful,” she says. “We call on donors, the UN, and international organisations to urgently increase funding for, as well as scale up and supply, maternal health and nutrition programmes.”

    “We know that Sudan is a challenging place to work but waiting for challenges to disappear by themselves is getting nowhere,” says Dr Burkhardt. “For many mothers and children, it’s already too late. Risks must be managed, and solutions found before more lives are lost.”

    Conflict is also driving the maternal and child health crisis as people are displaced and subject to violence. Supply shortages are aggravated by the warring parties which, along with their affiliated armed groups, continue to block or restrict access to lifesaving aid.

    The crisis risks trapping families in protracted cycles of malnutrition, sickness, and deteriorating health that span generations.

    A patient caretaker describes how maternal mortality and malnutrition are interrelated for their family.

    “The mother of the twins died from severe bleeding, leaving behind eight other children,” they say. “My husband and I try to take care of them… we don’t earn enough to feed them. Now we’re 13 in the house. We’re struggling, eating porridge and sauce with a bit of salt, little or no oil, and green leaves.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Cramer Delivers Floor Speech on Unworkable Nursing Home Rules, Bureaucratic Intransigence at CMS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    ***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a final rule in April, imposing minimum staffing requirements for long-term care facilities (LTC), which provide care to nearly 1.2 million residents across the nation. This rule will exacerbate the existing workforce shortages and significantly harm access to care in rural communities. This new standard, which was first proposed in September 2023, will require nearly 80% of nursing facilities to hire more nurses to comply with the regulation. However, in states already facing staffing shortages, these requirements will be nearly impossible to meet and will likely force closure on many facilities across the country.

    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) delivered remarks on the Senate floor today to highlight the dangers of the CMS minimum staffing rule. He also spoke on the dangers of administrative bureaucracy the punitive nature of survey fines experienced by LTC facilities.

    “In North Dakota, our facilities are really feeling the squeeze, and the issue is really twofold,” said Cramer. “In May, CMS issued this minimum staffing rule, which requires long-term care facilities to implement new staffing requirements. These are already institutions that are already woefully understaffed because of a lack of workforce. Most burdensome is the new requirement to have a Registered Nurse on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, rather than the previous eight hours a day, seven days a week. Less than a quarter of North Dakota facilities meet this requirement, and among rural facilities, only 14 percent will meet that mandate.

    “To meet these elevated staffing levels, our facilities really have no good options, if they have any options at all,” continued Cramer. “At existing staffing levels, North Dakota facilities would need to reduce the average number of residents served per day by about 74 people to satisfy this mandate. […] In my state, we’ve had six facilities close since 2021, indicating the already challenging operating environment. I fear this misguided rule will supercharge this trend and deprive rural individuals the opportunity to receive care in their own communities, near the people they love and know the best: their families, and their friends, their loved ones.”

    [embedded content]

    “The minimum staffing rule is part of a broader pattern of CMS’s bureaucratic crackdowns on facilities for no reason other than it can, that’s what bothers me so much about bureaucratic bullies is they’re bullies because they can be, without materially improving the health and safety of long-term care residents,” added Cramer. “Civil Monetary Penalties, or in bureaucratic-speak, CMPs, are punitive, monetary actions CMS can take against long-term care facilities in situations where CMS determines they do not substantially comply with Medicare or Medicaid participation requirements, the requirements that the bullies create out of thin air. These penalties are heavily used to punish facilities beyond a simple correction.”

    “If these rules and penalties were really about better care for residents, CMS should yield to reason,” concluded Cramer. “However, the actions of the bureaucrats at CMS prove they are out of touch with operational challenges actually facing these facilities and the people they serve. If they in fact want to achieve the stated goal of improving quality, these decisions do just the opposite. […] I have little faith in their ability to do the right thing and reverse course, but I pray they will.”

    For nearly two years, Cramer has pushed back against the nursing home staffing standard, beginning with sending a letter to CMS in January 2023 urging the agency to avoid one-size-fits-all staffing mandates for nursing homes and to support provider flexibility in addressing recruitment and retention issues. Several months later, in June 2023, as a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, he questioned CMS officials at a hearing about the mandate’s impact on already stressed staffing challenges.

    In October 2023, Cramer led a bipartisan letter to the CMS Administrator requesting the agency refrain from finalizing the rule as written and instead work with Congress on flexible, commonsense solutions. Cramer and U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined forces to introduce the VA Report on Proposed CMS Staffing Ratios Act to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to submit a report regarding the proposed rule’s impact on the access of veterans to LTC. The senators later requested the VA study the potential harmful effects of the staffing rule on LTC facilities. Cramer also joined U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) in cosponsoring a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval to overturn the final rule issued by CMS.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ASUS Announces its Zenbook S 14 (UX5406) Powered by the New Intel® Core™ Ultra Processor (Series 2) is Now Available in Canada

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KEY POINTS

    • A blend of art and tech: Functional aesthetics, using Ceraluminum™ and CNC milling to craft a 1.1 cm ultrathin chassis with a distinctive geometric grille design
    • Zenbook does more: Up to latest AI-powered Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor (Series 2); Copilot key; enlarged 16:10 seamless touchpad with smart gestures
    • Impressive audiovisuals: 14″ 3K 120Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display and advanced four-speaker audio system provide a genuine theater-like experience
    • Quiet and secure: Efficient, distraction-free performance with <25dB ambient cooling; Microsoft Pluton security, face login, and Windows passkeys

    TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUS today announced that the all-new Zenbook S 14 (UX5406) is now available in-store and online in Canada on the ASUS Store, Best Buy, and later in December in selected retailers. Zenbook S 14 is one of the thinnest and most portable 14-inch ASUS Copilot+ PC on the market, blending performance with sophistication. The premium Zenbook S 14 showcases a new functional aesthetic and has been completely redesigned inside and out. The chassis features the new, innovative ASUS Ceraluminum™, a high-tech ceramic hybrid material available in a range of nature-inspired colors.

    A blend of art and tech

    Zenbook S 14, newly designed with a functional aesthetic, incorporates the innovative ASUS Ceraluminum material, providing both durability and a sleek design. After four years of refining the colors, texture, and hardness of this material, the results are outstanding. Utilizing cutting-edge CNC technology, Zenbook S 14 achieves a remarkable thinness of just 1.1cm while housing advanced components, including an advanced vapor-chamber cooling system. It’s the only laptop combining such sleekness and functionality and is our thinnest and most compact 14-inch laptop, emphasizing our commitment to top-notch performance and portability. CNC machining also creates the exclusive geometric grille design above the keyboard and the enlarged touchpad area. The laptop is available in two nature-inspired shades — Zumaia Gray and Scandinavian White.

    Zenbook does more

    Zenbook S 14 offers next-generation AI capabilities in an ultrathin form factor. It’s equipped with up to the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 2) with system-on-chip (SoC) design. The SoC design reduces motherboard size by 27%1 to increase overall cooling efficiency and integrates premium low-power LPDDR5X DRAM into a compact package. This second factor shortens the distance between the CPU and memory, enabling higher bandwidth and lower latency ― ensuring improved stability and higher performance. With up to 32GB of fast RAM, and a 1TB PCIe® 4.0 SSD, the processor features a TDP of up to 28 watts and a built-in NPU delivering up to 47 NPU TOPS for modern AI applications, ensuring the 72Wh battery provides all-day autonomy. The user experience is seamless and intuitive, with a dedicated Windows Copilot key on the ASUS ErgoSense keyboard for instant Windows AI assistance and an enlarged touchpad matching the screen’s 16:10 aspect ratio. This enhances comfort and ease of use, allowing quick adjustments of audio volume, screen brightness and more via smart gestures. The ultra-compact Zenbook S 14 features a full set of I/O ports, including two Thunderbolt™ 4, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI® 2.1, and an audio combo jack. WiFi 7 with ASUS WiFi Master Premium certification ensures the fastest, most reliable connections.

    Engaging audiovisuals

    The 3K 120Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display is Pantone® Validated and DisplayHDR™ True Black 500 certified. It delivers lifelike visuals with outstanding color and HDR performance, including a 100% DCI-P3 gamut to ensure vivid colors. Zenbook S 14 features a powerful four-speaker Harman Kardon-certified audio system, a remarkable engineering feat in such a thin device. It provides full-range multi-dimensional Dolby Atmos® sound, offering a truly immersive and lifelike audiovisual experience.

    Quiet and secure

    Zenbook S 14 prioritizes noise reduction with an advanced ultra-slim vapor-chamber cooling system featuring dual IceBlade fans, allowing an under-25dB ambient cooling mode while enabling up to 28W TDP performance, when needed. The geometric grille above the keyboard maximizes airflow and minimizes dust or dirt ingress. User privacy and security are paramount, supported by Windows passkeys and Microsoft Pluton, which integrates hardware, firmware, and software to defend against evolving threats. Windows Hello facial recognition ensures secure access without needing to remember passwords. The ASUS AiSense IR camera enables Adaptive Lock, which monitors user presence and locks the laptop when the user moves away, and Adaptive Dimming enhances privacy by dimming the screen when the user looks away.

    AVAILABILITY & PRICING

    The ASUS Zenbook S 14 is now available instore and online starting from September 24th in Canada.

    The Zenbook S 14 with an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor 226V, 16 Gb LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and 1 TB of storage is available starting from CA$1,799 in exclusivity on the ASUS Store and Best Buy.

    The Zenbook S 14 with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 258V, 32 GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and 1 TB of storage is available for CA$2,199 in exclusivity on the ASUS Store and Best Buy.

    Another configuration with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 256V, 16 GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and 1 TB storage will be available starting from December 2024, starting from CA$1,999 on the ASUS Store and selected retailers.

    Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    For more product photos: https://press.asus.com/media/photos/

    Zenbook S 14 Product Page: https://asus.com/ca-en/Laptops/For-Home/All-series/ASUS-Zenbook-S-14-UX5406

    Zenbook S 14 ASUS Store: https://shop.asus.com/ca-en/asus-zenbook-s-14-ux5406.html

    Zenbook S 14 Best Buy (Intel Core Ultra 5): https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/asus-zenbook-s-14-touchscreen-2-in-1-laptop-zumaia-grey-intel-core-ultra-5-16gb-ram-1tb-ssd-win-11/18389565

    ASUS Zenbook S 14 Best Buy (Intel Core Ultra 7): https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/asus-zenbook-s-14-14-touchscreen-2-in-1-laptop-zumaia-grey-intel-core-ultra-7-32gb-ram-1tb-ssd-win-11/18389564

    ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com

    ASUS Canada Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asuscanada/

    ASUS Canada Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asus_ca

    ASUS Canada YouTube: https://ca.asus.click/youtube

    ASUS Global X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus

    SPECIFICATIONS2

    ASUS Zenbook S 14 (UX5406)    
    Model  Zenbook S 14

    UX5406SA-BH71T-CB

    		 Zenbook S 14

    UX5406SA-DH71T-CB

    		 Zenbook S 14

    UX5406SA-BH51T-CB
    CPU  Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 258V Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 256V Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 226V
    Display  14″, 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED Touch display, 16:10 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, 400 nits, up to 500 nits HDR peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, 1,000,000:1, DisplayHDR™ True Black 500 certified, Pantone® Validated, 70% less harmful blue light, TÜV Rheinland-certified, 90% screen-to-body ratio, With stylus support
    Operating system  Windows 11 Home
    Graphics  Intel® Arc™ Graphics            
    Main memory  32 GB LPDDR5X on board 16 GB LPDDR5X on board 16 GB LPDDR5X on board
    Storage  1TB M.2 NVMe® PCIe® 4.0 SSD
    Connectivity  WiFi 7 (802.11be)

    Bluetooth® 5.4
    Camera  AiSense FHD IR camera w/ ACS
    I/O ports  1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A

    2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 supports display / power delivery

    1 x HDMI® 2.1 TMDS

    1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
    Touchpad  Enlarged touchpad (127 x 79mm) with Smart Gesture support
    Audio  4 built-in speakers

    2 built-in array microphones

    Harman Kardon certified
    Battery  72Wh
    AC adapter  65W AC Adapter

    Output: 20V DC, 3.25A, 65W

    Input: 100-240V AC 50 / 60Hz universal
    Dimensions  31.03 x 21.47 x 1.19 ~ 1.29cm (12.22″ x 8.45″ x 0.47″ ~ 0.51″)
    Weight  1.2kg3
    Color  Zumaia Gray Zumaia Gray Zumaia Gray
    Price  CA$2,199 CA$1,999 CA$1,799
    Where to Buy  ASUS Store

    Best Buy

    		 Available in December ASUS Store

    Best Buy


    About ASUS

    ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components, and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, the company is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies. Consistently ranked as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, ASUS is also committed to sustaining an incredible future. The goal is to create a net zero enterprise that helps drive the shift towards a circular economy, with a responsible supply chain creating shared value for every one of us.

    FORTUNE and FORTUNE World’s Most Admired Companies are registered trademarks of FORTUNE Media IP Limited and are used under license

    1 Compared to a similar 14-inch laptop (UX3405).
    2 Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors. Full specifications are available at http://www.asus.com
    3 Weight may vary according to specifications.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ba8bbc3e-b00b-41b8-b62b-1ee333fe3fe7

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd, Hagerty, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect American Assets From Unlawful Seizure by AMLO’s Mexico

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) helped introduce the Defending American Property Abroad Act alongside Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN).
    The bipartisan legislation would impose retaliatory prohibitions that deter and punish any Western Hemisphere nation that unlawfully seizes American assets. The bill responds to ongoing efforts by the Mexican government to seize a deep-water port owned by U.S.-based Vulcan Materials Company, which is a flagrant violation of the United Sates-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
    The bill is co-sponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).
    Senator Budd said in a statement:
    “The United States and Mexico have an important trade and economic relationship. The illegal seizure of American property and infrastructure in Mexico is unacceptable and undermines that relationship. I am proud to partner with Senator Hagerty to stand up for American’s right to engage in international commerce without being extorted.”
    Senator Hagerty said:
    “I strongly condemn AMLO’s threats against Vulcan Materials Company and am pleased to see this bipartisan rebuke from the United States Senate. No nation or president, and especially one of our largest trade partners, should be allowed to bully an American firm without consequences. Our legislation will help to undermine any attempt by AMLO to profit from his illegal actions and, in the event of a seizure, would strengthen our nation’s position in trade negotiations with Mexico.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Devon Energy Schedules Third-Quarter 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Devon Energy Corp. (NYSE: DVN) today announced it will report third-quarter 2024 results on Tuesday, Nov. 5, after the close of U.S. financial markets. The earnings release and presentation for the third-quarter 2024 results will be available on the company’s website at www.devonenergy.com.

    On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the company will hold a conference call at 10 a.m. CST (11 a.m. EST), which will consist primarily of answers to questions from analysts and investors. A webcast link to the conference call will be provided on Devon’s website at www.devonenergy.com. A replay will be available on the website following the call.

    ABOUT DEVON ENERGY

    Devon Energy is a leading oil and gas producer in the U.S. with a premier multi-basin portfolio headlined by a world-class acreage position in the Delaware Basin. Devon’s disciplined cash-return business model is designed to achieve strong returns, generate free cash flow and return capital to shareholders, while focusing on safe and sustainable operations. For more information, please visit www.devonenergy.com.

    Investor Contacts                        
    Rosy Zuklic, 405-552-7802                        
    Chris Carr, 405-228-2496    		   Media Contact
    Michelle Hindmarch, 405-552-7460

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –