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Category: Science

  • MIL-OSI Global: How some South Asian countries are embracing colonialism by moving citizens to disputed areas

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Hari Har Jnawali, Instructor, Global Governance, Wilfrid Laurier University

    South Asian countries Bangladesh and India are using settler colonial policies as they resettle citizens in contested territories.

    The intention is to reduce the demographic strength of ethnic minorities, minimize their influence over their ancestral lands and eliminate their demands for internal autonomy.

    Population resettlement is the practice of relocating members of the ethnic-majority population to disputed ethnic territories to undermine ethnic solidarity and obtain territorial control over those regions.

    Population resettlement was an integral part of European colonialism. European colonizers settled their people in countries like India, bought up large swaths of land, established institutions that served their interests and achieved the territorial domination of the countries they colonized.

    But even following the decline of European colonialism, the inclination towards colonial policy has not decreased in South Asia. My preliminary research is finding that population resettlement has become a part of the region’s post-colonial playbook.

    The scene in South Asia

    Over the years, South Asian countries have advanced population resettlement projects in their contested ethnic territories.

    Nepal, for instance, launched its organized population resettlement program in 1961, relocating the Pahadi people from the hilly areas of the country to the Tarai lowlands, the contested homeland of the Madheshi, Tharu and Indigenous Peoples.

    In the 1990s, nearby Bhutan evicted around a million Nepali-speaking ethnic Lhotsampas from its southern region and offered incentives to the majority Bhutanese people to settle in the area.

    In 2019, the Indian government amended the country’s constitution to allow non-Kashmiri people from elsewhere in India to settle in India-administered Kashmir. The Muslim majority region has been divided into Indian, Pakistani and Chinese controlled areas for decades.



    Read more:
    India is using the G20 summit to further its settler-colonial ambitions in Kashmir

    Kashmiris fear India is seeking more territorial control over the disputed region by changing its demographic makeup. Since 2019, it’s issued more than four million domicile certificates allowing outsiders to settle in Kashmir in an effort to expedite the settlement of the majority Hindu people in the region.

    Pakistan hasn’t embarked on population resettlement to this scale, but its treatment of ethnic minorities is also troubling. The extreme oppression of ethnic groups in East Pakistan prompted Bengali minorities to fight for independence, leading to the formation of modern Bangladesh in 1971.

    Bangladesh, in turn, continued Pakistan’s oppressive policies against its Indigenous minorities. Not only did it refuse to recognize Indigenous Peoples in its constitution, it also advanced the military-assisted population transfer programs in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a region inhabited by Indigenous Peoples.

    It provided the settlers with money, land, grain and arms to facilitate their settlements in Indigenous territory.

    Currently, Sri Lanka has been resettling Sinhalese people to Tamil areas 14 years after the end of a devastating and prolonged civil war between Tamil separatists and the Sri Lankan state.

    Timing of population resettlement

    South Asian countries pursued these settlement policies as ethnic minorities — the Madheshis in Nepal, the Lhotshampas in Bhutan, the Kashmiris in Kashmir, the Paharis in Bangladesh and the Tamils in Sri Lanka — were demanding autonomy and self-determination in their ancestral territories.

    The governments in these countries fear autonomy will eventually lead to secession. They’ve pursued settler colonial policies to resettle citizens in these regions to prevent that from happening.



    Read more:
    Canada-India crisis: India’s post-colonial era explains why it’s on edge about Sikh separatism

    Despite official claims that resettlements foster greater economic development and inter-ethnic harmony, population relocation causes real harms to ethnic cohesion, solidarity and collective rights.

    It suggests these South Asian governments have internalized colonialism, although they didn’t all share the same experiences with European colonialism.

    Choosing a questionable path

    India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka experienced direct British colonial occupation. While Nepal and Bhutan were not under direct colonial rule, they had indirect encounters with the British.

    Nepal faced threats to its territorial integrity from the British government and fought against the potential encroachment during the Anglo-Nepal War of 1814-1816. It signed a humiliating treaty with the British government and ceded its sovereign rights over some of its territories.

    Bhutan signed a treaty in 1910, allowing the British government to oversee its external affairs.

    South Asian countries emulated the settler colonial mentalities of their former colonizers and are resorting to practices that hurt the marginalized communities living within their national borders.

    Governments often insist they’ve adopted resettlement projects to enhance economic growth, development and inter-ethnic harmony. However, it is often ethnic minorities who are displaced and face threats to their cultures, traditions and languages. The displacement of Indigenous Paharis in Bangladesh is a glaring example.

    Tarnishing reputations

    Granting autonomy to ethnic minorities that would allow them to exercise their right to self-determination internally could prevent these human rights violations, but some South Asian governments have not taken this route.

    Instead, they’re opting to move non-ethnic minority citizens into ethnic territories.

    In an era when inclusion has become something aspirational in many countries, this colonial population resettlement practice is likely to hurt the credibility and reputations of South Asian states — and probably won’t end well. The nationalist dreams and aspirations of ethnic minorities don’t vanish in the face of adversity; quite the contrary.

    Hari Har Jnawali receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to work on the project “Population Resettlements in Ethnic Territories of South Asia: Why and How States Pursue Internal Colonialism?”

    – ref. How some South Asian countries are embracing colonialism by moving citizens to disputed areas – https://theconversation.com/how-some-south-asian-countries-are-embracing-colonialism-by-moving-citizens-to-disputed-areas-242361

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: SOUTH BAY REPS ANNOUNCE NEW SUNNYVALE R&D FACILITY FUNDED BY THE CHIPS AND SCIENCE ACT

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

    Santa Clara, CA —Today, Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Ro Khanna (CA-17), co-author of the CHIPS and Science Act, Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and Anna Eshoo (CA-16) announced that the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), a public-private consortium operated by the Department of Commerce and Natcast, will open a new CHIPS for America Collaboration and Design Facility in Sunnyvale to support research and design innovation and efforts to expand the semiconductor workforce. 

    “As a hub for innovation, cutting-edge technology, and a thriving semiconductor ecosystem, Silicon Valley is the ideal location for the National Semiconductor Technology Center’s CHIPS for America Collaboration and Design Facility. The facility will serve as an institution for advancing new technologies and building a workforce that helps America lead in the 21st century economy. This facility was made possible by the CHIPS and Science Act that we proudly worked on and voted to pass in Congress. We will continue to support investments in technologies and manufacturing that benefit our communities and our country’s economy,” said Representatives Panetta, Khanna, Lofgren, and Eshoo. 

    The Sunnyvale based facility will support: 

    • Conducting advanced semiconductor research in chip design and hardware security
    • Hosting the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence, Design Enablement Gateway, and a future Investment Fund
    • Convening NSTC members and stakeholders from across the semiconductor ecosystem
    • Housing various administration functions

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Exploring the extraordinary potential (and avoiding the pitfalls) of your local Buy Nothing group

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Madeline Taylor, Lecturer, School of Design, Queensland University of Technology

    Spaskov/Shutterstock

    You might have heard about your local Buy Nothing Project group on Facebook. If not, you probably know someone who’s a member. We estimate at least one million Australians are involved as members or live in households with a member (probably their mum).

    Buy Nothing groups enable people to ask for and give away unneeded stuff in their neighbourhood. Whether it’s gifting excess garden produce or an outgrown toy, or asking for winter clothes or to borrow a power tool, the groups help people help others.

    Australia has more than 500 of these groups, each with 500–3,000 members. While ordinary in operation and humble in commitment to neighbourhood generosity, these groups have extraordinary potential to reduce consumption and waste. Our research also suggests they improve community wellbeing.

    Homes and neighbourhoods have a big role to play in the transition to a circular economy. This kind of economy shares, reuses, repairs, repurposes and recycles materials and products for as long as possible. This circularity is crucial, because getting to net zero is a difficult ask without public buy-in on reducing consumption.

    However, our research also finds Buy Nothing groups are not immune to older gendered scripts of household labour. Most group members are women, many of them mothers. It is they who are taking, or expected to take, responsibility for finding or disposing of the stuff that fills their family’s homes and lives. This has troubling implications for how we think about action and responsibility for household waste.

    How do Buy Nothing groups work?

    Since its founding in the United States in 2013, the Buy Nothing Project has grown quickly. There are 128,000 Buy Nothing communities around the world today.

    Other online platforms also help people redistribute used goods. But several membership rules make the project unique. The two strictest rules are:

    • “give where you live” by joining only one hyper-localised Facebook group

    • all products must be given or asked for, for free, with “no strings attached”.

    Each local group covers just a few suburbs. Volunteer admins run these groups and enforce the project’s rules and values.

    Buy Nothing Project co-founder Rebecca Rockefeller talks about its origins.

    Why do people join?

    In our study, members cited various reasons for joining and continuing to be involved. The “free stuff” was an obvious motivation. Yet they more often mentioned wanting to help others and sustainability and environmental concerns.

    The minimal barriers to participation helped to reduce any perceived financial or logistical challenges associated with sustainable consumption.

    Interviewees also said their involvement helped them connect with their community. People found much joy and satisfaction in building social networks and helping others.

    People are even gifting items with substantial resale value, such as laptops or bikes. This suggests they value the community connection more than the money they might have been able to get from a sale.

    The data we gathered show these groups have more “gifts” than “asks”. This indicates we have many unused items in our homes. It also highlights a common hesitancy to rely on others, which the Buy Nothing Project seeks to overcome.

    Operating online offers people a high degree of control over when and how they take part. Buy Nothing participation varied based on life circumstances. Parenthood, natural disasters, pandemics, evolving personal values and educational experiences all influenced people’s engagement.

    Participants appreciate the platform’s user information, such as names and profile images. This fostered feelings of familiarity, reciprocity and community.

    But the online environment also allows some anonymity and a relaxed or blended approach to the “buy nothing” ethos. People still feel free to buy things when they need to.

    Many participants engage regularly with the group via a quick daily scroll through Facebook. Using the for-profit platform caused some concerns for the founders, who felt it conflicted with the movement’s values. But attempts to move away from Facebook to an app were largely unsuccessful.

    The cost-of-living crisis has spurred on the global growth of Buy Nothing groups.

    What are the broader benefits of Buy Nothing?

    Buy Nothing membership can be very educational. Via a “drip feed” of materials in their social media feed, members see others like them engage in environmentally conscious behaviours. As one member said:

    The more I have been in [the group], the more I am appreciating the concept.

    Such exposure normalises circular gifting and asking behaviours, encouraging members to adopt them too.

    Within households, group membership fosters discussions and behaviours related to sustainability. Many members talk with their children about product reuse, charity and awareness of others’ needs.

    Households can play a crucial role in adopting environmental innovations. This is because they serve as hubs for social interactions and the spread of knowledge.

    But conflicts over sustainable practices also arise within households. Members reported “pulling their families along”. One recalled her struggle to convince her husband to reduce household waste. She was “dragging him kicking and screaming along” but now he was “starting to appreciate some value” in her efforts to reduce their waste.

    Our participants’ domestic frustrations mirrored broader anxieties about climate change and the environmental impacts of too many belongings and waste. They linked personal anxiety about clutter with global issues such as exporting waste to poor countries and low-quality donations overwhelming charities.

    Women still bear most of the burden of managing household waste.
    Elena Babanova/Shutterstock

    But gendered roles are troubling

    Group admins told us 75-80% of group members are women, as were most admins themselves. This leads us to an uncomfortable tension: a desire to recognise overlooked economic practices while resisting the perpetuation of gender stereotypes. Just as household consumption and its excesses is positioned as women’s responsibility, managing household waste has historically disproportionately consumed women’s time.

    Members said they managed both their belongings and those of others, including parents and children. One said:

    I feel like I’m the only person who ever takes anything out of our house.

    While celebrating this sustainable activity, we should recognise women are doing most of this work.

    I am a member of my local Buy Nothing group – both for personal and research purposes.

    – ref. Exploring the extraordinary potential (and avoiding the pitfalls) of your local Buy Nothing group – https://theconversation.com/exploring-the-extraordinary-potential-and-avoiding-the-pitfalls-of-your-local-buy-nothing-group-221986

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In the US, political division can take a significant toll on people’s health. Australia should pay attention

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lesley Russell, Adjunct Associate Professor, Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, University of Sydney

    MSPhotographic/Shutterstock

    Stark health disparities exist across the United States. Life expectancy is lower than in other wealthy countries – and declining. The richest American men live 15 years longer than their poorest counterparts. The richest American women live ten years longer.

    Political differences are an interesting and provocative way of looking at these disparities.

    Differences are frequently analysed by race, a proxy for other factors that influence health, such as housing, environmental pollution, nutrition and affordable access to health care.

    But there are other ways to cut the data. This includes by state – whether it is “red” (governed by the Republican party) or “blue” (by the Democrats). We can also look at individual political affiliation.

    One new study from the US looks at political polarisation as a risk factor for individual and collective wellbeing. It finds polarisation – where opinions and beliefs become concentrated at opposing extremes – has a major impact on health.

    The paper explores the health risks of polarisation using the COVID pandemic as a case study. COVID saw Americans die at far higher rates than people in other wealthy nations.

    Australia escaped the high death toll. But there are still significant lessons we can learn – about how increasing polarisation affects our health and wellbeing, and for the effective management of pandemics and other health crises.

    Political orientation and health

    The relationship between important health measures, political loyalties and voting patterns in US counties and states is significant. At the state level, policy-making has become increasingly linked to political ideology. With this, differences in lifespan and health status across states have grown.

    Political division in the United States intensified during the COVID pandemic.
    Ron Adar/Shutterstock

    On average, life expectancy for residents in Democratic-voting states is more than two years longer than in Republican states. Political orientation is also a strong predictor of obesity rates and chronic illnesses linked to obesity, such as heart disease and diabetes.

    Red states have higher gun death rates than blue states.

    The chronic use of prescription opioid drugs has also been linked to socio-economic disadvantage, health behaviours and the lack of mental health and substance abuse services in red states.

    Much of this is due to differences in social policies, such as Medicaid. All of the ten states yet to take up the Obamacare expansion of Medicaid – which provides health insurance for poor people – are run by Republicans.

    The scale of welfare programs and firearm regulations in these states also play a role.

    Stress of a polarised political climate

    Large numbers of Americans also report that politics takes a significant toll on their health. This is caused by stress, loss of sleep, suicidal thoughts, an inability to stop thinking about politics and engagement with social media, for example, making posts they later regret.

    A study from 2021 showed people who are more ideologically extreme than their state’s average voter have worse physical and mental health.

    This political partisanship has been greatly aggravated by Donald Trump’s arrival on the American political scene. The former Republican president has stoked social division and undermined trust in government, scientific expertise and public health organisations. Disinformation and misinformation continue to spread.

    All of this was on show in how the Trump administration handled the COVID pandemic. Trump and other political leaders made the situation worse by linking health behaviours (such as mask-wearing and vaccination) to partisan identity.

    There was a clear impact on the rates of COVID infection and death. Red states implemented fewer political decisions to mitigate COVID than blue states. And after vaccines became available, residents of pro-Trump counties – less likely to be vaccinated – were more than twice as likely to die from COVID as those in areas that supported Biden.

    It is also interesting to look at the role of education here. Low education levels were found to be a strong and independent predictor of whether you were more likely to die from COVID in the United States. This might be explained by the relationship between education and both collective culture and individual literacy.

    There is also a strong link between education and political affiliation.

    College graduates are more likely to vote Democratic, while those without a degree, especially white Americans, are more likely to vote Republican. This was not explored in the new US study about health and polarisation.

    Erosion of trust is dangerous for health

    Trust in government is another key factor not addressed in that research. But in Australia, this is top of mind following the release of the COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report, which found the federal government must work to rebuild trust after lockdowns and other mandates.

    Greater trust in government is linked to increased political participation, social cohesion and collaboration in tackling societal challenges. In both Europe and the United States, social cohesion and public trust in politicians and experts have been linked to lower excess mortality from COVID.

    In Australia, the Australian Cohesion Index shows the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have eroded trust in government and affected health and well-being. At the same time, Australians see the nation as increasingly polarised.



    Read more:
    Inquiry warns distrustful public wouldn’t accept COVID measures in future pandemic

    The presidential election this week will decide much about the future of the United States as a polarised and divided nation. In Australia, the lessons and recommendations from the COVID report provide an opportunity to avert the choices facing the United States.

    Lesley Russell has worked as a policy advisor for the Democrats in the US House of Representatives, for the Obama Administration and for the Australian Labor Party in the Australian Parliament.

    – ref. In the US, political division can take a significant toll on people’s health. Australia should pay attention – https://theconversation.com/in-the-us-political-division-can-take-a-significant-toll-on-peoples-health-australia-should-pay-attention-242381

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How are racehorses really treated in the ‘sport of kings’?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cathrynne Henshall, Post-doctoral Fellow, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University

    It’s the time of year when shiny horses and colourful clothing fill our screens – the Spring Racing Carnival, which includes high profile races like The Everest, Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate.

    It’s also the time of year when questions are asked about the welfare of racehorses that compete in the so-called “sport of kings”.

    Previously, high profile deaths during races, the use of whips and what happens to horses after racing have been the focus of community concern.



    Read more:
    Black Caviar’s death has prompted uncomfortable questions about how champion mares spend their retirement

    But recently, as we’ve come to know more about what makes a good life for a horse, questions are being raised about the daily lives of racehorses.

    Industry participants will point to the high level care that racehorses receive – comfortable stables, specially formulated diets, the latest vet treatments and added extras such as massages and swimming sessions.

    But does this care translate into good welfare?

    The theory of ‘telos’

    Firstly, a quick primer on the difference between care and welfare.

    Care includes all the things that make sure racehorses get fit, stay fit and stay healthy. This care helps maximise the chance a horse will win races.

    Welfare is the animal’s subjective or individual experience of its life – how it feels – and there are a number of ways to assess this.

    One way is the concept of “telos”, originally developed by Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle.

    Telos is a species’ anatomical, physiological, behavioural and cognitive characteristics that have been shaped by millions of years of evolution.

    Telos helps us to identify what matters to animals – their behavioural, psychological and physiological needs.

    So to consider if racehorse care actually translates to good welfare, we can assess how closely it provides the animal with the things that matter to them, based on their telos.

    Equine telos involves living in groups, forming long-lived social relationships, grazing fibrous plants and being on the move for up to 18 hours a day, as well as staying safe by sensing danger and then moving away.

    It also involves living in variable environments to solve challenges, learn, engage in curiosity and play.

    Let’s compare that to the daily life of a racehorse.

    Movement and feeding

    Firstly, the vast majority of racehorses live in stables – sometimes up to 23 hours a day.

    Multiple studies have found continuous stabling harms horse welfare.

    Stables significantly restrict opportunities for voluntary movement, and studies show stabled horses spend the majority of the time inactive.

    Even though stables house horses communally, most designs limit horses’ opportunities for social interaction.

    Thirdly, there’s little for a horse to do in a stable other than eat, stand, drink or lie, and they often develop abnormal behaviours that are associated with stress. These are never seen in free-ranging horses.

    When racehorses do get to move, they have little say over how far, how fast and for how long they move.

    The kinds of physical exercise racehorses do are both significantly shorter in duration and at much higher speeds than horses voluntarily choose. It’s those speeds that place them at risk of suffering a serious injury.

    What about diet?

    Although a lot of time and effort is spent ensuring racehorses enjoy high quality diets, they are mostly comprised of concentrated energy sources such as grains, rather the fibre horses evolved to eat.

    Horses are trickle feeders (grazers), with small stomachs that continuously secrete digestive juices.

    In the wild, grazing keeps those stomachs full, which prevents the stomach lining from being damaged by digestive acids.

    In comparison, racehorses often consume their food very quickly – instead of spending up to 75% of their day eating, they spend only 33%.

    This means their stomachs are empty for most of the day, which is why up to 65% will get painful gastric ulcers.

    And having to wait to be fed rather than eating when hungry, as happens in free-ranging horses, can lead to frustration.

    Other difficulties

    Racehorses may be whipped, and more than 50% will experience some form of musculoskeletal injury during racing, of which between 7-49% are fatal.

    Social relationships, in the limited form possible in a racing stable, are also frequently disrupted because horse populations are highly transient due to spelling, retirement or even just going to the races.

    So even if two horses are able to form a relationship of sorts, chances are one will be taken away. Separation distress is a significant stressor for horses.

    Then there’s the gear that’s used to control them.

    Horses, like most animal species, escape and avoid painful stimuli.

    However, in racing (and many other equestrian activties) it is mandatory to use “bits” to control horses’ behaviour during riding and handling. Bits work by causing uncomfortable pressure and pain and may lead to mouth injuries.

    Studies have shown many people don’t understand how to minimise the harm they can cause. In addition, people also vary widely in their ability to read and interpret behavioural responses to stress.

    So, racehorses may be repeatedly exposed to pain from bits and perform a range of behaviours to try to escape that pain, like bolting, mouth opening or head tossing.

    To remedy this, additional items of restrictive equipment, such as tongue ties, nosebands, lugging bits or bit burs may be used to control the horse.

    Racehorses frequently show signs of difficulty coping with the stressors of racing life, including “going off their feed”, aggression towards handlers, becoming hard to control when ridden and a range of stress behaviours and health issues, such as bleeding from the lungs.

    What about welfare?

    Racehorse care is often directed towards managing issues that are the direct result of the demands of the racing environment.

    Fancy stables and aqua sessions are not important to horses, and may even cause harm.

    What matters to horses are opportunities to make meaningful choices, such as the freedom to move, form friendships and graze for the majority of the day.

    Current racing industry practices often deny horses the chance to make these choices.

    There’s no doubt people in racing care deeply about their horses. But to experience good welfare during racing, racehorses need more than just good care.

    Cathrynne Henshall receives funding from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Welfare Foundation

    – ref. How are racehorses really treated in the ‘sport of kings’? – https://theconversation.com/how-are-racehorses-really-treated-in-the-sport-of-kings-240998

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Waimate High School Enviro-Group initiative takes root

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    Date:

    Spearheaded by the Waimate High School Enviro-Group, the project will see a shade house built at the school and approximately 2000 trees planted.

    At recent Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Water Zone Committee meetings, the group was successful in having two funding requests approved.

    Group facilitator and Head of Science Aaron Harbour says the Enviro-Group had attracted approximately 20 students, each showing a keen interest to learn about seed propagation.

    The group will predominantly grow native trees and grasses, with the shade house helping to accelerate the growth of kowhai trees in the coming months.

    Some members of the Waimate High School Enviro-Group on their latest field trip

    “The students wanted a space of their own to put their environmental ideas into reality, and the shade house achieves this,” Aaron said.

    “Having the shade house on school grounds is great for the students and it also gives us the opportunity to bring the community in at various times to get involved. We also hope that in the future this space will serve as a living classroom where students can learn about native plants, sustainable gardening practices, and the importance of biodiversity and ecological communities.”

    Sowing seeds for the future

    The group hopes the planting initiative will help establish a legacy project as part of the school’s revolutionary Ag Hub initiative – encouraging students to plant a tree when they first arrive in year 7 and again, when they leave.

    The project aligns with the committee’s goal of engaging with young people and supporting educational projects that raise awareness of environmental issues in the zone.

    The first batch of trees (500) have already been planted, with the next round of planting scheduled later this month. Other plant species to be introduced include tarata (lemonwood), kōhūhū (black matipo), kanuka (kunzea robusta), among others.

    Propagation will officially get underway in term one, next year.

    The Waimate High School Enviro-Group have already planted 500 trees on their riparian corridor

    Environment Canterbury © 2024
    Retrieved: 12:04pm, Mon 04 Nov 2024
    ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/zone-news/lower-waitaki/waimate-high-schools-enviro-group-initiative-takes-root/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese astronauts return to Earth safely, experiencing busy, joyful space life

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

    In this combo photo, astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu (from L to R) are out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. The three astronauts are all in good physical condition, and the mission is a complete success, according to the China Manned Space Agency. [Photo/Xinhua]

    JIUQUAN, Nov. 4 — The Shenzhou-18 crew consisting of three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth safely in the early morning on Monday, after completing a six-month space station mission.

    Shenzhou-18’s return capsule, carrying astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 1:24 a.m. (Beijing Time). The crew had all left the return capsule by 2:15 a.m., according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

    The three astronauts, after staying in orbit for 192 days, were all in good health and the Shenzhou-18 manned mission was a success, the CMSA said.

    Ye, the Shenzhou-18 mission commander, has become the first Chinese astronaut with an accumulative spaceflight time of more than a year, setting a new record for the longest duration of stay in orbit by a Chinese astronaut.

    He served as a crew member in the Shenzhou-13 mission from October 2021 to April 2022.

    “Chinese astronauts have flown to space in successive missions. I believe that the record of the duration in orbit will be broken in the near future,” Ye said.

    Li Cong, who has just completed his first-ever space adventure, said that the crew was united as one and worked closely with the ground team, which ensured the extravehicular activities implemented smoothly and the scientific research and experiments advanced successfully.

    “We have all enjoyed the unique experience of weightlessness. It is exciting to return to Earth, but we are also unwilling to part the wonders of the space,” said Li Guangsu, who has just returned from his first spaceflight.

    At 12:34 a.m., the Beijing Aerospace Control Center issued a return command through the ground station, and the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship separated from its orbiting capsule. The brake engine then ignited, and the return capsule separated from the propulsion capsule.

    The ground search team arrived at the landing site soon after the return capsule landed.

    INTENSIVE SCIENTIFIC TASKS

    China launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship on April 25, 2024. During the mission, the Shenzhou-18 crew utilized the scientific experiment cabinets and extravehicular payloads to carry out dozens of experiments in the fields of basic physics in microgravity, space material science, space life science, space medicine and space technology.

    They replaced the burner for the gas experiment in the combustion experiment cabinet and test samples in the fluid physics experiment cabinet as planned. They also conducted in-orbit training on spacecraft rendezvous and docking.

    The Shenzhou-18 astronauts carried out extravehicular activities twice. Their first spacewalk in May set a new record for the longest single spacewalk by Chinese astronauts.

    Assisted by the space station’s robotic arm and a team on Earth, they worked for about eight-and-a-half hours during their first extravehicular activities, and completed multiple tasks, including the installation of space debris protection devices.

    The crew also carried out emergency decision-making research. By utilizing the computer and corresponding software, they completed a series of assessments, including tests on basic cognitive ability, risk perception, decision-making style, as well as comprehensive decision-making tasks.

    The ground personnel then used the test results to thoroughly evaluate the astronauts’ emergency decision-making ability in orbit and study the influence of the factors such as the duration of stay in orbit, emotional state and workload on their ability.

    During the mission, the crew also conducted regular medical check-ups as required, including routine examinations and dynamic monitoring of the heart rate and blood pressure. These procedures helped comprehensively monitor the astronauts’ physical state.

    JOYFUL SPACE JOURNEY

    During their space adventure, the Shenzhou-18 trio also experienced some special joy brought by the space “aquarium” and “garden” in the Tiangong space station.

    The three astronauts created a space “aquarium” using zebrafish and algae to study how the space environment affects their growth and system balance. It was also a breakthrough in the field of raising vertebrates in space.

    The astronauts discovered that zebrafish exhibited abnormal orientation behaviors in microgravity, such as upside-down swimming, spinning and circling.

    Scientists will later utilize the returned water samples, fish eggs and other specimens, in conjunction with videos of the zebrafish’s spatial movement behaviors, to conduct research on the impact of the space environment on the growth, development and behavior of vertebrates and to provide support for the study of material cycling in a closed space ecosystem.

    The Shenzhou-18 astronauts were also busy cultivating plants in the “space garden” during their stay in orbit.

    According to a video clip released by the CMSA, astronaut Li Guangsu said that they grew two types of plants — cherry tomatoes and lettuce — and they had harvested some lettuce leaves for food.

    “Being able to eat fresh vegetables in space is truly a blessing. These green plants have also brought a touch of green and good cheer to our busy work,” Li said.

    Planting in space could also help analyze the changes in the function and gene expression of plant stem cells in the microgravity environment, and provide theoretical support for designing crops that can adapt to outer-space conditions.

    Before their return to Earth, the Shenzhou-18 crew completed the removal of some module plants, replenishing water and other operations for the “space garden,” in preparation for the new batch of plant seeds brought into space by the Shenzhou-19 astronauts.

    They also planted a new batch of lettuce for the Shenzhou-19 crew, who were lifted off aboard the Shenzhou-19 spaceship and entered the Tiangong space station on Oct. 30.

    In 2025, China’s manned space program will launch the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 crewed missions, and the Tianzhou-9 cargo craft for in-orbit supplies, the CMSA said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese researchers make breakthrough in precision management for thyroid cancer

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese researchers have made progress in localizing medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a form of thyroid cancer that poses challenges in identifying metastatic lesions.
    This breakthrough is based on a new imaging technique utilizing a novel class of radiopharmaceutical, known as covalent targeted radioligand (CTR). This approach addresses one of the major challenges in treating MTC: precisely locating metastatic lesions, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, according to researchers.
    The development of this innovative imaging method was a collaborative effort between Liu Shaoyan’s team from the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Liu Zhibo’s team from Peking University and Changping Laboratory, along with their collaborators. Their study was published online in Cancer Discovery, a leading journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, in late October.
    Liu Shaoyan, the director of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at the Cancer Hospital, emphasized that existing imaging techniques often fail to locate metastatic lesions accurately. “Surgery is a primary curative option for MTC. A precise imaging method is crucial to assist surgeons in accurately determining the extent of the surgical procedure,” he stated.
    The new approach allows for selective targeting of tumor cells, enabling higher amounts and longer duration of the radioactive agents to remain in the tumor. This provides better imaging contrast, clearer tumor identification and more precise treatment planning, as explained by Kong Ziren, a member of Liu’s team and the co-first author of the paper.
    Looking ahead, Liu noted that as this imaging approach continues to evolve and expand its applications, CTR has the potential to become a valuable diagnostic tool not only for MTC but also for various other cancers. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese astronauts return to Earth safely

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    In this combo photo, astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu (from L to R) are out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The Shenzhou-18 crew consisting of three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth safely in the early morning on Monday, after completing a six-month space station mission.
    Shenzhou-18’s return capsule, carrying astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 1:24 a.m. (Beijing Time). The crew had all left the return capsule by 2:15 a.m., according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
    The three astronauts, after staying in orbit for 192 days, were all in good health and the Shenzhou-18 manned mission was a success, the CMSA said.
    Ye, the Shenzhou-18 mission commander, has become the first Chinese astronaut with an accumulative spaceflight time of more than a year, setting a new record for the longest duration of stay in orbit by a Chinese astronaut.
    He served as a crew member in the Shenzhou-13 mission from October 2021 to April 2022.
    “Chinese astronauts have flown to space in successive missions. I believe that the record of the duration in orbit will be broken in the near future,” Ye said.
    Li Cong, who has just completed his first-ever space adventure, said that the crew was united as one and worked closely with the ground team, which ensured the extravehicular activities implemented smoothly and the scientific research and experiments advanced successfully.
    “We have all enjoyed the unique experience of weightlessness. It is exciting to return to Earth, but we are also unwilling to part the wonders of the space,” said Li Guangsu, who has just returned from his first spaceflight.
    At 12:34 a.m., the Beijing Aerospace Control Center issued a return command through the ground station, and the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship separated from its orbiting capsule. The brake engine then ignited, and the return capsule separated from the propulsion capsule.
    The ground search team arrived at the landing site soon after the return capsule landed.
    Intensive scientific tasks
    China launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship on April 25, 2024. During the mission, the Shenzhou-18 crew utilized the scientific experiment cabinets and extravehicular payloads to carry out dozens of experiments in the fields of basic physics in microgravity, space material science, space life science, space medicine and space technology.
    They replaced the burner for the gas experiment in the combustion experiment cabinet and test samples in the fluid physics experiment cabinet as planned. They also conducted in-orbit training on spacecraft rendezvous and docking.
    The Shenzhou-18 astronauts carried out extravehicular activities twice. Their first spacewalk in May set a new record for the longest single spacewalk by Chinese astronauts.
    Assisted by the space station’s robotic arm and a team on Earth, they worked for about eight-and-a-half hours during their first extravehicular activities, and completed multiple tasks, including the installation of space debris protection devices.
    The crew also carried out emergency decision-making research. By utilizing the computer and corresponding software, they completed a series of assessments, including tests on basic cognitive ability, risk perception, decision-making style, as well as comprehensive decision-making tasks.
    The ground personnel then used the test results to thoroughly evaluate the astronauts’ emergency decision-making ability in orbit and study the influence of the factors such as the duration of stay in orbit, emotional state and workload on their ability.
    During the mission, the crew also conducted regular medical check-ups as required, including routine examinations and dynamic monitoring of the heart rate and blood pressure. These procedures helped comprehensively monitor the astronauts’ physical state.
    Joyful space journey
    During their space adventure, the Shenzhou-18 trio also experienced some special joy brought by the space “aquarium” and “garden” in the Tiangong space station.
    The three astronauts created a space “aquarium” using zebrafish and algae to study how the space environment affects their growth and system balance. It was also a breakthrough in the field of raising vertebrates in space.
    The astronauts discovered that zebrafish exhibited abnormal orientation behaviors in microgravity, such as upside-down swimming, spinning and circling.
    Scientists will later utilize the returned water samples, fish eggs and other specimens, in conjunction with videos of the zebrafish’s spatial movement behaviors, to conduct research on the impact of the space environment on the growth, development and behavior of vertebrates and to provide support for the study of material cycling in a closed space ecosystem.
    The Shenzhou-18 astronauts were also busy cultivating plants in the “space garden” during their stay in orbit.
    According to a video clip released by the CMSA, astronaut Li Guangsu said that they grew two types of plants — cherry tomatoes and lettuce — and they had harvested some lettuce leaves for food.
    “Being able to eat fresh vegetables in space is truly a blessing. These green plants have also brought a touch of green and good cheer to our busy work,” Li said.
    Planting in space could also help analyze the changes in the function and gene expression of plant stem cells in the microgravity environment, and provide theoretical support for designing crops that can adapt to outer-space conditions.
    Before their return to Earth, the Shenzhou-18 crew completed the removal of some module plants, replenishing water and other operations for the “space garden,” in preparation for the new batch of plant seeds brought into space by the Shenzhou-19 astronauts.
    They also planted a new batch of lettuce for the Shenzhou-19 crew, who were lifted off aboard the Shenzhou-19 spaceship and entered the Tiangong space station on Oct. 30.
    In 2025, China’s manned space program will launch the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 crewed missions, and the Tianzhou-9 cargo craft for in-orbit supplies, the CMSA said.

    Astronaut Li Guangsu is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Astronaut Ye Guangfu is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Astronaut Ye Guangfu is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Astronaut Li Cong is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship, carrying astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, touches down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Astronaut Li Guangsu is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Astronaut Li Guangsu is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Astronaut Ye Guangfu is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Astronaut Li Cong is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Dams have taken half the water from Australia’s second biggest river – and climate change will make it even worse

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jan Kreibich, PhD Candidate, Centre for Ecosystem Science & Water Research Laboratory, UNSW Sydney

    Annette Ruzicka

    The largest wetland on Australia’s second longest river, the Murrumbidgee in the southern Murray-Darling Basin, is drying up. This is bad news for the plants, animals and people who rely on the vast Lowbidgee Floodplain. So it’s important to understand what is going on, and whether we can do anything about it.

    Our new research used computer modelling to study past and future river flows. We examined natural flows in the lower Murrumbidgee River between 1890 and 1927, before humans started changing the river. We compared these flows to what happened after big dams went in and more water was taken out for irrigation. Then, we modelled how climate change is likely to influence flows in future.

    We found river regulation such as dams and reservoirs cut flows in half over the past three decades. It means periods between life-giving floods on the wetlands are now more than twice as long. With climate change, drying of these vital freshwater ecosystems is likely to accelerate.

    Altogether, we predict the annual duration of flood events sustaining these wetlands will drop by as much as 85% by 2075 compared to natural levels, if nothing is done. But there are plenty of things we can do to turn this around, because our research shows the main reason for the decline is river regulation and overextraction.

    A colony of Australian pelicans gathered on the Lowbidgee Floodplain.
    Annette Ruzicka

    Floods are essential for wetlands

    The Lowbidgee Floodplain, in southwestern New South Wales, supports expansive river red gum and black box forests as well as one of the state’s largest lignum shrublands. Lignum’s thick mass of stems forms bushes that make great nesting platforms for waterbirds, attracting thousands of glossy ibis, straw-necked ibis and royal spoonbills. The area is also a breeding ground for Australian pelicans.

    The endangered Southern bell frog and threatened native fish such as Murray cod also live here.

    Floods bring wetlands to life. But human activities have disrupted the natural cycle of flood and drought. In the Murrumbidgee, 26 big dams and reservoirs now store and divert water, mainly for irrigation. These interventions have more than doubled the time between floods, causing large sections of the wetlands to dry up.

    The lack of floods has devastated the floodplain, causing black box and river red gum forests to die. Waterbird numbers also plummeted.

    A clip from the aerial waterbird survey of Pollen Creek on the Lowbidgee (Centre for Ecosystem Science)

    The Lowbidgee’s cultural significance

    The Nari Nari people have lived on the Lowbidgee Floodplain for tens of thousands of years. The land and water has deep cultural and spiritual value.

    Evidence of Nari Nari connection to this place is seen in the scar trees cut for canoes and other wooden items, middens of discarded shell and bone, earth mounds and burial sites scattered across the landscape.

    After 180 years of dispossession, 880 square kilometres of the floodplain was returned to the Nari Nari Tribal Council in 2019. This allows the original peoples of this land to repair it, reinstating cultural burning for example. But there’s a limit to how much they can do without more water.

    Nari Nari Elders Kerrie Parker (left) and Mabel Fitzpatrick (right) in the Gayini Wetlands of the Lowbidgee Floodplain.
    Annette Ruzicka

    River regulation and climate change

    Few studies have effectively reconstructed such a long history of a river to see where we have come from, and just as importantly, assessed what lies ahead.

    We modelled natural flows in the Murrumbidgee River, using data for rainfall and runoff upstream. The rainfall data covers more than a century, from 1890 to 2018, which allowed us to model natural flows back to 1890.

    First we established a baseline for natural flows. Then we were able to work out how dams, reservoirs and and water diversions have disrupted these flows over time.

    We also considered how climate change might influence river flows in the future under different greenhouse gas emission scenarios.

    We found most of the decline (55%) in the Murrumbidgee River’s flows was due to river regulation. But climate change will probably make matters worse, shaving another 7–10% off river flows by 2075, based on average projections.

    The average annual duration of floods reaching the floodplain wetlands has dropped from 11.3 days under natural flows to just 4.5 days currently. This could decline further to around 1.7 days as the climate becomes warmer and drier.

    An aerial view of the Gayini Wetlands.
    Annette Ruzicka

    Now is the time to act

    Australia’s rivers are at risk, but it’s not too late to act. By reducing over-allocation and returning water to the environment we can protect threatened and endangered species, reduce the impacts of climate change, and honour the cultural heritage of First Nations Peoples.

    Managing water releases to mimic natural seasonal flows can also help reinstate the natural cues for native plants, animals and other organisms.

    Our research underscores the urgent need to understand our past in order to explore future water management options. It’s clear much of the damage has been done by damming the river and taking out so much water. Now it’s important to restore the balance in favour of the environment, to prepare for future climate change.

    The Murrumbidgee River and its major floodplain wetlands are also a warning – a canary in the coal mine so to speak – of what could happen to other river systems worldwide as water demand rises along with projected income and population growth. This is especially concerning for many arid and semi-arid regions, where climate change is increasing temperatures while reducing rainfall.

    We wish to acknowledge the contribution of Nari Nari Tribal man and General Manager of Gayini wetlands, Jamie Woods, to this article and the research paper it was based on.

    Jan Kreibich’s work was supported by the University of New South Wales and the Australian Research Council.

    Richard Kingsford receives funding from a range of government and non-government organisations, including the Australian Research Council, the New South Wales, Victorian, South Australian and Queensland Governments and the Australian Government. He is councillor of the Biodiversity Council and a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists.

    – ref. Dams have taken half the water from Australia’s second biggest river – and climate change will make it even worse – https://theconversation.com/dams-have-taken-half-the-water-from-australias-second-biggest-river-and-climate-change-will-make-it-even-worse-242192

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Apart from Chris Martin’s fall, here are 10 other examples of onstage accidents. Can we keep performers safe?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Senior Lecturer of Urban Analytics & Resilience, UNSW Sydney

    In recent months, Australian concertgoers have witnessed plenty of unexpected onstage drama.

    The latest example came from Coldplay’s sold-out Sunday show in Melbourne. Lead singer Chris Martin took a sudden plunge through a trapdoor, catching fans off guard, before reemerging with a laugh and reassuring wave.

    Just weeks prior, also in Melbourne, singer Olivia Rodrigo abruptly fell into an unexpected opening mid-performance.

    While such slips may seem like isolated moments of bad luck, they signal at one aspect of live shows that often goes unnoticed: performer safety.

    As stages become increasingly elaborate – with intricate set designs and high-tech moving parts – the line between awe-inspiring production and potential hazard grows thin.

    A thin line between spectacle and risk

    Performer safety mishaps aren’t isolated accidents. They are part of a recurring pattern in live music in both Australia and overseas, with falls and slips being one of the most common setbacks. For instance,

    Beyond losing one’s footing, audience aggression and inappropriate behaviour towards artists have also been on the rise in recent years:

    • in October, The Weeknd was grabbed by a Melbourne concertgoer who evaded security and rushed onto the stage and towards the artist, stunning him momentarily

    • last year, Bebe Rexha was struck in the face by a phone thrown from the audience during a concert in New York City. This resulted in a laceration that required stitches

    • Harry Styles was hit by various objects during his 2023 world tour. In one show in Los Angeles, a skittle struck his eye

    What’s behind this trend?

    From falls, to fans rushing onstage, to objects flying from the crowd, it’s clear artists are facing a unique set of safety challenges. These challenges are driven by two factors: audience behaviour and increasingly complex stage designs.

    While audience misbehaviour poses a significant risk, it seemed to have peaked post-pandemic. This may have reflected a collective frustration – or perhaps it was audiences failing to remember proper concert etiquette after spending so much time in lockdowns.

    Social media also arguably played a role, by turning disruptive actions into “viral moments” and potentially inspiring copycats. Fortunately, these incidents seem to be declining as live music crowds settle back into pre-pandemic norms.



    Read more:
    Chaotic scenes at Travis Scott’s Melbourne concert: what is the role of artists in crowd behaviour?

    Stage-related mishaps, however, appear to be on the opposite trajectory. As artists strive to create unforgettable experiences, they’re confronted with stages that are riskier than ever before.

    Delivering the “wow factor” has led to stages becoming multi-layered landscapes with high-tech trapdoors, platforms, dazzling lights and immersive visuals that may be difficult for the performer to navigate.

    This raises a significant but often overlooked element in safety discussions: the human factors. Even the most seasoned performers can only process so much sensory input at once. As stage productions grow more complex, the cognitive load on artists also intensifies.

    We’re seeing similar phenomenons in other high-stakes settings, such as with pilots who manage complex flight instruments, or drivers who must respond to multiple road cues. Mistakes happen when there’s too much information to process.

    Artists already spend much of their mental energy on trying to engage their audience, leaving fewer resources to safely navigate a maze of lighting rigs, trapdoors and moving platforms. In this context, stage mishaps aren’t accidents; they’re byproducts of an environment where human attention is stretched to its limits.

    As the demand for spectacle increases, so too does the risk of artists facing disorientation or injury.

    Why does it matter? And what should be done?

    Major artists are humans, too. Their safety is just as important as that of the audience – and is also an occupational safety matter.

    But even beyond artists’ wellbeing, the effects of an onstage mishap can be felt by the entire audience. An accident can pause or even cut a show short, leaving fans frustrated.

    While recent incidents have been limited to minor injuries or brief disruptions, these recurring patterns point to a growing issue that shoudn’t be ignored.

    It’s time to bring performer safety into the spotlight – and there are a few ways we can do this. For instance:

    • tour operators and production teams have a responsibility to conduct thorough safety audits to identify every possible risk element an artist may encounter on stage

    • venues should prioritise security and make sure major events are adequately staffed

    • fans should be reminded that a stage is a performer’s workplace – and not an interactive free-for-all.

    At the end of the day, ensuring a performer’s safety is a responsibility that falls on everyone, from the tour operator, to venue staff – and yes, even to the fans.

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

    – ref. Apart from Chris Martin’s fall, here are 10 other examples of onstage accidents. Can we keep performers safe? – https://theconversation.com/apart-from-chris-martins-fall-here-are-10-other-examples-of-onstage-accidents-can-we-keep-performers-safe-242757

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Authentically embracing tikanga Māori can help New Zealand in the growing Asian markets

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hafsa Ahmed, Senior lecturer, Department of Global Value Chains and Trade, Lincoln University, New Zealand

    The Asian markets have long been seen as a linchpin for New Zealand’s economic success. And the key to future growth could be the cultural similarities between Māori and communities across the Asian region.

    These shared values include mana (honour/prestige), manaakitanga (reciprocity/hospitality), karakia (prayer), whakapapa (genealogy) and veneration of kaumatua (elders).

    My ongoing research has found embracing the cultural values of tikanga Māori could give New Zealand an edge in these competitive Asian markets.

    Growth potential

    Asia was projected to drive 60% of global GDP growth in 2024, led by India and China.

    Seven of New Zealand’s top ten export destinations are in the Asian region. Exports to China alone amounted to NZ$20 billion last year. Exports to India amount to $520 million.

    Asia’s projected growth presents a unique opportunity for any country trying to increase its trade in the region. New Zealand holds a unique advantage when engaging with Asia which relates to cultural distance – the extent to which shared values and norms differ from nation to nation.

    Research has shown cultural distance is an important factor in international trade and management.

    Cultural distance is what sets a country’s culture apart, including differences in language, societal values and family structures. It’s not static, and there could be clusters within countries where diversity exists.

    European Australia, for example, is less distant to the European New Zealand than other countries due to shared colonial origins. But these British-based cultures are considered to have a greater distance from their own indigenous populations.

    Similarly, Asian countries can be considered as having a bigger cultural distance from Anglo-American cultures. Individualism, for example, is a core value of Western cultures, whereas collectivism is key in Asian cultures.

    Building connections

    My research has found there are certain shared values between Māori and Asian cultures that mean the cultural distance is less than it is with Anglo-American cultures.

    Similar to many Asian cultures, the Māori worldview is deeply rooted in the intricate relationships between humans, ancestors, and the natural world.

    This can be seen through whakapapa and mana, both intrinsically linked to one’s connection to the natural environment and human beings.

    This has similarities with spiritual practices in Asia, including Hinduism and Buddhism. The concept of bumitama in Balinese culture, for example, translates to “humanity-land-god”, reflecting a holistic view where humans are interconnected with nature and the divine.

    The Māori concept of manaakitanga – the principle of reciprocity, where an individual is recognised and respected for not just who they are but as a representative of everyone who has gone before – is an acknowledgement that individuals are all connected through their ancestors.



    Read more:
    Cultural differences impede trade for most countries — but not China

    Manaakitanga has parallels in many Asian cultures. For example, the ancient Sanskrit adage atithi devo bhava is the cornerstone of Indian hospitality.

    Kaumātua – an elder in Māori society – holds a position of immense significance. As the custodians of knowledge, tradition and spiritual wisdom, kaumātua is pivotal in guiding the community, particularly the youth.

    This approach of transmission of knowledge, values and cultural heritage from elders to younger generations is a core function of many Asian societies.

    New Zealand’s advantage

    This comparison simplifies complex cultural systems. It’s important to acknowledge that the nuances and complexities of each culture are vast and multifaceted.

    But examining shared similarities can help foster a deeper appreciation for the resonance between Māori and Asian cultures.

    The government needs to consider the cultural distance between Māori and Asian cultures as it works to promote trade with its Asian partners.

    Incorporating tikanga Māori in international policy and engagement can enable authentic relationships with Asia.

    In addition, New Zealand could further include Māori representation in diplomacy with specific Māori diplomatic roles for Asia.

    Strategies can include adopting Māori values in decision-making – such as focusing on manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga. The government needs to also support Māori businesses to enter Asian markets and encourage training focused on Asian and Māori cross-cultural exchanges that include opportunities to learn Asian languages to bolster communication.

    But this would require a thorough alignment of the New Zealand government towards Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles – a move that is unlikely with the current centre-right coalition.

    It is clear embracing tikanga Māori could provide an edge to New Zealand when it comes to engagement with Asia to foster stronger economic, trade, investment and tourism relationships.

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

    – ref. Authentically embracing tikanga Māori can help New Zealand in the growing Asian markets – https://theconversation.com/authentically-embracing-tikanga-maori-can-help-new-zealand-in-the-growing-asian-markets-242005

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Accelerating maths achievement for Kiwi kids

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is continuing to transform maths education, by trialling a targeted maths acceleration programme to give more Kiwi kids confidence in mathematics.

    “After discovering just 22 per cent of Year 8 students are at the expected standard for maths, we launched our Make it Count Action Plan to give our teachers the tools they need to set students up for success. We’re continuing to supercharge our plan so students who need the most help, can catch up to where they need to be,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

    “In Term 1 and 2 next year, around 2000 Year 7 and 8 students who are behind in their learning will take part in an intensive support programme to bring them up to the required curriculum level in maths. The trial will use small group tutoring and supervised online tuition for 30 minutes, up to four times a week for each child.”

    The trial will be held in both schools and kura across the country teaching maths using the New Zealand Curriculum and teaching Pāngarau using Te Marautanga o Aotearoa. It will run for 12 weeks and cost around $2 million.

    An evaluation of the trial will inform how to scale it up across the country from Term 3 next year.

    “This Government is committed to getting 80 per cent of Year 8 students at or above the expected curriculum level by 2030. We’ve just released a new knowledge-rich curriculum in time for Term 1 next year that sets out a structured, evidence-based approach based on the science of learning. 

    “Alongside this, more than 308,000 students will benefit from high-quality, curriculum aligned workbooks, teacher guidance and lesson plans. Our $30 million investment allows every teacher and child to have the resources they need to flourish in the classroom,” Ms Stanford says.

    “We have an unrelenting focus on lifting student achievement and closing the equity gap in our education system so all children are equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies they need to succeed.”

    Notes for editor:

    Make It Count – Maths Action Plan

    Curriculum 

    • A new Years 0-8 maths curriculum will be introduced a year early, from Term 1 2025, with resources available to support teachers.
    • $30 million for high-quality, curriculum aligned workbooks, teacher guidance and lesson plans to be provided into every primary and intermediate school.

    Workforce

    • $20 million for professional development in structured maths for teachers.
    • Teaching Council agreed to lift maths entry requirements for new teachers.

    Assessment

    • Twice yearly assessments for maths in primary schools from the start of 2025.
    • Small group interventions to support students who have fallen significantly behind.
    • Targeted support initiative for 10,000 secondary students who are most likely to struggle to meet the NCEA Co-requisite requirements.

    Accountability

    • Ministry of Education will intervene earlier and more often to tackle student achievement issues.
    • Education Review Office (ERO) to overhaul reporting with a new focus on student progress, achievement, and assessment.
    • Teaching Council agreed to strengthen maths component in Initial Teaching Education.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The Northern Territory Police Force – Australia Day Honours 2025

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Congratulations to the two members of the Northern Territory Police Force named today as recipients of the Australian Police Medal.

    Senior Sergeant Stefan Vilhelm Herold and Senior Constable Ian John Spilsbury have now joined an elite rank of Australian police officers who have served their community to the highest level of professionalism and dedication. 

    Senior Sergeant Stefan Vilhelm Herold

    Senior Sergeant Herold’s exceptional career in the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) spans over 42 years, marked by distinguished service in urban, remote and specialist areas. Joining the NTP in March 1982, Senior Sergeant Herold has been an integral part of the police, serving in multiple capacities including general duties, traffic, marine and fisheries enforcement, tactical response group, firearms, forensic, water police, counter terrorism, emergency management, and the Territory security services.

    His leadership has been particularly noteworthy in the Territory security section from 2021 to 2024. He has displayed outstanding management skills supporting capability development, exercise management and coordination response in support of critical incidents, natural disasters, and police operations. Senior Sergeant Herold has consistently demonstrated professionalism, ensuring the safety and security of the community through meticulous planning, coordination, and communication with both internal and external stakeholders. His ability to convey crucial information effectively to senior executives has been instrumental in shaping security and counter-terrorism strategies.

    Throughout his career, Senior Sergeant Herold has shown a remarkable capacity for adapting to change, embracing diversity, and fostering an inclusive work environment. He demonstrated his commitment when joining the newly created NT Police Counter Terrorism Security Coordination Unit in 2004 and then being appointed the first officer in charge of the expanded Security and Emergency Coordination Section in 2010.

    Senior Sergeant Herold has increased responsibility for counter terrorism and emergency management coordination, security intelligence and major event planning, highlights his forward-thinking approach and dedication to community safety.

    His contributions to maritime safety as officer in charge of the Water Police section further exemplify his commitment to service. Here he was responsible for maritime search and rescue operations, fisheries enforcement, including Indigenous Sea Ranger training, and maritime border security during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

    Senior Sergeant Herold’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication, leadership, and courage. His extensive experience and contributions to the community highlight his lifetime of service and excellence in policing.

    Senior Constable Ian John Spilsbury

    Senior Constable Spilsbury’s career with the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) exemplifies dedication and excellence in forensic science. Since joining the NTP in January 1995, and transferring to the Forensic Science Branch in 1999, Senior Principal Examiner Spilsbury has been a pillar of expertise and leadership in the Southern region. His commitment to forensic science has seen him progress through the ranks, earning qualification as a principal examiner in 2011 and taking on the role of team leader for the Alice Springs Crime Scene Examination Unit in 2013.

    Senior Constable Spilsbury’s leadership extends across a vast and challenging region, where he mentors and guides a team of five officers in responding to incidents from Elliott to the South Australian border. His work ethic is unparalleled, often involving long hours, extensive travel, and work in remote areas with limited resources. His dedication to his discipline is evident not only in his daily responsibilities but also in his role as the bomb scene examination capability manager for the NTP, where he represents the force nationally and contributes to disaster victim identification.

    Over his career, he has received multiple accolades for his contributions. His work was pivotal in the successful prosecution of a man who murdered an English backpacker. He has also been recognised for his involvement in high-profile investigations and his contributions to disaster response efforts, such as the Black Saturday bushfires. His recent work in identifying evidence that led to the rapid arrest of a sexual assault suspect in 2019 further highlights his impact. Senior Constable Spilsbury’s unwavering dedication, expertise, and willingness to mentor others have made him an invaluable asset to the NTPF and a respected figure in the field of forensic science.

    Commissioner of Police Michael Murphy APM said, “I speak for the entire Northern Territory Police Force when I congratulate both Stefan and Ian on receiving the Australian Police Medal.

    “This achievement is a testament to the dedication both have shown in upholding the values of our agency, and protecting and serving the communities in which they both live.

    “Both have become leaders in their fields, elevating the work of those around them and shaping this agency into place I am proud to lead.

    “Senior Sergeant Herald will soon retire after his 42-year career with the NT Police Force and this medal will now serve as a symbol of just how exceptional that career was.

    “I wish to personally thank both Stefan and Ian for their service, and their families for their support across their successful careers.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Valdez wraps up activities to celebrate Small Business Month and highlights government supports for entrepreneurs

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News release

    November 1, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario

    The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business, celebrated Small Business Month (SBM) by meeting with local entrepreneurs and business organizations to highlight the federal government supports that are available to help them thrive.

    Minister Valdez kicked off October by announcing that the federal government has negotiated lower credit card interchange fees by up to 27% for small businesses across Canada. These lower fees for Visa and Mastercard took effect on October 19, 2024. Minister Valdez also announced that the Canada Carbon Rebate will be distributing $2.5 billion to about 600,000 small and medium-sized businesses across Canada where the federal fuel charge applies. The amount is dependent on a business’ number of employees. For example, Ontarian small businesses will receive $401 per employee. Small and medium-sized businesses that filed their taxes before July 15 will receive an automatic payment by the end of this year.

    Throughout SBM, Minister Valdez met with small business owners across the country. She also engaged with diverse groups of entrepreneurs at the Mississauga Board of Trade, the CanadianSME Magazine Small Business Summit, the Casa Foundation for International Development’s Friends of Africa summit, the Elevate Festival, the Alliance of Nigerian Entrepreneurs gathering, the RPA Women Entrepreneur Awards Gala, the Federation of African Canadian Economics’ Small Business Sunday event, the Toronto Small Business Forum, and the Misfit Ventures Misfits Unleashed event.

    During these engagements, Minister Valdez highlighted the federal government’s groundbreaking investments—through programs like the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy and the Black Entrepreneurship Program—that are helping fight the systemic barriers under-represented entrepreneurs face. She also spotlighted federal government investments in inclusive venture capital and Futurpreneur, as well as support for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

    Minister Valdez also updated entrepreneurs on federal investments to help small businesses adopt digital tools and innovations, including the $2.4 billion committed in Budget 2024 to secure Canada’s artificial intelligence (AI) advantage. This includes $200 million in the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, which will help bring new AI technologies to market and accelerate AI adoption by small businesses across the country. She also mentioned the Canada Digital Adoption Program, which has helped more than 60,000 small businesses improve their digital capabilities and adopt e-commerce platforms.

    The Minister wrapped up her SBM-related activities on October 30 by announcing a new partnership between the First Nations Health Authority and the CAN Health Network that will help over 200 First Nations communities across British Columbia access health care innovations from Canadian start-ups. Start-ups in the health care sector have expressed that they face unique challenges breaking into the new market and increasing uptake of their technologies. The federal government’s investment in the CAN Health Network is connecting innovative health care providers with promising start-ups that are offering made-in-Canada solutions to meet their unique needs and challenges.

    Quotes

    “Small businesses are the heart of our communities and the backbone of our economy, employing nearly 8 million hard-working Canadians. It was incredible to spend Small Business Month celebrating their invaluable contributions and meeting key organizations that are dedicated to helping entrepreneurs thrive. Our government will continue to have the backs of small businesses from coast to coast to coast, whether they’re just starting out, looking to grow or striving to extend their reach into new markets.”
    – The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business 

    Quick facts

    • The Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses is a refundable tax credit to return a portion of federal fuel charge proceeds directly to eligible businesses.

      • Businesses will not have to apply for this rebate. The Canada Revenue Agency will determine and automatically issue the rebate amounts for eligible businesses based on the payment rates of each applicable province for the corresponding fuel charge years, as specified by the Minister of Finance.
      • The rebate will be available to eligible Canadian-controlled private corporations that had 499 or fewer employees in Canada throughout the calendar year in which the applicable fuel charge year began.
      • The federal fuel charge currently applies in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan. The Government of Canada does not keep any direct proceeds from pollution pricing. All direct fuel charge proceeds are returned in the province or territory of origin.

    • The Code of Conduct for the Payment Card Industry in Canada was first released in 2010 and was last updated in 2015.

      • All major payment card network operators in Canada incorporate the code into their rules, making it binding on all their network participants: issuers, acquirers and payment processors.
      • More than 1 million businesses that accept payment cards in Canada will benefit from the code revisions. In 2023, these businesses accepted approximately 14.1 billion card payments worth $1.2 trillion.
      • The increased transparency and disclosure elements of the revised code require payment processors to notify eligible businesses if network fee reductions will not be passed on in full. Additionally, payment processors must remind those businesses of their right to terminate their contract, enabling them to switch to a processor that passes on the benefits of rate reductions.
      • Under the existing code, businesses have the right to exit their contracts without penalty if they do not receive the full benefits of certain network fee decreases, such as the upcoming small business interchange reductions. But businesses have not always been aware of this right.

    • Businesses pay fees to process credit card transactions, with the largest component being the interchange fee paid to credit card–issuing financial institutions, such as banks. The federal government has finalized agreements to lower these fees for small businesses starting on October 19, 2024. Visa and Mastercard have agreed to:

      • reduce domestic consumer credit interchange fees for in-store transactions to an annual weighted average interchange rate of 0.95%
      • reduce domestic consumer credit interchange fees for online transactions by 10 basis points, resulting in reductions of up to 7%
      • provide free access to online fraud and cybersecurity resources to help small businesses grow their online sales while preventing fraud and chargebacks
      • allow small businesses to qualify with each credit card network individually

    • Small businesses with an annual Visa sales volume below $300,000 will qualify for the lower interchange fees from Visa, and those with an annual Mastercard sales volume below $175,000 will qualify for the lower fees from Mastercard.

    • Non-profit organizations with transaction volumes below these thresholds will also benefit from reduced rates.

    Contacts

    Callie Franson
    Senior Communications Advisor and Issues Manager
    Office of the Minister of Small Business
    callie.franson@ised-isde.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
    media@ised-isde.gc.ca

    Stay connected

    Follow Canada Business on social media.
    X (Twitter): @canadabusiness | Facebook: Canada Business | Instagram: @cdnbusiness

    For easy access to government programs for businesses, download the Canada Business app.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Roy Cooper Proclaims November as American Indian Heritage Month

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Roy Cooper Proclaims November as American Indian Heritage Month

    Governor Roy Cooper Proclaims November as American Indian Heritage Month
    mseets

    Governor Roy Cooper declared November as American Indian Heritage Month, celebrating the history, heritage and contributions of North Carolina’s eight state recognized tribes including the Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony and Waccamaw-Siouan. This month also honors our state’s four urban Indian organizations consisting of the Cumberland County Association for Indian People, Triangle Native American Society, and the Guilford, Metrolina Native American Associations.

    “This month, we take time to honor the culture and history of our American Indian tribes who have been here for generations,” said Governor Cooper. “We are grateful for their many contributions to our state and we look forward to continuing support for our indigenous communities.”

    This year’s theme, “NC United Tribes – 50 Years of Tribal Unity,” represents the inherit strength of North Carolina’s recognized tribes and Indian organizations and honors the more than 130,000 American Indians who call our state home. North Carolina has the second largest American Indian population east of the Mississippi River and the seventh largest American Indian population in the Unites States. In 2021, NC Department of Administration Secretary Pam Brewington Cashwell made history as the first American Indian woman to head a state cabinet agency in North Carolina.

    “It is an honor each year to not only celebrate the traditions and culture of American Indians but also to share our history and heritage with fellow North Carolinians,” said DOA Secretary Cashwell. “This month heightens our visibility in society to let communities know that we are still here as a people and as tribes united.”

    For more than 50 years, the NC Department of Administration’s Commission of Indian Affairs has served as a resource hub, providing information on housing, educational opportunities, scholarships, health care, and workforce development to American Indian communities. Established by the NC General Assembly in 1971, the Commission remains committed to providing local, state, and federal resources to support and advocate for North Carolina’s American Indian population.

    In celebration of American Indian Heritage Month, the NC Commission of Indian Affairs is again partnering with the NC Museum of History, NC American Indian Heritage Commission, as well as North Carolina American Indian tribes and urban American Indian organizations to coordinate a weekend of special events. The 29th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration kicks off with a virtual Education Day on November 22 at 9 a.m. featuring storytelling and pottery among other activities. The November 23 celebration will be held in-person at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and will include various demonstrations and performances highlighting the artistry, customs, and culture of North Carolina’s American Indian tribes. Both events are free and open to the public.

    To learn more about the upcoming American Indian Heritage Month Celebration visit the North Carolina Museum of History website.

    View a message from DOA Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell here.

    Read the proclamation here.

    About the NCDOA and the NC Commission of Indian Affairs

    The NC Department of Administration acts as the business manager for North Carolina state government. Under the leadership of Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell, the department oversees government operations and advocacy programs. The department’s advocacy programs help to promote and assist diverse segments of the state’s population that have been traditionally underserved. The NC Commission of Indian Affairs advocates for the rights of American Indian residents in North Carolina. It provides programs and services to American Indian communities across the state, including education and resources to aid in social and economic development. The Commission also works to promote unity among American Indian and non-Indian communities.

    ###

    Nov 1, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. Announces the Appointment of Jean Holley to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Midland, Texas, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (“NGS” or the “Company”) (NYSE: NGS), a leading provider of natural gas compression equipment, technology, and services to the energy industry, announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Jean Holley as a Director, effective November 1, 2024. In connection with the appointment, the Company increased the size of its Board from six to seven directors.

    “We are excited to welcome Jean to NGS’s Board of Directors,” stated Justin Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer of NGS. “Jean is an accomplished executive with significant expertise across a number of businesses and disciplines which we are confident will serve the Company well. She has served as CIO for several large global businesses and has led digital transformations, turnarounds, operational efficiency plans, M&A, and cybersecurity programs. Further, her role as an independent director and committee member of companies with a rental business model will add great value as we focus on growing our large horsepower rental fleet, expanding our customer base, and optimizing our operations. I look forward to Jean’s guidance and counsel as we work to create meaningful value for NGS shareholders.”

    “I am excited for this opportunity as the Company embarks on such an important growth phase in its corporate evolution,” stated Ms. Holley. “I have been very impressed with NGS’s services, particularly the technology of their units and high levels of service provided to customers, as well as the commitment of the team in executing their large horsepower strategy. I hope to leverage my experience and provide value as it relates to NGS’s technology infrastructure, cybersecurity programs, and data analytic capabilities, all of which are essential in today’s business climate. I believe in NGS’s future and look forward to working with the board and management team to unlock value.”

    “Jean’s addition to the Board of Directors of NGS adds talent that will enhance and support our long-term growth and success,” said Stephen Taylor, Chairman of the Board of NGS. “Her background, expertise and prior board service will blend well with the experience of our present board members. NGS has positioned itself well to execute on our vision and strategy, that being our continued expansion into the large horsepower, infrastructure portion of our industry. Quality additions to our board, like Jean, including expansion of the board to seven directors, support our continuing growth.”

    Ms. Holley is a results-driven business executive with experience successfully leading companies as a Board Director, committee chair, and executive in a wide variety of industries. She is currently on the Board of Directors for Herc Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HRI), a provider of equipment rentals and services, where she serves as Chairperson of the Compensation and a member of the Nominating and Governance committee. She is also a Board Director for Accord Financial Corp. (TSE: ACD), a leading commercial finance company, and is Chairperson of the Compensation Committee. Previously, Ms. Holley served as Board Director for OneSpan, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSPN), a global provider of enterprise-wide security solutions, also serving as Chairperson of the Nominating and Governance Committee. She has held the title of CIO for several global businesses, and was responsible for all aspects of IT operations, technical services and support, technology trends, and industry futures, including big data/analytics, cybersecurity, digital strategies, and disruptive technologies. Ms. Holley’s numerous accolades include “Georgia CIO of the Year,” and Chicago’s Spotlight Award. She was listed by ComputerWorld as a top CIO, and she was inducted into the Women in Science & Engineering Hall of Fame. Ms. Holley holds a BS from Missouri University of Science & Technology and an MS from Illinois Institute of Technology.

    About Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (NGS): NGS is a leading provider of natural gas compression equipment, technology, and services to the energy industry. The Company manufactures, fabricates, rents, sells, and maintains natural gas compressors for oil and natural gas production and plant facilities. NGS is headquartered in Midland, Texas, with a fabrication facility located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a rebuild shop located in Midland, Texas, and service facilities located in major oil and natural gas producing basins in the U.S. Additional information can be found at www.ngsgi.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements involve a wide variety of risks and uncertainties, and include, without limitations, statements with respect to the Company’s strategy and prospects. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which are disclosed in the Company’s reports filed with the SEC, including its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and its other filings with the SEC. Readers and investors are cautioned that the Company’s actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, fundamentals of the compression industry and related oil and gas industry,  compressor demand assumptions, overall industry outlook, the ability of the Company to capitalize on any potential opportunities and general economic conditions.

    For More Information, Contact:

    Anna Delgado, Investor Relations

    (432) 262-2700

    ir@ngsgi.com www.ngsgi.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Parson Congratulates Missouri Higher Education Institutions on Advancing in NSF Engines Competition

    Source: US State of Missouri

    NOVEMBER 1, 2024

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson congratulated four Missouri higher education institutions upon advancing, as part of teams, in the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program. The advancing institutions include the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC), University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), and Washington University in St. Louis (WashU).

    “We are excited that out of 71 teams advancing in this national competition, Missouri is home to four of them,” Governor Parson said. “Missouri’s technology sector is budding and growing, and these teams will help us continue the exceptional work we have done to develop our workforce, strengthen our infrastructure, and emerge as a technological leader. We congratulate our higher education institutions, as well as their application partners, on the incredible work that has gotten them to this point, and we trust that Missouri innovation will win the day, potentially securing these NSF Engine designations for our state.”

    “We are proud that researchers at UMKC, S&T, and UMSL are among just 71 teams across the country invited to submit full proposals for the NSF Engines program,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “Key to their success is Governor Parson and his incredible commitment to innovation, workforce development, and infrastructure growth. We are grateful for his strong support and for this opportunity to impact our state and region.”

    “WashU and our partner BioSTL are proud of our long-standing relationship with the NSF and pleased to be among the Missouri institutions invited to submit a full proposal for the engines competition,” WashU Chancellor Andrew Martin said. “We’re grateful to the NSF for its consideration, as well as to Governor Parson and our partners in Jefferson City whose support allows us to push the boundaries of what’s possible to benefit all Missourians. We’re excited for the opportunity to contribute to our regional workforce ecosystem with this potential federal funding.”

    “We are proud that these four institutions are proposing innovative approaches to meet emerging technological needs of key industries,” Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development, said. “Their creative efforts support our employers and present expanded opportunities for Missourians to access family-sustaining jobs.”

    The four Missouri proposals are listed below:

    • Missouri S&T – Engine for Midwest Mobility Innovation and Technology
    • UMKC – Critical Materials Crossroads Energy Materials Ecosystem
    • UMSL – Reshoring KSM and API Manufacturing Through Innovation
    • WashU – Neuroscience Engine to Unlock Regional Opportunity

    Under the current NSF Engines funding opportunity, organizations were required to submit a letter of intent to demonstrate their interest in applying. NSF published data from the letters in July 2024. Teams were then required to submit preliminary proposals by August 6, describing how their proposed NSF Engines aim to build partnerships that will advance use-inspired and translational research in key technology areas and address pressing challenges while creating new pathways for the workforce in their regions. The 71 NSF Engines teams that have advanced will submit full proposals by February 2025.

    The NSF Engines program aims to foster cross-sector connections, particularly engaging organizations that may not typically work together or submit to NSF funding opportunities. Nonprofits, foundations, state and local governments, tribal nations, community organizations and investors have all expressed interest in connecting with emerging NSF Engines. By publishing the 71 invited teams, NSF aims to create opportunities across the U.S. for additional individuals and organizations to connect with prospective submitters (within one’s region of service and beyond) to share expertise, exchange resources, provide capital and more.

    About NSF Engines

    Launched by the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, the NSF Engines program envisions flourishing regional innovation ecosystems all across the country, providing a unique opportunity to accelerate technology development and spur economic growth in regions that have not fully participated in the technology boom of the past few decades. Each NSF Engine comprises robust partnerships rooted in scientific and technological innovation to positively impact the economy within a geographic region, address societal, national, and geostrategic challenges, and ultimately advance U.S. competitiveness and security.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: PCAST: Discussion and Consideration for Approval of PCAST Letter & Reports to the President

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    On November 1, 2024, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) will meet to discuss and consider for approval a letter to the President on The Value and Importance of Federal Research and Development as well as for the approval of reports to the President on A Review of the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program and Improving Groundwater Security in the U.S.

    For more information, please visit whitehouse.gov/PCAST/meetings.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncQL9SyuTHs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s New Edition of Graphic Novel Features Europa Clipper

    Source: NASA

    A new edition of Issue #4 of Astrobiology: The Story of our Search for Life in the Universe has been released to include the NASA Europa Clipper mission.
    NASA Astrobiology/Aaron Gronstal

    To celebrate the successful launch of NASA’s Europa Clipper mission, the agency’s Astrobiology program has released a new edition of Issue #4 – Missions to the Outer Solar System – of its graphic history series Astrobiology: The Story of our Search for Life in the Universe.

    Issue #4 tells the story of the outer solar system, from beyond the asteroid belt to the outer reaches of the Sun’s magnetic influence. Gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn are not habitable, but many of their moons raise questions about life’s potential far, far away from the warmth of the Sun.

    One such body is Jupiter’s moon Europa, which contains an ocean of liquid water beneath its icy surface. The Europa Clipper mission is designed to help scientists understand whether this ocean holds key ingredients that could support habitable environments for life as we know it. The spacecraft launched on Oct. 14 and will arrive at Jupiter in 2030.

    Additional content in the fourth edition of Issue #4 also includes ESA’s (European Space Agency) Juice (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer) mission, which will arrive in the Jovian system in 2031 and collect data on many of Jupiter’s moons, including Ganymede, Europa, Callisto, and Io, that is complementary to Europa Clipper’s investigation.

    Read more about how astrobiologists study the potential for life on worlds like Europa and the exciting data that Europa Clipper will gather by visiting NASA’s Astrobiology website and downloading the new edition.

    Digital wallpaper for phones, desktops, or meeting backgrounds that feature the new Europa Clipper artwork from Issue #4 are also available.

    This wallpaper image featuring NASA’s Europa Clipper mission uses artwork from Issue #4 of the astrobiology graphic history series, Astrobiology: The Story of our Search for Life in the Universe. The image of Jupiter in the background is adapted from imagery taken by NASA’s Juno Mission (Exotic Marble, 2019, NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Prateek Sarpal/©CCNCSA)
    NASA Astrobiology/Aaron Gronstal

    For more information on NASA’s Astrobiology program, visit:

    https://science.nasa.gov/astrobiology

    -end-

    Karen Fox / Molly Wasser

    Headquarters, Washington

    202-358-1600

    karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Bipartisan Colleagues Call on Mark Zuckerberg to Remove and Prevent Ads for Illicit Drugs on Meta Platforms

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    **Shaheen is building on her Cooper Davis Act and leading the push to crack down on drug trafficking through social media**
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, is leading a bipartisan letter with U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) calling on Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to take action to remove and prevent advertisements for illicit drugs on all Meta platforms. The letter builds on Shaheen and Marshall’s bipartisan Cooper Davis Act to hold social media companies accountable for reporting to law enforcement illicit drug and opioid activities occurring on their platforms. 
    In part, the Senators wrote: “The United States is in the midst of a drug epidemic, with more than 100,000 Americans dying from overdoses last year, and an alarming amount of these drugs are sold online. It is crucial that everyone work to ensure these illegal drugs are found and taken off the streets. Therefore, we call on Meta to improve its human automated advertising review and content moderation to address these failures that are placing lives at risk.”
    According to a Wall Street Journal report from earlier this year, the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) found that Meta has run hundreds of advertisements on Facebook and Instagram that steer users to online marketplaces for illegal drugs. The Shaheen-led letter urges Zuckerberg to support the Cooper Davis Act and work as quickly as possible to prevent further harm.
    The Senators continued: “When presented with these disturbing findings, Meta took down some advertisements off its platforms. However, Meta’s refusal to prevent illicit drug advertisements, while accepting advertisement payments that are harming families and in clear violation of Meta’s policies, is particularly alarming. Surely, this is not what Meta means when it states its ‘mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together.’”
    Text of the letter can be found here.
    Shaheen has spearheaded crucial legislation, led efforts and secured funding to stem the opioid epidemic. Earlier this week, the Senator held a roundtable with the Youth CAN coalition leadership team and community partners to discuss the organization’s work to prevent youth substance misuse in New Hampshire. Last month, Shaheen introduced the bipartisan Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act to strengthen efforts to address the substance misuse disorder crisis that is impacting communities across the nation by establishing a new grant program.
    The Cooper Davis Act would require social media companies and other communication service providers to turn over information relating to illicit online fentanyl activity to federal agencies to combat the illegal sale and distribution of counterfeit and controlled substances occurring on their platforms.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Significant Achievements made under Special Campaign 4.0 in Department of Health and Family Welfare

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Significant Achievements made under Special Campaign 4.0 in Department of Health and Family Welfare

    52,665 physical files reviewed, 31,659 physical files weeded out, 5,160 Public Grievances and 595 Appeals have been disposed of, Revenue of Rs.18,63,356 generated by selling of scrap materials and 1,433 Cleanliness Campaigns conducted

    Posted On: 01 NOV 2024 8:04PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW) launched Special Campaign 4.0 from October 2 to October 31, 2024, aimed at institutionalizing cleanliness (Swachhata) and reducing pending tasks across its headquarters, central government hospitals, attached offices, subordinate offices, autonomous bodies, and CPSUs nationwide.

    Under the leadership of Union Health Secretary Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, the campaign’s implementation was regularly reviewed to ensure efficiency and meet established targets.

    Key achievements during the campaign include the disposition of 25 references from Members of Parliament, 3 Parliamentary assurances, 5,160 public grievances, and 595 associated appeals, as well as the simplification of 45 rules and processes. Additionally, 52,665 physical files were reviewed, resulting in the weeding out of 31,659 files, and 12,428 e-files were reviewed, with 10,174 closed. The campaign also saw the conduct of 1,433 cleanliness campaigns across various offices, freeing up 40,742 sq. ft. of office space, and generating revenue amounting to ₹18,63,356 from the sale of scrap materials and e-waste. These activities reflect DoHFW’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and promoting a culture of cleanliness within its institutions.

    The progress of implementation phase of the campaign was uploaded daily on SCDPM portal (https://scdpm.nic.in) of the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG). Social media updates, PIB Statements and Best Practices were also uploaded on the portal by showcasing the progress in the campaign.

    Few highlights are as follows:

    On 16th October, 2024, Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) along with Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary reviewed the activities undertaken by DoHFW in ‘Special Campaign 4.0

     

    Training of Safai Mitras on ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ module on iGOT Platform was conducted on 23rd October, 2024 (chaired by Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary) as a part of the Karmayogi Saptah (National Learning Week) and Special Campaign 4.0

     

      

    During Special Campaign 4.0, ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ module was completed by more than 11,500 employees including officers on iGOT platform and more than 7,500 Safai Mitras in physical mode

     

    AIIMS, Jodhpur transforming plastic containers into planters which aims to minimize environmental impact of plastic while encouraging a culture of creativity and responsibility among staff

     

            

    Before                                  After

    Conversion of discarded chairs into functiona/ attractive benches and signage stands at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal to encourage upcycling

    DoHFW remain committed to the goals of Special Campaign 4.0 and will continue to contribute actively in the activities of the campaign even after the campaign ended on 31st October, 2024. It has been emphasised that with the combined efforts of all, lasting improvements in cleanliness and governance can be achieved.

    ***

    MV

    HFW/ Special Campaign 4.0 /01st November 2024/1

    (Release ID: 2070237) Visitor Counter : 25

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sh. Ashok K. K. Meena Assumes Charge as Secretary, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 01 NOV 2024 4:55PM by PIB Delhi

     

    Sh. Ashok Kumar Kaluram Meena, IAS (Odisha: 1993), assumed the charge as Secretary in the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, on 31.10.2024 at CGO Complex, New Delhi. Sh. Meena holds a B. Tech in Computer Science from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and M.A. in Economics from Annamalai University. He has done Master of International Development Policy (M.I.D.P) in Public Finance from Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy.

    Having more than 2 months transition period as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at DDWS, Sh. Meena embarks on his new stint as the Secretary of DDWS, Ministry of Jal Shakti. Prior to this, he served as Chairman &  MD of Food Corporation of India from 29th August 2022 to 16th August 2024.

    Sh. Meena was in central deputation from 20th April 2011 to 2nd August 2014, where he served in capacity of Joint Secretary, in the Ministry of Defence and Director (Vigilance), in the department of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.

    During his earlier central deputation tenure, from 3rd May 2001 to 31st July 2005, he served as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Commerce and Industry and other positions at Centre.

    Sh. Meena has served in various capacities in the State of Odisha including Principal Secretary, Finance, Panchayati Raj and Rural development etc.

    ****

    DSK

    (Release ID: 2070164) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Massachusetts could be the next state to get rid of the ‘subminimum wage’ for tipped workers

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jeannette Wicks-Lim, Research Professor, Political Economy Research Institute, UMass Amherst

    A Massachusetts ballot initiative would get rid of the state’s tipped minimum wage. AP Photo/Marta Lavandier

    The federal minimum wage for tipped workers has stood at US$2.13 an hour since 1991. Back then, it amounted to half the $4.25 regular minimum wage. But Congress has failed to increase the tipped minimum while periodically raising the regular wage floor. Today, the tipped rate is less than one-third of the $7.25 federal full minimum wage.

    As of October 2024, 30 states and Washington, D.C., had instituted their own, higher, regular minimum wages. The number of states taking this step keeps rising in part because Congress hasn’t raised the federal minimum wage since 2009. Over the years, many states have also adopted higher wages for tipped workers. Seven states have no tipped minimum wage at all, which means that employers must pay at least the state-mandated minimum wage to all workers, including those who earn tips.

    If Massachusetts voters approve a ballot initiative on Nov. 5, 2024, their state will gradually raise the state’s tipped minimum wage until it matches the state minimum wage. That is, it will rise from $6.75 to $15 per hour by 2029.

    Massachusetts would be joining eight states that require – or are on their way to requiring – the full minimum wage for tipped workers: Alaska, California, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Michigan. Two major cities, Chicago and Washington, D.C., have similar measures on their books, too.

    To inform the debate about tipped wages, we – a labor economist and a sociologist – analyzed the potential impacts of implementing a full minimum wage for workers, businesses and consumers in Massachusetts. We found more evidence of potential upsides than downsides.

    Tipped minimum earners’ demographics

    For our study, we analyzed labor market data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We found that tipped workers are largely waiters, bartenders, hosts and bussers employed in bars and restaurants. They tend to earn low wages. Most are women, and they are disproportionately people of color.

    In Massachusetts, tipped workers typically earn low pay: On average, they take home $20.30 per hour, including what they get in gratuities. That’s about two-thirds of the state average hourly pay of $31.50.

    About 66% of tipped workers are women, compared with 49% in the state’s workforce as a whole. Some 43% are people of color, compared with 29% of all people employed in Massachusetts.

    Teens also make up a disproportionate share of Massachusetts’ tipped workers: 15%, versus 4% for the broader workforce. But the vast majority of tipped workers are at least 20 years old.

    Arguments for and against

    Proponents argue that eliminating the tipped minimum wage would boost pay for tipped workers and better ensure that workers are not subjected to wage theft. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts wants the federal government to take this step.

    Opponents argue that scrapping the lower minimum wage could backfire for tipped workers if their customers give smaller tips once they know employers have to pay tipped workers more – or some jobs are eliminated. They also worry that business costs would spike, raising prices. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, opposes the measure.

    In Arizona, voters will cast their ballots on another ballot initiative that calls for a different type of tipped minimum wage reform. It calls for pegging the state’s tipped minimum wage to 25% below the full minimum wage. If approved, Arizona would effectively lower its tipped minimum wage, which currently stands at $11.35 an hour, to $10.76. Today, Arizona’s tipped minimum wage is $3.00 below the state’s full minimum wage of $14.35.

    Prone to wage theft

    When tipped workers’ base wages plus their tips do not add up to at least the state’s minimum wage, employers are supposed to make up the shortfall. This makes these workers particularly vulnerable to being underpaid, a form of wage theft.

    The consequences of this vulnerability are plain to see in restaurants and hotels. The hospitality industry, which employs the highest share of tipped workers, accounts for less than 6% of employed workers in Massachusetts.

    However, it accounts for nearly 14% of all complaints workers lodged with the Massachusetts attorney general’s office in 2023, including disproportionately high levels of complaints about minimum wage violations, the nonpayment of wages and tip violations.

    The hospitality industry also accounts for over 36% of all enforcement actions – investigations that produced evidence of labor violations – found by the Massachusetts attorney general’s office.

    The Massachusetts ballot initiative has stirred controversy in the state.

    Effects on earnings

    Two peer-reviewed economic studies that examined three decades of data found that tipped workers earn measurably more money as subminimum wage rates increase.

    Current wage rates that we observe in Bureau of Labor Statistics data reinforce those findings.

    Consider, for example, the $18.79 average hourly wage of tipped workers in states that treat tipped employees like other workers. This is 21.2% higher than the average $15.50 among tipped workers in states where the federal $2.13 subminimum wage remains in effect.

    Only part of this difference can be explained by the 15.7% difference in average wages for all workers in those different clusters of states.

    What could happen with business costs

    To be sure, more than doubling the $6.75 tipped rate in Massachusetts to $15.00 may sound like it could cause business costs to soar. A couple of factors, however, would soften the blow.

    First, we have calculated that the average tipped worker in Massachusetts restaurants earns about $11.75 an hour, before tips. Raising this rate to $15.00 is equal to a 28% increase – a much smaller lift than increasing the wage from $6.75 to $15.00. In addition, raising a worker’s wage from $11.75 to $15.00 by 2029 is equivalent to raising it to $13.00 in today’s dollars, or a 10% boost, after adjusting for projected inflation.

    Second, as we explained in our study, since tipped workers make up about 30% of Massachusetts restaurant workers, and the payrolls of these businesses typically amount to about 30% of their revenue, these numbers imply that eliminating the tipped minimum wage by 2029 would increase the average Massachusetts restaurant’s costs by 1%.

    Employers may also provide some other workers with raises, although they are not required to do so. That suggests the cost increase is more likely to be about double that, or 2% of sales.

    Expected impact on prices and jobs

    If the average Massachusetts restaurant were to pass its entire labor cost increase onto the consumer through higher prices, this would mean that restaurant prices would rise about 2%.

    This is equal to a $50 restaurant meal instead costing $51 – arguably a small price increase.

    The two studies mentioned above, which reviewed decades of data to see whether tipped workers earned more, also looked at whether businesses in states that increased their tipped minimum wage cut more jobs compared with businesses in states that didn’t.

    Although both research teams looked at basically the same data, one study found evidence of more job losses and the other did not, due to the different statistical choices they made. These studies, that is, produced inconclusive results about what raising the tipped minimum wage does to employment.

    There’s far more research on whether increasing the regular minimum wage has caused significant job losses. Studies have found that when it has gone up, employers have faced cost increases that are similar to what we’ve estimated for Massachusetts employers, if the state were to eliminate its tipped minimum wage. And that evidence points to no significant job losses.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Massachusetts could be the next state to get rid of the ‘subminimum wage’ for tipped workers – https://theconversation.com/massachusetts-could-be-the-next-state-to-get-rid-of-the-subminimum-wage-for-tipped-workers-242097

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: NASA’s SpaceX 31st Cargo Resupply Services Launch

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Watch the launch of a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft delivering science investigations, supplies, and holiday food to the International Space Station. The 31st SpaceX commercial resupply mission to the orbiting lab will lift off on a Falcon 9 rocket from our Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 9:29 p.m. EST, Monday, Nov. 4 (0229 UTC, Tuesday, Nov. 5).

    Dragon will carry several new experiments to the station, including the Coronal Diagnostic Experiment, to examine solar wind and how it forms. Dragon will also deliver Antarctic moss to observe the combined effects of cosmic radiation and microgravity on plants. Other investigations include a device to test cold welding of metals in microgravity, and an investigation that studies how space impacts different materials.

    More about the research aboard Dragon: https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/biological-physical-sciences/nasa-science-on-health-safety-to-launch-on-31st-spacex-resupply-mission/

    Credit: NASA

    #NASA #SpaceX #CRS31 #SpaceStation

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q27yY-W1cr8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom reaches agreement with La Habra Heights on violations of state housing law

    Source: US State of California 2

    Nov 1, 2024

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have reached a settlement with La Habra Heights to bring the city into compliance with state housing law.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the state has entered into a stipulated judgment with the City of La Habra Heights, putting the city on an expedited timeline to submit a compliant housing element to the Department of Housing and Community Development. The new housing plan must create 244 housing units, including at least 164 that are affordable to low or very-low-income households.

    “No more excuses — every community has a responsibility to create housing and to help reduce homelessness. I am pleased that La Habra Heights has come to the table and agreed to meet their housing goals for a community that desperately needs more affordable homes.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “The City of La Habra Heights has done the right thing. Instead of continuing to skirt California’s housing laws, it will finally be complying with its legal obligation to plan for 244 housing units,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “My office will not let up: no matter the size of the city or county, we will not rest until every local government in California plans for the future and does its part to tackle our housing crisis.” 

    The City of La Habra Heights is designated as a high opportunity jurisdiction by the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee and California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Opportunity Area 2024 map, indicating access to good schools, less pollution, and jobs—all factors that impact long-term success for families with children. However, the city currently has only single-family homes, with no multifamily housing and zero affordable units.

    The deadline for the City of La Habra Heights to adopt a compliant housing element was October 2021. 

    After repeated attempts to assist the city to come into compliance, HCD’s Housing Accountability Unit — launched by Governor Newsom in 2021 — issued a Notice of Violation on March 19, 2024. HCD then worked with the Attorney General’s Office to reach today’s agreement with La Habra Heights.

    Despite the agreement, until La Habra Heights fulfills its obligations under the agreement, the city remains subject to the “Builder’s Remedy” and cannot refuse to permit certain affordable housing projects. The city also remains ineligible to receive key state housing and homelessness funds.

    HCD, through the Attorney General’s Office, has now entered into five agreements over housing element compliance. The previous four were San Bernardino, Coronado, Malibu, and Fullerton.

    “This latest agreement is a key example of why it is so important that every city, big and small, is held accountable for doing its fair share to address the statewide housing need,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “When La Habra Heights adopts a compliant housing element, it will — for the first time ever — make land available for multifamily and affordable housing, creating a path to opportunity for more families in this high-resource community.”

    All state and local public agencies must take deliberate action to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing — combating disparities resulting from past patterns of segregation. Increasing supply of multifamily housing expands access to fair housing for lower-income and historically disadvantaged groups, in turn fostering more inclusive communities. 

    More housing. More accountability.

    Since taking office, Governor Newsom has invested $40 billion in housing production. The state has also invested over $27 billion to help communities address homelessness.

    Governor Newsom championed the creation of the Housing Accountability Unit at HCD to ensure cities and counties fulfill their legal responsibilities to plan and permit their fair share of housing. This focus on accountability has, in part, led to a 15-year high in housing starts in California. Since its establishment, the Housing Accountability Unit has supported the development of 7,513 housing units, including 2,765 affordable units, through enforcement actions and by working with local jurisdictions to ensure compliance with housing law. 

    Addressing the homelessness crisis 

    Today’s action also follows the Governor’s recent executive order urging local governments to quickly address encampments and provide individuals experiencing homelessness with the care, compassion, and support they need. Earlier this month, the Governor announced  $130.7 million in new funding for local communities to help people experiencing homelessness in dangerous encampments, paired with robust accountability measures.

    California recently announced 37 new grant awards totaling more than $827 million to help more than 100 local communities and organizations create long-term solutions to address homelessness, with strong accountability and transparency measures and clear expectations to ensure that local strategies to address homelessness are measurable and effective. 

    Recent news

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    Oct 31, 2024

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Election anxiety doesn’t need to win − here are 3 science-backed strategies from a clinical psychologist to rein in the stress

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Shannon Sauer-Zavala, Associate Professor of Psychology & Licensed Clinical Psychologist, University of Kentucky

    The world won’t end if you stop scrolling. georgeclerk/E+ via Getty Images

    Uncertainty about the election getting to you? Is anxiety the dominant feature of your emotional landscape, maybe with a small sprinkling of impending doom?

    You are not alone. A recent survey found 69% of American adults are seriously stressed about the 2024 presidential election.

    It’s difficult not to be worked up about politics in today’s polarized climate. Regardless of which side of the political aisle you sit on, you may find yourself glued to your browser or TV, gobbling up every tiny tidbit of news and feeling your stress levels skyrocket.

    I’m a psychologist who develops and tests strategies for combating anxiety. As I constantly tell my stressed-out clients, when it comes to election news, there’s a fine line between being well informed and being oversaturated with information.

    If you’re ready to short-circuit your stress spiral, here are three science-backed strategies for coping with anxiety in times of uncertainty.

    Approach your emotions with mindfulness

    Being mindful refers to the quality of awareness you bring to your experiences – specifically, nonjudgmental attention focused on what’s happening right now.

    Mindfulness practices originated in Eastern spiritual traditions, including Buddhism. Over the past several decades, mindfulness has gained popularity as a powerful tool for managing anxiety. For instance, meditation apps such as Headspace and Calm incorporate it. Even if meditation isn’t your thing, though, you can still apply nonjudgmental awareness, focused on the present, to election-related anxiety.

    Be present. Anxiety can draw you into an uncomfortable spiral of “what-ifs” about the future. When you make a point to be present, you remind yourself what is actually happening right now, rather than letting hypothetical fears take over.

    Although you may have serious concerns about the fate of the nation, those outcomes have not yet come to bear. As I tell my patients, “We’ll cross that bridge if we come to it. For now, focus on the step right in front of you.”

    If you notice yourself getting carried away by thoughts of the future, you can pull yourself back to the present by bringing awareness to simple sensations – the feel of your feet on the floor, the rhythm of your breath, or the sounds around you – and remind yourself that you are safe in the current moment.

    Pay nonjudgmental attention. Many people are hard on themselves for feeling strong emotions. This critical mindset might look like telling yourself that you’re overreacting, or that it’s weak to let others see that you’re upset. You might even view that uncomfortable feeling in the pit of your stomach as evidence that negative outcomes are right around the corner.

    Making judgments about your emotions only serves to make you feel worse. In fact, researchers find that pushing away emotions or beating yourself up for having them leads to more frequent and stronger anxiety.

    Instead, try giving yourself a break. Tell yourself, “This election is high stakes, so it makes sense I’m anxious.” Then, notice if your anxiety is driven by a fear about the future, and bring yourself back to the present.

    Pull your thoughts back to the here and now.
    supersizer/E+ via Getty Images

    Get flexible with your thinking

    Cognitive flexibility is the ability to shift away from rigid, all-or-nothing thinking about the future.

    When people are anxious, they tend to focus on the worst-case scenario. For example, you might be telling yourself, “With this candidate in office, things will be terrible and I won’t be able to cope.”

    In this scenario, I encourage my patients to move past that initial thought of how awful it will be and instead consider exactly how they will respond to the inauguration, the next day, week, month and so on.

    Cognitive flexibility allows you to explore how you will cope, even in the face of a negative outcome, helping you feel a bit less out of control. If you’re experiencing a lot of anxiety about the election, try thinking through what you’d do if the undesirable candidate takes office – thoughts like “I’ll donate to causes that are important to me” and “I’ll attend protests.”

    Choose your actions with intention

    Another tool for managing your anxiety is to consider whether your behaviors are affecting how you feel.

    Remember, for instance, the goal of 24-hour news networks is to increase ratings. It’s in their interest to keep you riveted to your screens by making it seem like important announcements are imminent. As a result, it may feel difficult to disconnect and take part in your usual self-care behavior.

    Try telling yourself, “If something happens, someone will text me,” and go for a walk or, better yet, to bed. Keeping up with healthy habits can help reduce your vulnerability to uncontrolled anxiety.

    It’s not on your shoulders to solve every single problem in the world.
    AP Photo/John Hanna

    Post-Election Day, you may continue to feel drawn to the news and motivated to show up – whether that means donating, volunteering or protesting – for a variety of causes you think will be affected by the election results. Many people describe feeling guilty if they say no or disengage, leading them to overcommit and wind up overwhelmed.

    If this sounds like you, try reminding yourself that taking a break from politics to cook, engage with your family or friends, get some work done or go to the gym does not mean you don’t care. In fact, keeping up with the activities that fuel you will give you the energy to contribute to important causes more meaningfully.

    Shannon Sauer-Zavala receives funding from the National Institute of Mental Health.

    – ref. Election anxiety doesn’t need to win − here are 3 science-backed strategies from a clinical psychologist to rein in the stress – https://theconversation.com/election-anxiety-doesnt-need-to-win-here-are-3-science-backed-strategies-from-a-clinical-psychologist-to-rein-in-the-stress-242717

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS concludes Riyadh trip

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan completed the final day of his visit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday by participating in several events at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) with his delegation.

    Speaking at a themed session at the conference, Mr Chan highlighted that Hong Kong is actively developing as an international centre for green tech and green finance, contributing to the future of the New Silk Road.

    Also during the FII, Mr Chan witnessed the signing of co-operation agreements between a number of Hong Kong organisations and enterprises with their Saudi counterparts.

    Among such agreements are a memorandum of understanding between the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund to jointly establish a new investment fund of up to US$ 1 billion and a pact between the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation and the FII Institute to join the institute’s investment ecosystem.

    Earlier in the day, the Financial Secretary attended the listing ceremony of the SAB Invest Hang Seng Hong Kong Exchange Traded Fund at the Saudi Exchange.

    The product, developed in collaboration with Saudi Awwal Bank’s subsidiary, SAB Invest, provides Middle East investors with opportunities to invest in Hong Kong’s capital markets.

    After concluding his visit, Mr Chan departed for Hong Kong last night and is scheduled to arrive in the city this afternoon.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: EDB announces Saint Francis University becomes university of applied sciences

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    EDB announces Saint Francis University becomes university of applied sciences
    EDB announces Saint Francis University becomes university of applied sciences
    *****************************************************************************

         The Education Bureau (EDB) today (November 1) announced that Saint Francis University (SFU), having successfully gone through a stringent institutional review by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) and fulfilled all relevant criteria as confirmed by the EDB, has become a university of applied sciences (UAS).      An EDB spokesman said, “The Government actively promotes the development of UASs to enhance the status of vocational and professional education and training (VPET) at the degree level and provide an alternative pathway to success for young people. The EDB is pleased that SFU has demonstrated its vision, commitment, capabilities and experience in providing high-level VPET programmes in close collaboration with relevant industries, and has successfully gone through the stringent review by the HKCAAVQ and met all of the relevant criteria, becoming the second UAS in Hong Kong.”                                              In assessing SFU’s application for becoming a UAS, the Government has taken into account relevant factors, including the outcome of the institutional review for UAS by the HKCAAVQ, and SFU’s experience in operating applied degree programmes and other VPET programmes. The institutional review by the HKCAAVQ focuses on the commitment and competence of SFU to operate as a UAS at both institutional and programme levels, based on three domains, namely governance, management and quality assurance; learning environment and learner support; and industry collaboration and recognition.       SFU was founded as the Caritas Francis Hsu College. It began offering degree programmes and changed its name to the Caritas Institute of Higher Education in 2011, and was conferred a university title and was approved to change its name to SFU in January 2024. In the 2024/25 academic year, SFU offers two master’s degree programmes, 13 bachelor’s degree programmes (including two applied degree programmes) and four higher diploma programmes, with about 3 800 full-time and 800 part-time students in total.      Similar to the Hong Kong Metropolitan University, the first UAS in Hong Kong, SFU is subject to ongoing reviews by the HKCAAVQ to ensure further development of its maturity and competency as a UAS. It is also required to submit annual progress reports to the EDB.          To bolster the UAS development, as announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”, the Government has allocated a start-up fund of $100 million to support UASs and aspiring institutions to establish an UAS alliance this year to embark on joint promotion with the industries and stakeholders, including organising international conferences, strengthening collaboration with applied sciences institutions from other places and initiating collaboration and research on applied education at the post-secondary level. Priority will be accorded to eligible programmes of a UAS for inclusion under the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors and eligible applications from UASs when considering applications for relevant support measures, including the EDB’s Quality Enhancement Support Scheme and Enhancement and Start-up Grant Scheme for Self-financing Post-secondary Education.           Self-financing post-secondary institutions planning to apply for becoming a UAS should have a university title and possess the vision, commitment, capabilities and experience in operating an institution that embodies the key features of a UAS, including: (a) the vision, maturity and capability in providing high-level VPET programmes ranging from Levels 5 to 7 under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework, blending theory and practice with substantial workplace learning and assessment, having flexibilities in curriculum design, admission and delivery mode, and having recognition and support from industries and professions; and (b) the experience in providing (an) applied degree programme(s) in at least one area of applied sciences for which it has attained the programme area accreditation or self-accrediting status, and the commitment to developing and providing more applied degree programmes.                                                The relevant criteria and application procedures are set out in the Manual for Institutional Review for UAS on the HKCAAVQ website (www.hkcaavq.edu.hk/en/accreditation/institutional_review/). Applications are accepted all year round. Eligible institutions may apply for combining the institutional review for becoming a private university and that for a UAS, subject to the EDB’s approval.

     
    Ends/Friday, November 1, 2024Issued at HKT 14:08

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko discussed bilateral cooperation with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov. The parties discussed current issues of Russian-Uzbek cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov.

    Meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    November 1, 2024

    Meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    November 1, 2024

    Meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    November 1, 2024

    Meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    November 1, 2024

    Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov

    November 1, 2024

    In the presence of Dmitry Chernyshenko and Umid Shadiev, Acting Rector of the Russian State University of Tourism and Service Ambartsum Galustov and First Vice-Rector for Administrative Affairs of the Silk Road International University of Tourism Dilmurod Nasimov signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between universities for the development of joint educational programs in the field of tourism

    November 1, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    The Prime Minister of the Republic emphasized that cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia is developing on the principles of comprehensive strategic partnership and allied relations.

    “This has been achieved thanks to the strong political will and trusting relations between the presidents of the two states – the respected Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev and the respected Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. The state visit of the President of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Uzbekistan on May 26-28, 2024 and the agreements reached opened a new milestone in our multifaceted cooperation. Under the direct leadership of the respected heads of state, the first meeting of the Council of Regions of Uzbekistan and Russia was held in Tashkent, which was attended by a representative delegation from 26 regions of Russia, of which 22 regions were represented by their heads,” said Abdulla Aripov.

    For his part, Dmitry Chernyshenko expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Abdulla Aripov for the warm welcome in Uzbekistan.

    The Russian Deputy Prime Minister noted that, despite the difficulties caused by sanctions and turbulence in the global economy, trade, economic and investment ties between Russia and Uzbekistan are developing dynamically, and an effective intergovernmental dialogue has been established.

    The countries are working systematically on the basis of an intergovernmental comprehensive economic cooperation program for 2022–2026.

    Last year, mutual trade turnover between Russia and Uzbekistan grew by 11.5% and reached 823 billion rubles.

    In order to develop investment cooperation, the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia has prepared proposals for the implementation of 30 tourism investment projects in Russia.

    During the negotiations, the parties focused on discussing cooperation in the fields of science, education, youth policy, tourism and sports.

    “Our presidents pay great attention to the development of fruitful cooperation. Uzbekistan is the leader in the number of branches of Russian universities abroad, implementing projects within the framework of the state programs “Priority-2030″, advanced engineering schools. The success of the branches is ensured, among other things, by close ties with industrial partners,” Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized.

    During his visit to the republic, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister also held a meeting with the Chairman of the Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan Umid Shadiev. At the meeting, the parties discussed measures to increase mutual tourist flow and implement the action plan in the tourism sector.

    Last year, the mutual tourist flow between the countries doubled. This became possible due to the active work of the departments, including increasing the frequency of regular flights.

    In 2024, the Year of Tourism of Uzbekistan in Russia will be held. Participation of businesses in key Russian tourism exhibitions is ensured.

    Umid Shadiev noted that Uzbekistan feels support from Russia, thanked for cooperation and proposed to intensify internships and exchanges of tourism personnel.

    Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov, who was present at the meeting, spoke about the main points of attraction for travelers in the Far East.

    “In the Far East, tourism projects are aimed at both domestic and foreign tourism. Today, about 420 investment projects are being implemented here and in the Arctic. There is great interest, which makes it possible to work at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, to offer tourism products to Asian guests. If we take into account the legendary Uzbek hospitality and cuisine, we can create a unique offer that will be mutually beneficial and will allow us to strengthen ties. I invite you to the Far East to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum,” said Alexey Chekunkov.

    In the presence of Dmitry Chernyshenko and Umid Shadiev, Acting Rector of the Russian State University of Tourism and Service Ambartsum Galustov and First Vice-Rector for Administrative Affairs of the Silk Road International University of Tourism Dilmurod Nasimov signed a memorandum of cooperation between the universities for the development of joint educational programs in the field of tourism.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –