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Category: Universities

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hitting the beach? Here are some dangers to watch out for – plus 10 essentials for your first aid kit

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Woods, Lecturer, Nursing, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University

    FTiare/Shutterstock

    Summer is here and for many that means going to the beach. You grab your swimmers, beach towel and sunscreen then maybe check the weather forecast. Did you think to grab a first aid kit?

    The vast majority of trips to the beach will be uneventful. However, if trouble strikes, being prepared can make a huge difference to you, a loved one or a stranger.

    So, what exactly should you be prepared for?

    Knowing the dangers

    The first step in being prepared for the beach is to learn about where you are going and associated levels of risk.

    In Broome, you are more likely to be bitten by a dog at the beach than stung by an Irukandji jellyfish.

    In Byron Bay, you are more likely to come across a brown snake than a shark.

    In the summer of 2023–24, Surf Life Saving Australia reported more than 14 million Australian adults visited beaches. Surf lifesavers, lifeguards and lifesaving services performed 49,331 first aid treatments across 117 local government areas around Australia. Surveys of beach goers found perceptions of common beach hazards include rips, tropical stingers, sun exposure, crocodiles, sharks, rocky platforms and waves.

    Sun and heat exposure are likely the most common beach hazard. The Cancer Council has reported that almost 1.5 million Australians surveyed during summer had experienced sunburn during the previous week. Without adequate fluid intake, heat stroke can also occur.

    Lacerations and abrasions are a further common hazard. While surfboards, rocks, shells and litter might seem more dangerous, the humble beach umbrella has been implicated in thousands of injuries.

    Sprains and fractures are also associated with beach activities. A 2022 study linked data from hospital, ambulance and Surf Life Saving cases on the Sunshine Coast over six years and found 79 of 574 (13.8%) cervical spine injuries occurred at the beach. Surfing, smaller wave heights and shallow water diving were the main risks.

    Rips and rough waves present a higher risk at areas of unpatrolled beach, including away from surf lifesaving flags. Out of 150 coastal drowning deaths around Australia in 2023–24, nearly half were during summer. Of those deaths:

    • 56% occurred at the beach
    • 31% were rip-related
    • 86% were male, and
    • 100% occurred away from patrolled areas.

    People who had lived in Australia for less than two years were more worried about the dangers, but also more likely to be caught in a rip.

    Safety Beach on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Still bring your first aid essentials though.
    Julia Kuleshova/Shutterstock



    Read more:
    Drugs and the sun – your daily medications could put you at greater risk of sunburn

    Knowing your DR ABCs

    So, beach accidents can vary by type, severity and impact. How you respond will depend on your level of first aid knowledge, ability and what’s in your first aid kit.

    A first aid training company survey of just over 1,000 Australians indicated 80% of people agree cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the most important skill to learn, but nearly half reported feeling intimidated by the prospect.

    CPR training covers an established checklist for emergency situations. Using the acronym “DR ABC” means checking for:

    • Danger
    • Response
    • Airway
    • Breathing
    • Circulation

    A complete first aid course will provide a range of skills to build confidence and be accredited by the national regulator, the Australian Skills Quality Authority.



    Read more:
    Snakes are waking up. What should you do if you’re bitten? And what if you’re a long way from help?

    What to bring – 10 first aid essentials

    Whether you buy a first aid kit or put together you own, it should include ten essential items in a watertight, sealable container:

    1. Band-Aids for small cuts and abrasions
    2. sterile gauze pads
    3. bandages (one small one for children, one medium crepe to hold on a dressing or support strains or sprains, and one large compression bandage for a limb)
    4. large fabric for sling
    5. a tourniquet bandage or belt to restrict blood flow
    6. non-latex disposable gloves
    7. scissors and tweezers
    8. medical tape
    9. thermal or foil blanket
    10. CPR shield or breathing mask.

    Before you leave for the beach, check the expiry dates of any sunscreen, solutions or potions you choose to add.

    If you’re further from help

    If you are travelling to a remote or unpatrolled beach, your kit should also contain:

    • sterile saline solution to flush wounds or rinse eyes
    • hydrogel or sunburn gel
    • an instant cool pack
    • paracetamol and antihistamine medication
    • insect repellent.

    Make sure you carry any “as-required” medications, such as a Ventolin puffer for asthma or an EpiPen for severe allergy.

    Vinegar is no longer recommended for most jellyfish stings, including Blue Bottles. Hot water is advised instead.

    In remote areas, also look out for Emergency Response Beacons. Located in high-risk spots, these allow bystanders to instantly activate the surf emergency response system.

    If you have your mobile phone or a smart watch with GPS function, make sure it is charged and switched on and that you know how to use it to make emergency calls.

    First aid kits suitable for the beach range in price from $35 to over $120. Buy these from certified first aid organisations such as Surf Lifesaving Australia, Australian Red Cross, St John Ambulance or Royal Life Saving. Kits that come with a waterproof sealable bag are recommended.

    Be prepared this summer for your trip to the beach and pack your first aid kit. Take care and have fun in the sun.

    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. Hitting the beach? Here are some dangers to watch out for – plus 10 essentials for your first aid kit – https://theconversation.com/hitting-the-beach-here-are-some-dangers-to-watch-out-for-plus-10-essentials-for-your-first-aid-kit-243037

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: From smaller homes to screen time, backyard cricket is facing challenges in modern Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kasey Symons, Lecturer of Communication, Sports Media, Deakin University

    We are well and truly in cricket season.

    The Australian men’s cricket team is taking centre stage against India in the Border Gavaskar Trophy series while the Big Bash League is underway, as is the Sheffield Shield.

    It is a packed summer schedule, with the Australian women’s cricket team competing in an Ashes series against England that will culminate in a historic Test at the MCG on January 30: the first women’s Test played at the venue since 1948–49.

    That match will also be the 90th anniversary of the first ever women’s Ashes series, when England toured Australia in the summer of 1934–35.

    It’s an exciting schedule for fans and one Cricket Australia will be looking to capitalise on.

    But is all this cricket driving participation?

    The changing face of cricket participation

    Like most sports, cricket faces a challenge to retain junior players in an oversaturated sports market. It is also competing with other entertainment offerings, increased screen time, financial pressures, and parent and guardian unavailability.



    Read more:
    No cash, no play? Have cost-of-living pressures impacted sports participation in Australia?

    Ahead of the 2024–25 summer, Cricket Australia released its annual report, which included 2023–24 participation numbers.

    On the whole, things are looking somewhat positive, with growth in junior cricket (ages 5-12) increasing 5%.

    For women and girls, the numbers are even more encouraging, with Cricket Australia reporting 18% growth for the 2023–24 season, attributed to a 44% rise in school competitions, 6% growth in social competitions and a record-breaking year of youth girls’ participation (ages 5–12).

    But Cricket Australia highlighted challenges in that next phase – the teenage years, with the governing body reporting an overall 5% drop in teenage participation.

    The death of backyard cricket?

    There has been reflection recently about the decline of junior participation in some demographics and a changing cricketing landscape.

    A query that often arises in these conversations is whether the sport’s traditional breeding ground, backyard cricket, is under threat.

    What is interesting is the nostalgia many cricket fans hold for the days of the iconic pastime and how it is central to a person’s, and maybe even our national, identity.

    Backyard cricket has long been a staple for many Australian families (and those in cricketing countries). It has attracted a certain rose-coloured nostalgia that fills the memories of generations – the sounds of a ball bouncing off a wheelie bin, the shouts of “car!” in quiet suburban streets and maybe sometimes, of smashed glass and the cries of angry parents to not play near the windows.

    Cricket fans can connect to stories of backyard cricket, reflecting on simpler times, mates made in the streets and maybe even how they perfected their action in narrow driveways, to avoid trees or to not lose the ball over the neighbour’s fence.

    Cricket lovers can not only recall their childhood and growing cricket fandom, but also imagine how their cricketing heroes were likely doing the exact same thing.

    In 2009, Steve Cannane wrote the book First Tests – Great Australian Cricketers and The Backyards That Made Them. The book is a testament to the romance of backyard cricket and how we can relate as fans to the icons of the game, who also experienced modest beginnings in similar streets. They were just like us.

    But recreation looks different to today’s teens, with the rise of technology and other entertainment options, as well as changing social patterns where organic interactions are less likely or not encouraged.

    This can make it hard to find fielders for those long cover drives down the driveway.

    I recently discussed this on ABC Radio’s The Conversation Hour. We discussed how children might be less likely to approach other children to play today, which might be a result of COVID restrictions or general concerns about children’s safety.

    Australia’s changing housing market is also affecting backyard cricket.

    Apartment living and smaller homes in urban areas with limited outdoor space make the activity not only very difficult but not visible to invite others in.

    Modern city planning appears focused on making cities more compact and experts note the loss of outdoor space could increase the risks of physical and mental health problems among city residents.

    It appears for many, the days of walking down a street, seeing kids playing a game and joining in until your parents called out “dinner” (or “tea” in the rural neighbourhood I grew up in) are long gone.

    Finding the fandom balance

    Kerry Packer’s 1977 World Series Cricket is what inspired CEO of Softball Australia Sarah Loh to pick up a cricket bat when her family migrated to Australia when she was six years old.

    She told ABC Radio Melbourne:

    There were those great characters, and that is when my love of sport and cricket came.

    While traditional cricket fans often bemoan new formats, flashy tournaments and increased commercialisation of cricket, for many, these innovations also offer entry points, drive interest and allow their fandom to grow.

    Cricket Australia’s chief of cricket James Allsopp has spoken of the need for more social forms of cricket to keep kids interested in the game and prevent the drop-off in teen years.

    A balance must be achieved in our rapidly changing society – the challenge for cricket’s administrators will now be to connect with kids, women, and diverse communities in ways that respond to their needs and bring them to the sport on their terms.

    They must also do this in a way that protects the history that has already brought so many people together every summer in front of televisions, in stadiums and in backyards across the country.

    Kasey Symons consults to and conducts research for a number of organisations across Australia. Her research has received funding from organisations including the Victorian Government, and national and state sport governing bodies including the Australian Football League and its clubs and the National Rugby League. Dr Symons is also one of the co-founders of Siren: A Women in Sport Collective.

    – ref. From smaller homes to screen time, backyard cricket is facing challenges in modern Australia – https://theconversation.com/from-smaller-homes-to-screen-time-backyard-cricket-is-facing-challenges-in-modern-australia-241351

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Switching off from work can be difficult but taking a proper break is good for your health

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ty Ferguson, Research associate in exercise, nutrition and activity, University of South Australia

    Peera_Stockfoto/Shutterstock

    It’s never been easier to stay connected to work. Even when we’re on leave, our phones and laptops keep us tethered. Many of us promise ourselves we won’t check emails during our break. But we do.

    Being away from the workplace, and even in a new location, is often not enough to detach psychologically. We might still be thinking about a demanding project we raced to finish or even feel guilty about leaving others to cover for us.

    ‘Digital presenteeism’

    It mightn’t be spelt out by our employers but having phones and laptops can create an underlying expectation we are constantly available, even outside the usual work hours.

    This feeling of connection or “digital presenteeism”, can impact our health by making us stressed, anxious and burnt out.

    Switching off our work tools when we are out of the office or on leave can remove these problems as well as helping improve and enjoy our non-work activities and relationships.

    Right to disconnect

    While recently passed right to disconnect laws in Australia legally support workers to switch off, there’s another option already available to workers. Taking annual leave.

    Unfortunately, many workers don’t take advantage of this valuable resource, with an estimated 160 million annual leave days banked up by Australian workers. One in five have more than the typical yearly allocation of four weeks unused.

    The benefits of taking a break

    Taking a break doesn’t just feel good, it’s been shown to benefit your health.

    A 2017 meta-analysis of 86 studies revealed taking holidays can lead to reduced stress and less exhaustion during the holiday period.

    There is significant research showing taking a break improves wellbeing.
    Gladskikh Tatiana/Shutterstock

    So what do we do with all the extra time we have? Sleep more? Do more exercise? Studies show that’s exactly what happens when we are on holiday. We studied movement patterns of 375 adults during annual leave. We found people were more physically active, less sedentary and had more sleep each day – all of which are good for our health.

    Holidays can also be associated with changes in how our body functions. A study of 112 holiday makers who attended a wellness resort for six days in the United States had increased heart rate variability which indicates greater resilience to stress.

    Also, the odds of meeting metabolic syndrome criteria decreased with each break taken each year in a cohort of workers who took on average five holidays each year.

    If you’re male and still not convinced, there is evidence that taking holidays is linked with living longer. Men who take more frequent holidays and more leave days a year have lower mortality rates than those who don’t?

    The best type of break?

    Simply taking leave is beneficial. Longer breaks do not have increased benefits and where you go is also unimportant.

    A study of locations found those who took a short four day break in a hotel did not benefit more than those who took a break at home. Both groups showed positive changes to stress, recovery, strain and wellbeing.

    In our study, the largest favourable changes were experienced by people who took one to two weeks’ leave or those who spent time outdoors camping or hiking. However positive changes were observed for all types of holidays.

    People who spent time outdoors during their holidays experienced the biggest health benefits.
    Dimitry Molchanov/Shutterstock

    Ultimately, the best vacation is the one that fits your preferences and budget – there’s no such thing as a perfect holiday.

    How to make the most of your next break

    If you haven’t already, book some time off and get away from the workplace. Here are five ways to make the most of the time:

    1. Finish up your to-do list and clear out your inbox: returning to work after a summer holiday with fewer unfinished tasks allows the positive effects of the holiday to linger longer.

    2. Step away from the normal routine: try to limit work-like activities (such as shopping, cleaning, computer-based tasks) and find environments that feel removed from your typical routine and obligations.

    3. Engage in “soft fascination” activities: exploring nature is an example of an activity that gently holds your attention while leaving headspace for reflection. These types of activites have been shown to provide restorative mental benefits.

    4. Reduce the friction and chaos: avoid putting yourself in settings of conflict (such as visiting a difficult family member), confusion (busy, unfamiliar environments) or tension (excessive travel and/or tight timelines).

    5. Take more frequent breaks: aim for multiple short breaks throughout the year, rather than a single longer vacation. This spreads out the benefit with more lead-in time and longer comedown.

    The research is clear: vacations are essential for our health and wellbeing. So, if you haven’t already, book some time off and get away from the workplace.

    Carol Maher receives funding from the Medical Research Future Fund, the National Health and Medical Research Council, the National Heart Foundation, the SA Department for Education, Preventive Health SA, the Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation, the South Australian Office for Sport, Recreation and Racing, Healthway, Hunter New England Local Health District, and the Central Adelaide Local Health Network.

    Rachel Curtis receives funding from the Medical Research Future Fund, National Health and Medical Research Council, SA Department for Education, SA Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Preventive Health SA, Healthway, Hunter New England Local Health District, and SA Department for Innovation and Skills, the Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation.

    Ty Ferguson 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. Switching off from work can be difficult but taking a proper break is good for your health – https://theconversation.com/switching-off-from-work-can-be-difficult-but-taking-a-proper-break-is-good-for-your-health-244744

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Looking for a summer or longer-term job? Here’s how to find one and avoid being exploited

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grozdana Manalo, Career Services Manager (Education), University of Sydney

    hedgehog94/Shutterstock

    Getting casual work over summer, or a part-time job that you might continue once your tertiary course starts, can be a great way to get workplace experience and earn some extra money.

    But it’s important to be cautious and to ensure you don’t get caught up with an unscrupulous employer who might take advantage of a young, inexperienced job-seeker.

    The most common red flags to be aware of are unpaid or underpaid wages, unsafe working conditions or unfair treatment. But, before we get into that, where do you start?

    How to find a casual or summer job

    Recruitment agencies

    Register with recruitment agencies that specialise in temporary or seasonal work – they can match you with employers looking for short-term staff, ideal for summer jobs.

    It’s free to join, and all you need to do is submit your resume and contact details. A quick tip: a recruitment agent makes their income from matching prospective job seekers to roles, so make sure your resume is tailored to the industry you’re interested in.

    Local papers and community boards

    Despite the rise of social media, many summer jobs can be found in local newspapers or newsletters, or your community bulletin boards, especially for smaller companies and in regional areas.

    Check your local libraries, supermarkets and shopping centres. Some businesses will also place a notice in their front window.

    Social media

    Follow your favourite organisations and brands on social media, as many will use their sites to advertise vacancies. Studies have shown more than 90% of employers have used, or are planning to use, social media to find candidates.

    Job vacancies can by found on a company’s website or on the sites of specialist and general recruitment agencies.
    ronstik/Shutterstock

    Online job portals

    Employment websites such as SEEK, Indeed, GradConnection and Prosple allow you to filter roles by location, industry and job type. If you want to work for a particular company, go directly to its website and check the careers page.

    Personal networks

    Use your personal and professional networks. Let your friends, family and acquaintances know you are looking. People will often help or recommend you. Most job vacancies are filled via the hidden job market, without being advertised.

    Now you’ve found a job…

    Getting a job is the first step. Ensuring your wages, hours and other conditions are legal under the Fair Work Act is the next.

    Carefully read job descriptions

    If an advertisement is vague and offers a promise of earning a lot of money for very little effort, as in the case of some work-from-home or remote jobs, it’s probably too good to be true.

    Legitimate job ads provide detailed information about the role, responsibilities, required qualifications and experience, working hours and application process. Most importantly, an advertisement should include an email or phone number you can contact to get further information.

    Do your research

    Before you apply for a job, take the time to research the organisation. Look for reviews on websites such as Glassdoor – where former employees share their experiences.

    Take a look at the company’s website, if it has one, to get an idea of the culture and values. If you find negative information, be wary. Sometimes a simple Google search will produce articles on a businesses questionable behaviour.

    Ask for an employment contract

    A written contract is necessary to protect your rights. A contract must outline your pay, working hours, working conditions, work health and safety issues. Before starting a job, the contract should be signed by both parties.

    Read the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Guide to starting a new job.

    Once you start working, keep written records of your hours and tasks. Keep a notebook or spreadsheet and track your hours and tasks daily. Also, keep records of all your payslips in case there’s an issue with your pay.

    Safety and wellbeing

    Safety is very important, especially if you are doing physical labour. Look for signs that your workplace follows local regulations and provides a safe work environment.

    As well as physical safety, it is also important to protect your mental health. Watch for signs of bullying, intimidation or other inappropriate behaviour by bosses or colleagues.

    Trust your gut

    If something doesn’t feel right throughout the process, it probably isn’t. If a potential employer can’t answer simple questions, or is reluctant to give you written documentation, those are red flags.

    It’s better to walk away than risk being put in an uncomfortable situation. If in doubt, talk to someone you trust, such as family, friends or mentors.

    If you don’t have anyone you can talk to, you can always contact the office of the Fair Work Ombudsman.

    Grozdana Manalo is affiliated with the National Association of Graduate Career Advisory Services (NAGCAS) as a professional member. NAGCAS is a not-for-profit professional association which aims to upskill and educate career service professionals.

    – ref. Looking for a summer or longer-term job? Here’s how to find one and avoid being exploited – https://theconversation.com/looking-for-a-summer-or-longer-term-job-heres-how-to-find-one-and-avoid-being-exploited-245754

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Yes, reindeer actually can have red noses – and other fascinating facts about this Christmas icon

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Old, Associate Professor, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Western Sydney University

    Dmitry Chulov, Shutterstock

    At this time of year, images of reindeer are everywhere. I’ve had a soft spot for reindeer ever since I was a little girl. Doesn’t everyone?

    While I work on Australian mammals, especially marsupials such as wombats, I still find reindeer fascinating.

    I’ve spent a great deal of time reading up about reindeer. Some of the research may interest you too.

    So here’s everything you need to know about this iconic animal, including why they need antlers, why they really can have red noses and how their eyes change colour!

    Male reindeer lose their horns in winter.
    Tam and Trace Photography, Shutterstock

    What do reindeer eat?

    Reindeer (Rangifer tarandua) are herbivores, which means they eat plants. But because they live in the Arctic, where snow and ice covers the ground for most of the year, they can’t be too fussy.

    Their diet mostly consists of lichen, a plant-like organism that grows on rocks and trees. They also eat grass, moss and fungus when they can get it. I’m sure they’d love a carrot or two, but they’re more likely to find only tough “vascular” shrubs and bushes in the Arctic.

    Like rabbits and koalas, reindeer also eat droppings – specifically barnacle goose poo. Who knows, maybe eating goose droppings give reindeer special flying powers at Christmas time?

    How do they keep warm?

    We’ve all heard the Christmas song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Yet you may not realise reindeer really can have red noses!

    Blood flow in the nose can increase or decrease to control heat exchange. So when reindeer need to cool down, their nose looks red because blood is pumped closer to the skin. It’s a bit like when fair-skinned people get hot and flushed.

    Reindeer can also regulate the temperature of the skin on their legs by a similar mechanism, to conserve energy.

    They build up very large fat reserves over the warmer months. Around 25% of these reserves are then used for energy in winter.

    Reindeer can also break down their own protein for energy over winter.

    Specialised hair acts to minimise heat loss. Reindeer fur is thickest in winter with more dense woollen underfur.

    Hollow “guard hairs” stand out from the rest to provide both colour and insulation from the cold.

    As reindeer fur is broader than other deer fur, with a larger hollow cavity, it probably also supports buoyancy. Perhaps it helps keep reindeer afloat when they cross lakes and rivers during migration. Maybe it could even make them lighter, just as birds have hollow bones, and enable flight.

    But these cold climate specialists may suffer as the world warms. Last year researchers described how female reindeer responded to an extreme heatwave in Finland. The reindeer became less active as their body temperature increased and heart rate decreased, reducing the ability to build up their fat reserves.

    Glittering eyes and fancy feet

    Reindeer noses are not the only body part that changes colour. Part of the back of their eye shines a gold-turquoise colour in summer, and deep blue in winter.

    The colour change corresponds to changes in the spacing of collagen fibres and pressure within the eye itself. It all has to do with making the most of the light at different times of the year.

    In summer, reindeer have sponge-like footpads that help grip the soft ground. In winter, however, their footpads are smaller and the hoof rim is exposed, enabling reindeer to cut through snow and ice to find food.

    Reindeer toes on the front feet play a braking role – making for easy landings on roofs perhaps – while toes on the back feet are used for pushing.

    Antlers and herd dynamics

    Reindeer are unique among all deer in that both males and females have antlers. But only females have antlers all year around.

    The size of male reindeer (bull) antlers is second only to that of the moose. But relative to body size, reindeer antlers are the largest among living deer.

    Bulls use their antlers and body size to win over females. Older males have larger antlers with more spiky projections.

    Bull antler buds appear in March or April, become fully developed during summer then shed from August to September. Bulls also grow a mane and their neck thickens by this time.

    The older males shed their antlers earlier than younger (or weaker) bulls, with antlers dropping off sometime between November and May.

    Unlike bulls, cows need to keep their antlers throughout winter to compete for food and prevent unwanted attention from young bulls.

    Young cows develop antlers early to earn a higher rank among the herd, which can be maintained for life.

    The clicking sound from reindeer knees is a curious feature. It’s thought to come from the tendon within the knee when it slips over the bone.

    The sound is likely to be louder in bigger reindeer with longer tendons, as observed in eland (Taurotragus oryx). So knee clicking can provide an acoustic signal to rivals, allowing combatants to determine if they want to engage in battle or not.

    Survival of the species

    Reindeer are essential to the health of the Arctic grasslands and forests, and have great cultural significance to the many Indigenous peoples of the regions in which they live.

    Yet reindeer are vulnerable to extinction. The global population has declined from about 4.8 million to 2.9 million over a couple of decades.

    People are largely to blame. Farming, mining, forestry, hunting and now climate change threaten the survival of the species.

    Fortunately, Santa is not the only person to keep reindeer. Many are kept in captivity, ensuring this amazing species’ survival for a while yet.

    Julie Old 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. Yes, reindeer actually can have red noses – and other fascinating facts about this Christmas icon – https://theconversation.com/yes-reindeer-actually-can-have-red-noses-and-other-fascinating-facts-about-this-christmas-icon-242739

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of Vice-President’s Address at 5th Global Alumni Meet of Panjab University in Chandigarh (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 6:50PM by PIB Delhi

    Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat Ji. Acharyaji is a doyen of Governors also, which means the senior most Governor, leading all the Governors. I have had the good fortune to be Governor with him, and therefore know his deep commitment and passion for natural and organic agriculture.He is extremely concerned with the rural sector, the farm sector, and these two taken together are fundamental to the growth of this nation. These are the two vital sectors that will pave the passage for Viksit Bharat at 2047.

    Acharya Devvrat doesn’t believe in preaching. He practices. And those of you who can get the opportunity to go to his farm will see what he talks, he performs first. I still recall before governors of all the states in the presence of the Prime Minister of the country and the Hon’ble President. He addressed us on farming. And trust me, he took much beyond his time, and no one objected. I’m extremely happy to note that he is an alumnus of Panjab University.

    Shri K. K. Paul has had the distinction of being Governor Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Member UPSC and Commissioner of Police Delhi. The presence of Shri Shekhar Gupta, An alumnus of this university is very different for me. In the world of journalism, he has shown his fearless commitment to truth and facts, and presently, as editor-in-chief of the print, he is widely read, and when it comes to critical issues facing the nation, he economizes on words, 50 words. I am a regular reader of his contributions. He has headed country’s most prestigious and independent media. He being the alumnus on the dais is a matter of pride for me.

    Shri Atul Karwal ji, and mind you, he has earned for us global reputation. National disaster doesn’t give any respect to principles of natural justice. It comes, number one, uninvited. It comes with full fury and a DG of National Disaster Response Team, his performance has been exemplary. So exemplary that the nation has earned laurels and we have been accoladed globally that in similar situations on the planet, Bharat has earned the name being one of the first responders.

    He is the initiator of a new culture and I had the good fortune to get the benefit of it as Governor of the state of West Bengal. On account of geographical conditions and being a country close to the sea, our entire line, thousands of kilometers, is always a challenge. States of West Bengal, Odisha in particular suffer cyclones. It is in that capacity I came to know gradation of cyclones. But I can share with you. So remarkable was the performance that human lives were saved, hardly any mortality.

    And therefore I can say that the alumnus on the dais, Acharya Devvrat, Shri K. K. Paul, Shri Shekhar Gupta and Shri Atul Karwal, are amongst many who are legends, who are respected for their contributions, their convictions and their deep commitment, and I would be reflecting a little later if we have such a rich reservoir of human resource, such a talent that is nationally and globally acknowledged, time for us to engage into optimum output.Professor Renu Vig, the first woman Vice-Chancellor of this University, and if I may engage into some kind of self-praise, appointed by a Chancellor, who comes from rural stock. Her two years have defined this university with transparency, accountability and dedication.

    I will also not commit a mistake of not naming my dear friend, Shri Satpal Jain, a distinguished senior advocate, one of the senior constitutional functionaries in the legal field of government of India, and associated also for a number of years with the management of this university in capacity as a member of the Senate or Syndicate. Ladies and gentlemen, there is the presence of another gentleman I must take note of. He is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur.He is Shri Sunil Kumar Gupta, 1987 batch, IAS officer. And he is helping the Vice-President of the country as secretary to the Vice President.

    Countries are known by the institutions they nurture. Because it is institutions that are crucibles of innovation, change, research. They catalyse big change, they create concepts. It is their innovation that is translated by industry, by process of execution. And therefore countries that are ahead in research and develop research are the countries that emerge as world leaders. Let me give you some figures to begin with. Harvard endowment fund in 2024, ladies and gentlemen, jumps to 53 billion US dollars endowment fund. And this is larger than the GDP of 120 countries, and at the base of it is the alumni of Harvard.

    The alumni of Panjab University. They have occupied positions of the President of the country, the Vice President of the country, the Prime Minister of the country, Cabinet Ministers, Secretaries and Cabinet Secretaries, distinct positions in armed forces, in journalism, in art, in culture, in sports, Nobel laureate and what not. But then, I am here to see their commitment only as alumni of this institution. Just imagine the power of the alumni if they act in a structured manner. If they nurture their alma mater, the results will not be geometrical, they will be incremental.

    सुना था बहुत दिनों से अपना चेहरा नहीं देखा, कोई आईना तो दिखा दे। With utmost restraint at my command but out of great compulsive need मैं alumni को आज आईना दिखाना चाहता हूं। Society progresses. Why? Because we need an ecosystem that enables every citizen to fully exploit his/her potential to realize ambitions and aspirations. We accolade the prime minister of the country. Why? He created such an ecosystem. It generated an atmosphere of hope and possibility.

    He gave new dimension to development. It became people-centric. His achievements are phenomenal, reflected in our exponential economic rise, infrastructure we never dreamt of, and our outreach of inclusion in banking sector to the rural woman by way of gas connection, by way of toilets, by way of नल and नल with जल. There is a question before all of us. Has the rich resource of alumni of this prestigious university exploited its resources, its talent or potential to nurture this institution.

    I leave this soul searching to all of you. But I will make one appeal. Those who look back carry bad baggage. Let us shake off that baggage. Time to make a new beginning. Why a new beginning? We are at a turning point in our history. We are already in the last quarter of independence of our country.

    The centennial independence of our country, last quarter. We have entered the last quarter of the century of adoption of the Indian Constitution. And therefore, right time for the alumni of this prestigious university to take a call. संकल्प लेकर जाएँगे, संकल्पित होकर जाएँगे कठोर निर्णय करेंगे हर वर्ष पंजाब यूनिवर्सिटी के लिए योगदान दूँगा। It doesn’t matter, ladies and gentlemen, what your fiscal contribution is. What matters is that there is contribution.

    Ladies and gentlemen, these endowment funds are not to be analyzed in the context only of it being, let’s say, for Harvard or 50 billion US dollars. No. This generates a great integral bond with the university, with its students. And that bond reflects positively, affirmatively, in several areas. I would seek to invite a focus

    Alumni engagement is vital for curriculum development. Can you imagine of a greater human resource that can make available to you ideas as to what should go into your curriculum. Industry alignment, research in partnerships, evolution of policies, governance mechanisms, financial support is only one part of it. The other part will change the careers of many for the better. It is through your efforts that universities will be enabled to embrace critical thinking innovation. Prepare, motivate, energize and inspire our youth for entrepreneurship. Your input can shape them into future leaders.

    And it is a time when we must have mindset and culture in the country that when it comes to country’s interest, let us not have partisan approach. Let our instinct be fired only by nationalism. Let nationalism alone guide us. Let the principle of nation being always first guide us. I am pained and disturbed on two counts. One, some states have not adopted it. I am sure this is inconceivable on any rational ground. How can this happen? And this happens because the academia, the intelligentsia and the journalism, those in journalism, they don’t generate that pressure.

    We cannot afford in this country to engage into politics at the cost of nationalism or development. That is something which has to be focused. The role of alumni is much beyond. I don’t want this to be limited only to educational institutions. I have advocated from this platform. Number one, wherever I go, I find Panjab University Alumni Associations good, remarkable. It keeps people in connect but please have one confederation of alumni associations for Panjab University. Second, there must be national confederation of alumni associations, of IITs, of IIMs, of universities like Panjab University, institutes of eminence, and that will be a think tank unrivaled and matched in the world. Such kind of remarkable human resource can contribute.

    In evolution of national policies. They will bring on the table their global experience. I’m reminded of a young student who told me just a month back that there was a time when an Indian mind was not seen in global corporates. And now there is no global corporate that doesn’t see Indian genius at the apex level. That’s a big change.

    भारत ने कभी नहीं सोचा था कि भारत दुनिया में आज इतने प्रखर पर होगा। कल्पना से परे था कि जिन्होंने हम पर राज किया और उस स्थान पर मैं राज्यपाल भी रहा।पश्चिम-बंगाल का राजभवन। उनको हमने पीछे छोड़ दिया। हमें कहा जाता था कि दुनिया के अंदर पाँच हिलती डुलती अर्थव्यवस्थाएं हैं। Fragile five economies of the world, We suffered being part of it and now our economy is spinally so strong that we are among the top 5 और दो साल में जापान और जर्मनी, हम किसी को पीछे नहीं छोड़ते हम सिर्फ आगे निकलना जानते हैं।

    मैंने आँखों से देखा है। I was elected to Parliament in 1989, I was a Minister. मेरी आँखों के सामने निर्णय लिया गया कि भारत का सोना भौतिक रूप से स्विट्ज़रलैंड के बेंक में गिर्वी रखा जाएगा, और रखा गया क्योंकि Foreign Exchange डगमगा रहा था। आज उस समय के मुकाबले Foreign Exchange 700 गुना है– 700 times, मैंने वो आँखों से देखा जब 1990 में मंत्री परिषद के सदस्य के रूप में श्रीनगर गया था। डल लेक के कोने पर वो होटल है। जहां हम रुके थे, हमें 2-3 दर्जन से ज्यादा लोग दिखाई नहीं दे रहे थे और मैंने वो सीन भी देखा, जब राज्यसभा में बताया गया हर साल 2 करोड़ से ज्यादा पर्यटक जा रहे हैं। More than 2 Crores, मैंने देखा है, उस समय वातावरण क्या था। कानून के समक समानता नहीं थी, नहीं थी समानता ! Power corridors were extralegally leveraged by nefarious elements, Shekhar Gupta ji का write up है, you can go to that.

    ऐसे हालात में Alumni Association का role बहुत बड़ा हो जाता है। आपके मजबूत कंधों पर बहुत बड़ी जिम्मेवारी है।आज यदि अगर आप ठान लेते हैं, आज अपनी Alma mater को आप गले लगा लेते हैं, आज आप संकल्प लेते हैं कि हम इस University को भी बदलेंगे, इस University के हर छात्र जीवन को हम दिशा देंगे-क्रांतिकारी नतीजे आएंगे, क्यूंकि अपना देश बड़ा विचित्र है। Here iconic status is determined on parameters that are baffling. Look around and you’ll find iconic figures and देखें वो कैसे अपना कलर बदलते हैं। I would not name, I would leave it to your genius. The Indian Banking sector is doing good now because is handling NPAs created by earlier regime. छपा है, उनका बयान देखिए। जब जोड़ने की लंबी यात्रा हो रही थी, एक उद्घोषणा की गई की इस देश के अंदर 5% से ज्यादा की ग्रोथ तो हो ही नहीं सकती। शेखर गुप्ता जी आपने तो जरूर प्रश्न पूछा होगा उनसे की ग्रोथ तो 5 के बजाय 2.5 गुना हो गई थी।

    Ladies and gentlemen, as citizens of this country, it is our prime obligation to ensure that we do not allow in this country disorder to be order of the day. It is indigestible for us. We cannot allow people who have inimical instincts, intentions, evil design towards our progress, and trust me, these forces are powerful. These forces are powerful only on two planks — One, they are fueled by fiscal power which is very tempting. So people fall prey to it. When they fall prey to it, they for a moment forget nationalism and commitment to the nation or the nation first principle, पर जब आम नागरिक, आम भारतीय आज शासन कि सकारात्मक नीतियों को अपने पक्ष में मान रहा है। सकारात्मक नीतियों का लाभ उस तक पहुँच रहा है तो यह जरूर सामने आता है कि जो हो रहा है वो और ज्यादा होना चाहिए, but fundamental premise is we must acknowledge what is happening.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HMoJ Shri C.R. Patil, inaugurates Climate Smart Agro-Textile Demonstration Center in Navsari, Gujarat

    Source: Government of India (2)

    HMoJ Shri C.R. Patil, inaugurates Climate Smart Agro-Textile Demonstration Center in Navsari, Gujarat

    This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s vision of promoting technical textiles under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and advancing India’s agriculture sector towards sustainable and innovative solutions.

    Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 3:54PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with the Synthetic & Art Silk Mills’ Research Association (SASMIRA) launched Climate Smart Agro-Textile Demonstration Center in Navsari, Gujarat, in the presence of Shri C.R. Patil, Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti, Government of India.

    This demonstration center represents a significant step forward in promoting the adoption of Agro-Textiles as transformative solutions for India’s agricultural sector. These are designed to educate and empower farmers, features live demonstrations of Agro-Textile products, their applications, and practical training modules to help integrate these innovations into daily farming practices. Spread across 15,000 sq. meters, the center will be maintained by SASMIRA for three years, covering eight crop cycles. The facility includes live applications of Agro-Textile technologies such as  Shade nets (par-perfect, photo-selective, and vertical farming applications), Medicinal nurseries, Vermicomposting under shade nets, Ground covers (natural and HDPE), Pond liners and crop covers. 

    Shri C.R. Patil, in his inaugural address, emphasised the critical role of Agro-Textiles in improving crop productivity, conserving resources, and enabling sustainable farming. He urged farmers to visit the demonstration center and integrate Agro-Textile technologies into their practices for enhanced agricultural outcomes.

    This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s vision of promoting technical textiles under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and advancing India’s agriculture sector towards sustainable and innovative solutions. The demonstration center is equipped with IoT-based monitoring systems to track real-time conditions, crop yield, and growth performance. Additionally, the center will host approved seminars at regular intervals to educate farmers and stakeholders.

    Shri Raghavjibhai Patel, Cabinet Minister of Agriculture, assured full state support for the initiative and suggested organizing meetings with state governments to expand the adoption of Agro-Textiles. Dr. Z.P. Patel, Vice Chancellor of Navsari Agricultural University, expressed his enthusiasm for the demonstration center’s potential to bridges the gap between academia and real-world farming, equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to increase productivity while conserving resources. Shri Rajeev Saxena, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textile highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to encouraging the adoption of technical textiles in agriculture.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Stakeholder Workshop on ‘Strengthening Camel Milk Value Chain in India’ Organized in Bikaner as part of International Year of Camelids

    Source: Government of India

    Stakeholder Workshop on ‘Strengthening Camel Milk Value Chain in India’ Organized in Bikaner as part of International Year of Camelids

    From Desert Heroes to Nutraceutical Superfood – India Aims to Conserve Camels; Unlock Potential of Camel Milk Industry

    Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 1:23PM by PIB Delhi

    The United Nations has declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and ICAR – National Research Center on Camel organized a day-long stakeholder workshop on ‘Strengthening Camel Milk Value Chain in India’ on Friday, 20 December 2024 in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

    The event aimed to stimulate and facilitate a dialogue between different stakeholders to unlock the challenges that can contribute to the sustainable development of the non-bovine (camel) dairy value chain, along with its nutraceutical and therapeutic values. The event saw participation of more than 150 individuals representing the camel rearers of the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, government officials, social enterprises, scientists and academicians along with representatives from National Rainfed Area Authority, National Dairy Research Institute- Karnal, Sarhad Dairy- Kutch, Lotus Dairy and Amul. The participants brainstormed to identify the challenges faced by the non-bovine milk sector in India, especially the camel milk and finding sustainable solutions for development of the camel rearers by involving all stakeholders in the value-chain.

    During the keynote address, Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), highlighted about the dwindling camel population in India. She called for immediate action to prevent their further decline in population, stressing upon the role of the National Livestock Mission in ensuring sustainable grazing lands and supporting camel-rearing communities. Highlighting the need for a robust camel milk value chain, she emphasized on its economic potential while encouraging conservation efforts. Her address urged stronger outreach to camel farmers to understand their challenges and provide targeted interventions to secure both their livelihoods and the future of camels in India.

    Dr Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, DAHD called for the need to conduct a brief study on reasons for the decline in the camel population in the country. He underscored the importance of camel milk for its nutraceutical and therapeutic properties rather than just its supplementary considerations. He also emphasized the need to promote nucleus breeding farms and breeders’ societies for camels.

    Mr Takayuki Hagiwara, FAO Representative in India, said, “Through collaborative efforts with DAHD and other key stakeholders, FAO is committed to strengthening the non-bovine milk value chain in India. By combining expertise from government, research, and industry, we aim to unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth, enhance livelihoods, and promote the nutritional and therapeutic benefits of non-bovine milk. Together, we can build a resilient, market-driven ecosystem that empowers farmers and improves food security across the nation”.

    Dr. Samit Sharma, Secretary, Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Rajasthan addressed the gathering and informed the action taken by the State for development of the Camel sector. He also highlighted the need to protect the camel population through organizing more pashumelas, camel competitions, promoting eco-tourism and value added products.

    Further inputs were sought from the stakeholders on prospects and challenges along with the identification of a socially inclusive institutional model that can strengthen procurement, milk standardization, pricing mechanism and market feasibility to develop pathways for value addition. Detailed deliberations also took place on the importance of value chain development including value addition and pricing mechanism of camel milk as well as research development. During the discussion entrepreneurs demanded that the Government should handhold the entrepreneurs to develop the infrastructure for milk processing at the initial steps that will encourage entrepreneurs to invest in the sector. The workshop also highlighted the efforts made towards conservation of camels through its breed development, having a concerted clinical trial on therapeutic properties of camel milk and value chain development in breeding, production, milking capacities, product development and creating a niche market for the camel milk. Vibrant camel races and decoration competitions were also organized during the event. The event forms an integral part of the UN International Year of Camelids 2024 with the slogan – “Heroes of the deserts and highlands:  nourishing people and culture” – to recognize and celebrate the vital contribution camelids make to livelihoods, food security, nutrition and culture, thus achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The workshop was also attended by Mr Jayen Mehta, Managing Director, AMUL (virtual participation), Dr Falguni Thakar, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry, Gujarat, Dr RK Sawal. Director, NRCC, Pro Vice Chancellor, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner  and Mr Valumji Bhai Humble, Chairman, Kutch Milk Union & VC, GCMMF, Gujarat amongst others. The event also witnessed participation of representatives from the Border Security Force that has a camel corps and plays an important role in border patrolling and other services.

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  • MIL-OSI China: Private sector gaining strong legal support

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A worker is seen at a workshop of a refrigeration equipment company in Jinzhou city, North China’s Hebei province, Sept 19, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese lawmakers are deliberating a draft of the country’s first law specifically focusing on the private sector’s development and protection, aiming to bolster the private economy through legal norms amid strategic reforms to optimize the business environment.

    The draft, which comprises nine chapters and 78 articles, covers eight main aspects, including fair competition, improving the investment and financing environment, and scientific and technological innovation. It was submitted to an ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the country’s top legislature, for deliberation on Saturday.

    Upon approval, the draft, which elevates crucial measures for promoting private sector growth with legal norms, will be conducive to creating a law-based environment that is favorable for economic growth, including the growth of the private sector, said He Rong, minister of justice.

    The official drafting process began in February, when the Ministry of Justice, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee jointly organized a legislative seminar on the formulation of the law, gathering opinions and suggestions from representatives of private enterprises and experts.

    The issuance of the private economy promotion law was also mentioned as a key task for 2025 during the Central Economic Work Conference held earlier this month.

    Bi Jiyao, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, said: “It is important to improve the business environment and offer more opportunities for entrepreneurs in the private sector to boost their confidence. This, in turn, will play a proactive role in stabilizing economic growth and ensuring stable employment.”

    China has consistently been refining its legal frameworks to boost private economic development since the start of the year, with a focus on attracting investment, promoting equitable market access, and strengthening financial support across various regions and departments. Officials and experts said that these policy adjustments have started to yield tangible results, bolstering the resilience of China’s private enterprises and fostering a noticeable trend of market recovery.

    Data from the State Administration for Market Regulation shows that as of the end of September, the total number of registered private enterprises nationwide surpassed 55 million, accounting for 92.3 percent of all enterprises. In the first three quarters of this year, 6.19 million private enterprises were newly registered across the country, according to the administration.

    Lin Song, dean of the Business School at the Central University of Finance and Economics, said the increasing numbers of newly registered private enterprises, patents, and research and development expenditures serve as evidence of the overall favorable business environment for private enterprises.

    “Still, we need to improve a high-quality fair competition system, transform the regulatory approach to the private economy sector, integrate the private economy into the overall regional development ecosystem, further stimulate private investment vitality, and promote the sustainable development of the private economy,” Lin said.

    The draft law emphasizes the implementation of a nationwide unified market access negative list system, saying that aside from areas on the negative list, various economic organizations, including private entities, will have equal access in accordance with the law.

    It also noted that bidding and government procurement must not restrict or exclude private entities.

    Meanwhile, as the ongoing technological revolution and industrial transformation are spurring a wave of emerging technologies, industries and business models, and creating fresh demand that offers new growth opportunities for the private economy, the draft law supports the active participation of private economic entities in national scientific and technological projects. It also supports empowering capable private entities to spearhead major technological advancements.

    The draft also advocates including private economic entities in major national scientific research infrastructure and promoting collaboration across industry, academia and research institutes, while strengthening the protection of their intellectual property rights.

    “China has broadened market access for the infrastructure sector, allowing private companies to participate equally, which effectively expands the scope of investment for many private companies,” said Bi, from the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research.

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  • MIL-OSI China: Employers encouraged to set up parent-friendly jobs

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Shanghai has encouraged employers to set up “parent-friendly job posts” and adopt measures that facilitate a balance between work and family responsibilities, creating a supportive environment for parenthood in the workplace.
    “Parent-friendly job posts” should have flexible working hours and working methods, and job applicants should be parents with a child or children under the age of 12, the Shanghai Human Resources and Social Security Bureau said on Friday when introducing the policy regarding implementation of the pilot program.
    Such posts will operate under a flexible work system, allowing employers to implement flexible start and end times, remote or home-based work, flexible leave policies, and performance assessments to facilitate employees in managing both work and parenthood responsibilities.
    Government departments will guide industries, such as manufacturing, hospitality, food services and housekeeping services, as well as emerging sectors like the platform, digital, cultural and creative economies and the elderly care economy, to unveil such job opportunities in the first phase of the program.
    To support the initiative, the city will establish a list of employers offering such jobs.
    “Also, labor unions at all levels are tasked with assisting such employers in creating parent-friendly workplaces, including pushing forward the construction of breastfeeding rooms and organizing summer and winter holiday programs as well as after-school childcare services,” the policy document said.
    Similar policies have been introduced in various regions across the country, but in those cases it was clearly stipulated that such posts were provided to female applicants only, as they were called “mom’s job posts”. Working hours for such jobs are flexible, and workers can have time to take children to and from school. In addition, such workers do not need to work overtime.
    For example, in January, the city of Guangzhou, Guangdong province, announced a list of 58 employers that have set up such posts. In June, Xingtai, a city in Hebei province, introduced the new employment model of “mom’s job posts”, under which the city has helped more than 25,000 women find employment.
    Earlier this month, Qingdao, Shandong province, released the city’s first list of “mom’s job posts”, involving 190 jobs mainly in the catering and domestic services sectors.
    Zhang Lei, deputy director of Peking University’s Institute of Population Research, said that such posts help women achieve a balance between family and work.
    However, the jobs “must improve in both quantity and quality, as the current setting of such posts may accelerate the loss of human capital of educated women”, she said.
    Regarding the Shanghai initiative, some have said it stands out for not restricting such job opportunities to female applicants. Recognizing that family and childcare responsibilities are not solely the domain of women, the policy aims to address work-life balance issues for all parents, they said.
    “So I hope that more jobs involving a lot of male workers will be on this list, so that this initiative is not set up to once again marginalize women from the workplace,” said Zhao Jing, a mother of a 5-year-old child. Zhao has stopped working several times after giving birth due to parenting responsibilities and unsatisfactory work content.
    Such moves regarding parent-friendly workplaces have been praised by some women who believe that these initiatives provide a larger chance for mothers to return to the workforce.
    A survey conducted last year by a research institute affiliated with the All-China Women’s Federation in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong province, found that, among respondents, 82.7 percent of stay-at-home mothers under the age of 40 had plans to return to work.

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  • MIL-OSI Global: How global inequality hinders climate action

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Susan Ann Samuel, PhD Candidate, School of Politics and International Studies, University of Leeds

    Leaders from around the globe are meeting in Davos. Michael Derrer Fuchs/Shutterstock

    World leaders have gathered for the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. One of their main goals is to align their responses to geopolitical shocks such as floods and wildfires that hamper trade, investment and more.

    The meeting also supposedly aims to find ways to stimulate economic growth to improve living standards, foster a just and inclusive energy transition, achieve security and cooperation amidst conflicts, and accelerate the economic response to an “intelligent age” of AI.

    But, a new report from Oxfam International, published on the first day of the meeting in Davos, highlights how global inequality is more rampant than ever. The report, written by a team of policy campaigners and inequality research advisers outlines how billionaire wealth rose sharply in 2024 worldwide, with the pace of the increase three times faster than in 2023.

    The World Economic Forum lists extreme weather as one of the top global risks. But, as world leaders convene in Davos, the high-profile anti-climate stances of some of them stand in stark opposition to any meaningful progress for climate action.

    The Oxfam report highlights the exploitation involved in creating and sustaining wealth and outlines how, as inequalities deepen, vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected. The most vulnerable – overwhelmingly women, people of colour, Indigenous groups and low-wage workers – are caught in a cycle of insufficient wages, limited services and minimal political influence.

    The report also highlights how wealth inequality is often intertwined with historical processes of extraction — both within countries (for example, through weak labour protections that lowers wages) and between countries (through trade, finance, and resource exploitation).

    The climate connection

    Other research has also shown how inequality is deeply interwoven with climate breakdown. Each crisis exacerbates the other. Historically, the richest nations – and within them, the wealthiest people – have contributed the most to greenhouse gas emissions.

    Meanwhile, lower-income countries that bear little responsibility for global heating suffer the most. These countries, already burdened by debt and systemic inequality, have fewer resources to protect communities from extreme weather, crop failures and infrastructure damage. This makes day-to-day survival a struggle for billions.

    When climate change exacerbates existing inequalities, marginalised communities are denied basic human rights. For instance, droughts reduce crop yields and deplete water sources, so more people — often women and children — have to ration supplies or go without. This directly infringes on their rights to food, safe drinking water and sanitation.

    In these ways, without climate action, the warming planet threatens to widen inequalities by affecting the poorest people most severely. A 2020 World Bank report estimated that an additional 68 to 135 million people could be pushed into poverty by 2030 because of climate change. French researchers identified that climate change also slows down the economic catch-up of poorer countries.



    Read more:
    Extreme weather has already cost vulnerable island nations US$141 billion – or about US$2,000 per person

    The reality on the ground is bleak. Floods in Pakistan displaced thousands and affected more than 33 million people in 2023. That’s ten times more than the total population of Los Angeles where, when the recent wildfires struck, 170,000 people had to be evacuated.

    Around the world, climate movements continue. Law suits that demand climate action are transforming governance. High-level negotiations like the UN’s annual climate summit carry on seeking progress, although the processes could be improved to accelerate change.

    What can Davos do? World leaders need to look at how wealth and power can be redistributed (reparations for climate damages is one way to do this) and low-income, climate-vulnerable nations can be better represented in global decision-making.

    Without this kind of change, there’s a risk climate action will perpetuate the same structural imbalances that first enabled environmental exploitation. Only by tackling both climate injustice and economic inequality together can the world prevent further climate disasters and ensure a more equitable future.

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

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Susan Ann Samuel receives funding from the University of Leeds, for her PhD research.

    – ref. How global inequality hinders climate action – https://theconversation.com/how-global-inequality-hinders-climate-action-247841

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. – Drilling completed on the second well in the Shenandoah South Pilot Project, Shenandoah S2-4H

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.
    (“Falcon” or “Company”)

    Drilling completed on the second well in the Shenandoah South Pilot Project, Shenandoah S2-4H

    23 December 2024 – Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. (TSXV: FO, AIM: FOG) is pleased to announce that the Shenandoah S2-4H (“SS4H”) horizontal well was successfully drilled, cased and cemented to a measured depth of 6,452 metres (21,169 feet) in exploration permit 98 in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, Northern Territory, Australia with Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited’s (“Falcon Australia”) joint venture partner, Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited (“Tamboran B2”).

    Data from the SS4H well has indicated strong gas shows and a continuation of the high-quality shale and rock properties observed in the Shenandoah South 1H and Shenandoah South 2H (“SS2H ST1”) locations with no faulting observed along the entire 3,048-metre (10,000 foot) lateral section.

    The Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) stimulation equipment and sand has been mobilized to location ahead of the stimulation campaign, which is planned to commence in early 1Q 2025, with IP30 flow test from both SS2H ST1 and SS4H expected to be released in 1Q 2025.

    Philip O’Quigley, CEO of Falcon commented:
    “The completion of the SS4H well is another milestone in the development of the Beetaloo Sub-basin and we will look forward to the upcoming stimulation campaign and updating the market as operations progress.”

                                                    Ends.

    CONTACT DETAILS:

    Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.          +353 1 676 8702
    Philip O’Quigley, CEO +353 87 814 7042
    Anne Flynn, CFO +353 1 676 9162
     
    Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (NOMAD & Broker)
    Neil McDonald / Adam Rae +44 131 220 9771
       

    This announcement has been reviewed by Dr. Gábor Bada, Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd’s Technical Advisor. Dr. Bada obtained his geology degree at the Eötvös L. University in Budapest, Hungary and his PhD at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He is a member of AAPG.

    About Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.

    Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd is an international oil & gas company engaged in the exploration and development of unconventional oil and gas assets, with the current portfolio focused in Australia. Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd is incorporated in British Columbia, Canada and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

    Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited is a c. 98% subsidiary of Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.

    For further information on Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. Please visit www.falconoilandgas.com

    About Beetaloo Joint Venture (EP 76, 98 and 117)

    Company Interest
    Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited (Falcon Australia) 22.5%
    Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited 77.5%
    Total 100.0%

    Shenandoah South Pilot Project -2 Drilling Space Units – 46,080 acres1

    Company Interest
    Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited (Falcon Australia) 5.0%
    Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited 95.0%
    Total 100.0%

    1Subject to the completion of the SS2H ST1 and SS4H wells on the Shenandoah South pad 2.

    About Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited
    Tamboran (B1) Pty Limited (“Tamboran B1”) is the 100% holder of Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited, with Tamboran B1 being a 50:50 joint venture between Tamboran Resources Corporation and Daly Waters Energy, LP.

    Tamboran Resources Corporation, is a natural gas company listed on the NYSE (TBN) and ASX (TBN). Tamboran is focused on playing a constructive role in the global energy transition towards a lower carbon future, by developing the significant low CO2 gas resource within the Beetaloo Basin through cutting-edge drilling and completion design technology as well as management’s experience in successfully commercialising unconventional shale in North America.

    Bryan Sheffield of Daly Waters Energy, LP is a highly successful investor and has made significant returns in the US unconventional energy sector in the past. He was Founder of Parsley Energy Inc. (“PE”), an independent unconventional oil and gas producer in the Permian Basin, Texas and previously served as its Chairman and CEO. PE was acquired for over US$7 billion by Pioneer Natural Resources Company.

    Advisory regarding forward-looking statements
    Certain information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “projects”, “dependent”, “consider” “potential”, “scheduled”, “forecast”, “outlook”, “budget”, “hope”, “suggest”, “support” “planned”, “approximately”, “potential” or the negative of those terms or similar words suggesting future outcomes. In particular, forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, information relating to the drilling the SS4H well to a total measured depth of 6,452 metres, the indication of strong gas shows and a continuation of the high-quality shale and rock properties observed in the Shenandoah South 1H and SS2H ST1 locations, stimulation planned to commence in early 1Q 2025 with IP30 flow test from both SS2H ST1 and SS4H expected to be released in 1Q 2025.

    This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. The risks, assumptions and other factors that could influence actual results include risks associated with fluctuations in market prices for shale gas; risks related to the exploration, development and production of shale gas reserves; general economic, market and business conditions; substantial capital requirements; uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of reserves and resources; extent of, and cost of compliance with, government laws and regulations and the effect of changes in such laws and regulations; the need to obtain regulatory approvals before development commences; environmental risks and hazards and the cost of compliance with environmental regulations; aboriginal claims; inherent risks and hazards with operations such as mechanical or pipe failure, cratering and other dangerous conditions; potential cost overruns, drilling wells is speculative, often involving significant costs that may be more than estimated and may not result in any discoveries; variations in foreign exchange rates; competition for capital, equipment, new leases, pipeline capacity and skilled personnel; the failure of the holder of licenses, leases and permits to meet requirements of such; changes in royalty regimes; failure to accurately estimate abandonment and reclamation costs; inaccurate estimates and assumptions by management and their joint venture partners; effectiveness of internal controls; the potential lack of available drilling equipment; failure to obtain or keep key personnel; title deficiencies; geo-political risks; and risk of litigation.

    Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive and that these factors and risks are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Falcon assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Falcon. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in Falcon’s filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.com, including under “Risk Factors” in the Annual Information Form.

    Any references in this news release to initial production rates are useful in confirming the presence of hydrocarbons; however, such rates are not determinative of the rates at which such wells will continue production and decline thereafter and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery. While encouraging, readers are cautioned not to place reliance on such rates in calculating the aggregate production for Falcon. Such rates are based on field estimates and may be based on limited data available at this time.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SUM – a platform for dialogue: the first Congress of the Student Council was held at the university

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    From December 16 to 18, the 1st Congress of the Council of Student Universities and Scientific Organizations under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation was held within the walls of the State University of Management, where our university acted as the operator.

    The congress was held to build effective activities of the new Council. More than 100 representatives of universities from all over the country gathered to jointly develop an action plan for the next year.

    On the first day of the congress, the participants were greeted by the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation Olga Petrova and the Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Pavel Pavlovsky.

    As part of the project, activists and leaders of Russia developed a roadmap for the Council, exchanged experiences, improved their skills, listened to lectures and attended master classes.

    The participants were able to listen to a lecture on legislation in the field of youth policy and student self-government, discuss the possibilities of cooperation between the Council and the All-Russian public-state movement of children and youth “Movement of the First”, meet with a representative of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation and the Presidium of the Council of Vice-Rectors for Youth Policy and Educational Activities under the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia at the site of the National Center “Russia” and discuss the possibilities of joint work.

    On the final day of the congress, the election of the Council’s leadership took place and a meeting was held with the leadership of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and honorary guests.

    It should be noted that the Student Council is an advisory and consultative body that takes into account the opinions of representatives of universities and scientific organizations from all over the country. The Council was selected from September 20 to November 1 by representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, the Russian Union of Youth, and the Student Coordination Council of the All-Russian Trade Union of Education from more than 700 competitive applications.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 23.12.2024

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Experts analyze China’s economic development potential

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Attendees take part in the Caijing Annual Dialogue 2024 in Beijing, Dec. 20, 2024. [Photo by Yang Chuanli/China.org.cn]

    The Caijing Annual Dialogue 2024, organized by Caijing Magazine, was held in Beijing on Dec. 20. Themed “The Power of Navigating Changes,” the event focused on topics such as expanding domestic demand and boosting China’s capital markets. 

    In the current international context, the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains unresolved, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate. Notably, the re-election of Donald Trump has introduced new uncertainties to the global political and economic landscape, as well as to China-U.S. relations.

    Numerous experts gathered at the dialogue to analyze the opportunities present in the current economic climate. 

    Yao Jingyuan, a researcher at the Counsellors’ Office of the State Council, emphasized the critical importance of expanding domestic demand and leveraging China’s vast domestic market for economic development. He elaborated, “China possesses the world’s largest domestic demand market, which lays a solid foundation for sustained economic growth and strong support in addressing external challenges.”

    Zhang Bin, deputy director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, highlighted the importance of comprehensively expanding domestic demand. He noted the enormous potential for investments aimed at improving people’s livelihoods and enhancing their quality of life.

    The current overcapacity in manufacturing reflects a need for quality improvement rather than just surplus quantity, Zhang said, and therefore public investment should be focused more toward public service projects. For instance, there are substantial gaps in infrastructure related to culture, entertainment, health care services and sports facilities, which are critical to people’s quality of life, he said. Meanwhile, although the financial sector holds a significant share of GDP, it still falls short in supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises and high-risk services, which are areas that require improvements in service supply.

    Professor Li Daokui, dean of the Academic Center for Chinese Economic Practice and Thinking at Tsinghua University, made an optimistic forecast of an “economic temperature rise” for China’s economy in 2025. He pointed out three main aspects where China’s economy holds immense potential. First, the country’s demographic advantage brings enormous market potential. Second, the national savings rate at 40% is among the highest globally, providing a stable source of funding for the investments needed for economic growth, making it one of the key drivers of sustained economic development. Third, the research and development capabilities in applied research are robust. 

    Although some countries have advantages in original achievements, Li explained that China, with its substantial number of engineering and technical graduates — 4.4 million annually, more than the total of similar talent in other countries — demonstrates strong competitiveness in the application and transformation of technological innovations, driving high-quality economic development.

    Li also emphasized that China’s economic policy will clearly focus on restoring growth rates and initiating a new growth cycle in 2025. He said, “We scholars should take on the responsibility to collaboratively strive in 2025 to promote stronger, faster and more effective policy adjustments, enabling the economic climate to swiftly shift from cold to warm, with expectations for continuous economic growth in 2026 and 2027.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Big challenges for big universities. Polytechnic University formulates proposals for the Ministry of Education and Science

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    On December 20, the Polytechnic University hosted a strategic session entitled “Big Challenges of Large Universities: How to Manage a Large-Scale Educational Organization in the Context of Rapid Changes.” Representatives of the country’s leading universities discussed proposals to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation for more effective involvement of large universities to achieve the national goals of the Russian Federation.

    The participants of the strategic session were greeted by the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy.

    It is very pleasant that, despite the pre-New Year bustle, many universities responded to our proposal to discuss pressing issues of managing large educational organizations. One of our main tasks is to strengthen the contribution to the development of the country, to the creation of a new Russian independent economy. It is very important for the heads of large mega-universities to share their experience and developments, – Andrey Rudskoy emphasized.

    The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation was represented by Deputy Director of the Department for Coordination of Activities of Educational Organizations, Konstantin Bogonosov.

    The topic of the round table is important for the ministry and the country as a whole, because in modern conditions large universities face a huge number of challenges. In the context of globalization and integration, the presence of large, strong universities that are capable of providing high quality education and science is becoming critical. Such universities should play a significant role in the development and transformation of not only education, but also science and production. Holding such events will allow sharing best practices, identifying common vectors and strengthening the integration of universities among themselves, – noted Konstantin Bogonosov.

    The plenary session was moderated by Irina Karelina, Vice President of the HSE University and Executive Director of the Global Universities Association. She outlined the main issues for discussion: “The Main Challenge of Managing a Large University: Balance between Centralization and Decentralization”, “The Challenge of Diversity in the Context of Digital Transformation of a Large University”, “Financial and HR Management for Large Organizations: What Strategies Contribute to the Development of the University as a Whole”. The heads of the country’s leading universities shared their opinions: SPbPU, KFU, HSE, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, RTU MIREA, Sechenov University, SPbGUPTD, UrFU and PNRPU.

    Irina Karelina gave a report on “The ‘Big’ University in the National Agenda.” First Vice-Rector for Economics and Strategic Development of UrFU Daniil Sandler gave a report on “How Large Universities Can Survive in Priority. Three Nuances.”

    The experience of the Polytechnic University was shared by the acting vice-rector for promising projects of SPbPU, the head of the program “Priority-2030” at the Polytechnic University Maria Vrublevskaya. She told about the challenges that large universities in Russia face, what contribution they make to the development of an integrated system of science and higher education, and how they work with focus and management system.

    A large university is a great responsibility to the country, the industry, to everyone it inevitably influences due to its scale. Large universities perform a very serious social mission. Today, we have consolidatedly confirmed that we, large universities, must be given the opportunity to strengthen our contribution to development through additional resources, communication channels, access to personnel, through autonomy and freedom to choose our priorities. I am grateful to everyone who found the time and opportunity to participate in the discussion, and I look forward to seeing all the guests at the Polytechnic again, – shared Maria Vrublevskaya.

    The experts continued their work in parallel groups. The conversation was moderated by PNRPU Vice-Rector for Priority Projects Pavel Volegov and Director of the SPbGUPTD Project Office Maxim Ermachkov. The participants discussed the main problems in managing large universities and the specifics of implementing their development programs, and also formulated proposals to improve the quality of university management systems.

    Photo archive

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Electric Therapy: How Brain Research Helps Fight Migraines

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    “Both technologies are used to treat chronic pain syndromes such as migraine, neuropathic pain, phantom pain. The technologies have also proven themselves in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental conditions. Stimulation of certain areas of the brain can normalize neurochemical balance and improve mood. Moreover, TMS and TES are used to restore motor and cognitive functions after a stroke. Stimulation of damaged areas of the brain promotes neuroplasticity and compensation for lost functions.”

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to govt setting out plans for a complete ban of neonicotinoids

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Experts commented on the Government’s plans to completely ban neonicotinoids. 

    Dr Philip Donkersley, Senior Researcher in Ecology and Evolution at Lancaster University, said:

    Is this evidence-based?

    “The hazards posed by neonicotinoid pesticides to pollinators have been established by a number of high impact research articles for nearly a decade. There is no question that restricting their use can have significant benefits to both domesticated and wild pollinators.”

    How significant a change is this to the rules we have currently?

    “There are no significant changes to current policy, which will be of benefit to farmers, giving them at least the entirety of 2025 to change their pest management plans accordingly is a good thing for farmers. Current policy in the UK to allow neonic use under specific conditions has arguably failed, given that the conditions have been consistently met since the policy was adopted (i.e. It was entirely legislative, not functional). Going forward, a policy of absolute moratorium brings us closer in line with European standards.”

    Why are neonics still used, and what will farmers need to use instead? 

    “Neonics are used because of their ease of application, high efficacy and availability from suppliers. Some farmers may argue a moratorium will drive them to using more hazardous pesticides, like the pyrethroids, however with proper government guidance, a policy basis and direct financial support, a drive towards regenerative agricultural methods, combined with natural enemy protections and integrated pest management practices will be as good, if not better for the farm finances, productivity, and environmental sustainability. We know this works from both European and global farming communities – massively reducing pesticide use brings back natural enemies like spiders, parasitoid wasps, lacewings etc, which in turn kill off pest species.”

    What will be the effect on pollinators and crops? 

    “With any restriction of pesticide use, there will be a lag period, where the environment on the farm needs to recover, the farm productivity will be damaged due to sudden increases in pest abundance. However, over the long term, we see a gradual increase in pollinator health and farm finances. Governments should direct support farms during this period in order to safely permit them and their business to make the transition towards a more regenerative farming practice.”

    Prof Giles Budge, Modelling Evidence and Policy Research Group, Newcastle University, said:

    “I would welcome any legislation that protects our managed and unmanaged pollinator communities. However, as a society we must always consider the costs and benefits of any policy change. Sometimes new policies that are well meaning may have unintended consequences to the sustainability of our food production system, as well as our insect communities. Oilseed rape is a great example. Seed-coated neonicotinoids were banned from use on oilseed rape without time to formulate a clear plan for what alternatives might be available to manage both aphid and cabbage stem flea beetle pests.

    “The story has positive and negative outcomes. First, the abruptness of the ban led to disruptive innovation in the industry, and seed companies were quick to produce cultivated varieties of oilseed rape which are resistant to turnip yellows virus, the main reason for controlling the aphid. However, many farmers switched to using multiple pyrethroid sprays to save their oilseed rape crops from damage by cabbage stem flea beetles. Pyrethroid sprays were ineffective against cabbage stem flea beetles, which were resistant, but highly effective against non-target insects. Crops were lost and the planted area of oilseed rape has dropped. Fewer planted oilseed rape crops has removed an important source of pollen and nectar for our pollinators, and challenged the farming community to find alternative crops and ways of working.

    “The outcome for food production is that we have moved from a net surplus of oilseed rape production, where we exported, to a need to import oilseed rape into the UK in order to meet our needs. Our food security has been compromised, and the irony is that some oilseed rape imports are grown in countries where the use of neonicotinoid seat coatings has continued! A policy that sought to protect our pollinators has seemingly moved the problem abroad, impacted our farming community, and decreased our food security.

    “I reiterate that I would welcome any legislation that protects our managed and unmanaged pollinator communities, but we need to ensure our farmers can continue to grow our food in a sustainable way. We need to take ownership of any issues with the sustainability of our food production, but we also need to ensure that our farmers have access to viable and sustainable solutions.”

    Prof Linda Field, Emeritus Fellow, Protecting Crops and the Environment, Rothamsted Research, said:

    “On the face of it, this would seem to be a measure that will help bees and other pollinators that can potentially be affected by neonicotinoids. However, this effect may be small given that bees do not forage in sugar beet crops, where the previous emergency authorisation has been applied.

    “It should also be borne on mind that if neonicotinoids are not used in sugar beet in the UK, then the aphid that carries virus disease in this crop can’t be controlled, as it is resistant to alternative insecticides. This is very likely to result in reduced production of beet sugar and the need for more imports of cane sugar.

    “The impacts of pesticide and pesticide stewardship requires broad farm-system landscape assessment. A single intervention is inevitably linked to many other factors that ultimately dictate any net gain or loss on biodiversity.”

     

    Prof Dave Goulson, Professor of Biology (Evolution, Behaviour and Environment), University of Sussex, said:

    “It is refreshing to see that the new government is sticking by its commitment to end all use of “bee killing pesticides”, by which it means the three neonicotinoids imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and clothianidin.

    “These chemicals have been banned from agricultural use in all the EU and the UK since 2018. Until 2023 Europe allowed “emergency authorizations” in special circumstances, but these are now illegal in Europe. However, for the last four years the previous UK government granted emergency authorisation for the use of thiamethoxam on sugar beet. In doing so they ignored the science and went against the clear advice of the Health & Safety Executive and Expert Committee on Pesticides.

    “Farmer across Europe grow sugar beet successfully without neonics. Only the UK has been allowing them, becoming the dirty man of Europe. Let’s hope this is finally coming to an end.

    “By way of background, neonics are highly potent neurotoxins, lethal to bees and all other insects at miniscule doses. They are often used as seed dressing, but only about 5% of the chemical is absorbed by the crop. The rest pollutes the soil and soil water. Neonics are highly persistent, so soils remain contaminated for years. Neonics leach from soil into streams, harming aquatic life. They are also sucked up from the soil by hedgerow wildflowers and farm trees, contaminating all parts of the plant including pollen and nectar, and hence poisoning pollinators. This is why the EU introduced a ban on neonics in 2018, after prolonged evaluation of all the evidence by EFSA.

    “Let’s not forget that sugar is very bad for us (diabetes, obesity etc.). We have been poisoning our soils, streams and bees to grow a product that makes us ill. Healthy crops could be grown on the land used for sugar beet. Government could extend sugar taxes to reduce our consumption.”

    Dr Katie Powell, Butterfly Conservation Postdoctoral Researcher and British Ecological Society English Policy Group committee member, said:

    Is this evidence-based?

    “Yes. There is ample evidence that neonicotinoids have devastating lethal and sub-lethal effects on wildlife, both directly and indirectly through being passed through the food chain. Although the current method of applying neonicotinoids for emergency use is through seed-coatings, which is supposedly directed at target species (namely aphids), ‘beneficial’ insects feed on these target species and so non-target organisms – like ladybirds and hoverflies – are inadvertently exposed to neonicotinoids. Insects feeding on the pest species that are targeted by neonicotinoids include some pollinating insects such as hoverflies. Also, flowering plants grown near to neonicotinoid coated seeds, or subsequently grown in soil used to grow sugar beet where seeds have been treated, can carry through the pesticide to pollinators like bees at a later stage. This can then have population-level consequences and contribute to their decline. As well as this, leaching and accumulation of neonicotinoids from treated seeds into soils and waterways occurs, impacting the development of soil organisms and aquatic wildlife.”

    What will farmers need to use instead?

    “The worry is that farmers will turn to the use of boom spraying using other approved pesticides; this should not be what farmers turn to as an alternative, as this may be equally damaging to insects and other wildlife when applied in a non-targeted way. Approaches like Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the development of genetic approaches to pest resistance and virus forecasting need to be further developed to replace widespread pesticide use. The government should plough research into these approaches to support farmers after the ban.”

    What will be the effect on pollinators?

    “The ban should have a positive effect on pollinators in the long-term, as well as benefits for lots of other insects like pest-controlling ladybirds and parasitic wasps which will have a chance to recover from the toxic effects of neonicotinoids. These beneficial insects naturally keep the pests that neonicotinoids aim to control in check through predating on them. Some of these beneficial predator species are also pollinators. Insect (and pollinator) declines are caused by a range of interacting factors, made worse by unsustainable use of pesticides. To bolster against population crashes and build resilience in populations against other drivers like extreme weather events, it is crucial to remove as many drivers of decline as possible and for habitat to be improved in order to support species of insect, including bees, butterflies and moths.  As populations start to recover from low levels due to their living conditions being improved, there is a greater chance they will be robust against other drivers like climate change.”

     

     

    Declared interests

    Giles Budge: “I declare no personal interest.”

    Katie Powell: “I am involved in a campaign with Butterfly Conservation on this topic.”

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New Year’s working hours of Polytechnic University dormitories

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    During their studies at the university, the dormitory becomes a second home for many students. Many stay here for holidays and vacations, so it is so important to create a joyful New Year mood for the kids. In all the dormitory buildings, they decorate Christmas trees, halls, buildings and courtyards.

    The administration has prepared a gift for the residents. On New Year’s Eve, admission to all SPbPU dormitories will be free for university students. This will allow the guys to celebrate 2025 in the company of friends!

    Let all the doors of our dormitories be open on New Year’s Eve to meet your classmates and fellow students. New Year is a bright holiday that you want to celebrate with your loved ones and friends. Let your New Year’s Eve be cheerful, bright and memorable, – said the director of the Student City Vyacheslav Olshevsky.

    Well, what New Year would be complete without tangerines! “Tangerine Boom” is a real fun event where kids are treated to tangerines and congratulated on the holiday. It is organized by the administration of the Student City, the Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity, PROF and the United Student Council of Dormitories.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientific Library of the State University of Management: Review of the Results of the “Department Weeks”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Last year, on the initiative of the rector’s advisor Sergey Chuev, for the 105th anniversary of the State University of Management, the Scientific Library of the State University of Management launched the project “Department Weeks in the Scientific Library”. Every two weeks, the departments, replacing each other, organized conferences, round tables, discussions, quests, book presentations in their areas of activity and other events.

    “Department Weeks” attracted the attention of both the staff and students of the State University of Management, as well as guests of the Scientific Library, creating an atmosphere of lively exchange of knowledge and ideas. This happened, among other things, thanks to the work of the head of the information and bibliographic department Olga Fomakina and the chief bibliographer Olga Korshunova, who with special attention and care selected literature for exhibitions of the works of the department scientists. Their professionalism and creative approach made the project not only popular, but also a real scientific event. In total, 1,180 books were presented at the exhibitions. Each exhibit was not just a book, but a window into the world of scientific discoveries and achievements, arousing genuine interest and inspiration in all visitors.

    This academic year, the following departments presented their achievements:

    Department of Philosophy (September 9–22); Department of Mathematical Methods in Economics and Management (September 23–October 6); Department of Economics and Management in Construction (October 7–20); Department of Physical Education (October 21–November 3); Department of Public and Municipal Administration (November 4–17); Department of Environmental Management (November 18–December 1); Department of Management in International Business and Tourism Industry (December 2–15).

    The Department of Philosophy participated in the project twice. In September, a tour of the Scientific Library was organized for students of the Institute of Personnel Management, Social and Business Communications. Candidate of Cultural Studies, senior lecturer of the department Liana Popova introduced them to the teaching aids, monographs and other publications of the department.

    The Department of Mathematical Methods in Economics and Management held a tour for first-year students of the educational program “Business Mathematics and Data Analysis”. Deputy Head of the Department, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor Inna Kramarenko introduced them to the works of the department’s scientists, including the works of the head of the department Olga Pisareva and the founder of the department Vasily Dudorin.

    The Department of Economics and Management in Construction organized a round table for its employees and students studying in the educational programs implemented by the department, “Scientific and educational potential of the department as a basis for developing competencies.” The head of the department, candidate of economic sciences, associate professor, corresponding member of the REA Olga Astafieva gave a welcoming speech, outlining the development trajectories of the implemented educational programs in the bachelor’s and master’s programs. Senior lecturer Yuri Tikhonov introduced the participants to the history of the department, famous scientists and important textbooks that have become the main ones in their disciplines. Professor of the department, candidate of economic sciences, professor Tatyana Shemyakina discussed with students the importance of books in the modern educational process.

    Teachers of the Department of Physical Education Ekaterina Gracheva, Denis Kokorev and Dmitry Savchenko organized a lecture for first-year students on the topic of “Physical Activity in a Student’s Life”, discussed in detail the basics of a healthy lifestyle and its components and talked about the physiological processes that occur in the human body under the influence of various types of physical activity. The participants of the event talked about why physical activity is important, how it affects a person’s mental health and mental performance and what consequences a sedentary lifestyle leads to. For students of the 1st-3rd years, a lecture “Stress and Health” was held on the possible consequences of stress on human health and the necessary skills to increase stress resistance in a student’s daily routine. The lecture was given by Associate Professor of the Department, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Irina Merkulova. The event was prepared and organized by Associate Professor of the Department, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Tatyana Siverkina and Senior Lecturer Tatyana Vedishcheva.

    The Department of Public and Municipal Administration participated in the project for the third time. As part of the “Department Weeks” in November, senior lecturer of the department Elena Yamchuk held a round table on the specifics of managing joint-stock companies with state participation. An open lesson with 2nd-year students of the “Public and Municipal Administration” program on working with the “ConsultantPlus” system as part of studying the discipline “State Regulation of the Economy” was held with the participation of professor of the department, doctor of economic sciences, associate professor Nadezhda Matveeva. The head of the department, adviser to the rector’s office, candidate of historical sciences, associate professor Sergey Chuev and deputy head of the department, associate professor of the department, candidate of economic sciences Mikhail Polyakov organized an open assessment of the knowledge of 4th-year students of the “Public and Municipal Administration” program, accompanied by experts from the National Accreditation Council for Business and Management Education. Mikhail Polyakov also held a foresight session with 4th year students on the topic: “Increasing the level of investment attractiveness of small towns” and a strategic session on the topic: “The role of public organizations in the interaction of civil society and politics in the social sphere”.

    The Department of Nature Management, with the active participation of Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Ekaterina Shamaeva, enthusiastically prepared an exhibition of scientific works of its employees and books devoted to issues of nature management. Of particular interest was the series of publications on national security issues “Russia’s Security. Legal, Socio-Economic and Scientific-Technical Aspects”, presented by Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation Yakov Vishnyakov.

    The project ended with events of the Department of Management in International Business and Tourism Industry.

    On December 6, in the Scientific Library, Associate Professor of the Department, Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Associate Professor Svetlana Grishaeva held a Discussion Club “Doing Russian Business with Chinese Partners” with 3rd-year students of the Management program of the International Business educational program. The participants discussed effective communication strategies with partners and China, including existing barriers and stereotypes about the specifics of working with Chinese businessmen, worked out cases of various situations of interaction between Chinese and Russian partners and considered typical mistakes in building Russian-Chinese business.

    On December 7, at the Boiling Point of the State University of Management, senior lecturer of the department Anna Firsova organized a business game “Creating Inclusive Tourist Routes” for 4th-year students majoring in “Hotel Business” of the educational program “Hotel and Restaurant Business”. Students, divided into teams, developed a tourist route for a certain category of tourists (for example, for people with limited mobility, vision, hearing, cognitive impairment) based on a study of the needs of the selected category of tourists and determining the main points of the route that should be accessible and interesting for them. As a result of the presentation of the developed routes, student teams selected the best tourist routes that can be implemented in real inclusive tourism projects.

    On December 11, in the Scientific Library, senior lecturer of the department Anna Zbarskaya held a seminar in English “Cross-cultural aspects in the hospitality industry”, which was dedicated to the importance of studying the cultures of different countries and the formation of cultural intelligence for successful business communications. Third-year students of the “Hotel Business” program of the “Hotel and Restaurant Business” discussed the main theoretical issues related to cross-cultural communications, including such concepts as culture, models and types of cultures, culture shock, etc., presented their results of the analysis of different countries and their cultures, considered strategies for effective intercultural communication and ways to overcome cross-cultural problems during negotiations and doing business in the hotel industry.

    The Scientific Library of the State University of Management congratulates everyone on the upcoming holidays and looks forward to seeing everyone at its events in the New Year!

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 23.12.2024

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Half a Century of Warranty: Dormitory No. 6 Receives New Fire Safety System

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Good pre-New Year news for students of the State University of Management living in Dormitory No. 6 – work on the installation of the internal fire-fighting water supply system and the input unit of the building’s water supply system has been completed.

    The work was carried out from August to December 2024. The technical condition of the pipelines and shut-off valves of the internal fire-fighting water supply (IFW) before the work was carried out was assessed as unsatisfactory, the IFW was not in operation and was in a pre-emergency condition.

    As a result of the work performed, all six VPV risers, as well as the upper and lower spills of the building, were replaced, a Modular Fire Extinguishing Pumping Station and a Modular Water Supply Pumping Station were installed.

    The internal fire water supply system is installed using modern BLOCKFIRE plastic pipelines, the service life of which is more than 50 years.

    All work was carried out in accordance with the requirements of regulatory documents in the field of fire safety.

    The installed and commissioned internal fire water supply system ensures the safety of residents and staff in the event of a fire, which is a priority for the State University of Management.

    However, we strongly recommend that you follow all fire safety rules during the New Year holidays and beyond.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 23.12.2024

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: House of the Dragon and families fighting for power – it can happen in business too

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Bingbing Ge, Lecturer in the Department of Entrepreneurship and Strategy, Lancaster University

    While most agree that HBO’s hit fantasy show House of the Dragon (HotD) might be an interesting dive into the chaos of the Middle Ages, less has been said about its lessons for the contemporary business world.

    Though modern laws make sibling rivalries much more civilised (siblings don’t usually kill each other, nor do they have dragons), there are still many similarities between throne-claiming and today’s family battles over business leadership – especially when multiple siblings are involved.

    As a lecturer in entrepreneurship and strategy, I use the show – a prequel to Game of Thrones that sees siblings fighting to inherit their father’s throne – to illustrate the complications in family business succession.

    When succession of leadership in a business becomes an issue, it is important for the family to be clear about their direction. Important, and often difficult, conversations around which legacy, as well as the methods to achieve it, need to be agreed by all family members.

    The issue of succession is known to contribute to tension in famous family businesses, as seen with the Murdoch family. As one of the most prevalent forms of business worldwide, family businesses could certainly try to avoid conflict – and, in HotD’s case, a kingdom dispute – if successions were handled more carefully.

    In the show, King Viserys I Targaryen, played by Paddy Considine, is not a bad ruler, but when it came to succession planning there was so much more he could have done. By the time he had announced his daughter Rhaenyra (played by Emma D’Arcy) as heir, it was perceived that this decision was taken out of desperation, due to there being no male heir.

    Succession planning.

    Family business leaders typically have a stronger sense of ownership of the firm than non-family employees, which sometimes leads them to keep hold of leadership. While this is human nature, it is important for family business leaders, like kings are to their kingdoms, to remember their responsibility to the businesses’ prosperity and stability and to have a clear Plan B.

    The accession of an heir in a family business often sparks wide discussions, like in the case of Alexandre Arnault of luxury goods conglomerate LVMH. He was recently appointed at just 32 years old as deputy CEO of the group’s wines and spirits business Moët Hennessy. In the case of the heir Rhaenyra in HotD, her half-brother challenged her legitimacy to the throne, with strong support from stakeholders, (that is to say, the lords in the show) who believed that a son would make a more legitimate heir.

    In a family business, successors often need to legitimise their position and get the senior managers (like the lords in HotD), employees, and other stakeholders like customers (the “smallfolk” in the show), to accept the transition.

    While there are different stages of succession, research has shown that it extends far beyond the business arena to affect the lives of family members, with conflict spilling into other areas.

    In a family where everyone gets on, a succession can bind the next generations together – to the point where they might even quit jobs with other companies to carry on the family dream. But HotD portrays a dysfunctional family and intense sibling rivalry, as is also the case in another TV show, Succession.

    In HotD, the king’s first son Aegon (played by Tom Glynn-Carney) was groomed to be fearful and even hateful of his half-sister Rhaenyra and her children. The dysfunctional family life went on to haunt the children when succession discussions arose.

    The Targaryen family in HotD was divided by goals – with Viserys’ and Rheanyra’s side aiming to continue the Targaryen reign, and the king’s second wife Alicent (played by Olivia Cooke) and Aegon’s side trying to maintain primogeniture (where succession goes to the first-born child) and purity in the bloodline. Competing goals are often paradoxical and can be unsettling for stakeholders in family businesses.

    The role of women

    In the show, there are instances where the roles and desires of female characters are marginalised. The role of women in family businesses has also traditionally been overlooked.

    But female family business members are often more important than their titles in the business suggest, where their role in the family in maintaining traditions, values and harmony are sometimes more central.

    HotD demonstrates how the sometimes quieter female voices can influence the succession through the use of a variety of strong female characters. This is a helpful resource to illustrate how females might influence strategic decisions in family businesses.

    Women’s influence in the family and its business can sometimes go unrecognised. This could be particularly tricky in situations where multiple siblings (and even wives) are in competition, like the Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) retail and leisure empire, where ten family members had claims on the estate.

    Sibling rivalries and the challenge of female legitimacy in family business succession take centre-stage in HotD. The complex dynamics between heirs vying for power and the struggles faced by women in leadership roles echo the real-world tensions that often unfold in family-owned businesses.

    Viewers may be immersed in the sweeping political dramas of Westeros, but at the same time the series offers important contemporary lessons in managing family legacies, power struggles and succession planning.

    Bingbing Ge 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. House of the Dragon and families fighting for power – it can happen in business too – https://theconversation.com/house-of-the-dragon-and-families-fighting-for-power-it-can-happen-in-business-too-237377

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: 4B: how South Korean women are leading a radical movement against misogyny

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Youngmi Kim, Senior Lecturer in Korean Studies, University of Edinburgh

    Tanawat Chantradilokrat / Shutterstock

    Donald Trump’s return to the White House has sparked fears about the future for women’s rights in the US. Trump has a long history of misogyny and has boasted about his role in shaping the court that overturned women’s constitutional right to an abortion in 2022. His victory thus, unsurprisingly, sparked a reaction.

    Following November’s election, some American women encouraged each other to delete dating apps, sign up for self-defence classes, and get on birth control. Others drew attention to 4B, a radical feminist movement founded in South Korea that has seen some women refuse to marry, have children, engage in romance, or participate in sexual relationships with men.

    The movement, which first came about in the 2010s as a response to the misogyny that is pervasive across South Korean society, went viral on social media in the aftermath of Trump’s election, especially in the US. It takes its name from its four defining tenets: bihon (no marriage), bichulsan (no childbirth), biyeonae (no dating), and bisex (no sex).

    Feminist activism in South Korea is not new, but it only gained wide popularity and support over the past decade. In 2016, a woman was killed at a public toilet near the Gangnam subway station in the country’s capital, Seoul, by a stranger who told the police he committed the crime because he had been “belittled by women” many times in the past. The tragic event sparked mass public mourning and prompted backlash against misogyny across the nation.

    The #MeToo movement, which has highlighted sexual harassment and abuse around the world, took hold in South Korea the following year. This started with allegations of rape, assault and sexually predatory behaviour against renowned Korean filmmaker Kim Ki-duk and actor Cho Jae-hyeon.

    Kim responded to South Korea’s state broadcaster MBC, where the accusations were first made, by saying, “I never tried to satisfy my personal desires using my status as a film director,” and claimed that he only engaged in “consensual sexual relationships”. Cho pledged his innocence, saying: “The things I see in news are so different from truth.” And, in January 2021, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in his favour.

    But allegations quickly spread to the political arena. Ahn Hee-jung, the governor of the western province of South Chungcheong resigned in 2018 after his secretary publicly accused him of repeatedly raping her. Ahn was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for sexual assault.

    The former mayor of Seoul, Park Won-soon, was then found dead in 2020 after an apparent suicide one day after his secretary filed a complaint against him with the police over sexual harassment. More than 500,000 people signed a petition calling on the government not to use public money for Park’s five-day state funeral.

    Sexual violence in South Korea is not exclusive to influential figures. Thousands of people in South Korea – the vast majority of whom are female – have fallen victim to illicit filming in public places over the past decade. Between 2011 and 2017, there was a fivefold increase in the number of people identified by the police for illicit filming, from 1,300 to 5,300. South Korea’s former president, Moon Jae-in, said in May 2024 that spy cams had become a “part of daily life”.

    Many of these clips are subsequently shared on adult websites. A report by international non-governmental organisation Human Rights Watch in 2021 found that the anguish caused by this crime was so severe that it led to depression and suicidal thoughts among the affected women and girls. It was out of this deep-seated misogyny that South Korea’s 4B movement was born.

    #MeToo protest march in Seoul, South Korea in August 2018.
    Socialtruant / Shutterstock

    From hopelessness to resentment

    The 4B movement took root at a time when South Korea was undergoing its own reckoning with gender violence and inequality. But, in my position as a researcher of online political participation and activism, I see it as also entwined in a broader societal movement in which a generation of South Koreans in their 20s and 30s have given up on numerous things. This includes not only dating, marriage and childbearing, but also employment, home ownership, and, in general, hope for their future.

    This sense of hopelessness can be traced to the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis in 1997, when economic reforms were implemented to increase the flexibility of the labour market. Since then, a growing number of South Korean citizens have found themselves unable to find secure employment, which has led a growing number of young people to give up entirely on searching for a job.

    These feelings of hopelessness have manifested in gender conflict online. Many young men see themselves as victims of the achievements of South Korea’s feminist movements over the past two decades, particularly the abolition of the country’s military service bonus point system in 1999. This system granted men who had completed their mandatory military service an additional 3% to 5% in public official recruitment exams.

    South Korean politicians have weaponised this growing resentment, and have used sexism and misogyny for electoral gain. South Korea’s now suspended current president, Yoon Suk Yeol, won the presidential election in 2022, in part thanks to his efforts to consolidate the support of aggrieved young male voters. During his campaign, Yoon promised to abolish the ministry of gender equality and family, accusing it of treating men like “potential sex criminals”.

    There are certainly aspects of this trend of giving up that are specific to South Korea. But it also resonates across many advanced industrialised societies that are becoming increasingly unequal. Societal conflicts are being compounded by growing economic divides in an increasingly polarised world.

    Youngmi Kim receives funding from the Royal Society of Edinburgh (‘Arts and culture-led mobilization in Leith and Gamcheon’) and the Academy of Korean Studies (‘Consolidating the Scottish Centre for Korean Studies at the University of Edinburgh’).

    – ref. 4B: how South Korean women are leading a radical movement against misogyny – https://theconversation.com/4b-how-south-korean-women-are-leading-a-radical-movement-against-misogyny-243296

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Repression of climate and environmental protest is intensifying across the world

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Oscar Berglund, Senior Lecturer in International Public and Social Policy, University of Bristol

    Climate and environmental protest is being criminalised and repressed around the world. The criminalisation of such protest has received a lot of attention in certain countries, including the UK and Australia. But there have not been any attempts to capture the global trend – until now.

    We recently published a report, with three University of Bristol colleagues, which shows this repression is indeed a global trend – and that it is becoming more difficult around the world to stand up for climate justice.

    This criminalisation and repression spans the global north and south, and includes more and less democratic countries. It does, however, take different forms.

    Our report distinguishes between climate and environmental protest. The latter are campaigns against specific environmentally destructive projects – most commonly oil and gas extraction and pipelines, deforestation, dam building and mining. They take place all around the world.

    Climate protests are aimed at mitigating climate change by decreasing carbon emissions, and tend to make bigger policy or political demands (“cut global emissions now” rather than “don’t build this power plant”). They often take place in urban areas and are more common in the global north.

    Four ways to repress activism

    The intensifying criminalisation and repression is taking four main forms.

    1. Anti-protest laws are introduced

    Anti-protest laws may give the police more powers to stop protest, introduce new criminal offences, increase sentence lengths for existing offences, or give policy impunity when harming protesters. In the 14 countries we looked at, we found 22 such pieces of legislation introduced since 2019.

    2. Protest is criminalised through prosecution and courts

    This can mean using laws against climate and environmental activists that were designed to be used against terrorism or organised crime. In Germany, members of Letzte Generation (Last Generation), a direct action group in the mould of Just Stop Oil, were charged in May 2024 with “forming a criminal organisation”. This section of the law is typically used against mafia organisations and had never been applied to a non-violent group.

    In the Philippines, anti-terrorism laws have been used against environmentalists who have found themselves unable to return to their home islands.

    Criminalising protest can also mean lowering the threshold for prosecution, preventing climate activists from mentioning climate change in court, and changing other court processes to make guilty verdicts more likely. Another example is injunctions that can be taken out by corporations against activists who protest against them.

    3. Harsher policing

    This stretches from stopping and searching to surveillance, arrests, violence, infiltration and threatening activists. The policing of activists is carried out not just by state actors like police and armed forces, but also private actors including private security, organised crime and corporations.

    In Germany, regional police have been accused of collaborating with an energy giant (and its private fire brigade) to evict coal mine protesters, while private security was used extensively in policing anti-mining activists in Peru.

    4. Killings and disappearances

    Lastly, in the most extreme cases, environmental activists are murdered. This is an extension of the trend for harsher policing, as it typically follows threats by the same range of actors. We used data from the NGO Global Witness to show this is increasingly common in countries including Brazil, Philippines, Peru and India. In Brazil, most murders are carried out by organised crime groups while in Peru, it is the police force.

    Protests are increasing

    To look more closely at the global picture of climate and environmental protest – and the repression of it – we used the Armed Conflicts Location Event database. This showed us that climate protests increased dramatically in 2018-2019 and have not declined since. They make up on average about 4% of all protest in the 81 countries that had more than 1,000 protests recorded in the 2012-2023 period:

    Climate protests increased sharply in the late 2010s in the 14 countries studied. (Data is smoothed over five months; number of protests is per country per month.)
    Berglund et al; Data: ACLED, CC BY-SA

    This second graph shows that environmental protest has increased more gradually:

    Environmental protests in the same 14 countries.
    Data: ACLED, CC BY-SA

    We used this data to see what kind of repression activists face. By looking for keywords in the reporting of protest events, we found that on average 3% of climate and environmental protests face police violence, and 6.3% involve arrests. But behind these averages are large differences in the nature of protest and its policing.

    A combination of the presence of protest groups like Extinction Rebellion, who often actively seek arrests, and police forces that are more likely to make arrests, mean countries such as Australia and the UK have very high levels of arrest. Some 20% of Australian climate and environmental protests involve arrests, against 17% in the UK – with the highest in the world being Canada on 27%.

    Meanwhile, police violence is high in countries such as Peru (6.5%) and Uganda (4.4%). France stands out as a European country with relatively high levels of police violence (3.2%) and low levels of arrests (also 3.2%).

    In summary, while criminalisation and repression does not look the same across the world, there are remarkable similarities. It is increasing in a lot of countries, it involves both state and corporate actors, and it takes many forms.

    This repression is taking place in a context where states are not taking adequate action on climate change. By criminalising activists, states depoliticise them. This conceals the fact these activists are ultimately right about the state of the climate and environment – and the lack of positive government action in these areas.

    Oscar Berglund is a member of the Green Party. The report this article is based on was written with Christina Pantazis, Chris Rossdale and Roxana Pessoa Cavalcanti.

    Tie Franco Brotto 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. Repression of climate and environmental protest is intensifying across the world – https://theconversation.com/repression-of-climate-and-environmental-protest-is-intensifying-across-the-world-246379

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Eating red meat may increase your risk of type 2 diabetes – not a lot of people know that

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gulshanara (Rumy) Begum, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition & Exercise Science, University of Westminster

    Red meat has been a part of diets worldwide since early man. It is an excellent source of protein, vitamins (such as B vitamins) and minerals (such as iron and zinc).

    However, red meat has long been associated with increasing the risk of heart disease, cancer and early death. What may not be so well known is the link between red meat consumption and type 2 diabetes.

    A paper published in the Lancet in September 2024 highlighted this link to type 2 diabetes using data from the Americas, the Mediterranean, Europe, south-east Asia and the Western Pacific (20 countries included).

    This recent study, with nearly 2 million participants, found that high consumption of unprocessed red meat, such as beef, lamb and pork, and processed meat, such as bacon, salami and chorizo, increased the incidence of type 2 diabetes.

    The researchers also highlighted a link between the consumption of poultry and the incidence of type 2 diabetes, but the link was weaker and varied across the populations.

    Type 2 diabetes is a serious public health issue affecting 462 million people globally. It occurs when our bodies don’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin well.

    Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a small leaf-shaped gland that sits behind the stomach and just in front of the spine. Insulin helps blood glucose enter cells, which stops levels from rising in the blood.

    In type 2 diabetes, due to our body not having enough insulin or inability to use the insulin (also referred to as “insulin resistance” or “impaired insulin sensitivity”), blood glucose reaches high levels, causing symptoms such as extreme thirst, increased need to pass urine and feelings of tiredness. Long-term health issues include nerve damage, foot problems and heart disease.

    The underlying mechanisms linking red meat intake with type 2 diabetes are unclear. Mechanisms could relate to the function of the pancreas, insulin sensitivity or a combination of the two.

    Possible mechanisms

    Red meat has high levels of saturated fat and is low in polyunsaturated fats, which could disrupt insulin sensitivity.

    Research has also shown that a high protein intake from animal sources (compared to vegetarian sources) can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, possibly due to the high levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in animal protein.

    BCAA include the amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. In a small study, short-term BCAA infusions increased insulin resistance in humans. Similar findings were shown in larger human studies.

    High levels of plasma BCAA can have various origins. These connections between red meat, BCAA, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are worth exploring further.

    Another potential mechanism involves gut microbiota, the collection of microbes in our gut.

    Our microbiota metabolises choline (a water-soluble essential nutrient) and L-carnitine (an amino acid found naturally in food), both of which are abundant in red meat, producing trimethylamine. Increased trimethylamine has been associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

    How we cook meat may also add to this conundrum. Cooking meat at high temperatures, such as grilling and barbecuing, can produce harmful compounds called “advanced glycation end products”.

    These compounds can damage cells due to oxidative stress (caused by unstable atoms called free radicals), lead to inflammation (which can be damaging if it occurs in healthy tissues or lasts too long) and insulin resistance.

    Red meat is a great source of iron. But some studies have shown long-term iron intake or iron overload, particularly haem iron (iron from animal-based sources), may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

    Eat less red meat

    According to a World Health Organization report, in the last 50 years, global consumption of all types of meat has increased. In some wealthy countries, such as the UK, red meat consumption appears to be stable or declining. Although there is a lot of variation in meat consumption between and within countries.

    In the UK, people are advised to consume no more than 70g (cooked weight) of red meat per day and to avoid eating processed meat. A similar recommendation is given across many countries.

    With the winter holidays around the corner and the festive gatherings in full swing, reducing red meat consumption will be difficult, especially for those who really like the taste. So enjoy these moments without worrying, and where possible, try to consume fibre-rich vegetables with red meat.

    Small steps can be taken to reduce your red meat intake by having smaller portions or choosing a day in the week that is meat free (meat-free Mondays, say), or substituting some (or all) of the meat in recipes with chicken, fish, beans, lentils or the like.

    And for those days you do eat red meat, try poaching, steaming or stewing it – it’s healthier than grilling or barbecuing.

    Gulshanara (Rumy) Begum 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. Eating red meat may increase your risk of type 2 diabetes – not a lot of people know that – https://theconversation.com/eating-red-meat-may-increase-your-risk-of-type-2-diabetes-not-a-lot-of-people-know-that-245495

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Europe’s microstates: the medieval monarchies that survive in our midst

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Elisa Bertolini, Associate Professor of Comparative Public Law, Bocconi University

    San Marino is one of four microstates with very distinct constitutional arrangements. Shutterstock/kavalenkava

    Continental Europe is home to four microstates with populations of between 30,000 and 80,000 people: Andorra, on the border between France and Spain; Liechtenstein, nestled between Switzerland and Austria; Monaco, which sits on the French Riviera; and San Marino, which is surrounded by northern Italy.

    These states have existed since the medieval period and their tiny size has enabled them to develop and maintain singular constitutional arrangements. They have all developed original solutions to the problems of state architecture, many of which survive today.

    All four of these microstates participate in the Council of Europe (Europe’s human rights organisation) and have therefore had to modernise to meet international standards of governance. This includes the independence of the judiciary.

    However, all four have also implemented these reforms without altering their institutional identity. Their commitment to preserving their distinctiveness from other countries prevents wider reform to their institutions. For them, the protection of national tradition and identity is a form of self-preservation rather than a mere expression of ideology.

    The distinctiveness of the four microstates lies in the survival of institutional arrangements that can no longer to be found practically anywhere else in the world. In the principalities of Liechtenstein and Monaco, for example, the monarchy still has a central role in the constitution.

    Unlike in most European states with a monarchy, in Liechtenstein and Monaco, the royal head of state continues to exercise meaningful power. Andorra and San Marino, meanwhile, operate under a dual head of state arrangement. They effectively have two monarchs.

    The populations of Europe’s medieval microstates.
    World Bank/ Data Commons, CC BY-ND

    Institutional arrangements in these principalities has been shaped by their diminutive size, both in terms of territory and population, and their geographical location. And these arrangements have survived since the middle ages because they have become their identity. While national tradition is an ideological debate in other nations, in these, preserving the past is a survival mechanism.

    Liechtenstein and Monaco

    Liechtenstein and Monaco are constitutional monarchies of the kind that offer substantial power to the royal family. Everything is organised around a prince, who exercises the executive power. Contemporary monarchies in the western legal tradition generally have a ceremonial king or queen but the executive power is held by an elected government. Liechtenstein and Monaco have maintained their historical organisation of government, centred on a very powerful monarch.

    Although his powers are not unlimited, in Monaco, the prince is not even accountable to the parliament for the powers he does hold. Liechtenstein’s prince enjoys even more powers, including the right to appoint half of the members of the constitutional court.

    However, the prince of Liechtenstein’s sovereign power is held in partnership with the people of Liechtenstein. The institutional architecture is built as to allow a system of checks and balances between the prince and the people.

    Since a 2003 constitutional amendment, for example, the people can table a motion of no-confidence in the prince if more than 1,500 citizens are in agreement to do so, which triggers a referendum on confidence in him. The same number of citizens can mount an initiative to abolish the monarchy entirely, should they choose to do so.

    Andorra and San Marino

    The principality of Andorra should more properly be called co-principality, because of its co-princes arrangement. One of the princes is the bishop of Urgell – from Catalonia – and the other is the president of the French Republic (and previously the French king or emperor). So another Andorran peculiarity is that neither of the princes are Andorran nationals.

    Following a 1993 reform that established a fully fledged constitution, neither prince holds sovereign power. Their present constitutional role is almost entirely ceremonial. However, concerns remain over the fact that they are not nationals of the state and that the heads of state are selected neither by the Andorran people nor by their representatives. The historical reason for a foreign head of state is the geographical location of Andorra – wedged between Catalonia and France. Allowing itself to be put under this double sovereignty was a guarantee of survival.

    San Marino also has a two-headed state but both leaders, called the Captains Regent, are Sammarinese nationals. They are elected by the Grand and General Council (the Sammarinese legislative body) and their distinctive trait is that they serve only a six-month term of office.

    The reason for such a short tenure is that San Marino has a population of just under 34,000 people. Everyone knows everyone else, which is a situation that can be detrimental to the independence of elective offices.

    Captains Regent can’t shore up enough power in their short time in office to be able to overthrow the republic. The Captains Regent were first established in 1243, shortly before a number of Italian republics were overthrown by wealthy families. One of the reasons why San Marino has been able to survive is because it has prevented one family from being more powerful than the others for centuries.

    Microstates are, therefore, not like Europe’s regular-sized states. They have distinctive institutional architectures – and often for understandable reasons.

    Elisa Bertolini 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. Europe’s microstates: the medieval monarchies that survive in our midst – https://theconversation.com/europes-microstates-the-medieval-monarchies-that-survive-in-our-midst-245328

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Slavic universities discussed the development of youth policy and educational activities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The international congress of Russian-national (Slavic) universities on youth policy and educational activities has concluded in Moscow.

    The event was organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and MIREA – Russian Technological University (the basic organization of the CIS member states for work with youth).

    The congress was held for the first time. It brought together rectors and vice-rectors of universities, heads of educational work departments, and leaders of student public associations. The participants represented the Belarusian-Russian University, the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, the Russian-Armenian (Slavic) University, the Russian-Tajik (Slavic) University, and Russian partner universities – Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and the Siberian Federal University. The SPbPU delegation included Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov, Head of the Youth Policy Department Ivan Khlamov, Deputy Director of the SPbPU History Museum Tatyana Novitskaya, specialist of the Center for Youth Trajectories Sofia Romanova, and head of the public institute “Adapters” Elizaveta Zhak.

    At the strategic session, experts discussed existing experience, practices and projects, as well as modern challenges faced by Slavic universities in implementing youth policy and educational activities. The plenary discussion, which was held in the format of an open dialogue, was attended by Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Olga Petrova and Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration for Cross-Border Cooperation Sergei Malenko.

    The congress also included a presentation of the educational work system and youth policy areas of RTU MIREA, a training seminar, and the opening of the All-Russian Congress on Youth Policy and Educational Activities. Participants learned about the educational work system and youth policy areas of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, the possibilities of including Slavic universities in the activities of student scientific societies, and projects of the Rosmolodezh ecosystem, the Russian Society “Knowledge”, and the ANO “Russia – Country of Opportunities”.

    On the final day, the experts were presented with the system of educational work and youth policy areas of RUDN named after Patrice Lumumba, the activities of the psychological service of the university using the example of MIPT, and projects of the Association of Volunteer Centers, in which Slavic universities can participate.

    Head of the Department of Assessment and Methodology of the ANO “Russia – Country of Opportunities” Alexandra Vaza noted that the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University became the first foreign university to begin systematic work with the presidential platform of the RSV. KRSU students received the same opportunities for self-realization as millions of young people in Russia.

    The Competence Center opened at the university has become a provider of assessment and development of “soft skills” of students and teachers. The Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg, which has unique experience of working with ambassadors and in the field of graduate employment, has been very helpful in this activity. In addition, the center has become a single entry point to the projects of the presidential platform. KRSU students are active participants in the competitions “TopBLOG”, “Profrazvitie” and “Drugoe Delo”. In 2025, work in this direction will continue, because we strive for each student to be able to realize their potential and become a sought-after specialist in the labor market, – said Alexandra Vaza.

    The final meeting was chaired by Artem Fomin, Head of the Department of International Youth Cooperation and Tourism of the Department of State Youth Policy and Educational Activities of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. Representatives of Slavic universities presented draft roadmaps for the further development of youth policy and educational activities in their universities in 2025-2026. Russian partners — representatives of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and the Siberian Federal University — presented proposals for joint projects. On behalf of MIREA — Russian Technological University, Vice-Rector Grigory Petushkov voiced proposals for cooperation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five ways to beat loneliness this winter

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dorothy Yen, Professor in Marketing and Lead on the Happy to Chat project, Brunel University of London

    Tricky_Shark/Shutterstock

    For some people, loneliness can feel overwhelming, especially during winter, but small steps toward connection can make a significant difference. Research shows that micro conversations with strangers can help improve wellbeing and reduce feelings of loneliness.

    This explains why in the UK, the new charity Happy to Chat is trying to encourage people to talk to each other when out and about. In Sweden, a similar scheme – the Say Hi campaign – was also launched in winter 2023 to promote small talks among people in their neighbourhoods.

    Most studies on the benefits of talking to strangers have focused on younger people, leaving a big question mark over how older adults experience these everyday interactions. Yet, this is a group that could stand to benefit the most. The World Health Organization estimates that one in four older adults face social isolation, which can seriously affect their health, happiness, and even how long they live.

    Our research shows that most older people in the UK have a positive attitude towards the idea of small talk when out and about. They see it as being neighbourly, an act of kindness, a way to brighten someone else’s day. Popular spots for these chats include bright, public spaces, like shopping centres, garden centres, libraries, community events, university campuses, or even while waiting for public transport.

    Feeling confident is important; it’s not just about starting a conversation or keeping it going. It’s also about feeling safe and in control. That confidence isn’t the same for everyone, though. Older women, in particular, were more concerned about potential challenges such as personal safety or dealing with an awkward or uncomfortable chat.

    A safe and secure environment can make all the difference in their choice of whether to engage in small talk when out and about. So, it is important that we all make an effort in creating a friendly environment, combating loneliness together through small and meaningful conversations. With that in mind, here are five ways to beat loneliness this winter and build those much needed connections.

    1. Join the ‘happy to chat’ movement

    A simple conversation can go a long way in making both you and others feel more connected. The “happy to chat” initiative in the UK encourages people to sit at designated benches or wear ‘happy to chat’ badges that signal their openness to friendly talks with those passing by. Our research shows that these badges work wonders as ice breakers, making it easier to strike up a conversation. Whether you’re at a park, garden centre, café, or on public transport, a little small talk can brighten your day and build a sense of community.

    2. Volunteer for a local charity

    Giving back not only benefits others but can also create a sense of purpose and connection. Many organisations seek extra hands during the winter, especially for holiday drives, food banks or programmes supporting older people. Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people while spreading warmth and joy.

    3. Take part in community activities

    From Christmas carol singing to craft workshops and winter walks, your local area is probably buzzing with events this season. Joining in these activities is a natural way to socialise and meet new people. Have a look at your community centre or local general practitioners notice boards. Neighbourhood gatherings or shared hobbies make connecting with others feel effortless and fun.

    4. Stay active and embrace the outdoors

    Exercise has proven mental health benefits, including reducing feelings of loneliness. Bundle up and take a brisk walk in the park, or join a local fitness class or walking group, where you can enjoy the fresh air while having small talks with others. Outdoor winter activities like ice skating may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but having a visit to seasonal markets can also provide opportunities to interact with others.

    5. Reconnect with friends and family

    The holiday season is a perfect time to reach out to loved ones or people you may have lost in touch with. But don’t forget that loneliness can be all year around. Drop a postcard to say hello, schedule a call or meet-ups, even if it’s just for a quick coffee. If you can’t meet in person, virtual gatherings can still help you feel connected and cared for.

    What is not recommended?

    Although pets can provide companionship, they require long-term commitment, time and care. Getting a pet solely to combat loneliness during the winter isn’t a good idea.

    Pets are for life, not just for the holiday season, and taking on this responsibility without careful thought can lead to challenges for both you and the animal. Instead, consider alternative ways to connect, like volunteering at an animal shelter or spending time with friends who have pets.

    Loneliness can feel overwhelming, especially during winter, but small steps toward connection can make a significant difference. By reaching out to others and engaging in your community, you can transform this season into one of warmth, companionship and joy. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple smile or a friendly conversation to turn someone’s day around – including your own.

    Christina Victor receives funding from ESRC, Dunhill Medical Trust, Wellcome Trust, Alzheimer’s Society, NIHR

    Dorothy Yen 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. Five ways to beat loneliness this winter – https://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-beat-loneliness-this-winter-245630

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Are we moral blank slates at birth? A new study offers some clues

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Madeline G. Reinecke, Postdoctoral Researcher, Collective Moral Development, University of Oxford

    Saulich Elena/Shutterstock

    What does a baby know about right and wrong? A foundational finding in moral psychology suggested that even infants have a moral sense, preferring “helpers” over “hinderers” before uttering their first word. Now, nearly 20 years later, a study that tried to replicate these findings calls this result into question.

    In the original study, Kiley Hamlin and her colleagues showed a puppet show to six- and ten-month-old babies. During the show, the babies would see a character — which was really just a shape with googly eyes — struggling to reach the top of a hill.

    Next, a new character would either help the struggling individual reach the top (acting as a “helper”) or push the character back down to the bottom of the hill (acting as a “hinderer”).

    By gauging babies’ behaviour — specifically, watching how their eyes moved during the show and whether they preferred to hold a specific character after the show ended — it seemed that the infants had basic moral preferences. Indeed, in the first study, 88% of the ten-month-olds – and 100% of the six-month-olds – chose to reach for the helper.

    Kiley Hamlin explains the helper-hinderer experiment.

    But psychology, and developmental psychology, in particular, is no stranger to replicability concerns (when it is difficult or impossible to reproduce the results of a scientific study). After all, the original study sampled only a few dozen infants.

    This isn’t the fault of the researchers; it’s just really hard to collect data from babies. But what if it was possible to run the same study again — with say, hundreds or even thousands of babies? Would researchers find the same result?

    This is the chief aim of ManyBabies, a consortium of developmental psychologists spread around the world. By combining resources across individual research labs, ManyBabies can robustly test findings in developmental science, like Hamlin’s original “helper-hinderer” effect. And as of last month, the results are in.

    With a final sample of 567 babies, tested in 37 research labs across five continents, babies did not show evidence of an early-emerging moral sense. Across the ages tested, babies showed no preference for the helpful character.

    Blank slate?

    John Locke, an English philosopher argued that the human mind is a “tabula rasa” or “blank slate”. Everything that we, as humans, know comes from our experiences in the world. So should people take the most recent ManyBabies result as evidence of this? My answer, however underwhelming, is “perhaps”.

    This is not the first attempted replication of the helper-hinderer effect (nor is it the first “failure to replicate”). In fact, there have been a number of successful replications. It can be hard to know what underlies differences in results. For example, a previous “failure” seemed to come from the characters’ “googly eyes” not being oriented the right way.

    The ManyBabies experiment also had an important change in how the “show” was presented to infants. Rather than a puppet show performed live to baby participants, researchers instead presented a video with digital versions of the characters. This approach has its strengths. For example, ensuring that the exact same presentation occurs across every trial, in every lab. But it could also shift how babies engage with the show and its characters.

    I appreciated the recent remarks made by Michael Frank, founder of the ManyBabies consortium, on social network BlueSky: “Some people will jump to the interpretation that [the results of ManyBabies] shows that the original finding was incorrect (and hence that the other replications were incorrect as well, and the earlier non-replications were right). This [is] one possibility – but we shouldn’t be so quick to jump to conclusions.”

    Rather, we can take this finding for exactly what it is: a well-executed large investigation (senior-authored by Kiley Hamlin herself) of the hypothesis that infants prefer helpers over hinderers. In this instance, the hypothesis was not supported.

    This could be because, underneath it all, Locke was right. Perhaps the babies tested hadn’t had enough time in the world to learn “right from wrong”, so they wouldn’t make any distinction between a helpful character and a harmful one. Or perhaps there’s something more complicated going on. Only more science, with many, many more babies, will tell us.

    At the very least, a question mark now hangs over one of the most famous experiments in developmental psychology.

    Madeline G. Reinecke 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. Are we moral blank slates at birth? A new study offers some clues – https://theconversation.com/are-we-moral-blank-slates-at-birth-a-new-study-offers-some-clues-245333

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why there’s no such thing as normal in child development

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Samuel Forbes, Associate Professor in Psychology, Durham University

    Hasnuddin/Shutterstock

    For parents, carers and teachers, it’s often tempting to base our thinking on a child’s development around what we understand as “normal”. Much of the time we do this without thinking, describing a child as “doing well” in one subject and “behind” in another.

    Whenever we make this sort of comparison, we have some sort of mental benchmark or yardstick in our head: for example, a toddler should be able to climb on furniture by age two. Increasingly, child development researchers are arguing that the same thing happens in child development research — the study of how behaviours and abilities such as language develop.

    Many of the studies that claim to research child development either implicitly, or explicitly, claim that their findings are universal.

    There could be many reasons for this. Sometimes there’s a temptation to oversell conclusions, sometimes it might be the way findings are interpreted by readers or the media. The upshot is that what’s been found in one group of children is then taken as the standard — the yardstick against which future research is compared.

    Most of the research into how children develop comes from wealthier, western countries, in particular the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and France. Chances are, if you’ve heard of milestones in child development, they were developed in one of these countries.

    This is so much so that it can be challenging to do basic research on child development in developing countries, as peers and reviewers will ask for or demand comparisons to western populations to put findings from these regions in context. Of course without realising it, these peers and reviewers have set up western children as a norm.

    Most of the existing academic research on child development comes from western countries.
    Olesia Bilkei/Shutterstock

    But is it fair to make these comparisons? One of the tricky things about researching child development is that it occurs within a cultural and social context it can’t be removed from. But this context is often messy. Differences in physical environment, parenting styles, location, climate and so on all interact to shape how children grow.

    Besides these differences, there is individual variation as well. These could be, for instance, curiosity, shyness and neurodiversity, which can all frame how a child shapes their own learning environment.

    Take for example the field of motor development in infancy – the study of
    how children learn to move. Many parents in particular might be familiar with charts showing when they can expect their child to sit, crawl, stand and run. The existence of these charts make it seem pretty universal, and often a child’s motor development is judged accordingly.

    This makes sense. Early research was preoccupied with finding out what was normal, and it makes sense to try to support children who might be at risk of falling behind. The timing and order investigated back then led to the norms and scales we still use today.

    Is something like motor development timing universal? It’s easy to imagine that it might be. When there are no physical or cognitive barriers we all learn to sit and stand, so on the surface it seems fair to say this could be.

    But it turns out that the context that children develop in plays a huge role even
    in something as seemingly universal as this. In countries and
    cultures where babies routinely receive firm massages from caregivers, such as in Jamaica, motor development is accelerated. It’s clear that a norm developed in one culture might not translate well to another.

    Beyond norms

    It’s clear to see that the problems highlighted above are not unique to motor development. In areas like language development or social development the cultural component is even more compelling.

    There is simply no way of understanding these elements of child development without also understanding the context in which they take place. Every child is developing within a context and however normal our own culture feels to us, there is no objective context-free norm that we can compare other children to. That is, to say, we should embrace the mess.

    If we think of normal child development as being something that just happens, researchers miss out on understanding the dynamics of development itself. But worse, educators and caregivers might not realise development is something we can act upon, and miss an opportunity to enact change.

    An important part of seeing child development as being intertwined with culture is that it doesn’t just mean collecting data from other cultures, but involving local communities and research perspectives. Understanding communities means listening to them, empowering them and making space for them to have a voice.

    Moving beyond a western-centric understanding of child development won’t just benefit researchers and lead to more accurate science, but hopefully benefit everyone working with children around the world.

    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. Why there’s no such thing as normal in child development – https://theconversation.com/why-theres-no-such-thing-as-normal-in-child-development-244681

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Best in Law”: prestigious legal award ceremony held in Moscow

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    On December 19, the award ceremony for the winners of the annual HSE Faculty of Law “Best in Law” competition took place. This year, one of the main events of the country’s legal community was held in an unusual format, combining jurisprudence and art.

    Faculty of Law, National Research University Higher School of Economics

    This year’s winners of the competition include Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Boris Chernyshov (nominated for “Best Strategic Partnership”), writer Alexander Tsypkin (nominated for “Law in Art” – for creating a lyrical female image of a lawyer in the TV series “What Should a Woman Do If…”), First Vice President of Gazprombank Ekaterina Salugina-Sorokova (nominated for “Best in the Alumni Community”), retired Chairman of the Supreme Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation Anton Ivanov, as well as representatives of the teaching staff and students.

    “I have warm student memories of HSE University – it is my alma mater. We all remain a big family, so receiving such an award from the faculty is especially valuable. Developing strategic partnerships with educational institutions continues to be one of the key tasks of the state: in this way, we not only attract the best young personnel, but also strengthen the training of lawyers, and the HSE Law Faculty is the undisputed leader in the quality of education,” said Deputy Speaker of Parliament Boris Chernyshov.

    The winners and guests were treated not only to the ceremony itself, but also to excursions into the history of painting. Paintings from the collection of the Pushkin Museum, a partner of the HSE Faculty of Law, emphasized the theme of each nomination.

    The awards were presented by the Dean of the Faculty of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Vadim Vinogradov, Vice-Rectors of the HSE Irina Martusevich and Alexey Koshel, First Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Federation of the Russian Federation Andrey Yatskin, Deputy Chairman of VEB.RF Daniil Algulyan, Deputy Head of the Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science Sergey Rukavishnikov, Managing Director of the Legal Department of Sberbank PJSC Nadezhda Tretyakova and others.

    “It is always a pleasure to reward the best, especially since the competition for the honorary title of “Best in Law” is high. Over the past few years, we have managed to build strong partnerships with representatives of government institutions, businesses, and cultural institutions at the faculty: this way, we not only enrich our own expertise, but also demonstrate in practice what impressive results can be achieved through joint work,” added Vadim Vinogradov, Dean of the HSE Faculty of Law.

    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 –