NewzIntel.com

Category: Universities

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Justice Department Declines Prosecution of Company That Self-Disclosed Export Control Offenses Committed by Employee

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    Note: View the declination letter here.

    The Justice Department today announced that it has declined the prosecution of Universities Space Research Association (USRA) after it self-disclosed to the Department’s National Security Division (NSD) criminal violations of U.S. export control laws committed by its former employee, Jonathan Soong. Soong pleaded guilty to willfully violating the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by exporting U.S. Army-developed aviation software to a university in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) that had been placed on the Commerce Department’s Entity List and was sentenced to 20 months in prison.

    “If we stay vigilant, all of us — including our citizens, small businesses, and large corporations — can play a critical role in protecting our country,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “A criminal who compromised our national security was brought to justice because his employer caught him and immediately turned him in. We decline to prosecute his employer and are ready to work together with such responsible corporate actors who are committed to joining us in this fight to protect our country from foreign adversaries.”

    “USRA discovered that one of its employees was funneling sensitive aeronautics software to a Beijing university in violation of export control laws and at risk to our national security,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins for the Northern District of California. “What the company did next made all the difference in the Government’s decision not to prosecute it: the company took swift and proactive measures to disclose the employee’s wrongdoing, provide all known facts, and cooperate – and continue to cooperate – with the government’s investigation.”

    According to court documents, in April 2016, USRA contracted with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to, among other things, license and distribute for a fee aeronautics-related and U.S. Army-owned flight control software. Soong was employed by USRA as a program administrator under the contract and was responsible for performing due diligence on prospective purchasers to ensure that the sale or transfer of software licenses complied with applicable law, including by checking the Entity List. Soong willfully exported software subject to the EAR to Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, also known as Beihang University (Beihang), a university in the PRC, knowing that an export control license was required for the export to Beihang because it was on the Entity List. Beihang was on the Commerce Department’s Entity List due to its involvement in the development of military rocket systems and unmanned air vehicle systems. Soong further used an intermediary to complete the transfer and export of the software to Beihang to avoid detection, and embezzled tens of thousands of dollars in software license sales by directing purchasers to make payment to an account he personally owned and controlled.

    This scheme continued until NASA inquired about the sales of software licenses to PRC-based purchasers and USRA began to investigate. Soong initially lied to USRA and fabricated evidence that he had conducted due diligence on the purchasers and provided it to USRA’s counsel to provide to NASA, but after USRA’s counsel investigated further and confronted Soong with evidence that contradicted his statements, he admitted to knowing that Beihang was on the Entity List when he exported the software to Beihang and that a license had been required for the export.

    Within days of learning that Soong had willfully violated U.S. export control laws, and before USRA had completed its own investigation to understand the scope of the misconduct, USRA self-disclosed the crime to NSD and fully cooperated with the ensuing criminal investigation, which eventually established that Soong had acted alone at USRA. USRA’s cooperation included proactively identifying, collecting, and disclosing relevant evidence to investigators, including foreign language evidence and evidence located overseas, and providing detailed and timely responses to the government’s requests for information and evidence. USRA remediated the root cause of the misconduct by disciplining a supervisory employee who failed appropriately to supervise Soong, and by significantly improving its internal controls and compliance program. USRA also compensated the government both for the funds Soong embezzled, and for the time Soong had spent embezzling funds instead of performing his duties under USRA’s contract with NASA.

    The Justice Department declined USRA’s prosecution after considering the factors set forth in the Department’s Principles of Federal Prosecution of Business Organizations and the National Security Division Enforcement Policy for Business Organizations (NSD Enforcement Policy). The NSD Enforcement Policy creates a presumption that companies that (1) voluntarily self-disclose to NSD potentially criminal violations arising out of or relating to the enforcement of export control or sanctions laws, (2) fully cooperate, and (3) timely and appropriately remediate will generally receive a non-prosecution agreement, unless aggravating factors are present.  In appropriate cases, the NSD Enforcement Policy authorizes prosecutors to go further, and exercise discretion to decline a company’s prosecution. This is the second time that NSD has exercised its discretion to decline the prosecution of a company under the NSD Enforcement Policy.

    The case was investigated by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security; the Department of Defense’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and the FBI. The NASA Office of Inspector General; U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Army Counterintelligence; and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations provided valuable assistance.

    Trial Attorney Rachel Craft of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Valliere for the Northern District of California prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Convening of the Annual General Meeting to approve the 2024 financial statements to be held on June 13, 2025 and evolution of the Atos Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Convening of the Annual General Meeting to approve the 2024 financial statements to be held on June 13, 2025 and evolution of the Atos Board of Directors

    Paris, France – April 30, 2025

    Convening of the 2025 Annual General Meeting

    The meeting notice (avis de réunion) for the General Meeting scheduled for June 13, 2025, containing the agenda, the draft resolutions, and the participation and voting procedures for this Meeting, will be published in the Official Legal Gazette (Bulletin des Annonces Légales Obligatoires – BALO) on May 5, 2025, and will be available on the Company’s website (https://atos.net/en/investors/annual-general-meeting).

    Evolution of the composition of Atos Board of Directors

    On the recommendation of the Nomination and Governance Committee, chaired by Lead Independent Director Elizabeth Tinkham, Atos’ Board of Directors has endorsed a series of proposed changes to its composition to be submitted for approval at the General Meeting convened for June 13, 2025. The proposed changes reflect the evolving needs identified by the Board and align with the Group’s ongoing transformation.

    It will be proposed to the vote of the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting:

    • to renew the terms of office of Françoise Mercadal-Delasalles and Jean-Jacques Morin as directors, for a duration that will expire at the end of the General Meeting called to approve the financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2027;
    • to appoint Surojit Chatterjee as new independent director, for a duration that will expire at the end of the General Meeting called to approve the financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2027; and
    • to ratify the appointment of Mandy Metten as a censor, for a duration of one year expiring at the end of the General Meeting called to approve the financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.

    The Board of Directors has also been informed that Elizabeth Tinkham has decided not to seek renewal of her term of office as director, which will expire at the end of the General Meeting of June 13, 2025.

    Subject to approval of the proposed resolutions by the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors will comprise eight members (in addition to the director representing employees) and one censor, including 87.5%1independent members (seven out of eight), 50%2women and six nationalities3represented on the Board.

    Philippe Salle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Atos SE, declared:

    “I am pleased with the upcoming appointment of a highly qualified new director as well as the renewal of terms on our Board of Directors. These developments will support the continued effectiveness of the Board and help to strengthen its overall capabilities. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Elizabeth Tinkham for her commitment, which has contributed meaningfully to advancing our mission and shared vision”.

    * * *

    About Françoise Mercadal-Delasalles

    Cofounder and President at Auxo, Co‑chair of the National Digital Council (Conseil National du Numérique) and non‑executive Board Director, Françoise Mercadal-Delasalles was first appointed to the Board of Directors of Atos SE on January 2, 2024, and currently chairs the CSR Committee and sits on the Remuneration Committee. Her experience at the intersection of senior public service and the private sector, along with her recognized expertise in digital transformation and sustainability issues, are valuable assets to the work of the Board.

    Biography of Françoise Mercadal-Delasalles

    Françoise Mercadal‑Delasalles began her career in senior public service at the Ministry of the Economy and Finance from 1988 to 1992, then at the Caisse des Dépôts from 2002 to 2008. Appointed Director of Resources and Innovation at Société Générale in 2008, she sat on the Group’s Executive Committee and steered its digital transition project. In 2018, Françoise Mercadal-Delasalles became CEO of Crédit du Nord, where she introduced digital tools to position the Group in new banking services and integrated ecological concerns into the company’s business model. In 2023, she co-founded Auxo, an integrated platform to manage extra-financial data and support companies in their transition to sustainability.

    Françoise Mercadal-Delasalles holds various non-executive positions on boards of directors and supervisory boards, notably that of Eurazeo. She has co-chaired the Conseil National du Numérique since 2021. She is a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honor), Officier du Mérite (Officer of the Order of Merit) and Chevalier du Mérite Agricole (Knight of the Order of Agricultural Merit).

    Françoise Mercadal-Delasalles holds a degree in literature and law, and is a graduate of the Institut d’Études Politiques (IEP) de Paris, Sciences Po Paris and the École Nationale d’Administration (ENA).

    * * *

    About Jean-Jacques Morin

    Deputy CEO of the Accor Group and CEO of the Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Jean-Jacques Morin was first appointed to the Atos SE Board of Directors on January 2, 2024, and currently chairs the Audit Committee. His strong financial background and strategic insight are major assets in helping Atos meet its current challenges, and he would continue to bring his valuable expertise and leadership to the Board’s work.

    Biography of Jean-Jacques Morin

    Jean-Jacques Morin began his professional career with Deloitte, where he spent five years in auditing and consulting roles in Paris and Montreal. From 1992 to 2005, he held various international positions, notably in the semiconductor sector with Motorola Semiconductors (USA, Switzerland, and France), ON Semiconductor (USA) and Communicant AG, a start-up in Berlin. In 2005, Jean-Jacques Morin joined Alstom as CFO of the Power sectors in Zurich, then in Transport, before being appointed Group CFO from 2013 to 2015. In 2015, Jean-Jacques Morin joined Accor’s Executive Committee as CFO. He is then appointed Group Deputy CEO in charge of Finance, Strategy, IT, Legal, Purchasing and Communications. In June 2023, in addition to his position as Group Deputy CEO, Jean-Jacques Morin took over the Premium, Midscale & Economy Division under his leadership, as CEO of the Division.

    Jean-Jacques Morin has held various non-executive positions, including with Orbis from 2016 to 2020 as a member of the Supervisory Board and the Audit Committee, and with Vallourec from 2018 to 2021 as a member of the Supervisory Board and Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors of Adagio since 2022 and a member of the Board of Directors of AccorInvest since 2018. He was appointed Chairman of the Audit Committee of GROUPE REEL in 2024.

    Jean-Jacques Morin is a graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace, holds an MBA from Thunderbird (Arizona State University) and a DSCG from the Ordre des Experts Comptables.

    * * *

    About Surojit Chatterjee

    Founder and CEO of Ema Unlimited, a generative AI company, Surojit Chatterjee is a seasoned technology executive with over two decades of experience driving innovation across global companies. His deep expertise in artificial intelligence, combined with extensive product leadership at firms like Google, Coinbase and Flipkart, would bring strategic insight and forward-thinking vision to the Board.

    Biography of Surojit Chatterjee

    Surojit Chatterjee began his career in 1999 as a Software Developer at IBM before joining Oracle Corporation in a technical role. In 2005, he moved into product management at Symantec Corporation. He joined Google in 2007, where he held several leadership roles across payments, mobile products, and advertising. In 2015, he became Senior Vice President and Head of Product at Flipkart, before returning to Google in 2017 as Vice President of Product Management for Google Shopping. He joined Coinbase as Chief Product Officer in 2020 and founded Ema Unlimited, a generative AI startup, in 2023.

    Since 2024, Surojit Chatterjee has served on the Board of Directors of Meesho, a privately-owned Indian e-commerce company.

    Surojit Chatterjee holds a Bachelor in Technology in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, an MS in Computer Science from the University at Buffalo (SUNY), and an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

    * * *

    About Mandy Metten

    Head of Group Executives and Strategic Functions in Atos and a long-standing leader within the Group, Mandy Metten was a member of the Board of Directors representing employees until January 31, 2025, when she was appointed censor subject to the General Meeting’s ratification. Her experience across organizational change, diversity initiatives and people development would continue to bring valuable insight to the Board’s work.

    Biography of Mandy Metten

    Mandy Metten began her professional journey within the ATOS Group as an Executive Management Consultant specializing in Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Change from October 2007 to June 2014, during which she demonstrated expertise in critical strategic areas. In June 2014, she assumed the role of Manager of Atos Young Professionals, designing and overseeing a comprehensive 2-year development program for young professionals, providing development with training, mentoring and client exposure. As from November 2018, Mandy Metten served as Global Head of Group Campus Management, defining and implementing the Group campus strategy globally, including diversity and inclusion initiatives. Mandy Metten took additional responsibilities at Eviden in April 2023 and currently serves as Head of Group Executives & Strategic Functions.

    Mandy Metten was Chairman of the works council of Atos from 2010 to 2015. She also served as the Dutch delegate on Atos Societas Europaea Council (SEC) from 2012 to January 2024 and was a member of the Board Participating Committee (2017- January 2024). From August 2023, she became a Commissaris (Member of the Board of Directors) for Atos Nederland, contributing to the company’s governance.

    Mandy Metten holds a master’s degree in social and organizational Psychology. She completed a multi-level curriculum in Strategy, Economy, and Finance at the LeFebvre Institute.

    * * *

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with circa 74,000 employees and annual revenue of circa €10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 68 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Contacts

    Investor relations:

    David Pierre-Kahn | investors@atos.net | +33 6 28 51 45 96

    Sofiane El Amri | investors@atos.net | +33 6 29 34 85 67

    Individual shareholders: +33 8 05 65 00 75

    Press contact: globalprteam@atos.net

    1         In accordance with article 10.3 of the AFEP-MEDEF Code, the director representing employees is not taken into account in determining the percentage of independent members.
    2           In accordance with the law, the director representing employees is not taken into account in determining the parity ratio on the Board of Directors.
    3         Seven nationalities if the censor is taken into account.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Our ape cousins show us empathy has deep evolutionary roots – new research

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jake Brooker, Research Associate in the Department of Psychology, Durham University

    When people find out we study chimpanzees, they usually ask about their dark side. “You know chimpanzees kill each other, right?” or “Aren’t they the only animals besides humans that wage wars?”

    Chimpanzees are often cast as a mirror to our darkest tendencies, embodying violence, territoriality and power struggles. In contrast, bonobos are known as the most empathetic ape, heralded as the pacifist hippies, led by female collectives, who make love, not war.

    But our new research suggests it is time to leave these stereotypes at the door.

    The violent side of chimpanzee life has long captured the public imagination, and it’s true that when frustrated or feeling competitive, chimpanzees sometimes attack without much warning or provocation.

    However, what people often don’t know is that chimpanzees have a much softer side and can show amazing empathy towards one another, including reconciling and comforting others. Some of the first work conducted on animal empathy, led by the late primatologist Frans de Waal in the 1970s, explored this empathy in chimpanzees. De Waal and his colleagues provided beautiful examples of chimpanzees comforting one another, using behaviour that mirrors how we do so ourselves, such as embracing, touching and stroking.

    For a long time, scientists thought empathy was uniquely human, tied to our complex emotional skills and ability to think about others’ needs and perspectives. But this view was challenged when scientists started to notice animals responding to others in need, offering them help and comfort.

    Empathy is crucial for our social functioning. Consider the consequences when humans lose empathy for one another. For example, the perpetrators of abuse or during times of war. Thanks to research conducted with primates, rodents and other animals, we now know the roots of empathy run deep, reaching back through the branches of the evolutionary tree.

    As animals cannot talk to us, we cannot truly know what they are thinking or feeling. Yet research over the past several decades has shown that many animals have rich mental and emotional lives, including our closest living relatives, the bonobos and chimpanzees.

    Having separated from us around 5 to 7 million years ago, they provide us with the closest picture of what our last common ancestor might have been like. The two apes overlap in much of their behaviour and biology. However, differences in aspects of their social structures and dominance relationships mean they can also offer different insights into our own evolution.

    One quiet afternoon during routine observations at a sanctuary site in Zambia, we saw Misha, a greying middle-aged female chimpanzee emerge from the forest distraught. She wasn’t visibly hurt, but whatever had happened was serious enough to make her lose her cool, like a toddler having a temper tantrum. Normally composed, Misha threw herself onto the ground, legs splayed, screaming in distress. Moments later, something surprising happened. Little juvenile Tina started running towards her.

    Tina jumped onto Misha’s belly and embraced her tenderly. Then, another juvenile, Tom, approached to pat her gently. These friendly actions are what we call consolation, the offering of spontaneous comfort towards a distressed peer. We never found out why Misha was so upset, but she quickly settled down after these interactions. Having studied great apes now for over 20 years between us, we have collected hundreds of records of these apparent acts of kindness.

    Rethinking stereotypes

    In our new study, we compared consolation between bonobos and chimpanzees. There have been no previous direct comparisons of consolation in the two sister species.

    To provide a fair comparison, we studied them in similar environmental conditions over eight months. We studied large social groups at two African sanctuaries, chimpanzees in Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage in Zambia and bonobos at the Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Against expectations, we found the two species consoled at similar rates and that the greatest source of variation was within each species. In other words, offering comfort was shaped by individual and social characteristics, not species.

    Younger chimpanzees and bonobos were especially likely to console others, suggesting empathy emerges early in ape life. Among chimpanzees, young males and close social partners showed the most consistent comforting behaviour. Among bonobos, younger apes again led the way, with strong bonds between peers driving many of the responses.

    Our findings challenge the idea that bonobos are naturally more empathetic than chimpanzees and that like humans, the expression of their empathy is flexible, shaped by who you are, who you’re with, and the broader social culture.

    Like us, our ape cousins can show remarkable tenderness as well as despotism. Although there are some differences between them, for instance, chimpanzees can be hostile to strangers while bonobos have relaxed territory boundaries, the two apes overlap in their capacity for empathy. This suggests empathy has deep evolutionary roots, perhaps dating back to our last common ancestor. We need to move beyond stereotypes and look at what the science is telling us. Recognising these apes’ capabilities gives us a more rounded picture of the origins of human behaviour and our shared ancestry.

    Jake Brooker receives funding from the Templeton World Charity Foundation – Diverse Intelligences Initiative (0309).

    Zanna Clay receives funding from the Templeton World Charity Foundation – Diverse Intelligences Initiative (0309), and the European Research Council Starting Grant (802979)

    – ref. Our ape cousins show us empathy has deep evolutionary roots – new research – https://theconversation.com/our-ape-cousins-show-us-empathy-has-deep-evolutionary-roots-new-research-255277

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How dandelions conquered concrete to bring nature back to cities

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Yannick Woudstra, Postdoctoral Researcher in Asexual Plant Evolution, Stockholm University

    A dandelion in full bloom on the pavement of a busy street in Gothenburg, Sweden. Yannick Woudstra/Stockholm University

    “Nothing is so uncommon as a common dandelion” say Karst Meijer and Erik van den Ham, Dutch botanists who started an international day (April 27) to celebrate this yellow flower in 2020. The pair hoped to showcase the immense diversity and fascinating ecology of dandelions, which are often maligned as noxious weeds.

    Intensive farming and weeding have drastically diminished dandelions in the Dutch countryside. Insects, many of whom feed on the pollen and nectar of these plants, have been the first to suffer. Between 1990 and 2017, Dutch protected areas reported a 75% decline in flying insects which has prompted another precipitous drop in the numbers of plants that rely on insects to pollinate them.

    However, hope comes from unexpected corners and dandelions are thriving in cities.

    A small crack in the pavement is sufficient for a dandelion to grow a long taproot that can access water and nutrients in the soil below the concrete. But don’t be fooled – that dandelion you stepped over is withstanding extreme pressure to thrive in your neighbourhood. There’s pollution, trampling, the heat that radiates from the concrete after a hot day and artificial light from street lamps to contend with.

    Having found ways to resist these pressures, dandelions grow prolifically in unfriendly cities, helping other wild species to survive as well. How do they do it?

    Many people think of plants as nice-looking greens. Essential for clean air, yes, but simple organisms. A step change in research is shaking up the way scientists think about plants: they are far more complex and more like us than you might imagine. This blossoming field of science is too delightful to do it justice in one or two stories.

    This article is part of a series, Plant Curious, exploring scientific studies that challenge the way you view plantlife.

    King of the urban jungle

    Cities are islands of heat. On average, a city like Amsterdam is 2°C warmer than its rural surroundings. On a hot summer day, it could be more than 11°C warmer. You can feel the heat when you walk a city’s streets in summer – how nice and cool does a park with trees and shade feel then?

    This heat is a challenge for plants too. Fortunately for dandelions, evolution has offered a helping hand. I discovered that dandelions evolved to use urban heat to their advantage: urban dandelions grow better and faster than their rural relatives at higher temperatures by making more efficient use of photosynthesis.

    Not only do urban dandelions cope better with summer heat, they can also avoid the problems other plants experience with warming winters caused by climate change.

    Plants are programmed to respond to changes in temperature; when a cold snap yields to milder weather, that’s a cue for plants to start flowering. Timing is crucial, as flowering must correspond with the emergence of pollinators. Milder city winters might weaken this signal and ensure plants miss their cue to flower. I discovered that urban dandelions have finetuned this process and can start flowering even after a very short and mild winter.

    Winter also brings frost. The salt sprayed on roads to keep traffic safe can stress the plants which grow on the roadside verge, but several dandelion species have, fortunately, become experts in dealing with high salt concentrations. The exact mechanisms are yet unknown, but it looks like these dandelions can store the toxic salts and metals that are typical of roadside pollution in their leaves, without being bothered by it.

    Urban dandelions even have a solution for feet and lawnmowers trampling and shredding them: growing low to the ground, so lawnmowers pass right over and feet do not cut the flowers away from the plants.

    Protector of the realm

    City plants cycle from eradication by concrete and asphalt to reconquest in the nooks and cracks that subsequently form. A group of artists from Sweden likened cities to disturbed gardens and said that people and plants alike are gardeners of this dynamic landscape.

    The dandelion is a pioneer of this disturbed garden: the first to arrive with its windborne seeds and the best equipped to conquer the pavement with its long taproots. Once established, dandelions enable others to arrive by providing a buffet for insects in early spring. A survey of urban meadows in Edinburgh, Leeds, Bristol and Reading in the UK revealed that dandelions were providing 90% of the nectar (carbohydrates) and 80% of the pollen (proteins) in the diets of pollinators. As a result, more than 200 species of insects (that we know of) are supported by dandelions. These are the necessary pollinators that allow other plant species to establish, such as clover, mallow, mustard and poppy.

    A survey showed that 20% of insects visiting dandelions were solitary bees, like mining bees. Bumblebees were next most common (17%), then hoverflies (13%) and pollen beetles (6%).
    Yannick Woudstra/Stockholm University

    Because dandelions can grow almost anywhere there is a sliver of soil, they provide essential refreshment stops for urban pollinators on their way between gardens and parks. Not only does the dandelion rule the streets, it also protects and supports its inhabitants. And so, the dandelion can rightly be called king of the urban jungle.

    Next time you see one in your garden, think about what it does for friendly pollinating insects. Without dandelions, your garden plants would struggle to reproduce. And if all this talk about food makes you hungry, try some dandelion leaves in your salad for a tangy bite.

    Don’t hate dandelions. Let them spice up your life, your street and your garden.

    Yannick Woudstra receives funding from The European Commission (Horizon Europe; Marie-Skłodowska Curie Actions), The Sven & Lily Lawski Foundation (Sweden), The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, The Physiographical Society in Lund (Sweden) and the Lars Hiertas Memorial Foundation (Sweden).

    – ref. How dandelions conquered concrete to bring nature back to cities – https://theconversation.com/how-dandelions-conquered-concrete-to-bring-nature-back-to-cities-254849

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How fighters make weight in combat sports – and regain it for the match

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adam Taylor, Professor of Anatomy, Lancaster University

    Chris Eubank Jr. missed weight by just 0.05lbs (23 grams) ahead of his highly anticipated clash with Conor Benn last weekend — a tiny margin that cost him a massive £375,000. But why does such a minuscule weight difference (roughly the weight of four sheets of A4 paper) matter so much in combat sports?

    Boxing, like most combat sports, uses weight classes to keep competition fair, strategic and safe. These classes exist to ensure that skill, not brute size, determines the outcome of a fight.

    By grouping fighters based on weight, the sport encourages more balanced match-ups that test a combination of power, speed, reach, endurance and skill.

    Where does weight come from?

    The body has two main “compartments” where weight can be lost from: fat mass and lean body (or fat-free) mass.

    Fat mass is self-explanatory and is influenced by sex, age, activity and other factors. A healthy percentage of body fat is about 25% for men and 30% for women.

    Lean mass includes just about everything else. About 50% is skeletal muscle, with organs, bones and water being the other 50%.

    Naturally, athletes try to lose fat while preserving lean mass – especially muscle, which plays a critical role in performance.

    How weight loss begins

    Preparing for a fight usually starts eight to 12 weeks before the bout, depending on the opponent, previous fights and training history.

    While there’s no universal rule for how much weight a fighter should drop, many aim to lose around 10% of their body weight.

    The primary goal? Cut fat without losing strength – a delicate process that combines nutrition, exercise and timing.

    How is weight lost?

    There are three major routes: reducing energy intake through fasting and dieting while increasing exercise. This is typically undertaken gradually with a long-term plan and a balanced diet that is focused on reducing fat mass and fuelling muscles.

    Within a few days of the weigh-in, more extreme measures are used, aimed at removing excess fluid from the body. These measures include heated activities, such as running or wrestling while wearing specialised suits or extra-layers to increase sweating when exercising.

    Stopping or limiting fluid intake can even go as far as spitting out saliva.

    Finally, in the most brutal category are the things that are advised against because they can cause harm, such as taking laxatives, diuretics or enemas.

    Normal defecation is likely to reduce the body weight by about 100-130g. However, depending on diet, it can be as much as 470g.

    Using laxatives or enemas can clear out the digestive tract, sometimes shedding about a kilogram of weight. Although this is risky and discouraged by health experts.

    By the time the weigh-in comes, everything that can be shed is pretty much gone and the athletes are in a dangerous physiological state.

    Reducing water intake while increasing water loss leads to reductions in body water content which directly reducesblood and plasma volume, extracellular water and haemoglobin mass – all things that are key for health and transporting energy, ions and minerals around the body.

    This fine physiological balancing act can result in a boxer collapsing before or at the weigh-in.

    Low blood sugar levels, dehydration and reduced oxygen delivery put a serious strain on the body. If this progresses too far, the blood can become too thick – increasing the risk of clotting – while the kidneys may begin to fail and the nervous system can start to malfunction.

    After weigh-ins

    Clearly, boxers and other combat athletes cannot fight in this depleted state, so weigh-ins typically happen the day before the fight. In Britain, the British Board of Boxing Control stipulates a weigh-in must happen 24 to 36 hours before a fight.

    Once the weigh-in is done, efforts to replenish those depleted resources are undertaken with fluids and electrolytes, combined with easily digestible carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores in the body.

    The fluids are an important part of many body systems including muscle. Skeletal muscle is 76% water and dehydration has been shown to reduce muscle strength by 2% and muscle power by 3%.

    Similarly, glycogen stores need to be replenished and this can take up to 24 hours. Glycogen accounts for 1-2% of skeletal muscle volume and is the main energy source for muscle contraction – a key requirement in boxing. Any deficiency is likely to result in poorer performance.

    After the weigh-in, studies show that victorious boxers regain more weight (8%) than losers (6.9%). And for each per cent more weight gained between weigh-in and bout, there was a 13% increase in the likelihood of victory in the fight.

    And after months of sacrifice, relentless training and physical strain, it must feel terrific to regain a bit of weight.

    Adam Taylor 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. How fighters make weight in combat sports – and regain it for the match – https://theconversation.com/how-fighters-make-weight-in-combat-sports-and-regain-it-for-the-match-255438

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: With Moominmama, Tove Jansson created a hero who wields a handbag instead of a sword

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Isabel Joely Black, Teaching Fellow in Anthropology, University of Manchester

    In 1989, the science fiction author Ursula K. Le Guin published The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction. In it, she notes that many stories depend heavily on a hero with a sword or weapon as a central object, while bags seem boring and insignificant.

    Le Guin argued against the idea of weapons being the most important tool in a novel. Novels themselves are not “sword-shaped”, she suggested, but bags of ideas bundled together. It might be unexpected to link Le Guin to Tove Jansson’s Moomin stories. But Moominmamma is a perfect example of the kind of hero Le Guin was imagining.

    The story Jansson tells in the first Moomin book, The Great Flood (1945), is not a conventional hero narrative. It is a bundle of experiences the Moomins encounter as they make their way through an uncertain environment. If the story functions more like the “bag” – of ideas, people, places and their relationships to each other – then the ideal object to sit at the heart of the story is a handbag.

    This is part of a series of articles celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Moomins. Want to celebrate their birthday with us? Join The Conversation and a group of experts on May 23 in Bradford for a screening of Moomins on the Riviera and a discussion of the refugee experience in Tove Jansson’s work. Click here for more information and tickets.

    Moominmamma is, as children’s laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce argues in his introduction to the 2024 edition of The Great Flood, the “hero” of the story in that she is often the person who drives the action forward. She approaches what appear to be dangerous situations with curiosity rather than fear. She rescues a cat and her kittens. She knocks on a door when she and Moomintroll are hungry and need help.

    Heroes normally come with weapons, as Le Guin argues. But as a different kind of hero, Moominmamma comes with a handbag. She shows how it is possible to survive a long and arduous journey to find a home without a weapon, using her bag to carry and collect items to support them on their journey rather than relying on violence to negotiate with the world.

    Le Guin remarks that it’s hard, but not impossible, to rise to the challenge of telling a story where the bag is the heroic object. With Moominmamma and her handbag in The Great Flood, Jansson fully rises to that challenge. Her courage, empathy and creativity encourage readers to think differently about how we live in the world and relate to others around us.

    Tove Jansson holding a model of Moominmama and her handbag.
    Wiki Commons

    Moominmamma’s handbag is ubiquitous in Jansson’s illustrations. She carries it wherever she goes and panics when it goes missing.

    The Exploits of Moominpappa (1950) depicts the first time Moominmama met her husband. She is introduced as she is washed up on shore, and her first worry is that she can’t find her handbag: “Suddenly, she sat up and cried: ‘Save my handbag! Oh, save my handbag!’”

    In Finn Family Moomintroll (1948), the shy, elfish creatures Thingummy and Bob take the handbag and turn it into a home for themselves. The whole of Moominvalley is involved in the hunt to return the bag and a party is thrown once it is found. Moominmama is even shown to sleep with it under her pillow in A Comet in Moominvalley (1946).

    An ice sculpture showing Moominmama with her handbag.
    Wiki Commons, CC BY-SA

    Moominmamma wasn’t drawn wearing her staple apron in the first few books, but the handbag has always been with her. In one comic strip, Moominpappa and Moomintroll know something must be seriously wrong when Moominmamma discards her bag before jumping into water.

    In The Great Flood, it is even shown in the very first drawing as a small black square held by Moominmamma as she and Moomintroll enter the dark forest. They are on a terrible journey in a search for a home, and what could be more useful than a bag carrying all the essentials they need, and able to store new items picked up along the way?

    The handbag’s many uses

    The handbag’s first value is carrying items Moominmamma or anybody else may need on their perilous travels. It is almost immediately put to use in The Great Flood, when Moomintroll falls in water and, once rescued, has wet feet. Moominmamma gives him a pair of dry socks that symbolise the comfort and reassurance Moomintroll needs (even though Moomins do not actually wear socks).

    When they discover a bottle with a message in it, she even has a corkscrew in the bag to open it. She also collects things in the environment that might be useful along the way, proving the value of a bag on a great journey is not only what you have when you start, but what you can gather.

    Moominmama moments from the 1990s cartoon adaptation of Jansson’s books.

    Moominmamma is always on the lookout for potentially useful things, including some chocolate she gathers off-page when the Moomins and a character described as the “little creature” are exploring. Much later, the Moomins are starving and can only find a few figs to eat. Moominmamma takes out the chocolate to keep Moomintroll and the little creature going when they desperately need it.

    Le Guin argued that novels can be thought of as bags of ideas, people and things bundled together and that literal bags can be just as useful in a crisis as a weapon. Moominmamma and her handbag are an ideal example of how this plays out. She is the alternative hero Le Guin imagined, and her bag is the bundle she uses as support, the most vital tool for a crisis or a long journey.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Isabel Joely Black 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. With Moominmama, Tove Jansson created a hero who wields a handbag instead of a sword – https://theconversation.com/with-moominmama-tove-jansson-created-a-hero-who-wields-a-handbag-instead-of-a-sword-255332

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: China is reshaping central Asia’s energy sector as Russian influence fades

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lorena Lombardozzi, Senior Lecturer in Political Economy of Global Development, SOAS, University of London

    China has been developing closer ties with countries in central Asia over recent years. Trade between China and the central Asia region grew to US$89 billion (£69 billion) in 2023, an increase of 27% on the previous year. Chinese trade rose with every country there except Turkmenistan.

    In my paper from June 2024, which is part of a collection of studies looking at the impact of China’s sprawling belt and road initiative in low- and middle-income countries, I explored how Chinese investment is affecting Uzbekistan’s energy sector.

    Chinese investment in Uzbekistan has grown significantly since 2020. By the end of 2022, it had reached US$4.5 billion, up from US$2.8 billion one year before. There are now over 3,450 Chinese companies in Uzbekistan, accounting for roughly 20% of all foreign companies in the country.

    One of the main reasons for China’s expanding footprint in central Asia is to intensify energy cooperation. By becoming a major buyer, lender and investor in the region’s energy sector, China is hoping to reduce its dependence on countries such as Russia.

    Central Asia is a region of Asia consisting of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
    Peter Hermes Furian / Shutterstock

    Central Asia has been politically and economically dependent on Russia since the Soviet Union invaded the region in the 19th century. Much of its infrastructure was built to provide commodities like cotton and energy to Russia, with the latter selling it at high prices to Europe. This infrastructure has, until relatively recently, remained largely unchanged.

    However, some central Asian countries have been able to reduce their dependence on Russia over the past decade or so. China has become the main importer of Uzbek gas, with a peak share of more than 80%. And Uzbekistan exported almost US$2 billion worth of goods to China in 2022, matching its volume of trade with Russia.

    Investment in energy infrastructure is taking place in a reflection of these trade patterns. Central Asia boasts significant reserves of oil and gas. But most of the region’s pipelines were traditionally directed towards Russia and, to a lesser extent, south-west to Turkey.

    Pipelines have been built and maintained with China’s support that are directed towards the east. These pipelines have facilitated trade with China and have helped reduce operational waste in the energy sectors of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

    In 2025, China plans to resume the construction of a pipeline stretching from Turkmenistan through Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, pending the finalisation of a gas supply contract with Turkmenistan. This will further strengthen China’s energy ties with the region.

    A few years ago, while I was carrying out fieldwork in Uzbekistan, I interviewed policy experts and those involved in the Uzbek energy industry. My interviewees saw deals with China as more reliable than Russia, which has in the past renegotiated the terms of long-term energy contracts with central Asian countries or has added unfair clauses in its favour.

    In 2018, for example, the Uzbek government needed additional gas to meet domestic demand. Russia’s Lukoil energy company agreed to sell the gas from a joint Lukoil-Uzbek production facility to Uzbekistan, but at a hefty price. The Uzbek government incurred debt to Lukoil worth US$600 million.

    A train transporting gas parked in Samarkand train station, Uzbekistan.
    Lewis Tse / Shutterstock

    Chinese involvement in the Uzbek energy sector is also having an indirect effect on Uzbekistan’s green economy. During the pandemic, Uzbekistan’s gas exports to China dropped significantly, exposing operators to the vulnerability of relying on a single energy source.

    Gas exports to China have recovered since 2021. But this shock prompted policymakers to explore ways of diversifying Uzbekistan’s energy production away from fossil fuels. Over the past few years, Uzbekistan has invested over US$4 billion in renewable energy production, with the technology and expertise often coming from China.

    With the support of Chinese companies, vast solar power plants have been planned and developed near the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, as well as other cities like Navoi. Wind turbines have been supplied by Chinese firms for projects in Ferghana, near the border with Kyrgyzstan.

    Chinese-led investment in the renewable energy sector has created further demand for skilled and semi-skilled labour, such as translators, logistics operators and engineers. My interviewees noted positive – albeit limited – effects on employment and wages in the sector.

    New challenges ahead

    There are, however, also drawbacks to Chinese involvement in central Asia’s energy sector. Uzbekistan’s gas trade with China is a possible source of political and economic vulnerability.

    The export price of Uzbek gas is more profitable for energy companies than the local subsidised price, so exports have taken priority over the domestic market. Uzbek consumers often have to contend with rationed gas supplies or no access to gas at all, especially during the winter when demand is at its highest.

    This has led to dissatisfaction among the Uzbek population, especially in rural areas where people have had to resort to burning alternative sources of fuel like coal, firewood and animal dung. These energy sources are harmful to health and the environment.

    Western sanctions on Russian oil and gas since 2022, when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, have also created further competition for Uzbek gas. Russian gas suppliers have sought alternative markets in Asia to circumvent the sanctions. Trade flow data shows that India, Turkey and even China have increased the amount of Russian fossil fuels they buy.

    But, by and large, the state of play in the global energy market seems to be changing. Central Asia is in a strong position to benefit.

    Lorena Lombardozzi 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. China is reshaping central Asia’s energy sector as Russian influence fades – https://theconversation.com/china-is-reshaping-central-asias-energy-sector-as-russian-influence-fades-245232

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: DOGE’s AI surveillance risks silencing whistleblowers and weakening democracy

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Thomas Stuart, Lecturer in Communications, Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria

    The United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is reportedly using artificial intelligence to surveil federal agency communications for anti-Donald Trump and anti-Elon Musk sentiment.

    AI tools now automate firings and assess U.S. federal employees’ sentiment and alignment with the administration’s “mission.” Musk, who has been appointed a “special government employee” by the U.S. president and leads DOGE, has framed these moves as an attempt to cut waste and increase efficiency.

    At least one agency, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has reportedly warned staff to watch what they say, type or do online.

    The move has been largely overshadowed by tariff debates and constitutional concerns. But research on AI and governance suggests surveillance may erode the transparency that defines public institutions.

    Now, with Musk signalling he may scale back his involvement with DOGE, questions remain about how the system will operate in his absence — and whether anyone will be tasked with dismantling it.

    Disruption replaces due process

    Musk has presented DOGE as a lean, tech-driven solution to government bloat — a message he has repeated in interviews and on social media. Artificial intelligence, he argues, can cut red tape, trim costs and optimize operations.

    However, within federal agencies, AI has been used less to support public servants than to evaluate them — and in some cases, to eliminate them.

    Since DOGE assumed control over key functions within the Office of Personnel Management in January, hundreds of federal employees have been dismissed without formal explanation. DOGE also restricted access to cloud systems and sidelined career officials.

    DOGE was established by Trump through an executive order on Jan. 20, 2025 and tasked with cutting federal spending.
    (Shutterstock)

    Concerns over data security soon followed. In March, a federal judge barred DOGE from accessing Treasury systems, citing a “chaotic and haphazard” approach that posed a “realistic danger” of exposing sensitive financial information.

    Internally, DOGE operates through tools more familiar to startups than government agencies. Staff use disappearing messages via the Signal messenger app and draft documents in Google Docs rather than approved federal platforms.

    Grok, a generative AI chatbot launched by Musk in 2023, has been integrated across departments, though its tasks remain unclear.

    How Doge’s AI targets workers

    Earlier this year, thousands of federal employees received an email from the Office of Personnel Management asking them to provide five bullet points listing what they accomplished that week. “Failure to respond,” Musk warned on X, “will be taken as a resignation.”

    The message triggered uncertainty across departments. Without clear legal guidance, many workers were left guessing whether silence would mean termination. The Department of Justice and several intelligence agencies warned staff not to respond.



    Read more:
    Musk’s ruthless approach to efficiency is not translating well to the U.S. government

    Others, like the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Transportation, instructed staff to comply with DOGE’s requests. HHS later warned responses could “be read by malign foreign actors.” The EPA distributed template responses to help staff navigate the demand.

    The following week, the Office of Personnel Management clarified participation was voluntary. By then, responses had already been processed.

    DOGE reportedly planned to feed the responses into a large language model to determine whether an employee was mission-critical. Musk later denied this, describing the exercise as a test “to see if the employee had a pulse.”

    DOGE’S algorithms judge allegiance

    According to reports, DOGE’s AI tools have now been deployed across agencies to monitor political sentiment of workers. There is no indication that these systems otherwise assess employee competence or efficacy.

    Trump administration officials reportedly said some government employees have been informed that DOGE is examining staff for signs of perceived disloyalty to both the Trump administration and Musk himself.

    When AI is used in this way — without transparency or clear performance frameworks — it optimizes for compliance rather than capability.

    AI designed to detect dissent offers little support for the work of public service. Rather than recognizing expertise or ethical judgment, these tools reduce complex decision-making to surface-level signs of loyalty.

    Effective collaboration between humans and AI depends on clear boundaries. AI might complement the public service by identifying patterns in data, for example. Humans though must retain authority over context and judgment. When AI polices allegiance, those boundaries collapse, sidelining human skill and integrity.

    AI surveillance rewrites workplace behaviour

    The inherent limitations of large language models amplify these risks. These models cannot reliably read nuance, navigate ethical grey areas or understand intent. Assigning surveillance or employee evaluations to these systems invites errors.

    Worse, such blunt tools force civil servants into self-censorship to avoid misinterpretation. Public service shifts from informed expertise to performative alignment.

    For employees, the consequences extend beyond flawed assessments. AI surveillance deployed through tools like Grok and Signal creates uncertainty about how performance is measured and by whom.

    As surveillance systems degrade psychological safety, employees disengage and become discouraged. Far from enhancing productivity, covert monitoring erodes trust in both management and mission.

    This atmosphere weakens accountability. Whistle-blowing often reflects loyalty to institutional values rather than defiance. By reframing personal beliefs and integrity as disloyalty, DOGE will silence mechanisms that safeguard transparency.

    AI surveillance becomes institutional

    Musk recently announced his involvement at DOGE “will drop significantly”, likely beginning in May. The move is attributed in part to pressure from Republicans urging Trump to distance himself from Musk, as well as pressure from Tesla investors.

    Despite his expected departure, around 100 DOGE employees — and the AI frameworks they manage — will remain embedded across federal departments. Musk’s departure may shift headlines, but it will leave structural risks embedded within federal operations.

    Once governments adopt new surveillance tools, they rarely dismantle them, regardless of whether their architect stays to oversee them. With no clear formal oversight beyond presidential discretion, the surveillance system is likely to outlast Musk’s tenure.

    Employees monitored for political conformity are less likely to raise concerns, report misconduct or challenge flawed directives.

    As human resource protocols are bypassed and oversight is diminished, the balance could shift from policy grounded in principle to regulations grounded in algorithms. Governance risks giving way to control, which could weaken the political neutrality of the civil service.

    Thomas Stuart 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. DOGE’s AI surveillance risks silencing whistleblowers and weakening democracy – https://theconversation.com/doges-ai-surveillance-risks-silencing-whistleblowers-and-weakening-democracy-254358

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The ‘entourage effect’ — what we don’t know about how cannabis works

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jonathan Simone, Adjunct Professor of Biological Sciences, Brock University

    In the years since legalization, there has been a tremendous surge in the number of cannabis products available to Canadian consumers, many offering tailored experiences to enhance seemingly any mood or activity.

    Do you want something calming or uplifting? Are you looking to inspire focus, spark creativity or get a good night’s sleep? Do you prefer full-spectrum extracts or THC isolates?

    But how does one plant produce so many different experiences? Like many of its botanical relatives, cannabis is rich in active compounds. The prevailing view is that these compounds work together to shape the overall experience, a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect.”

    From a consumer standpoint, the idea of custom-tailored experiences guided by key active ingredients is appealing — and it certainly makes things easier. But in reality, it’s not so cut-and-dried.

    Making informed decisions as a cannabis consumer can seem overwhelming, and navigating a product menu can feel like it requires a chemistry degree. But how much do we really know about how cannabis works? And how well are we able to predict individual experiences based on a product’s composition?

    What’s in a high?

    Most research into cannabis’ effects has focused on two key compounds, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is non-intoxicating and thought to underlie many therapeutic effects of cannabis, whereas THC is the primary compound responsible for the classic cannabis high.

    Until recently, the most pertinent information available to cannabis consumers was the THC:CBD ratio, and from a regulatory standpoint, these are the only compounds required by Health Canada for product labels. But the cannabis plant produces over 500 potentially bioactive compounds, most notably cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, with increasing emphasis being placed on how they interact to drive different experiences.

    The idea that the different components of cannabis work in concert, modulating one another’s activity to influence the overall experience, has been termed the “entourage effect.” Simply put, it seeks to explain the effects of cannabis beyond those of any individual component, such as THC or CBD, and offers an elegant explanation for a common question: how can products with the same amount of THC and CBD produce different effects?

    Indeed, the medical cannabis community has long-favoured full- and broad-spectrum products (those containing a varied chemical profile) over single-compound isolates such as purified THC or CBD, based on claims of superior safety and efficacy.

    Ask your local budtender for a recommendation and you will likely get a crash-course on terpene nomenclature, hearing words like limonene, myrcene, pinene and linalool.

    While this modern embrace of terpene pharmacology and natural product chemistry reflects a growing appreciation for the complexities of the cannabis plant, claims of entourage effects remain largely speculative, highlighting how much we’ve yet to learn.

    Sound science or smoke and mirrors?

    Initially coined by scientists in Israel and Italy in study published in 1998, the term “entourage effect” described interactions among endogenous cannabinoids (THC-and CBD-like molecules produced by the human body). The idea was that some of these compounds, which are inactive on their own, could enhance or modulate the activity of others, resulting in combined effects greater than the sum of their parts.

    It is important to note that this study did not examine plant-derived cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but rather structurally related compounds produced naturally in the brain and body. As such, the idea of cannabis-specific entourage effects did not emerge directly from the data itself, but from broader inferences drawn from that research that provided a rationale for the diverse effects often reported by cannabis users.

    Since then, and despite a lack of supporting evidence, the term has been widely adopted and adapted by the cannabis industry, often leveraged to differentiate products in an overly crowded market.

    The available support for entourage effects in humans is limited to a few small clinical and observational studies and meta-analyses that suggest whole-plant extracts may outperform isolates for conditions like chronic pain and pediatric epilepsy.

    However, these studies often use non-standardized extracts and are therefore unable to identify which chemical interactions are driving the effects. Further, direct comparisons of full-spectrum and isolate products are lacking, with most claims rooted in inferences made from pre-clinical (in other words, non-human) research and from studies of non-cannabis derived phytomolecules.

    That said, the entourage effect is a valid hypothesis and arguably the most promising in terms of explaining cannabis’s varied and nuanced effects. Similar effects have been described for other drug classes, though these interactions are often termed synergism and potentiation and typically involve just a few well-characterized compounds. In contrast, unlocking cannabis synergy requires untangling the interactions of hundreds of different molecules, many of which are still poorly understood.

    That complexity is what I’ve spent my career trying to understand. Researching how cannabis-derived compounds work in the brain and body, I have gained a considerable appreciation for how far our understanding of cannabis has come, how much we have still yet to uncover and how easy it is for enthusiasm to outpace evidence.

    Reading between the product lines

    As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, consumers need to approach product claims with a healthy dose of skepticism. There is no doubt the cannabis plant is a treasure trove of unexplored and underexplored bioactive molecules, and that we will continue to uncover interesting and unexpected interactions among them. But we are far from a complete picture.

    At present, the entourage effect remains a hypothesis more often co-opted for marketing than grounded in evidence. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong, but it does mean we should resist conflating convenient narratives with established science. This highlights an important question: where does the onus of responsibility for generating this new knowledge fall?

    If the cannabis industry continues invoking the entourage effect for marketing and product differentiation, then it should support and contribute to research that furthers the state of evidence.

    Relying solely on existing pre-clinical and academic studies in lieu of directly advancing the science and validating real-world product claims risks perpetuating hype at the expense of credibility. But industry is not alone in their duty. Government must also remedy the regulatory bottlenecks that impede new research.

    Establishing a credible, science-backed cannabis marketplace means moving beyond hype. It requires action, from industry and government, to generate the information consumers need to make informed decisions.

    Jonathan Simone 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. The ‘entourage effect’ — what we don’t know about how cannabis works – https://theconversation.com/the-entourage-effect-what-we-dont-know-about-how-cannabis-works-251799

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: School of Nursing Hosts Second Annual Research and Scholarship Day

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    On April 21st, more than 80 students, faculty, and staff gathered for the UConn School of Nursing’s second annual Research and Scholarship Day.

    The event featured a keynote speaker, podium presentations, poster displays, networking opportunities, and a luncheon.

    Keynote speaker Ann-Margaret Navarra, Ph.D., CPNP, FAAN, associate dean for research and innovation at Stony Brook University, did her presentation on “Nursing Research and Innovative Partnerships for the Promotion of Health Equity.” She offered in-person consultations for faculty and Ph.D./DNP students on research and scholarships.

    Ann-Margaret Navarra, PhD, CPNP, FAAN, associate dean for research and innovation at Stony Brook University giving her keynote address at SoN’s Research and Scholarship Day on April 21, 2025. (Ashley O’Connell / UConn Photo)

    The presentation was centered around her work involving HIV among adolescents and young adults. Promoting health equity across all populations and interprofessional collaboration were key takeaways from her presentation.

    Podium presenters included faculty and students whose work represents the depth and breadth of SoN scholarship.

    Carrie Morgan-Eaton, Ph.D., RNC-OB, C-EFM, CHSE, assistant clinical professor, presented her project, “Qualitative Analysis of Women’s Experiences of Postpartum POST-BIRTH Warning Signs Education.” Yashika Sharma, Ph.D., RN, an assistant professor, presented “Examining the Influence of Sexual Orientation-Related Nondiscrimination Laws on 30-Year CVD Risk Among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Adults.”

    Students from the SoN DNP and Ph.D. programs also provided podium presentations. Their presentations included “Meta-ethnography of the Experiences of Women of Color Who Survived Severe Maternal Morbidity or Birth Complications” (Cristina Mills, Ph.D. candidate) and “Palliative Care in the Emergency Room: A QI Project” (Rachel Butler, recent DNP graduate).

    SoN Honors student, Jahmiha Lindo, presented “Sepsis Knowledge Amongst Black Parents in the United States.”

    “The opportunity to conduct research that is directly benefiting my community, the Black community, is especially rewarding to me,” she said.

    It took her almost three years of research, literature reviews, approvals, funding, and applications, to get to this point in her career.

    “I feel getting to this moment and sharing the research and the data is really full circle,” Lindo said. “I’m just glad to add to the pool of information that is currently out there.”

    In total, 45 posters were showcased at the event covering nurses’ health and high-quality care, student success, symptoms and self- and family management across the lifespan, women’s and family health, health promotion across the lifespan, and health equity.

    School of Nursing faculty and students present their research during Research and Scholarship Day on Monday, April 21, 2025. (Coral Aponte / UConn Photo)

    “It’s a showcase of our Ph.D. students, our DNP students, and our undergrad students work of what they’re doing in their courses, and they bring it to life here,” said Louise Reagan, Ph.D., APRN, ANP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, associate professor and director of the Ph.D. program.

    “It’s phenomenal to see them all, and our speakers, doing some cutting-edge research,” she said.

    Attendees voted for their top three poster presenters on overall appearance of the poster and rigor.

    Michelle Cole, DNP, MSN, RN, CPN, an associate clinical professor here at UConn, received first place for her poster “Empowering Women: Enhancing Menstrual Health Knowledge and Access in Rural Guatemala.”

    Rejoicing in her win, she couldn’t help but relate to Navarra’s presentation on the importance of collaboration. She emphasized the help she received from her team – Morgan-Eaton and two graduate students – saying she wouldn’t be here without them. Her project was funded with a seed grant from the SoN Office of Research and Scholarship.

    Being recognized for her work was a very impactful moment for her.

    “I’m honored to have clinical work being recognized in this space and representing women from Guatemala,” she said. “It’s very nice because it has a deep meaning to me.”

    Katherine Bernier Carney, Ph.D., RN, received second place for her poster “Addressing Burnout Before the Bedside: A Pilot Mindfulness Intervention for Pre-licensure Nursing Students,” and Ph.D. candidate Ashwag Alhabodal earned third place for her poster on “Experiences of Family Caregivers of Individuals with Hypertension and Diabetes: A meta-ethnography.”

    Everyone is proud to show off their research and what they have done. In turn, everyone is interested in other individuals’ work creating a community of researchers comprised of faculty and students to network and connect.

    The event is meant to highlight and celebrate the work everyone in the UConn nursing community has done, and it did just that.

    This event is a “wonderful opportunity to highlight some of the important research and clinical scholarship conducted by our faculty and students and an opportunity to facilitate collaborations. I am grateful to our planning committee and staff for their assistance in organizing and running this meeting,” said Nancy Redeker, Ph.D., RN, FAHA, FAAN, senior associate dean for research & scholarship.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Cassidy introduce resolution commemorating 100 years of Southeastern Louisiana University

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) recently introduced a resolution commemorating 100 years of Southeastern Louisiana University and the major impacts the institution has had on the lives of countless students across our state and the region. Southeastern has been celebrating its centennial since September 2024 and will continue to celebrate through December 2025. 

    “A quality education is key to both Louisiana and America’s future. By that measure, Southeastern Louisiana University ought to be proud of its life-changing impacts over the last 100 years—and its record-breaking graduation rate and enrollment increases this year prove that. I join countless Louisianians in celebrating all that Southeastern has done in the past century to brighten our state’s future,” said Kennedy. 

    “Southeastern Louisiana University has been training up the next leaders of our great state for 100 years. Their quality of education attracts students from all over, who then stay in Louisiana, raise families, and make our state even better. Keep making Louisiana proud!,” said Cassidy.

    “Southeastern is proud to have reached this significant milestone in our remarkable 100-year history. From our humble beginnings in 1925 to becoming a dynamic institution with over 150 programs of study, Southeastern’s success stems from the commitment of students, faculty, staff, and the communities that support us. We sincerely thank Senator Kennedy for authoring this proclamation in recognition of our Centennial year and look forward to celebrating with the communities we serve,” said William S. Wainwright, Southeastern Louisiana University President.

    The full text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Informal workers in Ghana’s chop bars get no benefit from foreign aid: donors are getting it wrong

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Matteo Rizzo, Senior Lecturer in Development Studies, SOAS, University of London

    Informal street food caterers, popularly known as chop bars, are a key feature of Ghanaian city life. They offer the urban poor the cheapest food.

    A 2016 survey by the Food and Agriculture Organization estimated there were about 3,300 chop bars in the capital, Accra, employing almost 4,300 workers. This figure is likely to be much higher now due to rapid urban growth in the last decade. Ghana’s urban population increased from 50.9% in 2010 to 56.7% in 2021. By the same year the Greater Accra region was home to 91.7% of the urban population in the country.

    Street food caterers in Accra face a number of problems, including insecurity of land tenure, inadequate knowledge of food hygiene, harassment from local authorities, cut-throat competition, and low returns from work.

    Foreign donors have over the years stepped in to attempt to address these problems. A flagship of this assistance has been a programme funded by Danish trade unions and the Danish Federation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Under its aegis, Ghana’s Trades Union Congress was able to support workers in chop bars.

    Drawing on our expertise on trade unions in Ghana and on the informal economy, we assessed the effectiveness and strategic relevance of this aid.

    The aid focused on entrepreneurial skills and micro-credit. This overlooks some of the real problems in the sector. It leaves wage workers in a precarious position and does nothing to boost demand for what the sector supplies. We argue that to be more effective, foreign aid should address these gaps.

    Entrepreneurial pipe dreams

    Increased donor attention to workers in the informal economy and trade unions could be seen as a positive trend. After all, this is where the majority of workers in African cities are to be found. Ghana’s official statistical service places the size of the country’s informal sector between 70% and 80% of the working populace in its reports from 2024.

    However, close examination of the type of support given, and its results, yields a more sobering picture.

    Aid focused firstly on capacity building and entrepreneurship. This aimed at boosting skills such as financial literacy and capacity to care for customers. The programme’s own evaluation highlights the increased confidence that chop bar operators gained through this training. Important as this might be, increased confidence can do very little to overcome structural challenges, like intense competition in an oversupplied sector and the insecurity of land tenure.

    A second area of support was the provision of micro-credit via the Trades Union Congress (Ghana). One could argue that it boosted the creditworthiness of informal economy operators. But there is evidence, including our study, that credit can often result in a spiral of debt and “poverty finance”.

    Donors chose to focus on small-scale entrepreneurs as the only economic actors in the informal economy. This reflects an ideological, and market fundamentalist, understanding of the informal economy as inhabited only by small enterprises and self-employed workers, and the challenge as one of making the market work better for the poor.

    The blind spots of donors’ support to the informal economy

    This approach by donors neglects informal and highly precarious wage workers within the chop bar sector. Our research shows that the chop bar industry is stratified in terms of class. Within it, alongside genuine self-employed workers, there are people who own relatively small-scale capital (cooking assets and in some cases the land and buildings in which the bars are based) and who employ informal wage workers.

    The informal workforce is by and large made up of migrant female workers with relatively low education and skill. They work without contracts, for very long hours and very low wages, and face the risk of sudden dismissal and harassment from employers. Such poor working conditions stem from the lack of contracts, and of the rights that come with them. This is the weakest category of workers in the industry – yet they have no place in donors’ and trade unions’ activities to support workers.

    The main limitation of donors’ aid to the chop bar sector is that it focuses exclusively on supply-side interventions. It is based on the idea that improving skills and access to finance will result in increased demand for the services of small-scale entrepreneurs. Many aid programmes on employment make this mistake and suffer from so called “employment dementia” .

    This type of aid doesn’t ask where the stimulus to increase demand for street food will come from, or what the structural roots of urban employment challenges are. It doesn’t consider why African cities have large informal economies and poor-quality jobs.

    Aid priorities

    Donors should re-think their aid priorities, and put informal wage workers at their centre. This would entail moving away from the current focus on micro-solutions for job creation, and instead supporting policies to promote structural change, to tighten labour markets and increase the demand for good-quality jobs within them.

    This article was co-authored with Dr Prince Asafu-Adjaye, an associate of Labour Research Service.

    Matteo Rizzo 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. Informal workers in Ghana’s chop bars get no benefit from foreign aid: donors are getting it wrong – https://theconversation.com/informal-workers-in-ghanas-chop-bars-get-no-benefit-from-foreign-aid-donors-are-getting-it-wrong-253633

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why are women paid less than men? New research in South Africa shows the company you work for makes the biggest difference

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ihsaan Bassier, Researcher in Economics, University of Surrey

    Why do women earn less than men? The usual suspects – occupation, hours, experience – explain some of it. But a powerful, often overlooked reason is simply this: where women work. The companies that hire them play a huge role in shaping their lifetime earnings.

    South Africa has a severe gender pay gap, much of which is unexplained by worker characteristics such as occupation, skills or experience.

    In our new study published in the Journal of Development Economics, using tax data on the universe of formal workers in South Africa, we uncover a striking fact: nearly half of the gender pay gap in South Africa is explained by women working at lower-paying companies than men. That is, more women tend to work at companies that pay all workers less.

    In addition, this phenomenon evolves dramatically over a woman’s life.

    We tracked millions of workers between 2010 and 2018 using tax data. We wanted to figure out how much money different companies paid, relative to each other, regardless of the type of worker. To do this, we compared what two companies pay the same worker. We looked at workers who switched companies and compared how their pay changed when they moved to a new company. By doing this for many workers and many companies, we could see how much more or less that company tends to pay people with the same kind of background or job.

    In the formal sector in South Africa, women, on average, get paid 12% less than men. We find that about 45% of this gap – 5.5 percentage points – is due to women being concentrated in firms that pay less overall (to both women and men).

    This isn’t because women are paid less within the same company — that kind of direct discrimination plays a much smaller role. Instead, it’s largely about sorting: women and men end up at different companies, and those pay differently.

    Women disproportionately enter lower-paying sectors such as education, retail, or personal care, while men are over-represented in high-premium sectors like construction, mining, and manufacturing.

    As labour and development economists, we argue that reducing the gender pay gap takes more than putting women into male-dominated jobs or promoting equal pay for equal work. It means tackling the invisible structures that steer women into lower-paying companies.

    A gender gap that grows, then shrinks

    What’s particularly revealing is how the firm-pay gap changes across the life cycle. For workers in their early twenties, this gap is almost nonexistent. But from the mid-20s to the mid-40s — roughly the child-rearing years — the gap widens significantly.

    Why does this happen?

    First, women who remain continuously employed through their 30s tend to move to worse-paying firms than men, even though they switch jobs at similar rates.

    Second, women entering or re-entering formal work (after a spell of unemployment or informal work) tend to start at lower-paying firms than men. This disadvantage when re-entering contributes to the overall gap, but is more constant over the life cycle.

    Interestingly, churn (moving in and out of employment) is common — but men and women do it at similar rates. The key difference is what type of firm they land in when they return. Nearly half the gap among entrants is explained by industry sorting — women disproportionately enter lower-paying sectors such as education, retail, or personal care, while men are overrepresented in high-premium sectors like construction, mining, and manufacturing.

    This isn’t because women have less (or different) skills. That might be another contributor to the overall gender gap in pay, but it’s not what we looked at. This is the pay disadvantage that women face from being at firms that pay less for the same job or skill.

    The firms that women join tend to be in lower-paying industries, have fewer resources, and are less likely to be covered by collective bargaining agreements (union-negotiated industry wages) that boost pay.

    Just like women leave or re-enter formal jobs at the same rates as men, they are in fact just as likely to switch jobs when employed. The problem then is that their job switches are less likely to lead to upward moves in the pay hierarchy, possibly due to employer discrimination or a need to prioritise non-pay job characteristics (like flexibility).

    Then something remarkable happens. As women age into their late 40s and 50s, the gender gap begins to close. They start making more advantageous moves than men. This is likely because, having been sorted into lower-paying firms earlier in their careers, they have more room to climb. And with child-related constraints easing later in life, they finally can.

    Firms in developing countries

    Our finding — that women ending up in lower-paying companies accounts for nearly half of the pay gap — is higher than estimates from high-income countries like Portugal or Italy, where it explains around 20%–25%. But in developing countries like Brazil and Chile, the contribution is similar to what we find.

    Why do firms matter more in places like South Africa?

    Labour markets are more “monopsonistic” — firms have more power to set wages due to high unemployment and few outside options for workers. So because formal jobs are scarce, entering or moving up within the formal sector is harder, especially for women. In fact, we show that in regions of South Africa with lower levels of formality, the gender gap in firm pay is wider.

    Policy takeaways

    One instructive exception is the public sector, where the state has actively pursued gender equity in hiring. Public administration employs a much higher share of women than men and offers relatively high pay premia.

    In developing countries especially, where formality is limited and transitions into good jobs are harder, policy can focus on easing women’s access to high-paying companies.

    This can mean policies that support childcare, promote flexibility without penalising pay, or reduce discrimination in hiring. Otherwise, sorting into low-paying firms will keep reproducing the gender pay gap, one job move at a time.

    Ihsaan Bassier has previously received funding for several research projects, including this one, through the SA-TIED joint initiative between UNU-WIDER and the South African National Treasury. He is a research affiliate at the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) at the University of Cape Town.

    Leila Gautham 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 are women paid less than men? New research in South Africa shows the company you work for makes the biggest difference – https://theconversation.com/why-are-women-paid-less-than-men-new-research-in-south-africa-shows-the-company-you-work-for-makes-the-biggest-difference-254221

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s Statement on Trump’s First 100 Days

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, issued the following statement marking the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second occupancy of the White House.

    “Donald Trump’s first 100 days have been a damning masterclass of cruelty, callousness, chaos, and corruption. From slashing essential services and attacking reproductive freedom to terrorizing immigrants and firing thousands of dedicated federal workers—Trump has governed with a reckless disregard for the Constitution and contempt for everyone who calls America home.

    “In just 100 days, Trump has launched a full-scale assault on workers, families, and our most vulnerable communities. He is gutting Medicaid, slashing funding for Head Start, defunding life-saving scientific and medical research, and ending critical programs that put food on the table and keep our families safely housed. He has torn immigrant families apart through mass deportations and unlawful detentions—including the abduction and detention of my constituent Rümeysa Öztürk—and pushed through policies that would rip away healthcare, threaten access to abortion care, and restrict our bodily autonomy. And he has consistently sought to erase Black history, resegregate society, and roll back decades of civil rights progress—all while enacting tariffs that will raise the cost of groceries, housing, and other essentials.

    “Trump has attacked everyone and everything except the rising cost of living, and now Republicans are marking the 100-day milestone by advancing a reconciliation bill that would end Medicaid as we know it and make the largest cuts to food assistance and other essential programs in American history. The cruelty is the point.

    “As Congresswoman for the Massachusetts 7th, I will not be silent, and I refuse to be complicit. I will continue using every tool at my disposal—legislation, litigation, and mobilization—to stand in the gap and fight for the dignity, safety, and economic wellbeing of my constituents and communities across this country.”

    Congresswoman Pressley has been a leading voice in Congress speaking out against Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s unprecedented assault on our democracy, and she has been a steadfast advocate for protecting the essential services that federal workers and agencies provide.

    • On April 25, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the Trump Administration’s abrupt reinstatement of international student visas. 
    • On April 25, 2025, Rep. Pressley, along with Senator Markey and Rep. McGovern, published an op-ed in the New York Times in which they discussed their meeting with Rümeysa Öztürk in detention and warned the American people of the dangers posed by the Trump administration’s unlawful attacks on our constitutional rights to freedom of speech and due process.
    • On April 24, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined Senator Elizabeth Warren and Massachusetts lawmakers sounding the alarm on the Trump Administration’s cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities staff and grants.
    • On April 23, 2025, Rep. Pressley and her colleagues visited the ICE detention facilities in Basile and Jena, Louisiana with her colleagues, where Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil are being unlawfully detained, respectively.
    • On April 22, 2025, Rep. Pressley and Senators Markey and Warren demanded answers about the Trump Administration’s concerning pattern of ripping individuals from their communities and shipping them to jurisdictions more favorable to the Trump administration’s deportation agenda.
    • On April 18, 2025, Rep. Pressley and Senators Warren and Markey demanded the State Department release a memo and documents related to Rumeysa Ozturk’s arrest after a recent report indicated that an internal State Department memo concluded that the key premise underlying her arrest was false.
    • On April 14, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined Senator Ed Markey and the Massachusetts congressional delegation demanding answers on the sudden termination of the federal staff responsible for administering the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
    • On April 11, 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech in which she slammed Trump’s Executive Order attacking Smithsonian museums – namely the National Museum of African American History and Culture, or Blacksonian – and his blatant attempt to erase Black history. 
    • On April 9, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined the Massachusetts delegation in sending a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding answers after the abrupt shuttering of the entire HHS Regional Office in Boston.
    • On April 9, 2025, Rep. Pressley led lawmakers in sending a letter to Trump’s trade official demanding he resign from holding multiple positions with clear conflicts of interest that would further harm federal workers.
    • On April 3, 2025, Rep. Pressley and Senators Warren and Markey sounded the alarm on Rumeysa Ozturk’s medical neglect in ICE custody and renewed their urgent calls for her release.
    • On March 28, 2025, Rep. Pressley and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey led over 30 lawmakers demanding information from DHS about the arrest and detention of Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk and similar incidents across the country.
    • On March 28, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming Trump’s executive order to end collective bargaining rights for hundreds of thousands of federal employees.
    • On March 26, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested and detained Rumeysa Ozturk, an international student with legal status in a graduate program at Tufts University. 
    • On March 25, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Boston and other municipalities in Massachusetts.
    • On March 21, 2025, Rep. Pressley led Massachusetts lawmakers in a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sharply criticizing and demanding answers about the impact of the Musk-Trump Administration’s mass firings of federal workers in Massachusetts.
    • On March 11, 2025, Rep. Pressley spoke out against the U.S. Department of Education’s mass layoffs of over 1,300 workers, which effectively guts the agency.
    • On March 11, 2025, Rep. Pressley voted against Republicans’ shameful government budget bill, which would harm vulnerable families and provide a blank check for Elon Musk and Donald Trump to continue their unprecedented assault on our democracy. She later issued a statement condemning its final passage in the Senate.
    • On March 11, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined 13 of her colleagues on a letter to the Department of Homeland Security demanding answers and the immediate release of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, whose illegal abduction is an attack on his constitutional right to free speech and due process.
    • On March 4, 2025, Rep. Pressley walked out of the House chamber in protest during Donald Trump’s presidential joint address to Congress.
    • On March 4, 2025, Rep. Pressley welcomed Claire Bergstresser, an Everett constituent, dedicated public servant, AFGE union member, and former HUD worker who was unjustly terminated as part of Musk and Trump’s assault on federal agencies as her guest to the presidential joint address to Congress.
    • On February 28, 2025, Rep. Pressley led 85 lawmakers in a letter urging the Office of Special Counsel to immediate reinstate and expand protections for all unfairly fired federal workers.
    • On February 28, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined over 200 Democrats in filing an amicus brief defending the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau before a U.S. District Court.
    • On February 26, 2025, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley discussed what true government efficiency looks like and denounced Elon Musk and Donald Trump for utilizing DOGE to gut the essential services that keep people safe, fed, and housed.
    • On February 25, 2025, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley condemned Elon Musk’s abuse of government efficiency through the fraudulent Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
    • On February 25, 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech in which she railed against Republicans’ cruel budget resolution that would slash Medicaid by nearly $1 trillion.
    • On February 20, 2025, Rep. Pressley and her Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs issued a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.
    • On February 13, 2025, in a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley emphasized the critical role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in safeguarding consumers and sharply criticized Donald Trump and Elon Musk for halting the critical work of the agency.
    • On February 10, 2025, Rep. Pressley rallied with Senator Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member Maxine Waters, and advocates to protest Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s unlawful takeover of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
    • On February 11, 2025, in a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley criticized the Trump-Musk administration for halting the critical work of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) with crypto scams on the rise.
    • On February 10, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming the Trump Administration’s harmful cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding to support hospitals, universities, and research institutions conducting lifesaving research.
    • On February 10, 2025, as Trump and Musk threaten to dismantle the essential work of the U.S. Department of Education, Rep.  Pressley delivered a powerful floor speech to affirm the role of public education in American democracy.
    • On February 6, 2025, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful rebuke of Republicans’ efforts to gut diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and eliminate essential services for vulnerable communities.
    • On February 5, 2025, Rep. Pressley rallied outside the U.S. Department of Treasury to protest Elon Musk’s unlawful assault on federal agencies and our democracy.
    • On January 30, 2025, Rep. Pressley slammed Donald Trump for blaming the tragic plane crash at Reagan National Airport, which killed over 60 people, including some families from Massachusetts, on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
    • In January 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming Trump’s illegal freeze on federal grants and loans and its harmful impact on vulnerable communities.
    • On January 23, 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned floor speech condemning Republicans’ cruel anti-abortion bill that criminalizes providers and denies families care.
    • On January 23, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues to reintroduce the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, a bill to repeal an outdated law that has been used to target innocent immigrants without due process rights.
    • On January 22, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s harmful executive actions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ODHS announces new online training on recognizing and reporting child abuse

    Source: US State of Oregon

    he Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has launched its first-ever interactive online training for the public about reporting suspected child abuse. The training rollout coincides with Child Abuse Awareness Month and the announcement of a new safety initiative underway in Child Welfare.

    Safety priorities in the initiative include improving safety for children in foster care and children who come to the attention of Child Welfare in addition to providing training to the public and professionals known as mandatory reporters. Mandatory reporters are required by law to report suspected child abuse, and include professionals in healthcare, law enforcement, social work and education fields, among others.

    The new online training helps reporters identify types of child abuse, learn how to report, and recognize when a family needs material or economic assistance. Across the country and in Oregon, efforts to better distinguish between child abuse and neglect and family needs related to poverty are driving family support programs, sometimes called family preservation or prevention.

    “We all contribute to child safety not only by being mandatory reporters, but by being mandatory supporters,” said Aprille Flint-Gerner, ODHS Child Welfare Division director. “This training provides the public with the tools needed to recognize signs of abuse that must be reported, as well as understanding when a family needs a community resource or support, rather than a report to the hotline.”

    The interactive training takes about an hour to complete and is considered the official Oregon Health Authority and ODHS state course with the most up-to-date guidance on child abuse and effective reporting. Prior to the new training, ODHS used a shorter explanatory video about reporting child abuse.

    The course, Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse in Oregon, teaches:

    • How to recognize signs of child abuse and understand the definitions.
    • The role and impact of personal biases when determining whether a report is required.
    • How to make a report and what information to provide to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline.
    • What happens after a report is made.
    • How to connect a family with resources.

    The training also aims to prevent unnecessary abuse reports. The Oregon Child Abuse Hotline (ORCAH) receives a high number of calls that are neither reports of child abuse nor require Child Welfare intervention. In 2024, ORCAH received 176,393 contacts, resulting in 96,246 documented screening reports. Of the documented reports, 46,483, or 27% resulted in Child Protective Services completing an assessment. ORCAH data shows that 80% of reports are from mandatory reporters, largely from representatives of law enforcement, education and the medical field.

    Data in Oregon and nationally show that Black and/or African American and American Indian/Alaska Native families are disproportionately reported to child welfare. The training addresses how reporters can recognize their personal biases and how they view a child or family in need.

    “We hope the training will help reduce disproportionality in reporting and get families connected to the services they need to thrive,” Flint-Gerner said. “Child safety is about early intervention in communities whenever possible, so that children who are unsafe get help quickly, and families who need resources get connected to supports. Prevention and early intervention are where the public and mandatory reporters can really make a difference.”

    The new training is available on the Reporting Child Abuse web page in partnership with Oregon State University’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE).

    Resources

    Additional learning materials and guides about child abuse reporting.

    Find local resources financial assistance, food pantry information and other free or reduced-cost help at 211info.org, via phone at 211, or via text 898211.

    Information about how youth in foster care can file a complaint: email fco.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov or call 855-840-6036.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Opening Remarks at Appropriations Hearing on Biomedical Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s opening remarks***

    Washington, D.C. – Today—at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on biomedical research—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, underscored in her opening remarks how important biomedical research is for patients and families across the country and how President Trump’s unprecedented attacks on our nation’s premier biomedical research enterprise threatens to unravel decades of progress.

    Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below:

    “I let me start by congratulating you, Senator Collins, as first hearing as Chair.

    “We’ve managed to do a lot of bipartisan work over the past few years, and I hope we can continue to build off of that record together.

    “And I really appreciate this important hearing on biomedical research—it is an issue with long-standing bipartisan support. We’ve worked together many times over the years—along with our colleagues—to invest in advancing medical breakthroughs.

    “And those investments have paid off in so many ways, not just billions in economic activity, hundreds of thousands of jobs, and a medical research enterprise that is the envy of the world. They have also paid off with genuine miracles, cures that were once impossible, treatments that were once unthinkable. These are investments that give patients hope for the future, that give them back a life derailed by a disease, that give people precious more time with loved ones.

    “Which is why I am so deeply alarmed that President Trump has taken a wrecking ball to our biomedical research enterprise. He and Elon Musk have been tossing tomorrow’s groundbreaking cures into a shredder. From day one, DOGE has been cutting critical research without rhyme, reason, or any regard for who gets hurt.

    “Trump has already axed 800 grants—over a billion dollars in research—for HIV prevention, breast cancer, pregnancy, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and more. They have also blocked $2 billion in grant funding from going out to universities and research institutions across our country. And they slapped a $1 limit on NIH researchers’ payment cards—meaning that our labs can’t get gloves, pipettes, and vials—these are the basics they need to keep research going.

    “If Trump and Musk have their way, they aren’t just going to grind medical research to a halt, they are going to send it careening backwards. Because Trump apparently wants to slash $21 billion dollars from NIH next year. That would be a 44 percent cut—the biggest cut in NIH history. He also wants to defy a bipartisan law this Committee worked to pass, so he can massively cut funding for basic costs that keeps our labs running.

    “If Trump succeeds here, a lot of world class research institutions—like the Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the University of Washington in my state—will face massive shortfalls.

    “The fact that Trump and Musk are pushing such a painful policy really underscores how they don’t know—or don’t care—whether their polices actually hurt people.

    “And if you needed any more evidence that there’s no real strategy here, just consider the Women’s Health Initiative, it was coordinated by the Fred Hutch Cancer Center in my home state of Washington. It has led to major advancements in our understanding of women’s health issues, especially in older women. It has paved the way for a generation of researchers focused on women’s health, that is something we never had before.

    “And yet, Trump was going to axe it, presumably because he thinks it’s woke to care about women’s health. Then, hardly 24 hours later he claims to have reversed course following a loud public outcry. Yet, the Fred Hutch Cancer Center has yet to hear from NIH directly on if that funding will actually be restored.

    “Trump’s three-sixty really goes to show you, these cuts and firings are not about some big strategy, just chaos and extortion.

    “We have even seen Trump freeze billions of research dollars for purely political reasons, putting his own petty grievances ahead of curing cancer and saving lives. None of us should stand for that—not for a minute.

    “And just as slashing NIH isn’t about a strategy for our country, it’s not about efficiency either. NIH has an incredibly high return on investment. While medical research accounts for less than 1 percent of the federal budget, NIH has contributed to over 99 percent of drugs approved by FDA in recent years.

    “And while we’re talking about government efficiency, let’s not forget the FDA, which families trust to keep them safe. Because the NIH breakthrough won’t do much good if FDA does not have the staff and resources they need to approve new drugs. But Trump cannot gut FDA, push out four thousand workers, and expect to maintain that gold standard that keeps food and drugs safe and gives our nation a competitive edge.

    “And NIH cuts are not just cutting off promising future research, but undermining studies we are right in the middle of right now. One NIH lab that analyzes blood samples for more than 200 trials, studying cancer treatments, organ transplants and more—lost half its staff during Trump and Elon’s lay-offs.

    “Right now, in this country patients in clinical trials are praying for a breakthrough, they are seeing their best hope cut off by the richest people in the world.

    “And worse than undermining any one study, Trump and Musk are also cutting the beating heart out of our medical research enterprise—by pushing talented researchers out the door. Trump has pushed out nearly 5,000 people at NIH and counting.

    “China is already trying to seize the moment and recruit some of the brightest talent—and the same for Europe!

    “Instead of supporting new talent, Trump is slashing grants for our early career scientists. I heard about this firsthand a few weeks ago, I was out in my state speaking with researchers and students at WSU in Vancouver. Bright young people, who want to do medical research here, are suddenly worried. Why start that PhD if their funding is going to get yanked away? Why study new vaccines if RFK Jr. is going to meddle in their work? Why come to the U.S. for promising research if Trump might just try to deport them for jaywalking?

    “Make no mistake—the United States is the world leader in medical research. But creating that was not an accident and maintaining it is not inevitable. It is a choice we make through our investments, one that has paid off on a scale that cannot be measured.

    “How do you measure the miracle of eliminating a disease? Of funding a cure? Of developing a new vaccine? How do you measure giving someone the chance to become a parent, or to see their grandkids? You can’t.

    “Which leads me to the question I hope we focus on today. Why on earth would we let Trump slash that all to ribbons? Why on earth would we give up on Alzheimer’s research? Or heart disease? Or cancer? 

    “I will tell you, I am not giving up on patients. I am not giving up on cures. And I suspect many others here feel the same. So, I hope this discussion helps us focus on that common ground. And that working together we can push back on these devastating cuts and push forward the research that is so important to folks back home.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Business Leader of the Future: What Skills and Approaches Determine Success Today

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    How can top managers adapt to rapidly changing market conditions? What is behind the effective implementation of innovative projects? Why should adult experienced specialists undergo training again? Maria Petrova, Vice President of Sales at Health, talks about all this, as well as new approaches to management, the value of partnerships, and the advantages of the HSE HSE Corporate Program “Business Leader of the Future” Higher School of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    — What can you say about the skills and competencies of the participants of the “Business Leader of the Future” program? How did the listeners improve themselves?

    — The first thing I have already mentioned is the general business outlook and perspective, the ability to look ahead and, based on this, plan the present and the near future. The second is the skills of design thinking and working with uncertainty. This was one of the most significant and, in my opinion, one of the most successful blocks of the program. The third is, of course, the skills of cross-functional interaction, working with stakeholders, communication skills, the ability to present and defend your idea or project in a very short time. This is also a key competency. There were other important blocks, for example, on financial management, as well as blocks related to leadership and taking responsibility.

    And I will separately mention risk management, if I am not mistaken – the topic of the third module of the program. Taking risks is a really important point. Over the last 2-2.5 years in the company, we have included this in our routine: we try to assess risks, anticipate them and find scenarios for an effective response.

    — Did the knowledge and skills acquired in the program find application in the professional activities of the students within the company?

    — I would divide the application into two aspects: the implementation of specific projects, which we may discuss further, and changes in the behavioral habits and patterns of the participants, which I observe as a manager. Now they have begun to prepare for presentations much better, convey their ideas more clearly, and understand the business as a whole better. This is the very same business-acumen — an expanded business outlook. In addition, employees have begun to strive for more productive cross-functional interaction, not to focus on themselves when making decisions, and to take into account the KPIs of different departments.

    — Can you say a few words about the defense of the final projects? Which of them were put into production and what did they consist of?

    — The project defense was a separate amazing story. The entire management committee really enjoyed it. Usually, you go to such events thinking, “Now I’m going to sit and listen to something for six hours.” But this time, all the participants were unanimous in the opinion that everything went by in one breath. After the defense, we, as organizers, were taken to a separate room and asked to evaluate the projects. We were given the task of choosing three winners. We sat down and began to discuss. In the third minute, the question was asked: “Are there any projects here that we are ready to say “no” to?” And everyone answered that there are no such projects. We are ready to give the green light to all initiatives for further implementation in real business. We collectively decided that there is no point in looking for one winner; it would be much more appropriate to provide the teams with high-quality feedback to improve their solutions. As a result, when we went out into the audience, we announced that we were saying “yes” to all the projects.

    — Is it possible to tell a little more about a couple of projects if they do not contain business secrets?

    — We had several initiatives related to the development of new products and the corresponding modification of production capacities. I think I will not reveal any big secrets by saying that we have a trend in the dairy category for high-protein products. There is also a trend for ready-made food and for consuming products outside the home. Of course, we focus on those areas that are interesting to consumers.

    There are also projects related to operational efficiency, optimizing various processes and reducing costs, including through partner solutions in the field of logistics and supply chains. For example, how best to develop remote territories. These solutions are mainly operational and logistical. In addition, there are initiatives to develop individual trade channels and cooperate with new partners.

    — Could you briefly describe the features and advantages of the educational program at our business school?

    — The first is the desire or even a conscious wish to understand the client. This understanding is not for show, but in order to identify the client’s real need and offer a solution that will be selected individually, or, as they say now, customized for this need. The second advantage is a high-level teaching staff with excellent knowledge and material that the teachers are ready to adapt to the students.

    It is also worth noting the overall engagement in the outcome of the program. We felt throughout the entire process – from the design to the final stage – a desire to achieve, or rather, to help participants achieve specific results. And this is how we measure the success of the program, and not just by the participants listening to lectures.

    — Which courses or topics within the program did you personally like the most?

    — Personally, I especially liked two topics — the block on strategizing and foresights and the part related to design thinking. As the leader of the organization, I am responsible for the future of the company, for its independence and ability to pilot its development as a separate large business. Now we ourselves come up with new products and business areas, we implement them ourselves and learn from our own mistakes. Design thinking is one of the key methods that helps to see the business perspective and turn ideas into real solutions.

    — Did your expectations from the program at the start match the final result?

    — As you have understood, I have the most positive impressions. And here is why: I am a result-oriented person, and when I see it, I feel good. And when I see a double result, and it is really specific, right “lying on the table”, it is generally wonderful. You know, when you go to training and understand that there will be project activity, there is always a perception that this is just an educational project for the sake of it, the main thing is to learn. Yes, of course, the main thing is to learn. If the project did not work out, then you can always say that at least different methods were tried. But this is the case when you not only learned, but also got a real business result.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: From COVID to cancer: Why Canada’s RNA vaccine leadership matters more than ever

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Anna Blakney, Assistant Professor, Michael Smith Laboratories and School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia

    As the world marks World Immunization Week, attention turns once again to the lifesaving power of vaccines.

    Amid headlines about rising cases of measles, falling vaccination rates and growing vaccine hesitancy, a quieter revolution is underway — one that could fundamentally reshape how we respond to global health threats, including pandemics and cancer.

    This revolution is being powered by RNA technology — and Canada is uniquely positioned to lead it.

    A made-in-Canada breakthrough

    While the swift development of COVID-19 vaccines appeared to be a sudden scientific triumph, it was built on six decades of foundational work. Much of that work happened in Canada. Messenger RNA (mRNA) are large, negatively charged molecules that are easily degraded and repelled by our cells.

    To coax our cells to internalize them, scientists developed a way to encapsulate them in “fat bubbles” or lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which were invented by Pieter Cullis and collaborators. Cullis, a co-author of this article, is a professor in biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of British Columbia.

    Once inside a patients’ cells, the mRNA gives the cell instructions to translate a viral protein that triggers an immune response. Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines — which relied on these fat bubbles — were found to be highly efficacious (more than 94 per cent) and safe, both in initial trials and continuous monitoring over time. They were estimated to have saved nearly 10 million lives in 2021 alone.

    That’s just the beginning. Research teams across the country are now building on this homegrown innovation to expand the potential of RNA vaccines beyond infectious diseases.

    The next generation: Less means more

    At the University of British Columbia, the Blakney Lab is focused on developing vaccines and therapies using self-amplifying RNA (saRNA), a technology that offers several advantages over conventional mRNA. Because saRNA replicates itself once inside a patient’s cells, much smaller doses are needed to produce a robust immune response.

    Now, this replication process may sound like something out of a science fiction film, but similar to mRNA vaccines, this technology has been developed over decades and has been thoroughly clinically validated. The saRNA technology reduces manufacturing costs and makes vaccine production more scalable during global emergencies. Notably, the lower dose can also minimize side effects, potentially reducing the risk of getting a sore arm or having to miss a day of work after vaccination.

    Recent pre-clinical studies have shown that saRNA vaccines can offer longer-lasting immunity with smaller doses, and multiple clinical trials are now underway to evaluate their use for influenza, Zika virus and even cancer.

    Vaccine equity, health security, economic growth

    Expanding Canada’s domestic RNA vaccine capacity is more than just a scientific priority; it’s a public health imperative and economic opportunity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chain breakdowns exposed the risks of relying on international sources for essential vaccine ingredients and production. Investing in local infrastructure allows for faster and more flexible responses to future outbreaks.



    Read more:
    From PPE shortages to COVID-19 vaccine distribution, the supply chain has emerged as a determinant of health

    But it’s not just about pandemic readiness. One of the most exciting frontiers for RNA technology is the development of personalized cancer vaccines. These vaccines train the immune system to recognize and attack mutations specific to an individual’s tumour.

    In early clinical trials, mRNA-based cancer vaccines — such as those developed by Moderna and BioNTech — have shown promising results, dramatically reducing recurrence rates in melanoma and pancreatic cancer patients.

    Canada’s scientific ecosystem is primed to contribute meaningfully to this next generation of therapies. Strengthening our biotech infrastructure could create high-quality jobs, stimulate economic growth and reinforce Canada’s place as a leader in the global bioeconomy.

    From crisis to capacity

    The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how rapidly science can enable positive public health outcomes — and how easily inequities can widen if infrastructure and access aren’t prioritized.

    Despite being home to world-class researchers, Canada lacked the manufacturing capacity to produce its own mRNA vaccines. That gap is now being addressed through substantial recent investments from the government of Canada, but sustaining momentum will require long-term commitment from policymakers and funders.

    Equity must also remain at the forefront. Communities in rural, remote and Indigenous regions often face barriers to accessing vaccines — not because of hesitancy, but due to logistical challenges and under-resourced health systems. The Public Health Agency of Canada has emphasized the importance of building trust and tailoring solutions in partnership with these communities.

    Vaccine confidence remains another challenge. Post-pandemic surveys reveal that misinformation continues to shape public perceptions, even about long-established vaccines like MMR. Addressing this requires proactive science communication, sustained public education and rebuilding trusted relationships between communities and health systems.

    Looking ahead

    World Immunization Week offered a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come — but also to ask what comes next. With decades of research leadership, a strong innovation ecosystem and new investments in RNA infrastructure, Canada has the tools to lead the next chapter of mRNA technology development.

    Whether it’s fighting the next virus or personalizing cancer therapies for individual patients, RNA technologies hold transformative promise. Seizing this opportunity will require sustained support, policy alignment and a focus on equitable access.

    By investing in RNA innovation today, Canada can deliver not just vaccines, but a healthier, more resilient future for all.

    Immunity and Society is a new series from The Conversation Canada that presents new vaccine discoveries and immune-based innovations that are changing how we understand and protect human health. Through a partnership with the Bridge Research Consortium, these articles — written by academics in Canada at the forefront of immunology and biomanufacturing — explore the latest developments and their social impacts.

    Anna Blakney sits on the scientific advisory board and/or consults for Genvax Technologies, Replicate Biosciences and Pasture Biosciences. She receives funding from CIHR, CBRF, NSERC and CFI.

    Pieter Cullis a co-founder and have shares in Acuitas Therapeutics, the company that provided the LNP enabling the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. He receives funding from CIHR.

    – ref. From COVID to cancer: Why Canada’s RNA vaccine leadership matters more than ever – https://theconversation.com/from-covid-to-cancer-why-canadas-rna-vaccine-leadership-matters-more-than-ever-254692

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Boat wakes aren’t just a nuisance, they harm freshwater shorelines and wildlife

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Chris Houser, Professor in Department of Earth and Environmental Science, and Dean of Science, University of Waterloo

    After long winters, Canadians love their summers. For some, that means summer vacations by a lake, along a river or on a bay for some much-needed rest and relaxation. For some, it’s time to disconnect at the dock, while for others it’s a time to cruise the lake or enjoy the thrill of water-skiing, tubing and wake-boarding.

    Over the last decade, there’s been a strong growth in the sale of new and pre-owned motorboats, and in particular, wake boats that are designed to generate large wakes.

    While recreational boating is a multi-billion-dollar industry in Canada, and enjoyed by many — including me — there has been increasing concern among cottage owners and other advocacy groups about the impact of the wakes generated by these boats.

    Recreational boat wake and jet ski jumping wakes in cottage country in Ontario. (Chris Houser)

    There is increasing evidence that boat wakes erode the shoreline, disrupt aquatic ecosystems, degrade water quality and pose a safety hazard to those at the shoreline or also on the water.

    Stronger than waves

    In Ontario’s cottage country, boat wakes represent a significant portion of total wave energy.

    Except for lakes where motorboats are restricted, the energy generated by wakes is greater than the energy of the waves generated by winds. The exact amount depends on the size, shape and depth of the body of water, but recent research I conducted with colleagues suggests wakes can account for up to 90 per cent of the total wave energy in small lakes with widths up to five kilometres.

    One respondent to our survey noted that:

    “The shore is eroding. I’m losing land and trees into the water. The water is more murky than ever before and the constant large waves makes it unsafe for my kids to swim at times.”

    Wakes not only represent an increase in the number of waves, but they are also responsible for waves of greater height and energy, particularly those generated by wake boats. The smaller the lake, the greater the wake energy at the shoreline, but it is also larger along rivers, lake arms and in bays due to the types and frequency of boating in those areas.

    There is limited impact along rocky shorelines, our research has found, but change can occur where the shorelines are muddy or sandy and the water is shallow.

    Just like large storm waves, wakes can erode the shoreline and uproot and undermine shoreline vegetation. The resuspension of bottom sediment and organic material can also degrade water quality and clarity, leading to the development of algae blooms and hypoxia and the dispersion of contaminants.

    “We have boats that are enhanced for sale surfing and our lake is not wide enough or deep enough to handle the energy generated by the wakes that are produced by these boats. We have parts of our lake that are less than 20 metres wide and less than eigth feet deep, and these boats are generating cut-outs on the bottom of the lake bed, which of course stirs up silt from the floor bed and harms water clarity.” A cottager on Fairy Lake, north of Toronto.

    Dangers to loons, fish, docks and people

    The turbulence can also disturb loon nests and fish spawning in shallow water by destroying nests, washing away eggs and displacing juvenile fish, leading to reduced reproductive success.

    “It is not a coincidence we have not had loons nesting on our point for 10 years since our channel became a busy wake-surfing mecca.” A cottager on Lake Joseph, north of Toronto.

    In our research, residents and cottage owners also raised concerns that wakes cause damage to shoreline infrastructure and docked vessels, leading to greater maintenance and repair costs. Large wakes can make it difficult for smaller slower boats to navigate safely, and at the shoreline, those waves pose a hazard to swimmers, who may be knocked off balance or even swept out by larger waves.

    While studies suggest that wakes represent a significant portion of the wave energy on small lakes, there has been little actual documentation of impacts, and we discovered that there was little direct evidence of erosion. Most examples were extreme and highlighted potential hotspots of shoreline change associated with boat wakes.

    “Our shoreline has eroded approximately six feet in the last 10 years, causing trees and shoreline to collapse into the lake.” A Lake Joseph cottager.

    Most respondents to the survey identified boat operation, the experience of the operators and use of the lake by other users (for example, those fishing, swimming and relaxing) as the primary issues associated with wakes and boating in general. This is consistent with another recent study that found no evidence of shoreline erosion, but an increase in sediment resuspension and phosphorus availability.

    Speed limits, no-wake zones

    Further study is needed to determine when and where boat wakes are a physical and/or ecological stressor rather than simply being a disturbance to the peaceful cottage country scene.

    Through these studies, it will be possible to implement appropriate speed limits and no-wake zones, limits to wakeboat use and improve education and awareness as the industry continues to improve hull designs to reduce the wake.

    There is no doubt that the debate over the impact of boat wakes will continue this summer, but hopefully it won’t make our time on the dock this summer too rocky.

    Chris Houser 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. Boat wakes aren’t just a nuisance, they harm freshwater shorelines and wildlife – https://theconversation.com/boat-wakes-arent-just-a-nuisance-they-harm-freshwater-shorelines-and-wildlife-251958

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Cato T. Laurencin’s Mentees Honored at American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Awards Event

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Two mentees of UConn’s Dr. Cato T. Laurencin — Carol Morris, MD, MS and Erica D. Taylor, MD, MBA — were recognized at the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society’s (JRGOS) Annual Awards Luncheon at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2025 Annual Meeting.

    The meeting was held on March 13 in San Diego, CA. Laurencin is active in mentoring, especially those underrepresented in science, engineering, and medicine.

    Carol Morris, MD, MS was honored with the JRGOS Claudia L. Thomas, MD Award in recognition of her exemplification of Dr. Claudia Thomas’ resilience, tenacity, and leadership in Orthopaedic Surgery. Morris was Laurencin’s first graduate student at his MIT lab when it was first established.

    “Dr. Laurencin’s mentorship and influence have been tremendous in my career. His impact on my professional trajectory has been significant and sustaining for decades,” said Morris.

    Morris is an internationally recognized leader in orthopedic oncology with clinical expertise in primary bone cancer, metastatic cancer to bone, soft tissue sarcoma, and neurofibromatosis. She is the chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

    Taylor was the recipient of the 2025 Alvin H. Crawford, MD, Mentorship Award in recognition of her remarkable contributions to orthopaedic surgery. Taylor is a leader in orthopaedic surgery and an ardent advocate for health equity and inclusion. She completed her residency under Laurencin and is the vice president of Health Equity for Duke Health, and vice chair of Equity & Inclusion for Duke University’s Department of Orthopaedics.

    “I met Dr. Laurencin as a medical student, and he has been a constant source of inspiration and a role model for excellence ever since. His sincere investment in my growth and his encouragement across every phase of my professional journey have made an enduring impact,” said Taylor.

    Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin is the University Professor and Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, professor of Chemical Engineering, professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Connecticut. He is the Chief Executive Officer of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering, a cross-university institute named in his honor at UConn. He is the first individual to receive the American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS) Mentor Award, the Beckman Award for Mentoring, and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Math, and Engineering Mentoring bestowed by President Obama. At UConn alone, he created and established the UConn Young Innovative Investigator Program, the UConn ASPIRE Program, (A Scientific Program in Regenerative Engineering) funded by the Department of Education, the UConn M-1 Mentorship Program, the UConn Pre-K K Award Application Training Program, the UConn Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation REM and REU Programs funded by NSF, and the UConn Graduate Training Program in Regenerative Engineering funded by an NIH T32 Institutional Training Grant.  Nationally, the Society for Biomaterials established the Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D. Travelling Fellow Award Program for undergraduates in his honor.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Alley Theatre to host powerful reflection on the impact of flooding

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Alley Theatre to host powerful reflection on the impact of flooding

    30 April 2025

    On the 8th and 9th of May, the Alley Theatre will host a special installation piece reflecting the devastating impact of flooding on local communities.

    ‘In at Midnight and Away by Morning: The Uninvited Guest’, is a powerful sound and light installation from the BluePrint Project, capturing the lived experience of communities facing the reality of flooding and their ongoing adaptation to the impacts of climate change.

    The BluePrint Project, which is funded by Creative Ireland, led by University College Cork with support from The Playhouse, Derry City and Strabane District Council, and Mayo County Council, involved a co-creation process with flood-affected communities in Eglinton and Newtownstewart, and an All-Island learning exchange with Mayo.

    The poetic piece features the sonification of historic and predicted rainfall data and has been shaped through the voices and creativity of flood-affected communities in Eglinton and Newtownstewart.  It was created in collaboration with artist Sara Walmsley, and this immersive work explores resilience, community action and hope in the face of an uncertain climate future.

    On May 8th the Sound and Light Installation will be shared at a special event in the Alley Theatre attended by the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, the Director of Creative Ireland, government representatives, researchers, artists and community organisations.

    Looking ahead to the event, Mayor Barr said: “The Blueprint Project is a call to action and we must respond to this climate emergency with a renewed sense of urgency. The fight against climate change requires all of us to play our part, the simple changes we can all make in our everyday life can have a collective impact. It’s time for us to step up as a community.”

    The evening will also mark the launch of the BluePrint Toolkit, a resource capturing insights from this co-creation process and all-island exchange with Mayo. Designed to support government and community actors, the Toolkit offers guidance and inspiration for climate adaptation and flood resilience efforts across Ireland.

    ‘In at Midnight and Away by Morning: The Uninvited Guest’, will be open to the public from 10am to 3pm on the 9th of May at the Alley Theatre.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Continues Expansion of Behavioral Health Network with New Virtual Options for Children and Families

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EAGAN, Minn., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) today announced a new collaboration with two virtual care providers – Charlie Health and Little Otter – to further address the need for more access to behavioral care for children and adolescents. Charlie Health and Little Otter are now in-network providers and available to Blue Cross members requiring personalized and comprehensive behavioral health services for children, adolescents and their families.

    According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in seven American children between the ages of three and 17 have a current, diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition. And according to a study by the University of Michigan’s Health Lab, another one in seven are currently suffering from an undiagnosed, treatable mental health disorder.

    “Too many children and teens with mental health needs struggle to access specialized care,” said Brett Hart, vice president of behavioral health and mental health parity at Blue Cross. “Local providers do an amazing job, but the system is under immense strain to keep up with increasing demand. Charlie Health and Little Otter offer additional options to access mental health professionals licensed to practice in Minnesota and other states. From traditional therapy to high-acuity, intensive outpatient treatment, services provided by these innovative providers help to ensure Blue Cross is there for our youngest members.”

    Little Otter is the only virtual healthcare company offering psychiatric evaluation and care for all children up to age 18 and their families, treating mild to high-acuity symptoms. In addition to therapy and psychiatry with medication management for children and caregivers, all families have access to the Little Otter Family Mental Health Checkup, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Patients are connected to a licensed clinician within 48 hours. Little Otter also offers seamless referrals to specialty providers like Charlie Health when intensive outpatient care is needed.

    In turn, Charlie Health focuses on high-acuity, intensive outpatient treatment for both adolescents and adults, offering intensive treatment programs for patients experiencing behavioral health crises. Compared to more traditional talk therapy for mild symptoms, Charlie Health focuses treatment around a high-touch curriculum that lasts between nine to 12 weeks. As symptoms improve, Charlie Health can refer patients to lower levels of care, like Little Otter.

    Together, Little Otter and Charlie Health help fill critical gaps in access to behavioral healthcare by providing solutions for all ages across various levels of acuity, while also having the ability to refer up or down, based on the level of care needed.

    Services provided by Little Otter and Charlie Health are available to most Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota members residing in Minnesota. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota members may confirm eligibility for behavioral health services in their respective Blue Cross online portal or by contacting their Blue Cross representative. More information about Blue Cross’ virtual behavioral health providers and services can be found at bluecrossmn.com/bhvirtualcare.

    About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

    For more than 90 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Bluecrossmn.com) has supported our members by ensuring access to high quality care at an affordable price. Our nearly 3 million members can be found in every Minnesota county, all 50 states and on four continents. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

    About Charlie Health

    Charlie Health is a virtual behavioral health provider delivering high-acuity, evidence-based care that drives life-saving outcomes. The company’s programs provide personalized, intensive treatment for adolescents and adults facing serious mental health conditions and substance use disorders, helping people get the right support at the right time for their unique needs. Their innovative treatment model combines clinical expertise, human connection, and a focus on measurement-based care to support long-term healing. Charlie Health is in-network with most major health plans, including commercial and Medicaid, in 37 states and counting.

    About Little Otter

    Founded in 2020 by Dr. Helen Egger, a leading child psychiatrist, and Rebecca Egger, an expert in technology and product development, Little Otter is a digital mental health company that offers holistic, evidence-backed care for children 0-18 and their families. Through its virtual care platform and offerings, Little Otter provides a comprehensive suite of mental health services that go beyond just treating children to address the needs of the entire family. Available in 15 states and expanding, Little Otter is on a mission to make mental health care accessible, effective, and personalized for families everywhere. To learn more about Little Otter, visit www.littleotterhealth.com.

    FOR MORE INFORMATION:
    Bryce Butzer | 651.662.9183
    Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
    bryce.butzer@bluecrossmn.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Webinar: Greenspace Health and CARF Present Expert Panel on the Role of Measurement-Based Care in Accreditation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Toronto, ON and Washington, DC , April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greenspace Health, North America’s leading provider of Measurement-Based Care technology, education and implementation support, is proud to announce a new educational partnership with CARF International, a globally respected behavioral health accrediting body, to present a live educational panel discussion:

    Learn how MBC drives enhanced clinical outcomes, accreditation readiness, and system-wide improvements. “Measurement-Based Care & CARF Accreditation: Driving Quality Through Measurable Outcomes”, taking place on Thursday, May 15 2025 at 1 PM EDT.

    “Measurement-Based Care & CARF Accreditation: Driving Quality Through Measurable Outcomes”, taking place on Thursday, May 15 2025 at 1 PM EDT. Register at greenspacehealth.com.

    Measurement-Based Care (MBC) is now a foundational element of high-quality, evidence-based behavioral health services, empowering organizations to enhance outcomes, demonstrate impact, and drive continuous quality improvement. With CARF’s 2025 standards requiring ongoing progress measurement, MBC has become essential for accreditation readiness. This expert panel will explore the real-world impact of MBC, share lessons from successful implementations, and offer actionable guidance for aligning clinical practices with evolving quality expectations.

    Panelists Include:

    • Michael Johnson, Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health at CARF
    • Dr. Kimberly Gordon-Achebe, Medical Director of Mobile Response and Stabilization Services at iMind Behavioral Health, a CARF accredited organization
    • Dr. James Boswell, Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Training at the University at Albany
    • Host: Jeremy Weisz, CEO and Co-Founder at Greenspace Health

    Event Details:

    • Thursday, May 15, 2025
    • 1pm – 2pm EDT / 10am – 11am PDT
    • Link to Registration – Virtual Event via Zoom

    Key Takeaways for Attendees:

    • Why accrediting bodies like CARF are prioritizing Measurement-Based Care
    • How to prepare your organization for CARF accreditation with MBC
    • Lessons learned from successful MBC implementations
    • Actionable strategies to launch and sustain MBC at your organization

    This session is essential for clinical leaders, administrators, and providers looking to advance care quality, meet evolving accreditation standards, and harness MBC to improve clinical outcomes and inform continuous quality improvement of behavioral health services. Register at greenspacehealth.com. 

    For more information, please contact:

    Jo-Anne Stayner

    joanne@getfreshpr.com

    604.603.0657

    ABOUT GREENSPACE HEALTH

    Greenspace transforms mental health services by improving the way that behavioral healthcare is accessed, measured and delivered. Their Measurement-Based Care Platforms enable mental health providers and organizations to implement consistent, evidence-based measurement (often referred to as routine patient-reported outcome measures or PROMs) into their practice. This model is proven to significantly improve patient results while generating valuable data for organizations to enhance their quality of care. Greenspace’s MBC solutions have been implemented across over 500 community and private clinics, hospitals, payors, insurers and healthcare systems, improving the patient experience and driving better-coordinated care and outcomes. To learn more about MBC, please visit greenspacehealth.com.

    ABOUT CARF INTERNATIONAL

    CARF is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. Its mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process focused on enhancing the lives of persons served. Learn more at www.carf.org.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Free Parking at Hospitals, Healthcare Facilities

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Patients, healthcare workers and other visitors to Nova Scotia hospitals and healthcare facilities no longer have to pay for on-site parking, effective Thursday, May 1.

    “We committed to eliminating fees for everyone parking at a Nova Scotia Health or IWK Health facility, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” said Premier Tim Houston. “I know people have been eager to see this change. Nova Scotians shouldn’t have to worry about parking fees when they’re sick and seeking healthcare or caring for our loved ones.”

    A ticket validation system will be implemented at some sites to ensure parking is used by patients, visitors, healthcare workers and staff; other parking facility users will have to pay to park. Specific details surrounding the free-parking initiative could vary or be adjusted across the province as each facility’s unique infrastructure and capacity limitations are more fully assessed.

    The total cost of free parking at healthcare facilities is approximately $19 million annually, included in Budget 2025-26.

    Quick Facts:

    • hospital foundations and other organizations that depend on parking fees for revenue will have any resulting shortfall covered by the provincial government
    • Nova Scotia Health has 97 parking lots across the province, of which 39 currently charge for parking
    • IWK Health has three parking garages, all at its main site on University Avenue in Halifax

    Additional Resources:

    A full list of investments is included in the Budget 2025-26 highlights documents available at: https://novascotia.ca/budget

    Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Carolina Resident Sentenced in Connection With $1.4 Million Embezzlement and Identity Theft Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant and husband used fraudulently obtained funds for vacations, home renovations, pet expenses, and retail purchases.

    Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Valerie Joseph, 61, of Murells Inlet, South Carolina, to 53 months in federal prison and 12 months of home detention. Joseph was convicted of wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft in connection with a decade-long, $1.4 million embezzlement scheme. Judge Gallagher also ordered the defendant to pay $1.4 million in restitution.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office.

    Beginning in January 2011, at the latest, and continuing into August 2021, Joseph, and her husband Robin, conspired to defraud Victim Business l and Victim K.F. According to court documents, from 2003 until August 2021, Valerie Joseph served as a bookkeeper for Victim Business 1, a wholesale greenhouse and garden center owned by Victim K.F., located in Caroline County, Maryland.

    Valerie and Robin Joseph schemed to make unauthorized charges to three credit-card accounts —associated with Victim Business 1 and Victim K.F. — for personal gain. This included American Express and Capital One accounts, along with a Lowes/Synchrony financial account.

    Routinely, for more than a decade, Valerie and Robin Joseph used credit cards associated with the victims’ accounts to make numerous unauthorized purchases. The theft included unauthorized credit-card charges for $200,000-plus at Walmart; $53,000-plus to AT&T for personal phone bills; $30,000-plus at a Japanese steak and seafood restaurant; and $116,000-plus to PayPal. Valerie and Robin Joseph charged more than $90,000 to Easton Utilities for utility bills; $16,000 to Chesapeake College for tuition payments; $2,500 to the University of Hawaii for college expenses; and $3,800 for cosmetics.

    The couple also charged more than $195,000 to the Lowes Account. Several of the unauthorized Lowes account charges were to purchase materials and supplies to renovate their previous residence in Easton, Maryland.

    Additionally, Valerie and Robin Joseph paid for airline tickets, cruises, Airbnb expenses, and hundreds of retailor gift cards using the victims’ account. The couple also used the victims’ account to pay more than $33,000 in veterinary expenses and charged various items related to their pets, including high-end bird cages for their tropical birds.

    On April 25, 2025, Robin Joseph pled guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme.  He is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud conspiracy and a mandatory two years for aggravated identity theft.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Riley who is prosecuting the federal case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU and the Petersburg Machine-Building Plant: joint work to strengthen the country’s technological sovereignty

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On April 29, Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Maria Karelina and Director of the Engineering Project Management Center Vladimir Filatov visited the Petersburg Machine-Building Plant LLC, a manufacturer of wheeled tractor equipment of 5-9 traction classes and special-purpose equipment.

    During the meeting with the development director Mikhail Petrov and the management of the enterprise, the parties outlined the vectors of further cooperation – solving scientific problems relevant to the enterprise, implementing projects in the field of automation of production processes, creating new types of high-tech engineering products. A special area of joint interaction was the selection of personnel for the St. Petersburg Machine-Building Plant from among students participating in the activities of the student design bureau “Innovative Solutions”.

    Developing cooperation with enterprises in the real sector of the economy is one of the strategic objectives of the Development Program of the State University of Management.

    “Strengthening the technological sovereignty of Russia is one of the frontier tasks in the framework of the scientific and technological development of the country, outlined by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. GUU implements a significant range of technological and design projects in the interests of enterprises of the real sector of the economy. For example, the Student Design Bureau has been working for several years on orders from TMH-Engineering LLC, GUU scientists are the leaders of the scientific group in a large scientific project to create a digital platform for the agro-industrial complex of Russia. This is the university’s contribution to the common cause of creating and promoting new technologies, training engineering and management personnel for sectors of the economy. The new partner, the Petersburg Machine-Building Plant, sets ambitious goals for us. I am confident that we will successfully solve them together,” emphasized GUU Rector Vladimir Stroyev.

    At the meeting, agreements were reached on the joint preparation of technical specifications for the discussed projects and the prospects for attracting appropriate government support measures for their implementation.

    The delegation of the State University of Management thanks the management of the Petersburg Machine-Building Plant LLC for their hospitality and meaningful cooperation.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/30/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IA Ura.ru: Maxim Chirkov on how Putin responded to Trump’s threats of a global trade war

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    Source: IA Ura.ru

    President Vladimir Putin is restructuring the economy due to the risks of a global trade war. At a meeting on economic issues on April 24, he called for using the turbulence in the world to strengthen domestic production. As Maxim Chirkov, associate professor of the Department of Economic Policy and Economic Measurements at the Institute of Economics and Finance of the State University of Management, explained to URA.RU, Putin is reducing Russia’s dependence on oil and gas prices, increasing the role of non-commodity goods in the economy.

    “A constant, objective analysis of the current economic situation is extremely important. It is always in our field of vision, especially now, when the international economic situation is objectively becoming more complicated, when commodity and financial markets are experiencing serious fluctuations due to the intensification of global competition,” Putin said.

    It is important not only to monitor changes in the world, but also to use the emerging opportunities to develop our production, trade relations and exports, and strengthen the economy as a whole, the president emphasized. According to him, a planned “soft landing” is underway in Russia. This is necessary in order to overcome inflation, which is still at a high level of over 10%, and maintain economic growth.

    The President noted the growth of the manufacturing industry in Russia by more than 5% at the beginning of 2025. He considers the decline in the volume of residential construction to be the most difficult challenge. Putin called for keeping this issue “under special control”, since the pace of construction directly affects the availability of housing and other related industries – from the production of building materials to the production of furniture and household appliances.

    Donald Trump’s trade war became the main topic of discussion for economists from all over the world in April. Washington has raised tariffs on Chinese goods several times, and they are currently at 125%. The US has also imposed higher rates on dozens of other countries, but on April 9, it suspended this decision for 90 days. No additional tariffs were imposed on Russia, but the situation in the world cannot but affect the domestic economy – this is what Putin is preparing for, economist Maxim Chirkov believes.

    “Risks and uncertainty are growing. The authorities need to respond quickly to what is happening in the global economy in order to maintain the growth rates that have been record-breaking for many years. By and large, no one has yet felt the upcoming difficulties, but the tariffs imposed by Trump will have a strong impact on global trade. The Russian economy may also suffer from trade wars, including from falling energy prices,” Chirkov said.

    At the same time, Russia is becoming less and less dependent on the situation on foreign markets and the cost of oil, the economist added. According to him, domestic demand, the creation of production facilities and domestic goods are becoming the basis for economic development. “The fourth largest Russian economy in the world can benefit from the aggravation between the US and China. In 2025, Russia has every chance to increase the pace of economic growth and international trade. It is necessary to respond not only to difficulties, but also to emerging opportunities,” the URA.RU interlocutor summed up.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/30/2025

    IA Ura.ru

    President Vladimir Putin is restructuring the economy amid the risks of a global trade war. At an economic conference on April 24, he called for using global turbulence to strengthen domestic manufacturing….

    ” data-yashareImage=”https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/Сми-о-нас-13.png” data-yashareLink=”https://guu.ru/%d0%b8%d0%b0-ura-ru-%d0%bc%d0%b0%d0%ba%d1%81%d0%b8%d0%bc-%d1%87%d0%b8%d1%80%d0%ba%d0%be%d0%b2-%d0%be-%d1%82%d0%be%d0%bc-%d0%ba%d0%b0%d0%ba-%d0%bf%d1%83%d1%82%d0%b8%d0%bd-%d0%be%d1%82%d1%80%d0%b5/”>

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: MissionSquare Retirement names Tom McAndrews as Chief Legal Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Washington, D.C., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MissionSquare Retirement is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom McAndrews as Chief Legal Officer (CLO), reporting to the firm’s chief executive officer and president, Andre Robinson. In his expanded role, McAndrews will oversee MissionSquare’s Corporate Affairs Department, including Legal, Compliance, Government Affairs, Research, and Risk Management.

    “I am thrilled that Tom will take on this expanded role as CLO for our organization,” said Robinson. “Tom’s leadership and dedication to our vision as a company have been instrumental to our growth over the years and will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success as we move forward. This is an exciting next chapter for Tom and our entire team, and I look forward to being on this journey together.”

    McAndrews has been an integral part of the MissionSquare team for over 16 years. He first joined the firm’s legal department in 2008, where he served as vice president, securities counsel. Since joining MissionSquare, McAndrews has worked on various issues related to broker-dealer, investment adviser, and investment company regulation, and his leadership has been instrumental in strengthening MissionSquare’s compliance framework and navigating complex legal matters.

    Before joining MissionSquare, McAndrews held the position of counsel with O’Melveny & Myers, LLP, where he represented clients in securities-related enforcement proceedings before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. Department of Justice, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. He also provided regulatory counseling to his clients regarding compliance with federal securities laws and self-regulatory organization rules. In addition, he has previously held roles with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

    McAndrews earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross and a doctorate of law from The George Washington University Law School. He served as a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy and is based in Washington, D.C.

    MissionSquare remains focused on its mission to help all plan participants retire well, which continues to drive and define the company today. The firm continues to introduce new tools and resources to help individuals and their families build retirement security.

    About MissionSquare Retirement

    Since its founding in 1972, MissionSquare Retirement has been dedicated to simplifying the path to retirement security for public service employees. As a mission-based financial services company, we manage and administer over $72.0 billion in assets.* Our commitment to delivering results-oriented retirement plans, education, investments, and personalized advice sets us apart. Explore how we enable public service workers to build a secure financial future. For more information, visit www.missionsq.org or follow the company on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

    *As of Dec. 31, 2024. Includes 457(b) plans, 401(a) plans, 403(b) plans, Retirement Health Savings plans, Employer Investment Program plans, affiliated IRAs, and investment-only assets.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mimecast Appoints Ranjan Singh as Chief Product & Technology Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEXINGTON, Mass., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RSA Conference 2025, San Francisco – Mimecast, a global cybersecurity leader transforming the way businesses manage and secure human risk, today announced that Ranjan Singh has joined its executive leadership team as Chief Product & Technology Officer.

    Singh brings more than two decades of experience leading product innovation and delivering exceptional, customer-focused cybersecurity solutions. His appointment marks a significant milestone in Mimecast’s evolution, bringing together its product and engineering teams under one unified organization, focused on accelerating transformation, expanding market leadership, and redefining how organizations secure their human layer against modern threats.

    Prior to joining Mimecast, Singh spent more than three years as Chief Product Officer at Kaseya, where he helped drive the company’s rapid global expansion, managing a portfolio of more than 40 SaaS products and contributing to more than $1.5 billion in revenue. His leadership roles at Crestron Electronics and IPC Systems further cemented his reputation for delivering product excellence at scale.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Ranjan to Mimecast during such a pivotal time for our company,” said Marc van Zadelhoff, CEO of Mimecast. “Ranjan’s deep experience in scaling world-class products, his passion for innovation, and his relentless focus on customer outcomes makes him the ideal leader to drive our Human Risk Management platform forward.”

    Singh’s leadership will be crucial as Mimecast has increased research and development investment by almost 50% over the last two years to deliver adaptive, AI-driven solutions that empower organizations to better manage insider risk, protect email and collaboration environments, and enhance overall cyber resilience.

    Mimecast also recently appointed Rob Juncker as Chief Product Officer. Juncker, who will report directly to Singh, held the role of Chief Technology Officer at Code42 prior to Mimecast’s acquisition in July 2024. These key executive appointments underscore Mimecast’s commitment to excellence in delivering the best possible platform for their global customer base. Preceding both was the earlier appointment of Igor Shmukler as Chief Development Officer, and the addition of Amol Kulkarni to the Mimecast Board of Directors. Kulkarni is a long-time technology executive, most recently at CrowdStrike where he held the title of Chief Product and Engineering Officer.

    “I’m incredibly excited to join Mimecast at a time when securing human risk has never been more important,” said Ranjan Singh. “Mimecast’s vision, culture, and commitment to customer success are what drew me here. I look forward to working alongside very talented colleagues to deliver an exceptional platform that makes organizations more secure, resilient, and empowered to meet the future with confidence.”

    Singh holds a bachelor’s degree from Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia, and a master’s degree from New York University. Originally from India and having lived in Australia and the United States, Singh’s global perspective and cross-market leadership experience will further strengthen Mimecast’s innovation and growth.

    About Mimecast 

    Mimecast is a leading cybersecurity company transforming the way businesses manage and secure human risk. Its AI-powered, API-enabled connected human risk platform is purpose-built to protect organizations from the spectrum of cyber threats. Integrating cutting-edge technology with human-centric pathways, our platform enhances visibility and provides strategic insight.

    By enabling decisive action and empowering businesses to protect their collaborative environments, our technology safeguards critical data and actively engages employees in reducing risk and enhancing productivity. More than 42,000 businesses worldwide trust Mimecast to help them keep ahead of the ever-evolving threat landscape.

    From insider risk to external threats, customers get more with Mimecast. More visibility. More agility. More control. More security.

    Mimecast is a registered trademark or trademark of Mimecast Services Limited in the United States and/or other countries. All other products and/or services referenced are trademarks of their respective companies.

    Press Contacts

    Tim Hamilton
    Principal, Global Corporate Communications Manager
    +1 603-918-6757
    thamilton@mimecast.com

    General inquiries
    press@mimecast.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ef4b4592-eb73-417d-a00a-963944252864

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is a downburst? These winds can be as destructive as tornadoes − we recreate them to test building designs

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amal Elawady, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida International University

    A downburst blasts Bangkok, Thailand, in 2017. Natapat Ariyamongkol/iStock/Getty Images Plus

    From a distance, a downburst can look like a torrent of heavy rain. But at ground level, its behavior can be far more destructive.

    When a downburst’s winds hit the ground, they shoot out horizontally in all directions, sometimes with enough force to shatter windows and overturn vehicles.

    These winds behave in complicated ways, particularly in cities, as our latest research shows. Downburst winds can deflect off tall buildings, increasing the pressure on neighboring buildings’ windows and walls. The result can blow out glass and chip off facade. Even buildings designed to survive hurricanes can suffer major damage in a downburst.

    As engineers, we study downbursts with the goal of designing buildings, components such as solar panels and windows, and infrastructure such as power lines that can stand up to that powerful force. To do this, informed by field measurements, we create our own powerful downbursts using a hurricane simulator known as the Wall of Wind at Florida International University.

    An illustration of how the winds of a downburst fan out in open space. In a city with tall buildings, the wind can deflect off buildings, causing damage in unexpected ways.
    NASA/Wikimedia Commons

    What is a downburst?

    Downbursts can be as destructive as tornadoes, but their winds develop in a very different way.

    A downburst forms when a thunderstorm pulls cooler, heavier air down from high in the atmosphere. As this rain-cooled air rushes downward, it gains speed. Once it slams into the ground, it has nowhere to go but outward, sending strong winds in all horizontal directions.

    Dust in the air shows the curling rotation of a downburst’s winds.
    NOAA

    The wind speed in a downburst can reach over 150 miles per hour. That’s the strength of a Category 4 hurricane and strong enough to knock down trees and power lines, damage buildings and flip vehicles.

    These winds also rotate, but not in the same way tornadoes do. Downburst winds are typically considered straight-line winds, but they rotate around a horizontal axis as the wind curls upward after hitting the ground. Tornadoes, in contrast, spin around a vertical axis.

    Powerful storm systems known as derechos are often made up of multiple downburst clusters, each containing many smaller downbursts, sometimes called microbursts.

    Recreating Houston’s downburst in a warehouse

    On May 16, 2024, a derecho hit Houston with a downburst that was so strong, it blew out windows in several high-rise buildings that had been built to survive Category 4 hurricanes. The winds also pried off chunks of buildings’ facades.

    Two months later, Hurricane Beryl hit Houston with similar wind speeds, yet it left minimal damage to the downtown buildings.

    When a downburst hit downtown Houston on May 16, 2024, it shattered windows on some sides of buildings but not others, and not always in the line of the storm. The damage offered clues to how downbursts interact with tall buildings.
    Cécile Clocheret/AFP via Getty Images

    To understand how a downburst like this can be so much more destructive – and what cities and building designers can do about it – we simulated both the Houston downburst winds and Hurricane Beryl’s winds in the Wall of Wind.

    The test facility is equipped with a dozen jet fans, each almost as tall as the workers who run them and powerful enough to simulate a Category 5 hurricane. Our team used these fans to recreate powerful downburst winds that hit horizontally with the maximum wind speeds near ground level. Then, we put several models of buildings to the test to see how roofs, windows, facades and the structures of power lines reacted under that force.

    How the Wall of Wind’s fans mimic a downburst’s horizontal force.

    In the Houston derecho, a downburst hit downtown with 100 mph winds. It cracked some lower windows, likely with blowing debris, but it also caused widespread unexpected damage midway up some of the buildings.

    The Chevron Building Auditorium actually suffered the most damage on a side that wasn’t directly in the line of the storm but was facing another tall building. That left some intriguing questions. It suggested that the way the buildings channel the wind may have created a strong suction that blew out windows midway up the tower. Another burning question is whether building design codes are outdated when it comes to how well their cladding can stand up to these localized winds.

    Using the Wall of Wind, we were able to test those pressures on models of the Houston buildings and see how downburst winds increased the pressured on a tall building model with excessive forces near the ground level.

    The ability to simulate these winds is important for improving engineers’ understanding of the differences in how downbursts and other wind events exert force on buildings. The results ultimately inform building standards to help create more resilient and better-protected communities.

    Building better power lines

    Big storms, like downbursts, can also take down power lines.

    Power lines extend hundreds of miles between cities and states, making them more susceptible to a hit from a localized severe storm, such as a downburst. If one of the towers falls, it can cause a chain reaction, like dominoes falling one after another. That can knock out power for large numbers of people.

    The derecho that hit Houston with a downburst also crumpled transmission towers in Texas.
    AP Photo/David J. Phillip

    With colleagues, we have been testing transmission towers and multispan power-line systems under downburst and hurricane winds to understand how these structures respond, with the goal of developing better construction techniques. That work has helped to update the American manual for the design of power lines, which engineers use for designing safer, more storm-resilient transmission towers.

    What’s next

    Low-rise and mid-rise buildings are also vulnerable to downbursts, but the effects are less well understood. Downburst winds are most intense between 10 and 300 feet above the ground, meaning the roofs and walls of some low-rises can be hit with intense horizontal wind.

    Recent building codes have offered design guidelines to help ensure these buildings can withstand tornadoes. However, the way downbursts rotate in a short time around a building or a community of buildings puts pressure on the walls and the roof in different ways. Similar to straight-line winds, we expect high suction on the roof. Due to their short duration, varying wind direction and intense wind speed, downbursts may also cause excessive vibrations and varying pressure distribution on the roof components.

    How microbursts form.

    We’re now testing downburst damage to low- and mid-rise buildings to better understand the risks and help highlight changes that can make buildings more resilient.

    As populations grow, cities are adding more buildings. At the same time, powerful storms are becoming more frequent and more intense. Understanding the effects of different types of storms will help engineers construct high-rises, low-rises and power lines that are better able to withstand extreme weather.

    Amal Elawady receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

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

    – ref. What is a downburst? These winds can be as destructive as tornadoes − we recreate them to test building designs – https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-downburst-these-winds-can-be-as-destructive-as-tornadoes-we-recreate-them-to-test-building-designs-254931

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –