Category: Transport

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets Senate President Alvina Reynolds and Speaker Claudius J. Francis of Saint Lucia

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai meets Senate President Alvina Reynolds and Speaker Claudius J. Francis of Saint Lucia
President Lai meets Senate President Alvina Reynolds and Speaker Claudius J. Francis of Saint Lucia
2024-10-08

On the morning of October 8, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Senate President Alvina Reynolds and Speaker Claudius J. Francis of Saint Lucia. In remarks, President Lai thanked the delegation for joining us to mark our National Day celebration, demonstrating the friendly relations between the governments and parliaments of our two countries. The president noted that Saint Lucia is one of Taiwan’s key allies in the Caribbean, and that over the years, our diplomatic alliance has continued to deepen as our bilateral cooperation in several areas has yielded fruitful results. He stated that going forward, Taiwan will continue to promote values-based diplomacy and economic diplomacy, and he expressed his hope that we will continue to enhance the well-being of our peoples and contribute more to global peace and prosperity.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I extend a warm welcome to Senate President Reynolds and Speaker Francis as they visit Taiwan once again. It is a pleasure to have you and your delegation join us to mark our National Day Celebration. Your presence demonstrates the friendly relations between the governments and parliaments of our two countries.
Saint Lucia is one of Taiwan’s key allies in the Caribbean. It has continued to voice support and call for Taiwan’s international participation at numerous international venues, including the Central American Parliament and the General Debate during this year’s United Nations General Assembly. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the government and parliament of Saint Lucia.
Taiwan and Saint Lucia share such universal values as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Over the years, our diplomatic alliance has continued to deepen. At the same time, bilateral cooperation in such areas as the economy, agriculture, and education has yielded fruitful results. In working toward post-pandemic economic recovery, Taiwan and Saint Lucia have cooperated on promoting vocational training and empowerment projects for women and the youth. This has helped enhance industrial processing technology, boosted the competitiveness of goods, and created even more job opportunities.
Furthermore, with regard to the cultivation of talent, Taiwan’s youth ambassadors visited Saint Lucia last year and shared their experiences with local students. I thank Senate President Reynolds and Speaker Francis for their warm reception of our students. And I believe that the ongoing promotion of bilateral projects designed to nurture talent will facilitate even more cooperation and exchanges.
In closing, I want to thank you all for your longstanding support for our diplomatic relations. Going forward, Taiwan will continue to promote values-based diplomacy, strengthening ties with Saint Lucia. We will also engage in economic diplomacy, spurring further industrial development together with our democratic partners and Saint Lucia for the benefit of our peoples. Let us move forward together as we continue to enhance the well-being of our peoples and contribute more to global peace and prosperity.
Senate President Reynolds then delivered remarks, first extending greetings to President Lai from the government, people, and members of parliament of Saint Lucia. She extended sincere congratulations to President Lai on his election success, expressing her confidence that he will lead this great country into realizing greater success.
Senate President Reynolds remarked that it is her distinct honor to be back in our beautiful country once again, this time to join with us as we celebrate our 113th anniversary of National Day. She noted that they celebrate our great advancements in education, technology, trade and manufacturing, community development, health and wellness, arts and culture, climate, smart agriculture, sustainable development, and our values in diplomacy.
Senate President Reynolds pointed out that their visit is more than a symbol of the warm and friendly relations that Taiwan and Saint Lucia have enjoyed for many years; it is also a celebration and a reaffirmation of the deep diplomatic bonds that have existed between our peoples. Over the years, this partnership has significantly impacted the lives of Saint Lucians, especially the women, children, and persons with disabilities who are the most vulnerable among them.
On behalf of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and the government and people of Saint Lucia, Senate President Reynolds offered their profound gratitude for Taiwan’s kind generosity over the years. She added that as Taiwan prospers and shares selflessly with the rest of the world, Saint Lucia has also benefited. Taiwan’s kind gestures, she noted, contribute to improving the lives and livelihoods of so many Saint Lucians.
As a former minister for health and member of parliament in Saint Lucia, Senate President Reynolds said that she was able to see firsthand the significant contributions that Taiwan has made and continues to make to Saint Lucia’s health sector. This includes, she said, the scholarships Taiwan offers to many young Saint Lucians to pursue studies in the field of medicine. She added that Taiwan has also offered opportunities for biomedical, health promotion, and health technology training, and that it has given professional assistance for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.
In closing, Senate President Reynolds once again expressed gratitude to the people of Taiwan. Stating that she looks forward to us continuing to work together for the further growth and development of the peoples of Saint Lucia and Taiwan, she wished Taiwan a happy National Day.
Speaker Francis then delivered remarks, saying that he is honored to extend heartfelt congratulations to President Lai on his election as president. He said he is confident that in assuming this role of leadership, President Lai will guide our nation toward prosperity, peace, and progress. The speaker noted that Taiwan has long been a beacon of democracy, innovation, and resilience, and that it is a shining example to nations across the globe. He added that our strides in areas such as technology, healthcare, and sustainable development have not only elevated Taiwan’s standing but have also inspired admiration and respect worldwide.
Speaker Francis expressed gratitude on behalf of the government and people of Saint Lucia for the unwavering support that Taiwan has extended to their nation. Through partnerships in healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, Taiwan has stood by them, he said, fostering growth and enriching the lives of all Saint Lucians. He emphasized that Taiwan’s generosity and friendship have made a tangible difference in Saint Lucia, enabling them to achieve significant milestones and overcome challenges together. That spirit of collaboration between our two nations, he noted, serves as a testament to the enduring bonds of solidarity and shared values that unite us.
Speaker Francis stated that the resilience and determination demonstrated by Taiwan in the face of global challenges exemplify the spirit of leadership and compassion that defines a true partner on the world stage. The speaker expressed his hope that we will reaffirm our commitment to working hand in hand towards a brighter, more inclusive future for both of our countries, and that together we can forge paths of progress, equity, and sustainability that leave a lasting impact on generations to come. He then expressed his wish for our partnership to continue to flourish, nurturing a legacy of friendship for both Taiwan and Saint Lucia.
Also in attendance at the meeting was Saint Lucia Senator Embert Charles. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Saint Lucia Ambassador Robert Kennedy Lewis.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Angola: US President Biden must demand immediate release of five arbitrarily detained government critics

Source: Amnesty International –

During his visit to Angola from 13 to 15 October, US President Joe Biden must demand Angolan President João Lourenço and his government immediately release five government critics arbitrarily detained for more than a year, four of whom have been tortured through deliberate denial of medical care, Amnesty International said.

President Biden must also demand President Lourenço and his government stop the four-year crackdown on peaceful protests which has killed dozens of people, including children, and seen more than 100 arbitrarily arrested during demonstrations. Angolan authorities must respect the rights of all people in the country.

“In President João Lourenço’s Angola, anyone who publicly criticizes the government risks arrest, torture or even death. If human rights are central to President Biden’s foreign policy, then he must demand Angola’s government immediately and unconditionally free the five arbitrarily detained government critics and end the crackdown on the right to protest,” said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International Senior Director for Regional Human Rights Impact.

Police arrested Adolfo Campos, Hermenegildo Victor (known as Gildo das Ruas), Abraão Pedro Santos (known as Pensador) and Gilson Moreira (known as Tanaice Neutro) ahead of a protest against high fuel prices in September 2023. One month earlier, police arrested social media influencer Ana da Silva Miguel (known as Neth Nahara) after she broadcast a live TikTok video criticizing President Lourenço. Neth Nahara is featured in this year’s Write for Rights, Amnesty International’s biggest human rights campaign.

If human rights are central to President Biden’s foreign policy, then he must demand Angola’s government immediately and unconditionally free the five arbitrarily detained government critics and end the crackdown on the right to protest.

Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International Senior Director for Regional Human Rights Impact

Prison authorities have denied urgent medical care, including surgery, to Campos, Gildo das Ruas and Tanaice Neutro as their health has deteriorated, amounting to torture. They also held Tanaice in solitary confinement for 36 days. Prison guards prevented Neth Nahara from accessing her daily antiretroviral medication for the first eight months of her detention.

MIL OSI NGO –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Growing nuclear industry and recent acquisition continue to strengthen Calian nuclear results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

OTTAWA, Ontario, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Calian Group Ltd. (TSX: CGY) has announced it secured a number of new contracts in the fourth quarter for its nuclear and environmental services division, marking significant growth in the last quarter of FY2024 ending on September 30. The new contracts—19 in total—represent a 58% increase over Q3 FY2024, primarily driven by the successful integration of MDA’s nuclear assets and strong organic growth.

The acquisition of MDA’s nuclear division in March 2024 has allowed Calian to capitalize on increased synergies across its nuclear business, through the addition of engineering, tooling and robotics expertise, enhancing its capacity to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end solutions for Canada’s growing nuclear sector. The new contracts span major new nuclear projects in Ontario, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, supporting life-extension programs for Canada’s existing nuclear facilities and support for next-generation technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs). This expansion has also led to a doubling of the division’s workforce to meet the growing demand for FY2025.

“The integration of MDA’s nuclear assets has been pivotal in expanding our capabilities and market reach within the nuclear sector,” said Patrick Houston, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Development Officer, Calian. “This strategic acquisition has enabled us to deliver more robust and comprehensive solutions for our clients, further strengthening Calian’s position as a leader in nuclear services. Our Q4 contract signings highlight the increasing trust that our clients place in us to provide cutting-edge, safe and reliable solutions in an industry critical to achieving global sustainability goals.”

The global nuclear energy market continues to grow, driven by the demand for clean, sustainable energy to address climate change. In Canada, the federal government’s 2024 budget reinforced its commitment to nuclear energy as a key tool in reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Calian’s nuclear and environmental services division is committed to supporting this national effort, particularly in delivering advanced solutions for reactor refurbishments and SMR developments.

“Calian is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of Canada’s nuclear sector,” said Hani Al Anid, Vice President, Calian Nuclear. “With our expertise and highly skilled team, we can continue to meet the vital demands of our current and future customers and support the needs of both existing and next-generation nuclear projects in Canada and around the world.”

Calian’s nuclear and environmental services division provides a comprehensive range of services covering the entire nuclear lifecycle. This includes safety analysis, licensing, emergency preparedness, environmental protection, decommissioning, waste management, and cutting-edge systems engineering and robotics. As an approved supplier for all CANDU nuclear utilities in Canada, Calian’s nuclear and environmental services division has a proven track record of ensuring the safety and sustainability of Canada’s nuclear infrastructure for over 25 years.

To learn more, visit the Calian nuclear and environmental services web page on calian.com.

About Calian
http://www.calian.com
We keep the world moving forward. Calian® helps people communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives. Every day, our employees live our values of customer commitment, integrity, innovation, respect and teamwork to engineer reliable solutions that solve complex challenges. That’s Confidence. Engineered. A stable and growing 40-year company, we are headquartered in Ottawa with offices and projects spanning North American, European and international markets. Visit calian.com to learn about innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions.

Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Media inquiries:
media@calian.com
613-599-8600 x 2298

Investor Relations inquiries:
ir@calian.com

DISCLAIMER
Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company’s most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.

Calian · Head Office · 770 Palladium Drive · Ottawa · Ontario · Canada · K2V 1C8
Tel: 613.599.8600 · Fax: 613-592-3664 · General info email: info@calian.com

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Lindsay Grider Joins Braemont Capital as Partner and Head of Capital Partnerships

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DALLAS, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Braemont Capital (“Braemont” or the “Firm”), a relationship-driven investment firm that partners with exceptional companies at growth inflection points, today announced that Lindsay Grider has joined the Firm as Partner and Head of Capital Partnerships. Ms. Grider will lead Braemont’s capital formation, fundraising, and investor engagement initiatives, as well as continued strategy development.

Ms. Grider comes to Braemont with nearly two decades of experience building fundraising and investor relations programs as well as developing fund formation and strategy initiatives. She previously served as Global Head of Fundraising and Investor Relations at Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (“LLCP”) where she led investor engagement, capital raising and strategic marketing efforts. Prior to joining LLCP, Ms. Grider was Head of Investor Relations for Tailwater Capital and Director of Investor Relations at NGP Energy Capital Management.

Robert Covington, Founder and Managing Partner, said, “Lindsay is one of the most respected investor relations professionals in our industry and will bring a wealth of experience, insight and innovation to both our capital raising and the strategic leadership of our firm. Lindsay brings a long track record of serving as a trusted partner to investors all over the world and her addition furthers Braemont’s commitment to serving as the preferred partner for families and founders and for our investors for years to come. We are delighted to welcome her to the Firm.”

Ms. Grider commented, “I am thrilled to join Robert and the Braemont team at such an exciting time. Braemont is known for its distinct investing approach and commitment to its partners, and I continue to be impressed with what the team has been able to achieve in such a short period. I look forward to working closely with the Firm’s network to execute fundraising and co-investment strategies to support our investments and drive excellent outcomes for all our partners.”

Ms. Grider previously worked as Director at Sterling Stamos and began her career at Citigroup and Wachovia Securities in their investment banking divisions. She serves as a Senior Advisor to 3P Energy Capital and has served on the boards of several industry and charitable organizations at a local and national level. She holds a B.A. in International Commerce from Vanderbilt University.

About Braemont Capital
Braemont Capital is a relationship-driven investment firm focused on partnering with founders, families and ownership-minded management teams to invest in exceptional companies at growth inflection points. Our firm is differentiated by the combination of an experienced team, extensive industry partner network and a flexible, long-term capital base. We are growth-oriented and seek to generate superior outcomes through entrepreneurial business-building initiatives. Our capital base enables us to be flexible in structuring and holding investments to execute these initiatives and create enduring value. For more information, please visit: http://www.Braemont.com or http://www.linkedin.com/company/braemont-capital.

The information contained herein has been prepared solely for informational purposes and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any investment strategy and may not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Braemont Capital Management, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

For Braemont media inquiries, please contact:
Gagnier Communications
Dan Gagnier
Braemont@gagnierfc.com

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Greenbacker broadens fundraising capabilities with new senior business development hires

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greenbacker Capital Management (“GCM” and, together with its affiliates, “Greenbacker”), an energy transition-focused investment manager, is pleased to announce that it has expanded its distribution and fundraising capabilities, particularly in markets where Greenbacker is seeing increasing investor demand for sustainable investments. As senior members of the business development team, Adam Evans, CAIA, CIMA and John Hennessey broaden Greenbacker’s ability to offer individual and institutional investors the opportunity—across all distribution channels—to participate in the energy transition.

“With Greenbacker’s evolving set of strategies, the timing couldn’t be better to add these two individuals, and their wealth of experience, to the distribution side of our business,” said Brandon Praznik, Greenbacker’s Executive Vice President of Business Development. “The strategic additions of Adam and John bolster our capital raising efforts as Greenbacker seeks to execute on its growth targets and capitalize on the energy transition opportunity set for our investors.”

Evans is an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience distributing financial services products to institutional and retail investors. As a senior vice president on Greenbacker’s business development team, he is responsible for the distribution of company strategies through all distribution channels in the Central US. Prior to Greenbacker, Evans served as a director within the financial institutions group at Lazard Asset Management, before which he held the role of business development director at Cushing Asset Management. In both roles, Evans was responsible for distributing firm strategies to the registered investment advisor (“RIA”), bank trust, and family office channels, including securing investment in new strategies.

Hennessey is a seasoned business development professional, bringing to Greenbacker 15 years of experience marketing and distributing investment strategies to the RIA, family office, and institutional channels. As a vice president on Greenbacker’s business development team, he is responsible for the distribution of company strategies through all channels, with a focus on the Southeastern US. Previously in his career, Hennessey served as a director at Chicago Atlantic Group and a vice president at Merit Hill Capital; at both firms, he was responsible for business development, covering the RIA, family office, and institutional channels.

The two join the company during a period of expansion and transformation for Greenbacker. Greenbacker’s latest quarterly results highlight substantial year-over-year growth in revenue and clean power production, as well as a 30% increase in fee-earning AUM,¹ bringing the total to $762 million. As of the end of the second quarter, the company’s aggregate AUM² had reached $3.7 billion.

Greenbacker also recently expanded its investments team following the launch of GCM’s fourth sustainability-driven investment strategy, focused on Energy Transition Real Estate. Earlier this year, Greenbacker announced it added three new members to its leadership team, including a new Chief Financial Officer and the newly created Head of Infrastructure and Head of Capital Markets positions. Late last year, the company expanded its private equity investment team, adding a managing director to its Greenbacker Development Opportunities (“GDEV”) strategy, which invests in growth-stage sustainable infrastructure development platforms.

GCM serves as the SEC-registered investment manager to four energy transition-focused investment strategies. Greenbacker remains committed to empowering a sustainable future by putting investor capital to work in the energy transition asset class. As of June 30, 2024, Greenbacker’s fleet of clean energy projects has produced over 10.7 million MWh of clean power³ since 2016, abating nearly 7.5 million metric tons of carbon⁴ and conserving approximately 7.4 billion gallons of water,⁵ compared to the amount of water needed to produce the same amount of power by burning coal.

About Greenbacker Capital Management
Greenbacker Capital Management LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser that provides advisory and oversight services related to project development, acquisition, and operations in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability industries. For more information, please visit https://greenbackercapital.com.

About Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company
Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC is a publicly reporting, non-traded limited liability sustainable infrastructure company that both acquires and manages income-producing renewable energy and other energy-related businesses, including solar and wind farms, and provides investment management services to other renewable energy investment vehicles. We seek to acquire and operate high-quality projects that sell clean power under long-term contracts to high-creditworthy counterparties such as utilities, municipalities, and corporations. We are long-term owner-operators, who strive to be good stewards of the land and responsible members of the communities in which we operate. Greenbacker conducts its investment management business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Greenbacker Capital Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. We believe our focus on power production and asset management creates value that we can then pass on to our shareholders—while facilitating the transition toward a clean energy future. For more information, please visit https://greenbackercapital.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. Although Greenbacker believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. Greenbacker undertakes no obligation to update and forward-looking statement contained herein to conform to actual results or changes in its expectations.

Greenbacker media contact
Chris Larson
Media Communications
646.569.9532
c.larson@greenbackercapital.com

¹ Fee-earning AUM represents the asset base upon which management fee revenue is earned from GCM’s managed funds. The financial and portfolio metrics set forth herein are unaudited and subject to change.
² Aggregate AUM includes GREC and GCM’s managed funds. AUM represents the underlying fair value of investments, determined generally in accordance with ASC 820, cash and cash equivalents and project level debt. These figures are unaudited and subject to change.
³ As of June 30, 2024.
⁴ As of June 30, 2024. When compared with a similar amount of power generation from fossil fuels. Carbon abatement is calculated using the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator which uses the Avoided Emissions and generation Tool (AVERT) US national weighted average CO₂ marginal emission rate to convert reductions of kilowatt-hours into avoided units of carbon dioxide emissions.
⁵ As of June 30, 2024. Gallons of water saved are calculated based on Operational water consumption and withdrawal factors for electricity generating technologies: a review of existing literature – IOPscience, J Macknick et al 2012 Environ. Res. Lett. 7 045802.

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: NextGen Digital Advances Development of Cloud AI Hosting Platform and PCSections.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FREDERICTON, New Brunswick, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NextGen Digital Platforms Inc. (“NextGen” or the “Company”) (CSE: NXT) is pleased to provide an update on recent and ongoing developments at its two core businesses, namely e-commerce platform PCSections.com (“PCS”) and the cloud-based hardware-as-a-service leasing business (“Cloud AI Hosting”). Both platforms continue to be upgraded to improve scalability, performance, and operational efficiency, as the Company continues to drive forward its growth strategy.

Cloud AI Hosting Buildout Trial

The Company has engaged Logic V Inc. (“Logic V”), a Vancouver-based provider of cloud computing and IT services, to explore transitioning its Cloud AI Hosting business to a fully cloud-based model. This new approach would involve the Company virtually leasing a subset of computing workstations from larger cloud computing and/or datacentre providers, which the Company would then sublease to smaller third-party artificial intelligence end-users via the existing online portal already being used by Cloud AI Hosting. Virtually leasing this computing power, rather than building an in-house computing fleet, could provide significant scalability and operational benefits as the Company builds out this business line.

Logic V is currently conducting a proof of work (the “POW”) to assess this transition. If successful, this new approach is expected to significantly enhance scalability and speed to market by eliminating the need for NextGen to acquire and operationalize physical workstations, thus avoiding risks associated with physical inventory, operational challenges, and the large upfront costs of workstation purchases and infrastructure upgrades.

NextGen expects Logic V to complete the POW in the coming weeks, and in due course will provide an update on outcomes from the POW and the next phase of the Cloud AI Hosting buildout.

PCS Platform Enhancements

PCS is undergoing both front-end and back-end upgrades aimed at enhancing the overall user experience, site performance, and security. The upgrades to PCS include:
- Design Enhancements: Updates to the color scheme, layout, pattern, and animations to improve visual appeal and usability.
- Payment & Checkout Improvements: Optimization of the payment process for a more seamless and secure customer experience.
- Security Measures: Implementation of techniques to bolster security against unauthorized access and potential vulnerabilities in the payment process.
- Performance Boost: Improvements to the website’s loading speed and overall performance for faster browsing.
- General Bug Fixes: Identification and resolution of bugs to ensure smoother operation.
The front-end design improvements are expected to be completed soon, and the Company will continue to work on finalizing the back-end enhancements.

Kevin Zhou, NextGen’s Director of Platforms & Marketing, stated, “Pursuing a cloud-based model for Cloud AI Hosting has the potential to be a more efficient and scalable path compared to our original plan of acquiring physical workstations. If the current POW is successful, we will immediately scale up our operations. If not, we are still able and funded to expand our current fleet of workstations, towards our goal of owning a total of 10 to 15 GPUs with enough computing power for our smaller-scale users. Regardless of the outcome, we anticipate expanding the operational capacity and revenue level of our Cloud AI Hosting business once Logic V completes the POW. Similarly, with the updates on PCS, we are aiming to improve its overall functionality and competitiveness as we continue to refine both platforms.”

Joel Freudman, President & CEO of NextGen, added, “We are pleased with the development milestones being achieved across both our PCS and Cloud AI Hosting platforms. We remain committed to their continued growth to fuel NextGen’s development trajectory, and are exploring what other potential revenue streams and ancillary capabilities we may be able to derive by leveraging our existing infrastructure.”

About NextGen Digital Platforms Inc.
NextGen is a Canadian technology company specializing in the development and acquisition of revenue-generating micro-technology digital platforms. The Company currently operates e-commerce platform PCSections.com (“PCS”) and a hardware-as-a-service business supporting the artificial intelligence sector, called cloud AI hosting (“Cloud AI Hosting”). Both PCS and Cloud AI Hosting were developed in-house by NextGen. From time to time the Company also intends to evaluate and acquire or develop other micro-technology platforms.

NextGen is a portfolio company of Resurgent Capital Corp. (“Resurgent”), a merchant bank providing venture capital markets advisory services and proprietary financing. Resurgent works with promising public and pre-public micro-capitalization companies listing on Canadian stock exchanges. For more information on Resurgent and its portfolio companies, please visit Resurgent’s website at https://www.resurgentcapital.ca/ or follow Resurgent on LinkedIn at https://ca.linkedin.com/company/resurgent-capital-corp.

For further information about NextGen, please contact:

Joel Freudman
Founder, President & CEO
NextGen Digital Platforms Inc.
Phone: (647) 368-7789
Email: info@nextgendigital.ca
Website: https://nextgendigital.ca/

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including those relating to the future development and revenue potential of PCS and Cloud AI Hosting; the POW for Cloud AI Hosting; and expected benefits of improvements to PCS and Cloud AI Hosting. These statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Company’s business plans and technological development forecasts, and outcomes of the POW, that are believed by management to be reasonable in the circumstances, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: technological and business risks inherent in artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and other emerging sectors that the Company is or may become involved in; operational and technical challenges; timeline for completion of the POW, and the outcomes therefrom, including as to revenue and/or profitability of Cloud AI Hosting; the Company’s ability to compete with other businesses in the e-commerce and/or cloud hosting markets; negative operating cash flow and insufficient capital to complete the development and/or expansion of any of the Company’s technologies; volatility in economic conditions; and those other risks described in the Company’s continuous disclosure documents. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements herein. Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein except as required by applicable securities laws.

The MIL Network –
January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ Launches Option Income Strategy ETF on Palantir Technologies (PLTR)

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ announced the launch today of the following ETF:

YieldMax™ PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF (NYSE Arca: PLTY)

PLTY seeks to generate current income by pursuing options-based strategies on Palantir Technologies Inc. (“PLTR”). PLTY is actively managed by ZEGA Financial. PLTY does not invest directly in PLTR.

PLTY is the newest member of the YieldMax™ ETF family and like all YieldMax™ ETFs, aims to deliver current income to investors. With respect to distributions, PLTY will be a Group B ETF and its first distribution is expected to be announced on November 6, 2024. Please see table below for distribution and yield information for all outstanding YieldMax™ ETFs.

ETF Ticker¹	ETF Name	Reference Asset	Distribution Rate²^,4^,5	30-Day SEC Yield³
TSLY	YieldMax™ TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF	TSLA	115.53%	3.09%
OARK	YieldMax™ Innovation Option Income Strategy ETF	ARKK	53.47%	3.37%
APLY	YieldMax™ AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF	AAPL	31.19%	3.17%
NVDY	YieldMax™ NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF	NVDA	65.43%	3.24%
AMZY	YieldMax™ AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF	AMZN	41.70%	3.27%
FBY	YieldMax™ META Option Income Strategy ETF	META	31.65%	3.22%
GOOY	YieldMax™ GOOGL Option Income Strategy ETF	GOOGL	22.22%	3.28%
NFLY	YieldMax™ NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF	NFLX	36.06%	3.45%
CONY	YieldMax™ COIN Option Income Strategy ETF	COIN	97.94%	3.70%
MSFO	YieldMax™ MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF	MSFT	27.17%	3.33%
DISO	YieldMax™ DIS Option Income Strategy ETF	DIS	35.17%	3.41%
XOMO	YieldMax™ XOM Option Income Strategy ETF	XOM	18.73%	3.32%
JPMO	YieldMax™ JPM Option Income Strategy ETF	JPM	34.76%	3.60%
AMDY	YieldMax™ AMD Option Income Strategy ETF	AMD	73.41%	3.24%
PYPY	YieldMax™ PYPL Option Income Strategy ETF	PYPL	102.97%	2.94%
SQY	YieldMax™ SQ Option Income Strategy ETF	SQ	86.71%	3.44%
MRNY	YieldMax™ MRNA Option Income Strategy ETF	MRNA	71.92%	3.91%
AIYY	YieldMax™ AI Option Income Strategy ETF	AI	47.26%	3.76%
MSTY	YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	MSTR	81.35%	0.00%
YBIT	YieldMax™ Bitcoin Option Income Strategy ETF	Bitcoin ETP	87.09%	4.07%
CRSH	YieldMax™ Short TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF	TSLA	101.44%	3.61%
GDXY	YieldMax™ Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF	GDX®	40.15%	3.27%
SNOY	YieldMax™ SNOW Option Income Strategy ETF	SNOW	40.64%	3.44%
ABNY	YieldMax™ ABNB Option Income Strategy ETF	ABNB	33.60%	2.84%
FIAT	YieldMax™ Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF	COIN	110.90%	3.22%
DIPS	YieldMax™ Short NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF	NVDA	87.48%	3.69%
BABO	YieldMax™ BABA Option Income Strategy ETF	BABA	33.24%	2.62%
YQQQ	YieldMax™ Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF	NDX^®	26.88%	3.63%
TSMY	YieldMax™ TSM Option Income Strategy ETF	TSM	23.98%	3.48%
SMCY*	YieldMax™ SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF	SMCI	—	—
YMAX	YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs	Multiple	61.63%	62.93%
YMAG	YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs	Multiple	45.17%	50.85%
ULTY	YieldMax™ Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF	Multiple	113.94%	0.00%

The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (833) 378-0717.

Note: CRSH, FIAT, DIPS and YQQQ are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs” and “ADR” stands for American Depositary Receipt.

Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from month to month and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

* The inception date for SMCY is September 11, 2024.

All YieldMax™ ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX and YMAG have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.24% but the investment adviser has agreed to a 0.10% fee waiver through at least February 28, 2025.
The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on October 7, 2024. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recently declared distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by multiplying such distribution by twelve (12), and dividing the resulting amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.
The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended September 30, 2024, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period. As of such date, the ULTY subsidized and unsubsidized 30-Day SEC Yields were 0.00% and 0.00%, respectively. The subsidized yield reflects fee waivers in effect while the unsubsidized yield does not adjust for any fee waivers in effect.
Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.
As of the date hereof, distributions for the following ETFs have included return of investor capital: TSLY, OARK, APLY, AMZY, NVDY, GOOY, JPMO, XOMO, PYPY, CONY, DISO, FBY, MSFO, NFLY, SQY, AMDY, MRNY, AIYY, MSTY, ULTY, YMAX, YMAG, YBIT, SNOY, CRSH and GDXY. For additional information, please visit http://www.YieldMaxETFs.com/TaxInfo.

Standardized Performance

For TSLY, click here. For OARK, click here. For APLY, click here. For NVDY, click here. For AMZY, click here. For FBY, click here. For GOOY, click here. For NFLY, click here. For CONY, click here. For MSFO, click here. For DISO, click here. For XOMO, click here. For JPMO, click here. For AMDY, click here. For PYPY, click here. For SQY, click here. For MRNY, click here. For AIYY, click here. For MSTY, click here. For YBIT, click here. For CRSH, click here. For GDXY, click here. For SNOY, click here. For ABNY, click here. For FIAT, click here. For DIPS, click here. For BABO, click here. For YQQQ, click here. For TSMY, click here. For SMCY, click here. For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here. For ULTY, click here.

Prospectuses

Click here.

Before investing you should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information are in the prospectus. Please read the prospectuses carefully before you invest.

There is no guarantee that any Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment in any such Fund.

Contact Gavin Filmore at gfilmore@tidalfg.com for more information.

Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs and ZEGA Financial is their sub-adviser.

THE FUND, TRUST, AND SUB-ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERNCE ASSET.

Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

YMAX and YMAG generally invest in other YieldMax™ ETFs. As such, these two Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax™ ETFs they may hold from time to time.

Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer time periods.

Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given month. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX^®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

Depositary Receipts Risk: Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX^®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX^®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX^®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX^®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer time periods.

Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given time period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

Holdings

As of October 7, 2024, the YieldMax™ PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF did not hold any shares of Palantir Technologies Inc. (“PLTR”). As of such date, the holdings of PLTR in such fund were 0.00%.

YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, YieldMax™ ETFs or ZEGA Financial.

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Maintenance work at Lake Trasimeno – E-001893/2024
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001893/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Valentina Palmisano (The Left), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Carolina Morace (The Left)

Lake Trasimeno, located within a national park and part of the Natura 2000 network, is an ecosystem of high environmental value and a mainstay of the region’s economy, especially the tourism sector.

EU Directives 2009/147/EC (‘Birds’) and 92/43/EEC (‘Habitats’ on biodiversity), although they are intended to safeguard natural habitats, make it difficult to maintain the lake, particularly owing to the impossibility of working on the lakebed which is the nesting ground for some protected species.

This threatens to aggravate the already critical condition of the lake, which, as the only reservoir in Italy fed exclusively by rainwater, is suffering from the scarcity of rainfall caused by climate change, thus making the situation even harder to manage.

In the light of the above:

1.How does the Commission intend to reconcile the protection of biodiversity with the need for maintenance work to preserve Lake Trasimeno’s ecological functions and value for the tourism sector?

2.Does it intend to look into the possibility of introducing specific guidelines for essential maintenance work in ecologically sensitive situations while ensuring the protection of species protected under Directives 2009/147/EC and 92/43/EEC?

3.What technical and financial support measures can the Commission propose to address this situation?

Submitted: 1.10.2024
Last updated: 8 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Disproportionate or usury fees for cash withdrawal from ATMs in the EU – E-001828/2024
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001828/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Matjaž Nemec (S&D)

Regulation (EU) 2021/1230[1] on cross-border payments in the Union regulates cash withdrawals from ATMs within the EU, including the application of the principle of equality of charges for cross-border cash withdrawals.

However, this Regulation does not regulate the amounts of those fees, creating ‘Wild West’ conditions on the market, with certain banks or ATM providers charging disproportionately high or usury fees for cash withdrawals, often irrespective of the withdrawn amount. Nova Ljubljanska Banka (NLB) in Slovenia charges EUR 5.99 per cash withdrawal from their ATMs for cards issued by other EU banks[2].

NLB is one of the biggest banks in Slovenia, and particularly in certain rural areas, has a monopoly on ATM presence. Consumers are sometimes left with no choice but to pay such usurious fees for cash withdrawals.

Due to a risk of unfair or misleading commercial practices, I ask the Commission the following:

1.Are such fees in line with the relevant EU acquis?

2.Does the Commission consider NLB’s cash withdrawal fees, irrespective of the withdrawn amount, as fair, and does the Commission intend to propose a cap on such fees at EU level?

3.What is the Commission doing to protect EU citizens from such disproportionate and usury fees?

Submitted: 26.9.2024

[1] OJ L 274, 30.7.2021, p. 20, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1230/oj.

[2] https://nlb.si/osebno/pomoc-in-orodja/stroski-in-obrestne-mere.
Last updated: 8 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Connectivity of the Alpine passes: the consequences of prolonging the closure of the Frejus rail tunnel – E-001506/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission acknowledges that the situation created by the landslide near La Praz and the ensuing closure of the Fréjus railway line in August 2023 is serious. Renovation works on the line will take some time due to their challenging nature. At this stage, the Commission has no evidence that not all is done to reopen the line as soon as possible.

2. Coordination of trans-Alpine transport is already addressed by existing coordination structures, in particular the Zurich Process[1] and the EU strategy for the Alpine region (EUSALP)[2]. These structures should be used to the largest extent possible in situations such as the current interruption of the Fréjus rail line following the landslide in August 2023 to ensure that traffic can continue on the most efficient routes and that excessive detours are avoided.

3. The EU does not have the financial programmes or resources to provide subsidies to operators in such cases. Funding from the Connecting Europe Facility is only available for financing of trans-European transport (TEN-T) infrastructure and cannot be used to provide a short-term relief to users of infrastructure that has suffered the damage. Concerning potential support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the agreement in place with the French authorities specifically exclude support to this kind of infrastructure and cannot be used to provide disaster-related damage.

Where Member States concerned consider financial compensations from national resources, such financing would have to be in line with the applicable EU State aid rules.

[1] https://acrossthealps.org/

[2] https://alpine-region.eu/
Last updated: 8 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Allegations of ‘greenwashing’ concerning JBS – E-001854/2024
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001854/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Miriam Lexmann (PPE), Christine Singer (Renew), Pina Picierno (S&D), Engin Eroglu (Renew)

Earlier this year, the New York Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the American subsidiary of JBS, the world’s largest producer of beef products, for misleading the public about its environmental impact. JBS has claimed that it will achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, despite plans to increase production and thereby increase its carbon footprint.

JBS has a well-documented history of environmental degradation, deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices in the Amazon rainforest and other sensitive ecosystems. JBS has by far the highest emissions of any company in agriculture, and the company’s methane emissions exceed the combined total methane emissions of France, Germany, Canada and New Zealand.

On top of this, there have been a litany of abuses, price manipulation practices and what has been dubbed ‘the largest corruption inquiry in history’ linked with the Batista brothers, who de facto control JBS through a holding company.

Even while interinstitutional negotiations on the ‘green claims’ directive are still ongoing:

1.Can the Commission confirm whether it is aware of ‘greenwashing’ allegations against JBS, and the potential impact of this on EU consumers?

2.What concrete steps will the Commission take to protect EU consumers?

Submitted: 27.9.2024
Last updated: 8 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Combating driving licence tourism – E-001896/2024
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001896/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Tomas Tobé (PPE)

The Swedish Transport Agency says that thousands of people registered in Sweden are travelling to other European Economic Area (EEA) countries in order to have a third-country driving licence exchanged for an EEA licence in a way that is not possible in Sweden.[1]

The Driving Licence Directive regulates how driving licences are exchanged and establishes that EEA driving licences can be exchanged for a national driving licence.[2] However, the legislation was never intended to be used by people from third countries to engage in ‘driving licence tourism’ by travelling to the country affording the most favourable conditions to have a driving licence from their home country converted into an EEA licence.[3]

Abuse of the rules on exchanging driving licences within the EEA in this way has a major impact on road safety throughout the EU, as adequate driver skills can no longer be guaranteed. The growth of driving licence tourism shows the shortcomings of the current EU legislation and an inability to keep the Union’s roads free of driving licence fraudsters.

In view of the above:

1.Does the Commission consider that revision of the Driving Licence Directive, which is now at an advanced stage, adequately addresses the problems posed by driving licence tourism, or are additional initiatives needed?

2.What action does the Commission intend to take to combat abuse of the current Driving Licence Directive before the new directive is implemented?

Submitted: 1.10.2024

[1] https://www.transportstyrelsen.se/globalassets/global/nyhetsarkiv/vag/rapport-granskning-utbyte-utlandska-korkort—korkortsturism.pdf

[2] Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.

[3] https://www.ereg-association.eu/media/1126/final-report-ereg-topic-group-x-driving-licence-tourism.pdf
Last updated: 8 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Elafibranor approved as first medicine to treat adults with a rare liver disease known as primary biliary cholangitis
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved elafibranor (Iqirvo) to treat adult patients with a rare type of liver disease known as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).
PBC is a type of chronic liver disease in which the small bile ducts in the liver become injured and inflamed and are eventually destroyed. Where there are damaged bile ducts, bile builds up and causes liver damage. This disease can get gradually worse over time and without treatment may lead to liver failure.

Elafibranor helps to improve how the liver works by reducing the amount of bile acids the liver produces and reducing the build-up of bile. It also acts by reducing inflammation of the liver.

The recommended dose is one tablet, once a day, at about the same time each day for adult patients. Elafibranor may be given by itself or together with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).

Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

Enabling safe access to high quality, safe and effective medicines is a key priority for us.

We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and effectiveness for the approval of this new formulation have been met.

As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.

The MHRA’s approval of the medicine is supported by evidence from a placebo-controlled main study involving 161 adults with PBC, the majority of whom had been taking UDCA for at least one year and continued taking it during the study (though some had stopped taking due to side effects).

The measure of effectiveness was based on the number of patients whose blood levels of the substances Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin (markers of liver damage) decreased to a level considered normal (for both ALP and bilirubin) and by at least 15% (for ALP) after 1 year of treatment.

The study showed that elafibranor was more effective than placebo at reducing the blood levels of ALP and bilirubin. Overall, levels decreased by the required amount in around 51% (55 out of 108) of patients treated with elafibranor, compared with around 4% (2 out of 53) of patients on placebo.

A full list of all side effects reported with this medicine is available in the patient information leaflet or from the product information published on the MHRA website.

If a patient experiences any side effects, they should talk to their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the product information leaflets.

Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.

ENDS

Notes to editors 

The new marketing authorisation was granted for elafibranor (Iqirvo) on 04 October 2024 to Ipsen Ltd via National Procedure.

More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.

The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.

For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

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Published 8 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Gone To the Dogs at Naval Hospital Bremerton

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Naval Hospital Bremerton staff didn’t really go to the dogs during National Dog Week.

Many were already there.

For the third consecutive year, nearly 50 dog-owners responded to a request to share an image of their canine companion(s) for the last week in September. The pictures were compiled into a visual digital display of 32 pages, ranging from lovable rescues to litter runts and many breeds in between.

There were working breeds represented, such as bloodhounds Ellie Mae, 8-year old and 2-year old MJ, of Amy Salzsieder, Occupational Health registered nurse, who are actively involved with the Kitsap County K9 Search and Rescue and National Search Dogs Alliance. German Shepherd Harley belonging to Terry Lerma, NHB emergency preparedness manager, has officially retired from her K9 Search and Rescue days and is content to catch up on napping, tasting treats and ensuring their home has a ready bark-alert warning system.

There’s Honey, a 9-year old Saluki mix which Cmdr. Laura Moody has had since 2019. She’s a former sled pulling dog from Oregon, while Aspen, a 7-year old Siberian Husky who Cmdr. Dean Kang rescued in Portland also in 2019, dislikes all delivery truck drivers.

Under the notable announcement, ‘fur missiles inbound,’ Chief Hospital Corpsman Justin Brown, sharing images of his family canine companions.

“Theodore is a 12-year old brown husky/lab mix. I’ve had him since he was five weeks. My first true love before I met my wife and had my kid,” explained Brown. “He was my running, hiking, truck, and gym buddy attached to my hip. Now old and has hip problems he hangs with mom, the one who feeds him, snuggles him, and is always around. Sampson “Sammy” is my Red Speckled Heeler mutt who’s 11-year old and found us during July 4 fireworks in 2013 when he was only a few months old. We were playing ball with Theo. He ran right up and started playing together. No one was looking for him, no one had reported him missing, and he had no ID tags or microchip. The shelter told us we can hold onto him for a couple weeks and if they don’t reach out with someone looking for him, we could keep him if we wanted. He adopted us and been spoiled ever since.”

Rebecca Drew, medical coder, shared her three fur babies, Rylee, 12-yr old black lab, adopted at 8-week old, Zola, black lab/Great Pyrenees mix, 8-year old, adopted at six months, along with resident feline Maia, American short/long hair, 2-yrs old, adopted at 8-weeks who is readily accepted as part of the pack.

Staff were also introduced to Mochi, a 2-year old Havanese belonging to financial technician Jinky Angel.

“We adopted him when he was 10 weeks old in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He is originally from Yorktown, Virginia,” Angel said. “Mochi is a playful, sweet, and loving dog. He brings so much joy to our family. We relocated to Port Orchard last year and he loves Washington weather.”

The Kelly Gann household features hounds of plenty, all adopted from a coonhound rescue, with Jester, a five-year old Treeing Walker Coonhound, Elly Mae, 6-year old Treeing Walker Coonhound, Shira, 10-year old Bluetick Coonhound. and Samantha, 11-yr old Treeing Walker Coonhound.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Cade Crenshaw showcased Winston, a two-year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. “I’ve had Winston, affectionately referred to as ‘Winnie’ by many, since he was six months old. He loves playing fetch and running outside in the grass at the park,” shared Crenshaw.

There were other submissions shared who were slightly less active, such as Violet, from Motta Sant’Anastasia, Sicily. According to Cmdr. Kevin Johnson, Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command Bremerton Detachment Puget Sound Naval Shipyard interim officer-in-charge, she is quite possibly the laziest dog in the Pacific Northwest, clocking an average daily combined sleep duration of 20 hours. Johnson also notes Violet openly protests walks by laying on her back in the middle of sidewalks or streets.

Along with the personal connection with canines for many, the U.S. Navy has long had an affinity for dogs.

Not only do dogs provide specialized services in the Navy such as explosive and narcotic detachments, they also provide security patrols from the routine to crucial operational missions.

Dogs have also been haze-gray underway and not just as official mascots. Most notable has been Capt. Demo, a golden retriever/lab mix on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during their extended nine month deployment to the volatile waters of the Middle East, providing comfort, companionship and curative as only a canine can.

Dog gone it, indeed.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Chipman — RCMP seeking public’s help following break, enter and theft

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Minto RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in connection with a break, enter and theft in Chipman, N.B.

The break, enter and theft is believed to have occurred on October 3, 2024, between 4:20 a.m. and 4:40 a.m., at a business on Main Street in Chipman.

Two individuals forcibly gained entry to the business by pulling off the front door with a truck and stole an automatic teller machine (ATM) machine.

Police are now releasing surveillance footage photos of the two individuals, in hopes that someone may recognize them. Both suspects were wearing dark clothing, a mask, and gloves. They were travelling in a black truck.

Anyone who lives in the area and witnessed suspicious activity at the time of the incident, who has surveillance footage from the time of the incident, or who has information that could help further the investigation is asked to contact the Minto RCMP at 506-327-1820. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at http://www.crimenb.ca.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDIA – Through Mary to Jesus: the “matriarchal” Church in the State of Meghalaya

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Diocese of Nongstoin

Nongstoin (Agenzia Fides) – “In our territory, where women are at the center of family and social life, the Church also has a feminine face. And devotion to the Virgin Mary is strong and deep-rooted,” says to Fides Wilbert Marwein, Bishop of Nongstoin, a diocese in the Indian state of Meghalaya, one of the seven states in north-east India. It is one of the three states (Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland, all located in the same territory) where the Christian population is the majority in the Indian Federation. In the state of Meghalaya there are almost a million Catholic believers (out of a population of 3.3 million), but Christians of various denominations (with Baptists, Presbyterians, Anglicans) make up a total of 75% of the population.”We received the faith from the Italian and Spanish Salesian missionaries and we are grateful for that,” says the Bishop. “Our diocese extends over a mountainous area where it is very difficult to reach the remote villages, inhabited mainly by communities of the three main tribal groups: Khasi, Garo and Jaintia. Despite the geographical difficulties, the mission of the Church is progressing very well and the love of Christ continues to attract new believers. In 2006, when the diocese was carved out of the Shillong territory, we counted 120,000 Catholics; today there are 175,000.””Every year,” continues the bishop, “we have the gift of many new baptisms of children and adults, and we register conversions of animist locals. This happens above all thanks to the testimony of priests, nuns and catechists who build friendly relations with the people and help those in need. Often, those who ask for baptism say that they are impressed by the Eucharist, by Jesus who became bread for us, or by the intense prayer in community.”In Meghalaya, the culture of all three major ethnic groups has a particularity: it is a matriarchal society in which the woman carries the family forward and is the main point of reference. Children take their mother’s surname and “there is a great celebration in the family when a girl is born,” says the bishop. “Moreover, it is the last daughter who – according to the ancient social and cultural tradition – inherits the entire family assets,” he reports.In this cultural context, women also play a special role in the ecclesial community: “There are many catechists, women who lead remote communities, who are present in the pastoral councils and organize pastoral life in the parishes. Our Church definitely has a female face and there is no ‘competition’ with the work and commitment of priests.”The presence and importance of women is also demonstrated by the number and work of women’s religious orders, “in which thousands of consecrated women carry out an apostolic service to the poorest population with great devotion, often in the schools attached to the parishes, and which are very appreciated by the population,” continued Bishop Marwein.And it is precisely because of these cultural realities that “the spiritual relationship with the figure of the Virgin Mary is something very precious and easily accessible for the local population, even for the simple and uneducated.” “We experience a deep Marian devotion. The figure of Mary is very loved, there are processions with deep devotion, she is the mediator who leads the faith of her children to Christ, as we see in so many who are converted ‘through Mary’: Ad Jesum per Mariam (Through Mary to Jesus), as Saint Louis Grignion de Monfort used to say. Now in October, the special month of the Rosary, the Rosary is prayed at home in every Catholic family in the diocese. Mary is truly our Mother, the faithful feel like her children, loved and protected by her,” affirms the bishop.The Bishop of Nongstoin often travels to remote villages where he feels the faith of the people: “I enjoy visiting villages and am really edified by it. There are simple and humble people there. They want to talk and wait for the Sacraments. When I come to a village, I often spend more than three hours administering the sacrament of confession. A single parish (we have 22 in the diocese, 16 of which are outside the town of Nongstoin, scattered in the inaccessible area) often includes more than 30-40 villages, with small groups of Catholic families who are moved when a catechist, priest or bishop arrives. This is my mission, and often on this path I meet people who do not know the Lord Jesus: this is how we try to spread the love of God to proclaim and testify to the Gospel that can touch the heart of every man and woman.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 8/10/2024)
Diocese of Nongstoin

Diocese of Nongstoin

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MIL OSI Europe News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Women in the bus industry celebrated as Transport Minister visits Manchester
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Simon Lightwood spoke with women in the industry and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a bus revolution.
Local Transport Minister attends award event to celebrate women’s achievements in the bus, coach and community transport industry

the Minister heard first-hand the barriers that women in the industry face and discussed how their skills can meet the biggest bus overhaul in a generation

bus revolution gathering momentum as consultation closes on removing obstacles to local councils taking back control of bus services from private operators

Women’s achievements in the bus, coach and community transport industry have been celebrated at a special awards event in Manchester today (8 October 2024), attended by the Local Transport Minister.

During the event, Simon Lightwood discussed Women in Bus and Coach’s key aims to:

stand in solidarity across the profession

uplift female role models in engineering, driving and management

challenge industry policies that do not meet women’s needs

The awards come as the government continues to overhaul the bus industry, by handing power back to councils to grow passenger numbers and deliver better services for all, no matter where people live.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the brightest minds in the industry are in the driving seat as these plans progress.

Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:

I was delighted to celebrate the incredible achievements of women in the bus and coach industry up and down the country.

Our plans to deliver better buses will end the postcode lottery that has determined the quality and frequency of bus services for too long.

As we deliver this biggest overhaul to buses in a generation, the work of each and every driver, engineer, manager and the countless others who keep our country moving will be vital.

The Minister also spoke to young engineers in the industry, following a panel event on opportunities for young women. He heard from Lucy Hough (First Bus), Liz Eades (Stagecoach South East) and Hannah Currie (Wrightbus), who all discussed the barriers facing women in the industry and their experiences as engineers in a male-dominated sector.

Yesterday (7 October 2024) marked another landmark in the roll out of bus franchising, as the government’s month-long consultation on updating guidance to reduce barriers to franchising closed. This has seen the government discuss franchising closely with industry, and the outcome will be announced in due course, alongside next steps for implementing the Bill.

Attendees at the event also heard from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who has overseen a dramatic transformation of regional bus services over the last year, with the introduction of the Bee Network.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

In Greater Manchester we’re bringing buses back into local control, with cheaper fares, better buses and, crucially, more reliable services all attracting more people onboard.

Our success is down to the hard work and dedication of Bee Network staff, including the many brilliant women working tirelessly to deliver a great service to the people of Greater Manchester, whether that’s driving buses, working at our bus stations, interchanges or Travelshops, or leading our franchising programme.

It was fantastic to see that recognised today, and as we grow the Bee Network and take forward our plans to transform technical education in Greater Manchester through the MBacc, we want to encourage even more women into the industry.

The Bee Network called time on the previous broken system of regulation and has set a new bar for urban bus services by introducing capped fares, integrating buses into a citywide transport network and unifying services under a singular, recognisable identity.

The government wants to replicate this nationwide, as it seeks to drive growth and share opportunities by providing regular, reliable and affordable services for passengers.

Louise Cheeseman, Chair and Founder of Women in Bus and Coach, said:

I am proud to see the incredible achievements of women across our industry celebrated at the 2024 Women in Bus and Coach summit. This event not only highlights the inspiring individuals shaping the future of the bus, coach and community transport sector, but also reinforces our collective commitment to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women.

We warmly welcome the government’s plans to deliver the biggest overhaul of bus services in a generation, and we look forward to working together to ensure these changes empower a more inclusive, accessible, and innovative future for all.

The visit also comes as GoAhead buses announced a major £500 million investment to decarbonise its fleet today, including creating a new dedicated manufacturing line and partnership with UK bus manufacturer Wrightbus.

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Published 8 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Camaraderie, Enthusiasm Punctuate Wolff New Venture Competition

Source: US State of Connecticut

A novel treatment for long-term pain management that could revolutionize post-operative care and eliminate the need for opioids for many, won the first-place, $30,000 grand prize at the Wolff New Venture Competition last week.

Professors and esteemed UConn Health researchers Lakshmi Nair, Ph.D. and Yusuf Khan, Ph.D. say they were both surprised and thrilled that their startup, Soleia Biosciences, received the award. With the financial and business support they’ve received, they hope to advance the treatment that has been in development for 10 years.

“This prize will really set the stage for everything else we need to do; without it we would have been stuck,’’ Khan says. “Now we can move forward with determining exactly what we need to do to show our product is both safe and effective, and get it into the hands of doctors so they can start treating patients as soon as possible.’’

“Our job has always been to figure out how to solve medical problems that don’t have a good solution,’’ Khan says. “With the Wolff Prize, we are even closer to that reality.’’

Competition Awarded $115,000 in Cash and Prizes

The Wolff New Venture Competition is the School of Business’ pinnacle entrepreneurship challenge. The event on Tuesday night drew dozens of UConn entrepreneurs and their supporters to the Dunkin Park YG Club for a night of competition, camaraderie, networking, and socializing.

This year marks the ninth anniversary of the Wolff event, which invites five outstanding UConn-affiliated startups to compete annually. Since its inception, the amount of the awards has risen from $15,000 to more than $$115,000 in cash and in-kind services.

The five 2024 Wolff finalists have developed a diverse set of companies, from toys to e-commerce to a business-travel planning app. Preparation for the event begins in March when 10 startups are selected to participate in the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation’s (CCEI) Summer Fellowship Accelerator, where they develop their businesses to become market ready.

“This was by far the best Wolff New Venture Competition to date,’’ says Jennifer Mathieu, executive director of CCEI. “The room was packed with members of our entrepreneurial ecosystem including investors, community partners, dozens of CCEI’s entrepreneurs showcasing their startups, and many of our alumni just there to support.

“There was an energy in the space; it was one of collaboration, community, and this level of overall excitement that everyone seemed to have about being there. I feel proud of what my team has accomplished in their support of the hundreds of startups that have participated in CCEI programs,’’ she says. “The five teams that pitched have made tremendous progress since working with CCEI. I can’t wait to see what impact they are going to have on the world.’’

Medical Company Wins Grand Prize

In addition to the grand prize, Soleia Biosciences also received the Legal Services Award valued at $10,000 and presented by Wiggin and Dana’s emerging companies division.

The startup is on the cusp of a breakthrough pain-reduction treatment that can extend the duration of local anesthetics, enabling patients to be nearly pain-free and mobile. Nair says the $15 billion post-surgical pain management industry is ready for change.

“Since opioid use can have such a negative impact on a person, it’s really critical to find non-addictive solutions for both short- and long-term pain,’’ Nair says. “This applies to everyone, young and old; nobody is exempt from these needs. In younger people it may be part of recovering from a painful sports injury, and in older people more about managing something like osteoarthritis. Regardless of the age or disease, there is a critical need for opioid alternatives.’’

The company already has patents and compelling pre-clinical data. The founders are looking to hire a consultant to help them begin the FDA approval process.

Started by Two Car Enthusiasts, WheelPrice Earned Three Honors

The $10,000 Second-Place Prize, sponsored by Santander Bank, went to WheelPrice, an online marketplace that facilitates the sales of new, used and vintage wheels. The company also won a $5,000 Audience Choice Award.
sponsored by Fiondella Milone & Lasaracina (FML) and a $35,000 pro bono Digital Product Development Award from Revyrie.

Co-founder Kyle Mayers ’13 (BUS) says the company has something for everyone. “We have wheels for every car from a Honda Civic to a Ferrari,” he says.

Mayers and co-founder Wally Namane ’13 (BUS), ’18 MBA, both car enthusiasts, met as students through mutual friends at UConn. “We’ve had a life-long obsession with cars,’’ Mayers says.

Today they hope to become the number one marketplace for the 67 million car enthusiasts in the U.S. Globally, consumers spend $5 billion on wheels annually. They believe their easy-to-use platform and some high-tech features, now in development, will put them in the industry’s drivers’ seat.

Business-Travel App Took Third Place

Since the onset of the pandemic, the number of fully remote companies has grown 400%. And although their employees may be on different coasts, Vamos founder Niko Zurita ’10 (BUS) believes every growing business requires face-to-face meetings between colleagues. He is developing an app to tailor meetings and locations to company needs, while also saving them money.

Vamos received the $7,500 Third Place Prize sponsored by Prime Materials Recovery Inc., and a Digital Surgeons brand consulting award, valued at $10,000.

Toy Dinosaurs, Natural Food Preservative Captivated Audience

Lyla Andrick ’24 (CAHNR), created Happy Dinosaur, a company that sells brightly colored dinosaur stuffed animals, from her dorm room at UConn. The plush animals have become so popular that the New England boutiques that stock them can’t keep them on the shelves. As part of her presentation, she passed around a half-dozen dinosaurs, and members of the audience were delighted.

Happy Dinosaur won a $5,000 Community Impact Award, sponsored by Baystate Financial, that will help Andrick create books about the main characters and create a format for children to share imaginative stories about them.

Meanwhile Atlas, formerly Atlantic Sea Solutions, a company using seaweed extracts as a tasteless, texture-less coating to preserve the shelf-life of peaches, berries and other produce, won a $5,000 Innovation Award, sponsored by Mark and Jamie Summers. The company plans to use the winning to purchase more equipment.

“What I love about my work and what motivates me is using science and technology to do cool things with food,’’ says co-founder Anuj Purohit, a research associate in the Department of Nutritional Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. “The world population is growing, and we all need good, nutritious food. That’s what drew me to agriculture and what keeps me going.’’

Experienced Entrepreneurs Say Their Companies are Thriving

The event also welcomed more than 25 previous Wolff participants who have made great strides with their startups. They were eager to cheer on the next wave of entrepreneurs.

Jake Winter ’22 (ENG), co-founder and CTO of PatentPlusAI, a company using AI to generate comprehensive patent search reports in less than 24 hours, says the startup has grown exponentially in four years.

“We’re hustling,’’ says Winter, noting that their client base includes corporate giant IBM. If he could offer advice to the newer entrepreneurs, it would be to “get ridiculously familiar with your market, and once you understand your customer, test as soon as you can,’’ he says.

For graduate student Amelia Martin, the year since her participation in the Wolff competition has been one of extraordinary growth.

“A year ago, I didn’t know what to expect. I had the mindset of a student,’’ she says. “Now I think like a CEO.’’

Her company, Mud Rat, an eco-friendly alternative to the standard Styrofoam surfboard core, has participated in two business accelerators, won a small grant, and is completing its first protype this month. She’s also added to her team. Martin advises those who follow in her footsteps to just keep going when the going is tough. “If you stick with it, you’ll hit all your goals eventually,’’ she says.

In the last year, alumna Hayley Segar, founder of onewith, a direct-to-consumer swimwear and accessory company, has been featured in People and InStyle magazines. She now employs four manufacturers to make her swimwear and this year sold 50,000 units. She hasn’t lost touch with her roots; her mom still packs her orders.

She tells the new entrepreneurs to avoid distraction. “They need to be focused and heads-down in the early stages of their company,’’ she says. “It’s exciting, there is a lot of sacrifice, but in the end, owning your own business is extremely satisfying.’’

She credits UConn for setting her up for success. As she speaks with entrepreneurs who attended other colleges, none of them had the expert entrepreneurial support that UConn offered, Segar says.

Judges Were Impressed by What They Heard

Competition judge Luke Steinberger, COO at Revyrie, a company that helps build and scale companies and a sponsor of the event, says he was very impressed with all the presentations.

“They were well prepared, and I loved the diversity of ideas,’’ he says. “The program exceeded my expectations. I’m very happy to be involved and will be back next year.’’

Judge Adam Silverman, partner at law firm Wiggin and Dana, says he didn’t know exactly what to expect before the competition. “It was great to be a part of the competition. I was impressed by the quality of the companies, the focus of the founders, and the exciting use of technology,’’ he says.

School of Business Dean John A. Elliott spoke about how entrepreneurship has grown in the 13 years he has been here.

“We used to think entrepreneurship was something for juniors and seniors to explore but now we welcome many students who begin their companies as freshmen,’’ he says. “The excitement around entrepreneurship has grown rapidly.’’

Elliott also thanked the Wolff family, including Greg Wolff who was in attendance, for starting the competition and advocating for entrepreneurship at UConn. Elliott says their influence helped create additional competitions and great support for startups at UConn.

Alycia Chrosniak, Assistant Director of Brand & Venture Development at CCEI, says working with the startups and watching them grow has been rewarding.

“But my favorite part will be three months from now when I get the emails about what these new companies and their founders have accomplished,’’ she says. “What we do here is life changing.’’

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Month of Discovery: Sophia Hatzis ’27, a Researcher and Mentor

Source: US State of Connecticut

Sophia Hatzis ’27 was a newly arrived first-year student when she learned about Innovate Labs at separate campus-wide kick-off events. What she heard intrigued her, so she decided to check it out.

“I thought it was so cool how Innovate tries to get students to explore things outside of class,” she says. “I thought I could do some cool projects within the lab.”

A year later, Hatzis has more than met that goal and is now part of the Innovate Labs team, showing a new wave of incoming students around. As a lab research specialist, she helps students discover the possibilities available through Innovate, an educational research lab within the UConn School of Business. The lab provides students of all disciplines with opportunities and resources to learn, explore, and develop industry-valued skills in emerging technology and analytics.

A Trumbull resident majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Sociology, Hatzis says she is especially excited to be participating in Month of Discovery (MoD) activities this year, something she missed last year because she had yet to be hired.

“Now, I’ll get to see the other side of things,” she says. “MoD is the whole month of October, and it’s filled with innovation events. Last year, I checked out all the different makerspaces and it inspired me to start working on some of my own projects. This year, Innovate will be running Makerspace Bounce on October 3. I’m looking forward to helping out with that.”

Outside the lab, Hatzis is an avid hiker. (Courtesy of the Office of Undergraduate Research)

After graduating, Hatzis plans to pursue human factors engineering, which considers both the user side and consumer side of emerging technology.

“I like the idea that I can do work that considers the social side and impact of the new things we innovate,” she says. “For example making sure an AI program that does redistricting doesn’t perpetuate gerrymandering, or if you design a traffic control system, the town has the resources to feasibly power it.”

Hatzis’ work with AI has not gone unnoticed. In April, she was one of handful of tech-savvy students tapped to make presentations at Hartford’s AI Day, an event showcasing sophisticated local AI-based companies and providing networking opportunities for those companies and promising students.

Hatzis and her partner taught attending business professionals how to use machine learning to create a chatbot. Together, they showed participants how to capture images of themselves smiling, frowning and wearing a shocked expression, then taught them how to train the computer model to recognize facial expressions.

“These students are so knowledgeable, bright, thoughtful and inquisitive,” Jonathan Moore, executive director of the CT Information Technology Institute and leader of the Innovate Labs initiative, said at the time. “They really are going to shape the future of technology and business.”

Keeping up with the pace of worldwide innovation is one of her favorite parts of working at Innovate Lab, Hatzis says. “We are constantly adapting to the needs of the campus and the new technologies that come out.”

Over the summer, Hatzis helped with the Young Scholars Senior Summit program at which students, through the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program, were introduced to the different kinds of technology in the lab and then directed to use it for a project with real world impact.

“I enjoyed discussing the feasibility of their technology and how they could incorporate it into their ideas,” she says of the experience. “We honestly have something for everyone no matter what they are interested in. Once you get a student started with one thing, I like seeing them get comfortable with the technologies and branching out to try new things outside their comfort zone.”

Outside the lab, Hatzis is serving as treasurer this fall of a gender-inclusive service fraternity (APO) and dances with the university ballet company. She is also a morale captain for UConn’s HuskyTHON, an annual dance marathon and fundraiser for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and enjoys hiking and exploring. At UConn, she loves to watch sunsets from Horsebarn Hill.

Month of Discovery

October is the Month of Discovery, when undergraduates are introduced to the wealth of research and innovation opportunities at UConn. This month, enjoy profiles of outstanding undergraduate innovators on UConn Today, attend a full slate of programming on campus and online, and register for Discovery
Quest to launch your undergraduate experience to new heights.

Students interested in learning more about research and innovation opportunities at UConn can check out the series of events offered as part of the Month of Discovery. Come to Research Connections on Thursday, Oct. 10, to learn how to get involved in UConn research. The Experience Innovation Expo at the Werth Institute is a great opportunity to get inspired and discover the wide range of programs for entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity at UConn.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: FDA Authorizes Marketing of First Home Flu and COVID-19 Combination Test Outside of Emergency Use Authorities
Source: US Food and Drug Administration

For Immediate Release:

October 07, 2024

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted marketing authorization for the Healgen Rapid Check COVID-19/Flu A&B Antigen Test. The test, authorized for use without a prescription, is for use by individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms and uses a nasal swab sample to deliver at-home results in approximately 15 minutes for COVID-19 and influenza (flu). The test detects proteins from both SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and influenza A and B (the viruses that causes flu).

This is the first over-the-counter (OTC) test that can detect influenza to be granted marketing authorization using a traditional premarket review pathway, which enables the test to be marketed in the absence of an applicable emergency use declaration. Other OTC flu/COVID tests are currently available under emergency use authorization.

“As we enter this year’s annual flu season with respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 on many of our minds, our ability to detect these pathogens effectively and efficiently can be impactful on our daily lives. Today’s authorization expands the options for individuals with respiratory symptoms to receive information about their health from the comfort of their home,” said Michelle Tarver, M.D., Ph.D., acting director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “The FDA continues to take actions that support the development and availability of at-home tests for a variety of medical conditions.”

The test is for use by individuals 14 years or older taking and testing their own sample, or individuals 2 years and older with a sample taken and tested by an adult. The FDA reviewed data from a study of individuals with signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza, which showed that this test correctly identified 99% of negative and 92% of positive SARS-CoV-2 samples, 99.9% of negative Flu A and B samples, and 92.5% and 90.5% of positive Flu A and Flu B samples, respectively.

Validation data for the test was gathered through the Independent Test Assessment Program (ITAP), a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx®) Tech program, in collaboration with the FDA. ITAP was launched in 2021 to accelerate test evaluation to support the FDA’s regulatory review and the availability of high-quality, accurate and reliable diagnostic tests to the public.

As with all rapid antigen tests, which generally have lower sensitivity than molecular tests, there is a risk of false negative test results. Individuals who test negative and continue to experience symptoms of fever, cough and/or shortness of breath may still have SARS-CoV-2, flu or another respiratory infection and should seek follow up care with their health care provider. Individuals who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 or flu should take appropriate precautions to avoid spreading the virus and should seek follow-up care with their physician or health care provider.

Along with this De Novo authorization, the FDA is establishing criteria called special controls that define the requirements related to labeling and performance testing. When met, the special controls, in combination with general controls, provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness for tests of this type. This action also creates a new regulatory classification, which means that subsequent devices of the same type with the same intended use may go through the FDA’s less burdensome 510(k) pathway, whereby additional devices can obtain marketing clearance by demonstrating substantial equivalence to a predicate device.

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MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH conducts interdepartmental enforcement operation “Thunder” against distribution of smoking product advertisements in public housing estates (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     â€‹To step up enforcement actions against distribution of illicit cigarette leaflets in public housing estates, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) and the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) launched a joint operation codenamed “Thunder” in various districts across Hong Kong between September 19 and October 6. TACO is following up on the investigation of three cases of distributing smoking product leaflets in Mun Tung Estate in Tung Chung, Long Shin Estate in Yuen Long and Upper Ngau Tau Kok Estate in Kwun Tong respectively, where over 1 700 pieces of illicit cigarette leaflets were seized. The three persons concerned were aged 23, 48 and 57. In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371) (the Ordinance), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotion leaflets). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000.

TACO, together with the C&ED, have carried out 18 joint operations under this round of “Thunder” until today, during which a total of 31 public housing estates in various districts across Hong Kong have been inspected. In addition, TACO, the Police and the Housing Department have established a co-operation mechanism targeting the distribution of smoking product leaflets in public housing estates. When any smoking product leaflet distribution is detected at public housing estates, the housing estate staff will contact the Police for assistance and subsequently refer the case to TACO for further investigation. TACO will continue to carry out relevant interdepartmental operations, and follow up and investigate every complaint regarding the distribution of smoking product advertisements, as well as to refer any suspected cases of illicit cigarettes that involve violations of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109) to the relevant department for further investigation.

     A spokesman for the DH stressed that the department has long been closely monitoring and taking stringent enforcement actions against violations of the Ordinance (including the distribution of smoking product advertisements). The spokesman reiterated that all tobacco products, regardless of whether they are duty paid or not, pose significant health risks. Smokers should quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. Information on smoking cessation can also be obtained from http://www.livetobaccofree.hk.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DAE Inaugurates MACE, Asia’s Largest and World’s Highest Imaging Cherenkov Observatory, at Hanle, Ladakh

Source: Government of India

DAE Inaugurates MACE, Asia’s Largest and World’s Highest Imaging Cherenkov Observatory, at Hanle, Ladakh

MACE project plays a significant role not only in advancing scientific research but also in supporting the socio-economic development of Ladakh: DAE Secretary and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission Dr. A.K. Mohanty

Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 3:32PM by PIB Mumbai

: Mumbai, October 8, 2024

The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory has been inaugurated by Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary DAE & Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, at Hanle, Ladakh, on 4th October 2024. MACE is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia. Located at an altitude of ~4,300 m, it is also the highest of its kind in the world. The telescope is indigenously built by BARC with support from ECIL and other Indian industry partners. The inaugural of MACE Observatory was a part of the Platinum Jubilee year celebrations of the DAE. The event commenced with the unveiling of commemorative plaques by Dr. Mohanty at the MACE site at Hanle, Ladakh, thereby officially inaugurating the MACE Observatory.

In his inaugural address, DAE Secretary Dr. Mohanty applauded the collective effort that brought the MACE telescope to fruition. He stated that the MACE Observatory is a monumental achievement for India, and it places our nation at the forefront of cosmic-ray research globally. He further added that this telescope will allow us to study high-energy gamma rays, paving the way for deeper understanding of the universe’s most energetic events. Dr. Mohanty emphasised the significant role that MACE project plays not only in advancing scientific research but also in supporting the socio-economic development of Ladakh. Students were encouraged to explore careers in astronomy and astrophysics, with Dr. Mohanty expressing hope that the MACE project would inspire future generations of Indian astronomers, scientists, and engineers. Dr. Mohanty also paid tribute to India’s pioneering contributions to the field, including the work of Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, whose legacy continues to inspire India’s cosmic-ray research.

Secretary DAE & Chairman AEC inaugurates the MACE observatory at Hanle, Ladakh on 4^th Oct 2024

Secretary DAE & Chairman AEC unveils the Bhabha Plaque at the MACE site on 4^th Oct 2024

Inaugural Address of Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, DAE & Chairman, AEC

Shri Ajay Ramesh Sule, Additional Secretary, DAE, stressed the importance of balancing tourism and scientific activities within the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR) and encouraged students to pursue careers in science and technology.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), highlighted the fruitful collaborative efforts between several constituent Units of DAE and the IIA.

Shri Sajjad Hussain Mufti, Chief Conservator of Forests, UT Ladakh, outlined the key features of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve and the focus on community engagement. He reaffirmed the UT administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting DAE’s scientific activities.

Dr. S. M. Yusuf, Director, Physics Group, BARC, in his welcome address, emphasized the importance of the MACE telescope in advancing India’s space and cosmic-ray research capabilities. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. K. K. Yadav, Head of Astrophysical Sciences Division of BARC, followed by a visit to the state-of-the-art MACE Control Room. The dignitaries present on the occasion interacted with the team of astronomers and technicians.

Dignitaries on the dais during the inauguration of the MACE observatory 4^th Oct 2024

(Left to Right: Shri A. R. Sule, Additional Secretary, DAE; Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Secretary, DAE & Chairman, AEC; Shri Hussain Mufti, Chief Conservator of Forests, UT of Ladakh; Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director, IIA; Dr. S. M. Yusuf, Director, Physics Group, BARC)

A pictorial compilation documenting the journey of the MACE project was also released on the occasion. Dr. Mohanty felicitated the representatives of the Nambardars (village leaders), the school headmaster, and the venerable Lama of the Handle Gompa.

Release of Special Pictorial Compilation during the event

A special film on the MACE telescope was screened, showcasing the scientific and technological advancements made during the project. The day concluded with a guided tour of the MACE Observatory, giving attendees an exclusive look at the world-class observatory that establishes India on the global advanced astronomy map.

The inauguration of the MACE telescope marks a significant step forward for Indian astrophysics and cosmic-ray research. Situated at an altitude of ~4,300 m, the MACE telescope will observe high-energy gamma rays, contributing to global efforts to understand the most energetic phenomena in the universe, such as supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts. This facility will also complement global observatories, strengthening India’s position in the field of multi messenger astronomy.

Looking ahead, the MACE project aims to foster international collaborations, advancing India’s contributions to space research and bolstering India’s position in the global scientific community. The observatory will also serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of Indian scientists, encouraging them to explore new frontiers in astrophysics.

Felicitation of the Community Representatives during the event

Visit of the Dignitaries to the MACE Control Room

Night time observations using the MACE Telescope

Secretary DAE & Chairman AEC with the Team of Physics Group, BARC at the MACEE site on 5^th Oct 2024

SC/PM Source: BARC

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Working together to safeguard schools from “space oil” (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

To safeguard schools from a new type of drug dubbed “space oil”, the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau, the Hong Kong Poison Control Centre (HKPCC) of the Hospital Authority, and the Counselling Service Centre Division of the Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service (HKLSS) jointly organised a seminar today (October 8) on “space oil” abuse. Over 300 teaching staff from primary and secondary schools as well as social workers attended. Attendees were briefed about the situation of the risks of “space oil” among young people and the harmful effects of the drug at the seminar, with a view to raising the awareness and vigilance of school personnel and social workers regarding “space oil”.

At the seminar, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health, Mr Henry Tong; the Head of Toxicology Reference Laboratory of the HKPCC, Dr Calvin Chong; Chief Inspector of the Narcotics Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force and representatives from the HKLSS Evergreen Lutheran Centre and the Kwun Tong District Youth Outreaching Social Work Team of the Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs Association of Hong Kong each shared with participating teaching staff and social workers on preventive education against electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in schools. They also shared information on pharmacology and the harm of abusing “space oil”, enforcement actions and relevant publicity and education programmes of the Police, as well as frontline service experiences and observations. The ND also explained the relevant statutory control.

The Commissioner for Narcotics, Mr Kesson Lee, said at the seminar that taking “space oil” is equivalent to taking drugs. The Government will take actions to crack down on “space oil” and strengthen the statutory control of the relevant substance. He urged teaching staff and school social workers to remain vigilant and observant, not to underestimate the vaping of e-cigarettes among students, and refer students at risk to suitable counselling and treatment programmes as appropriate. The ND delivers various anti-drug promotion and educational initiatives in schools in collaboration with the education sector. A multi-modality approach is also adopted in Hong Kong to render drug treatment and rehabilitation services that can help young drug abusers. He stated, “No school, regardless of its reputation or academic performance, can get away from the problem of drug abuse. Therefore, preventive education and publicity has always been an imperative duty of the Narcotics Division.”

Although there is no standard formula for “space oil”, it usually contains an anaesthetic called etomidate, which can only be prescribed by a doctor according to the law. Etomidate is regulated as Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations (Cap. 138A). In addition to etomidate, “space oil” may also be mixed with other drugs, impurities, and harmful chemicals such as nicotine. Dr Chong pointed out that long-term use of etomidate could disrupt the hormonal balance of its abusers, and the harm resembles that of hereditary diseases.

“Space oil” is often inhaled through electronic smoking products (such as e-cigarettes) or heated tobacco products, concealed in oil/liquid form within capsules and heated to produce aerosol for inhalation. Regarding the use of e-cigarettes, Mr Tong said, “The aerosol and secondhand smoke from e-cigarettes contain toxic and carcinogenic substances. The chemical solutions release various and unknown harmful substances when heated at high temperatures, some of which may be present in higher concentrations than traditional tobacco, and some are unique to e-cigarettes, posing serious health hazards.”

The ND’s website (www.nd.gov.hk) contains information about “space oil”, and the ND also launched a “space oil” themed animated video in August (www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHQVLgU3wAA). Members of the public are welcome to browse the website. In addition, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre, located on the roof floor of the Low Block of the Queensway Government Offices, provides various anti-drug knowledge and is open to the public.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young people to be given a helping hand on the creative industries ladder

Source: City of Liverpool

Budding young actors, musicians, photographers, fashion designers and film directors from across Liverpool are being invited to sign up to a creative programme that could give them a head-start in their chosen career.

Commissioned by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team as part of its Creative Neighbourhoods programme and funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Future Movement is delivered by leading British dance company Rambert.

The free creative youth programme, aimed at those aged 16-25, is unique because it is co-created with the young people, designed around their career ambitions.

Throughout the 12-week programme, Rambert invites guest artists from a wide range of creative industries to share their skills, experience and career paths with the participants, who will benefit from dedicated sessions focusing on different areas of work such as producing and marketing.

The initiative was piloted in Liverpool last year following its success in London, Rochdale and Mansfield and it gave young people the chance to collaborate with like-minded creatives across the country.

During the programme, the students had the opportunity to work with and be mentored by industry experts including Merseyside born designer Patrick McDowell and film director Dan Löwenstein of House of Create.

The students also collaborated with set and costume designer Olivia Du Monceau to design and make a protest banner. Researching art and activism, the group used different mediums of creativity, such as sewing and drawing to create a joyful banner of self-expression.

The programme culminated in an exhibition of the students’ work at the press night of Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby at the Liverpool Empire earlier this month. Here, they not only had the opportunity to showcase their work but also to network with industry insiders including the producers of Peaky Blinders, which was filmed in Liverpool, and the Chief Executive of Arts Council England.

The new term starts on October 8 and the group meet every Tuesday from 6.30pm-8.30pm at Toxteth Library, Windsor St, Liverpool, L8 1XF. Sign-up here.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle said: “Full of BAFTA-winning productions and Oscar-winning talent, Liverpool has a vibrant, fast-growing creative sector, which plays a significant role in contributing to the local economy. So it’s only right that we invest in the next generation of creatives.

“We’ve never been short of pioneers in Liverpool and while the city attracts world-class talent, it’s vital that we invest in home-grown talent and help our young people achieve their potential. Seeing the work that the young people have produced has blown me away – truly inspiring.”

Daniel Fulvio, Deputy Director of Audiences and Rambert’s lead on Future Movement says: “Future Movement is designed to inspire and support anyone who is interested in starting a career in the creative industries. It aims to fuel young minds whilst giving them opportunities to try things out in an environment where they are supported to push themselves to build new skills and explore a range of creative jobs.

“Liverpool is a beacon of creativity in the UK. Not only is it the birthplace of Hollywood stars and award-winning directors and producers but it is the second most filmed UK city outside of London and a UNESCO City of Music. Future Movement is a youth programme that takes young people seriously as the next generation of creatives and where better to nurture talent than here.”

Patrick McDowell, Fashion Designer collaborating with Rambert on Future Movement says: “Working with Future Movement has been enriching and fulfilling on both a creative and a personal level. It has been a joy to have had this opportunity to return to my hometown to work with young people from the area, who have opened my eyes to different ideas.

“Growing up, I was inspired by Liverpool’s style and how powerful and strong clothing seemed to make people feel. My working-class background and queer identity allowed me to see things through a certain lens, working with what I had to create something special. That ethos has remained with me to this day and it has been such a joy to mentor this pioneering project to inspire the next generation of creatives.”

Kieran Gregory, a 19-year-old actor who took part in the pilot said: “Future Movement is boss. I’m an actor but as part of the programme, we designed a costume for one of the Rambert dancers. I’ve had no previous experience of contemporary dance before so it’s great to have new skills to put on my CV. We’re exposed to so many different people, learning about their journeys into the world of creative arts.

“Rambert have been so good at letting us use our brains. We’ve gone to them and said ‘we’ve got this idea, can you make it happen?’ And they’ve said ‘yes, we’ll back you to the hilt.’ Whatever stimulus they give us, we’ll put our Scouse twist on it. I love representing Liverpool because people outside the city don’t properly understand. Over the last couple of years, things like Eurovision have been fantastic for the community so why not showcase it? Rambert and Culture Liverpool have put their faith in us and given us that opportunity and confidence.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: The state of the waste management sphere is an indicator of careful attention to the environment and a significant component of the comfort of life of citizens

MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum. With the CEO of the Russian Ecological Operator company Denis Butsaev

October 8, 2024

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum. With the CEO of the Russian Ecological Operator company Denis Butsaev

October 8, 2024

Garbage truck “MAZ” with a crane-manipulator for loading underground containers, bells

October 8, 2024

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

October 8, 2024

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

October 8, 2024

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

October 8, 2024

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

October 8, 2024

Previous news Next news

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum. With the CEO of the Russian Ecological Operator company Denis Butsaev

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev announced this at the fourth Russian Environmental Forum. The event was attended by representatives of federal authorities and regulatory agencies, industry and public organizations, and the business community.

As noted, a corresponding reform has been implemented in Russia since 2019 to create rational approaches to waste management. With its start, the Russian Environmental Operator (REO) was created for the comprehensive coordination of processes. Over the past five years, it has become the main tool for the development of the industry. Today, the entire waste management cycle is the responsibility of 184 regional operators. About 50 million tons of MSW pass through them annually.

“Over the past period, more than 250 facilities for waste processing, recycling and storage have been built. A significant step was ensuring waste sorting. Since 2019, its volumes have increased almost fivefold. A lot of work was simultaneously carried out in the field of regulatory control. Thus, the concepts of secondary resources and recyclable materials were legislatively established, and requirements for their handling appeared. A new procedure for determining the standards for the accumulation of solid municipal waste was also approved, on which the creation of infrastructure and the calculation of tariffs depend,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

As noted, since January of this year, changes to the extended producer responsibility mechanism have come into force, which provide for the obligation of packaging manufacturers to dispose of it in full. Also in 2024, a law was adopted to solve the problem of medical waste. The least hazardous categories will be sent for processing and disposal along with other types of MSW, which will reduce the volume of landfill disposal.

At the same time, the Deputy Prime Minister also drew attention to the difficulties that still need to be addressed. “There are still questions about the quality of regional operators’ work. There are problems with financial stability, payment collection, and a shortage of equipment and containers. All of this ultimately leads to the fact that people can still see uncollected garbage in their yards. And no reporting indicators can cover this. There are regions where the reform is clearly stalling. In order to solve this problem, in a command mode at the level of the entire country, we are working together to sort out the situation in the regions,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

The Deputy Prime Minister also recalled that the tasks for further development of the waste management sphere are outlined in the Presidential Decree on National Development Goals. By 2030, it is necessary to ensure complete sorting of MSW, reduce its landfill disposal by half, and involve at least a quarter of the volume in secondary circulation. Taking into account the existing capacities, in order to achieve the designated targets, it is necessary to double waste processing and reduce its disposal to landfills by 30% in six years.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the creation of the relevant infrastructure will continue within the framework of the new national project “Environmental Well-Being”. “The events, as you know, are included in the federal project “Closed Cycle Economy”. And I want to emphasize that the initiative should come first and foremost from the regions and businesses. The government, for its part, will help in the implementation of the projects,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

Speaking about government support measures in this area, the Deputy Prime Minister reported that over three years, 15 projects worth almost 40 billion rubles have been financed through the REO alone. In addition, the entities have concluded 65 concession agreements to create solid municipal waste management facilities with an investment volume of over 170 billion rubles.

According to Dmitry Patrushev, the implementation of these support mechanisms will continue. At the same time, it is important that entities, especially those with insufficient reform implementation rates, actively engage in the work and find reliable investors.

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

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

http://government.ru/nevs/52935/

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over 900 applications approved so far in the Electric Vehicle Purchase Incentive08 October 2024 Following the quick and successful uptake of the Electric Vehicle Purchase Incentive (EVPI), it is expected that the scheme will close before the end of this year. Over 900 applications have been received… Read more

Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

08 October 2024

Following the quick and successful uptake of the Electric Vehicle Purchase Incentive (EVPI), it is expected that the scheme will close before the end of this year.

Over 900 applications have been received and approved, since the incentive scheme launched in August 2023. The remaining funds will be administered on a first come, first served basis. There are currently no plans to re-run the scheme once it has closed.

The Government of Jersey has worked closely with vehicle retailers to encourage Islanders to make the switch away from petrol and diesel modes of transport.  Vehicle retailers wishing to join the scheme can no longer apply at this stage.

Funding for the scheme was allocated through the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, with an aim to reduce Jersey’s road transport emissions.

The Electric Vehicle Charger Incentive, which awards £350 towards the cost of an electric vehicle smart charger, will still be available for Islanders, and will not close at the same time as the EVPI.  A separate scheme, supporting businesses with the purchase of second-hand electric vans will also continue to run until all 25 incentives have been allocated.  

Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, said: “I am pleased that demand for electric vehicles has been so positive. Since the scheme launched last summer, we have received more than 900 applications, meaning many Islanders have received a grant up to the value of £3,500 towards the purchase of a new or used electric vehicle. My thanks must go to all our approved vehicle retailers for supporting the incentive from inception through to delivery.

“Incentive applications are still being accepted, but due to the high level of demand, the funding available has almost all been allocated, so we expect the scheme will close before the end of this year. Islanders who are thinking about switching to electric and would like financial support from this scheme are encouraged to apply now before it’s too late.”

For more information about the EVPI, visit: http://www.gov.je/goelectric.

See the press release for the incentive launch (2023) here,

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Mass redundancies at PKP CARGO S.A. as part of a restructuring plan – P-001954/2024
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-001954/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Marlena Maląg (ECR), Kosma Złotowski (ECR)

Although Poland’s rail market is the second biggest rail market in Europe in terms of size and value, PKP CARGO S.A. has embarked on a drastic restructuring. We have received alarming reports from the national section of the Solidarity Independent Trade Union of mass redundancies (over 3 700 planned lay-offs), serious breaches of the principles of social dialogue, and the dismissal of vulnerable groups despite their special status (pregnant women, employees who are in the protected pre-retirement period, trade union members). This situation has led to numerous protests in Poland.

We would like to know:

1.Is the Commission aware of the issue of mass redundancies at PKP CARGO S.A. as part of the company’s restructuring and of how the process is being carried out, and if so, what steps will it take to help employees, especially those belonging to vulnerable groups?

2.Do the PKP CARGO S.A. employees laid off as part of the restructuring process qualify for EGF support?

Submitted: 4.10.2024
Last updated: 8 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: From mass deportations to huge tariff hikes, here’s what Trump’s economic program would do the US and to Australia
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University

Prashantrajsingh/Shutterstock

It’s time to take Donald Trump seriously. Betting markets say it’s as likely as not he will be elected US president four weeks from today.

And unlike in 2016 when his program wasn’t clearly defined, he has set out plainly what he intends to do. Which means it’s possible to model the consequences.

The three Trump promises with the greatest economic impact are
- the deportation of millions of US residents
- steep restrictions on imports, especially from China
- presidential influence over interest rates.
The best way to model the consequences is with an established model of the kind used by the International Monetary Fund and central banks around the world rather than one set up for the purpose that could be seen as designed to favour or not favour Trump.

The Washington-based Peterson Institute for International Economics has just done that, noting that during Trump’s first term as president he “by and large” did what he said he would do.

It finds

ironically, despite his ‘make the foreigners pay rhetoric’, Trump’s package of policies does more damage to the US economy than to any other in the world.

No other country in the world would be hurt by Trump’s program as much as the US – not even China – although several US allies would suffer, including Australia, which would be the fourth-worst hit by the most extreme version of what Trump is proposing.

Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Mass deportations

Trump has repeatedly promised the “largest domestic deportation operation in American history,” targeting up to 20 million unauthorised immigrants, including about 8.3 million thought to be in the workforce.

He says his model is Operation Wetback – a 1956 Eisenhower administration program that used military-style tactics to deport 1.3 million Mexicans.

The institute says Eisenhower’s success makes it easy to believe Trump could remove 1.3 million immigrant workers. It has modelled two scenarios: removing 1.3 million and 8.3 million, both over two years in 2025 and 2026.

Both slash employment, including the employment of non-immigrants, both push up inflation, which eventually is brought under control, and both make the US a less attractive place to invest, which benefits much of the rest of the world.

The institute says the low and high scenarios differ “only by the degree of damage inflicted on people, households, firms, and the overall economy”.

Huge tariff hikes

Trump wants to increase every tariff on goods imported to the US by 10 percentage points, including where there is at present no tariff. And he wants at least a 60% tariff on imports from China. The institute has modelled both, with and without retaliatory tariffs from China and the rest of the world.

It finds, unsurprisingly, that extra tariffs push up the price of US imports and the prices of US-produced goods that compete with imports. Many are used as inputs in manufacturing, which means US manufacturing suffers (which is probably not what Trump had in mind).

Fewer imports mean less demand for foreign exchange within the US, which means a higher US dollar which makes US exports less competitive. The US economy is weaker as a result, although China’s is weaker still and Australia’s is weakened as much as the US given its role in providing resources to China.

Nobbling the Fed

Trump has raised the prospect of more presidential influence over interest rates, saying he thinks he has “a better instinct than, in many cases” the board of US Federal Reserve. This could be achieved by requiring the president to be consulted on rate decisions or by appointing a compliant chair.

However it’s done, the institute’s “conservative” assumption based on what happens in developing countries with less central bank independence is that it will push inflation two percentage points higher.

The modelled result is capital flight. While the US economy is initially stronger than it would have been because of the Fed’s willingness to tolerate higher inflation, after a few years it is weaker and every other economy is stronger.

When all the measures are combined, under the extreme scenarios the US economy is 6.7% weaker than it would have been by 2035 and Australia’s is 0.2% weaker. Under the more modest scenarios, the US economy is 1.6% weaker and Australia’s is 0.06% weaker.

Why not examine Harris?

Despite a history of non-partisanship, the Peterson Institute is prepared for criticism. It points out that the economic model it used is regarded as the best in the world for scenario planning and is Australian, built by Warwick McKibbin of the Australian National University.

And it says it has modelled the Trump policies rather than the Harris policies because only Trump’s represent a departure from business as usual.

As the Institute’s president Adam Posen put it in Washington last month, the Harris campaign has said it will not impose across-the-board tariffs, will not engage in mass deportations and will not interfere with the independence of the US Federal Reserve.

The Trump campaign has indicated it will do all three.

It’s entirely possible that in office Trump wouldn’t do everything he proposed while campaigning, and it’s entirely possible that he would change course if what was doing damaged the US in the way the modelling suggests.

But there’s something to be said for taking people at their word, at least to get an idea of what we could be in store for after a knife-edge election.

Peter Martin is Economics Editor of The Conversation.

– ref. From mass deportations to huge tariff hikes, here’s what Trump’s economic program would do the US and to Australia – https://theconversation.com/from-mass-deportations-to-huge-tariff-hikes-heres-what-trumps-economic-program-would-do-the-us-and-to-australia-240650
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Intercontinental knowledge transfer: South Africa improves e-waste management with support from Empa

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

Federal Laboratory for Materials Testing and Research

Dübendorf, St. Gallen und Thun, 08.10.2024 – In summer 2024, the South African government published a strategy paper on the management of e-waste, which was developed in collaboration with Empa. This is the first time the country has issued standardized guidelines for the proper and safe handling of e-waste. The collaboration is part of a program funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Electronic waste can pose a considerable risk to people and the environment, as it often contains toxic substances such as the heavy metals mercury and cadmium. At the same time, discarded electrical and electronic devices are an important source of valuable materials, for instance copper and gold. Proper disposal and recycling of e-waste is therefore crucial – also for developing and newly industrialized countries, who can use it to safeguard their populations and strengthen their economies.

With support from Empa, South Africa has now come a good deal closer to this goal. In June 2024, the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment published, for the first time, a comprehensive e-waste management strategy. An important basis for this strategy was provided by the Sustainable Recycling Industries program (SRI, see text box), financed by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Sustainable change

As part of the SRI program, Empa and the World Resources Forum (WRF) are working with teams from several developing and newly industrialized countries, including South Africa, to improve the recycling of e-waste in these countries. The aim is both to create the necessary legal framework and to impart technical know-how. “Thanks to the collaboration with Empa and the WRF, our partner countries benefit from proven expert knowledge,” says Philipp Ischer, program manager at SECO. According to the expert, this has a very positive effect on the development of the legal foundations for recycling and the formulation of the relevant norms and standards.

“One of our activities as part of the SRI program, for example, is the training of auditors who check the quality of e-waste handling processes at recycling companies,” says Manuele Capelli, a researcher in Empa’s Technology and Society laboratory, which manages the program together with the WRF. Members of the Critical Materials and Resource Efficiency (CARE) research group, which has a longs-standing experience in development cooperation, also carried out audits for the Swiss e-waste recycling industry until 2023.

The expertise from small, prosperous Switzerland cannot, however, be transferred one-to-one to a large newly industrialized country like South Africa. “One of SRI’s goals is to promote sustainable change so that the activities continue even after the program ends,” emphasizes Capelli. Special attention is therefore paid to cooperation with local teams. “Our partners are in contact with the authorities and the industry in South Africa and are very familiar with the country-specific challenges in the area of electronic waste recycling.”

Creating suitable conditions

The recycling of batteries is one example of the e-waste management challenges particular to South Africa. The power grid in the country is unstable; hour-long power cuts have been a daily occurrence for years. “As the largest electricity producer in the region, South Africa has no easy way of importing electricity,” explains Capelli. For this reason, many wealthy households rely on their own solar system with battery storage, resulting in large quantities of used batteries over time. “Batteries are a particularly dangerous form of e-waste. They can cause fires if stored incorrectly and not properly monitored,” says Capelli. Thanks to their experience with the recycling and reuse of batteries, the Empa researchers were able to pass on useful know-how to their local partners.

Otherwise, South Africa faces similar challenges in e-waste recycling as other newly industrialized countries, says Capelli: “The quantities of e-waste are increasing, but disposal and recycling are often inadequate or unsafe. With the new strategy paper, the country now has comprehensive and uniform guidelines for the first time in order to better overcome these challenges. “This is a major milestone and we are delighted to have been able to support South Africa in this,” he says.

Sustainable Recycling Industries
Sustainable Recycling Industries (SRI) is a program funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and run by Empa and the World Resources Forum (WRF), an international non-profit organization that emerged from Empa. The aim of the program is to create favorable framework conditions for a sustainable recycling industry for e-waste and related waste streams in selected developing and emerging countries. The countries involved are Colombia, Egypt, Ghana, Peru and South Africa. SRI is currently in its second phase, which will run until 2025. Colombia and Peru have already successfully completed the program.

http://www.sustainable-recycling.org

Address for enquiries

Manuele Capelli
Technology and Society
Phone +41 58 765 69 01
manuele.capelli@empa.ch

Mathias Schluep
Managing Director, World Resources Forum
Phone +41 71 554 09 06
mathias.schluep@wrforum.org

Publisher

Federal Laboratory for Materials Testing and Research
http://www.empa.ch

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Keynote address for the Honorable Minister of Health Official Handover of the Vaccine Van

Source: Government of Western Samoa

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25th September, 2024; Pharmaceutical Warehouse @ 12noon

Lau Susuga le Ta’ita’i o le Sauniga; Rev. Saaga Tuiletufuga

Australian High Commissioner to Samoa – H.E Will Robinson

and the Australian Department of Foreign and Trade in Samoa

UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Samoa – Ms. Khin Moe Aye and

the UNICEF office in Samoa

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Samoa has been making steady progress in terms of reaching all

eligible children with the vaccines as per the National

Immunisation Schedule. There has been successful roll out of 4

lifesaving childhood vaccines in the last 3 years like Rotavirus

vaccine, Pneumococcal Vaccine, HPV vaccine and Typhoid vaccine

to protect our children respectively from Diarrhoea, Pneumonia,

Cervical cancer and Typhoid fever. This year the coverage for the 2

doses of Measles vaccine has been quite encouraging for Samoa.

The coverage of first dose of Measles has reached 91% for the first time in the last 5 years after the Measles outbreak and the 2nd dose of Measles vaccine is around 64%. I am confident that our

Immunization Program or EPI team will be able to reach the

missed children in the remaining months of this year to achieve a

good coverage for the year through our continuous and existing

outreach vaccinations.

The new vaccine introduction initiative, Post-Measles Outbreak

recovery plan and COVID-19 Pandemic, brought in a C-change to

the immunization domain of Samoa. There are significant

developments in Cold Chain, capacity building of health workers,

documentation and reporting to strengthen the Health System

with regards to Immunization with technical support from UNICEF.

The transportation and distribution of vaccines in the country was

identified as a gap. Now with this new vehicle procured with the

funding support from Australian Government, transportation of

vaccines will be faster, which means a boost in efficient and timely

vaccine supply of vaccines and logistics to the healthcare facilities.

The vehicle is also covered to protect vaccines against

unfavourable weather conditions. Though this vehicle will have

priority for vaccines, it may be considered to accommodate the

pharmaceutical supplies for distribution to the health facilities

across the country to improve the cost efficiency.

We are immensely grateful to Australian Government for their

timely support and also to UNICEF for their able technical guidance

and support for strengthening our Health system to get equipped

to provide quality services in a cost-effective way.

SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA!

Lauga a le Afioga le Minisita o le Soifua Maloloina

Tatala Aloaia le Tauaaoina o le Ta’avale mo le tufaina/kilivaina o Tui Puipui ma Vailaau

Lau Susuga le Ta’ita’i le Sauniga – Rev. Saaga Tuiletufuga

Lau Susuga le Komisina Maualuga o Ausetalia i Samoa, H.E

Will Robinson

Lau Susuga le Sui o le Ofisa o le Faalapotopotoga o le UNICEF i

Samoa – Khin Moe Aye

Le paia o le aofia ua potopoto,

Ua molimauina e tusa ai ma fa’amaumauga lata mai, le alualu i

luma o taumafaiga a Samoa, e ala i le to’atele o alo ma fanau ua

fa’atino o latou tui puipui fa’aauau. I totonu o le 3 tausaga talu ai,

na fa’amauina le lelei o le faatinoina o nisi o tui Puipui fou na

fa’amanuiaina ai lo tatou atunu’u mo le puipuiga o alo ma fanau

mai le tele o fa’ama’i.

O nei tui Puipui e aofia ai tui e puipuia mai fa’ama’i e pei o le

manava tatā, o fa’ama’i e aofia ai le nimonia, o le fa’ama’i o le

taifoi, faapea ma tui puipui mo alo ma fanau teine e puipuia mai

nisi o Kanesa o tama’ita’i.

O le tausaga lenei, e fa’alototeleina lava le auaunaga, ona o le

maoa’e o le tulaga ua o’o iai le fa’atinoga o tui Puipui o le Misela.

O le tui muamua lava o le Misela (MR1) e 91% le faitau aofa’i o alo

ma fanau e agava’a na faia tui Puipui. Ao le tui lona lua o le Misela (MR2) e 64%. O lo’o mafanafana lava, o le a fa’aauau le una’i a le aufaigaluega ina ia ausia le 90-100% o le tui puipui lenei o le Misela i nai masina o totoe o lenei tausaga.

O le o’o mai o nisi o tui Puipui fou e faaopoopo i tui Puipui fa’aauau a le fanau e puipuia mai fa’ama’i e pei ona ou ta’ua, o

taumafaiga o le una’i o le faia o tui ina ua mae’a le pipisi o le

Misela, faapea ma le KOVITI-19 o ni matati’a sili ia mo le

Polokalame o Tui Puipui mo Samoa. Ua si’itia fo’i le tulaga o le

mata’itūina o le mālūlū ma le vevela talafeagai e teu malu ai tui

Puipui, aemaise le taimi e feavea’i ma kiliva ai i tua i falema’i ma

nofoaga o lo’o faatino ai tūiga.

O lo’o fa’aauau pea a’oa’oga mo le si’itia o le silafia o tausi soifua

i le fa’atinoga o tui Puipui. E le gata i lea a’o le si’itia o le silafia e

fa’aleleia atili ai fa’amaumauga e ala i metotia fa’aona-po-nei. O

le naunautaiga o nei taumafaiga uma, ina ia mautinoa e faia uma

tui Puipui o alo ma fanau faapea ma tagata matutua e agava’a. Ia

mafai ai ona puipuia mai le tele o fa’ama’i pipisi. E le galo Afia i si

ona vao, ma e faafetai ai le lagolago a le Faalapotopotoga o le

UNICEF faapea ma le Polokalame mo Tui Puipui Fou o lo’o

faatupeina e le ADB mo nei taumafaiga.

A’o le meaalofa o le a tau’aaoina nei, e pei ona iai le ta’avale

faapitoa mo le kilivaina o tui Puipui, o se foa’i sili lea ua

fa’aopoopo e unaia ai le auaunaga o tūiga. E le gata ina ia mautinoa e vave ona taunu’u le tufaina ma le kilivaina o Tui Puipui mana’omia mo falema’i uma. Ae faapea fo’i ma le puipuia mai o nei vailaau ma tui mai le vevela ma vave ona fa’aleaogāinaai.

O lenei foa’i o le a fesoasoani tele, e le na’o le fa’aaogaina mo Tui

Puipui, ae mo le kilivaina o nisi o vailaau mo’omia i tua i falema’i

fa’aitūmalo ma nofoaga mamao o lo’o faatinoina ai le auaunaga

fa’asoifua maloloina.

O le agaga fa’agae’etia mai le Malo o Samoa e tauala atu le

Matagaluega o le Soifua Maloloina, e fa’afetaia ai le Malo o

Ausetalia faapea ma le Faalapotopotoga o le UNICEF mo lenei

foa’i, ina ia si’itia le auaunaga mo le mamalu o le atunu’u.

Ia fa’aauau ai pea le tatou galulue fa’atasi aua se Samoa

maloloina mo nei ma le lumana’i.

SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA

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October 8, 2024

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025

Category: Transport

Notes to editors

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Inquiries

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum. With the CEO of the Russian Ecological Operator company Denis Butsaev

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum. With the CEO of the Russian Ecological Operator company Denis Butsaev

Garbage truck “MAZ” with a crane-manipulator for loading underground containers, bells

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

08 October 2024

Mass deportations

Huge tariff hikes

Nobbling the Fed

Why not examine Harris?

Notes to editors 