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Category: Transport

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why a portrait of a former NRL great could spark greater concussion awareness in Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Townsend, Research Fellow, UQ School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland

    A new portrait of NRL legend Wally Lewis conveys a striking message about the consequences of brain trauma in sport.

    The portrait, created by visual artist Jamie van Leeuwen in cooperation with Lewis, is currently entered in the 2024 Brisbane Portrait Prize.

    It uses artificial intelligence (AI) and traditional photography to depict Lewis contemplating his own brain, prompting viewers to consider the consequences of athletes subjecting their bodies (and brains) to a lifetime of physical trauma in contact sports.

    It further suggests that art has an important role to play in science communication.

    Heavy lies the crown

    Lewis is one of Queensland’s most beloved figures and one of Australia’s greatest rugby league players.

    His intelligence was matched by a rugged playing style. He thrilled crowds by appearing to relish hard tackles and seeking confrontation.

    Lewis’ State of Origin performances for Queensland, the Australian representative team, and multiple clubs earned him the nickname “The King” and the “Emperor of Lang Park,” where he is celebrated with a life-size statue.

    In short, it is difficult to overstate the affection many Queenslanders have for Lewis and the magnitude of his reputation in the Australian rugby league community.

    The King speaks

    Although rugby league gave a lot to Lewis, it also took a heavy toll.

    After retiring he moved into broadcasting, becoming the long-term sports anchor for Channel Nine in Queensland.

    In late 2006, he had two successive epileptic episodes on live television.

    Following the second episode, Lewis announced publicly that he had been diagnosed with epilepsy during his playing career but hid the condition for decades. He further revealed his epilepsy was caused by repeated concussions.

    Wally Lewis has spoken out about his epilepsy struggles.

    More recently, Lewis has become one of the most prominent figures in the broader conversation around brain trauma in sport, particularly following his 2023 diagnosis of traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES), the symptomatic precursor of the brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

    This diagnosis is likely linked to his lifetime accumulation of brain trauma in rugby league.

    Who is listening?

    Many Australian sports and athletes are being impacted by concussion, with a cacophony of experts and advocates attempting to make themselves heard.

    Scientists, researchers, doctors, athletes, parents, families, and politicians are all straining to communicate the potentially serious consequences of brain trauma to the sporting public.

    This portrait of Lewis cuts through the noise and conveys a complex and sometimes controversial narrative: the neurological consequences of contact sport can outweigh its benefits.

    This is a particularly fraught conversation in light of a recent study that argued the opposite.

    The King’s Battle

    The portrait conveys the duality of contact sport in an instant.

    As the artist states, the meaning of the piece is “about legacy […] both sides of legacy.”

    Lewis’ successes are evidenced by the 1987 Maroons jersey he wears and the crown atop his head.

    The costs are equally visible.

    His wearied expression, the blood and grime on his collar and the disembodied brain resting in his palms prompt the viewer to imagine Lewis’s thoughts.

    Is he re-imagining past victories? Planning an uncertain future? Harbouring fears for his fellow athletes?

    After viewing the image for the first time, Lewis said:

    It pretty much tells the story straight away […] there is great hope in the future that I’m going to be able to deal with some of the difficulties.

    The image is emotionally freighted in a way that researchers and medical practitioners usually try to avoid, particularly in discussions about sports concussion where advocates for player safety have been accused of being overly emotional or scare-mongering.

    The King’s Battle reminds us brain trauma is an emotional issue as much as a scientific one.

    As ANU science media researcher Matt Ventresca says, some of the most effective advocates for player welfare are former and current athletes who “in the absence of scientific certainty, express fear about the health of their brains.”

    Art and the future of science

    Arts and science are often viewed as contradictory, but creative expressions like The King’s Battle should play a role in science communication.

    Think Susan Sontag’s brilliant essay Illness as Metaphor or the haunting lyrical description of cancer in Blood by Australian band The Middle East.

    “Blood”, by Australian indie band The Middle East, became the band’s signature song.

    The concussion crisis is a potent space for artistic representation – the 2015 film Concussion starring Will Smith is a landmark in public perceptions of brain trauma in sport.

    The upcoming ABC television program Plum also tells the story of a brain damaged former sports star.

    A 2024 portrait of former Australian NFL player Colin Scotts shows the consequences of a life in contact sport.

    Artistic representations such as The King’s Battle are important because they bring home the consequences of brain trauma in ways that traditional science communication struggles to achieve.

    It reminds us that understanding the emotion of health is just as important as understanding its scientific and medical aspects.

    For CTE researchers, van Leeuwen’s portrait also carries abstract echoes of another hope for the future.

    His use of AI technology to disembody Lewis’ brain in the artwork is reminiscent of current methods of CTE diagnosis: post-mortem removal and dissection of the brain.

    The difference in The King’s Battle is that Lewis can look on the damage done to his brain while still very much alive.

    In much the same way, we hope in the near future that technological advances will allow us to see CTE in the brains of living athletes and help them to live better lives with the disease.

    Alan Pearce is currently unfunded. Alan is a non-executive director for the Concussion Legacy Foundation (unpaid position) and Adjunct research manager for the Australian Sports Brain Bank (unpaid position). He has previously received funding from Erasmus+ strategic partnerships program (2019-1-IE01-KA202-051555), Sports Health Check Charity (Australia), Australian Football League, Impact Technologies Inc., and Samsung Corporation, and is remunerated for expert advice to medico-legal practices.

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

    – ref. Why a portrait of a former NRL great could spark greater concussion awareness in Australia – https://theconversation.com/why-a-portrait-of-a-former-nrl-great-could-spark-greater-concussion-awareness-in-australia-238882

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NASA is launching a major mission to look for habitable spots on Jupiter’s moon Europa

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Lloyd, Research Fellow, ARC CoE Plants for Space, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia

    Illustration of the spacecraft above Europa’s icy surface. NASA/JPL-Caltech

    On October 10, NASA is launching a hotly anticipated new mission to Jupiter’s fourth-largest moon, Europa.

    Called Europa Clipper, the spacecraft will conduct a detailed study of the moon, looking for potential places where Europa might host alien life.

    It’s the largest planetary exploration spacecraft NASA has ever made: as wide as a basketball court when its solar sails are unfolded. It has a mass of about 6,000 kilograms – the weight of a large African elephant.

    But why are we sending a hulking spacecraft all the way to Europa?

    Looking for life away from Earth

    The search for life in places other than Earth usually focuses on our neighbour Mars, a planet that’s technically in the “habitable zone” of our Solar System. But Mars is not an attractive place to live, due to its lack of atmosphere and high levels of radiation. However, it’s close to Earth, making it relatively easy to send missions to explore it.

    But there are other places in the Solar System that could support life – some of the moons of Jupiter and Saturn. Why? They have liquid water.

    Here on Earth, water is the solvent of life: water dissolves salts and sugars, and facilitates the chemical reactions needed for life on Earth to proceed. It’s possible life forms exist elsewhere that rely on liquid methane or carbon dioxide or something else, but life as we know it uses water.

    The reason there’s liquid water so far out in the Solar System is because Jupiter and Saturn, the gas giants, wield immense gravitational power over their moons.

    Saturn’s moons, Titan and Enceladus, are stretched and compressed by gravity as they go around their host planet. This movement results in vast underground oceans with a surface of solid ice, with plumes of water vapour exploding 9,600 kilometres from the surface.

    It is strongly suspected that Europa is the same. While we know a lot about Europa from more than four centuries of observation, we have not confirmed it has an under-ice liquid ocean like Titan and Enceladus.

    But all clues point to yes. Europa has a smooth surface despite being hit by many meteors, suggesting the surface is young, recently replaced. Ice volcanoes raining down water over the surface would make sense.

    It also has a magnetic field, suggesting that like Earth, Europa has a liquid layer inside (on Earth, this liquid is molten rock).

    This artist’s concept (not to scale) shows what Europa’s insides might look like: an outer shell of ice, perhaps with plumes venting out; a deep layer of liquid water; and a rocky interior, potentially with hydrothermal vents on the seafloor.
    NASA/JPL-Caltech

    What will Europa Clipper do?

    At the surface, Europa is bombarded by high levels of space radiation, concentrated by Jupiter. But deeper down, the thick ice sheet could be protecting life in the liquid subsurface ocean.

    This means it would be difficult for us to find concrete evidence for life without drilling down deep. But where to look? Through flybys of the icy moon, Europa Clipper will be looking at areas where life could be dwelling under the icy shell.

    To achieve this, Europa Clipper has nine scientific instruments. These include a wide-angle camera to study geologic activity and a thermal imaging system to measure surface texture and detect warmer regions on the surface.

    There’s also a spectrometer for looking at the chemical composition of the gases and surface of Europa, and for any explosive plumes of water from the surface. The mission also has tools for mapping the moon’s surface.

    Other instruments will measure the depth and salt levels of the moon’s ocean and the thickness of its ice shell, and also how Europa flexes within the strong gravitational pull of Jupiter.

    Excitingly, a mass spectrometer will analyse the gases of the moon’s faint atmosphere and potential plumes of water. By examining the material ejected from the plumes, we can understand what is hidden within the under-ice oceans of Europa.

    A dust analyser will also look at matter that has been ejected from Europa’s surface by tiny meteorites or released from the plumes.

    Unfortunately, we will have to wait a while for any discoveries. Europa Clipper will take more than five years to reach Jupiter. And the mission is only equipped to look for the potential of life, not life itself. If we see evidence that might point towards life, we will need future missions to return and explore Europa in depth.

    So we must be patient. But this is an exciting opportunity for humanity to get one step closer to find life beyond our own home planet.

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

    – ref. NASA is launching a major mission to look for habitable spots on Jupiter’s moon Europa – https://theconversation.com/nasa-is-launching-a-major-mission-to-look-for-habitable-spots-on-jupiters-moon-europa-239928

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Is owning a dog good for your health?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tania Signal, Professor of Psychology, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity Australia

    Pogodina Natalia/Shutterstock

    Australia loves dogs. We have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and one in two households has at least one dog.

    But are they good for our health?

    Mental health is the second-most common reason cited for getting a dog, after companionship. And many of us say we “feel healthier” for having a dog – and let them sleep in our bedroom.

    Here’s what it means for our physical and mental health to share our homes (and doonas) with our canine companions.

    Are there physical health benefits to having a dog?

    Having a dog is linked to lower risk of death over the long term. In 2019, a systematic review gathered evidence published over 70 years, involving nearly four million individual medical cases. It found people who owned a dog had a 24% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those who did not own a dog.

    Having a dog may help lower your blood pressure through more physical activity.
    Barnabas Davoti/Pexels

    Dog ownership was linked to increased physical activity. This lowered blood pressure and helped reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

    The review found for those with previous heart-related medical issues (such as heart attack), living with a dog reduced their subsequent risk of dying by 35%, compared to people with the same history but no dog.

    Another recent UK study found adult dog owners were almost four times as likely to meet daily physical activity targets as non-owners. Children in households with a dog were also more active and engaged in more unstructured play, compared to children whose family didn’t have a dog.

    Exposure to dirt and microbes carried in from outdoors may also strengthen immune systems and lead to less use of antibiotics in young children who grow up with dogs.

    Children in households with a dog were often more active.
    Maryshot/Shutterstock

    Health risks

    However, dogs can also pose risks to our physical health. One of the most common health issues for pet owners is allergies.

    Dogs’ saliva, urine and dander (the skin cells they shed) can trigger allergic reactions resulting in a range of symptoms, from itchy eyes and runny nose to breathing difficulties.

    A recent meta-analysis pooled data from nearly two million children. Findings suggested early exposure to dogs may increase the risk of developing asthma (although not quite as much as having a cat does). The child’s age, how much contact they have with the dog and their individual risk all play a part.

    Slips, trips and falls are another risk – more people fall over due to dogs than cats.

    Having a dog can also expose you to bites and scratches which may become infected and pose a risk for those with compromised immune systems. And they can introduce zoonotic diseases into your home, including ring worm and Campylobacter, a disease that causes diarrhoea.

    For those sharing the bed there is an elevated the risk of allergies and picking up ringworm. It may result in lost sleep, as dogs move around at night.

    On the other hand some owners report feeling more secure while co-sleeping with their dogs, with the emotional benefit outweighing the possibility of sleep disturbance or waking up with flea bites.

    Proper veterinary care and hygiene practices are essential to minimise these risks.

    Many of us don’t just share a home with a dog – we let them sleep in our beds.
    Claudia Mañas/Unsplash

    What about mental health?

    Many people know the benefits of having a dog are not only physical.

    As companions, dogs can provide significant emotional support helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress. Their presence may offer comfort and a sense of purpose to individuals facing mental health challenges.

    Loneliness is a significant and growing public health issue in Australia.

    In the dog park and your neighbourhood, dogs can make it easier to strike up conversations with strangers and make new friends. These social interactions can help build a sense of community belonging and reduce feelings of social isolation.

    For older adults, dog walking can be a valuable loneliness intervention that encourages social interaction with neighbours, while also combating declining physical activity.

    However, if you’re experiencing chronic loneliness, it may be hard to engage with other people during walks. An Australian study found simply getting a dog was linked to decreased loneliness. People reported an improved mood – possibly due to the benefits of strengthening bonds with their dog.

    Walking a dog can make it easier to talk to people in your neighbourhood.
    KPegg/Shutterstock

    What are the drawbacks?

    While dogs can bring immense joy and numerous health benefits, there are also downsides and challenges. The responsibility of caring for a dog, especially one with behavioural issues or health problems, can be overwhelming and create financial stress.

    Dogs have shorter lifespans than humans, and the loss of a beloved companion can lead to depression or exacerbate existing mental health conditions.

    Lifestyle compatibility and housing conditions also play a significant role in whether having a dog is a good fit.

    The so-called pet effect suggests that pets, often dogs, improve human physical and mental health in all situations and for all people. The reality is more nuanced. For some, having a pet may be more stressful than beneficial.

    Importantly, the animals that share our homes are not just “tools” for human health. Owners and dogs can mutually benefit when the welfare and wellbeing of both are maintained.

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

    – ref. Is owning a dog good for your health? – https://theconversation.com/is-owning-a-dog-good-for-your-health-238888

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Publications Catalog

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Topics include agriculture, education, energy, environment, gender, governance, health, transport, urban development, and water. Most of these publications can be downloaded for free from the ADB Publications pages. Hard copies of listed titles can be ordered from Amazon online; or via the “Order print publication” button on the relevant web pages. Orders can also be placed through our commercial distributors, booksellers, and copublishers when indicated in the publication’s description.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Opens Scientific and Educational Center in Ufa

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft has opened a scientific and educational center based on the Mining and Oil Faculty of the Ufa State Petroleum Technological University. The Rosneft-USPTU center is equipped with the latest equipment, some of which has no analogues. More than 800 students and postgraduates will be trained here annually.

    A large educational project is being implemented with the participation of the Government of the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia – the founder of USPTU.

    With the support of the Company, a comprehensive modernization was carried out in the five-story building of the Mining and Petroleum Faculty with an area of 6 thousand m2. The building is equipped with advanced scientific and educational equipment, intended, among other things, for core research and the study of hard-to-recover hydrocarbon reserves.

    The scientific and educational center has 15 educational clusters, which consist of 26 specialized laboratories (exploration and drilling; development and exploitation of deposits), 8 digital modeling classes and 2 technosphere safety laboratories.

    The educational center has a modern drilling simulator, which students can use in virtual reality to conduct, among other things, major well repairs.

    Rosneft – USPTU opens up broad opportunities for masters and postgraduate students who carry out scientific research in areas relevant to the Company, including in the field of hard-to-recover hydrocarbon reserves and new materials used in drilling to improve the efficiency of well construction.

    The scientific and educational equipment of the faculty allows students to master modern technology, laboratory equipment and software to develop competencies relevant to the Company.

    USPTU is a “forge of personnel” for the oil and gas industry of our country and one of the main suppliers of highly qualified specialists for Rosneft enterprises conducting production activities in various regions of Russia.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 19, 2022

    Keywords: Social News 2022

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

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

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/212911/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Provisional Driver caught driving 80km/hr over the speed limit

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Provisional Driver caught driving 80km/hr over the speed limit

    Monday, 7 October 2024 – 11:03 am.

    A 17-year-old male p-plater from Cygnet has been charged with reckless driving and aggravated evade after he was observed travelling south on the Southern Outlet, Kingston, about 9.30pm on 18 September at high speed.
    Police attempted to intercept the vehicle; however, it continued at speed and weaved between other motorists to avoid police.
    The youth was observed travelling at approximately 160km/hr in an 80km/hr zone.
    He was later intercepted and arrested.
    Police are continuing to investigate the incident and are calling for motorists who witnessed a Black Ford Fiesta or who have dashcam footage of the dangerous driving at the time to come forward.
    Anyone with information is asked to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously. Please quote OR754261.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At the Direction of FEMA Administrator Criswell, U.S. Fire Administrator Visits Firefighters in Support of Hurricane Helene Response

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: At the Direction of FEMA Administrator Criswell, U.S. Fire Administrator Visits Firefighters in Support of Hurricane Helene Response

    At the Direction of FEMA Administrator Criswell, U.S. Fire Administrator Visits Firefighters in Support of Hurricane Helene Response

    Local firefighters and first responders face the dual burden of operational response and personal recovery for Hurricane Helene

    WASHINGTON — At the direction of FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to support the whole of government response, U.S. Fire Administrator, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, met with firefighters and emergency response teams last week in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee to discuss ongoing recovery efforts and assess their urgent needs. Today, the Fire Administrator met with fire chiefs in Augusta, Georgia to visit the Emergency Operation Center and fire stations, survey devastation, and work with the fire chief in a food and water distribution line. 

    “I had the opportunity to visit multiple active scenes across the impact zones and talk with the responders.” said Fire Administrator Moore-Merrell. “As you look into their eyes, it is completely evident that they are mission-driven and passionate about what must be done. Every block is searched not once, not twice but often three times as these rescuers dig down through debris. For each person, they’re not just here to help a community, it is personal. Seeing so much destruction on this large scale in their own communities means that they are rescuing or helping people to recover that they might know. These are their neighbors, friends and even family members.”

    Throughout this multi-state visit over several days, the Fire Administrator supported ongoing efforts by FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) to expedite the deployment of additional resources, personnel and equipment to the hardest-hit areas. The Fire Administrator pledged continued support and coordination with state and local governments to ensure first responders can conti­­nue to serve their communities effectively in the weeks and months to come.

    During the visit to South Carolina, the Fire Administrator met with a family of a fallen firefighter killed at the beginning of the storm and expressed the federal family’s gratitude and continued support. 

    In North Carolina, the Fire Administrator visited Asheville Fire Department Station 13, Swannanoa Volunteer Fire Department, Garran Creek Fire Rescue, and Fairview Volunteer Fire Department. FEMA Incident Management Teams were complemented by local firefighters at every stop. One of the most valued assets on any team were the peer counselors and clinicians.  Going forward, USFA will prioritize mental health resources for all Helene responders.

    The visit to Kingsport and Johnson City EOC and to the town Erwin, Tennessee displayed the need for multifaceted search techniques involving firefighters, K-9, LEOs, heavy equipment operators, and structural engineers was widespread. The coordination among federal Urban Search & Rescue, local responders, and state teams was seamless.

    On her visit to Shreveport, Louisiana, she met with firefighters from San Diego Fire Department and Urban Search and Rescue California Task Force 8

    who were injured in a traffic accident on their way to help Hurricane Helene survivors. 

    For more information on the U.S. Fire Administration, visit U.S. Fire Administration (fema.gov).

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    Asheville, N.C. – (Oct. 4, 2024) – U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell meets firefighters at fire departments across Buncombe County, North Carolina, on Friday, October 4, 2024.

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    Asheville, N.C. – (Oct. 4, 2024) – U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell meets firefighters at fire departments across Buncombe County, North Carolina, on Friday, October 4, 2024.
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    Asheville, N.C. – (Oct. 4, 2024) – U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell meets firefighters at fire departments across Buncombe County, North Carolina, on Friday, October 4, 2024.

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    Asheville, N.C. – (Oct. 4, 2024) – U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell meets firefighters at fire departments across Buncombe County, North Carolina, on Friday, October 4, 2024.

    mashana.davis

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Opens Network of Ultra-Fast Charging Stations in Moscow Region

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft has opened a network of ultra-fast charging stations for electric vehicles at its own filling stations in the Moscow region. The Company’s filling stations have 27 charging stations with a capacity of 150 kW, allowing the battery of an electric vehicle to be charged to 80% in just 20 minutes. The equipment supports various international charging standards (CCS, CHAdeMO and Type2) and fully complies with international requirements.

    The project to develop charging infrastructure in the Moscow region was implemented jointly with Rosseti as part of an agreement signed at SPIEF 2021.

    Currently, 52 charging stations have been installed at Rosneft filling stations in St. Petersburg near the Lakhta Center, the Leningrad, Moscow, Lipetsk, Voronezh regions, Krasnodar Krai and the Republic of Buryatia.

    Expanding the range of customer services is one of the key areas of the retail business of Rosneft Oil Company. The company is systematically developing related services. Currently, at the filling stations managed by Rosneft, you can not only fill up and wash your car, but also drink freshly brewed coffee, have a snack, buy goods in a store or use other convenient services.

    The development of the charging infrastructure will allow drivers to charge electric vehicles at the extensive network of Rosneft gas stations in Russia. The company will continue to further develop the charging infrastructure at gas stations in accordance with demand forecasts and the development of the electric vehicle market.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 16, 2022

    Keywords: Environmental news 2022

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

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

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/212907/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Large-capacity equipment for gasoline production delivered to Ryazan Oil Refinery

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Large-tonnage equipment – two reactors for the gasoline catalytic reforming unit – was delivered to the production site of the Ryazan Oil Refinery Company (part of Rosneft). The reactors are 6.5 and 7.5 meters high, respectively, and weigh 30.7 and 39.1 tons. The reactors were delivered to the plant by specialized motor transport. The equipment was designed and manufactured at a Russian enterprise.

    The catalytic reforming unit plays an important role in the production of high-octane gasoline of the Euro-5 environmental class. The plant produces up to 300 thousand tons of stable catalysate annually.

    Replacing the reactors at the plant will allow the production of a catalyst with a higher octane number (96 or more) and will also increase the catalyst’s regeneration life, which will further improve the quality of the gasoline produced.

    Ryazan Oil Refinery is implementing a large-scale investment program to modernize production, aimed at increasing the depth and volume of processing, improving operational efficiency, environmental and industrial safety. The projects implemented within the program allow the plant to produce gasolines with improved environmental and operational properties – Euro 6, AI-100, as well as low-sulfur marine fuel. The use of digital technologies has made it possible to automate the management of technological processes and industrial safety systems at the main technological units of the enterprise.

    Reference:

    JSC Ryazan Oil Refining Company is one of the four largest oil refineries in Russia in terms of refining volumes and range of products.

    RNPK produces a wide range of high-quality petroleum products, including motor gasolines with improved environmental characteristics, diesel fuel, aviation kerosene, road and construction bitumen, etc.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 16, 2022

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

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

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/212909/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Diversified demand boosts China’s holiday tourism market

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 6 — China has seen a robust tourism market during the week-long National Day holiday. While patriotic sentiments were present, cultural tourism and new travel trends, such as small-town trips, stood out as defining aspects of the 2024 holiday.

    Official data showed that during the first three days of the holiday that started on Oct. 1, nearly 900 million people traveled across regions in China. The Ministry of Transport predicted that the total number of cross-regional travelers during the holiday would reach 1.94 billion, with an average of 277 million travelers per day — a 0.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

    Ranging from traditional clothing performances to immersive heritage experiences, cultural tourism flourished across the country. In the Ancient Culture Street in Tianjin, north China, a Hanfu performance captivated onlookers, many of whom wore traditional attire. This heritage-rich area saw over 300,000 visitors and generated more than 25 million yuan (about 3.56 million U.S. dollars) in revenue in just two days.

    Beijing’s Central Axis, newly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also proved a popular destination. Tourist interest in visiting the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and other locations along the axis grew significantly — with bookings increasing by 69 percent compared to last year. Cultural souvenirs, such as creative postcards and themed merchandise, further enriched the tourist experience.

    Museum visits have become an important part of holiday activities for many travelers. In northeast China’s Liaoning Province, the Liaoning Provincial Museum displayed an original painting by an emperor of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), attracting tourists from across the country. Some museum-goers have queued for hours to view this artwork.

    A tourist surnamed Li from Shanghai considered visiting the exhibition a key part of her family trip. “Visiting museums can plant the seeds of culture in children’s minds from a young age. It’s a great way to travel,” she said.

    Data show that the number of traditional culture-themed scenic spots in China had increased from 2,230 in 2013 to nearly 4,000 in 2022, with approximately 80 percent of A-level tourist attractions incorporating various intangible cultural heritage projects.

    Small-town trips have also become popular in China, drawing young travelers seeking unique and indigenous experiences. According to data from leading online travel agency Ctrip, nearly half of the travelers bound for counties during the holiday were young people in their 20s and 30s who came from major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Many of them opted for the tranquility of natural landscapes and local traditions to avoid urban crowds.

    On the morning of Oct. 1, a total of 123,000 people from across the country gathered at the Tian’anmen Square to witness the historic moment of the national flag being raised on the 75th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. Many had been waiting there since the previous night.

    “I hope to give my child an unforgettable patriotic education. Watching the flag-raising ceremony is the most important part of our trip to Beijing,” said Zhang Ningli, a tourist from Zhejiang Province in east China.

    Ctrip data reveal that during this year’s National Day holiday, average daily orders for revolutionary-themed tourism in China had increased by 40 percent year on year.

    Zhao Wenzhi, president of the Guangdong Travel Service Association, believes that changing tourist demands are continuously fostering new cultural and tourism consumption scenarios, business formats and models, with the tourism market offering both more diverse experiences and richer options for travelers.

    Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, predicted that based on factors such as people’s travel intentions, booking indices and local tourism preparations, the number of travelers during the 2024 National Day holiday would likely reach a new record high.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China sees surge in return trips as holiday nears end

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

    China sees surge in return trips as holiday nears end

    Updated: October 7, 2024 08:40 Xinhua
    A policewoman helps passengers on the platform at Taizhou Railway Station in Taizhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Oct. 6, 2024. China sees a surge in return trips on Sunday as the week-long National Day holiday draws to a close. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Passengers wait to board a train at the platform at Hengyang East Railway Station in Hengyang City, central China’s Hunan Province, Oct. 6, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 6, 2024 shows the traffic on the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Passengers walk towards the exit at Nanjing Railway Station in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Oct. 6, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 6, 2024 shows the traffic on a bridge in Nantong, east China’s Jiangsu Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Passengers walk on the platform at Yantai Railway Station in Yantai, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 6, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man charged in relation to assault, Courtenay Place

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A man has been charged in relation to an assault on Courtenay Place in the early hours of Sunday morning.

    Emergency services were called to Courtenay Place outside the old Reading Cinema about 3.20am after a 21-year-old man was injured.

    He was transported to hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

    A 29-year-old man has now been arrested in relation to this incident.  He has been charged with wounding with reckless disregard, and is due to appear in Wellington District Court today.

    Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this assault, or who has any knowledge of it or of those involved.  In particular, we want to speak to two women who were sitting close by when the incident occurred, and who would have witnessed what happened.

    If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105 and use the reference number 241006/5414.

    Police have also opened an online portal where anyone who has any relevant video footage or images can upload their material.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Traffic stable as China’s golden-week holiday draws to close

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 6 — With China’s week-long National Day holiday nearing its end, return travel levels started to rise on Sunday, but the overall traffic situation remained stable, according to the traffic management bureau of the Ministry of Public Security.

    The National Day holiday, also known as “golden week,” is usually one of the peak seasons on China’s domestic tourism calendar. Expressways in China have run at full capacity, especially as they are toll-free during the holiday period.

    Data from the Ministry of Transport showed that from Oct. 1 to 4, cross-regional passenger turnover had surpassed 1.1 billion across the country. Additionally, it predicted that more than 1.5 billion self-driving tourist trips would be made during this year’s golden-week holiday from Oct. 1 to 7.

    As of Sunday, the overall traffic situation in China was stable and smooth, with no serious traffic jams or accidents reported.

    Return travel will peak on Monday, the last day of the holiday. The traffic management bureau has warned of speeding and driver fatigue, as well as possible poor weather.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Three arrested for burglary, Hamilton

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Three people were arrested this morning following a traffic stop in the Dinsdale area.

    At around 3.45am, a Police unit sighted a vehicle of interest relating to a burglary in Te Kowhai on Sunday.

    Senior Sergeant Leo Belay says a traffic stop was carried out and the vehicle was stopped without issue.

    “A search of the vehicle located a number of items relating to multiple burglaries across the Waikato District, along with the seizure of drug utensils.

    “Police followed positive lines of enquiry after reviewing CCTV footage of the Te Kowhai burglary, these arrests highlight the value that CCTV provides Police when investigating such offenses.”

    Some items recovered include car keys, passports, power tools, watches, and jewellery.

    All three occupants of the vehicle were arrested at the scene without incident.

    “This is another good example of our staff remaining vigilant in the community, and a great example of proactive Police work by frontline officers,” says Senior Sergeant Belay.

    “Waikato Police are committed to ensuring our community is safe and we hope these arrests provide reassurance to the community.

    “Due to the amount of evidence located in the vehicle, investigators will be continuing to make enquiries, to ensure the stolen property safely returns to their rightful owners over the coming days. Identification of further victims through these enquiries will likely result in further charges being laid.”

    A 43-year-old man is due to appear in Hamilton District Court today facing six charges of burglary, while a 47-year-old man is due to appear facing one charge of burglary.

    A 33-year-old man was charged for possessing a drug utensil and was remanded on bail to reappear at a later date.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, Pakistani nationals killed, injured in terrorist attack in Pakistan’s Karachi

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Two Chinese nationals were killed, one Chinese national injured, and several Pakistani nationals were killed and injured in a terrorist attack in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi on Sunday night, the Chinese embassy in Pakistan confirmed.

    The attack happened at about 11:00 p.m. local time on Sunday (1800 GMT) when a convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company was attacked by terrorists near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, the capital city of the country’s south Sindh province, the embassy said in a statement.

    “The Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist act, express deep condolences to the victims of the two countries, and extend sincere condolences to the injured and their relatives,” the statement said, adding that the Chinese side has been working with the Pakistani side to do their best to deal with the aftermath of the incident.

    A big fire following a huge blast on Sunday night engulfed several vehicles near an airport in Karachi, police said.

    The Chinese missions in Pakistan have initiated emergency response work as soon as possible, requiring Pakistan to do its best to treat the injured, conduct a thorough investigation of the attack, and severely punish the perpetrators, the statement said.

    The embassy stressed that practical and effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions, and projects in Pakistan should be taken by the Pakistani side at the same time.

    “The Chinese embassy and consulates in Pakistan remind Chinese citizens and companies in Pakistan to be vigilant, pay close attention to the local security situation, strengthen security measures, and make every effort to take safety precautions,” said the statement.

    The banned outfit Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement on a social media platform, while the Pakistani authorities have not confirmed it. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 11 killed, 17 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on Oct. 6, 2024 shows destroyed buildings after Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

    Eleven people were killed and 17 others injured Sunday evening in Israeli airstrikes targeting different areas in Lebanon, according to Lebanese official and military sources.

    According to the Ministry of Health, six people were killed and 13 others injured in an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in the village of Kayfoun in Aley district, Mount Lebanon Governorate.

    Another Israeli airstrike killed five people and injured four others when an Israeli drone launched an air-to-ground missile on a motorcycle traveling at the northern entrance to the town of Marjeyoun, east of southern Lebanon.

    “An Israeli air strike destroyed a mosque in the village of Yaroun in the central sector of the border area this afternoon,” according to the military sources, who required anonymity.

    The Israeli army has been carrying out extensive operations in Lebanese territory intending to diminish Hezbollah’s military capabilities and facilitate the return of Israelis to the northern region of the country along the border with Lebanon.

    Since Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been exchanging fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese hospital promotes heart disease treatment without radiation

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A Chinese hospital specializing in cardiovascular care has widely applied a radiation-free percutaneous intervention method in its treatment of heart disease.
    The treatment, introduced by Fuwai Hospital under the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), is guided by ultrasound images and involves sending the treatment instruments from the peripheral blood into the heart in a minimally invasive manner.
    This method avoids the use of surgery and radiation, and even allows patients to remain awake during the treatment process.
    Pregnant women, allergy sufferers and cancer patients can also receive this treatment, and the technical difficulty has been reduced as expensive imported large devices are not required, according to the hospital.
    This procedure is expected to enhance the capacity of primary medical services and make effective heart disease treatment available to outpatients. Therefore, access to heart disease treatment in countries and regions with limited medical resources will be improved.
    This form of heart treatment has received funding from the United Nations.
    Thus far, Fuwai Hospital has invented more than 17 new treatments to deal with different types of cardiovascular diseases such as congenital heart disease, valvular disease and arrhythmia — achieving 65 patents.
    In addition, the hospital has also developed a series of therapeutic instruments and equipment, including an ultrasonic catheter and a surgical robot. Of these items, 23 are available both in China and abroad.
    Medical teams from the hospital have been invited to conduct surgeries and introduce Chinese treatment solutions in more than 30 countries, including France, Germany, Canada, Russia and Kenya. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s railways to see surge in return trips as holiday nears end

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s railway operator is expecting a surge in return trips on Sunday as the week-long National Day holiday draws to a close.
    On Sunday, 18.73 million train trips are expected, with more than 1,400 additional trains scheduled to meet the growing travel demand, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.
    The operator said that the railway network is experiencing a peak in return travel, with a sharp rise in long-distance trips. For six consecutive days since the holiday rush began, daily passenger numbers have surpassed 17 million, reflecting the sustained high demand during this period.
    As of 9 a.m. Sunday, 155 million tickets had been sold through China’s official railway ticket-booking website, 12306.cn, and its mobile app, during the “golden week” travel period.
    To accommodate the surge, railway authorities across the country have added extra trains on popular routes and boosted capacity to ensure smooth travel. Local stations have also enhanced services by optimizing entry and exit processes, ensuring safe and orderly returns of the passengers.
    China’s railway network is expected to handle 175 million passenger trips during the 10-day National Day holiday travel rush from Sept. 29 to Oct. 8. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Plenty of fun to be had at FunLoong Fun Day

    Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

    Hargreaves Mall and part of Williamson Street will be bursting with free activities and live entertainment as part of the City of Greater Bendigo’s 2024 FunLoong Fun Day from 11am to 2pm on Saturday October 19.

    City of Greater Bendigo Healthy Communities and Environments Director Stacy Williams said FunLoong Fun Day is an inclusive event that celebrates National Children’s Week with a great range of free activities and live entertainment for children and families to enjoy.

    “It is one of the most well attended and anticipated annual events for local children and their families,” Ms Williams said.

    “We expect to see big numbers again this year and encourage everyone to come along and enjoy this free family event and all the fun that it offers.”

    Highlights of the 2024 FunLoong Fun Day program include face painting, animal petting zoo, bubble fun, safe archery, Lego play, airbrush tattoos, henna painting, toy library, slot cars, craft activities, waste sorting and garbage truck, free fruit, giveaways and more.

    There will be a Welcome to Country and didgeridoo performance on the live stage.  As well as other live performances by Central Victorian Lion Team and Academy of Creative Arts.  Don’t miss the Alice in Wonderland Show and the roving characters.

    The Open Street in Williamson Street will feature The Zone big baller, laser tag, meltdown challenge, gymnastics and bike riding, and try-out skateboarding activities as well as displays by Ambulance Victoria, CFA and Victoria Police.

    The Kangaroo Flat Rotary Club will be selling sausages and vegie burgers for only $2 each and the Coliban Water refill station will also be available for people to refill their water bottles.

    This is a not to be missed annual event with plenty of free fun on offer for local families.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Govt takes the scalpel to regional health budgets

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    At Labour’s insistence, Te Whatu Ora financial documents have been released by the Health Select Committee today showing more cuts are on the way for our health system.

    “The Government has manufactured a financial crisis to justify stripping back the health system. These cuts are affecting patient care,” Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.

    “The Government said it wouldn’t touch the front line, but it has broken that promise.

    Te Whatu Ora’s internal budget shows all four regions of New Zealand are getting less than the previous year of between about six percent and 14 percent, an average of nearly nine percent across the country.

    “We have seen communities in Buller and Dunedin march in the streets demanding better health services for their people. Labour will stand with communities and fight for the health services they need and deserve.

    “Te Whatu Ora’s deficit can be explained in part by hiring more nurses, doctors and allied staff such as physiotherapists, necessary and consistent with the workforce plan Labour put in place. This is exactly where the Government should be investing, not cutting.

    “However, the FTE numbers show what frontline staff have been telling us – that there is now a hiring freeze starting to take effect.

    “The Government also withheld $529 million from Te Whatu Ora to pay nursing, midwifery and allied staff the pay increases they got in 2023. This would account for a big chunk of Te Whatu Ora’s deficit in the last financial year.

    “The documents further undermine the Government’s story that Te Whatu Ora’s deficit is fuelled by back office roles. It’s important the health system is staffed by those who care for patients and keep the whole system functioning – like those booking appointments, orderlies and cleaners.

    “If there is any bump in non-clinical staff, it’s under Minister of Health Shane Reti’s watch, as there is an almost doubling of management and admin personnel costs in June 2024. Given that he has brought in expensive commissioners and regional CEs he needs to come clean about the cause of this increase.

    “These financial documents don’t support the Government’s spin. Shane Reti made up claims about 14 layers of management to justify cuts to frontline services.

    “The Government has the wrong priorities – its reckless tax cuts are harming the health services New Zealanders need and depend on,” Ayesha Verrall said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH3 at Mt Messenger to close for asphalt surfacing in November

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Roading crews will complete asphalt resurfacing at State Highway 3 Mt Messenger in November under a series of road closures.

    The work, which is a continuation of the work carried out earlier this year, will take place between Sunday 10 and Friday 22 November.

    Most of the work will be completed at night when traffic volumes are lowest to minimise disruption as much as possible. The work will be completed under a series of closures due to the narrow and winding nature of the road. During the closures, the road will be reopened at regular intervals to allow for traffic to travel through.

    The planned closures are:

    • Between Sunday 10 and Wednesday 13 November, the road will be closed each night from 8pm-5am with an opening between midnight and 1am to clear traffic.
    • Between 7pm Friday 15 and 4am Monday 18 November, the road will be closed day and night, with scheduled openings to clear traffic. During the full weekend closure (15-18 November) there will be scheduled opening times. These details are attached.
    • Between Monday 18 and Friday 22 November, the road will again be closed each night from 8pm-5am with an opening between midnight and 1am to clear traffic.

    SH3 Mt Messenger Bypass schedule for November 2024 [PDF, 118 KB]

    Should the weather not be suitable during the weekend of 15-18 November, this closure will be postponed to the next weekend, 22-25 November. Any changes will be communicated as early as possible.  

    Crews will return in February-March 2025 to complete further asphalt repairs at the northern base of Mt Messenger. This work will be completed at night to minimise disruption.

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi System Manager for Taranaki, Liesl Dawson says this is a key part of the network for freight and for other road users – this work will improve the resilience of this part of the network.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash closes stretch of SH2 in Central Hawke’s Bay

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    A stretch of State Highway 2 between Otane and Waipawa has been closed following a serious crash this morning.

    The state highway has been closed between Higginson Street at Otane and Racecourse Road.

    A detour is in place – taking southbound drivers onto Higginson Street and Elsthorpe Road through Otane and then right onto Racecourse Road before rejoining SH2 just north of Waipawa.

    The detour is in reverse for northbound traffic.

    Please allow extra time for your journey and plan for delays.

    Emergency services are currently on the scene.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Green transformation revives, improves traditional high-emission industries

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2023 shows the Big Air Shougang in the Shougang Park in Shijingshan District of Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)
    Riding along Beijing’s iconic Chang’an Street to the city’s west, cycling enthusiasts have the chance to sip a cup of iced coffee and enjoy the grand view of steel furnaces at Shougang Park, a recreation destination that has been transformed from an area known for steel mills.
    Echoing China’s high-quality development drive, Shougang Park, where the Beijing Winter Olympic venue Big Air Shougang is located, is striving to act as a model of industrial zone revival, through the integration of industrial upgrading and green development.
    RELOCATION, INNOVATION & TRANSFORMATION
    Shougang Group, a leading heavyweight steelmaker in China founded in 1919, once posted an annual output record of 10 million tonnes.
    As part of Beijing’s economic restructuring and pollution control initiatives, Shougang Group started relocating its production base to the neighboring Hebei Province in 2005, where the steel conglomerate has managed to build high-end and eco-friendly iron and steel production lines.
    Its steel-making operations in Beijing were halted in 2010, which left a large stretch of industrial heritage in the area. Deserted repair workshops, coking plants and shaft furnaces were renovated into a high-end industrial comprehensive service area integrating business, science and technology, sports, culture and tourism.
    All completed buildings in this park satisfy the green building standard, and many sports events were held here.
    Zheng Kai, a veteran who has been serving at Shougang Group since 2005, was deeply impressed by the stunning transformation of Shougang Park.
    “When I go back to the park where I used to sweat to work, I realize that the rapid changes there are beyond my imagination,” he said.
    It is not only the original site of the steel giant that has undergone a transformation, but also its new factories in Hebei Province. These new factories feature production methods achieving both energy conservation and carbon reduction, setting up another model of green and low-carbon development.
    The group has achieved 10 million tonnes of low-carbon steel production via a process of high-ratio pellet smelting, which transforms powdered iron ore into pellets in blast furnaces, thereby reducing carbon emissions.
    “Energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions during the iron and steel making process are major carbon contributors throughout the whole steel industry,” said Teng Zhaojie, a senior researcher of the Shougang Group.
    “It is a difficult mission for such a long process of steel and iron production to achieve carbon reduction,” Huang Wenbin, an official with the Shougang Group, said. From 2016 to 2018, they carried out eight industrial experiments before finally achieving their goal of mastering high-ratio pellet smelting technology.
    The proportion of pelletizing in super-large blast furnaces has reached more than 55 percent in the Shougang Group — cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent per tonne of iron and lowering pollutant emissions by 53 percent.
    In addition, Shougang uses efficient dust removal, desulfurization and denitrification technologies to reduce the emission of air pollutants. It will also complete a heat test in its zero-carbon furnace in Hebei this month.
    “The green transformation of the group in terms of carbon trading, digital intelligence, ultra-low emission, energy saving and clean production was remarkable,” Zheng said.
    CARBON CAPTURE
    Like those of the Shougang Group, many other traditional coal-fired factories in China are undergoing a green transition by upgrading carbon reduction technologies.
    During the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing last month, Longyuan Environmental Protection Co., Ltd. under CHN Energy shared details of efficient recycling and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) technology used in its power plants.
    A CCUS project went operational at a power plant in Taizhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, in 2023. It was designed to capture approximately 500,000 tonnes of carbon each year.
    China has nearly 100 CCUS projects in operation or under construction, with over half already operational, according to incomplete statistics. These projects have a combined annual carbon capture capacity of 4 million tonnes.
    Efficient use of carbon capture technology can produce high value-added chemical products, reduce regional carbon emissions, increase social and economic benefits, and encourage a more harmonious relationship between power plants and cities, according to CHN Energy.
    China has made historic breakthroughs in green and low-carbon development over the past decade, amid its quest for a sustainable future, a white paper issued in August stated. The country had reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 3 billion tonnes during the period from 2013 to 2023.
    China has also worked to enhance the clean energy percentage of its total energy use, while the share of coal in its energy consumption dropped by 12.1 percentage points during the past decade.
    Such progress comes as China continues its efforts to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
    During the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in July, China pledged to “prioritize ecological protection, conserve resources and use them efficiently, and pursue green and low-carbon development.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: World’s largest lego enlivens iconic ancient Chinese painting

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The National Day Golden Week has seen a highlight, with tourists flocking to New Town Plaza in Sha Tin, the eastern New Territories, to see for themselves another new Guinness World Record.

    Here a long scroll of the “Along the River During the Qingming Festival,” an iconic painting of Northern Song Dynasty (960-1126), unfolded and has been on display, ingeniously constructed straight from lego bricks.

    Covering 47 square meters, the world’s largest lego exhibit, shown from Sept. 25 through Oct. 31, has been the latest weekend and holiday hotspot, delicately piecing together a marvellous world where the old and the new converge.

    For viewers, the exhibit is impressive in a way that it blends two vastly different cultural representatives from the East and the West: a masterpiece of ancient Chinese painting and a classic toy igniting childhood memories of westerners.

    “We rolled out this exhibit mainly to promote traditional Chinese culture through creative events, in a way that is more relaxed, entertaining and appealing to young people,” said Tania Wan, deputy general manager of Personal Banking and Wealth Management with Bank of China (Hong Kong), which initiated the program.

    As people walk along the 26-meter-long and three-dimensional diorama made from up to 3 million lego bricks, they can picture themselves in bustling streets centuries ago, where vendors were selling melons and kids were playing hide and seek.

    “There were myriad depictions of people in all walks of life going about their daily activities and no two objects are identical,” Hong Kong local surnamed Chung told Xinhua. “Everything seemed to be brought to life within seconds.”

    Pointing at a two-storey building with a front door decorated with colorful ribbons, Li Chun-tung, an art lecturer at the University of Hong Kong, said, “This was one of the busiest restaurant then, with decorations typical of taverns and bars in Nothern Song Dynasty. It was among many buildings and structures that were vividly restored in this model.”

    The lego diorama recaptures many details of life over centuries ago, much the same as those depicted in the painting. There were various trades including a joss stick shop, barber, fortune teller and medical clinic, and larger businesses such as teahouses, restaurants, taverns, butchers, and hawkers, as well as different means of transportation like sedan chairs, wagons, donkeys, horses and camels.

    However, program executive and lego certified professional Andy Hung was far from being satisfied. With over 10 years of coordinator and creator of lego exhibitions, the veteran admitted there were still details unrestored due to the limitation of lego in displaying human figures.

    For Hung, it was by no means an easy job, with five months spent on sorting out blueprint. Hung has polished lego solutions, consulted historians and architects, in addition to inspirations from archives.

    “Every project is new to me, because every time I face a different scene, a different architecture, and a different culture. And recreating those through lego is a challenge,” Hung said.

    In his studio in Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, among items on display were fun lego recreations stemming from traditional Chinese culture, including the Forbidden City, Peking Opera facial masks, Suzhou double-sided embroidered fans, the Terracotta Warriors and the Yellow Crane Tower.

    “Young people in Hong Kong are very interested in recreating traditional Chinese cultural works with lego. This time, we invited many young people and students from Hong Kong for the item, and they were very passionate,” Hung said.

    “I am simply demonstrating traditional culture with my works, and let ingenious toys tell traditional culture,” Hung said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China embraces world economy with unswerving opening-up

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    This aerial photo taken on Nov. 24, 2022 shows a freight train to enter the China-Laos Railway’s Friendship Tunnel connecting Mohan in southwest China’s Yunnan Province and Boten in northern Laos. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)
    Mohan, a small town in the southernmost part of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, reached a trade milestone last month, with over 10 million tonnes of freight, including fresh fruits, coffee, air conditioners and new-energy vehicles, transported on the China-Laos Railway over the previous three years.
    Since the launch of the 1,035 km rail line in December 2021, Mohan has become an important transport hub with significant highway and railway ports. Also, it’s the only national-level land port linking China and Laos, with new development opportunities mushrooming.
    The story of Mohan is a telling example of China’s unwavering high-level opening-up. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China 75 years ago, China has achieved leapfrog development in opening wider to the world.
    Confident that opening-up is the right path, China has been implementing proactive strategies, including spurring trade growth, attracting foreign investment and expanding institutional opening-up, to accelerate cultivating new international competitive advantages and achieving mutual benefits with other countries.
    BOLSTERING FOREIGN TRADE, INVESTMENT
    In 1950, China’s foreign trade in goods was only 1.1 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for 0.9 percent of the world’s total. By 2023, China’s total goods trade had reached 5.9 trillion U.S. dollars, accounting for 12.4 percent of the global share, and has consistently ranked first in the world for seven consecutive years.
    Service trade has also undergone tremendous expansion. When the People’s Republic of China was founded, the country’s service trade was almost zero. While in 2023, China’s total service trade import and export volume reached 933.1 billion U.S. dollars, ranking fourth in the world.
    The country is actively expanding imports to share market opportunities with the rest of the world. In 2023, China’s import sources have covered over 200 countries and regions. The China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world’s first national-level import-themed expo, has been held for six consecutive years.
    “China should continue to offer new opportunities nurtured from its vast market to other countries by holding international fairs such as the CIIE, the China International Consumer Products Expo and the Global Digital Trade Expo,” said Ma Xiangdong, a professor at the Party School of the Communist Party of China of Beijing Municipal Committee.
    Continuous efforts have been made on lowering tariffs. China’s overall tariff level has been reduced to 7.3 percent, approaching the average level of developed countries. The country recently announced a move to give all the least developed countries that have diplomatic relations with China zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines starting from Dec. 1 of this year.
    China has built 22 pilot free-trade zones, covering coastal, inland and border areas, contributing about 20 percent of the total foreign investment and import-export volume of the country.
    The country also keeps expanding its “friend circle” globally. By the end of 2023, China had signed 22 free-trade agreements with 29 countries and regions, and it had signed over 200 Belt and Road cooperation documents with over 150 countries and over 30 international organizations.
    At the same time, foreign investment has been encouraged. The country’s negative list for foreign investment had been shortened for five consecutive years from 2017 to 2021, and laws and regulations, including the Foreign Investment Law, were put into force to step up protection for foreign investors.
    In 2023, China’s foreign direct investment, in actual use, reached 163.3 billion U.S. dollars, an increase of 176 times compared to 920 million U.S. dollars in 1983, maintaining its world-leading position in terms of scale for multiple consecutive years.
    China’s investment is playing an increasingly prominent role in promoting economic development worldwide. In 2023, China’s non-financial outbound direct investment reached 130.1 billion U.S. dollars, an increase of 61 times on that of 2003, and ranking third worldwide for 11 consecutive years.
    PROPELLING INSTITUTIONAL OPENING-UP
    China has been unswervingly expanding institutional opening-up in recent decades to realize high-quality development and offer the world new growth momentum and opportunities, rolling out various policies.
    In the latest move of this kind, China announced in September that it would allow the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in certain cities and regions, including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and throughout the island of Hainan.
    In the same month, the country issued the 2024 version of the negative list for foreign investment access, reducing the number of restrictions from 31 to 29 and achieving zero restrictions on the manufacturing sector.
    This fully demonstrates China’s active willingness to expand mutual benefits and a clear attitude to supporting economic globalization, said Jin Xiandong, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, adding that further efforts will be made to improve the level of foreign investment liberalization and facilitation, and to optimize service for foreign-invested enterprises.
    At its third plenum, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China renewed the country’s commitment to the basic state policy of opening to the outside world and continuing to promote reform through opening up.
    “Leveraging the strengths of China’s enormous market, we will enhance our capacity for opening up while expanding international cooperation and develop new institutions for a higher-standard open economy,” reads a resolution adopted at the plenum.
    Opening up to the outside world is not just a matter of “opening the door”, but more importantly, is actively aligning with international economic and trade regulations as well as other high-standard rules, said Zhang Bin, deputy director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
    Zhang underlined the need to enhance synergy between the domestic and international markets as well as resources to constantly cultivate and consolidate new advantages in international economic cooperation and competition. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ensuring a sufficient number of skilled workers – E-001538/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission fully respects the responsibility of the Member States for the content of teaching and the organisation of education and training systems, in line with Articles 165 and 166 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union .

    The Commission actively promotes vocational education and training (VET) as an attractive choice needed for an agile labour market.

    This is reflected in the Council Recommendations on VET[1] and on Europe on the Move[2], the latter setting an ambitious target for VET learner mobility.

    With the European Vocational Skills Week[3] and the European Year of Skills[4] the Commission has actively promoted VET as an attractive career and learning pathway across Europe in the past years.

    Through programmes like the European Social Fund Plus, the Recovery and Resilience Facility and Erasmus+, the Commission funds projects that modernise VET systems notably in view of the green and digital transitions, enhance career guidance, and foster collaboration between education providers and employers to ensure high-quality vocational training, as for example with the Erasmus+ Centres of Vocational Excellence[5].

    The Commission has adopted several initiatives to facilitate the immigration of skilled workers and to make the EU more attractive for non-EU citizens, such as the Skills and Talent package[6] from 2022, the Skills and Talent Mobility package[7] from 2023, and the recently adopted Action Plan to tackle Labour and Skills Shortages[8].

    Once in place, the EU Talent Pool will help employers to attract skilled third-country nationals when the talent they need cannot be found on the EU labour market.

    Last updated: 3 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The urgent need to keep and strengthen the Just Transition Fund in the next Multiannual Financial Framework – E-001807/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001807/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Elena Kountoura (The Left)

    The Just Transition Fund plays a crucial role in supporting regions and workers in Greece and other Member States that are being affected by the transition towards climate neutrality. The fund offers economic and technical support for these countries to decarbonise and restructure their economies, to avoid a rise in regional inequalities. However, the transition is a years-long process that often exceeds the limited time frames of EU funding periods. Every region faces different challenges to different degrees and experience so far has highlighted the need to secure resources and tools that ensure workers are protected and that economic restructuring can continue beyond 2027, particularly in regions that are impacted the most because their GDP is reliant on lignite[1].

    In view of the upcoming revision of the cohesion policy and the planning of the new MFF 2028-2034, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.Does it plan to propose keeping and reinforcing the Just Transition Fund as a separate funding instrument in the next MFF?
    • 2.How will it ensure that the Just Transition Fund goes on supporting the regions that are dependent on economic activities with high carbon emissions, particularly where decarbonisation is still in its infancy?
    • 3.What steps does it intend to take to strengthen social conditionality and environmental protection during the implementation of the Just Transition Fund so as to ensure that the transition is truly just and sustainable for all EU citizens?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    • [1] The implementation of the Just Transition Fund to date has not been easy in all Member States. Certain Member States had national specificities or faced crises that impacted the timely implementation of the relevant projects. Certain regions are still in the early stages of implementing the Just Transition Fund and therefore the process has not yet gained the full trust and support of the local communities affected by the transition.
    Last updated: 3 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Price scale for emission allowances as a tool for European competitiveness on the global market – E-001860/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001860/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE)

    The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) requires polluters to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions. The price of emission allowances is a key parameter of the entire system. If it is too low, the polluter can buy the necessary allowances cheaply, and the principle of paying an appropriate price for pollution caused remains unfulfilled[1]. The issue nowadays is, firstly, that European industries and power plants pay twice as much per tonne of emissions as businesses in California and ten times as much as emitters in China, which makes them uncompetitive[2]. Secondly, the price of the permit cannot be estimated in advance.[3]

    • 1.How will the Commission help to set a reasonable scale of minimum and maximum prices for these allowances to help support the European economy’s competitiveness on the global market?
    • 2.In what other ways will the Commission help European businesses so that efforts to reduce emissions will not lead to them being forced to shut down?
    • 3.Is the Commission devoted to delivering a transparent and predictable overview of future price developments for emission allowances?

    Submitted: 27.9.2024

    • [1] https://faktaoklimatu.cz/explainery/emisni-povolenky-ets
    • [2] https://ekonomickydenik.cz/knotek-ceny-emisnich-povolenek-by-se-mely-zastropovat/
    • [3] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1322214/carbon-prices-european-union-emission-trading-scheme/
    Last updated: 3 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Aid reopening border crossings between Spain and France – P-001909/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001909/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Borja Giménez Larraz (PPE)

    On 6 September 2024 heavy rains caused the closure of two border crossings between France and Spain through the Bielsa and Somport tunnels – the former due to landslides and the latter due to a collapse on the French side. As a result, lorry traffic has been interrupted until the Somport tunnel is reopened, a process that the French Government estimates could take up to six months.

    This situation affects both countries, as the tunnels are a key border crossing between the Aragon and Aspe valleys, and many people cross the border every day for work, business or school purposes. Moreover, located in the Central Pyrenees, the Somport tunnel is one of the longest in Europe, serving as a major international road freight transport route, handling approximately 1 600 vehicles a day.

    • 1.What means does the Commission have at its disposal to ensure the tunnels are immediately reopened and normal operating conditions are restored?
    • 2.Does the Commission plan to activate the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve (SEAR) to provide a rapid response to this unfortunate natural disaster?
    • 3.Finally, how does the Commission intend to support national authorities to improve existing transport routes and ensure the cross-border transportation of goods?

    Submitted: 1.10.2024

    Last updated: 3 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 03/10/2024 Conference on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Accounting Act

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    On October 3, 2024, a conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Accounting Act was held at the Ministry of Finance. During the event, the Minister of Finance presented the “Meritorious for Public Finances” distinctions. Andrzej Domański recalled that the Accounting Act was one of the first Polish legal acts consistent with European Union directives. Opening the conference, the Minister of Finance recalled that work on the Accounting Act was initiated in the Ministry of Finance, but it was thanks to the hard work and commitment of many people outside the ministry that the Accounting Act had a chance to be created and developed into a modern law, keeping up with the needs of various stakeholder groups. As he added, the creation and adoption of the Act at that time would not have been possible without the support of the accounting community, auditors, people involved in the development of the capital market and the scientific community. The Minister emphasized that the Accounting Act was one of the first Polish legal acts consistent with European Union directives. The essence of the changes was to abandon the detailed standards and instructions used in the previous system, in favor of entrusting accountants with the right to act independently, based on general principles and their professional knowledge and experience. Andrzej Domański also mentioned the projects currently being implemented in the Ministry of Finance in the field of accounting, including work aimed at implementing the so-called CSRD directive, systemic solutions in public accounting, or a project adapting the provisions of the Accounting Act to current legal and economic practice and technological progress. The Minister of Finance thanked the conference participants for their contribution to the development of this field, both in terms of creating law, as well as its explanation and application in practice. During the conference, Andrzej Domański presented the distinctions “Meritorious for Public Finances” to people who created the foundations of regulations in the area of accounting and took care of the development of balance sheet law. The distinctions were awarded to: Dr. Zdzisław Fedak – co-creator of the foundations of many institutions related to accounting in Poland, including the team at the Ministry of Finance dealing with legal regulations in the field of accounting and financial auditing. He participated in the creation of subsequent regulations in the field of accounting, including the Accounting Act of 1994, as editor-in-chief of the monthly “Rachunkowość”, and then also as a member of the Standards Committee. Prof. Gertruda Świderska – creator and head of the Department of Managerial Accounting at the Warsaw School of Economics in the years 1992-2018. Advisor to the Minister of Finance in the years 1992-1996, who was a member of the team creating the Accounting Act. Dr. Danuta Krzywda – co-author of the draft Accounting Act, former member of the Scientific Council of the Association of Accountants in Poland and the National Council of Statutory Auditors, representative of the KRBR in consultations with the Sejm Finance Committee on the amendment to the Accounting Act in 2000. Dr. hab. Radosław Ignatowski, prof. UŁ – member of the team creating the Accounting Act, creator of the then innovative regulations on the consolidation of financial statements, long-time member of the Accounting Standards Committee. The second part of the conference devoted to the future of accounting regulations was opened by Dr. hab. Jacek Jastrzębski, prof. Universidad de Washington, Chairman of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority. He drew attention to the importance of accounting for stakeholders, including the PFSA, the dynamics of changes in the financial and capital markets, and presented proposals for issues to be taken into account in the further development of accounting regulations. The conference was attended by representatives of institutions associating individual stakeholder groups: accountants, auditors, tax advisors, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, supervisory institutions, administration and the scientific community.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI