Category: Universities

MIL-OSI: Jitterbit’s Next AI Infusion: Build, Manage, Modify Business Applications with Natural Language Processing
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ALAMEDA, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jitterbit, a global leader in accelerating business transformation for enterprise systems, today announced its latest AI-infused capabilities within the Harmony platform, advancing AI from low-code development to natural language processing (NLP). With NLP, technical barriers are removed and users can create, modify, and expose APIs, as well as build, monitor, and manage complex applications — all through natural language commands.

“AI acts as a bridge between IT and line-of-business users, fostering true collaboration across the enterprise,” said Jitterbit President and CEO Bill Conner. “By infusing AI natural language processing into the Harmony platform, we’re simplifying the building, integrating, connecting, and exposing of applications. What were once isolated applications now become interconnected enterprise systems, enabling seamless connections and integrations to enterprise-wide processes.”

“AI is no longer just a tool — it’s the catalyst for seamless, end-to-end automation that drives innovation at every level of business,” said Antonio Cisternino, CIO and Professor of Computer Science at the University of Pisa. “With Jitterbit’s new AI capabilities, organizations can now gain a holistic view of their data, powered by enterprise systems that are fully automated from end to end, driving smarter decisions and accelerating business outcomes in a controlled way.”

Building on its vision for advancing AI, Jitterbit’s integration of NLP technology into its unified, AI-infused low-code Harmony platform makes it even easier for users to automate applications and workflows by significantly reducing the development time and effort required to develop applications, manage APIs and integrate complex enterprise systems.

“By eliminating the need for traditional coding, NLP makes developing applications, building and managing APIs, and integrating complex workflows accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise,” said Jitterbit CTO Manoj Chaudhary. “This advancement is a critical milestone on the path toward agentic AI, where systems can intelligently adapt, learn, and execute autonomously.”

New Jitterbit AI Assistants Accelerate Application, API Management

Jitterbit’s new AI-infused capabilities redefine how users leverage the Harmony platform to generate code faster and accelerate innovation.

“Users can use simple natural language to create actionable code, enabling them to develop, manage, and integrate applications and systems seamlessly across the business — saving hundreds of hours in the process,” said Chaudhary.
- AI-Infused App Builder Assistant: An AI assistant designed to effortlessly create new applications and manage and modify existing ones using natural language. This feature is now in beta and available to Jitterbit customers. General availability is planned for Q2 2025.
- AI-Infused API Manager: Jitterbit API Manager empowers users to create APIs using an AI assistant to simplify API development and accelerate time to value. A beta program for this feature is now available with general availability planned for Jitterbit customers in Q2 2025.
- AskJB AI: An intelligent assistant providing real-time answers, guidance, and information is generally available within the Harmony platform and Jitterbit Documentation.
Jitterbit Introduces New Observability Tools, Cloud Datastore and Security Standards

Building on its AI-infused capabilities, Jitterbit introduced new observability and cloud storage features as well as new security certifications in the Harmony platform — designed to give organizations unmatched visibility, streamlined data management, and enhanced protection for their critical business processes.
- Agent Observability for Integration Performance Optimization: offers real-time visibility into the performance and behavior of private agents deployed on customer-managed servers, within firewalls, or in virtual private clouds. With pre-built dashboards for Datadog and Elasticsearch, customers can access over 50 key metrics to gain deeper operational insights addressing anomalies before they disrupt operations. A beta is now open to Jitterbit customers.
- Cloud Datastore for Streamlined Integration Data Management: Cloud Datastore is a cloud-based storage solution that allows users to store, manage, and retrieve data within their integration workflows. It acts as a central repository for data that various Jitterbit applications, APIs and integrations built on the Harmony platform can access. The Cloud Datastore is typically used to persist data for applications that require seamless data exchange or for integrations that need temporary or long-term storage of structured or unstructured data. Cloud Datastore also is GDPR-compliant for the European Union (EU). A beta is coming to Jitterbit customers in Q1 2025.
- Elevated Security Standards: Building on its layered security foundation, Jitterbit has attained new security certifications, including ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 compliance, along with NZISM certification for New Zealand and Australia. These certifications ensure that Jitterbit meets the highest global security standards.
Beta Access for Jitterbit Customers

Jitterbit customers who are interested in participating in the beta programs may contact product@jitterbit.com.

Jitterbit Harmony
Jitterbit Harmony is a unified AI-infused low-code platform for integration, orchestration, automation, and app development that accelerates business transformation. Consisting of iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service), API Management, App Builder (low-code application development), EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), Harmony empowers IT teams and line-of-business groups to quickly become more productive, efficient, and responsive, leading to reduced organizational friction, improved efficiency, and better business outcomes.

About Jitterbit Inc.
For organizations ready to modernize and innovate, Jitterbit provides a unified AI-infused low-code platform for integration, orchestration, automation, and app development that accelerates business transformation, boosts productivity, and unlocks value. The Jitterbit Harmony platform, including iPaaS, API Manager, App Builder and EDI, future-proofs operations, simplifies complexity and drives innovation for organizations globally. Learn more at www.jitterbit.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Laura Hunter
Senior Director of Communications
Jitterbit
Laura.Hunter@jitterbit.com
310-344-6426

The MIL Network –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Aberdeen awarded major award from Arts and Humanities Research Council The University of Aberdeen has secured a major award from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to support PhD research across the arts and humanities disciplines.

Source: University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen has secured a major award from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to support PhD research across the arts and humanities disciplines.

This award underscores the University’s international reputation for research excellence in the arts and humanities, and also our commitment to supporting and preparing the next generation of scholars to ensure the vitality of arts and humanities disciplines.” Professor Nicholas Forsyth

The five-year £500K award will provide 15 scholarships to outstanding PhD candidates, with a further £1M provided to foster collaboration with other Scottish Universities through a regional training hub. The PhD candidates will come from a range of disciplines at the University including the School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History, the School of Law, the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture, and the Archaeology department within the School of Geosciences.

Professor Nicholas Forsyth, the University of Aberdeen’s Vice-Principal for Research said: “This award underscores the University’s international reputation for research excellence in the arts and humanities, and also our commitment to supporting and preparing the next generation of scholars to ensure the vitality of arts and humanities disciplines.”

The AHRC Executive Chair, Professor Christopher Smith said: “The AHRC doctoral landscape awards provide flexible funding to allow universities to build on existing excellence in research and opportunities for innovation across the arts and humanities.”

This AHRC award follows other recent successes in securing support for PhD research and training. The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) have confirmed a combined £9M investment in a PhD research and training programme led by the University of Aberdeen to prepare the next generation of environmental scientists who can tackle global environmental grand challenges such as the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.

This combined success has been welcomed in a motion raised in the Scottish Parliament by Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, highlighting that “Investment recognises the excellence of the University of Aberdeen’s research and its commitment to training PhD students as innovative research leaders.”

Professor Stuart Piertney, the University’s Dean for Postgraduate Research said: “Securing funding for PhD research and training that spans science to arts subjects allows the University to deliver on its commitments to grow a vibrant and diverse postgraduate community that is empowered to make high-impact contributions to both academia and society.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scientific approaches to reduce methane emissions from farm animals

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

February 10, 2025

In November 2024, a social media storm saw people posting videos of themselves pouring milk down their sinks citing food safety fears. The health scare went viral after an announcement by Arla that they were trialling a new animal feed additive called Bovaer, which is scientifically proven to reduce methane in farm animals. What should have been a good news story about how science and innovation can help agriculture to get to net zero very quickly turned into a health scare complete with conspiracy theories about Bill Gates trying to poison us.

In fact adding additives to animal feed is just one of a myriad of exciting new science and innovation ideas in the works exploring different approaches to reducing methane emissions from farm animals. This Background Briefing will bring in experts across the agricultural field to explain the science behind some of these techniques, which include genetic breeding approaches, vaccine candidates and ways to alter the ruminant microbiome as well as the feed additives. The FSA’s Chief Scientist will also be with us to answer any remaining questions around Bovaer and the systems in place to test for the safety of dairy products.

Irish and UK based journalists came to this SMC briefing to hear the science behind some of these approaches.

Speakers included:

Prof Robin May, Chief Scientific Advisor, Food Standards Agency (FSA)

Prof Chris Reynolds, Professor of Animal & Dairy Science, University of Reading

Prof Richard Dewhurst, Professor of Ruminant Nutrition & Production Systems and Head of the Dairy Research Centre, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)

Prof John Hammond, Director of Research, The Pirbright Institute

Dr Sinead Waters, Senior Researcher in Host Microbiome Interactions, University of Galway

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How to make a change in your life – and stick to it

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Abigail Parrish, Lecturer in Languages Education, University of Sheffield

PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

Is there a change you’d like to make in your life? Perhaps you’d finally like to write the novel you’ve been thinking about for years. Perhaps you think you should start saving for a holiday or a deposit on a house or flat. Maybe you would like to improve your fitness.

That’s great. But we all know it can be hard to stick to these kinds of changes. Gym membership figures suggest half of new members quit within six months, and many of us have the evidence of once-loved hobbies scattered around our homes.

To write that book, for instance, you’re going to have to find time to do it, and stick with it when the going gets tough and initial enthusiasm has worn off.

Ready to make a change? The Quarter Life Glow-up is a new, six-week newsletter course from The Conversation’s UK and Canada editions.

Every week, we’ll bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required. Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time.

First, you should ask yourself why you’re doing it.

My research looks at the psychology of making changes through the lens of what is known as self-determination theory, which proposes that there are different forms of motivation. These range from, for instance, being motivated to do something because someone is making you do it, to being motivated because you think it’s fun.

Looked at like this, big changes, such as training for a new career, and smaller ones, like joining a weekly fitness class, are all the same. What matters is the reason you have for doing it.

Find the right reason

You might have more than one reason for making a change. Perhaps you want to start something because it’s a TikTok trend and everyone else seems to be doing it, or maybe the suggestion is coming from someone in your life. These are external reasons to do something, and this type of motivation is less likely to lead to success.

Focus on the ones that are “internalised” – that come from within yourself. If you can find a reason why the change is important to you and you have your own motivation to make it, you’re much more likely to stick with it. It needs to be something that is aligned with your values – something you believe in.

So what you’re doing doesn’t even have to be something you enjoy, as long as it’s something you feel is important to you.

Think of deciding to save money, for example. This isn’t an activity that is inherently fun for most people, but the act of saving might be important because of what it represents or leads to – the holiday at the end of it, or the house you could buy with the money you put away. When you start to waver in your goal, thinking of that personal reason will help you keep going.

You don’t necessarily have to enjoy something to be motivated to keep doing it.
New Africa/Shutterstock

There are two other important concepts from self-determination theory mixed up in the idea of an action being aligned with personal values. When you do something that comes from your values, you should be acting with autonomy – doing something you want to do, not something other people have made you do.

That’s a key construct in the theory, but it can be hard to align with things like work or study. Perhaps your goal is to apply yourself at work or to get a good grade in your studies. But most people have a boss, or a supervisor, and their role is to instruct you on what to do.

If you’re a teacher, you have to work to the school’s timetable, whether you like it or not. But in the jobs where you are most motivated, you will be able to make some choices for yourself. Teaching is an interesting example of when this doesn’t work, because in England this very structured job has become even more so in recent years, coinciding with a recruitment and retention problem in the profession.

Teacher autonomy is widely studied and considered important even outside of self-determination theory, and a perceived lack of autonomy is likely to be one of the reasons people might want to quit their job.

Eyes on the goal

The other really important thing is your goal in making the change. The best kind of goal is an autonomous one, relating to something that is intrinsically important to you. This might be competing at a high level in your sport, because it will give you joy and satisfaction to be the best you can be. This means you will put up with hardships and challenges, and you will keep going even after a bad day.

By contrast, if your goal is an external one, you might find things more difficult. This includes if you’re doing something for a reward, rather than because something is personally important to you. So if you want to write a bestselling novel to become famous or rich, you may find that as the going gets tough, your motivation slips and work grinds to a halt.

If you are doing something because other people want you to, even other people who care about you, you will struggle. This may mean that some changes are just not meant to be – or it might mean changing your mindset and how you look at the goals you are aiming for.

Try to get the support of people who care about you and who you care about, whether this be family and friends, or a new community at your sports club, for example. And finally, keep an eye on your goals. Any change which you are engaging in for yourself because you value it and can see the benefits, is likely to be a lasting one.

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

– ref. How to make a change in your life – and stick to it – https://theconversation.com/how-to-make-a-change-in-your-life-and-stick-to-it-237248

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Preserves Rare Languages of Indigenous Peoples of the North

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

RN-Purneftegaz (part of the Rosneft oil and gas production complex) summed up the results of a grant competition for scientific, educational and research projects aimed at solving social issues of the indigenous peoples of the North living in the Purovsky District of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. The winner of the competition was a project to develop teaching aids for children in the language of the Forest Nenets, presented by the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

The project includes the development of a teaching aid and a simulator for online learning, as well as the publication of a book for reading and a workbook for completing practical assignments for elementary grades.

The language of the Forest Nenets is characterized by a complex system of rules for constructing and changing words. With the participation of linguists, it is planned to develop a methodological base, test questions and answers, on the basis of which teachers will be able to form tasks of varying degrees of complexity. An online trainer will help children complete homework, as well as practice declension and conjugation forms for correct word formation.

Currently, the language of the Forest Nenets is endangered and is spoken by about a thousand people. The language of the Forest Nenets differs significantly from the language of the Tundra Nenets, which is spoken by most of the indigenous people of Yamal. The grant project of RN-Purneftegaz is aimed at preserving the unique language and national identity of the Forest Nenets.

With the support of RN-Purneftegaz, a project to develop the practice of preparing children for school directly in the places where families live – in nomadic kindergartens – has already been successfully implemented. Based on the results of a scientific study conducted by the Yakut branch of the Federal Institute of Native Languages, a collection of methodological materials “Trends in nomadic education” was compiled. It included development programs in the Nenets language, unique practices and lesson plans for pre-school preparation of pupils of nomadic groups of northern peoples. Training was also conducted for educators working in nomadic kindergartens of the district. The project made it possible to select new methods and forms of organizing pre-school education for children from nomadic families.

Preservation of the national culture of the indigenous peoples of the North and their traditional way of life is one of the significant areas of Rosneft’s social policy. The Company’s enterprises implement many social projects in the regions of their operations, develop the infrastructure of northern villages, help reindeer herder families, improve the material and technical base of educational institutions, social and medical facilities in the areas of original residence of indigenous peoples.

Reference:

RN-Purneftegaz is one of the main oil and gas production centers of Rosneft in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, carrying out production activities in 16 license areas. The company’s cumulative production exceeds 280 million tons of oil.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft February 11, 2025

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

We recently celebrated Russian Science Day and three days later we are returning to this topic again, but with a different holiday – International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

The United Nations is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the day this year and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration affirming the full realization of the human rights of women and girls as an integral, indivisible part of universal human rights and fundamental freedoms. The theme for this year’s day is “Opening Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM): Her Voice in Science.”

Women scientists have been known for quite a long time: the ancient Egyptian physician Peseshet, the ancient Greek female astronomer Aglaonica, Hypatia of Alexandria – a philosopher, mathematician and mechanic. During the Age of Enlightenment, the role of the fair half of humanity in science expanded significantly, but this was not considered the norm at all. In the 19th century, most of the most prominent female scientists were Russian women. The most famous of them was Sofia Kovalevskaya – the world’s first female doctor of mathematical sciences and university professor. But let’s also remember Nadezhda Suslova – the first in the world to receive a doctorate in medicine, Yulia Lermontova – the first doctor of chemistry, Maria Sechenova with two doctorates, in medicine and physiology. Of course, everyone knows the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize – Maria Sklodowska-Curie. Moreover, she also became the first person in the world to receive two Nobel Prizes. After her, only four scientists managed to do the same. Incidentally, Marie’s daughter, Irene Joliot-Curie, became the first Nobel Prize laureate, being the child of previous laureates.

The last century has finally equalized the rights of men and women. Nevertheless, according to the UN, only 30% of scientists worldwide are women. Girls still make up only 28% of engineering graduates. But in the field of computer science and information technology, their number is already 40%. Therefore, it is quite possible that the day is not far off when absolute gender balance will be achieved in science.

The State University of Management congratulates its wonderful women and girls-scientists on the holiday. We wish you rapid advancement in the research areas you have chosen, victories in scientific competitions, capitalization of your intellect, as well as professional and personal happiness. Let each of you always remember that for someone you are a real sun – a vital necessity, and all together you are a whole constellation for the State University of Management – bright, attractive and mysterious.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 02/11/2025

отметили День российской науки и спустя три дня вновь возвращаемся к этой теме, но уже с другим праздником – Международным днём женщин и девочек в науке….” data-yashareImage=”https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/День-женщин-в-науке.jpg” data-yashareLink=”https://guu.ru/%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%b7%d0%b4%d1%80%d0%b0%d0%b2%d0%bb%d1%8f%d0%b5%d0%bc-%d1%81-%d0%bc%d0%b5%d0%b6%d0%b4%d1%83%d0%bd%d0%b0%d1%80%d0%be%d0%b4%d0%bd%d1%8b%d0%bc-%d0%b4%d0%bd%d1%91%d0%bc-%d0%b6%d0%b5%d0%bd/”>

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 –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dialogue between science and government

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

A working meeting of representatives of regional executive authorities with a delegation of the Association of Innovative Regions of Russia (AIRR) was held in the Government of St. Petersburg. The event was dedicated to discussing issues of developing intellectual property, innovation and support for high-tech projects in the regions.

Key government and business representatives addressed the participants with welcoming remarks. Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Industrial Policy, Innovation and Trade of St. Petersburg Dmitry Prozherin emphasized the importance of developing innovative infrastructure and protecting intellectual property for the region’s economic growth. Deputy of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg, Chairman of the specialized commission on investments and the city branch of “Business Russia” Dmitry Panov noted the need to create favorable conditions for investment and the introduction of new technologies.

Head of the Center for Strategic Communications of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Federal Institute of Industrial Property” Daria Shipitsyna spoke about measures of state support in the field of intellectual property.

Head of the regional direction of AIRR Dmitry Mitroshin gave a report on the development of the intellectual property system at the regional and federal levels. He emphasized the importance of integrating efforts to create a unified strategy in this area. Representatives of various regions of Russia shared their experience in intellectual property management, as well as successful cases of implementing innovative solutions.

Of particular interest was the speech by the director of the SPbPU Center for Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Ismail Kadiev. He proposed creating a regional center for intellectual property and technology transfer, which would become a platform for interaction between science, business and government. The initiative was supported and enshrined in the final document of the meeting.

Natalia Petrova, Chairperson of the Board of the Intellectual Property Development Fund and CEO of the Patent and Legal Firm NEVA-PATENT LLC, spoke about the implementation of effective mechanisms for regulating intellectual property in the country’s regions. She noted that competent management of intellectual assets helps to increase the competitiveness of regions and attract investment.

The delegation visited the innovation infrastructure facilities of St. Petersburg, including JSC Technopark of St. Petersburg. The participants familiarized themselves with the work of the Prototyping Center, the regional engineering center for electronic instrumentation, the laboratory of the regional engineering center for active pharmaceutical substances (RIC APS), and the demonstration site of Russian vendors.

The event was an important step in strengthening cooperation between regions and federal structures in the field of intellectual property and innovation. Participants expressed confidence that such initiatives will contribute to the development of high-tech industries and increase the competitiveness of the Russian economy.

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 –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: NSU hosted the first YADRO Winter School “Programming for RISC-V”

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

The winter school began long before the in-person stage — with a course of lectures on RISC-V architecture. Throughout January, students who passed the selection listened to lectures from professionals in an online format. After the lecture stage, testing was conducted, in which more than 300 people from all over the country took part. Based on its results, participants were selected for the project stage, which took place in person from February 3 to 8. All of them showed a very high level of preparation.

— We are formulating the following goals for the Winter School: on the one hand, we certainly wanted the students to have more knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of RISC-V as a promising technology and as a technology that is interesting to YADRO as a company. On the other hand, we believe that within the framework of the Winter School, students have the opportunity to acquire skills in a fairly short period of time that will be useful to them when they are selected for the summer internship “Impulse”, which will take place this year. In a broad sense, the goal is to provide technologies and prepare for selection for an internship in the company, — noted Mikhail Salamatov, Head of the Department for Development of Educational Programs at YADRO.

At the in-person stage, NSU gathered not only students from our university, but also guests from the Siberian State University of Telecommunications and Informatics and universities of St. Petersburg. There were 15 participants in total. NSU was represented by guys from Faculty of Information Technology And Faculty of Mechanics and MathematicsNext year, there are plans to attract students from other specialized faculties of NSU.

— Throughout the preparation stage and during the Winter School, many technical problems related to the distributed format of the Winter School were solved: the school was held simultaneously in several clusters across the country. The participants were able to offer original solutions to complex project tasks, got acquainted with the new, previously unfamiliar RISC-V architecture and gained tremendous experience in working in a team. I believe that we, as organizers, also gained a lot of experience in holding such events. I really hope that next year we will hold the Winter School at NSU with even more active participation of students from other regions, — said Alexander Vlasov, PhD in Engineering, Associate Professor, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology for Master’s Degree, Head of the YADRO Laboratory at NSU, Director of the RISC-V Winter School.

Over the course of 6 days, teams worked on a research project under the guidance of their mentors and then presented the results of their work. The project topics were known in advance. Participants had to choose one of the topics when registering for the Winter School. Selection for project work consisted of passing an online test, where the participant had to demonstrate that they had the knowledge necessary to complete the project they had chosen.

NSU projects that the participants worked on:

-Watermark Risk-B;

-Butstrap risk-B;

– Benchmark for a processor based on the RISC-V architecture.

— Our team implemented the project “Watermark RISC-V” — creation of a steganography method for detecting sources of leakage of private software written in RISC-V.

Participation in the Winter School broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of the principles of hardware operation. I gained experience working with microcomputers based on a processor with a young and promising RISC-V architecture, which I had not encountered before.

It is nice that the university holds events on such interesting topics. This will help students decide what they are interested in, as well as start taking the first steps in their career. The project part of the Winter School was held in a friendly, pleasant atmosphere, working on the tasks was quite exciting. I think each student gained valuable experience that will be useful in the future, – shared his impressions Zhora Babayan, a participant of the Winter School, a 4th-year student of the Faculty of Information Technology of NSU.

— Our team’s goal was to study a miniature operating system written for x86 processors and port it to the open RISC-V architecture. There were many difficulties during the project. Among other things, we had to learn how to run at least some code on RISC-V, which took us a lot of time, and also read a couple dozen lines of code written in assembler and figure them out. There were many tasks, but little time. We managed to do some things, and had to abandon others. But I’m happy with the results!

Apart from me, everyone on the team was from NSU. All the guys were very strong, so we easily split into groups and worked in parallel. We were also very lucky with the project curator – NSU lecturer Dmitry Valentinovich Irtegov – a man with a huge store of knowledge, who could answer any question posed.

Participation in the Winter School was a very interesting experience for me, including because of the new location for me. Compared to St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk (or rather, Akademgorodok) has much more snow, and it is much cleaner, which was a pleasant surprise for me. There are also many more trees and much less noise and city bustle, – Alexander Sergeev, a 3rd-year student of the ITMO Faculty of Information Technology and Programming, a member of the Bootstrap RISC-V team, said about his experience of participating in the YADRO Winter School.

All students who defended their projects were given the opportunity to continue working on them within the YADRO laboratory at NSU.

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 –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Traditional folk dance as cultural link

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Drawn by the rhythmic beats of drums and spirited shouts, Thanita Raemee, a 20-year-old Thai exchange student, navigated through winding streets and bustling alleys until she arrived at the dynamic training grounds of the Ximen Women’s Yingge Dance Team.

Founded in 1952, this pioneering all-female team is the first of its kind in the Chaoshan region of south China’s Guangdong Province, with members ranging from teenagers to nearly 80-year-olds. Performers come from all walks of life — spirited young girls, agile middle-aged men, and even food delivery workers dancing between shifts.

The Yingge dance, or “dance to the hero’s song,” is a form of folk dance popular in south China’s Guangdong Province. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this traditional dance is often performed during traditional Chinese festivals. As a dynamic blend of theater, dance, and martial arts, it was listed among the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.

Once a traditional folk performance, Yingge dance saw a recent surge in popularity. Videos of its energetic routines have flooded social media, earning it the title of the “ultimate Chinese New Year atmosphere booster.”

While men’s Yingge performances are inspired by the legendary “Water Margin,” one of the four great classical novels in Chinese literature, the women’s routines often draw from the tales of legendary Chinese heroines like Mu Guiying and Hua Mulan.

Thanita watched in awe as the dancers moved in perfect unison, their forms embodying both strength and grace.

“Incredible! How do they stay so synchronized? Compared to traditional Thai dance, this feels much more powerful and rhythmic — it’s exhilarating!” she exclaimed.

“Most of our members are under 20, balancing their studies and work. They train purely out of passion,” said the team’s coach Wu Yanhua, who left her job as a kindergarten teacher to focus on the team’s revival in 2011.

That passion was evident in every interaction. “My teammates take turns helping me with childcare. Yingge dance is part of my life — I even dream about it,” said a team member Zhou Yixiang while gently rocking her five-month-old baby in a stroller.

Six-year-old Huang Kexin eagerly demonstrated snake-dance moves she had just learned, hopping and twirling with a delightful burst of playful energy. Meanwhile, 11-year-old Lin Yahan patiently taught Thanita how to grip the Yingge hammer properly, while her twin sister nodded in encouragement.

During the recently concluded Spring Festival holiday, homestay tourism flourished across China. Shantou, a key city in Chaoshan known for its rich New Year traditions, saw bookings soar 13 times from last year. Lion dance, Yingge dance and other traditional performances have become festival favorites.

Thanita has family roots in Chaoshan — her father is an overseas Chinese descendant. For her, Yingge dance serves as a bridge between Chinese and Thai cultures. In fact, many in Thailand are already familiar with the dance.

In early 2023, a Thai Yingge team’s electrifying performance at a shopping mall in Thailand went viral, and later that year, the Yingge cultural exchange group from Thailand visited Chaoshan to engage with local dancers.

This year, Yingge dance teams from Shantou have also been invited to perform on multiple overseas stages for the Spring Festival celebrations.

Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, the 25-member Yingge team toured Germany and France from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4. They performed in cities like Hanau, Frankfurt, Paris, and Lyon, sharing the vibrant charm of Yingge dance.

Studying international Chinese education at Shantou University, Thanita deeply admires the dedication and enthusiasm of Yingge performers.

“One of my goals in coming to China was to explore the traditions my ancestors once lived by. Yingge has expanded my understanding of Chaoshan and Chinese culture while revealing the cultural ties between China and Thailand,” she said.

MIL OSI China News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Teachers and students of the NSU SUNC assessed the advantages of the new school buildings

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

It was completed last summer construction of first stage facilities, including an educational building and a leisure center Specialized educational and scientific center of NSU, better known to Novosibirsk residents as the Physics and Mathematics School or FMSh.

Even at the construction stage, both the university management and representatives of the Novosibirsk Region government repeatedly emphasized that this was not just about new buildings, but about creating a new type of school using the most advanced technologies, both educational and engineering.

— No school in the country has such equipment for conducting experimental classes, and only a few schools in the world can boast of this. This allows us to conduct training at the most advanced level, which, in turn, brings victories to the students of the physics and mathematics school at world Olympiads in various subjects. This focus on the best, which is the basis of the campus project, allows us to evaluate it as a world-class facility, — emphasized Vice-Governor of the Novosibirsk Region Irina Manuilova during her latest visit to the construction site.

Six months have passed, and teachers and students have been able to verify from their own experience how the school passage itself has changed after the move and whether the generous predictions about the new type of school have come true.

— Work in the old and new buildings are as different as heaven and earth. In the old building, we organized training based on the principle of “it doesn’t matter where we gather, the main thing is that we are together and united by a common goal.” Now, we have at our disposal a multitude of tools, opportunities, and enough space to achieve maximum results in our work, — noted Roman Bredikhin, Associate Professor of the Chemistry Department of the NSU SUNC.

Large spaces become the foundation for students’ creativity. They allow changing the configuration of study places in the classroom to suit the tasks of a specific lesson: separate tables for tests or exams, team tables for group work, and so on.

Another advantage was the engineering infrastructure of the academic building.

— For example, in chemical laboratories, individual equipment of workplaces is provided, right down to personal exhaust hoods and gas distribution to workplaces. This allows us to conduct experiments in an inert environment with protection from oxygen and moisture contained in the air, to carry out those syntheses and implement such projects that were unthinkable in the old building, — said Roman Bredikhin.

As a result, the school staff faced a certain challenge: the new buildings make it possible to significantly expand the scope of projects carried out by schoolchildren.

— In fact, we often suggest now: guys, let’s bring your idea to life and it will be a demonstration experiment that you will leave as a keepsake at school. And this approach finds a response, — concluded Roman Bredikhin.

The students themselves agreed with his assessment of the changes in school life after the move.

— Of course, the old building had its own atmosphere, which was formed by generations of previous graduates. But I like this building more — there is an emphasis on everything new, new classrooms, recreation areas, areas for a variety of leisure activities, and most importantly — there is enough space here to be able to be creative from the heart, both in terms of studying and in creativity outside of class, — shared his opinion Kirill Volodin, a student of class 11-4.

— The area here is large and the buildings are impressive in their technological advancement. But at the same time, they are planned in such a way that everyone can find a place to immerse themselves in their project or study material, and nothing will disturb you. Of course, I, like many others, have certain pleasant memories associated with the old building, but I do not regret moving at all. I like studying in the new buildings much more, — added Polina Brezhneva, a student in class 11-5.

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 –

February 11, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Social media groups can offer support to new parents. Here’s how to tell if there’s marketing involved
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicole Bridges, Senior Lecturer in Public Relations and Director of Academic Program – Communication, Creative Industries, Screen Media, Western Sydney University

Stock Rocket/Shutterstock

For new parents struggling with challenges such as breastfeeding and sleep deprivation, social media can be a great place to turn for advice. Digital platforms such as Facebook and Reddit host a range of groups that offer peer support and information.

Research shows connecting with other new parents can also foster a sense of community.

But there is growing concern businesses and influencers may also be using groups to push certain products and services.

In recent media reports, new parents have described feeling misled, after discovering the parent support group they thought was founded by a local mum was run by a media company owner and monetised through advertising.

So how can you identify when commercial interests are involved?

Here’s what to look out for to get the best from online parenting groups.

How can social media groups help?

In Australia, closed Facebook groups are a popular choice for parents accessing free peer support and information online. Closed groups are not public – they are run by administrators and moderators who can approve requests from other users for membership.

These groups are often started by not-for-profit organisations or parents themselves and have a number of benefits. Parents can connect with others, share experiences, seek advice and learn about different parenting approaches.

This can be particularly useful for people in remote and regional areas who may find it harder to access in-person support, and was essential during COVID lockdowns.

My research with colleagues has revealed the important role these groups can play.

In several studies we have looked at how parents use closed Facebook groups facilitated by the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Over four weeks, we tracked the frequency and type of posts, the number and nature of the comments, and how parents felt about the support they received in these groups.

We found they provided information and emotional support group members could trust because they were facilitated by trained peer breastfeeding counsellors and other mothers.

This is significant because we know lack of breastfeeding support is often cited by mothers as one of the key reasons for premature weaning.

The group administrators played an important role responding to queries and making sure discussions stuck to the association’s code of ethics.

This code encourages mutual respect, sharing evidence-based information, and co-operation with health professionals. It also discourages the promotion of products and services.

Our research has shown the value of accessing trusted information and sharing experiences in a supportive community, where human connection is centred rather than products.

Online groups can help parents connect to a community.
AnnaStills/Shutterstock

What’s the problem with monetising groups?

When access to parenting support and information is limited or biased, it can have serious consequences for those already facing challenges with parenting.

Let’s imagine an example. A group member is posting about birth trauma. But in responding, other members aren’t allowed to mention local service providers – for example, counselling – because they are not paid sponsors of the group.

This means advice is skewed towards organisations that can afford to pay for sponsorship and be mentioned.

As a result, new parents might not find out about the range of not-for-profit support groups that can help them with important challenges like breastfeeding and postpartum mental health.

This deceptive practice can erode trust within online communities. Users may perceive the platform as prioritising profit over the wellbeing of its members, which can reduce engagement and the overall quality of the group.

It may also leave new parents – who are particularly vulnerable to unethical marketing – open to exploitation.

What can we do?

Protecting parents from commercialised social media groups requires a multifaceted approach.

First, regulation is crucial, such as ensuring that social media groups are transparent about any commercial interests, and commercial entities are marketing their products ethically.

Second, we need public awareness campaigns to educate parents about the potential biases and risks associated with commercialised platforms. This includes fostering media literacy skills to critically evaluate information and identify reliable sources.

Finally, collaboration between policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, and parent advocacy groups is vital to develop effective solutions that address these challenges.

Parents may already be dealing with challenges such as sleep deprivation.
Ground Picture/Shutterstock

What should I look out for?

To protect yourself from misinformation in online parenting groups, it’s crucial to be critical of information sources. It’s a good idea to:
- watch out for warning signs like excessive product promotion, lack of transparency about group affiliations, and a primary focus on selling. For example, when joining a closed Facebook group, read the page’s “about” section. If there is mention of advertising or sponsorship, this is a red flag
- look at who the “admins” are. If listed admins include business names that can also be a cause for concern
- check out the list of “members”. If the group accepts “pages” (which are often run by businesses) in addition to individual people, this is also a sign that commercial interests are at play.
- look for groups focused on sharing experiences, offering support, and building authentic relationships
- observe how members interact and how heavily the groups are moderated and censored, and seek out groups with diverse perspectives
- when you join the group, carefully consider the group rules that you are agreeing to and what they say about mentioning support services, and the promotion of commercial products. Will this mean that you may be censored or receive censored information?
Always cross-reference information with reputable sources like government organisations (such as the Raising Children Network or Australian Breastfeeding Association) and compare information from multiple sources to get a balanced perspective.

Finally, trust your instincts. If a group feels “off” or overly promotional, don’t hesitate to leave.

Nicole Bridges is a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor and educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

– ref. Social media groups can offer support to new parents. Here’s how to tell if there’s marketing involved – https://theconversation.com/social-media-groups-can-offer-support-to-new-parents-heres-how-to-tell-if-theres-marketing-involved-247212
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
February 11, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Australia improves on global corruption rankings, but there is still work to be done

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By A J Brown, Professor of Public Policy & Law, Centre for Governance & Public Policy, Griffith University

Australia has turned the corner on its decade-long slide on Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), once again ranking in the top ten least corrupt countries in the world. The fresh ranking comes just ahead of a federal election, which will determine the future of many key anti-corruption reforms.

In the latest 2024 index, Australia rose two points to a score of 77 on the 100-point scale. The index is the world’s most widely cited indicator of how countries are faring in controlling corruption in government.

The result confirms a positive trend, placing Australia back in the top 10 countries for the first time since 2016. It now sits at equal 10th alongside Iceland and Ireland.

In 2012, Australia was ranked as the 7th least corrupt country in the world, with a score of 85 out of 100. But by 2021 it had fallen to a score of 73 and 18th place on the index.

With that fall widely attributed to a decade of complacency and foot-dragging on efforts to bolster integrity in government, the confirmed recovery is a major affirmation of reforms of the past three years. It also highlights some stark choices for policymakers heading into the 2025 federal election.

The best – and worst – places for corruption

Globally, Denmark again tops the index with a score of 90, followed by Finland on 88. The most corrupt countries in the world are Venezuela (10), Somalia (9) and South Sudan (8).

However, the global outlook is highly challenging. Over the past ten years, many more countries have now declined significantly in their anti-corruption scores (47 countries) than have improved on the index (32 countries).

Australia’s recovery is therefore now bucking a negative trend, including the “integrity complacency” still affecting many other developed countries. The United Kingdom (71/100) and United States (65/100) have now fallen to their own lowest-ever scores on the index.

The index is compiled from 13 independent surveys of professional and expert perceptions of public sector corruption across the world. Nine sources were used to inform Australia’s result – including include Freedom House, the World Justice Project and the World Bank’s Executive Opinion Survey.

Two sources had Australia still declining, including the global academic-led Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Project. However, six sources rate Australia as improving, led by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s assessment, conducted most recently in September 2024.

Australian reforms are making a difference

There’s now little doubt that the federal integrity reforms of the past three years are a major reason for Australia’s new direction of travel. These include the creation of the National Anti-Corruption Commission in 2022, as well as the long overdue strengthening of Australia’s foreign bribery laws in 2024. A renewed commitment to the global Open Government Partnership, much of the response to Robodebt, and measures to strengthen merit in public appointments, such as replacement of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, have also helped.

Long overdue anti-money laundering laws were also introduced late in 2024, beyond the time frame for data collection for the latest index. While the impact of these on expert opinion will be known in the future, they highlight that much of the business of Australia’s anti-corruption “catch up” is unfinished and ongoing.

The result poses a challenge for any policymakers suffering under the illusion that Australia’s integrity systems are somehow “fixed”.

From an international perspective, Australia is yet to move to control secret and sham company ownerships – the major vehicle used to hide bribes and stolen public money. This is despite championing transparency in the beneficial ownership of companies since hosting the G20 in 2014.

The need to bring transparency and integrity to federal political donation and funding laws continues to overshadow the last weeks of the 47th parliament. Negotiations between the major parties have failed to inspire confidence among independents, and much of the public.

Effective control of undue influence in decision-making, pork-barrelling, professional lobbying and “revolving door” jobs for politicians and public servants are ongoing challenges.

And in a clear signal to both the Labor government and the Coalition, a team of cross-benchers, led by independent Andrew Wilkie, have introduced a bill to establish a Whistleblower Protection Authority. This remains the single biggest gap in Australia’s integrity system and the most major anti-corruption reform still needed.

Even before Australia hit its 2022 low, some leaders were softening citizens up to accept a reduced position on the index. In 2018, Coalition Attorney-General Christian Porter claimed Australia had remained “consistently in the top 20 countries on Earth for low corruption”. This prompted independent Rebekha Sharkie to point out that Australia had fallen from the top ten: “the trajectory is not good”.

By contrast, Labor leader Anthony Albanese went into the last election accusing the Morrison government of dragging Australia down on corruption, and promising Labor would do better. He said:

The health of our democracy, the integrity of our institutions, the transparency and fairness of our laws, the harmony and cohesion of our population. These aren’t just noble ideals. They are a powerful defence against the threat of modern authoritarianism.

Amid the challenges, there is hope. The federal parliament’s reform record of the past three years is clearly a big step in the right direction.

However, the climb back to 77 on the Corruption Perceptions Index shows it’s clearly just the first step in securing Australia’s reputation as a democracy that protects itself against undue influence and abuse of power.

A J Brown AM is Chair of Transparency International Australia. He has received funding from the Australian Research Council and all Australian governments for research on public interest whistleblowing, integrity and anti-corruption reform through partners including Australia’s federal and state Ombudsmen and other regulatory agencies, parliaments, anti-corruption agencies and private sector bodies. He was a member of the Commonwealth Ministerial Expert Panel on Whistleblowing (2017-2019) and is a member of the Queensland Public Sector Governance Council.

– ref. Australia improves on global corruption rankings, but there is still work to be done – https://theconversation.com/australia-improves-on-global-corruption-rankings-but-there-is-still-work-to-be-done-249458

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 11, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: American Primeval includes brutal displays of Mormon violence, but the reality was arguably worse

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University

American Primeval/Netflix

On January 24, leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, more commonly known as the Mormon Church, penned a statement condemning the Netflix series American Primeval.

This historical fiction depicts the Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857, as well as broader hostilities between the US government and Mormons at Salt Lake City during the Utah War of 1857–58.

The church has criticised the series for its portrayal of the Mormon prophet Brigham Young, who it claims is “egregiously mischaracterized as a villainous, violent fanatic”. It also says the series

inaccurately portrays [the Mountain Meadows Massacre] as reflective of a whole faith group, [when] the Church has long acknowledged and condemned this horrific tragedy.

The reality of the massacre was arguably even grimmer than what American Primeval shows. Contrary to what is depicted in the series, there were no adult survivors. Official sources state up to 150 people were killed. Only 17 children under the age of six were spared, who were then discreetly adopted into Mormon families.

A (nuanced) history of violence

Although onscreen depictions of Mormon violence are common, most of these fail to explain the roots of this violence in both theological belief and history.

Canonised Mormon scripture, including in the Book of Mormon and The Doctrine and Covenants, and pronouncements from leaders such as Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, argue some violence is appropriate and required as per God’s commandment. Justifications for violence had been used against both outsiders and insiders since the religion was founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith (who himself was assassinated in 1844).

The other driver is the lived experiences of Mormons. Throughout their history, Mormons had been forcefully removed from wherever they have settled, most prolifically under the Missouri “extermination order” of 1838.

This resulted in the slaughter, rape and violent relocation of Mormons from Missouri to their temporary home in Illinois, before they further migrated to Zion – a religious community established by Young and his followers in Utah – in 1847.

The Mormons’ establishment of Salt Lake City and surrounding cities in 1847 was based on the violent dispossession of Indigenous communities. As shown in American Primeval, the Utah War and the period surrounding it was dominated by violence.

This included violence from Mormons and other settlers against Native Americans whose lands were being dispossessed, from Native Americans defending their lands, and from the US government against Mormons and Native Americans.

In the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Mormons and Native Americans allied against US emigrants travelling to California.

A depiction of the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Shutterstock

The two threads of theology and history are integral to understanding the way Mormon violence has been both enacted and represented.

Portrayals in 19th-century media

Mormonism first reached Australia’s shores in 1840 and remained a small religious minority in the 19th and 20th centuries. Converts were encouraged to migrate to Utah to help build Zion.

Australian newspapers reported widely on the Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857. These articles were mostly reprints of the same information. They were largely accurate, but inflated the number of victims.

The articles explained how the slaughter had originally been assigned solely to Native Americans, but was later discovered to have been orchestrated by the Mormons, with assistance from some Indigenous tribes.

Interest began to wane in the 1860s, but picked up again in 1877 following the execution of perpetrator John D. Lee. However, in his book and “confession”, Mormonism Unveiled (1877), Lee claimed he had been scapegoated by Young and other leaders.

Photographs from 1877 show officers, soldiers and spectators at Mountain Meadows, Utah, following the execution of John D. Lee.
Library Of Congress

Spotlight on the Danites

Interest in Mormon violence wasn’t confined to the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Australian newspapers also discussed the Danites, a band of religiously motivated vigilantes involved in Mormon hostilities in Missouri and Illinois in the 1830s.

These vigilantes were inspired by Smith’s theological claims and a goal to defend Mormons from harm. They participated in both aggressive and defensive violence against their non-Mormon neighbours.

Historians have debated the extent of the Danites’ existence, with official church statements claiming they ceased to exist in 1838. Yet in 1858, Brigham Young threatened, “if men come here and do not behave themselves, they will […] find the Danites, whom they talk so much about”.

The group is first mentioned in Australian media by the late 1850s, with descriptions of Danite “atrocities” disseminated widely, though largely uncorroborated.

By the 1870s and ‘80s, this had progressed to portrayals in popular culture, including in Australian theatres and Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1887 novel Sherlock Holmes: A Study In Scarlet.

Media representations of Mormon violence continued into the 20th century. The 1917 American film A Mormon Maid focused on theocratic violence and polygamy, which had been allowed in Mormonism until its ban in 1890.

A 1952 article in Queensland’s The Truth recounting the Mountain Meadow Massacre.
Trove

The modern Mormon

Our collective fascination with Mormonism today is augmented by the religion’s marginal yet undeniable presence, both in Australia and overseas.

There are about 17 million Mormons worldwide. Of these, an estimated 157,000 are in Australia (about 0.6% of the population) compared with almost seven million in the United States (about 2% of the population).

Modern portrayals of Mormonism have tended towards the humorous (The Book of Mormon musical), scandalous (The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives), and even sympathetic (Heretic).

Even recent representations of Mormon violence, such as in Under the Banner of Heaven (2022), have focused on breakaway fundamentalists rather than the mainstream Mormon church.

Outrage towards Mormons has focused on the religion’s extreme wealth, influence over political issues such as opposition to same-sex marriage, and the rise of Mormon “tradwife” influencers.

But I argue these are divergences from the more prominent historical trend of painting Mormons as violent zealots (or in some cases as sexually amoral heretics). And despite these, the spectre of Mormon violence remains – reinforced periodically over nearly 200 years of popular culture and media.

Brenton Griffin was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but is no longer a practising member of the church. His PhD research is focused on the religion’s place in Australian and New Zealand popular culture, politics, and society from the nineteenth century to present.

– ref. American Primeval includes brutal displays of Mormon violence, but the reality was arguably worse – https://theconversation.com/american-primeval-includes-brutal-displays-of-mormon-violence-but-the-reality-was-arguably-worse-249377

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Dongfeng, Changan revamp to give global edge to automakers

Source: China State Council Information Office

The planned restructuring of Wuhan, Hubei province-headquartered Dongfeng Motor Corp and Chongqing-based Changan Automobile is expected to create a more integrated and competitive automaker capable of competing with global giants like Toyota, Volkswagen and Tesla in the coming years, said analysts on Monday.

A number of listed subsidiaries of State-owned Dongfeng Motor and CSGC, the parent company of Changan Automobile, including Dongfeng Automobile Co and Harbin Dongan Auto Engine Co, announced possible changes to their controlling shareholders on Sunday.

The listed companies under CSGC announced that they had received a notice from their parent company regarding ongoing restructuring plans with other State-owned enterprises.

They said that while the restructuring could result in changes to their controlling shareholders, it would not affect the ultimate controlling entity. They also emphasized that the plan remains subject to approval from the relevant authorities.

Even though Dongfeng Motor and CSGC have not explicitly named each other as restructuring partners, market watchers said that there is a high possibility of integration among China’s State-owned automakers’ passenger vehicle businesses.

Currently, Changan Automobile, in partnership with Chinese technology company Huawei Technologies Co, maintains a leading position in the transition to new energy vehicles and intelligent mobility development, said Zhang Xiang, an auto industry researcher at the Beijing-based North China University of Technology.

“Therefore, it is expected that Changan Automobile will play a leading role in the future integration of the passenger vehicle businesses owned by centrally administered SOEs,” Zhang said.

Dongfeng Motor reported vehicle sales of 2.48 million units in 2024, reflecting a 2.5 percent year-on-year increase, according to information released by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, the country’s Cabinet.

Meanwhile, Changan Automobile achieved total sales of 2.68 million vehicles last year, marking a 5.1 percent growth compared to the previous year. Notably, the company’s NEV sales surpassed 734,000 units, representing a 52.8 percent year-on-year surge.

Based on their production capacity, the restructuring will effectively enhance the competitiveness of Chinese vehicle brands on the global stage, Zhang added.

In terms of component integration, the restructuring of these two SOEs will significantly expand the procurement scale, enhancing their bargaining power with component suppliers. This is expected to cut procurement costs and improve the overall efficiency of the supply chain, said Ding Rijia, a professor specializing in industrial economy at the China University of Mining and Technology in Beijing.

Further, if both companies integrate their component technologies, it will enhance the technical sophistication and performance of vehicle components, Ding said.

Speaking at a news conference in Beijing last month, Lin Qingmiao, head of the SASAC’s bureau of enterprise reform, said the government’s key focus will be on the restructuring and integration of central SOEs this year, in order to further promote the optimization of the State-owned economy’s structural adjustment going forward.

Lin said that China will speed up the allocation of State capital to critical industries related to national security and the lifeline of national economy, public services, emergency response capabilities, public welfare and strategic emerging industries.

Eager to enrich user experience, Dongfeng Motor announced last week the successful integration of the full range of DeepSeek’s open-source large language model. Its brands, such as M-Hero and Nano Box, are set to incorporate and deploy this technology in their vehicles soon.

Among these, the intelligent cockpit of the M-Hero 917, one of Dongfeng Motor’s luxury models, has already integrated the DeepSeek-R1 model, with an over-the-air update scheduled for April 2025.

Through continuous customized model distillation and AI training, M-Hero owners will enjoy a significantly enhanced smart cockpit, featuring faster voice recognition, improved semantic understanding and humanlike responses, as well as expanded functionality for offroad driving scenarios, said Dongfeng Motor.

MIL OSI China News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: What are physician assistants? Can they fix the doctor shortage?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Nissen, HERA Program Director – Health Workforce Optimisation Centre for the Business & Economics of Health, The University of Queensland

Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

If you’ve tried to get an appointment to see a GP or specialist recently, you will likely have felt the impact of Australia’s doctor shortages.

To alleviate workforce shortages, the Queensland government is considering introducing health workers called physician assistants more widely to the state’s health system.

But the medical body representing physicians, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, has warned thorough consultation with medical experts is needed first.

So what exactly are physician assistants? And are they the solution to our workforce issues we’ve been looking for? Let’s look at what the evidence says – and the lessons from abroad.

What is a physician assistant?

Physician assistants, also known as physician associates, are trained health professionals who work under the supervision of a doctor. They undertake a variety of tasks including:
- examining patients
- ordering and interpreting blood tests
- assisting in surgery
- prescribing medicines.
In general practice, physician assistants may also provide preventative health care such as giving vaccinations and providing health advice.

Physician assistants commonly complete postgraduate-level university education and a hands-on training program. They may also need to have completed a health-based undergraduate degree.

In most countries, physician assistants work under a “delegation” model. This means the treating doctor and physician assistant together determine the tasks the physician assistant can undertake, depending on their competence. As their skills and knowledge increase, the level of supervision changes accordingly.

When were they first used?

Similar roles have been used throughout history, including in the military. As early as the 1800s, trained assistants known as feldshers (or feldschers) provided basic medical care during times of war, for example in Russia, Bulgaria and Poland.

The contemporary physician assistant role evolved in the 1960s in the United States. It was initially designed to use the skills of medically trained military servicemen.

The first physician assistants were military servicemen.
Andy Gin/Shutterstock

Since then, it has become an accepted and well established part of the health care team in the US, where the medical profession supports the physician assistant role and contributes to its regulation.

There are currently more than 178,000 physician assistants practising in the US, across a wide range of settings. Around one-quarter work in family/general medicine and one-fifth in rural and medically under-served areas.

Physician assistants can be found in many countries, including Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands.

Australia previously trialled physician assistant in two states, Queensland and South Australia. Like other countries, the role was found to be effective and acceptable.

What does the research say about their use?

Most research about physician assistants originates from the US. Studies spanning several decades show physician assistants provide safe and appropriate care. They can competently undertake consultations, perform complex procedures, provide preventative health care, treat non-complex patients in the emergency department and provide a wide range of services in rural areas.

Most studies have reported patient satisfaction with the physician assistant role.

Research has found it’s cost-effective to use physician assistants, including for complex patients.

Physician assistants can improve the continuity of patient care in hospitals, as they remain with their supervising doctor rather than moving between hospital areas as trainee doctors do. This enables them to maintain consistent contact with patients, their families and other members of the health-care team.

Using physician assistants in emergency departments enables doctors to review more complex patients.

In surgery, physician assistants can reduce the workload on resident doctors. They can prepare patients for surgery, review them afterwards and perform some surgical procedures. They can also reduce the time patients stay in hospital.

Physician assistants can also provide care in rural and remote areas and have worked with Aboriginal health workers in remote areas of Australia.

What do Australian policymakers need to consider?

Like many other countries, the Australian health workforce is under pressure. Recent reviews have highlighted the need to examine how the health system and workforce can more effectively meet the needs of the community. This includes making better use of all current health professions by enabling them to perform the tasks they have been trained to do.

Health professionals must ensure their care keeps patients safe and aligns with public expectations. This relies on appropriate education and training, funding and payment policies, governance and regulation. Effective regulation ensures health professionals are held accountable for their practice, according to defined professional practice expectations.

Despite physician assistants being trialled in Queensland and SA, the role did not gain the support of the medical profession. As a result, only a small number of physician assistants are currently practising. And Australia no longer provides education programs for physician assistants.

Several factors affected the acceptance of the physician assistant role.

Their skills and competence weren’t widely understood or recognised. This meant their scope of practice was poorly defined, which may have been confusing for both patients and health professionals.

The profession was also unable to access Medicare rebates or Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidies for patient consultations or scripts. This limited their full involvement in some health services such as general practice.

What could we do better?

Australia needs to learn from the available evidence when considering a possible role for physician assistants.

In the US and Canada, for example, a close relationship between the medical and physician assistant professions has provided guidance and support for the role, and ensured physician assistants are accountable for their practice, through the development of “expected standards” of practice.

As demand for health services increases, it makes sense to explore the addition of physician assistants to Australia’s health-care workforce, if safety and quality can be assured, and health care teams function optimally.

Lisa Nissen receives funding from the Commonwealth Department and Aging and jurisdictional health departments for research related to Health Workforce Optimization and team based care.

Lynda Cardiff 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. What are physician assistants? Can they fix the doctor shortage? – https://theconversation.com/what-are-physician-assistants-can-they-fix-the-doctor-shortage-247560
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
February 11, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Byelections show Labor is in trouble in Victoria – but how much will Peter Dutton benefit?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Strangio, Emeritus Professor of Politics, Monash University

Is history repeating itself in Labor’s fortress state of Victoria?

At the 1990 federal election, Bob Hawke’s Labor government had a near-death experience when it lost nine seats in Victoria. A furious Hawke laid the blame squarely at the feet of John Cain’s state Labor government, which was listing badly in its third term due especially to a series of financial calamities.

Less than six months later, a broken Cain, one of Victoria’s great reformist premiers, resigned. His successor was Joan Kirner, the state’s first woman leader. Despite battling gamely, she was unable to avert a landslide Labor defeat in 1992.

Wind forward to the present and there are some eerily similar dynamics. Anthony Albanese’s government will shortly head to the polls at a time when Jacinta Allan’s ageing Labor administration is in deep political strife in a state groaning under mountainous public debt.

Labor decline

Saturday’s twin byelection results highlight state Labor’s parlous position. In the inner urban seat of Prahran, the ALP was so accepting of its lack of competitiveness that it didn’t field a candidate.

The Liberal Party achieved a modest primary vote swing of 4.8%, which was enough to snatch the decade-long held Greens seat.

In the outer western suburban seat of Werribee, Labor’s primary vote collapsed by more than 16%. But the Liberal Party only increased its first vote by a relatively paltry 3.7%. To put that in perspective, the Victorian Socialists enjoyed an equivalent lift in support.

Inevitably, much ink is being spilt trying to divine what these byelection results portend for the Albanese government. In short, whether the unpopularity of the Allan government threatens to unseat federal Labor and open the door to a Peter Dutton prime ministership.

State stronghold

Victoria has been a citadel for the ALP, both state and federal, for decades. John Howard’s dubbing of the state as the “Massachusetts of Australia” has become almost cliched so often it is invoked by journalists as a shorthand way of describing Victoria’s predisposition for left-of-centre voting behaviour. It is a label first ascribed to Victoria in the 19th century showing how long it has been known for its progressive political temperament. It is a trait coiled in the state’s political DNA.

Following the 2022 federal election, the Coalition held only 11 out of 39 seats in Victoria. The Liberals were nearly banished entirely from metropolitan Melbourne, where they now hold just two electorates, Deakin and Menzies (the fringe outer suburban seats of Casey and La Trobe are classified by the AEC as rural and provincial respectively).

To compound matters, boundary redistributions have since wiped out the Liberals’ margin in Deakin and turned Menzies into a notional Labor seat. All of this means that the federal Coalition must perform substantially better in Victoria, and specifically Melbourne, if its to have a viable path to power.

State Labor’s political doldrums have offered some hope to Dutton, who is targeting four seats in Victoria, and at a stretch, five: Aston, Chisholm, Goldstein (held by the Teal, Zoe Daniel), McEwen and Dunkley. Notably, only three of those seats – Aston, McEwen and Dunkley – are outer suburban. And the latter is considered the least likely to fall.

Dutton’s pitch to the suburbs

Nonetheless, the outer suburbs are a key to Dutton’s election strategy. It’s where he is seeking a major realignment of Australia’s electoral politics by pillaging traditional Labor working class and lower middle class voters.

This strategy isn’t unprecedented. The so-called “battler” vote was a component, albeit exaggerated, of John Howard’s formula for electoral success as he reoriented the Liberal Party towards conservative populism. Dutton is aggressively doubling down on that pivot.

The Werribee result, however, can hardly be construed as a harbinger of Liberals storming the ramparts of the outer suburbs. The party’s primary vote in the byelection was only 29%, indicating voters in such areas, which are characterised by breakneck growth and a tsunami of demographic change, are still wary of the local Liberals.

That scepticism is understandable. For years now, the Victorian Liberal party has been deeply dysfunctional. It has been consumed by ideological and personal feuds, out of sync with the state’s progressive attitudes, low on talent, and seemingly habituated to reposing in opposition rather than presenting as a serious alternative government.

But, even allowing for such Victorian specific factors (and it is far from the only under-performing Liberal division across the country – think of South Australia and Western Australia), the Werribee result suggests Dutton’s outer suburban focus will not easily yield sizeable dividends, and certainly not in one electoral cycle. It will be a slow burn at best.

In the meantime, if the Liberals are to win government, they will need to make up ground in inner and middle metropolitan electorates, including Teal-held seats, to which Dutton is far less attuned.

Major party disenchantment

What Saturday’s byelections mostly underscored is the dissatisfaction with all of the established parties, including the Greens, whose vote flat-lined in both Prahran and Werribee.

The disenchantment was expressed in the approximate one third of votes that went to a melange of other parties or independent candidates. This is consistent with the trend that so dramatically materialised at the 2022 federal election when a fractious public voted along increasingly fragmented lines.

Rather than any party enjoying a grand sweep of the outer suburbs or elsewhere, that is what we can expect at the impending federal election: volatility and unpredictability which is confirmed as the new normal.

In the past, Paul Strangio received funding from the Australian Research Council.

– ref. Byelections show Labor is in trouble in Victoria – but how much will Peter Dutton benefit? – https://theconversation.com/byelections-show-labor-is-in-trouble-in-victoria-but-how-much-will-peter-dutton-benefit-249479

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 11, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Explainer: what does it actually mean to ‘firm’ renewables?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peta Ashworth, Professor and Director, Curtin Institute for Energy Transition, Curtin University

Large power grids are among the most complicated machines humans have ever devised. Different generators produce power at various times and at various costs. A generator might fail and another fills the gap. Demand soars in the evenings and on hot days. In Australia, eastern and southern states trade power across borders. Meanwhile, Western Australia has two grids and the Northern Territory has several.

But these complicated machines are undergoing major change, as we shift from large fossil fuel plants to cleaner forms of power. Wind and sun are now the cheapest way to produce electricity. These renewable sources will soon overtake coal and gas – they’re already averaging 40% of power flowing through the national grid.

Solar and wind are often called “variable” renewable energy sources. Variable, here, refers to the fact the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow. On sunny, windy days we get lots of cheap power. But on still nights, we might get little.

This is where “firming” comes in. To firm renewables is to convert this cheap but variable source of power into what we really want: a reliable supply of electricity, there when we need it. Big battery projects are one way to do it. But there are others.

Solar and wind are often called ‘variable’ renewable energy sources.
Damitha Jayawardena/Shutterstock

How does firming work?

Storage is the best known way to firm renewables. As floods of cheap power come in, you can store it for later use.

Storage can be performed by grid-scale batteries, where the power is stored directly. But it can also be done by pumped hydro, where water is pumped uphill when power is cheap and plentiful and run back downhill, through turbines, when power is harder to source.

Firming can also be done by virtual power plants – aggregated fleets of smaller batteries in homes and electric vehicles.

Gas peaking plants are another way of firming renewables. In the future, gas plants will go from being a mainstay to the equivalent of a backup generator, fired up only when needed.

Generally, energy storage facilities offer either short- or long-term firming. As more renewable power enters Australia’s grids, we will need both. This is because they offer different levels of storage and response times.

Short term can be as short as seconds to a few hours. Batteries are a common way to provide short-term firming, because they can ramp up very quickly to tackle sudden fluctuations in supply or demand. These fast-response systems help stabilise the grid by smoothing out spikes caused by changing weather.

Long-term firming can be for hours, days or even weeks. This includes large-scale battery storage or back-up generators such as gas plants. Long-term options are crucial to maintain power supply during extended periods of low renewable generation, such as still, cold days and nights in winter.

Firming turns cheap solar and wind into reliable, stable power.
Taras Vyshnya/Shutterstock

How are we tracking with firming renewables?

In recent years, large-scale battery announcements have ramped up. Almost 8 gigawatts of battery capacity is now in progress or anticipated to start construction shortly. But the pipeline of future projects is much larger: 75 gigawatts of firming will be required.

While renewable power is cheap, to make it useful and reliable in addition to storage, we need transmission lines to connect large renewable zones to cities and towns. All this adds extra costs.

As the level of renewables in our power grids inches higher, firming costs increase. This is especially true when a grid goes from 95% to 100% renewables, when there’s a sudden jump in cost.

This is why experts have argued for keeping a few gas peaking plants. While they are not emission-free, they are flexible and can start up much more rapidly than coal. They will likely play a key role in firming the grid during renewable droughts and extreme demand – an estimated 5% of the year. That sounds small, but they will be essential.

Eventually, gas peaking plants could switch to hydrogen, if the fuel becomes cost effective. This would cut emissions further.

Firming – at home?

Homes with batteries can also help firm the network by joining a virtual power plant. These networks of batteries can be digitally coordinated to function as a single power plant, helping stabilise the grid.

If a home owner signs up to a virtual power plant program, they hand over some control in return for income. Technologies such as this can support grid stability by charging or discharging in response to supply fluctuations.

These networks are a flexible energy resource. They can inject power to the grid instantly if there’s a sudden drop in solar or wind generation. They can also soak up surplus energy.

These aren’t hypothetical. Several are running or in development in Australia, such as the AGL virtual power plant in South Australia, SolarHub in New South Wales and the new ARENA-funded Project Jupiter in Western Australia, which will commence soon.

Is firming helping?

Firming technologies are already helping in high-renewable grids overseas. Big batteries now allow California’s grid to absorb more renewables, by soaking up daytime solar and releasing it at evening peak.

Power from renewables such as solar need to be firmed to maximise use in the grid.
The Desert Photo/Shutterstock

We’re seeing the benefits of firming locally, too.

On January 20 this year, a heatwave in Western Australia triggered a new record for peak electricity demand – 4.4 gigawatts – in the state’s main electricity network, the South West Interconnected System.

In response, recently built battery storage at Kwinana, Collie, and Cunderdin stored excess power and discharged it at peak times.

The next day, dense clouds swept in, slashing solar output and reducing peak demand. In response, gas generators increased output to firm the grid.

Firming technologies are already playing a vital role in keeping our electricity supply stable, reliable and resilient – and it’s just the start.

The authors 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. Explainer: what does it actually mean to ‘firm’ renewables? – https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-does-it-actually-mean-to-firm-renewables-248134

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Fossils found in south China identified as duck-billed dinosaur

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

This undated file photo provided by Xing Lida, a paleontologist at the China University of Geosciences (Beijing), shows a set of skeletal dinosaur fossils discovered in Sihui City, south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua)

Scientists have confirmed that a set of skeletal fossils discovered in southern China belonged to duck-billed dinosaurs from over 70 million years ago, expanding the region’s fossil record of these large, toothy creatures that likely migrated from North America.

The bones were found in May 2009 by a Chinese amateur fossil hunter at a construction site in Taipinggang, Sihui City, Guangdong Province, and he donated them to a local museum.

After cleaning and restoration, researchers in 2020 identified the fossilized skeleton comprising dorsal and caudal vertebrae, a humerus, ilium, femur and tibia. They believe the fossils belong to the tribe Lambeosaurini, a subfamily of plant-eating Hadrosauroidea dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous period.

The study, led by paleontologists from China and Canada, was published in the journal Historical Biology in late January.

According to the research team, Hadrosauroidea is renowned for its distinctive duck-billed mouth structure. These dinosaurs had thousands of teeth well arranged within their jaws, enabling them to exhibit strong chewing efficiency and viability.

Lambeosaurini also possesses a unique cranial structure featuring narrow hollow nasal bones, which is likely responsible for their ability to make trumpet-like sounds that they use for communication.

First author Wang Donghao, a PhD student from China University of Geosciences (Beijing), noted that the research team had identified long and narrow neural spines on the fossil specimen, which is an extremely rare feature. However, the fossils are mainly fragmentary bones and were not well-preserved, lacking substantial biological information about the dinosaur’s cranial structure.

The researchers estimated that the creatures were not yet fully grown, measuring about 8 meters in length. They identified them as a more derived clade of Lambeosaurini dinosaurs that migrated from North America back to Asia via the Bering Strait, as their tall and narrow neural spines are a common trait among North American dinosaurs.

The fossilized bones are the first record of Lambeosaurini in south China, and “they represent the only evidence suggesting a potential migration of North American dinosaurs to the region in Late Cretaceous,” co-author Xing Lida, a paleontologist from the university told Xinhua on Monday, noting that the study will help understand the ecological conditions across various regions before the mass extinction during the Late Cretaceous period.

This image provided by Xing Lida, a paleontologist at the China University of Geosciences (Beijing), shows a restoration drawing of the dinosaurs based on the skeletal fossils discovered in Sihui City, south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua)

MIL OSI China News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Biofabricating human tissues enhanced through use of gallium

Source: US Government research organizations

The manufacturing technique known as 3D printing, now being used everywhere, from aircraft manufacturers to public libraries, has never been more affordable or accessible. Biomedical engineering has particularly benefited from 3D printing as prosthetic devices can be produced and tested more rapidly than ever before. However, 3D printing still faces challenges when printing living tissues, partly due to their complexity and fragility.

Now, with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation, a research team at Boston University (BU) and the Wyss Institute at Harvard University has pioneered the use of gallium, a metal that can be molded at room temperature, to create tissue structures in various shapes and sizes.

This innovative approach to fabrication, engineered sacrificial capillary pumps for evacuation (ESCAPE), was highlighted in a recent study published in Nature, where the team used gallium casts to mold biomaterials. The scaffolds left behind by these casts are then filled with cells cultured to form tissue structures. Vascular structures were some of the first produced using ESCAPE, particularly because of the challenges faced due to blood vessel complexity. Few techniques exist to build large (millimeter-scale) and small (micrometer-scale) structures in scaffolds made of natural materials, making this multiscale fabrication capability a novel approach.

“ESCAPE can be used on several tissue architectures, but we started with vascular forms because blood vessel networks feature many different length scales,” said Christopher Chen, director of BU’s Biological Design Center and senior author on the study. Chen is also the deputy director of CELL-MET, an NSF Engineering Research Center at BU funded by a $34 million award from NSF, and co-principal investigator on the award for the NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering MechanoBiology at the University of Pennsylvania. “Our blood vessel demonstrations include trees with many branches, including dead ends and portions that experience fluid flow. This allows us to model a range of healthy structures as well as diseased abnormalities.”

Following the success of reproducing capillary structures, researchers are hopeful these methods can be used to generate distinct tissue structures found in organs. The reliability of these ESCAPE designs will also be tested using computational modeling, further expanding the types of material reproduced using the process.

Credit: Subramanian Sundaram, Boston University and Wyss Institute, Harvard University

A metallic (gallium) cast used to model networks of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels that come in close proximity but not in direct contact. The gallium structure is used as a sacrificial cast to mold soft materials into complex structures in the ESCAPE process.

“CELL-MET allows engineers, student trainees and medical professionals and their patients to collaborate across a broad innovation ecosystem,” said Randy Duran, the lead NSF program director for the CELL-MET award. “Using systems engineering, the team has developed a novel method of fabricating structures such as blood vessels that must be produced at scales ranging from microscopic capillaries to much larger blood vessels, all within centimeter-scale heart patches that will have a broad impact on human health.”

MIL OSI USA News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Thousands of Australian pets may soon have ‘useless’ microchips. It’s a symptom of a bigger problem

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn Orr, Veterinarian, Southern Cross University

Mitchell Orr/Unsplash

Late last year, rumours swirled online that HomeSafeID, a private Australian pet microchip registry, had stopped operating.

On Feburary 5 2025, a notice appeared on the HomeSafeID website, ostensibly from the site’s administrator. It states the website “is likely to go offline” soon due to unpaid bills. This means the database of information stored on HomeSafeID would also go offline.

There has been no official word from HomeSafeID as to the status of the company. HomeSafeID did not respond when The Conversation reached out for comment.

According to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), the company is still registered and no insolvency notice has been published. However, it’s possible HomeSafeID has stopped operating or will do so in the near future.

If this happens, any pet with a HomeSafeID registered microchip would no longer have searchable microchip details. If these pets become lost, vets and shelters will have no way of finding or verifying their owner.

The situation is a symptom of a bigger problem with pet microchip registries in Australia – a lack of national oversight.

Why should you microchip your pet?

If your pet goes missing, their microchip is key to you being reunited. Vets and shelters can scan a stray animal’s microchip, search one of the seven microchip registries in Australia, find the pet owner’s details and contact them. Pet microchips significantly increase the likelihood lost pets will be reclaimed by their owners.

In fact, microchipping pets is a legal requirement in all states and territories of Australia except the Northern Territory, although it is required in the City of Darwin. In New South Wales, fines for failing to microchip your pet range from A$180 to $880.

A pet microchip should contain up-to-date details of the pet’s owner so they can be contacted if the animal becomes lost.
Todorean-Gabriel/Shutterstock

If HomeSafeID does go offline, many pets will have microchips that don’t connect to a database any more, making them essentially useless.

It’s difficult to estimate the scale of the problem, but it could affect hundreds of thousands of pets, including ones adopted from RSPCA Queensland.

According to ASIC, RSPCA Queensland was a part-owner of HomeSafeID until 2020. A spokesperson for the charity told The Conversation it has no current partnership with HomeSafeID, and “don’t know the extent of how many animals are affected”. Yesterday, RSPCA Queensland issued advice for pet owners to check their registration details.

Where are microchip details stored?

There are currently seven registries in Australia. Five are privately owned, including HomeSafeID, and two are owned by state governments, in NSW and South Australia. Pets microchipped in those states are meant to be registered with the state registry.

The five private registries jointly fund a website called Pet Address, which allows you to search the five private databases to find where your pet’s details are stored.

However, Pet Address doesn’t cover the state registries – these have to be searched separately. Only NSW vets and “authorised identifiers” (such as shelters) can access the pet owner details stored in the NSW registry.

If a pet is moved to another state but their owner doesn’t update the registry, their microchip won’t be readable in the new location by non-NSW vets and shelters.

There are currently no rules, regulations or even guidelines around how private pet microchip registries should operate in Australia. If a microchip database were to cease operating, there is no safety net to ensure information is automatically moved to another database.

A vet can scan your pet’s microchip to retrieve the number and find out the registration details.
Lucky Business/Shutterstock

What can I do to make sure my pet’s microchip is up to date?

Given current uncertainty around the HomeSafeID registry, pet owners across Australia should check their pets’ microchip numbers and find out which database they’re registered in.

If you don’t already know your pet’s microchip number, vets and shelters can use a microchip scanner to find that number for you. Then, you can run it through Pet Address or the SA and NSW registries where relevant, to find out which database the number is registered on.

If your pet’s microchip is currently with HomeSafeID, it might be prudent to move your pet’s details to another database. You can do this by contacting one of the other microchip registries and applying to register with their database (this may involve a small fee).

Australia needs national coordination on pet microchipping

Given it’s mandatory to microchip dogs and cats, it might seem strange there are no regulations or guidelines around how microchip registries should operate. However, this is a symptom of a much bigger issue.

There is almost no national leadership or collaboration on companion animal issues in Australia. Pets are firmly the domain of state governments, with the federal government only really involved in the export and import of companion animals.

There are, however, avenues for national coordination. The renewal of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy is one, and the national Animal Health Committee is another.

Regardless of who takes responsibility, it’s clear a round table on pet microchipping is urgently required to prevent hundreds of thousands of pets walking around with microchips that don’t work anymore.

Otherwise, lost pets may find themselves at shelters and pounds unnecessarily, and animals that might have otherwise been returned home could end up being adopted, or worse, euthanised.

Bronwyn Orr is a Director of the Walk In Clinic For Animals and Veterinary Support Group.

– ref. Thousands of Australian pets may soon have ‘useless’ microchips. It’s a symptom of a bigger problem – https://theconversation.com/thousands-of-australian-pets-may-soon-have-useless-microchips-its-a-symptom-of-a-bigger-problem-249492

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 11, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Trump agrees to consider Australian exemption from tariffs, describing Albanese as ‘very fine man’

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

US President Donald Trump has agreed to “consider” exempting Australia from the 25% tariff he has imposed on imports of steel and aluminium to the US.

Trump gave the undertaking during a wide-ranging 40-minute conversation with Anthony Albanese early Tuesday morning (Australian time). The prime minister, speaking to a news conference soon afterwards, stressed that Trump had agreed on the precise words to be used to describe the outcome.

“I presented Australia’s case for an exemption and we agreed on wording to say publicly, which is that the US president agreed that an exemption was under consideration in the interests of both of our countries.”

Albanese gave no indication of when he expects a decision.

Meanwhile, Trump has signed the executive orders for the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium without exemptions.

The Australian government might be able to take heart from Trump’s later comments on the discussion.

The president described Albanese as a “very fine man”.

“We have a surplus with Australia, one of the few, and the reason is they buy a lot of airplanes. They’re rather far away and they need lots of airplanes. We actually have a surplus. It’s one of the only countries which we do. I told him that that’s something that we’ll give great consideration to,” he told the media.

Pressed on whether he was confident of an exemption, Albanese would not speculate beyond the agreed words. “The words that I’ve used are the words that I’ll stick to,” he said.

“It’s appropriate when you’re dealing with the president of the United States to not speak on his behalf. And those are the words that were agreed.”

“We’ll continue to engage diplomatically.” Albanese said, “Australia will always stand up for Australia’s interests […] We’ll continue to put the case.”

The prime minister described the call as “constructive and warm” and posted on social media that it was a “great conversation”.

Outlining Australia’s argument for an exemption Albanese said the US had a trade surplus with Australia of about two to one, and steel supplier BlueScope had extensive production in the US.

“When you look at the imports of these products into the US, it’s about 1% of imports of steel, 2% of aluminium,” he told his news conference.

“Our steel is an important input to US manufacturing. BlueScope is the US’s fifth largest steelmaker. They’ve invested $5 billion in the US across a range of states. I think there’s more than 30 different investments there.

“Of course the major export is Colorbond there, for roofs in California on the west coast. And it plays an important role.

“Aluminium is a critical input for manufacturing in the United States and our steel and aluminium are both key inputs for the US-Australian defence industries. in both of our countries.”

Albanese said that in the conversation, “We spoke about a range of other things as well, including the fact that Jordan Mailata is a Super Bowl champion and I did point out that he was a South Sydney junior”.

The call, which was in train before the tariff announcement, also canvassed critical minerals and AUKUS.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton again criticised Albanese over his past comments about Trump. But the opposition leader told a news conference: “What’s important now is the Trump administration hears there is a bipartisan position in Australia to stand up for our national interest and that national interest is best served by a removal of the tariff as it applies to Australia.”

Michelle Grattan 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 agrees to consider Australian exemption from tariffs, describing Albanese as ‘very fine man’ – https://theconversation.com/trump-agrees-to-consider-australian-exemption-from-tariffs-describing-albanese-as-very-fine-man-248886

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Armstrong appoints Levi Bachmeier, Patrick Sogard to North Dakota Board of Higher Education

Source: US State of North Dakota

Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced today he has appointed Levi Bachmeier of West Fargo and Patrick Sogard of Williston to four-year terms on the State Board of Higher Education starting July 1.

“Levi and Pat bring valuable experience in education policy, finance and operations to the State Board of Higher Education as our colleges and universities are being challenged by changing demographics and learning models. Our University System is still the best workforce recruiting tool we have, and we need our campuses to align their offerings with workforce needs, adapt to trends and thrive, not just survive,” Armstrong said. “We’re thankful for their willingness to serve and the passion for higher education shared by all the candidates.”

Bachmeier has served as business manager of the West Fargo School District since 2019. From 2016 to 2019 he served as an education policy adviser and policy director for then-North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. Bachmeier previously taught high school social studies for two years with Teach for America and spent a summer as a policy analyst fellow at the U.S. Department of Education. A native of West Fargo, Bachmeier earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. He currently serves on the North Dakota Board of Public Education and North Dakota Career and Technical Education Board, in addition to coaching track and field.

Sogard has chaired the board of American State Bank & Trust Co. in Williston since 2003, also serving as a trust officer from 2000 to 2005. He previously worked as an attorney in private practice from 1986 to 2000. A native of Alamo, N.D., Sogard studied at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and earned his bachelor’s degree in geological engineering from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and his law degree from the UND School of Law. He is a past board member of Mercy Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Elementary School, both in Williston, and currently serves on the board of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation.

Both appointments are subject to confirmation by the state Senate. Bachmeier will succeed board member Casey Ryan, a Grand Forks physician who is completing his second term on the board, the maximum allowed by the state Constitution. Sogard will succeed board member Jeffry Volk, a retired Fargo consulting engineer who has served on the board since 2021.

The Board of Higher Education has eight voting members appointed by the governor, including one student member, and two non-voting members who represent the North Dakota University System’s faculty and staff. The board oversees the system’s 11 public colleges and universities.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: 80 Years Later: 1st Cavalry Division returns to the Philippines to Commemorate the Battle of Manila

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

MANILA, Philippines –

80 years ago, on Feb. 3, 1945, the battle for the capital of the Philippines began between Allied Forces and Imperial Japan. The 1st Cavalry Division was one of three divisions under the control of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. It was here that the 1st Cavalry Division earned its nickname, “America’s First Team,” by being the first U.S. Forces to re-enter Manila after its capture in 1942.

The battle and subsequent liberation of Manila and the Philippines, in the spring of 1945, fulfilled a promise made by Gen. MacArthur in the spring of 1942: When President Theodore D. Roosevelt ordered him to Australia, he said, “I shall return.”

On a hot Feb. morning at Adamson University in the heart of the capital, the city government of Manila held a ceremony and wreath-laying in honor of this historic event. The ceremony honored our shared history, ongoing commitment, and continued partnership with the Philippines and the Filipino people.

The Mayor of Manila City, Honey Lacuna Pangan, presided over the ceremony. Commemorating this historical event, several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, China, and Canada, were represented on-site.

The U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay L. Carlson, participated in the ceremony and placed a wreath in honor of those Americans and Filipinos who laid down their lives for the freedom of the Filipino people and the two countries.

Lt. Col. John Dolan, Commander of the 1st Cavalry Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment “Garryowen,” was on hand to represent the 1st Cavalry Division at the ceremony along with representatives from 5th Security Forces Assistance Brigade and I Corps, both based out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wa.

“We’re here to honor the courage and sacrifice of so many soldiers and civilians in the liberation of Manila,” said Lt Col. Dolan, “and recognize the bond between both Americans and Filipinos share in our history and the pursuit of freedom.”

As the number of the Greatest Generation dwindles and will soon be gone, continuing to commemorate these events ensures their efforts and history is not lost. The Liberation of Manila’s 80th anniversary honors the past generations’ sacrifices to safeguard freedom while inspiring future generations to carry the torch.

MIL Security OSI –

February 11, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Do men and women agree on how easy it is for each other to find a job or a date?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Whyte, Deputy Director – Behavioural Economics, Society and Technology (BEST) Research Group. Chief-Investigator – ARC ITTC Centre for Behavioural Inisghts for Technology Adoption (BITA).), Queensland University of Technology

The Conversation, DenPhotos/Shutterstock, Mehaniq/Shutterstock

Typically, you don’t have to write a cover letter before attending a candlelit dinner. But there are some eerie emotional parallels between finding a job and finding a date.

Both can require you to put yourself “out there” in uncomfortable ways, brace yourself for repeated rejection and grapple with heartache.

On the flip side, success in either pursuit can significantly boost your confidence and sense of wellbeing – especially if it feels like a good fit.

This raises the question: do Australians really believe they have equal access to the labour and dating markets?

Our study, published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology, examined this question in depth, shining a light on how these beliefs are linked, and where they differ.

Whether Australians’ perceptions of job and dating market access are completely accurate or not, they can certainly have a big impact on the choices we make and the way we behave in both our personal and professional lives.

Finding a job versus finding a date

We surveyed more than 1,000 online daters aged between 18 and 81. Our sample only included participants who described their sexual orientation as heterosexual and who identified as either male or female.

Our study looked at people’s beliefs about how easy it was to find a job or find a date.
Arthur Bargan/Shutterstock

It’s important to understand that we were looking specifically at people’s perceptions of their access to these markets.

That is, we looked at what men and women believed about their own (and the opposite sex’s) ability to find a job or find a date.

We also examined what both sexes believed about women’s economic dependence on men.

On average, we found women think it’s easier for men to find a decently paying job. Women also think they’re less economically dependent on male partners than men think women are.

Both sexes agree it’s easier for women to find a date than men. But men think they have it much worse off on this metric than women think they do.

Where beliefs diverge

These perceptions begin to vary significantly with factors such as age, education, number of children and political orientation.

There are some big differences in how women perceive women’s economic dependence and ease of dating access at different stages of life.

Middle-aged men and women (aged 35 to 55 years) share similar perspectives on women’s economic dependence. This contrasts with younger and older women, who believe women are significantly less economically dependent on men.

Women believe they have an easier time finding a date as they age from 18 to 35 years old. This perception then declines sharply from 40 to 75 years or older.

These patterns align with evolutionary theories, suggesting that access to resources and shifting household dynamics at different life stages influence how men and women view the labour and dating markets.

Shifting beliefs about access at different age levels may reflect changing household dynamics.
aijiro/Shutterstock

Intertwined ‘markets’

Importantly, we found that perceptions of labour and dating market access are intrinsically linked, and they tend to reflect broader economic conditions.

For instance, men in high-income areas think they have better job and dating opportunities, while those in areas with greater gender income disparities see women as more economically dependent.

On the flipside, women in higher-income areas think they are less economically dependent. And those in areas with lower gender gaps in income perceive women’s dating access to be greater.

This interplay of beliefs is also reflected in participants’ own dating preferences. Women who believe they are more economically dependent on men tend to seek a long-term male partner with greater earning potential than them.

On the other hand, men who expect to earn more than their ideal partner think it’s easier for men to find a date.

Beliefs about how easy it is to find a job and find a date are linked.
Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock

Why does this all matter?

Economic growth is the way economists and politicians measure increases in our standard of living. It is primarily driven by consumption.

That’s everyday Australians buying their morning coffees at work, leg hams at Christmas time or splurging on a new cabana for the beach.

Historically, more consumers meant more consumption, which meant higher economic growth and an increased standard of living.

Many governments have recognised and acted on this link, encouraging Australians to have more children. Back in the early 2000s, for instance, the Howard government implemented the so-called “baby bonus”.

Then-Treasurer Peter Costello famously asked the nation to “Have one for mum, one for dad, and one for the country”.

It worked, sort of. Australia’s birth rates increased modestly.

Fast forward to today, and these issues are just as relevant. Dating and job market choices still have a significant impact on Australian society, both economically and socially.

Khandis R Blake receives funding from the Australian Research Council (DE210100800 and DP220101023).

Benno Torgler, Ho Fai Chan, Rachel Hall, and Stephen Whyte 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. Do men and women agree on how easy it is for each other to find a job or a date? – https://theconversation.com/do-men-and-women-agree-on-how-easy-it-is-for-each-other-to-find-a-job-or-a-date-247235

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: As Trump abandons the old world order, NZ must find its place in a new ‘Pax Autocratica’

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Chris Ogden, Associate Professor in Global Studies, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

Donald Trump is moving rapidly to change the contours of contemporary international affairs, with the old US-dominated world order breaking down into a multipolar one with many centres of power.

The shift already includes the US leaving the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accords, questioning the value of the United Nations, and radical cuts to the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Such a new geopolitical age also involves an assertion of raw power, with Trump using the threat of tariffs to assert global authority and negotiating positions.

While the US is not significantly less powerful, this new era may see it wield that power in more openly self-interested and isolationist ways. As new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio put it in January, “the post-war global order is not just obsolete – it is now a weapon being used against us”.

With global democracy in retreat, the emerging international order looks to be moving in an authoritarian direction. As it does, the position of New Zealand’s vibrant democracy will come under mounting pressure.

But world orders have come and gone for millennia, reflecting the ebb and flow of global economic, political and military power. Looking back to previous eras, and how countries and cultures responded to shifting geopolitical realities, can help us understand what is happening more clearly.

An evolving world order

Previous orders have often focused on specific centres – or “poles” – of power. These include the Concert of Europe from 1814 to 1914, the bipolar world of the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union, and the unipolar world of American dominance after the end of the Cold War and since the September 11 attacks in 2001.

Periods of single-power dominance (or hegemony) are referred to as a “pax”, from the Latin for “peace”. We have seen the Pax Romana of the Roman Empire (27 BCE to 180 AD), multiple Pax Sinicas around China (most recently the Qing Dynasty 1644 to 1912), Pax Mongolica (the Mongol Empire from 1271 to 1368) and Pax Britannica (the British Empire from 1815 to 1924).

It is the Pax Americana of the US, from 1945 to the present, that Trump seems bent on dismantling. We now live in an international order that is visibly in flux. With autocracy on the rise and the US at its vanguard, a “Pax Autocratica” is emerging.

This is accentuated by the rapid rise of Asia as the main sphere of economic and military growth, particularly China and India. The world’s two most populous countries had the world’s largest and third largest economies respectively in 2023, and the second and fourth highest levels of military spending.

The simultaneous rise of multiple power centres was already challenging the Pax Americana. Now, a new international order appears to be a certainty, with Trump openly adapting to multipolarity. Several major powers now compete for global influence, rather than any one country dominating.

China’s preference for a multipolar international order is shared by India and Russia. Without one dominant entity, it will be the political and social basis of this order, as determined by its major actors, that matters most – not who leads it.

Pax Democratica

The current (now waning) international order has been underpinned by specific social, political and economic values stemming from the national identity and historical experience of the US.

According to US political expert G. John Ikenberry, former president Woodrow Wilson’s agenda for peace after the first world war sought to “reflect distinctive American ideas and ideals”.

Woodrow imagined an order based on collective security and shared sovereignty, liberal principles of democracy and universal human rights, free trade and international law.

As its dominance and military strength increased in the 20th century, the US also provided security to other countries. Such power enabled Washington to create open global trade markets, as well as build core global institutions like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization, United Nations and NATO.

For Ikenberry, this Pax Americana (we might call it a Pax Democratica) rested on consent to the US’s “provision of security, wealth creation, and social advancement”. This was aided by the its more than 800 military bases in over 80 countries.

The democratic deficit

Trump undercuts the central tenets of this liberal world order and accelerates a slide towards authoritarianism. Like Russia, India and China, the US is also actively constraining human rights, attacking minorities and weakening its electoral system.

This democratic retreat leaves a country such as New Zealand in a global minority. If Trump targets the region or country with economic tariffs, that precariousness might increase.

On the other hand, previous world orders have not been truly hegemonic. Pax Britannica did not encompass the entire world. Nor did Pax Americana, which didn’t include China, India, the former Soviet bloc, much of the Islamic world and many developing countries.

This suggests pockets of democracy can survive within a Pax Autocratica, especially in a multipolar world which is more tolerant of political independence.

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2023 Democracy Index ranked New Zealand, the Nordic countries, Switzerland, Iceland and Ireland highest because their citizens

choose their political leaders in free and fair elections, enjoy civil liberties, prefer democracy over other political systems, can and do participate in politics, and have a functioning government that acts on their behalf.

It is these countries that can be at the vanguard of democratic resilience.

Chris Ogden is a Senior Research Fellow with The Foreign Policy Centre, London.

– ref. As Trump abandons the old world order, NZ must find its place in a new ‘Pax Autocratica’ – https://theconversation.com/as-trump-abandons-the-old-world-order-nz-must-find-its-place-in-a-new-pax-autocratica-249358

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Ancient genomic study unveils migration and integration patterns in East Asia

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

A study on ancient genomes from east China’s Shandong Province has revealed the complex migration and integration patterns of populations in East Asia spanning over 6,000 years.
Published in the journal Nature Communications, the research provides new insights into how ancient people moved and mixed across northern coastal regions, inland areas, and islands.
Conducted by a team of Chinese scientists led by Fu Qiaomei from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the study analyzed nuclear genomes from 85 individuals at 11 archaeological sites in Shandong, dating back 6,000 to 1,500 years.
Collaborators included researchers from Shandong University, Shandong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, and Jinan Archaeological Research Institute.
The study reveals that ancestral groups from northern and southern East Asia began mixing in coastal regions at least 7,700 years ago, earlier than previously believed.
Genetic data from the Xiaojingshan population, dating back 7,700 years, shows strong links to both southern East Asian and ancient Heilongjiang River Basin populations, updating the timeline of north-south genetic interactions in the region.
The research also highlights two major waves of genetic influence from northern inland populations into Shandong coastal groups during the Dawenkou culture period (6,000-4,600 years ago) and the early dynastic period (3,500-1,500 years ago).
These genetic exchanges did not always align with known cultural interactions, such as those between the Yangshao and Dawenkou cultures, suggesting complex demographic dynamics beyond cultural connections.
In a significant breakthrough, the study traces genetic ties between the populations of Shandong and the ancient inhabitants of Miyako Island in the Ryukyu archipelago, southern Japan.
The Nagabaka population, dating back 500 years, inherited about 75 percent of their ancestry from Shandong groups during the Longshan period (4,600-4,000 years ago), mixed with indigenous Jomon-related lineages.
This discovery clarifies a previously unknown East Asian component in the Ryukyu triple-origin model and explains genetic differences between Ryukyu and mainland Japanese populations.
The findings underscore Shandong’s role as a genetic bridge connecting inland, coastal, and island populations over millennia. By integrating north-south and east-west perspectives, the study demonstrates how cultural exchanges, migration, and genetic mixing shaped the diversity of modern East Asians.
“This research fills critical gaps in our understanding of East Asia’s genetic history,” said Fu, the study’s corresponding author. “It brings us closer to answering the fundamental question: Where do modern East Asians come from?”
The study not only updates existing theories but also provides a framework for exploring deeper interactions across Eurasia, highlighting the importance of coastal regions in ancient population movements.

MIL OSI China News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Tribute paid to pioneer of China’s nuclear submarines

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

People across China paid great respect to Huang Xuhua, the late chief designer of the nation’s first-generation nuclear submarines, over the past days in remembrance of the renowned engineer’s contributions to the motherland.
Huang, who received the country’s highest honor, the Medal of the Republic, in September 2019 and the nation’s top science and technology award in January 2020, died on Thursday evening in Wuhan, Hubei province, at the age of 99. A funeral service for him was held on Monday at the city’s Wuchang funeral parlor.
Inside a memorial hall at the Wuhan-based Nuclear Submarine Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corp, farewell flowers were arranged in the shape of a submarine and ocean waves in front of Huang’s portrait at a farewell ceremony held on Saturday and Sunday.
Students from primary and middle schools and universities, as well as local residents and colleagues of Huang, came to the site to salute, pay their respects and say farewell to the preeminent researcher.
Many people from outside Wuhan ordered flowers from online shops and asked them to be delivered to the farewell ceremony.
In Huang’s hometown of Shanwei in Guangdong province, at Shanghai Jiao Tong University where the researcher studied, and at the PLA Naval Museum in Qingdao, Shandong province, ceremonies were held in remembrance of the submarine designer.
Many people who commented below online news reports about Huang’s passing said they were grateful to the late engineer, because what he had done had safeguarded the country and its people, and had also contributed to making China a great power in the world.
In 1958, Huang became one of China’s first researchers designated to design the nation’s own nuclear-powered submarines. Since then, his name remained classified until almost three decades later, when a magazine in Shanghai was allowed to publish a report on him, which only disclosed his surname of Huang.
From his early 30s to his passing, Huang was closely linked to China’s nuclear submarine force. He led the research and development of the nation’s first-generation nuclear submarines — the Type 09I nuclear-powered attack submarine and the Type 09II nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. He also trained and established a group of engineers who have played central roles in building new generations of nuclear submarines.
In addition, Huang had been director of the Nuclear Submarine Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corp and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

MIL OSI China News –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI: F&M Bank Welcomes Peter Schork as Regional President for Toledo, Ohio & Southeast Michigan

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ARCHBOLD, Ohio, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — F&M Bank (“F&M”), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO) announced that Peter Schork has joined F&M as Regional President of the Toledo, Ohio, and Southeastern Michigan regions.

Lars Eller, President and CEO of F&M stated, “As a proven community banker, Peter brings a wealth of experience to F&M. His leadership, deep market knowledge, and commitment to building strong relationships will be an invaluable resource to F&M as we continue to grow and serve our communities. We look forward to the impact he will make in driving success for our customers, employees, and stakeholders.”

In his new role, Peter will oversee F&M’s presence in the Toledo, Ohio, and Birmingham, Michigan markets, including offices in Waterville, Swanton, Perrysburg, Sylvania, and Downtown Toledo, as well as F&M’s Loan Production Office in Troy and its Birmingham, Michigan location.

Peter brings over 25 years of banking and financial experience to F&M. Prior to joining the Company, he served as the Ann Arbor President for Oxford Bank and co-founded the Ann Arbor State Bank serving as its President and CEO. In addition to his community bank experience, Peter was the CFO at Catalyst Commercial Real Estate, and the President of a Michigan-based title, mortgage, and real estate company. In addition to his business experience, Peter is a proud supporter of various community organizations. Currently, he serves on the Michigan Theater Board of Trustees, is a member of the Ray and Eleanor Cross Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor and is a Board Member and Treasurer for the Homeless/Unhoused Mission. Peter holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with a specialization in Finance from Eastern Michigan University.

About F&M Bank:
F&M Bank is a local independent community bank that has been serving its communities since 1897. F&M Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services. Our locations are in Butler, Champaign, Fulton, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Shelby, Williams, and Wood counties in Ohio. In Northeast Indiana, we have offices located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Jay, Steuben and Wells counties. The Michigan footprint includes Oakland County, and we have Loan Production Offices in Troy, Michigan; Muncie, Indiana; and Perrysburg and Bryan, Ohio.

Safe harbor statement
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management’s expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions, capital market conditions, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M’s SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or through F&M’s website www.fm.bank.

__________________________________________

Company Contact:	Investor and Media Contact:
Lars B. Eller President and Chief Executive Officer Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (419) 446-2501 leller@fm.bank	Andrew M. Berger Managing Director SM Berger & Company, Inc. (216) 464-6400 andrew@smberger.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e11179be-cf20-449e-9416-ca1e8ff1fd2f

The MIL Network –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Colleagues Launch Probe Into DOGE’s Access to Sensitive Student Loan Data and Interference With Education Department
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

Padilla, Colleagues Launch Probe Into DOGE’s Access to Sensitive Student Loan Data and Interference With Education Department
Musk’s team may have obtained access to personal information of millions of borrowers; raises concerns about violations of the law and failure to protect sensitive information

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and 13 of their Senate colleagues in launching a probe into recent reports that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has infiltrated the Department of Education and gained access to federal student loan data, which includes millions of borrowers’ personal information.

According to public reporting, “a handful of 19-to-24-year-old engineers linked to Musk’s companies, with unclear titles, could be bypassing regular security protocols” during DOGE’s infiltration of federal agencies. The Senators also raised concerns that the access provided to DOGE-affiliated staff by the Department may violate the Privacy Act, which generally prohibits the disclosure of such information. The University of California Student Association, which represents thousands of California students, sued the Department on Friday, voicing similar concerns regarding the sharing of private student information.

There are over 40 million federal student loan borrowers in the United States, including approximately 4 million in California, the most of any state. The Department of Education’s student loan database contains millions of borrowers’ highly sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, marital status, and income data.

“This deeply troubling report raises questions about potential exposures of Americans’ private data, the abuse of this data by the Trump Administration, and whether officials who have access to the data may have violated the law or the federal government’s procedures for handling sensitive information,” wrote the Senators.

“We are especially troubled by this reporting given President Trump’s stated pledge to abolish the Department,” continued the Senators. “The millions of families who rely on [the Education Department] to help them achieve the American Dream deserve answers about reports that an unelected billionaire and his team now have access to some of their most sensitive personal information.”

Additional reporting suggests that DOGE has “fed sensitive data from across the Education Department into artificial intelligence software to probe the agency’s programs and spending.”

In addition to Senators Padilla, Warren, and Schumer, the letter was also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

The 16 senators requested answers from Acting Education Secretary Denise Carter about DOGE’s access to federal student loan data and any other sensitive databases by February 13, 2025.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Acting Secretary Carter:

We write regarding recent reports that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has infiltrated the Department of Education (ED or the Department) and that “DOGE staffers have gained access to federal student loan data, which includes personal information for millions of borrowers.”

The federal government’s student loan database contains highly sensitive information for millions of borrowers, including Social Security Numbers, marital status, and income information. Each year, 13 million students receive federal financial aid; there are over 40 million federal student loan borrowers in the United States. It is not at all clear that DOGE officials meet the strict criteria that would allow them to access this sensitive information protected by federal law—or whether DOGE officials have gained access to other sensitive ED databases as part of their efforts to “reform” the agency.

This deeply troubling report raises questions about potential exposures of Americans’ private data, the abuse of this data by the Trump Administration, and whether officials who have access to the data may have violated the law or the federal government’s procedures for handling sensitive information. According to public reporting, “a handful of 19-to-24-year-old engineers linked to Musk’s companies, with unclear titles, could be bypassing regular security protocols” in DOGE’s takeover of federal agencies. The access provided to DOGE-affiliated staff by the Department may also violate the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552a, which, absent permission from the affected individuals, generally prohibits the disclosure of such information and requires agencies to follow rules of conduct and maintain systems with appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards.

We are especially troubled by this reporting given President Trump’s stated pledge to abolish the Department. Efforts to abolish the Department have sparked fear and uncertainty for students, families, and teachers across the country who rely on the agency for critical financial aid, loans, grants, and other assistance. The millions of families who rely on ED to help them achieve the American Dream deserve answers about reports that an unelected billionaire and his team now have access to some of their most sensitive personal information. Accordingly, we ask that you answer the following questions by February 13, 2025:

Have Mr. Musk and his team been provided access to the National Student Loan Data System or other databases with sensitive federal student loan data? If so:

Please list all individuals who have gained access to borrowers’ personal data. What are these individuals’ job titles and responsibilities? Are they federal government employees? What is the nature of their service (e.g., Special Government Employee, Competitive Service, Senior Executive Service)?

What procedures were followed in giving these individuals access? Did the individuals who were granted access to these systems have appropriate authorization and clearances?

What data can these individuals access?

Do these individuals have the ability to download or copy data or to modify programs or systems for maintaining and analyzing data?

Who decided to give these individuals access?

What was the rationale for granting these individuals access?

Please describe what safeguards are in place to ensure that federal student loan data is not misused.

What safeguards and procedures are in place to protect borrowers’ personal data?

Did the Department and DOGE officials follow these safeguards and procedures?

What safeguards and procedures are in place to protect borrower’s data privacy within the rest of the federal student aid system and ensure that DOGE staffers do not interfere with the timely disbursement of federal aid?

Have Mr. Musk and his team been provided access to any other sensitive databases managed by the Education Department? If so:

Please list and describe all those databases.

Please list all individuals who have gained access to those databases. What are these individuals’ job titles and responsibilities? Are they federal government employees? What is the nature of their service (e.g., Special Government Employee, Competitive Service, Senior Executive Service)?

What procedures were followed in giving these individuals access? Did the individuals who were granted access to these systems have appropriate authorization and clearances?

What data can these individuals access?

Do these individuals have the ability to download or copy data or to modify programs or systems for maintaining and analyzing data?

Who decided to give these individuals access?

What was the rationale for granting these individuals access?

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,
MIL OSI USA News –
February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 10,000 more apprentices as Government slashes red tape to boost growth 
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Shorter and flexible apprenticeships and new English and maths requirements to boost skills and support employers 
Up to 10,000 more apprentices will be able to qualify per year as the government cuts red tape to boost economic growth by giving employers more flexibility over maths and English requirements.

Rules slowing down the training of workers in key industries like construction will also be changed as the government reveals plans to turbocharge growth industries with reduced bureaucracy for apprenticeships and new leadership also appointed for Skills England.

Leading employers have been calling for these changes. Businesses will now be able to decide whether adult learners over the age of 19 when they start their apprenticeship course will need to complete a level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) in order to pass it. This means more learners can qualify in high demand sectors such as healthcare, social care and construction, helping to drive growth and meet government targets in key areas such as housebuilding.

This could mean as many as 10,000 more apprentices per year will be able to complete their apprenticeship, unlocking opportunity in communities all over the country and breaking the link between background and success. It does not mean that apprentices won’t be assessed on core English and maths skills relevant to their occupation, but it does mean that apprentices will be able to focus more on their paid work.

The minimum duration of an apprenticeship will be reduced to eight months, down from the current minimum of 12 months.

Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson said:  

Growing the economy and opportunity for all are fundamental Missions of our Plan for Change, and we are determined to support apprentices throughout this National Apprenticeship Week and beyond.

Businesses have been calling out for change to the apprenticeship system and these reforms show that we are listening. Our new offer of shorter apprenticeships and less red tape strikes the right balance between speed and quality, helping achieve our number one mission to grow the economy. 

Skills England will be a major driver in addressing the skills gaps needed to support employers up and down the country and I look forward to working with the new leadership.

Craig Beaumont, Executive Director, Federation of Small Businesses said:

It’s encouraging to see Government shorten the length of apprenticeships, and give employers the right to decide whether Level 2 English and Maths is needed. These flexibilities should help SME employers fill skills gaps faster.

These announcements come as the Education Secretary kicked off National Apprenticeship Week yesterday, which celebrates the achievements of apprentices around the country and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses, and the wider economy. 

The plans also follow the Prime Minister’s announcement in October, when he pledged to reform the new growth and skills offer to ensure young people are better supported.  

Three trailblazer apprenticeships in key shortage occupations will look to pioneer the new shorter apprenticeship approach, with apprentices in green energy, healthcare and film/TV production set to be able to take on these new courses.  

Changes to the minimum length of an apprenticeship will be introduced from August 2025 subject to the legislative timetable, with changes to English and maths requirements coming into effect immediately. This will be hugely beneficial to employers in sectors like construction which have an urgent need for qualified workers, helping to meet the government’s mission to build 1.5 million homes by the end of this parliament.  

The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has also announced that Phil Smith CBE will chair Skills England, the new nationwide body for skills, with Sir David Bell serving as Vice Chair. Tessa Griffiths and Sarah Maclean will jointly serve as CEO, while Gemma Marsh will serve as Deputy CEO.

Phil Smith is the former chair and CEO of international tech and telecoms giant Cisco. He brings extensive industry experience in digital, tech and innovation leadership and his appointment signals the seriousness of the government’s plan for growth, unlocked via a national vision for skills.  

Sir David Bell has four decades of experience in the education and skills sector and is currently Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland 

Phil Smith CBE said:

I know from my time in industry how valuable direct engagement from employers can be in shaping government policy. 

We need a dynamic skills system that can drive economic growth, and I’m excited to be involved in shaping Skills England as part of that.

Sir David Bell said:  

I look forward to working with Phil Smith, other colleagues in Skills England, and the Department for Education to help deliver economic growth and meet the nation’s skills needs. 

I know from my experience in public policy and higher education that providing the skilled workforce which Britain requires depends on industry, government and education organisations working together. I am very confident therefore that Skills England will provide the strategic oversight to make that happen.

Skills England will bring together key partners to meet the skills needs of the next decade across all regions of England. More than 700 stakeholders have already been engaged through roundtables, webinars and engagement events.

It will work with employers, national, regional and local government, providers, and unions to identify skills shortages and provide strong strategic direction for the skills system. 

One of Skills England’s first orders of business will be to identify which apprenticeships would be best served by the shorter duration approach. Skills England will prioritise key shortage occupations as per the industrial strategy, helping to boost growth under our Plan for Change.  

Euan Blair MBE, founder and CEO, Multiverse said:

This important announcement will do so much to widen and expand access to apprenticeships and should be welcomed as a move to put our skills system at the heart of the growth Mission. For years this requirement has created an artificial barrier between apprenticeships and those who could benefit from them, including young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and older workers whose roles are at risk of job displacement, while often diluting the quality and purpose of an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are about giving as many people as possible the ability to improve their career prospects and contribute meaningfully to their employers: this move helps to underline that focus.

Sharon Blyfield, Head of Early Careers at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB, said:

At Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, we believe that the inclusion of functional skills as an exit for apprenticeships have often hindered many people from reaching their full potential. The announced changes will help make apprenticeships a more viable option to more people, not only new recruits but also for our current employees who missed out on these skills during their school years. These changes will enable them to successfully complete their apprenticeships without added barriers, which is brilliant news.

Alex Hall-Chen Principal Policy Advisor, Sustainability, Skills, and Employment said:

Apprenticeships are a vital tool in tackling the UK’s persistent skills shortages, and this announcement is a welcome step in removing unnecessary barriers to increasing apprenticeship numbers.

Research with IoD members clearly showed that giving employers flexibility when it comes to English and Maths qualifications for adult apprentices has the potential to unlock more apprenticeship opportunities.

Employers are well-placed to judge whether English and Maths qualifications are the most appropriate route to evidence or develop the literacy and numeracy skills needed for success in the given career path.

Chris Bailey, Starbucks UK Early Careers Manager said:

Starbucks UK welcomes the announcement around relaxing the requirements of functional skills for learners 19yrs+. Removing this significant barrier will support our commitment to enrolling more apprentices, particularly those who may have previously faced challenges with functional skills assessments. By embracing this change we can empower more of our Partners to gain valuable recognised qualifications, develop their skills, and progress within Starbucks and their careers.

Lisa Pinfield, Group Director of Performance & Development, Capita said:

Making Functional Skills requirements more flexible for apprenticeships will open doors for more adult learners, especially those from diverse backgrounds. By removing unnecessary barriers, employers can welcome a wider pool of talented apprentices who bring valuable skills and experience. This change will help businesses grow, support social mobility, and give more people the chance to succeed through apprenticeships.

Jo Rackham, Executive Director of People of the John Lewis Partnership, said:

Apprenticeships help us build and retain the skills we need to deliver brilliant service to our customers and power our growth. They’ve helped 5,000 employees, or as we’re called Partners, progress in their careers since 2017.

We welcome the relaxation in functional skills requirements. It’s an important step towards the reform needed to help more people access apprenticeships. Gaining GCSE Maths and English qualifications can be a significant barrier to starting or completing one and we believe it will help more disadvantaged people, including those who leave the care system or those with learning disabilities, make a career for themselves.

Matthew Percival, Future of Work and Skills Director, CBI said:

Apprenticeships have an important role to play in building the skills for growth. Greater flexibility on minimum length and on English and Maths requirements will help businesses to offer more workers the opportunity to add to their skills.

DfE media enquiries

Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 11 February 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 11, 2025

Category: Universities

February 10, 2025

Find the right reason

Eyes on the goal

How can social media groups help?

What’s the problem with monetising groups?

What can we do?

What should I look out for?

The best – and worst – places for corruption

Australian reforms are making a difference

A (nuanced) history of violence

Portrayals in 19th-century media

Spotlight on the Danites

The modern Mormon

What is a physician assistant?

When were they first used?

What does the research say about their use?

What do Australian policymakers need to consider?

What could we do better?

Labor decline

State stronghold

Dutton’s pitch to the suburbs

Major party disenchantment

How does firming work?

How are we tracking with firming renewables?

Firming – at home?

Is firming helping?

Why should you microchip your pet?

Where are microchip details stored?

What can I do to make sure my pet’s microchip is up to date?

Australia needs national coordination on pet microchipping

Finding a job versus finding a date

Where beliefs diverge

Intertwined ‘markets’

Why does this all matter?

An evolving world order

Pax Democratica

The democratic deficit

Padilla, Colleagues Launch Probe Into DOGE’s Access to Sensitive Student Loan Data and Interference With Education Department

Share this page

Updates to this page