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Category: Universities

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/PARAGUAY – Appointment of vicar apostolic of Pilcomayo

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Tuesday, 15 April 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Fr. Miguel Fritz, O.M.I., until now apostolic administrator of Pilcomayo, Paraguay, as vicar apostolic of the same apostolic vicariate.The Reverend Fr. Miguel Fritz, O.M.I., was born on 10 May 1955 in Hannover, Germany. He obtained a diploma in theology from the Gutenberg University of Mainz and a licentiate in anthropology from the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana of Quito.He gave his perpetual vows in 1980 and was ordained a priest on 28 May 1981.He has held the following offices: deputy parish priest in Gelsenkirchen, Germany (1981-1984), deputy parish priest in Colonia Independencia, diocese of Villarrica del Espíritu Santo (1985-1987), service in the O.M.I. House of Formation in Lambaré, Asunción (1987-1988), deputy parish priest of Santa María, in the apostolic vicariate of Pilcomayo (1988-1994), vicar general of Pilcomayo and parish priest of Santa María (1995-2006), superior of the O.M.I. in the province of Paraguay (2007-2010), member of the O.M.I. General Council at the General House in Rome (2010-2016), and vicar general of Pilcomayo and parish priest of San Leonardo (2016-2022).Since 2022, he has served as apostolic administrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the apostolic vicariate of Pilcomayo. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 15/4/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: KRSU and Polytech: development through partnership

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An extended meeting dedicated to the development of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University was held at the Polytechnic University, with the participation of representatives of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia.

    The event was attended by the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy, the referent of the Office of the President of the Russian Federation Vadim Smirnov, the acting rector of KRSU Sergey Volkov, representatives of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia – the acting director of the Department of State Policy in Higher Education Elena Tumakova and the head of the department of the Department of International Cooperation Alexey Poyda, as well as the heads of key departments and institutes of the Polytechnic University involved in the implementation of projects to transform KRSU.

    Before the meeting, the participants summed up the results of the internship at SPbPU for the heads of KRSU educational programs. Kyrgyz colleagues presented projects for updating curricula in five areas.

    The meeting became a platform for summing up the interim results of cooperation and discussing plans for 2025. Since January of this year, SPbPU has been acting as the coordinator of development programs for all four Slavic universities. Particular attention is paid to KRSU, where the Polytechnic University helps to modernize engineering education, scientific activities and personnel potential. Over the course of a year of joint work, curricula have been revised, network programs and programs for improving the qualifications of teachers have been launched.

    The development of Russian-national (Slavic) universities is one of the priority projects of our country in the promotion of Russian education and culture. At present, we give special priority to working with the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, since we, as one of the leading technical universities in Russia, are faced with the task of assisting KRSU in building all the basic processes related to the development of engineering areas. This is education, science, human capital, – emphasized the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy.

    Vice-Rector for International Activities Dmitry Arsenyev recalled that the active development of the project with KRSU began a year ago with the international forum in Bishkek, when SPbPU first began comprehensive expert work on the KRSU development program.

    Over the many years of work at the Polytechnic University, I cannot recall a larger-scale international project involving more than 200 key employees and specialists of the university, representing all leading institutes and basic divisions, noted Dmitry Arsenyev.

    Responsible SPbPU employees in the areas presented the main results of the past year – qualitative and quantitative results in key areas (educational activities, development of scientific potential, youth policy, distance technologies in education, interlibrary cooperation) and priority areas (construction, electronics and telecommunications, energy, ICT, lean manufacturing). The participants proposed specific plans for 2025 and identified the main problem areas.

    The ideas that we discussed just a year ago have proven to be correct, and this is encouraging. I would like to express my gratitude to the Polytechnic team. You have taken on the task as a team, each working in their own area. We believe that there will be results, commented Vadim Smirnov, aide to the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation.

    The participants discussed the progress and development prospects of KRSU with the support of SPbPU, noted significant steps in joint work: modernization of educational programs, launch of network projects and strengthening of academic mobility. Vadim Smirnov emphasized the importance of a systematic approach to motivating KRSU employees and proposed integrating their participation in programs with the Polytechnic University into the incentive system.

    Participation in joint projects should become one of the key criteria for incentive payments. This will help strengthen engagement and demonstrate the value of interaction, said Vadim Smirnov.

    Acting Director of the Department of State Policy in Higher Education Elena Tumakova drew attention to the need for a comprehensive approach to motivating the teaching staff of KRSU, supporting the proposal to specifically encourage employees who are actively involved in projects with SPbPU.

    The participants discussed the low level of digital competencies of KRSU teachers, the lack of funding for scientific research and the difficulties with adapting Russian educational standards to the conditions of Kyrgyzstan. To solve them, proposals were made to strengthen internships, develop distance formats and more actively attract young specialists.

    Polytechnicians and KRSU management noted the task of renewing personnel as one of the main problems. Working with human potential, finding talents at KRSU is one of the primary tasks for the coming year. Acting Rector of KRSU Sergey Volkov emphasized that the key issue remains the transformation of KRSU into a leading national university. Enormous resources are being concentrated for this, including plans to build a modern campus in Bishkek, which will become a center for engineering, humanitarian and medical education.

    However, the best campus is nothing without highly qualified, motivated, talented staff and teachers. In the near future, KRSU will hold a competitive selection procedure. We expect to take a fresh look at our staff, taking into account the strategic long-term development goals of the university, – said Sergey Volkov.

    Andrey Rudskoy supported the initiative to strengthen work with human capital, instructed the Vice-Rector for Educational Activities Lyudmila Pankova and the Head of the Directorate for Human Resources Maria Pakhomova to actively engage in this issue and provide expert support to KRSU in the upcoming competitive selection procedure.

    Speaking about the organization of scientific activities, Vadim Smirnov suggested focusing on several priority scientific and applied projects. For example, on comprehensive cooperation with the Alliance Altyn enterprise, which was discussed during recent visit. The second reference point could be a project to conduct interdisciplinary research based on the High-Mountain Observatory of Atmospheric Physics of KRSU. The combination of fundamental and applied tasks will allow achieving practical results and at the same time paving the way for future projects and scientific development.

    “Even small but significant successes will become the basis for future growth. Appreciate the Polytechnic University’s resources; consultations with such high-level experts are invaluable,” emphasized Vadim Smirnov. “Let’s focus on practical projects and measurable results. We need to accumulate success stories, even if they can be counted on the fingers of one hand, but they will become the basis for growth. We need to work together, not instead of. The task of becoming a leading university is difficult, but achievable. We see from the example of the Polytechnic University and other Russian universities what fantastic leaps can be made in a few years if strategic goals, a management system, and personnel work are correctly built. Responsibility, measurable goals, and a link to the strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic are what will bring KRSU forward. Fewer formalities, more specifics. If students go on internships, let them come back with projects. If we implement programs, we calculate the percentage of extra-budgetary funds. These are steps to ensure that the university begins not just to function, but to develop.”

    Special thanks to colleagues for their support in developing curricula and solving complex issues, such as program accreditation or working with personnel. Special thanks for the digital library: this is a breakthrough for us. Yes, there are challenges: scholarship provision, personnel policy, alignment of standards. But we are working on this: we hold weekly meetings, prepare for the forum, build a new campus on 30 hectares near Bishkek, where there will be three key clusters – engineering, humanitarian and medical. And these are not just buildings, but an opportunity for a scientific breakthrough, – noted Sergey Volkov.

    Vadim Smirnov highlighted the most important components of joint work for the coming year: It is necessary to combine the fundamental documents into a single end-to-end concept – the strategy and development program of KRSU, the roadmap (work plan) for the coming years. It is necessary to synchronize current work plans with the long-term goals of KRSU, add specific tasks and performance indicators. All these documents should complement each other, define the main goals and ensure their implementation through the corresponding recorded resources and activities.

    Participants expressed confidence that the unification of the resources of SPbPU and KRSU, as well as the focus on practice-oriented tasks, will accelerate the development of the university.

    There is an urgent need to link the roadmap, strategy and development program, providing them with resources. Financial support for network programs, motivation of teachers through incentives rather than punishment, and work on the university brand are key elements of progress. A brand is not just a name, it is a tool that helps attract applicants and create competitive advantages, especially in the conditions of tough competition. The solutions must be non-trivial, but they will raise the level, make education high-quality, and the university significant, – Elena Tumakova supported her colleagues.

    The participants agreed to finalize the roadmap taking into account the strategic goals of KRSU and to hold regular working meetings. Andrey Rudskoy expressed confidence that joint efforts will allow bringing the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University to a new level, strengthening the position of Russian education in Central Asia: The effectiveness of cooperation with Kyrgyzstan should not be based on directive methods, but on demonstrating specific successes – in education, science, interaction with society and industry. Our task is to create an environment where Kyrgyz students and scientists see the prospects for the development of their country through synergy with Russian practices. KRSU can become a model platform where strategies are tested that can be scaled to other Slavic universities. However, the key condition is the balance between tactical steps and a long-term vision, where personnel, science and education work for the benefit of both countries, strengthening not only professional but also humanitarian ties.

    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: Duck Creek Technologies Appoints General Daniel Hokanson, USA, Ret. to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, has announced the appointment of General Daniel Hokanson, USA, Ret. to the company’s board of directors. He brings deep expertise and experience in leading organizations through the development and implementation of detailed strategic policy to Duck Creek’s board.

    Hokanson is a retired 4-Star General who served as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the 29th Chief of the National Guard Bureau. In this role, he was a military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council. He also served as the Department of Defense’s channel of communications to the Governors and State Adjutants General.

    “Dan is an accomplished and decorated leader, and we are excited to have him join the Duck Creek Board of Directors,” said Michael Jackowski, Chief Executive Officer, Duck Creek Technologies. “As we continue to expand globally and help insurance companies tackle tough challenges resulting from climate change and increasingly complex regulatory environments, his unique skill set will be instrumental in guiding Duck Creek.”

    As Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Hokanson oversaw the Guard’s historic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, civil disturbances, and numerous natural disasters, while simultaneously meeting every global military operations requirement. He also led the National Guard and Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program, which includes over 100 member countries, regularly conducting senior government and military leader engagements worldwide.

    A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in aerospace engineering, Hokanson also earned master’s degrees in international security and civil-military relations from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He also completed the Department of Defense year-long National Security Fellowship at Harvard University.

    “I am honored to join Duck Creek Technologies’ board of directors. The company’s dedication to innovation and excellence in the insurance industry strongly aligns with my values and experience,” said Hokanson. “I look forward to supporting Duck Creek’s mission to shape the future of property and casualty insurance while helping the industry navigate its evolving challenges.”

    Hokanson’s role was sourced through the external board program operated by Vista Equity Partners, a global technology investor that specializes in enterprise software and a majority investor in Duck Creek. Launched in 2017, the board program leverages Vista’s ecosystem and additional resources to identify, train, and appoint qualified board candidates for its portfolio companies. The program works to create a pipeline of highly talented board candidates through programs and partnerships that will drive results for the corporate world at large.

    About Duck Creek Technologies   
    Duck Creek Technologies is the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and X.

    Media Contacts:   
    Marianne Dempsey/Tara Stred   
    duckcreek@threeringsinc.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CURRENC Group Inc. Appoints Wan Lung Eng as Chief Financial Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CURRENC Group Inc. (Nasdaq: CURR) (“CURRENC” or the “Company”), a fintech pioneer empowering financial institutions worldwide with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, today announced that Mr. Wan Lung Eng will join the Company as Chief Financial Officer, effective April 16, 2025.

    Mr. Eng’s diverse career spans over 20 years as a finance and accounting executive, investment banker, and private equity professional. He has served as CFO at VitalCheck Wellness, Teclison, and Spectral MD, and as SVP and CFO at Immersive Artistry. Earlier in his career, Mr. Eng was an investment banker and private equity professional with RBC Capital Markets, Macquarie Group, Deutsche Bank Securities, Wachovia Securities (now Wells Fargo Securities) and CIAS International (Temasek Holdings-owned private investment firm). Mr. Eng executed public and private financings and M&A transactions in the U.S., Europe and Asia of over US$50 billion in aggregate value. With expertise across corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, principal investments, and corporate development, Mr. Eng is exceptionally well-suited to drive CURRENC’s financial strategy and growth initiatives. He holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in the U.S. and a Bachelor of Accountancy from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

    “We are excited to welcome Wan Lung Eng to our executive team,” said Alex Kong, Founder and Executive Chairman of CURRENC. “His proven track record and deep expertise will be pivotal in accelerating our growth and advancing our AI initiatives in building global AI ecosystem for financial institutions. We’re confident Wan Lung’s leadership will enhance our financial discipline and help propel CURRENC to new heights in the global fintech landscape.”

    Ronnie Hui, Chief Executive Officer of CURRENC, added, “Wan Lung’s appointment reflects our commitment to excellence and innovation. His broad industry experience will be invaluable as we continue to consolidate our position as a leader in digital remittance and AI-powered financial solutions. We look forward to the fresh insights he will bring to our ongoing transformation.”

    About CURRENC Group Inc.
    CURRENC Group Inc. (Nasdaq: CURR) is a fintech pioneer dedicated to transforming global financial services through artificial intelligence (AI). The Company empowers financial institutions worldwide with comprehensive AI solutions, including SEAMLESS AI Call Centre and other AI-powered Agents designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency and boost customer satisfaction for banks, insurance, telecommunications companies, government agencies and other financial institutions. The Company’s digital remittance platform also enables e-wallets, remittance companies, and corporations to provide real-time, 24/7 global payment services, advancing financial access across underserved communities.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties, or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    Investor & Media Contact
    CURRENC Group Investor Relations
    Email: investors@currencgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Boat Race row is just the latest example of a century of academic dispute over teacher education

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Oliver Mumford, PhD Candidate in History of Education, Liverpool Hope University

    When the men’s and women’s boats took to the water for the 2025 Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, a few students who would have hoped to be part of the crews were missing.

    Matt Heywood, Molly Foxell and Kate Crowley, all of Cambridge, did not take part after a complaint from Oxford University Boat Club over their eligibility was upheld by an independent panel. All three students are studying at Cambridge for PGCEs, a teacher training qualification. Oxford University Boat Club had argued that a PGCE “is a diploma … not a degree”.

    The decision seems to reflect a specific ideal of the university as a place of scholarly focus unencumbered by more practical vocational qualifications. It’s also far from a new attitude towards teacher education as an academic discipline.

    My ongoing PhD research into the history of teacher training shows that for a century, teacher education has maintained a complex and often conflicting relationship with the ivory and red brick towers of higher education.

    This has been reinforced by over a century of numerous gender- and class-based prejudices. Teaching has historically been, and continues to be, a female-dominant profession.

    Significantly, training colleges and university education departments were one of the few places where women could partake in intellectual and professional development, an opportunity which linked them to transnational, and colonial networks.

    Formalising teacher training

    From the 1840s, Christian residential colleges of varying denominations had come to dominate the training of teachers. These primarily provided courses of around two years for mostly female non-graduates.

    From the 1890s, English universities began their own involvement with professional teacher education. The university training departments offered a one-year postgraduate certificate course following three years of degree study – today the PGCE.

    In the complex mix of training colleges and university education departments, formalised teacher training occupied an uneasy position. It was not considered a “pure” subject like history or mathematics. It was also distinct from the traditionally male “applied” subjects, like medicine, engineering and law.

    In 1925, the Burnham report on teacher training considered the desirable balance between the intellectual and professional development of teachers. The majority opinion of the report considered teacher training as primarily vocational. It cautioned against undergraduate degrees for most trainee teachers.

    But it did lead to the establishment of a system whereby students were certified as teachers by a board of examiners drawn from universities and training colleges. This was the beginning of a set teaching qualification and brought teacher training into a closer relationship with universities.

    In 1944, another report contemplated the relationship between universities and teacher training. The members of the report committee held a range of views. Sir Arnold McNair, chancellor of the University of Liverpool, who chaired the report, feared vocational qualifications such as teaching could erode the purpose of universities. He was concerned that universities would become institutions of training, not education.

    But others thought differently. The report claimed that bringing together these two teacher training institutions – the colleges and universities – would improve the standard of teaching and the profession. Following the McNair report, institutes of education were established in the main universities of England and Wales alongside area training organisations. In this closer relationship, universities often assumed the senior positions.

    Teacher education in universities

    By the 1960s, a still closer relationship was forming between universities and teacher training, from both academic and administrative perspectives. University staff played greater roles teaching in teacher training colleges, for instance. An undergraduate teaching degree programme, the BEd, was introduced.

    Teaching became increasingly professionalised. From the 1970s, teacher training was transformed into an all-graduate profession, and later systematically dismantled. Many of the teacher training colleges faced closure, amalgamation or incorporation to polytechnics and universities. But dissenting opinions around the level of education – as opposed to vocational training – teachers should receive remained.

    Teaching became a graduate profession.
    Yuganov Konstantin/Shutterstock

    The preface to Cambridge academic Sheila Lawlor’s 1990 pamphlet, titled Teachers mistaught, bemoaned the rise of education as a subject and its presence in, rather than an adjunct to, higher education. In the pamphlet, Lawlor called for graduates to learn to be teachers “on the job”.

    The debate on the position of teacher training has remained remarkably consistent – unlike other subjects with vocational elements.

    Business schools feature courses taught and directed by companies. Business courses include vocational industry placements and are designed with employment in mind. But they do not so readily have their academic status or place in a university called into question. As this year’s Boat Race shows, the question over the value of vocational and academic education in teacher training is still very much alive.

    Oliver Mumford receives funding from Liverpool Hope University (Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship). He is the 2025 Ruth Watts Fellow with the History of Education Society UK.

    – ref. Boat Race row is just the latest example of a century of academic dispute over teacher education – https://theconversation.com/boat-race-row-is-just-the-latest-example-of-a-century-of-academic-dispute-over-teacher-education-254250

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump has shown he will backtrack on tariffs. What does that say about how to wage a trade war?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Antonio Navas, Senior Lecturer in Economics, University of Sheffield

    Countries can target products that they can produce themselves or source from other partners. darksoul72/Shutterstock

    Amid Donald Trump’s escalating tariff war with China, the world has been left in no doubt. Consistent with his campaign messaging, and going against the overwhelming majority of economists’ advice, it’s clear that the US president still loves tariffs. He is ready to use them as a bargaining tool – and also to change them on a whim.

    Countries responded to the tariffs announced on “liberation day” in different ways – before Trump backtracked and announced a 90-day pause. But China – which was not granted the pause – refused to back down. It hit back with extra tariffs of its own on US imports, affecting mainly agricultural goods.

    Before Trump announced the delay, the EU had also shown it was prepared to hit back (before climbing down itself in response to the pause). Meanwhile Canada had initially retaliated angrily with tariffs and consumer boycotts.

    This contrasts with the muted response of the UK government, despite the tariff on steel clearly affecting its economy. “Cool heads” are one thing. But knowing what we do now about how easily Trump changes his mind on this matter, is the UK following the right course of action?

    Economists have long studied the impact of trade wars and find no good news for the countries involved. Studies suggest that trade wars end up in high tariffs that are damaging to consumers in both of the nations involved.

    Recent studies of the 2018 US-China trade war, initiated by Trump, document that US citizens have suffered significantly since that time. The tariff was mostly passed on to US consumers, resulting in higher prices and less choice for shoppers. These offset any gains in government revenue and competitive advantage for domestic producers.

    Other evidence suggests that there was a significant decline in Chinese economic activity in sectors for which the US tariffs were introduced, such as solar panels and washing machines.

    So there’s clearly a lot to lose for both sides. Imposing tariffs on foreign goods may damage a nation’s own consumers. If that country is thinking of counterattacking with retaliatory tariffs, then it must consider what its ultimate goals are. It must also think of the price it is prepared to pay.

    Consider the next move

    Among the potential goals, two stand out. First, to convince the country initiating the trade war to drop its tariffs. And second, to avoid tariffs from other countries in future.

    An effective tariff retaliation should target selected goods. This minimises the negative impacts in the domestic economy and maximises the harm to the foreign economy. It can be achieved by targeting goods that have easy substitutes in the domestic economy – an example might be scotch whisky as a substitute for bourbon in the UK.

    And they should target products that are supported by powerful lobbies in the rival country. That could be, for example, sugar or soybeans in the US. When their sectors are hit, these lobby groups can flex their muscles to press governments for change or demand subsidies to cover their losses.

    But there can also be complicating factors – governments should be aware of global value chains and interlinked production between countries when targeting goods.

    Studies published after the first Trump administration found that in response to Trump’s 2018 tariffs, countries retaliated by targeting goods that could easily be substituted in their economies and which would hurt Trump’s voter base.

    This appears to mirror what the EU outlined in its now-paused retaliation plans, by slapping tariffs on key exports from states that voted for Trump in 2024. These products included soybeans, tobacco and steel. The bloc has also been considering new taxes against big US tech firms.

    This retaliatory strategy should increase pressure on the country that initiated the trade war to drop their initial tariffs. In theory, at least.

    The first US-China trade war, which resulted in five waves of tariffs and subsequent retaliations, concluded with a trade deal in January 2020. Under the deal, the US cut some of the tariffs and China committed to increase US imports by US$200 billion (£151 billion) over the next two years.

    It is difficult to say whether retaliatory tariffs played a role in the de-escalation of US-China tensions. But US businesses and consumers could indeed have felt the pain from tariffs on Chinese goods. This may have influenced the US’s willingness to negotiate.

    In a parallel trade war over US steel and aluminium in 2018, the EU imposed retaliatory tariffs on iconic US goods such as jeans and Harley-Davidson motorbikes. This led to the renegotiation of some of the tariffs in 2021. The tariffs were eventually paused under president Joe Biden’s administration.

    Trade wars harm both sides and negotiations should be the first tool to use when disputes arise. Given how unpredictable Trump is on this matter, the UK’s response of not rushing into retaliation seems like a sensible approach. But at the same time, it should keep the threat of tariffs on the table for any future negotiations. With Trump, all countries should remember to expect the unexpected.

    Antonio Navas 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. Trump has shown he will backtrack on tariffs. What does that say about how to wage a trade war? – https://theconversation.com/trump-has-shown-he-will-backtrack-on-tariffs-what-does-that-say-about-how-to-wage-a-trade-war-254265

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: The 2024 College Football National Champions, the Ohio State University Buckeyes, Visit White House

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

    The Ohio State University Buckeyes “showed the world that the road to greatness is paved by hard work, sweat, and often a great deal of adversity. It’s a proud day for all of us, but it’s a proud day for the Scarlet and Gray.” –President Donald J. Trump

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjrdhZ3H4AU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Go Baby Go Provides Modified Cars for Children with Disabilities

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    On Friday, April 4, three children with disabilities received cars custom modified for them by UConn engineering and doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students through the Go Baby Go program.

    Go Baby Go modifies commercially available battery-powered cars for children, typically one to five years old, with mobility-related disabilities. These modifications allow the children to control the vehicle independently.

    With the cars, these children can better interact with their peers, engage in family activities, and get around more independently.

    Students work with children to modify battery-powered cars.
    UConn Engineering and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources modified commercially available battery-powered cars to customize them for children with mobility-related disabilities through the Go Baby Go program in the Peter J. Werth Residence Tower (WTRH). Apr. 4, 2025. (Claire Tremont/UConn Photo)
    Students work with children to modify battery-powered cars.
    UConn Engineering and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources modified commercially available battery-powered cars to customize them for children with mobility-related disabilities through the Go Baby Go program in the Peter J. Werth Residence Tower (WTRH). Apr. 4, 2025. (Claire Tremont/UConn Photo)
    Students work with children to modify battery-powered cars.
    UConn Engineering and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources modified commercially available battery-powered cars to customize them for children with mobility-related disabilities through the Go Baby Go program in the Peter J. Werth Residence Tower (WTRH). Apr. 4, 2025. (Claire Tremont/UConn Photo)
    Students work with children to modify battery-powered cars.
    UConn Engineering and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources modified commercially available battery-powered cars to customize them for children with mobility-related disabilities through the Go Baby Go program in the Peter J. Werth Residence Tower (WTRH). Apr. 4, 2025. (Claire Tremont/UConn Photo)
    Students work with children to modify battery-powered cars.
    UConn Engineering and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources modified commercially available battery-powered cars to customize them for children with mobility-related disabilities through the Go Baby Go program in the Peter J. Werth Residence Tower (WTRH). Apr. 4, 2025. (Claire Tremont/UConn Photo)
    Students work with children to modify battery-powered cars.
    UConn Engineering and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources modified commercially available battery-powered cars to customize them for children with mobility-related disabilities through the Go Baby Go program in the Peter J. Werth Residence Tower (WTRH). Apr. 4, 2025. (Claire Tremont/UConn Photo)

    “Sociability and mobility are the biggest components of the Go Baby Go car,” says Kelly Conte, associated faculty in the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR). “You’re allowing them to move and interact with people.”

    Mubin Kamran’s son received a car last summer.

    “Everyone was so great, so respectful,” Kamran says. “It was the best event. Every parent was happy, every kid was happy.”

    Kamran’s son, who is now three, uses his car at the park and playground with his family.

    “He loves to ride on it,” Kamran says. “He sits like a boss in the car.”

    Based on the needs of the individual child, the team from UConn’s College of Engineering installs an electrical switch that the child can operate with their hand or head to make the car go. There are ropes attached to the car so caregivers can help steer.

    Students in the Engineering House Learning Community spend the year working on Go Baby Go. This year, 40 engineering students were involved. Alex Clonan ‘22 (ENG, CLAS) a Ph.D. candidate at UConn, is the project lead.

    The students are broken into three teams: an electrical team, a build team, and a design team.

    The build team assembles the car out of the box and makes any necessary physical modifications, like adding a roll cage. The electrical team works out the switch mechanism. The design team works on the exterior, personalizing it for each child based on their interests.

    “The biggest value for the students is obviously the engineering aspects that are related to this,” Nick Delaney, director of experiential education in the College of Engineering, says. “But more than anything, being able to help a family. It’s their skills and what they’ve learned being delivered directly to a child.”

    During the events Go Baby Go holds throughout the year, DPT students make on-site adjustments to ensure the child can sit comfortably and safely in the car. DPT students participate in the event through PT CARES (Community Access to Rehabilitation and Education Services), a free community engagement program run by DPT students and their faculty advisors.

    Kelsey Zator ‘26 (CAHNR) is a DPT student who has participated in Go Baby Go twice so far.

    “It’s just seeing them be happy, being able to do something for themselves for once and not have to be handled by somebody else,” Zator says.

    Ahead of the event, the two student groups meet to tell each other about the modifications they have made or will make on the day of the event.

    “I think that interdisciplinary work for a project like this, it adds perspective and particularly for our students, who are sophomores, to get the opportunity to work with doctoral students is really helpful too,” Delaney says.

    CAHNR and Engineering have been collaborating on Go Baby Go for the last year. In that time, there have been more than a dozen events with three or four children at each. Prior to the partnership, DPT students and faculty ran the program annually since 2017.

    “Dr. Sudha Srinivasan and Dr. Bubela, professors in our program, worked through DPT’s Advanced Pediatrics course,” says Maryclaire Capetta, interim director of physical therapy. “Prior to the Engineering students getting involved, they performed the vehicle modifications themselves.”

    Go Baby Go was initially conceived by Cole Galloway, a professor of physical therapy at the University of Delaware, in the early 2000s. Since then, the program has spread throughout the country. Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) has been running their own version since 2015.

    Conte collaborates in leading this project with Michele Dischino a CCSU engineering professor; Misty Olsen, an occupational therapist at Quinnipiac University; and Jennifer Rodriguez-MacClintic, a pediatric physical therapist at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

    “The four of us together have taken on this project of getting cars to as many children as we can,” Conte says.

    To get involved with the event, interested families can fill out this application form.

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Enhancing Health and Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice.

    Follow UConn CAHNR and UConn Engineering on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Groundbreaking Work Reaffirms UConn’s Excellence in Laser Research

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    From studying the mysterious fabric of our universe to advancing quantum computing to enabling communication over vast distances, ultrafast laser technologies drive advancements across many fields and applications. New research is taking lasers – and UConn – further.

    UConn Department of Physics researchers – including lead author and Ph.D. student Kevin Watson, research faculty Tobias Saule, Professor Carlos Trallero, Professor and member of the National Academy of Science Nora Berrah, Professor and Department Head George Gibson, and their co-authors – have broken new ground by achieving higher peak power and average power in optical pulses than ever before with a novel class of lasers. Their findings are published in Optica.

    Trallero says this research studies how lasers with high peak power and high average power interact with molecular gas. The high peak and average powers mean each laser pulse, though quick, is very intense.

    “As a laser propagates, it interacts non-linearly with the molecules, and in doing so, it creates new frequency components,” he says.

    Trallero explains these newly created components allow researchers to alter other qualities of the laser pulse, such as making the pulses shorter in duration.

    “Before this paper was published, the established knowledge was that for very intense lasers, the repetition of the laser pulses could not be too high, because what happens is they would heat up the molecules too much, and in doing so, the laser would stop targeting the molecules in such a way that would allow it to add more frequencies,” says Trallero.

    The world record for using nitrogen molecular gas to broaden these pulses was around 20 watts of average power. However, with this research, Trallero and his collaborators were able to break new ground and increase the pulses by more than a factor of ten to 250 watts.

    “We prove that not only can we increase this, but that we are not limited by how many pulses in time we have, but that the limitation is really the structure of the molecule,” says Trallero. “As long as the pulses have a certain pulse duration, we can propagate these very intense pulses through any gas. The limitation is not the power of the laser but the relationship between the short pulses and the structure of the molecules we are propagating through, in particular, the role of the rotational and vibrational structure. This is kind of a big deal.”

    This research could help advance the use of high-power lasers in applications ranging from defense to long-range communication, and the authors believe it will inform future directed energy research.

    “All of these lasers carry what we call directed energy. For example, if you want to direct energy for communication, say from here to Mars, you have to go through Earth’s atmosphere, then Mars’s atmosphere,” says Trallero. “That’s a lot of molecular gases, and you don’t want those lasers to change too much. Knowing how these powerful lasers can propagate is relevant knowledge for a lot of things.”

    This project has been in the making for many years, and the purchase of the state-of-the-art laser was made possible with money from a grant from the CLAS Research Equipment Funding Program and a collaboration between UConn, Few-cycle,  Amphos, and the TRUMPF Group. Though progress was initially stalled by the pandemic and the challenges of working across three countries, the collaboration has been making great strides since. In January, Trallero and collaborators met with the TRUMPF Americas group, to demonstrate this new research and explore a formal joint research agreement with UConn. This collaboration links UConn researchers and students with TRUMPF, which is one of the largest lasers companies in the world.

    “I think it shows that we can do great things with these world-class lasers, and here at UConn, we have people who are extremely well recognized in this field, which helps put UConn on the map for sure,” says Trallero.

    The partnership solidifies UConn’s position as a world-class laser research institution and helps ensure UConn students are well-connected to industry opportunities both before and after they graduate. Trallero points out that there are many other UConn researchers who are prominent in the optics field, including Berrah and Dean of the College of Engineering Ji-Cheng ‘JC’ Zhao.

    As a pioneer in the field, Trallero and his research group are busy putting the technology to the test for both applied and fundamental research. One project funded by the Department of Energy is at the most fundamental level, where the researchers are attempting to capture three-dimensional movies of electron motion in molecules in real-time.

    Trallero’s group is also utilizing a technique called attosecond interferometry in which very short laser pulses can interfere with one another. This interference allows for very precise measurements between molecules in each wave taken at the attosecond time scale.

    “The laser pulses are extremely short,” says Trallero. “I like to use the comparison used for the 2023 Nobel Prize in physics. If you think about a second, and you think about the entire life of the universe, of roughly 13 and a half billion years, there have been as many seconds in the entire history of the universe as there are attoseconds in one second. In my lab we have not just one attosecond pulse, we have two. We can interfere them, and that interference gives us access to the zeptosecond time scale which is 10 to the minus 21 seconds. With this new laser, we are hopeful that we can break the 10 to the minus 24 seconds, or yactoseconds.”

    Trallero says it can be hard to wrap one’s mind around these incredibly tiny timeframes. However, this fundamental knowledge, coupled with strong ties to industry giants, has massive potential to push the boundaries of innovation.

    Gibson is very enthusiastic about this research and says,

    “When I first came to UConn in 1993, I designed and built the first high-repetition rate femtosecond laser in Connecticut, as they were not yet commercially available. It is very gratifying to see how UConn has continued to lead in this field with the arrival of Professor Berrah and then Professor. Trallero. They have each broken new ground in ultrafast physics and technology, making UConn an internationally recognized center for ultrafast science.”

    This work was made possible with funding from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (FA9550-21-1-0387); Office of Naval Research (N00014-18-1-2872, N00014-19-1-2339); Basic Energy Sciences (DE-SC0024508), US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, & Biosciences Division, the Directed Energy Professional Society, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences of the University of Connecticut.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Junior Noonan Named Goldwater Scholar

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    University of Connecticut junior Caitlin Noonan ’26 (ENG), a chemical engineering major, has been named a Goldwater Scholar. The Goldwater Scholarship is considered the nation’s premier scholarship for undergraduates studying math, natural sciences, and engineering.

    The Goldwater Scholarship was established by Congress to honor the late U.S. Sen. Barry M. Goldwater, with the purpose of identifying students of outstanding ability and promise and encouraging them to pursue advanced study and research careers. Scholars receive one- or two-year awards that cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year. Noonan is among just 441 students selected nationally for the award this year from a pool of more than 5,000 applicants.

    “I learned a lot about myself during the application process because it allowed me to reflect on my career goals and aspirations,” says Noonan, who grew up on Long Island but now resides in Storrs. “It was fun to learn how to tell my story in a way that was polished and coherent. It made me feel proud.”

    Caitlin Noonan ’26 (ENG) works at her work station in UConn’s Center for Clean Energy Engineering in the Mansfield Depot campus on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    Following graduation, Noonan hopes to pursue a doctoral degree in chemical engineering, specializing in environmental pollutant adsorption to reduce climate change. She would like to eventually be a tenured faculty member at an R1 research institution.

    She began her research work as a high school student and has always been focused on environmental issues. Noonan has a passion for carbon dioxide removal and turning food waste into activated carbon absorbents to remove carbon dioxide from the air.

    “Growing up on Long Island, we were surrounded by a lot of water and I always had to use a water filter because I was worried about chemicals,” says Noonan.

    Noonan finished first at the 2023 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Student Conference for her research poster presentation in both the overall Environmental Division and Environmental Division One.

    Noonan took part in a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program in the summer of 2023. She studied the desulfurization of liquid hydrocarbon fuels using food waste-derived activated carbon.

    “What truly distinguishes Caitlin is her remarkable intellectual autonomy,” says Julia Valla, an associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering who serves as Noonan’s advisor. “Unlike most undergraduate researchers who require significant guidance, Caitlin consistently challenges me with new ideas and approaches to our work on CO2 capture using renewable carbons. She has transformed from a promising REU (research experience undergraduate) student to a driving force in our research.

    “Her Goldwater Award recognition is well-deserved, and I have no doubt that her passion for pushing boundaries will make her an exceptional professor and mentor in the future. In my experience, the students who challenge their advisors rather than simply following directions are the ones who ultimately reshape their fields. I look forward to witnessing her continued success in the years to come.”

    Valla is also Noonan’s principal investigator for the NSF program at the UConn Center for Clean Energy Engineering (C2E2), while associate research professor Stoyan Bliznakov is the co-principal investigator.

    This summer, she will perform research as a Summer Undergraduate Research Fund (SURF) awardee through UConn’s Office of Undergraduate Research. Her project will be “Converting the University of Connecticut’s Food Waste into Activated Carbon for Carbon Capture, Sequestration, and Usage.”

    Noonan is currently an undergraduate teaching assistant in Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics I this semester and will do the same for Thermodynamics II in the fall of 2025.

    She is a chemical and biomolecular engineering ambassador at UConn as she represents the department during UConn Bound Days to encourage admitted chemical engineering prospective students to attend UConn.

    The Office of National Scholarships & Fellowships (ONSF) is a resource for students interested in learning more about the Goldwater Scholarship and other prestigious scholarships and fellowships that support study in all fields. ONSF is part of Enrichment Programs and is open to all graduate and undergraduate students at the University, including students at the regional campuses. For more information about the Goldwater Scholarship and other prestigious, nationally-competitive awards, visit ONSF at www.onsf.uconn.edu. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: For technological leadership: HSE created a digital Repository of socio-economic information

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    HSE University has launched a unique Repository of socio-economic information, replacing the outdated platform of the unified archive of economic and sociological data. Not only the appearance and functionality have been modernized, but also the concept of the platform itself.

    The repository is intended to become a gold fund, a showcase of the results of socio-economic and humanitarian research at the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    All university employees can post the results of their research through the personal account of the Repository, which is accessed through authentication – entering a corporate login and password. The publication of materials is carried out after pre-moderation by specialized specialists and is regulated Regulation on the organization of depositing and access to the results of fundamental and applied scientific research in the socio-economic and humanitarian spheres of the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    The uniqueness of the platform lies in its multilingualism, modern search system, multi-level system of access to materials, automatic transformation of sociological survey codebooks into interactive dashboards with infographics.

    The platform development plans include expanding its functionality – implementing international standards for entering metadata, replenishing the fund with prepared data sets for use in social and humanitarian research, expanding the functions of the search system, developing a role model, and providing the opportunity for external depositors to publish their materials.

    Instructions for depositing will be posted on the website. Center for Transfer and Management of Socio-Economic Information — the coordinator of the Repository, as well as in a special section on the platform itself.

    Vera Vishnyakova, Director of the Center for Transfer and Management of Socioeconomic Information at the National Research University Higher School of Economics

    “In the context of sanctions restrictions and the shutdown of access to the world’s leading hubs of scientific information, the HSE Repository of Socioeconomic Information is becoming a key domestic infrastructure solution for exchanging knowledge with foreign partners and accumulating unique data on socioeconomic and humanitarian research.”

    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: CRI Enters Into Binding LOI to Acquire Black Raven Past-Producer Antimony-Gold Property, NL

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Churchill Resources Inc. (“Churchill“) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding letter of intent dated April 14, 2025 (the “LOI”) to acquire a 100% undivided interest in the Black Raven Antimony Property, located approximately 60 km northwest of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, from property owners Eddie and Roland Quinlan. The property encloses two small-scale past producing mines which operated between 1890 and 1918 exploiting stibnite, gold and arsenopyrite. These past producers and two related occurrences constitute gold, antimony, silver +/- copper, zinc and lead targets in veins and stockworks. The historical mines and other occurrences are located within close proximity to each other, in a larger-scale geological environment containing intense veining and alteration associated with felsic intrusions within a mafic volcanic domain.

    Antimony is a critical element for the energy, transportation, and military industries with China, Russia, Tajikstan, and Burma generating over 90% of world production. Since China’s recent export ban (September 15, 2024), the price of antimony has increased roughly five-fold to >$50,000/tonne which is approximately 3x the current price of nickel. Churchill’s Taylor Brook Nickel-Copper-Cobalt-Vanadium-Titanium Property, and Florence Lake Nickel Property, are both in good standing for a number of years, such that further exploration and development can await improved market conditions sentiment while the Company focuses on high-grade antimony-gold and other critical minerals.  

    The Beaver Brook Antimony Mine owned by China Minmetals, and currently on care and maintenance due to declining resources, is located ~100 km south of Black Raven. It is reported that the owners are actively exploring for more deposits to feed the mill. (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/antimony-mine-closure-1.6703205)

    The two past-producing mines, as well as the Taylors Room prospect and Western Head porphyry target, are described within the Government of Newfoundland’s Mineral Occurrence Data System (“MODS”), and in assessment reports, as summarized below:

    Frost Cove Antimony Mine (MOD # 002E10 SB001) –

    • sporadic production between 1890-1918
    • Two adits extend ~65m along Sb-Au veins, at 3m and 20m above sea-level and are still accessible
    • Vein system/host felsic intrusion traced and sampled on surface for 800m
    • Channel sample of 2.85% Sb, 0.05g/t Au, 1.6g/t Ag over 1.6m reported at adit entrance by Golden Hind Ventures along with 30% Sb, 28.27 g/t Au, 44.8g/t Ag over 0.43m, 800m along strike. (Sheppard, 1984, Assessment Report)

    Stewart Gold-Antimony Mine (MOD # 002E10 AU001) –

    • sporadic production from 1890 to 1916
    • Shaft to ~30m depth and some development along main stockwork/vein trend
    • Samples from the ore dump assayed up to 18 g/t Au, 7% zinc and 14g/t gold by Pleasant Ridge Resources Inc. (Kruse, 2014, Technical Report)
    • 2014 due-diligence sample by Kruse graded 8.10g/t Au and 926ppm Cu.

    Taylors Room Gold Prospect (MOD # 002E10 AU002) –

    • shaft to ~50m depth with some development reported
    • Swarm of ~50 small qtz-asp-py-sb veins ~300m long by several metres wide
    • Numerous trenches to be cleaned out and sampled
    • Quinlan grab samples up to 32.2 g/t Au, 22opt Ag, 10% zinc and 1.4 % Cu (Quinlan 2013 Assessment Report).

    Western Head Cu-Mo Porphyry Target (MOD # 002E10 CU005) –

    • porphyry body ranges over ~1000m in diameter
    • Consistent soil/rock geochem anomalies in Cu, Mo, Au and Ag, no drilling
    • Chip sampling in 1967 by Newmont (returned 0.13% Cu, 300ppb Au over 61m and 0.42% Cu, 600ppm Au over 13m (Fogwill, 1968, Report on Western Head Cu Prospect)
    • Quinlan continuous channel of 57m assayed 0.22% Cu, 37 ppb Au & 37 ppm Mo incl 22m of 0.41% Cu, 59 ppb Au, 73 ppm Mo (Quinlan, 2013 Assessment Report)
    • Quinlan 2024 Winkie 4 holes to 50-60m at 45o in four compass directions – all hit mineralized Cu-Au-Ag stockwork in altered felsics (0.1-0.3% Cu, 50-350ppb Au plus Ag) (Quinlan, 2024 Assessment Report)

    Churchill intends to immediately conduct a re-sampling program on the surface showings and any accessible historical workings, and compilations of all historical data already in progress. The entire property requires modern, helicopter-borne geophysical and LiDAR surveys and Churchill has identified a leading contractor to do this work. Follow-up prospecting and systematic trenching, with channel sampling work as required, are being planned with initiation this coming Spring; the derived geological and geochemical data will used to outline targets along strike and at depth to the historical workings.

    The data reported in this News Release is historic in nature and has not yet been verified by a Qualified Person. Churchill has relied on the information supplied in the Government of Newfoundland filed assessment reports and from information found in MODS published by the Newfoundland Department of Natural Resources. The surface grab samples described in this news release are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades of the property. Historical surface antimony and gold results are presented in the following figures.

    Black Raven Property

    The Black Raven Property is comprised of nine map-staked licenses constituting a single contiguous block of 125 claims that in total which cover 3,125ha or 31.25km2. Churchill and the vendors have agreed to a 4km wide area of interest around the property boundaries as part of this agreement.

    LOI Terms

    Under the terms of the LOI, the Company shall have the exclusive option for a period of 24 months to acquire an undivided 100% ownership interest in the Black Raven Antimony Property by:

    1. issuing an aggregate of 2,000,000 common shares in the capital of Churchill (“Common Shares”) to the Quinlans upon the execution date of a definitive option agreement (“Option Agreement”) and making a cash payment of $20,000;
    2. incurring a minimum of $1,200,000 in exploration expenditures within 24 months following the execution date of the Option Agreement, provided that a minimum of $400,000 in exploration expenditures is incurred on or prior to the date that is 12 months following the execution date of the Option Agreement
    3. issuing an aggregate of 4,000,000 Common Shares to the Quinlans on or prior to the date that is 12 months following the execution of the Option Agreement and making a cash payment of $40,000; and
    4. issuing an aggregate of 6,000,000 Common Shares to the Quinlans on or prior to the date that is 24 months following the execution of the Option Agreement and making a cash payment of $60,000.

    Following the date that the option is deemed to have been exercised in accordance with its terms, Churchill will issue and grant to the Quinlans a 2.0% net smelter royalty on any minerals produced from the claims comprising the Black Raven Antimony Property. If the option is exercised, Churchill will also make a one-time cash payment to the Quinlans in the amount of $100,000 on or prior to the date that is the sixth anniversary of the execution of the Option Agreement.

    The transaction, including the issuance of Common Shares to the Quinlans, is subject to all the necessary approvals from the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”). Any securities issued in connection with the transaction will be subject to applicable statutory hold periods.

    The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Derek H.C Wilton, P.Geo., FGC, who is a “qualified person” as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”). Mr. Wilton is an honourary research professor of Economic Geology at Memorial University in St. John’s and is independent of the Company for the purposes of NI 43-101.

    References:

    Fogwill, W.D., 1968. Report on a copper prospect at Western Head, Moreton’s Harbour in the Notre Dame Bay Area, Newfoundland. Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey, Assessment File 2E/10/0350, 1968, 48 pages

    Kruse, Stefan, 2014. Technical Report on the Black Raven Property, Moreton’s Harbour Area Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada for Pleasant Ridge Resources Inc., May 14, 2014

    Quinlan E, 2013. First Year Assessment Report for 019872M, Ninth Year Assessment Report for 015553M, and Third Year Assessment Report for 017787M for Exploration within the Black Raven Property, NTS Map Sheet 2E/10. Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey Assessment Report, 69 pages

    Sheppard, B., 1984. First Year Assessment Report on Geological, Geochemical and Geophyisical Exploration on License 2363 on Claim Blocks 3533-3534 in Moreton’s Harbour Area on New World Island, Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador Assessment File 2E/10/0507, 1984, 28 pages.

    About Churchill Resources

    Churchill Resources Inc. is a Canadian exploration company focused on strategic, critical minerals in Canada, principally at its prospective Taylor Brook, Florence Lake, and Black Raven properties in Newfoundland & Labrador. The Churchill management team, board, and advisors have decades of combined experience in mineral exploration and in the establishment of successful publicly listed mining companies, both in Canada and around the world. Churchill’s Newfoundland and Labrador projects have the potential to benefit from the province’s large and diversified minerals industry, which includes world class nickel mines and processing facilities, and a well-developed mineral exploration sector with locally based drilling and geological expertise.

    Further Information

    For further information regarding Churchill, please contact:

    Churchill Resources Inc.
    Paul Sobie, Chief Executive Officer
    psobie@churchillresources.com
    Tel.   416.365.0930 (o)
             647.988.0930 (m)

    Alec Rowlands, Business Development & IR
    Alec.rowlands1@gmail.com
    Tel.    416.721.4732 (m)

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about Churchill’s objectives, goals and exploration activities proposed to be conducted on its properties; future growth potential of Churchill, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of its properties will be successful; exploration results; and future exploration plans and costs. Wherever possible, words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the entering into of a definitive Option Agreement and other ancillary transaction documents with respect to the Black Raven Antimony Property and the exercise of such option; the number of Common Shares that may be issued in connection with the transactions discussed herein, closing conditions and receive necessary regulatory approvals These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

    Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: exploration results on the Black Raven Antimony Property; the expected benefits to Churchill relating to the exploration proposed to be conducted on its properties; receipt of all regulatory approvals in connection with the transaction contemplated herein; failure to identify any additional mineral resources or significant mineralization; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Churchill’s properties, if required; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; soil sampling results being preliminary in nature and are not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit; and title to properties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Churchill cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Churchill assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    An infographic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9356bd16-4799-4797-a465-84fafebf0cf5

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: First UK birth after womb transplant is a medical breakthrough – but raises important ethical questions

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Laura O’Donovan, Lecturer in Law, University of Sheffield

    Costs and who will get access to the treatment are key questions that will need to be answered. Antonio Marca/ Shutterstock

    A baby girl named Amy Isabel has become the first child in the UK to be born to a mother who has had a womb transplant. Amy is one of around 65 children worldwide born as a result of pioneering research into the procedure.

    This breakthrough provides hope for many of the estimated 15,000 UK women with uterine factor infertility – which means they are unable to have children naturally due to problems with their womb, or because they were born without one. Previously, adoption and surrogacy were their only reproductive options. This latest success could some day make womb transplantation another option for these patients.

    However, before this new treatment is offered more widely, complex questions will need to be answered about how it will be resourced, how wombs will be procured and who will get access to the treatment.

    The cost of a transplant

    The first birth by a mother following a womb transplant happened in Sweden in 2014. Since then, the number of womb transplant programmes being established globally has greatly increased.

    The past 12 years have seen significant advances in the field. These include live births following a womb transplant from a deceased donor and the expansion of donor and recipient acceptance criteria. We’ve also seen the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery, which has made it possible to perform donor retrieval surgery in a faster, less invasive and more precise way.

    While most transplant centres only offer the procedure as part of research trials, several now offer it in clinic – including in the UK.

    The UK’s womb-transplant programme is currently funded by charitable donations from Womb Transplant UK, who currently only have plans to fund up to 15 living donor procedures. The procedure is expensive – costing the charity an estimated £25,000-£30,000. And it appears that this amount only covers the cost of the transplant, despite the fact that many other costs need to be factored in – such as IVF treatment, medications and follow-up care.

    At present, prospective recipients normally bear the costs of the IVF treatment needed themselves. To be eligible for the transplant, women must have first produced and stored at least five embryos. IVF is necessary as the transplanted uterus will not be connected to the patient’s ovaries. This means that pregnancy through sexual intercourse is not possible. But before womb transplants can become routinely available within the NHS, commissioners will have to decide whether this treatment should be publicly funded – and under what circumstances.

    On the face of it, public funding seems justified in the interests of patient autonomy and well-being. There are many psychological harms associated with infertility – such as depression, anxiety, stress and diminished quality of life. These harms must be taken seriously.

    However, NHS resources are constrained – and there is already a “postcode lottery” of unequal access to IVF, with people in certain areas of England being less able to access NHS treatment. So there’s a risk that similar inequalities will arise for womb transplants if the procedure is NHS-funded.

    Who gets priority?

    If womb transplants are ever to become a routine procedure in the UK, difficult decisions will also need to be made about organ allocation policies.

    According to the law in England, adults are considered to have agreed to become organ donors when they die unless they have opted out or are in an excluded group (such as those lacking mental capacity). However, this “deemed consent” only applies to commonly transplanted organs and tissues such as skin, hearts and lungs. It doesn’t apply to novel or rare transplants, which would include wombs. The NHS organ donor register also excludes the womb. Family members would therefore need to give explicit consent to the donation of their relative’s womb after death.

    Living organ donors in the UK are able to specify a named recipient (such as a family member). Deceased donors can also request for directed allocation to a specific person. But this is only permitted so long as the offer to donate is unconditional and certain criteria are met, such as the recipient being able to receive the organ and being in need of a transplant.

    More generally, since organs and tissues are scarce resources, complex policies are currently used to ensure fair and transparent allocation. Clinical need also guides allocation so that the sickest patients are prioritised for a transplant.

    However, the same logic cannot apply to womb transplants. This is because absolute uterine factor infertility does not come in degrees. All women with the condition have a 0% chance of becoming pregnant.

    As such, considerations that normally play no role in allocating life-saving organs could be explored in the context of womb transplantation. For instance, priority might be given to those who are childless. Age may also be relevant, especially given that the fertility treatment needed to create embryos is only funded by the NHS if a woman is below a certain age. The age limit varies by region, but can be as low as 35 in some places.

    Policy decisions will also be needed about whether wombs are included in donor registers to increase their supply. Even if they are, people may prove less willing to donate reproductive organs than lifesaving organs and tissues. These decisions could also have knock-on effects on public trust in transplantation and organ-donation willingness more widely. And the inclusion of novel and rare organs could lead to more blanket opt-outs from organ donation altogether.

    Next steps

    Given the relative novelty and experimental nature of the procedure, there has not yet been a comprehensive roll-out of womb transplants as a mainstream fertility treatment anywhere in the world. In the UK, we’re not even at the beginning of that journey. Before that happens, womb transplants would need to be demonstrably cost-effective relative to other NHS-funded fertility treatments.

    Nevertheless, there’s an opportunity here for the UK to become a world leader in creating and applying equitable access policies for womb transplants. To do this well, it will be necessary to carefully consider the clinical and health economic data, the ethical and legal issues, and the views of all those affected – especially those with uterine factor infertility.

    Laura O’Donovan has previously collaborated with members of the Womb Transplant UK research team.

    Nicola J. Williams currently receives funding from The Wellcome Trust (grant number: 222858_Z_21_Z) and previously held a Leverhulme ECR fellowship (grant number: ECF-2018-113). She is currently chair of the Special Interest Group: Ethics and Law for the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology and has previously collaborated with members of Womb Transplant UK.

    Stephen Wilkinson currently receives funding from Wellcome (grant number: 222858_Z_21_Z). He has previously collaborated with members of Womb Transplant UK. He is a member of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCoB) but this article is a personal view and unrelated to his NCoB role.

    – ref. First UK birth after womb transplant is a medical breakthrough – but raises important ethical questions – https://theconversation.com/first-uk-birth-after-womb-transplant-is-a-medical-breakthrough-but-raises-important-ethical-questions-254154

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How mine water could warm up the UK’s forgotten coal towns

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jingyi Li, Research Associate, Geothermal Energy and Climate Change, University of Manchester

    Historic coal mining in north-east England. Jingyi Li, CC BY-NC-ND

    The Ukraine war sent shockwaves through global energy markets, driving up prices and leaving households across the UK struggling with soaring energy bills. But beneath the ground, in disused coal mines, lies a hidden resource – warm water. This underused geothermal source could be transformed into affordable, low-carbon heating for homes and businesses, especially in regions hardest hit economically by the decline of coal.

    Across the UK, around 25% of the population lives above disused coal mines. This underground warmth could be harnessed by pumping naturally warm water to the surface and using heat pumps to raise its temperature for heating. This could lower energy bills and cut emissions by about the same as removing 44,000 cars from the roads annually, according to our calculations. Despite this promise, mine-water heating remains largely underutilised across the UK, as deployment has lagged far behind, leaving most of the resource untapped.

    Although flagship projects like the one in Gateshead, operational since 2023, demonstrate the feasibility of mine-water heating in the UK, they remain the exception. Deployment has been especially slow even in high-potential areas like south Wales. Meanwhile, the mine-water heating scheme at Seaham Garden Village, near Sunderland, has only recently kicked off construction after a prolonged delay since its initial planning in 2019.

    Our new research shows that despite growing interest, projects across the UK continue to be stalled by funding gaps, regulatory hurdles and a shortage of skilled workers. Without immediate action, these former coal-mining communities are at risk of falling further behind as the country moves towards cleaner energy for net zero, widening the gap between wealthier and disadvantaged regions.

    The solution is simple but not easy: sufficient and accessible funding schemes especially for those undeserved communities, streamlined regulations and support from fossil fuel companies, whose engineering expertise can be applied to mine water heating. Technology could transform a forgotten coal legacy into a sustainable future for communities in need.

    Coal production history v today’s mining village.
    Jingyi Li, CC BY-NC-ND

    The UK has a vast network of abandoned coal mines, especially in north-east England, which once produced 14% of the nation’s coal. However, around a quarter of the population in this region lives below the poverty line today.

    Many households in the north east experience fuel poverty at rates higher than the national average, with energy bills that are often higher than in most other parts of England. Mine-water heating could help address this burden, but to make a meaningful difference, both the number and scale of schemes must be increased nationwide.

    Gateshead mine water heat scheme.
    Jingyi Li, CC BY-NC-ND

    However, current government funding schemes, like the heat networks delivery unit, only cover about 33% of capital costs according to our interviewee, leaving local authorities and developers to find the rest. This competitive model disadvantages poorer areas that need the most support. Without solid financial backing, many projects will never get off the ground.

    The Coal Authority has played a key role in piloting early mine water schemes, but industry feedback points to a need for faster, more transparent deployment pathways. Developers face regulatory uncertainty in accessing mine-water heat from the Coal Authority, citing delays and procedural complexity as barriers to investment.

    Ambiguities in the regulatory framework for accessing this form of geothermal heat create delays and add to the financial burden for developers. The expertise required, such as drilling and pipework, is common in the UK’s longstanding oil and gas industry, but our research found that the current small-to-medium scale and uncertain future of mine water heating sector make it difficult to attract these skilled workers.

    Learning from the past

    Often the simplest and most reliable designs are the most effective. William Reid Clanny, a 19th-century inventor, made mine-safety lamps more sophisticated but ultimately delicate and impractical – his design required manual air pumping, used fragile glass that broke easily underground, and was too heavy for regular use. The same principle applies to mine-water heating. Straightforward, direct policies can cut through red tape to get projects up and running without unnecessary bureaucratic complications.

    Simple safety lamps like these were used by UK miners.
    Image Seeker/Shutterstock

    For mine-water heating to work on a larger scale, funding must be easier to access, especially for regions hardest hit by the decline of coal. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero could allocate funds specifically for these areas, giving them a fair chance to develop projects without having to compete with wealthier regions.

    New rules should clearly set a timeline for gaining the permission to access and exploit the underground heat. This would give developers confidence and attract investment. The US and New Zealand show how clear rules can boost interest in renewables.

    To overcome the skills shortage, the Indian government introduced a corporate social responsibility law whereby companies are required to invest a portion of their profits into local projects. Applying this approach in the UK could encourage fossil fuel companies to fund training and support local green initiatives. It could also provide opportunities for laid-off workers unable to find similar high-paying jobs abroad and training for local workers in former mining communities.

    Mine water isn’t just a low-carbon heating source, it’s a chance to deliver justice to communities long left behind. But achieving this will require decisive action from policymakers. Unlocking this hidden resource can help power the UK’s green transition.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Cathy Hollis receives funding from the Natural Environment Research Council. She is affiliated with and President of the International Association of Sedimentology, a not-for-profit, non-political scientific society.

    Alejandro Gallego Schmid and Jingyi Li do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How mine water could warm up the UK’s forgotten coal towns – https://theconversation.com/how-mine-water-could-warm-up-the-uks-forgotten-coal-towns-241834

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Birth of India: ‘biggest experiment’ with democracy was a huge gamble. Happily the people have made it work – here’s how

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tripurdaman Singh, British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute of Commonwealth Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London

    The birth of Indian democracy is the stuff of legend. It was a moment of such staggering idealism and exuberance, a leap of faith so audacious, that the famous jurist and scholar Kenneth Wheare termed it “the biggest liberal experiment in democratic government” that the world had seen.

    At its centre lay the country’s new constitution. That document, with its fabled chapter of fundamental rights, transformed in one stroke what had been the world’s largest colony into the world’s largest democracy.

    Think about the origins of this constitution. It promised freedom to a fifth of humanity. It embodied the enfranchisement of the world’s largest electorate and the conversion of colonial subjects into rights-bearing citizens.

    This very exuberance has often been used to direct attention to its functional shortcomings. But today, 75 years on with Narendra Modi at the helm and the country classified in 2024 as an “electoral autocracy” by the V-Vdem (Varieties of Democracy) institute, it has also become a powerful tool to highlight Indian democracy’s contemporary problems.

    India’s notoriously fractured opposition was able to assemble a coalition to take on Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 general election. It did so by appealing to the liberal vision underpinning the constitution. But have things really changed so much since the constitution’s adoption in 1950?



    Read more:
    Moments of hope: how Indians keep pushing back against the hollowing out of democracy

    Democracy in decline? The risk and rise of authoritarianism

    Democracy is under pressure around the world in 2025. But is this part of a larger historical cycle or does it signal a deeper, more fundamental shift? Join us for a free event in central London on May 8 to discuss these important questions. Come for a panel discussion and stay for food, drinks and conversation.
    Get tickets here

    Unlike its American counterpart, India’s constitution is not animated by the impulse to limit political power and secure public freedom. It is dominated by the idea of enabling political power for the aim of social and economic reform.

    It aimed to create a state explicitly committed to achieving what India founders believed to be social, economic and political justice. As the country’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru put it, they were freeing India “through a new constitution to feed the starving people and clothe the naked masses”.

    This is partly explained by the circumstances of independent India’s birth. This was marked by violence, the upheaval of partition and a fear of balkanisation if the country became fragmented by religious, ethnic and linguistic minorities.

    Added to this were the pressures of establishing political sovereignty. And this upheaval crashed against an uneducated and destitute population with no experience of democracy and deep-seated social divisions.

    But the larger truth is that, for independent India’s leaders, civil liberties were always eclipsed by what they saw as the more important concerns of destitution and social discrimination. They felt the urgency to secure the new state through which these concerns were to be addressed.

    This required substantial restrictions of civic freedoms and the licensing of coercive state power. From the outset, the constitution enshrined centralisation and executive supremacy.

    It retained the “bureaucratic authoritarianism” of its British colonial predecessor, by placing authority in the hands of appointed bureaucrats rather than elected officials.

    It also gave the centre power over the states, enabling it to create and dismember provinces at will, and it gave the executive power over the legislature. The government can dictate when parliament is summoned or prorogued and can rule by executive decree in its absence.

    It also gave the state power over the citizen. Almost every fundamental right guaranteed in part III of the constitution is qualified on nebulous grounds such as public order, the security of the state or social harmony.

    Soaring rhetoric about freedom masked the reality that the constitution concentrated power to an unprecedented degree and enabled a vast armoury of coercive laws. As Somnath Lahiri, member of the constituent assembly for Bengal and the leader of the Communist Party of India remarked sarcastically in a debate in April 1947, the provisions for fundamental rights seemed to have “been framed from the point of view of a police constable”.

    The Preventive Detention Act, the first piece of legislation passed in the new democratic republic in February 1950, allowed the government to preemptively jail anyone without a trial and without recourse to judicial review.

    It’s ample testament to the fact that the constitution was never intended as a bulwark in the service of liberal individualism – whatever the framers might have said at the time.

    Diluting liberalism

    Since the constitution’s adoption there have been more than 106 amendments and additions. These have further diluted the constitution’s liberal intentions and eroded even the limited system of checks and balances.

    The tenth schedule – or “anti-defection law” – added in 1985 is one egregious example. It forces individual legislators to vote according to party diktats on pain of disqualification.

    This has cemented the grip of party bosses on legislative parties, disempowered individual legislators and degraded parliamentary oversight. Since the threat of backbench rebellions has become negligible, majoritarianism has become entrenched.

    Concentration of power and its use by the executive are, by design, baked into India’s constitutional order and institutional structure, which has always been inhospitable terrain for any rights and freedoms beyond voting and elections. Anti-democratic tendencies operate through constitutional means, hindering the establishment of the principles of legality and legislative primacy.

    Given this situation, it is hardly surprising that almost all governments in India have used the powers they have been granted for these very purposes.

    Nehru’s rule saw a first amendment which drastically curtailed freedom of speech. It also introduced a special schedule in the constitution to protect unconstitutional legislation from judicial review, and draconian legislation such as the laws to enable preventive detention.

    Nehru’s daughter Indira Gandhi suspended the constitution for 21 months from 1975 to 1977 in a state of emergency, when her leadership came under threat. Her government forcibly sterilised thousands as part of a botched population control programme. Yet everything was duly legal and constitutional.

    Modi’s growing authoritarianism, his attacks on opposition media and those who oppose him in the judiciary, then, are less a departure from the norm than a confirmation of it. The real story lies elsewhere.

    It is not the constitution or the legislature that is the most important issue here. It has actually been the disinclination of India’s voters to deliver parliamentary majorities too often that has constituted the major check on executive power.

    For 25 years between 1989 and 2014, voters delivered split mandates and coalition governments, which diluted and dispersed political power. Unsurprisingly, this caused the country’s democracy indices to rise. These actually peaked in the 2000s when the ruling coalitions comprised upwards of a dozen parties. But the underlying problems remained the same.

    When the voters, contrary to all expectations, elected yet another coalition to office in 2024, they understood what the country’s liberal intelligentsia has consistently failed to grasp. It is not the celebrated constitution, but the Indian voters themselves that have, over the years, doggedly held authoritarianism at bay. Only time will tell how long they will continue to do this.

    Tripurdaman Singh receives funding from the British Academy and from Fonds National Suisse. He is currently affiliated to the Geneva Graduate Institute, where I am an Ambizione Fellow at the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy.

    – ref. Birth of India: ‘biggest experiment’ with democracy was a huge gamble. Happily the people have made it work – here’s how – https://theconversation.com/birth-of-india-biggest-experiment-with-democracy-was-a-huge-gamble-happily-the-people-have-made-it-work-heres-how-252564

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: When dogs return to nature – just how domesticated are our pooches really?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jacqueline Boyd, Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, Nottingham Trent University

    Photobox.ks/Shutterstock

    It’s hard to imagine a beloved pet dog surviving in the world. But reports of a 4 kg miniature dachshund looking well 500 days after she escaped during a family holiday is raising questions about how dependent our dogs really are on their humans. Our loyal pooches may be less domesticated than we like to think.

    In November 2023, Valerie, a black and tan dachshund, went on holiday with her family. They visited Kanagaroo island off the south Australian coast, an area famous for its wildlife, including koalas and sea lions. During the holiday, Valerie vanished from her family’s campsite.

    Initially there were local sightings of Valerie, wearing her little pink collar, but she refused to be caught and gradually, reported sightings slowed. Her owners were shocked she had survived even one night alone because she was a pampered dog who “never left” their side.

    Now, well over a year since she went missing, Valerie has been sighted again still apparently choosing to be wild and free. A local wildlife rescue organisation is trying to track and catch Valerie with cameras and traps to return the plucky pooch home.

    Dependent dogs?

    Dogs and humans have lived together for more than 15,000 years, longer than any other domesticated animal. During that time, dogs have changed considerably from their early ancestors both physically and behaviourally. This is a result of human preferences and selection for particular characteristics, such as flat faces as seen in pugs, or working ability.

    The close relationship we typically have with dogs as friends and family members makes it easy to view them as dependent upon us.

    The reality however, is probably a little less “Lassie come home” and more “the call of the wild”.

    Not all dogs are pets

    The global dog population is estimated to be around 500 million. The majority of these dogs live on the edges of human society as feral, pariah or street dogs and are often viewed as pests rather than cuddly companions. These dogs largely exist on human-derived food sources including waste and faecal matter, but otherwise generally live successfully, independent of human care and management.

    Dogs evolved as highly efficient scavengers, eating a mixed diet. Many of those traits remain in our canine companions. Pet dog behaviour we often label problematic, including counter-surfing and poop eating, stems from their scavenging characteristics.

    This means that even dogs living lives of luxury can survive in extreme situations. This might help to explain Valerie’s apparent independence on Kangaroo Island, where she is presumed to be living on roadkill, carrion and natural fresh water.

    The abundant wildlife on the island, such as birds and small rodents, might partly account for Valerie’s success, especially as dachshunds were developed as hunting dogs, shaped for squeezing into animal burrows. Even highly domesticated dogs have been known to hunt independently and cooperatively with each other. One report from the 1990s, describes a pack of dogs hunting humans in Newfoundland, Canada, after they were abandoned on a remote island.

    The dogs of Chernobyl also reveal their ability to adapt to changing circumstances. A population of dogs survives in the vicinity of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant that was destroyed in a catastrophic incident in 1986. These dogs probably originate from strays or once-loved family pets who were released immediately following the accident and have diverged to two separate breeding populations. Notably, the dogs of Chernobyl appear to be surviving and breeding successfully, without direct human intervention.

    Homeward bound

    Despite the evidence suggesting that Valerie and her canine cousins might have impressive survival skills, this can create challenges for other animals.

    Dogs can be problematic in many ecosystems causing damage and spreading disease. This applies to our beloved pets as well as stray and free-living dogs. Cases of domestic dogs interbreeding with local wildlife,, including foxes and endangered species, are concerning for conservationists.

    So efforts to return Valerie back home are important for the island wildlife too.

    When dogs go missing, the vast majority return home quickly and safely. Occasionally stories of faithful dogs finding their family hit the headlines, but these stories are the exception to the norm and many lost pets sadly never return to their original home.

    Part of responsible canine caregiving is ensuring that dogs wear identification, and are microchipped, so that if found, they can be quickly returned home. Combining this with essential skills such as recall can go a long way to keeping your dog safe.

    Should the worst happen and your dog does go missing, seek professional advice from local dog wardens, walkers and vets. Many lost dogs will quickly enter survival mode, making even the most human-oriented dog wary of people, including their family members. This means experienced advice is essential.

    Valerie the valiant dachshund gives us a fascinating insight to the survival capabilities and behavioural adaptability of our domestic dogs. Hopefully it won’t be too long before she is safely returned to her home comforts.

    Jacqueline Boyd is affiliated with The Kennel Club (UK) through membership and as advisor to the Health Advisory Group. Jacqueline is a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT #01583) and she also writes, consults and coaches on canine matters on an independent basis, in addition to her academic affiliation at Nottingham Trent University.

    – ref. When dogs return to nature – just how domesticated are our pooches really? – https://theconversation.com/when-dogs-return-to-nature-just-how-domesticated-are-our-pooches-really-253265

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Does Russia have military interest in Indonesia? Here’s what we know – and why Australia would be concerned

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Sussex, Associate Professor (Adj), Griffith Asia Institute; and Fellow, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University

    A news report that Russia has sought to base long-range aircraft in Indonesia caught Australia’s political leaders by surprise during an already hectic election campaign.

    The military publication Janes reported on Tuesday that Russia had requested permission for its aircraft to be based at the Manuhua Air Force Base in Indonesia’s easternmost province of Papua.

    The base is just 1,300 kilometres away from Darwin.

    Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles issued a statement denying the report, saying his Indonesian counterpart assured him there would be no Russian planes based in Indonesia. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was seeking “further clarification” with Jakarta about the Janes report.

    Janes is a respected outlet when it comes to defence news, so it’s likely the Russians did float the idea, even if it might have been done at lower levels.

    Why would Russia be cosying up to Indonesia?

    Since Prabowo Subianto came to power as Indonesia’s new president last October, Moscow and Jakarta have sought to deepen their military ties. In fact, the two countries conducted their first-ever joint naval exercises a month after Prabowo took office.

    But this isn’t a totally new strategy by Moscow, which has tried on numerous occasions to pivot to Asia to give itself more economic heft and leverage in the region.

    The Kremlin is also cognisant that Europe won’t be a friend for the foreseeable future. As such, it’s even more pressing for Russia to establish itself as a player in the Indo-Pacific region – and with that comes a miltary and security presence.

    About ten years ago, for instance, the Russian regime secured an agreement with Vietnam to allow its air force to refuel their aircraft at a former US base in the country. Russia also had interest in reestablishing a submarine base in Vietnam and has sold submarines to the country.

    In addition, Moscow has sought to sell defence technology and fighter jets to Indonesia for some time, seeing it as a potentially lucrative market for Russian arms. Beyond defence, the bilateral relationship has also focused on energy and education.

    These attempts to deepen Moscow-Jakarta ties form part of a targeted Russian campaign to boost its relationships with a number of Southeast Asian nations.

    What about the timing?

    If the Janes report is accurate, the timing of the purported approach from Russia would be interesting. The report said it came after a meeting between Sergei Shoigu (recently demoted from Russia’s defence minister to an inferior role as secretary of the Russian Security Council) and Indonesia’s defence minister in February of this year.

    At the time, the United States was distracted by the first chaotic weeks of US President Donald Trump’s second term in office.

    So, if Russia did make such a request, it would be highly opportunistic, especially given Jakarta has been keen to deepen ties with Moscow.

    It is also noteworthy that Indonesia recently joined the BRICS, the group of rapidly emerging economies that also includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Russia, among others.



    Read more:
    Indonesia’s BRICS agenda: 2 reasons Prabowo’s foreign policy contrasts with Jokowi’s

    How concerned should Australia be?

    Even though both Canberra and Jakarta dismissed the report, there was good reason for Australia to be concerned.

    Russia’s long-range aviation assets, notably the venerable Tu-95, which is used for reconnaissance as well as strategic bombing, can easily travel over 10,000 kilometres.

    From a base in Indonesia, this would give the Russian air force the ability to conduct ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaisance) missions during Australian military exercises, gather data on military installations in the Northern Territory (which also host US Marines), and even conduct surveillance on US military activities in Guam.

    Equally, given the closeness of ties between Beijing and Moscow, any Russian intelligence that was gathered could be shared with China.

    The reported Russian military interest in Indonesia will also have irritated Australian foreign policy makers, especially since Canberra has invested significant diplomatic capital in boosting Australia-Indonesia ties.

    Fortunately, the closeness of the relationship, which includes recently upgraded defence ties, will also have allowed for some plain speaking from Australian interlocutors.

    They will doubtless have pointed out that agreeing to any such Kremlin request would cast significant doubt on Indonesian claims about non-alignment. It would also be viewed unfavourably by other regional actors, who have no interest in seeing an enhanced Russian military presence in the region.

    The assurance from Jakarta that no Russian planes would be based in Indonesia is therefore a positive development.

    But ultimately the reported Russian request is another example of the messy and fragmented world we now live in.

    It highlights the reality that Australia will sometimes have to do business with partners who have friends we don’t like. Under those conditions, being firm on issues that threaten our national interests – like the prospective basing of military assets by a hostile power close to our shores – becomes all the more important.

    Matthew Sussex has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Atlantic Council, the Fulbright Foundation, the Carnegie Foundation, the Lowy Institute and various Australian government departments and agencies.

    – ref. Does Russia have military interest in Indonesia? Here’s what we know – and why Australia would be concerned – https://theconversation.com/does-russia-have-military-interest-in-indonesia-heres-what-we-know-and-why-australia-would-be-concerned-254601

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Obama praises Harvard for ‘setting example’ to universities resisting Trump

    Asia Pacific Report

    Former US President Barack Obama has taken to social media to praise Harvard’s decision to stand up for academic freedom by rebuffing the Trump administration’s demands.

    “Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions — rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking concrete steps to make sure all students at Harvard can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and mutual respect,” Obama wrote in a post on X.

    He called on other universities to follow the lead.

    Harvard will not comply with the Trump administration’s demands to dismantle its diversity programming, limit student protests over Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, and submit to far-reaching federal audits in exchange for its federal funding, university president Alan M. Garber ’76 announced yesterday afternoon.

    “No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue,” he wrote, reports the university’s Harvard Crimson news team.

    The announcement comes two weeks after three federal agencies announced a review into roughly $9 billion in Harvard’s federal funding and days after the Trump administration sent its initial demands, which included dismantling diversity programming, banning masks, and committing to “full cooperation” with the Department of Homeland Security.

    Within hours of the announcement to reject the White House demands, the Trump administration paused $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60 million in multi-year contracts to Harvard in a dramatic escalation in its crusade against the university.

    More focused demands
    On Friday, the Trump administration had delivered a longer and more focused set of demands than the ones they had shared two weeks earlier.

    It asked Harvard to “derecognise” pro-Palestine student groups, audit its academic programmes for viewpoint diversity, and expel students involved in an altercation at a 2023 pro-Palestine protest on the Harvard Business School campus.

    It also asked Harvard to reform its admissions process for international students to screen for students “supportive of terrorism and anti-Semitism” — and immediately report international students to federal authorities if they break university conduct policies.

    It called for “reducing the power held by faculty (whether tenured or untenured) and administrators more committed to activism than scholarship” and installing leaders committed to carrying out the administration’s demands.

    And it asked the university to submit quarterly updates, beginning in June 2025, certifying its compliance.

    Garber condemned the demands, calling them a “political ploy” disguised as an effort to address antisemitism on campus.

    “It makes clear that the intention is not to work with us to address antisemitism in a cooperative and constructive manner,” he wrote.

    “Although some of the demands outlined by the government are aimed at combating antisemitism, the majority represent direct governmental regulation of the ‘intellectual conditions’ at Harvard.”

    The Harvard Crimson daily news, founded in 1873 . . . how it reported the universoity’s defiance of the Trump administration today. Image: HC screenshot APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Senior Counsel appointed

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

         Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, is pleased to announce today (April 15) the appointment of three Senior Counsel of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. They are:

    Ms Catrina Lam Ding-wan
    Ms Priscilia Lam Tsz-ying
    Mr Timothy Edward David Parker

         The appointments are made by the Chief Justice under section 31A of the Legal Practitioners Ordinance.

         These appointments will take effect upon the proclamation of the Instruments of Appointment during the ceremonial proceedings at which the appointees will be called to the Inner Bar. The ceremony will take place at 10am on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in the Court of Final Appeal and will be broadcast live for the public to view.  

         Brief biographical notes on each appointee are included below:

    Ms Catrina Lam Ding-wan

    Ms Catrina Lam Ding-wan, aged 47, obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from University College London and a Master of Arts degree in European Union Competition Law from King’s College London. She was admitted to the Hong Kong Bar in 1999. She primarily practises in commercial and competition law, handling both litigation and arbitration matters, but also has experience in public law.

    Ms Priscilia Lam Tsz-ying

    Ms Priscilia Lam Tsz-ying, aged 47, obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree and subsequently a Master of Laws degree in Chinese Law from the University of Hong Kong, and also a Master of Arts degree in Arbitration and Dispute Resolution from the City University of Hong Kong. She was admitted to the Hong Kong Bar in 2000. She specialises in criminal law and appears regularly for both the prosecution and the defence.

    Mr Timothy Edward David Parker

    Mr Timothy Edward David Parker, aged 42, obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Melbourne, a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Hong Kong and a Master of Law degree from the University of Cambridge. He was admitted to the Hong Kong Bar in 2009. In addition to a general civil and commercial practice including competition and regulatory work, he is particularly recognised for his expertise in public law and constitutional matters.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Announces 31st Human Exploration Rover Challenge Winners

    Source: NASA

    NASA has announced the winning student teams in the 2025 Human Exploration Rover Challenge. This year’s competition challenged teams to design, build, and test a lunar rover powered by either human pilots or remote control. In the human-powered division, Parish Episcopal School in Dallas, Texas, earned first place in the high school division, and the Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, captured the college and university title. In the remote-control division, Bright Foundation in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, earned first place in the middle and high school division, and the Instituto Tecnologico de Santa Domingo in the Dominican Republic, captured the college and university title.
    The annual engineering competition – one of NASA’s longest standing student challenges – wrapped up on April 11 and April 12, at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The complete list of 2025 award winners is provided below:

    First Place: Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, Texas
    Second Place: Ecambia High School, Pensacola, Florida
    Third Place: Centro Boliviano Americano – Santa Cruz, Bolivia

    First Place: Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina
    Second Place: Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
    Third Place: University of Alabama in Huntsville

    First Place: Bright Foundation, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
    Second Place: Assumption College, Brangrak, Bangkok, Thailand
    Third Place: Erie High School, Erie, Colorado

    First Place: Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
    Second Place: Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina
    Third Place: Tecnologico de Monterey – Campus Cuernvaca, Xochitepec, Morelos, Mexico

     Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

    Human-Powered

    High School Division: International Hope School of Bangladesh, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
    College/University Division: Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama

    Remote-Control

    Middle School/High School Division: Bright Foundation, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
    College/University Division: Southwest Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma

    Remote-Control

    Middle School/High School Division: Assumption College, Bangrak, Bangkok, Thailand
    College/University Division: Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

    Human-Powered

    High School Division: Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, Texas
    College/University Division: Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina

    Remote-Control

    Middle School/High School Division: Bright Foundation, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
    College/University Division: Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

    Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina

    Human-Powered

    High School Division: Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, Texas
    College/University Division: University of Alabama in Huntsville

    Universidad de Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico (Human-Powered Division)

    Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (Human-Powered Division)

    Human-Powered

    High School Division: Albertville Innovation School, Albertville, Alabama
    College/University Division: Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

    Remote-Control

    Middle School/High School Division: Instituto Salesiano Don Bosco, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
    College/University Division: Tecnologico de Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

    Human-Powered

    High School Division: International Hope School of Bagladesh, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
    College/University Division: Universidad Catolica Boliviana “San Pablo” La Paz, Bolivia

    Remote-Control

    Middle School/High School Division: ATLAS SkillTech University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    College/University Division: Instituto Salesiano Don Bosco, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

    Human-Powered

    High School Division: Space Education Institute, Leipzig, Germany
    College/University Division: Purdue University Northwest, Hammond, Indiana

    Remote-Control

    Middle School/High School Division: Erie High School, Erie, Colorado
    College/University Division: Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina

    Human-Powered

    High School Division: Academy of Arts, Career, and Technology, Reno, Nevada
    College/University Division: Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

    Fabion Diaz Palacious from Universidad Catolica Boliviana “San Pablo” La Paz, Bolivia

    Deira International School, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    More than 500 students with 75 teams from around the world participated in the  31st year of the competition. Participating teams represented 35 colleges and universities, 38 high schools, and two middle schools from 20 states, Puerto Rico, and 16 other nations. Teams were awarded points based on navigating a half-mile obstacle course, conducting mission-specific task challenges, and completing multiple safety and design reviews with NASA engineers. 
    NASA expanded the 2025 challenge to include a remote-control division, Remote-Operated Vehicular Research, and invited middle school students to participate. 
    “This student design challenge encourages the next generation of scientists and engineers to engage in the design process by providing innovative concepts and unique perspectives,” said Vemitra Alexander, who leads the challenge for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement at Marshall. “This challenge also continues NASA’s legacy of providing valuable experiences to students who may be responsible for planning future space missions, including crewed missions to other worlds.”
    The rover challenge is one of NASA’s eight Artemis Student Challenges reflecting the goals of the Artemis campaign, which will land Americans on the Moon while establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration, preparing for future human missions to Mars. NASA uses such challenges to encourage students to pursue degrees and careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 
    The competition is managed by NASA’s Southeast Regional Office of STEM Engagement at Marshall. Since its inception in 1994, more than 15,000 students have participated – with many former students now working at NASA, or within the aerospace industry.    
    To learn more about the Human Exploration Rover Challenge, please visit: 
    https://www.nasa.gov/roverchallenge/home/index.html

    Taylor GoodwinMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.256.544.0034taylor.goodwin@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Sets Coverage for SpaceX 32nd Station Resupply Launch, Arrival

    Source: NASA

    NASA and SpaceX are targeting 4:15 a.m. EDT, Monday, April 21, for the next launch to deliver science investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station. This is the 32nd SpaceX commercial resupply services mission to the orbiting laboratory for the agency.
    Filled with more than 6,400 pounds of supplies, a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
    Live launch coverage will begin at 3:55 a.m. on NASA+. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms.
    NASA’s coverage of Dragon’s arrival to the orbital outpost will begin at 6:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, on NASA+. The spacecraft will dock autonomously to the zenith port of the space station’s Harmony module.
    Along with food and essential equipment for the crew, Dragon is delivering a variety of science experiments, including a demonstration of refined maneuvers for free-floating robots. Dragon also carries an enhanced air quality monitoring system that could protect crew members on exploration missions to the Moon and Mars, and two atomic clocks to examine fundamental physics concepts such as relativity and test worldwide synchronization of precision timepieces.
    The Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to remain at the space station until May, when it will depart and return to Earth with research and cargo, splashing down off the coast of California.
    NASA’s mission coverage is as follows (all times Eastern and subject to change based on real-time operations):
    Wednesday, April 16
    1 p.m. – International Space Station National Lab Science Webinar with the following participants:

    Jennifer Buchli, chief scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program
    Michael Roberts, chief scientific officer, International Space Station National Lab
    Claire Fortenberry, research aerospace engineer, NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland
    Yupeng Chen, co-founder, Eascra Biotech
    Mari Anne Snow, CEO, Eascra Biotech
    Maj. Travis Tubbs, U.S. Air Force Academy
    Heath Mills, co-founder, Rhodium Scientific
    Sarah Wyatt, researcher, Ohio University

    Media who wish to participate must register for Zoom access no later than one hour before the start of the webinar.
    Audio of the teleconference will stream live on the International Space Station National Lab website.
    Friday, April 18
    3 p.m. – Prelaunch media teleconference (no earlier than one hour after completion of the Launch Readiness Review) with the following participants:

    Zebulon Scoville, deputy manager, Transportation Integration Office, NASA’s International Space Station Program
    Jennifer Buchli, chief scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program
    Sarah Walker, director, Dragon Mission Management, SpaceX
    Jimmy Taeger, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

    Media who wish to participate by phone must request dial-in information by 5 p.m. Thursday, April 17, by emailing Kennedy’s newsroom at: ksc-media-accreditat@mail.nasa.gov.
    Audio of the teleconference will stream live on the agency’s website.
    Monday, April 21:
    3:55 a.m. – Launch coverage begins on NASA+.
    4:15 a.m. – Launch
    Tuesday, April 22:
    6:45 a.m. – Arrival coverage begins on NASA+.
    8:20 a.m. – Docking
    NASA website launch coverageLaunch day coverage of the mission will be available on the NASA website. Coverage will include live streaming and blog updates beginning no earlier than 3:55 a.m., April 21, as the countdown milestones occur. On-demand streaming video on NASA+ and photos of the launch will be available shortly after liftoff. For questions about countdown coverage, contact the NASA Kennedy newsroom at 321-867-2468. Follow countdown coverage on our International Space Station blog for updates.
    Attend Launch Virtually
    Members of the public can register to attend this launch virtually. NASA’s virtual guest program for this mission also includes curated launch resources, notifications about related opportunities or changes, and a stamp for the NASA virtual guest passport following launch.
    Watch, Engage on Social Media
    Let people know you’re watching the mission on X, Facebook, and Instagram by following and tagging these accounts:
    X: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @NASASocial, @Space_Station, @ISS_Research, 
    @ISS National Lab
    Facebook: NASA, NASAKennedy, ISS, ISS National Lab
    Instagram: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @ISS, @ISSNationalLab
    Coverage en Espanol
    Did you know NASA has a Spanish section called NASA en Espanol? Check out NASA en Espanol on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for additional mission coverage.
    Para obtener información sobre cobertura en español en el Centro Espacial Kennedy o si desea solicitar entrevistas en español, comuníquese con Antonia Jaramillo o Messod Bendayan a: antonia.jaramillobotero@nasa.gov o messod.c.bendayan@nasa.gov.
    Learn more about the commercial resupply mission at:

    NASA’s SpaceX CRS-32

    -end-
    Julian Coltre / Josh FinchHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1100julian.n.coltre@nasa.gov / joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov
    Stephanie Plucinsky / Steven SiceloffKennedy Space Center, Florida321-876-2468stephanie.n.plucinsky@nasa.gov / steven.p.siceloff@nasa.gov
    Sandra JonesJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111sandra.p.jones@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – ʻALALĀ LEARN ON THE FLY IN A MAUI FOREST, April 14, 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – ʻALALĀ LEARN ON THE FLY IN A MAUI FOREST, April 14, 2025

    Posted on Apr 14, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA 

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR     

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

    ʻALALĀ LEARN ON THE FLY IN A MAUI FOREST

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

    April 14, 2025

    KĪPAHULU FOREST RESERVE, Maui – Five months after release into the Kīpahulu Forest Reserve in East Maui, a cohort of five ʻalalā (Hawaiian crows) is healthy and continues to discover and practice the instinctual behaviors unique to the species.

     The process wasn’t always straightforward and despite some challenges, the ʻalalā have shown resolve. In anticipation of the November 2024 release and the birds’ transition into the wild, several factors initially raised concerns for the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP) staff and project partners, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the University of Hawai‘i, and the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW).

    Unwalled expanses of forest and the freedoms that come with that are new concepts for this group of birds bred in captivity. In addition, the habitat at the Kīpahulu field site on Maui is different from that of previous releases on Hawaiʻi Island and presented distinct pressures.

    An initial challenge to this effort included a cohort release that was several weeks later than planned, during the middle of the rainier and colder season. The inclusion of two innovative technologies – GPS (Global Positioning System) transmitters and automated supplemental feeders – never used before in ʻalalā releases, introduced additional obstacles for the birds to overcome. For these reasons, expectations were conservative from the start.

    “Reintroductions are never simple. They require constant adaptation, attention to detail, and a willingness to pivot when needed,” said Dr. Hanna Mounce, MFBRP program manager. “But despite these challenges we can’t lose sight of what’s been accomplished here. We now have birds exploring and establishing themselves in the wild. That alone is monumental.”

    Benchmarks established for the ʻalalā include the capacity to forage for native fruits and plants while utilizing the supplemental feeder stations. Their ability to use tree cover as shelter against wind and rain and their capacity to maintain social bonds that support cooperative behavior are additional measures of the cohort’s success.

    Another target emphasized by field staff was less tangible but just as important. The team understands that providing the ʻalalā time in the forest and developing familiarity and comfort with their new reality won’t come overnight. The birds needed time and room for self-discovery and to engage with their surroundings to fully adapt and find their footing.

    “Some of the behaviors that are instinctual in these birds are coming out over time,” said Martin Frye, MFBRP ʻAlalā research field supervisor. “It’s not just an automatic switch to start engaging in wild behaviors. For some birds this progression can happen quicker, for others at a slower pace. For them to fully express themselves, we need to give them as much time as possible.”

    As days turned to weeks and then months, the ʻalalā have shown resilience, adjusting to the elements of their new environment. Over the five-month span since release, the group has grown in several areas which has eased initial concerns.

    The ʻalalā have strengthened their flight muscles to take longer journeys and improved their takeoff and landing competency in the dense forest. The birds have also been observed foraging on native plants like pūkiawe, maile, kāwaʻu and ʻōlapa, sheltering in the trees during storm events, and performing bark flaking, where they probe crevices and pick at loose tree bark with their bills. Individuals have expanded their vocal range to produce different vocalizations than heard before in captivity. The ʻalalā are visiting the feeder stations nearby and supplementing their diet to stay healthy. The cohort continues to work together as a cohesive social group and learn from each other, which has been crucial to their development.

    The field team and project partners are excited at the prospect of introducing two additional ʻalalā – a male and a female, to the release site later this year. Those birds are currently being evaluated at the Maui Bird Conservation Center to measure their health and readiness to join the group in the wild. “These individuals are undergoing the same pre-release conditioning as the five birds released last fall, including anti-predator training, habituation to the automated feeding systems, and the use of mock transmitters to simulate the units they’ll be fitted with post-release,” said Tess Hebebrand, MFBRP aviculture specialist. Staff are also gauging the birds’ fitness and preparedness as they relate to cooperative social dynamics and how the birds interact.

    “We expect the ʻalalā already in the forest to show interest in the new individuals upon their arrival,” Hebebrand added. “To support the growing group, our team has been establishing additional feeder stations throughout the forest to promote spatial dispersion and provide increased foraging opportunities as the birds approach maturity.” 

    Open communication among partners has been key to this release process and will best inform future release efforts as well. “The success that we’ve had in this pilot project is largely built from previous efforts on Hawaiʻi Island and sharing lessons learned. In that way, our own development mirrors that of the ʻalalā, learning from each other over time,” shared Frye.

    Mounce added: “This cohort has been remarkable. They’re staying together, relying on the support systems we’ve put in place, and showing us that, with care and patience, recovery is possible.” 

     

    # # #

     

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video Courtesy: DLNR)

     

    HD Video – East Maui ʻAlalā update – web feature (March 2025):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vaguvz69c6i0cdxnyqgtg/East-Maui-Alala-update.mov?rlkey=tlqud3f88ciggbesruzym7b8n&st=0is1xg2r&dl=0

     

    HD Video – East Maui ʻAlalā update media clips (March 2025):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kiar0syr3jwtgtkkjtl8g/East-Maui-Alala-update-media-clips.mov?rlkey=xo9a0d5lsqj6bhf01byenlb1x&st=8569toit&dl=0

     

    Photographs – ʻAlalā update (March 2025):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/66j46hfhbfvu4n5os75ug/AL99pNN-2O7bRX4LAAIgcJY?rlkey=ypg3oxsu1djzl9zqtddbqs817&st=nbzwos55&dl=0

     

     

    Media Contact: 

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396 

    Email: [email protected] 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Welcomes UK Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh MP to Manchester Training Centre to Discuss Growing Demand for Heat Pumps and the Workforce of the Future

    Source: Samsung

     
     
    Samsung welcomed the Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh MP to the Manchester Training Centre to discuss the growing heat pump industry and the opportunity for upskilling the workforce of the future, particularly around apprenticeships.
     
    Minister Fahnbulleh spoke to Samsung Technical Degree Apprentice Joshua Long, who is currently in his third year of a Building Services Design Engineering Degree at London Southbank University while working on the design and specification of heating and cooling systems at Samsung.  The Minister also met with the Samsung Climate Solutions team and toured the training facility in Sale, learning about the range of products, training offered and future plans.
     
    Collaboration between government and industry is central to hitting government targets for heat pump installs and reaching Net Zero by 2050. This is reflected in the current growth in installs, as February 2025 saw a 68% increase in Boiler Upgrade Scheme vouchers issued compared to February 2024.[1] Training the workforce is essential to meet the rising demand and Samsung is committed to delivering continued growth in 2025 following an increase in its training numbers in the UK by almost 70% in 2024 compared to 2023[2].
     
    Minister Fahnbulleh said: “The figures for our Boiler Upgrade Scheme speak for themselves. Heat pump demand is rising rapidly, meaning we need a growing, highly-skilled workforce to deliver thousands more installations. It was fantastic to visit Samsung and hear from apprentices about the brilliant work being done to train the next generation of heat pump installers.”
     
    Joshua Long commented: “I really valued the opportunity to meet the Minister and discuss why apprenticeships are such an important part of ensuring we have the skills needed for the transition towards Net Zero. For me, my apprenticeship has opened up a new career path to learn from my experienced colleagues as well as earn my degree. I chose this apprenticeship because I wanted to be part of the bigger picture of changing the way we use energy and heat our buildings in the UK. This is a really exciting time to join the sector, and I’m proud to be part of the growth and development of heat pumps.”
     
    [1]https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/boiler-upgrade-scheme-statistics-february-2025
    [2]Training data from internal records at Samsung Climate Solutions

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Coby Sammis Joins NOIA as Vice President of Government Affairs

    Source: National Ocean Industries Association – NOIA

    Headline: Coby Sammis Joins NOIA as Vice President of Government Affairs

    For Immediate Release: Monday, April 14, 2025NOIA .org
    Coby Sammis Joins NOIA as Vice President of Government Affairs
    Washington, D.C. – The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) is pleased to announce that Coby Sammis is taking over as our new Vice President of Government Affairs. NOIA President Erik Milito said:
    “We are thrilled to welcome Coby Sammis to the NOIA team. Coby brings extensive experience from his tenure with Congressman Clay Higgins, where he expertly shaped legislative strategies and forged coalitions on a host of issues critical to the offshore energy sector. A Louisiana native, Coby possesses a deep understanding of the Gulf Coast’s unique history and its vital connection to offshore energy, environmental stewardship, and national security.
    “As we tackle a dynamic 2025 landscape—encompassing oil and gas, wind, carbon sequestration, ocean minerals, and more—Coby will be invaluable. I, together with the entire NOIA team, look forward to working with him to advance America’s offshore energy future and champion smart policy solutions.”
    About Coby SammisCoby Sammis joins the National Ocean Industries Association as the Vice President of Government Affairs, bringing extensive experience in policy advising and coalition building. Previously, Coby served as a Senior Policy Advisor to Congressman Clay Higgins (LA-03) and had been with the office since 2018. In this role, he provided strategic counsel on a diverse portfolio of issues critical to the offshore energy sector, including appropriations, coastal infrastructure, conservation, energy, environmental policy, finance, foreign affairs, natural resources, sportsmen’s issues, and infrastructure.
    Coby played a pivotal role in shaping legislative priorities, developing strategies, and fostering coalitions to advance key initiatives. Coby’s perspective will help NOIA advocate for the Gulf of America and the larger U.S. offshore energy sector and how they intertwine with environmental stewardship, economic prosperity, and national security.
    Coby is an alumnus of McNeese State University.
    ##
    About NOIA The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump administration freezes $2.2B funding to Harvard

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Trump administration on Monday announced a freeze on 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in multi-year grants and a 60 million contract to Harvard University, hours after the university rejected a list of demands from the federal government.

    Earlier in the day, Harvard refused to comply with the administration’s demands to make sweeping changes to the univeristy’s governance, hiring and admissions practices, noting that it will not “negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights.”

    “We have informed the administration through our legal counsel that we will not accept their proposed agreement,” Harvard University President Alan M. Garber wrote in a letter to members of the Harvard Community. “The administration’s prescription goes beyond the power of the federal government.”

    The administration’s demands include: adopting and implementing merit-based hiring and admissions policies, and ceasing all preferences based on race, color and national origin; reforming the recruitment, screening and admissions of international students to prevent admitting students hostile to U.S. values and institutions, including students supportive of terrorism or antisemitism; reforming programs with “egregious records of antisemitism” and shutting down all diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

    Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has issued warnings to several top U.S. universities that they could face funding cuts if they do not adjust their policies. The administration’s main demands include eliminating what it describes as anti-Semitism on campus and dismantling diversity initiatives that favor minority groups.

    Against the backdrop of the Israel-Palestine conflict, many universities across the United States saw a wave of pro-Palestinian protests last year, drawing increased government attention to alleged anti-Semitic sentiments on campuses.

    “The disruption of learning that has plagued campuses in recent years is unacceptable. The harassment of Jewish students is intolerable. It is time for elite universities to take the problem seriously and commit to meaningful change if they wish to continue receiving taxpayer support,” the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism said in a Monday statement.

    Columbia University, which was at the heart of last year’s pro-Palestinian protests, became the first institution to face consequences, losing 400 million dollars in federal funding last month. University officials said they are currently in ongoing discussions with the administration to have the funding reinstated.

    Federal funding for other institutions, including Cornell University and Northwestern University, has also been frozen and is currently under investigation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Education Secretary visits University of Dundee

    Source: Scottish Government

    Taskforce membership is announced.

    Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has met with staff and students as she visited the University of Dundee’s School of Life Sciences.

    It came as the wider membership of an external Taskforce, set up to advise the University on its current financial challenges, was announced, including business and industry organisations, trades unions, enterprise agencies, NHS and academic representatives.

    Visiting the Drug Discovery and Medical Research units at the school, Ms Gilruth heard about how its work has helped contribute to the treatment of conditions like Parkinson’s Disease.

    The university was ranked top in Biological Sciences in the most recent Research Excellence Framework, a UK-wide assessment of research quality at higher education institutions.

    Meeting with university Principal Shane O’Neill, the Education Secretary underlined the Scottish Government’s determination to support the University through its current financial challenges, with a wide-ranging package of financial support and expertise in place to help secure its future.

    Ms Gilruth said: 

    “It was inspiring to hear about the world-leading and life changing work being undertaken at the Life Sciences school here at Dundee. This is vitally important research which underlines the strength of academic excellence and innovation in Scotland

    “This work and research also has a major impact on inward investment for the area and the Scottish Government is clear it should be a vital component of our knowledge economy for the coming generations.

    “We know that this unit and the wider Life Sciences school at Dundee attracts students, researchers and cutting-edge companies from across the globe to the city.

    “That’s why this Government has been clear in our determination to ensure that the University of Dundee is fully supported and the wider membership of the taskforce we are setting out today will provide the right mix knowledge and experience to help advise on the current financial challenges.”

    Professor Shane O’Neill, Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee, said:

    “We are extremely grateful to the Scottish Government for their continued support and we have been delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary today to see first hand the impactful work of our researchers in Life Sciences.

    “We will continue to work with the Government and the Scottish Funding Council towards a secure and successful future for the University, and we will also engage fully with the Advisory Taskforce regarding our wider impact on Dundee, the Tay Cities region and beyond.”

    Background

    In addition to the Chair Alan Langlands University of Dundee, City of Dundee Council, Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Government, the membership of the Taskforce will include:

    • Universities Scotland
    • Abertay University
    • University of St Andrews
    • Dundee and Angus College
    • Trade Unions representation
    • Student Union representation
    • Tay Cities Regional Economic  Partnership / City Deal
    • Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce
    • Scottish Enterprise
    • Skills Development Scotland
    • NHS Education for Scotland
    • Business representation
    • Alumni/graduates representation

    The Scottish Government has provided £25 million to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to support universities like Dundee facing immediate financial challenges. This is on top of £1.1 billion of investment already in the budget for university teaching and research

    Deputy First Minister chairs a regular cross-government group in support of SFC and to consider the issues

    REF 2021 in Life Sciences | University of Dundee, UK

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Masterpieces of vocal music and architectural plein air: what the capital’s cultural venues have prepared for the Days of Historical and Cultural Heritage

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    More than 55 venues in the capital have prepared over 280 eventsDays of Historical and Cultural Heritage. On April 20, concerts, lectures, excursions and master classes await guests. Entrance to museums and exhibition halls will be free. To attend events within the framework of the campaign, you must first purchase free tickets on the website Ticket.Mos.ru.

    Learn all about ceramics and the secrets of cinema

    At 12:00 and 14:00, the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve will host a mediator tour, “Form of Thought,” around the exhibition “To Be in the Material. Contemporary Ceramic Art.” https://bilet.mos.ru/?spheres=[“442299”] The exhibition tells, among other things, about the connection between ceramic art and industrial design. You can discuss the work with an art mediator and understand what emotions it evokes.

    A lecture will be held at 16:00 in the gallery “Na Shabolovke” of the association “Exhibition halls of Moscow” “Cinema through the eyes of an artist”. It will be read by Nikita Bestuzhev, a film artist, graphic artist, illustrator, member of the Moscow Union of Artists, teacher and curator of the Moscow Film School. Participants will learn how films are created, see storyboards of famous Russian and foreign films, learn about what was not included in the final versions, and discuss interesting and unknown to the general public stories of the creation of films. During the lecture, guests will be asked to draw a storyboard.

    Listen to music and learn to dance

    The Alfred Mirek Museum of Russian Accordion invites you to a concert by Elena Filippova and Pavel Korbankov at 15:00. They are participants in folklore festivals, concerts and creative evenings, laureates of the XXI Moscow International Festival “Accordion – the Soul of Russia”, the Interregional Folklore and Ethnographic Festival “Russian Sound”, the Moscow annual festival in honor of the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. The musicians play ancient traditional instruments – Yelets piano and Tula seven-valve accordions, balalaikas and gusli, as well as on objects of peasant life, sometimes the most unusual and unexpected.

    Concert “Masterpieces of Russian Vocal Music” will be held at the Yesenin Center of the Moscow State S.A. Yesenin Museum. It will begin at 17:00. The performance will feature works by composers from different eras, including Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Alexander Varlamov, Boris Fomin, Sergei Banevich, Isaak Dunaevsky, Valery Gavrilin, as well as Russian folk songs.

    At the Museum of the Estates of Russia, at 13:00 and 16:00 you can take part in an interactive program “Salon of noble leisure”. It is dedicated to the leisure time of nobles in pre-revolutionary Russia of different eras. The host will show household items, such as a gramophone with pre-revolutionary records and an old camera, and will tell about ballroom etiquette and the language of the fan. Artists in historical costumes will perform several classical dances. Under the guidance of the host, participants will be able to learn the basics of salon dancing. And all this – to the accompaniment of a piano.

    A folk music concert will begin at 12:00 at the Kuskovo estate “Cultural Bridges: Music of the Times”. It will take place in the Big Stone Greenhouse. Guests will see a performance by students and teachers of the Russian State Social University. Romances, spiritual poems, spring chants, songs of residents of various regions of Russia, as well as original musical works, arrangements and instrumental tunes will be performed.

    Learn about the fates of writers and their work

    A lecture will be held at the scientific and educational center of the Mikhail Bulgakov Museum on Arbat at 15:00 “…Where will you live? Mikhail Bulgakov’s Moscow addresses”. The writer found himself in Moscow in the autumn of 1921. Over the course of more than 18 years in the city, he changed his address several times. Elena Mikhailova, head of the scientific and educational center, will tell us about the writer’s life in Moscow and whether he found the apartment of his dreams.

    The Mikhail Bulgakov Museum has also prepared a walking tour “Once upon a time at Patriarch’s”. It will be conducted by accredited tour guide Elena Primorskaya. Participants will go on a journey in the footsteps of the heroes of the novel “The Master and Margarita”, starting from the garden where an attempt was made on the life of the administrator of the Variety Theatre Varenukha. Gathering at 14:00, 16:00 and 17:45 at the entrance to the Aquarium Garden (near the Mossovet Theatre).

    A literary and musical evening in memory of Yuri Kuznetsov will be held at 16:00 in the concert hall of the Alexander Solzhenitsyn House of Russian Abroad “I will set my soul free…”. Guests will hear the poet’s poems and songs written to his works, performed by his students, contemporary Russian poets and artists. Among the participants of the evening are music critic Denis Stupnikov, poet and musician Dmitry Cherny (Echelon group), poetess Vasilisa Spogreyeva, poetess and singer-songwriter Irma Molochnaya, singer Ekaterina Kadik and musician Artemy Kadik, literary scholar Evgeny Bogachkov.

    Yuri Kuznetsov’s father died at the front, so the war became one of the main themes of his work. The poet graduated from the A.M. Gorky Literary Institute, was its professor, worked in publishing houses, magazines, taught, and led a poetry seminar. In addition, he translated the works of outstanding poets, including Friedrich Schiller, John Keats, and Arthur Rimbaud. Due to the emotionality and vivid imagery of his work, Yuri Kuznetsov is called the “twilight angel of Russian poetry.”

    Excursion-conversation “Heart, Imagination and Reason, or Where Does Culture Originate?” prepared at the K. G. Paustovsky Museum. It will take place at 11:00 and 12:00. Participants will learn about the history of the museum building, which is a cultural heritage site of federal significance, a monument of Moscow architecture of the late 18th century. In addition, they will be shown the main exhibition, which tells about the most important creative mission of the writer Konstantin Paustovsky.

    The tour will be held in an interactive format of dialogue with visitors. The main topic of the conversation is the understanding of the famous statement by Konstantin Paustovsky: “Heart, imagination and mind – this is the environment where what we call culture is born.” During the tour, guests will learn about the most important pages of the writer’s biography, his creative method, social activities and main books.

    Try your hand at painting

    Master class “Microcopies of works by Russian artists” will begin at 13:20 in the Peresvetov Pereulok gallery of the Moscow Exhibition Halls association. Participants will feel like master miniaturists, creating their own copies of famous works by Russian artists: landscapes by Isaac Levitan, portraits by Ilya Repin, marine paintings by Ivan Aivazovsky.

    At 16:30 in the Izmailovo Gallery of the Moscow Exhibition Halls Association architectural plein air, dedicated to the beauty of the houses of the district of the same name. In Izmailovo there are buildings designed by brilliant architects, including Georgy Chaltykyan, Johann Gokhar-Harmandaryan, Mikhail Moshinsky. In the open air, guests will be offered to be inspired by their creations and paint their own picture. All necessary materials will be provided by the gallery.

    Dive into the past and touch nature

    At the Timiryazev State Biological Museum, a special program dedicated to the Days of Historical and Cultural Heritage will be held at three sites at once. At 12:00 and 14:00 in the museum building on Malaya Gruzinskaya Street (building 15), you can join an excursion “The Estate in Gruziny: History and Architecture”. Guests will learn about the history of the former estate of the collector and philanthropist Pyotr Shchukin, the creator of the Museum of Russian Antiquities. Its building is an architectural monument of the 19th century.

    At 13:00 and 15:00, a tour will begin in pavilion No. 31 “Geology” at VDNKh “Geology in “Geology””. Participants will be able to touch the fossil remains of extinct creatures and learn what sciences geology unites and how paleontology relates to it. The guide will tell what the building has in common with geological sciences, what the structure looked like in the second half of the 20th century. Using the museum collection as an example, you can get to know a number of rocks and minerals better and learn about their use.

    At 13:00 and 15:00 in pavilion No. 28 “Beekeeping” at VDNKh there will be a tour “About bees and not only”. The exhibition is dedicated to the honey bee, one of two domesticated species of insects. Visitors will learn the differences between worker bees, drones, and queens. They will be told about the role of drones in a bee colony, who likes to eat bees and who likes to eat bee products, how people collect honey, and what a bee dance is. A research assistant will introduce visitors to bee breeds and the main honey plants.

    In addition, the guides of the Museum of Moscow will conduct excursions to the Petrovsky Travel Palace, the building of the Moscow City Duma, as well as the house of the Governor-General, which now houses the Moscow City Hall.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152615073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire: 15 April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Appointment of Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire: 15 April 2025

    The King has been pleased to appoint Professor Elizabeth Barnes, CBE, DL, as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Staffordshire.

    The King has been pleased to appoint Professor Elizabeth Barnes, CBE, DL, as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Staffordshire on the retirement of Sir Ian Dudson, KCVO, CBE, on 15th July, 2025.

    Liz Barnes (64) served as Vice-Chancellor of Staffordshire University for six years, overseeing a leap in its learning and teaching standards and championing social mobility. 

    Born and bred in the county, she is a Trustee of the Peter Coates Foundation, which aims to regenerate Stoke-on-Trent, and of the Aspire Trust, which provides social housing across Staffordshire. 

    Previously a teacher in Stoke-on-Trent, she has also co-chaired the Stoke-on-Trent Opportunity Area; been a Director of the Donna Louise Trust, providing end-of-life care across the county; and served on the board of the Local Enterprise Partnership and on the Stoke-on-Trent Children’s Services Improvement Board.

    Professor Barnes lives in Abbots Bromley, near Rugeley, with her husband, Chris.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reappointments and extension of members of Cafcass

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Reappointments and extension of members of Cafcass

    The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State has approved the extension of the tenure of Rohan Sivanandan as a member of the Board of Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass).

    The Secretary of State has approved the extension of tenure of Rohan Sivanandan as a member of the Board of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) from 1 July to 31 December 2025.

    Rohan Sivanandan

    Rohan Sivanandan worked as an economist and senior executive in the private sector before moving into the education field. He has held a number of board, non-executive and trustee positions. Currently, he is: a non-executive director for Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust where he chairs the Workforce and Education committee; a lay member of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel which provides advice to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care; an independent member of the Greater London Authority on Mayoral appointments; an investigation panel member for the Nursing and Midwifery Council and; a panel chair of NHS Mental Health Act hearings.

    Rohan did not declare any political activity.

    Cafcass is the statutory body that safeguards and promotes the welfare of children in Family Court proceedings.

    Appointments to the Cafcass Board are made by the Secretary of State for Justice. Appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU Launches Innovative AI Service for Dental Health Diagnostics

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Startup Studio of Novosibirsk State University with the support of the Coion syndicate, presented an innovative development – an analyzer of dental and oral health. It is implemented in several formats – a mobile application, a Telegram bot, a VKontakte application, and generates a set of recommendations for dental care for the user based on a photo. The service is based on the original methodology of Elena Leontyeva, Associate Professor of the Department of Dentistry and Advanced Training at the Rostov Medical University, Candidate of Medical Sciences, supplemented by machine vision technologies.

    — This method was developed several years ago, and the goal was to motivate patients to maintain oral hygiene. It was initially created for general use: a doctor can use it for screening, and patients or sales consultants in specialized stores can use it to select the most suitable toothpastes and hygiene products in each specific case, — said Elena Leontyeva.

    To use the algorithms developed by the Rostov scientist, no special medical education is required. When Elena learned about the NSU startup “Smart Mirror”, she approached its developers with a proposal to create a similar service, but aimed at oral hygiene – detection of signs of inflammatory formations, early stages of caries, etc. At the same time, the service does not replace a doctor, but helps to notice problems at an early stage, making primary diagnostics as accessible as possible.

    We remind you that it was developed by the NSU Startup Studio as part of the development of technological entrepreneurship telegram bot “Smart Mirror” was introduced earlier this year. It can detect several skin conditions, rate your skin health as a percentage, and recognize signs of several common problems. If it detects your skin as healthy, it will advise you to continue your current skin care routine and use sunscreen. If the Smart Mirror suspects any skin abnormalities, it will advise you to see a specialist for a more detailed diagnosis or problem determination, and then for treatment.

    Similar principles are used in the operation of the new product, called SmileScan.

    — This application is a product of three-way cooperation. On the one hand, a medical scientist from Rostov, the creator of the very method of analyzing the condition of teeth, when a single recommendation mechanism is formed from disparate data. On the other hand, the NSU Startup Studio, which contributed its experience in working with machine vision and other modern information technologies. And the third party is the Coion syndicate, which took on the closure of expenses during the project. As a result, we received an interesting technological solution and a successful example of translating the results of intellectual activity into a marketable software product financed by a private company, — noted the director of the NSU Startup Studio Maria Galyamova.

    Today, the service is already working in Telegram — @dentalcheckupai_bot, and it is free for the user, and the investor company expects to benefit through indirect commercialization (offering the user products of certain brands, affiliate links, etc.).

    — And the most important thing for Coion as a business structure is that many startups develop due to hypergrowth. We form a pool of users around the application, the base of which is capital in itself, since they are interesting for other companies, — explained the managing partner of the Coion syndicate Evgeny Ivanov.

    Such projects with indirect commercialization are one of the key areas of work of the startup studio, because many potential partners are focused on the so-called deep-tech. And it is in this area that the level of primary sales is not so important as the potential of the technology underlying the startup as a driver of further growth, emphasized Maria Galyamova.

    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 –