NewzIntel.com

Category: Universities

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Students of SPbGASU attended a lecture by a representative of the company “ROCKWOOL”

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Students at a lecture

    Leading specialist in training development at ROCKWOOL Natalia Pakhomova gave a lecture to students of SPbGASU on improving the energy efficiency of buildings and fire safety using building materials. The company representative explained that these issues are very relevant, and therefore will be interesting and useful for senior students both for writing final qualifying papers and in general for improving their professional competencies.

    ROCKWOOL is the largest manufacturer of insulation materials and solutions made of stone wool. 25 years ago, the company launched its first production in Russia. Today, ROCKWOOL heat and sound insulation is manufactured in the Moscow region, Vyborg, Chelyabinsk region and Tatarstan. Speaking about the advantages of stone wool products and solutions, designs and their application, Natalia Pakhomova drew the students’ attention to the fact that the raw materials and components of the materials are exclusively Russian, which increases their availability.

    “Our company has developed a series of lectures on various topics: energy efficiency, fire safety, technology of production of building materials, including stone wool. Therefore, we have something to tell to any faculty, course of specialized universities. We have accumulated quite a lot of experience related to the production and use of stone wool, and we want to share our expertise, promote safe, energy-efficient, fire-safe solutions and products. We closely cooperate with SPbGASU and, for our part, are interested in joint training of sought-after specialists,” explained Natalia Pakhomova.

    Associate Professor of the Department of Metal and Wooden Constructions of SPbGASU, PhD in Engineering Stefania Mironova suggested expanding cooperation and, if possible, jointly developing the topic of master’s theses. It turned out that the company “ROCKWOOL” also has experience of such cooperation, and it is ready to increase it. In addition, the company practices organizing internships.

    Fourth-year student of the Department of Construction Technology Anita Agzamova has heard about this company. In the construction of the building, which she plans to take as an object for her final qualifying work, the insulation for walls “ROCKWOOL” is used.

    “During this lecture, I clearly saw how this is applied in practice. The format of such lectures is very interesting and effective, since we are not familiar with educational and theoretical projects, but with practical solutions. It is useful to learn about them, about what new technologies are being implemented in the industry. The opportunity for an internship is also inspiring, motivating and opens the way to the professional sphere,” Anita said.

    Alla Kadyrova, a specialist at the Center for Student Entrepreneurship and Career at SPbGASU, reminded students that such meetings with industry representatives will continue, but this is not the only option for assistance in employment from our university. Thus, at the Center for Student Entrepreneurship and Career, students are helped to write a resume, consulted on job search issues, and offered vacancies in their specialty from the university’s partners.

    “If you are not considering a job but intend to engage in entrepreneurship, we invite you to take part in hackathons, accelerators, incubators – federal projects, within the framework of which, on the way to implementing your idea, you will be able to assemble a team, develop an economic model, meet partners and even receive funding. We also help implement the “Startup as a Diploma” program. This is an alternative to the traditional final qualifying work or master’s thesis, where students prepare their business project,” explained Alla Kadyrova.

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

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

    http://www.spbgasu.ru/nevs-and-events/nevs/students-spbgasu-attended-a-lecture-by-a-representative-of-the-rockwool-company/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: OnStation Welcomes Former DOT Chief Mack Long to Drive Public Sector Adoption

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CLEVELAND, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OnStation, the leading provider of digital stationing solutions for the heavy highway industry, today announced the appointment of Mack Long as its new Strategic Advisor.

    Mack brings over 30 years of experience working for both contractors and Departments of Transportation. Previously, he served as the Director of the Montana Department of Transportation as well as President and General Manager of Wyoming’s JTL Group. Mack is a recognized expert in the industry and has served as the Chairman of the Committee on Construction for American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). In his capacity as strategic advisor, Mack will guide OnStation relationships with public sector officials, research, and grant funds.

    Throughout his career, Mack has been passionate about putting the right technology into the hands of road crews, which aligns with the OnStation corporate mission. “OnStation is the best tool out there for both the DOTs and contractors to make sure their projects get built right. It’s the critical tool that connects every road worker with the information they need to be productive and safe,” said Long.

    CEO Patrick Russo noted how the addition of Mack Long deepens OnStation’s value proposition for DOT and contractor teams who often work side by side on the same projects. The app allows team members to instantly find their live digital station and offset reading, drop flags at specific locations, attach images, send chat messages, and share with colleagues across the entire project.

    “OnStation focuses on providing a digital location to every worker on a jobsite to help make their jobs easier and safer. We solve challenges roadway crew experience daily by aligning the needs of DOT project owners and the contractor community, so everyone derives increased value from digital stationing. Mack’s experience on both sides of road construction project teams will help guide us towards fulfilling this vision. It is awesome our company is attracting folks like Mack, and I am excited to learn from him,” said Russo.

    For more information about OnStation and its solutions, please visit http://www.onstationapp.com. 

    About Mack Long

    Mack was born in Billings, Montana, where he grew up and raised his own family. He attended Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman, Montana, and graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. After college, Mack worked in Bozeman where he met and married his wife, Karen, in 1990. Mack returned to MSU to earn a Construction Engineering degree. Later, he and Karen moved to Texas where Mack worked for Peter Kiewit & Sons construction and engineering firm. While in Texas, Mack and Karen raised their family and welcomed their son, Nathon to their family.

    In 1995, they moved back to Billings and Mack went to work for the family construction company, JTL Group, Inc. Shortly after moving back, their daughter was born. The family moved to Casper, Wyoming in 1998 where Mack became the President and General Manager of JTL Group, Wyoming. In 2002, Mack moved into JTL Group’s main administrative office and worked with his father, Joel, in Billings. JTL Group, Inc. was acquired by MDU Resources Group Inc. in 1999. When Joel retired in 2003, Mack became the President and Regional Manager for Knife River Corp, Inc., an MDU Resources division, until he retired in 2009.

    Mack has been the owner and partner in business ventures over the past 10 years and his experience in the construction field has been wide and varied across airport reconstruction, highways, utilities work, and major industrial plant construction. In 2021 Governor Greg Gianforte appointed Mack to be the Director of the Montana Department of Transportation. Mack proudly served in this role and was asked to be the Chairman of the Committee on Construction for AASHTO. Mack retired in April of 2024 to spend more time with his wife.

    About OnStation

    OnStation is a collaborative digital stationing platform that offers location-based project records from bid to close. Specifically designed for the heavy highway industry, OnStation’s mobile app centralizes communication, boosts productivity, enhances worker safety, and improves project quality. Users benefit from live jobsite stationing, milepost, and LRS capabilities. They can overlay design layers on the project map and communicate via a custom chat platform that organizes and records project events at their locations. OnStation is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and is supported on all desktop systems.

    Contact

    Jessica Kodrich
    jkodrich@onstationapp.com 

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4dccfb6-c5d1-4af4-851b-79ec1f2b4e36

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FloQast CEO Mike Whitmire and Accounting Operations Evangelist Stefan van Duyvendijk Publish New Book to Empower Controllers and Accounting Teams

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FloQast, an Accounting Transformation Platform created by accountants for accountants, today announced the release of “Shift Happens: The Rise of the Operational Mindset and How Controllers Can Drive Real Value,” a new book co-authored by FloQast CEO and Co-Founder Mike Whitmire and Accounting Operations Evangelist Stefan van Duyvendijk. Available on the Amazon Kindle Store starting October 9, the book offers critical insights for accounting professionals as they navigate a rapidly changing business landscape.

    Controllers today face increasing pressure to move beyond traditional accounting responsibilities and embrace a more strategic, operational role within their organizations. “Shift Happens” explores this transformation, providing a roadmap for controllers and accounting teams to elevate their influence and steer organizational strategy, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty and business volatility.

    “Shift Happens” draws from the real-world experiences of Whitmire, van Duyvendijk, and other finance leaders at top-tier organizations to deliver actionable advice for controllers looking to position themselves as operational leaders. By adopting a mindset that balances financial expertise with strategic decision-making, controllers can help their companies thrive in today’s complex and fast-paced environment.

    “The controller’s role is changing fast,” said Mike Whitmire, co-founder and CEO of FloQast, CPA. “Accountants understand a company’s finances better than anyone, which puts them in a unique position to help shape business strategy with real data and insights. With today’s economic pressures and talent shortages, businesses can’t afford to overlook this expertise. Our book gives controllers and their teams the tools they need to step up and make a real difference.”

    Stefan van Duyvendijk echoes Whitmire’s sentiment: “Controllers already have the skills and insights needed to drive operational success, but too often they are limited to financial reporting. With an operational mindset, they can expand their influence, bringing valuable insights to the table that impact the entire organization.”

    “Shift Happens” empowers controllers and accounting teams to embrace this broader scope, teaching them how to bridge the gap between accounting functions and business operations. The book provides practical guidance on how to navigate complex financial regulations, communicate effectively with senior executives, and manage cross-functional teams.

    Earn 10 CPE/CPD Credits with FloQademy!

    As part of its mission to provide continuous education to accounting professionals, FloQast is offering readers the opportunity to earn 10 CPE/CPD credits through FloQademy. Head to floqademy.floqast.com/shift-happens to claim your credits and explore other informative and entertaining courses designed to enhance your accounting expertise.

    About the Authors:

    Mike Whitmire is the CEO and co-founder of FloQast, which he established in 2013 to address critical inefficiencies in accounting operations. With a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Syracuse University, Whitmire’s early career included roles at Ernst & Young and Cornerstone OnDemand, where he contributed to a successful IPO. In addition to “Shift Happens,” Whitmire is also the author of the Amazon best-selling book “Controller’s Code: The Secret Formula to a Successful Career in Finance.” Outside of his work in the accounting industry, Whitmire is an avid woodworker and a dedicated Los Angeles Dodgers fan.

    Stefan van Duyvendijk serves as the Accounting Operations Evangelist at FloQast. Prior to joining FloQast, van Duyvendijk held corporate controller positions at Kodiak Cakes and Skullcandy, building extensive experience in financial operations and regulatory compliance. His expertise includes ASC 606 implementation, close process improvements, business combinations, and financial statement audits. When he’s not advocating for accounting innovation, Stefan enjoys skiing the slopes around his home in Utah.

    Book Availability and Pricing: “Shift Happens: The Rise of the Operational Mindset and How Controllers Can Drive Real Value” will be available on the Amazon Kindle Store starting October 9 for a limited-time introductory price of $2.99 for the Kindle edition and $7.75 for the paperback.

    About FloQast

    FloQast, an Accounting Transformation Platform created by accountants for accountants, enables organizations to automate a variety of accounting operations. Trusted by more than 2,800 global accounting teams – including Twilio, Los Angeles Lakers, Zoom, and Snowflake – FloQast enhances the way accounting teams work, enabling customers to automate close management, account reconciliations, accounting operations, and compliance activities. With FloQast, teams can utilize the latest advancements in AI technology to manage aspects of the close, reduce their compliance burden, stay audit-ready, and improve accuracy, visibility, and collaboration overall. FloQast is consistently rated #1 across all user review sites. Learn more at FloQast.com.

    Contact:
    Kyle Cabodi
    FloQast Director of Corporate Communications
    kyle.cabodi@floqast.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Air Capital Wealth Management Launches with LPL Financial

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC (Nasdaq:LPLA) announced today that financial advisors Michael Caffrey, CRPC®, Derek Keller, CFP®, CPFA®, CRPC®, MBA, and Gabriel Parham have launched a new independent practice, Air Capital Wealth Management, through affiliation with LPL Strategic Wealth Services, a supported independence model. The team reported having served approximately $685 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and joins LPL from Merrill Lynch.

    Based in Wichita, Kan., known as the Air Capital of the World, the advisors are longtime colleagues who each bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the team. Caffrey was mentored by his father, Ron Caffrey, and has earned recognition on several Forbes lists**. Parham also grew up in the business and recalls making 50-cents an hour as a child to help his mother file — a job that sparked his interest in investments early on. Keller has nearly two decades of experience guiding clients’ financial lives. Together, with support from two assistants, the advisors share a commitment to providing comprehensive services and personalized advice to their clients.

    “Our mission is to help each individual client with their financial goals by simplifying the complexities, making it easier for them to understand,” said Parham, who noted their client base spans from doctors, engineers and pilots to farmers, teachers and small business owners. “We are passionate about building deep relationships with clients and providing them with personalized financial strategies.”

    As they continue to honor the legacy of the firm’s early leaders, Ron Caffrey, Janet Johnson and Deborah Rowley, all who have since retired, the Air Capital team decided the independent model would best suit the growing needs of their business.

    “We want to be able to focus on clients, their goals and objectives, not corporate mandates,” Caffrey said. “LPL provides us with the flexibility and resources we need to make our own decisions and build our business how we want. We also have several new options across the board within LPL’s open architecture platform, including more planning software, which allows us to provide even more comprehensive and personalized experiences for our clients.”

    The team was drawn to LPL’s comprehensive supported independence solution, LPL Strategic Wealth Services (SW), which combines the freedom and flexibility of entrepreneurship with hands-on business services and support to help practices thrive, both operationally and strategically. In addition to having access to LPL’s innovative wealth management platform and sophisticated resources, SW advisors benefit from a truly integrated service that includes simplified pricing, technology and dedicated support to launch their practice. Then, after the transition is complete, SW teams receive ongoing operations support managed by their team of experienced professionals including a business strategist, marketing partner, CFO and administrative assistant. Advisors have one point of contact, a dedicated team and priority access to advocacy and project management for complex business issues, ultimately allowing them to stay focused on the enduring needs of their clients and the culture and evolution of their practice.

    “We truly appreciate all of these dedicated resources and sophisticated capabilities behind the scenes to allow us to run the business as we see fit while also ensuring clients are getting the best care,” Keller said. “We look forward to having more time to interface with clients and providing them with differentiated experiences.”

    Outside the office, all three advisors are active in the community. Keller is a Boy Scout leader, member of Shriners International and proud supporter of his alma mater, Wichita State University. Parham is a member of The American Legion and Fuse Foundation. He also supports Kansas Honor Flight and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Caffrey supports several organizations including the Wichita Wagonmasters, East YMCA Men’s Club, Senior Services of Wichita and St. Thomas Catholic Church. As independent advisors, they look forward to expanding their local presence by using Wichita-based vendors and investing more back into the community.

    Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development, said, “We welcome Mike, Derek and Gabe to LPL and congratulate them on the launch of their new independent business. We are committed to being a long-term partner to the Air Capital team — and all our advisors — by delivering a leading wealth management platform that supports the full lifecycle of their business.”

    Related

    Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) was founded on the principle that LPL should work for advisors and institutions, and not the other way around. Today, LPL is a leader in the markets we serve, serving more than 23,000 financial advisors, including advisors at approximately 1,000 institutions and at approximately 580 registered investment advisor firms nationwide. We are steadfast in our commitment to the advisor-mediated model and the belief that Americans deserve access to personalized guidance from a financial professional. At LPL, independence means that advisors and institution leaders have the freedom they deserve to choose the business model, services and technology resources that allow them to run a thriving business. They have the flexibility to do business their way. And they have the freedom to manage their client relationships, because they know their clients best. Simply put, we take care of our advisors and institutions, so they can take care of their clients.

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. Air Capital Wealth Management and LPL Financial are separate entities.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2023.

    ** Forbes “2024 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors,” “2024 Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams,” and “2024 Next-Gen Best-in-State.”

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 
    (704) 996-1840

    Tracking #639367

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to Hurricane Milton

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico. 

    Prof Ilan Kelman, Professor of Disasters and Health, University College London, said:

    “Florida should have been braced for catastrophic impacts from Hurricane Milton, especially storm surge and rainfall flooding. The possible disaster is sadly unsurprising, since Florida sits in the usual hurricane zone and it is now hurricane season. Yet the state permitted building development in dangerous locations and does not always support people who need help over the long-term to be ready for hazards.

    “Human-caused climate change is strengthening hurricanes while reducing their frequency. Hurricane Milton shows exactly the climate change influence we would expect from higher storm intensity.

    “Given Florida’s hurricane history including previous storms in this area in 1848, 1921, and 1946, they should have been much more prepared over the long-term. Planning decisions creating dangers and long-term lack of services to assist people who cannot help themselves for known hazards are all about choices to make disasters.”

    Prof Liz Stephens, Professor in Climate Risks and Resilience, University of Reading, said:

    “The wide area of intense winds and rainfall from Hurricane Milton will mean that many communities in Florida who are still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene will be affected again by this latest storm, even though Milton is expected to make landfall further south.

    “Hurricane Milton is forecasted to track across Florida and out into the North Atlantic Ocean. This means that we are not expecting to see the same flash flooding and mudslide impacts as Helene in areas such as the Appalachian mountains, caused by Helene decaying over land.

    “Rising sea surface temperatures as a result of climate change are fuelling the intensity of hurricanes, and the warmer atmosphere can carry more water. This means that the storms which do form are becoming more impactful.

    “Further research is needed to understand how the risk of consecutive hurricanes is changing, as these clusters of events can greatly stretch resources for emergency preparedness and response.”

    Prof Hannah Cloke, Professor of Hydrology, University of Reading, said:

    “Hurricane winds grab people’s attention, but flooding is probably the biggest concern with Milton. Winds of 150mph can easily destroy buildings and cause injuries and fatalities if people are caught out in the open by flying debris. 

     “There are three types of floods that cause the biggest damage – storm surge causing coastal flooding, flash floods from the extremely heavy rain, and river floods as all that water rushes down channels and onto floodplains. 

     “People’s attention may be turned to the sky, but emergency planners will be worried about what is coming from below.”

    Prof John Marsham, Professor of Atmospheric Science, University of Leeds, said:

    How does climate change impact extreme weather?

    “Weather extremes increase rapidly for even apparently small increases in global temperature – this is true for heatwaves, floods, droughts and intensity of hurricanes.

    Is climate change making hurricanes more common/worse?

    “Many aspects of Helene and Milton are absolutely what we expect from climate change – hurricanes need warm oceans to form, and record-breaking ocean temperatures are fuelling these devastating storms. Warm air holds more water, giving heavier rain and more flooding. Increased sea-levels from climate change give more coastal flooding when hurricanes create a temporary “storm surge” rise in sea level. Finally, climate change can give shorter gaps between extreme events allowing less time to recover – we’re now seeing people affected by Helene now having to prepare for Milton. If we rapidly phase out fossil fuels, we can stop these extremes getting much worse but will have to continue to cope with the new climate we have created and will likely have to cope with rising sea levels for centuries.

    What is particularly worrying about this hurricane?

    “As a climate scientist, and a parent, every extreme weather event is now a reminder of the catastrophe we will face if we do not rapidly phase out fossil fuels. The tragedy is that climate scientists have been warning of this for decades. Rapid action is critical. Most people in the UK want more action on climate change and underestimate how much other people do. We have solutions and rapid action will save trillions.”

    Declared interests:

    Prof Ilan Kelman: No interests to declare

    Prof Liz Stephens: “I also work for the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre”

    Prof John Marsham: “I receive funding from UKRI, FCDO and the Met Office”

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

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ‘Access to Food is a Human Right’: New Professor Focused on Childhood Food Insecurity

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Alexandria Forté’s professional story starts with her in a kitchen – blending, baking, and browning dishes both savory and sweet for customers to enjoy.

    In a job as a chef after finishing her undergraduate degree, she says she once thought that’s how she could be of service to others – stirring, slicing, sauteing for a community that wanted to be fed.

    “But it’s backbreaking work, very physically demanding, and I started to miss academic work,” she says. “Around this time, I also was doing some volunteer work and when I realized the person running that program had an MSW, I knew that was the direction I wanted to go.”

    Alexandria Forté, assistant professor in the UConn School of Social Work (Contributed photo)

    Fast-forward through time at the University of Denver for her Master of Social Work and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for her Ph.D., Forté is one of the newest faculty members at the UConn School of Social Work.

    And she hasn’t left food behind.

    While getting her MSW, she worked with youth who were living in subsidized housing and developed a curriculum around healthy eating. Then, she pivoted to work in a hospital, where she noted that many of her clients were impacted by food insecurity.

    “That’s when I started to ask why more social workers weren’t talking about this. Why isn’t social work at the table when it comes to food insecurity? Often, public health leads this conversation or other disciplines, but I wanted to be at the table on behalf of social work,” she says.

    Forté, an assistant professor, says she’s always thinking about how she can work food into her classroom discussions.

    “As an example, I’m teaching theory, and this week we’re going to be learning about feminism and queer theory,” she explains. “Food preparation is often seen as women’s work and with feminism, there was a desire for some women to leave the kitchen and pursue work outside of the home. In other sections, we’ve discussed how disparities in access to food can be due to systemic inequities. Using food access and how different identities engage with food makes these heady theories feel more tangible.”

    When it comes to her research, Forté is focused on the impact food insecurity has on one’s mental health, specifically for young people in middle and high school, and how that impact can be measured accurately.

    Children as young as 9 understand what food insecurity is and know whether they’re affected, she says, yet there hasn’t been much research exploring their experience. Most often, the head of the household is the one surveyed, even though teenagers oftentimes bear the burden too.

    “Children experience it differently,” she says. “They’re also trying to figure out how to bring food into the home, but from a different perspective, ‘Can I bring this pizza home from a club meeting, so my family can eat tonight?’ They may not be buying groceries, but they’re trying to get food into the home.”

    Many teenagers are charged with the care of siblings, especially if adults are working multiple jobs, she notes, and even though they’re not recognized as the head of the household, at times they serve in that capacity, having to figure out what to make for dinner, maybe even going hungry themselves when food is scarce.

    “We need to capture what they’re going through because it is different from adults,” Forté says. “Knowing what adults experience is important, but this 9- to about 17-year-old age range, when they’re in school, that’s what I’m interested in. If we can understand their experiences – what does it feel like to know you don’t have food in the home – we can be better at supporting their health and well-being.”

    And that may mean having a discussion about policy, another area in which she’s interested.

    UConn’s Husky Harvest initiative, which established food pantries on all campuses, and its Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health are two reasons Forté says she sought to come to Connecticut for work.

    “Those were a huge draw for me,” she says. “They demonstrate that this university sees how important it is for people to get access to food and, in policy, that’s where we’re going to see a lot of change. I believe that access to food is a human right.”

    Forté says that when she was in practice, she spent a fair amount of time connecting people with resources, sourcing the locations of pantries, food banks, and community refrigerators. Sometimes she’d go along with clients to teach them what they could do with a can of tomatoes, bag of beans, and box of rice.

    She’d teach them to salvage the seasoning packet from a package of ramen noodles to spice up the blandness of another dish.

    “The experience of poverty is not fun, but if you can take even just a moment and create a little bit of joy in cooking, it can become time when you experience a little pleasure in life,” she says.

    Read more about Forté and her research here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: St. Petersburg Gas Forum 2024: Polytech Showcases Cutting-Edge Developments

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    From October 8 to 11, the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum 2024 is being held in the Expoforum Convention and Exhibition Centre in St. Petersburg. Russia’s leading technical university and the flagship university of PJSC Gazprom, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, traditionally participates in the exhibition and scientific-business programme of the forum. This year, SPbPU and the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences presented a joint stand.

    The St. Petersburg International Gas Forum can be called a unique event without exaggeration, because it is not only an exhibition of achievements in the gas industry, but also provides opportunities for a meaningful dialogue between business, government and science. This is necessary to ensure the technological independence of the Russian energy industry, – noted the rector of SPbPU, chairman of the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy.

    Among the innovative developments that forum guests can see at the Polytechnic stand is the installation of selective laser melting with high-temperature heating of the working area “Mercury”, which solves the problems of import preemption in the economy of our country. This is an innovative project, which has no analogues in Russia. The new equipment was created in cooperation with an industrial partner – the company 3DLAM. Thanks to additive metal printing technologies, which Polytechnic is now actively engaged in, it has become possible to manufacture products of the most complex shapes from difficult-to-process alloys. The resulting samples are highly durable and reliable.

    The unit is capable of heating the working area to 1300 degrees for printing new-generation heat-resistant alloys. Joint repair of T32 engine components — the Ladoga gas pumping unit — is currently being discussed.

    In our partnership, we act as an equipment manufacturer, and Polytech acts as a technology center that develops the technology itself, works out modes and prepares technical specifications, according to which we create innovative installations, noted Nikolai Drobchenko, head of the 3DLAM additive technology department.

    Specialists from the research laboratory “Laser and Additive Technologies” of the Institute of Metallurgy and Metallurgy of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University also demonstrate the mobile laser cladding complex “Nomad” and components of gas turbine engines restored using the laser cladding method.

    “Here, there is a synergy of combining scientific research, technological and production experience,” said Mikhail Kuznetsov, head of the Laser and Additive Technologies Research Laboratory. “And all of this is combined into a new development. In this case, it is a layer-by-layer growth complex with high-temperature heating.”

    Also at the Polytechnic stand, you can get acquainted with the work of virtual demonstration complexes based on VR technologies to study the main actions during maintenance and operation of compressor equipment used at underground gas storage facilities.

    Traditionally, the SPbPU History Museum takes part in the exhibition. Its employees tell visitors to the stand about the Polytechnic gas plant, which produced lighting gas for laboratories.

    SPbPU and SPbB RAS stand: L2, Pavilion G.

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

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

    http://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/partnership/St. Petersburg-gas-forum-2024-polytech-demonstrates-advanced-developments/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Third IADC Student Chapter in India Officially Established at Indian Institute of Technolgy!

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: Third IADC Student Chapter in India Officially Established at Indian Institute of Technolgy!

    On the 3rd October 2024, the third IADC Student Chapter in India was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) in Dhanbad in the state of Jharkhand.

    The school was founded in 1926, making it the oldest oil- and gas university in India, and is also considered quite prestigious. There are around 7,000 students, with 400 in the petroleum engineering department alone. The faculty counts around 375 members in total.

    Professor Keka Ojha, Head of the Petroleum Engineering Department, said she was extremely proud of the establishment of the IADC IIT (ISM) Student Chapter in Dhanbad. She was confident that this would be beneficial from an educational perspective and that it would open possibilities for students to engage more closely with the industry.

    The inauguration was witnessed by several dignitaries, including Mr. O.P. Singh, Director, ONGC and Chairman of the IADC South Central Asia Chapter. The inauguration itself was symbolized by a ceremonial “cutting of the cake.”

    The two other IADC Student Chapters in India are at the Maharashtra Institute of Technology – World Peace University (MIT-WPU) in Pune in the state of Maharastra, and the Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) in Ahmadebad in the state of Gujarat.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Black Hole Destroys Star, Goes After Another, NASA Missions Find

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes have identified a supermassive black hole that has torn apart one star and is now using that stellar wreckage to pummel another star or smaller black hole, as described in our latest press release. This research helps connect two cosmic mysteries and provides information about the environment around some of the bigger types of black holes.
    This artist’s illustration shows a disk of material (red, orange, and yellow) that was created after a supermassive black hole (depicted on the right) tore apart a star through intense tidal forces. Over the course of a few years, this disk expanded outward until it intersected with another object — either a star or a small black hole — that is also in orbit around the giant black hole. Each time this object crashes into the disk, it sends out a burst of X-rays detected by Chandra. The inset shows Chandra data (purple) and an optical image of the source from Pan-STARRS (red, green, and blue).
    In 2019, an optical telescope in California noticed a burst of light that astronomers later categorized as a “tidal disruption event”, or TDE. These are cases where black holes tear stars apart if they get too close through their powerful tidal forces. Astronomers gave this TDE the name of AT2019qiz.
    Meanwhile, scientists were also tracking instances of another type of cosmic phenomena occasionally observed across the Universe. These were brief and regular bursts of X-rays that were near supermassive black holes. Astronomers named these events “quasi-periodic eruptions,” or QPEs.
    This latest study gives scientists evidence that TDEs and QPEs are likely connected. The researchers think that QPEs arise when an object smashes into the disk left behind after the TDE. While there may be other explanations, the authors of the study propose this is the source of at least some QPEs.
    In 2023, astronomers used both Chandra and Hubble to simultaneously study the debris left behind after the tidal disruption had ended. The Chandra data were obtained during three different observations, each separated by about 4 to 5 hours. The total exposure of about 14 hours of Chandra time revealed only a weak signal in the first and last chunk, but a very strong signal in the middle observation.
    From there, the researchers used NASA’s Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) to look frequently at AT2019qiz for repeated X-ray bursts. The NICER data showed that AT2019qiz erupts roughly every 48 hours. Observations from NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and India’s AstroSat telescope cemented the finding.
    The ultraviolet data from Hubble, obtained at the same time as the Chandra observations, allowed the scientists to determine the size of the disk around the supermassive black hole. They found that the disk had become large enough that if any object was orbiting the black hole and took about a week or less to complete an orbit, it would collide with the disk and cause eruptions.
    This result has implications for searching for more quasi-periodic eruptions associated with tidal disruptions. Finding more of these would allow astronomers to measure the prevalence and distances of objects in close orbits around supermassive black holes. Some of these may be excellent targets for the planned future gravitational wave observatories.
    The paper describing these results appears in the October 9, 2024 issue of the journal Nature. The first author of the paper is Matt Nicholl (Queen’s University Belfast in Ireland) and the full list of authors can be found in the paper, which is available online at: https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.02181
    NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Chandra X-ray Center controls science operations from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts.
    Read more from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.
    Learn more about the Chandra X-ray Observatory and its mission here:

    chandra

    https://chandra.si.edu

    This release features an artist’s rendering that illustrates the destructive power of a supermassive black hole. The digital image depicts a disk of stellar material surrounding one such black hole. At its outer edge a neighboring star is colliding with and flying through the disk.
    The black hole sits halfway down our right edge of the vertical image. It resembles a jet black semicircle with a domed cap of pale blue light. The bottom half of the circular black hole is hidden behind the disk of stellar material. In this illustration, the disk is viewed edge on. It resembles a band of swirling yellow, orange, and red gas, cutting diagonally from our middle right toward our lower left.
    Near our lower left, the outer edge of the stellar debris disk overlaps with a bright blue sphere surrounded by luminous white swirls. This sphere represents a neighboring star crashing through the disk. The stellar disk is the wreckage of a destroyed star. An electric blue and white wave shows the hottest gas in the disk.
    As the neighboring star crashes through the disk it leaves behind a trail of gas depicted as streaks of fine mist. Bursts of X-rays are released and are detected by Chandra.
    Superimposed in the upper left corner of the illustration is an inset box showing a close up image of the source in X-ray and optical light. X-ray light is shown as purple and optical light is white and beige.

    Megan WatzkeChandra X-ray CenterCambridge, Mass.617-496-7998mwatzke@cfa.harvard.edu
    Lane FigueroaMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama256-544-0034lane.e.figueroa@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Mary Penny Kelley

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Mary Penny Kelley

    Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Mary Penny Kelley
    mseets

    Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced Boards and Commissions appointments.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individuals to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging:

    • Adrienne A. Livengood of Winston Salem as a member at-large. Livengood previously served on the Senior Services Board and the Family Services of Forsyth County Board. Livengood has dedicated her time to raising awareness for senior care accessibility.
    • Debra A. Stonecipher of Asheville as a member at-large. Stonecipher is a former Boeing Executive and owner of the Knight House. Stonecipher’s advocacy for families with aging parents led her to participate in the Mayo Aging and Alzheimer’s Study; allowing her to further assist in research efforts to find a cure for the disease.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individuals to the North Carolina Arts Council:

    • Susan W. Woodson of Raleigh as a member at-large. Woodson is an Artist at 5 Points Art Gallery. She has over 30 years of experience in graphic design and founded the Roundabout Art Collective in Raleigh. She is an active member of Moondog Fine Arts.
    • Dr. Paul Keith Baker of Raleigh as a member at-large. Dr. Baker is the Executive Director of the Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh and a Professor of History at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Dr. Baker also has ample experience with program development and higher education.
    • Dr. William Henry Curry of Raleigh as a member at-large. Dr. Curry is the Music Director of the Durham Symphony Orchestra. He also has several years of experience as the Resident Conductor and Artistic Director of the North Carolina Symphony.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Auctioneers Commission:

    • John M. Harris of Winston-Salem as a member by the Governor’s discretion. Harris is a Principal Attorney at J. Harris Legal PLLC. He has over nine years of extensive law and government experience.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the Bald Head Island Transportation Authority Board of Trustees:

    • Joseph Patrick Hatem of Southport as a member at-large. Hatem is a native North Carolina resident who served as the Mayor of Southport from 2019 to 2023. He has experience as an Emergency Physician and as the Chairman of the Department of Medicine for J. Arthur Dosher Memorial Hospital.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Employment Security Board of Review:

    • Adam Lockhart Taylor of Raleigh as a representative of employers. Taylor was the Director of Governmental Relations for the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources. His wealth of experience afforded him the opportunity to serve as Chief Deputy and later Assistant Secretary of the Division of Employment Security (DES) before serving as Senior Policy Advisor to the Department of Commerce Division of Workforce Solutions.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control:

    • Melissa H. Smith of Wake as the North Carolina community college system representative. Smith is the Senior State Director of Health Science Programs for the NC Community College System. She previously served as the Dean of Health Sciences at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the Disciplinary Hearing Commission of the North Carolina State Bar:

    • Scarlett Hargis of Garner as a public member. Hargis serves as a Paralegal to the General Counsel in the Office of the Governor and has been in this role since 2017. Prior to this, she was the Administrative Officer for the Attorney General in the North Carolina Department of Justice.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Council on Educational Services for Exceptional Children:

    • Dr. Bradley S. Stevenson of Charlotte as a representative of a private school. Dr. Stevenson is the Director of Program Administration and Clinical Services of Melmark Carolinas. Dr. Stevenson has experience working as a Behavior Analyst, a Senior Consultant, and an Educational and Behavior Consultant.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Hearing Aid Dealers and Fitters Licensing Board:

    • Anne Morgan Selleck of Durham as a physician preferably specializing in the field of Otolaryngology. Selleck is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has experience as a research coordinator and has a subspecialty certificate in Neurotology.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the Historic Murfreesboro Commission:

    • Craig Lee Dennis of Murfreesboro as a member at-large. Dennis is an art teacher at Riverview Elementary School. He also serves as a Murfreesboro Town Councilman and Fire Commissioner. Additionally, Dennis spends his time as a volunteer for the Murfreesboro Historical Association and serves as the Landscape Committee Chair of the John Wheeler House.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina State Historical Records Advisory Board:

    • Melissa A. Lovell of Holly Springs as a member at-large. Lovell has over twenty-five years of experience as a Legal Services Practice Manager and Agency Legal Specialist for the North Carolina Department of Justice.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Human Relations Commission:

    • Kerry M. Wiggins of Winston-Salem as a member at-large. Wiggins is the Boards and Commissions Program Director of the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters Foundation. Previously, Wiggins was a patient advocate at Old Vineyard Behavior Health Services.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board:

    • Erich Crouch of Greensboro as a public member. Crouch is a former Probation Officer with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, serving the department for 27 years. He has a certification in Homeland Security and ample experience in safety training.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individuals to the North Carolina Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services:

    • Carolyn Floyd Robinson of Lumberton as a substance abuse services consumer or an immediate family member of a substance abuse services consumer. Robinson is the Program Director of Borderbelt Behavioral Healthcare LLC and has worked as a substance abuse professional for over 22 years.
    • Dr. Hany A. Kaoud of Winterville as a physician. Dr. Kaoud is the Medical Director and Psychiatrist at Easterseals PORT Health. Prior to this, he was an attending physician at Wayne UNC Health Care and a Research Assistant at California State University.
    • Danny Ray Graves of Charlotte as a member who is a substance abuse services professional. Graves is the Director of Clinical Supervision for the McLeod Addictive Disease Center. He is a certified Clinical Addictions Specialist and a certified Substance Abuse Counselor.
    • Suzanne Mizsur-Porter of Rutherfordton as a substance abuse services family member. Mizsur-Porter is the Executive Director of United Way of Rutherford County. She also served as Creative Director for EMSI Public Relations.
    • Karon F. Johnson of Durham as a developmental disability’s family member. Johnson is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is the owner of a Private Therapy Practice and has experience working within the Crisis Unit at the Chapel Hill Police Department.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission:

    • Mildred Christmas of Raleigh as a member at-large. Christmas spent over 17 years as a State Procurement Specialist in the Department of Administration. She also served as the Records Management Analyst for the State Records Center in the Department of Cultural Resources for 14 years.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the NCWorks Commission:

    • Rebecca Irene Axford of Hillsborough as a workforce representative/labor representative. Axford is the International Representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Education Department for the state of North Carolina.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina State Board of Examiners for Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors:

    • Jeffrey Clark Farlow of Greensboro as a plumbing contractor. Farlow is the Executive Vice President at InfraPros, LLC. Farlow is an established leader for Facility Automation and Operations. He has been recognized for guiding the company in Green Building Technology and awarded the Distech Controls International Green Building Award for innovation and work in energy-saving strategies.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board:

    • David E. Poston of Shelby as a member who is licensed under 74C-4. Poston is a former Patrol Deputy and Polygraphist/Background Investigator for Clay County’s Sheriff’s Office. He is a licensed private investigator and polygraph examiner who concentrates on defendant criminal case review and pre-trial polygraph testing, employee theft, espionage, and sabotage, as well as pre-employment and family advocacy.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individuals to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission:

    • Patrick H. Bell of Raleigh as a licensed real estate broker. Bell is the Vice President of Land Acquisition Carolinas for The Kolter Group and serves as a board member on eight homeowner associations. He is also a former land acquisition manager and commercial real estate broker.
    • Melvin Alston of Greensboro as a licensed real estate broker. Alston is the President of Alston Realty Group, Inc. He is also the Guilford County Commissioner Board Chair, representing district 8.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Council on Sickle Cell Syndrome:

    • The Honorable Gladys A. Robinson of Raleigh as a member at-large. Senator Robinson is the Deputy Minority Leader of the North Carolina Senate for the State of North Carolina. Senator Robinson also serves on the Southern Regional Education Board.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individuals to the Supplemental Retirement Board of Trustees:

    • Rajinder Singh of Cary as a member experienced in finance and investments. Singh has held various roles as a Global Financial Services Executive throughout his 25-year career. Singh also serves as a director on the boards of Sagen Canada, India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation, and Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
    • Lanier T. McRee of Raleigh as a member experienced in finance and investment who is also a state employee. McRee works as the Assistant State Budget Officer for the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management. Previously, McRee worked as the principal budget analyst for the North Carolina General Assembly.

    Gov. Cooper has appointed the following individual to the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service:

    • Samantha C. Arrington Sliney of Whispering Pines as a member who is a representative of the military or veterans. Sliney is an attorney advisor for the Department of the Army- Joint Operations Command. She also serves as defense counsel for the New Jersey Air National Guard. Sliney also advocates and leads the Department of the Air Force Women’s Initiatives Team as their Co-Chair.

    ###

    Oct 9, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: SECNAV Del Toro As-Written Remarks at the Singapore 59th National Day Reception

    Source: United States Navy

    Remarks

    Good evening, everyone! It is an honor to be here with you tonight to celebrate the 59th year of Singapore’s independence.

    Ambassador Lui, thank you for inviting me for this wonderful occasion and for providing me with the opportunity to say a few words.

    The summer certainly flew by, didn’t it? It seems like just yesterday we were watching the new Midshipmen, including Midshipman Fourth Class Liang Yinze Garcia, being sworn in at the Naval Academy on I-Day.

    Under Secretary Lago, thank you for your career dedicated to public service and leadership at the International Trade Administration.

    Assistant Secretary Kang, thank you for your important work at the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, shaping and maintaining a secure international landscape.

    And I must also mention my wife Betty, who is here with us tonight and has been by my side throughout our forty years of marriage which included a naval career, a career in the private sector, and once more, service to our Navy and Marine Corps Team.

    I am grateful to be here to not only celebrate Singapore’s independence, but also celebrate the strong relationship between Singapore and the United States.

    Singapore is a favorite port call of our Navy and Marine Corps—from the incredible food, shopping, and nightlife to the melting pot of cultures to the memorable skylines of Marina Bay.

    Our partnership crucially extends outside of the “Little Red Dot” and the U.S., into all of our shared waters.

    For many years, Singapore has been a major security cooperation partner to the United States, and indeed a regional leader within both ASEAN and the larger Indo-Pacific region.

    And this is critically important, because as you have seen and read in the news, we face tremendous uncertainty in the world today.

    Together, Singapore and the United States have a steadfast strategic relationship—across numerous spheres—and we share a common and significant interest in preserving the rules-based international order.

    Alongside our partners, Singapore participated in Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea to deter further escalation and protect innocent commercial shipping against Iranian-aligned Houthi attacks.

    At the same time, Singapore—like the United States—supported relief efforts and aided affected civilians in Gaza.

    The United States and Singapore are also dedicated to improving our ability to collaborate and operate with partners.

    This year, we conducted the 29th iteration of the world’s largest international maritime exercise, our biennial Rim of the Pacific—or RIMPAC—Exercise.

    Held in the waters off Hawaii, RIMPAC 2024 included 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft, and more than twenty-five thousand personnel!

    This year, the Republic of Singapore Navy led a task unit of Republic of Korea, Mexico, and United States ships, and we were proud to sail alongside the RSN’s Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart.

    During the exercise, RSS Stalwart successfully launched two Aster surface-to-air missiles at high-speed drone targets, neutralizing both simulated missile targets and validating key anti-air warfare capabilities and tactics.

    Our Navy’s cooperation with Singapore also occurs within the classroom.

    Our Naval Academy Midshipmen have the privilege of attending Nanyang Technological University as semester exchange students, and our Navy and Marine Corps Naval Postgraduate students have the unique opportunity to study at the National University of Singapore’s Temasek Defence Systems Institute.

    I should note that my son John attended National University of Singapore for a summer exchange and studied wastewater electrolysis.

    The United States has, since 1992, enjoyed hosting Republic of Singapore Navy Midshipmen at my alma mater, the United States Naval Academy.

    Twelve years ago, Midshipman—now Lieutenant Colonel—Sam Tan wrote a new chapter in our Naval Academy history and yours!

    Sam graduated number one in the Great Class of 2012, the first international Midshipman to receive the honor.

    It was wonderful to host him once more during RIMPAC this year as the Commanding Officer of RSS Stalwart.

    It is my sincere hope that the partnership between Singapore and the United States continues to grow, especially amidst the uncertainty and challenges we face in the world today.

    Ambassador Lui, I thank you again for inviting me tonight, and for all you do to further this ironclad relationship between Singapore and the United States.

    Again, it is an honor to be with you all this evening. May God continue to grant our nations and our people with fair winds and following seas.

    Happy National Day, and Majulah Singapore!

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: SECNAV Del Toro As-Written Remarks at the USS New Jersey Commissioning

    Source: United States Navy

    Thank You/Introduction

    Good morning, everyone!

    Admiral Houston, thank you for that kind introduction and for your leadership of our Navy nuclear team.

    It is an absolute honor to be here with all of you today in beautiful New Jersey—the birthplace of the United States Submarine Force—to commission our fleet’s newest Virginia Class submarine, USS New Jersey (SSN 796).

    Mayor Perry, thank you for supporting our service members and their families who are stationed, train, and work here at Naval Weapons Station Earle. And thank you for all you have done to make today possible.

    Governor Murphy, thank you for your presence today and for your advocacy of our maritime services in New Jersey.

    Representative Norcross, Representative Smith, and Representative Pallone, welcome and thank you for your support of our men and women in the armed forces.

    President Boykin and Vice President Runkle, thank you for your partnership building the Navy our Nation needs.

    Dr. DiMarco, on behalf of this crew and our Navy, thank you for serving as ship sponsor for the USS New Jersey.

    In this role, you will forever be the connection between this warship, her crew, and the legacies of so many servicemembers from New Jersey.

    To the crew of USS New Jersey and your families, thank you for your service and sacrifice. Our Navy families shoulder the burdens of our absence, and service in defense of our country is only possible because of the love, support, and sacrifice of our loved ones.

    I am grateful to have had the support of my wife Betty and our four sons throughout my own naval career, a career in business, and now as Secretary of the Navy.

    To the rest of our Navy team, the commissioning committee, and our partners in industry: thank you for your unwavering support—this commissioning was made possible only by your tireless efforts.

    New Jersey and Call to Service

    This modern marvel behind me is the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration amongst government, industry, and the crew.

    The Navy’s newest Virginia-Class Fast Attack Submarine, USS New Jersey, is the third commissioned ship named to honor the contributions and support provided by the state of New Jersey.

    Our Navy’s Submarine Force is formidable—a lethal combination of one of the most powerful platforms available today manned by our Nation’s best and brightest.

    SSN 796 brings tremendous firepower to our Fleet and indeed our Nation—providing our commanders a valuable asset which strengthens our national security.

    And this submarine honors not only the legacy of the ships who bore the name USS New Jersey before her—both battleships.

    The first New Jersey was part of the Great White Fleet and circumnavigated the globe. Following the end of the Great War, USS New Jersey (BB 16) brought our soldiers back home from Europe.

    The second New Jersey was known as the “Big J.”

    She was the most decorated battleship in our Navy’s history—fighting in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

    During her 47-year career, she took part the two largest naval battles in history, the Battles of the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf, and supported the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

    She received 19 battle and campaign stars, six Navy Unit Commendations, and at least 11 Meritorious Unit Citations.

    This submarine also honors the legacy of the great people from New Jersey.

    Because people—our Sailors and Marines—are our greatest strength, and force resilience and readiness begin and end with them.

    Our Sailors, including those from New Jersey, raised their right hands to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

    In turn, through their willing service and sacrifice, we as Americans wake up every day in a nation which values and protects democracy—a nation which strives every day to become a more perfect Union.

    I thank the future Navy and Marine Corps Officers from Rutgers University who presented the colors for us today.

    These men and women will lead our Sailors and Marines, and some, if they are lucky, may one day even serve on this submarine.

    I am proud to stand here today as we welcome another “player to the field,” manned by an all-volunteer force of Sailors who have dedicated their careers and their lives in service to our Nation.

    And she will honor all those from New Jersey, sailing to protect our freedom from deep below the ocean’s waves.

    Closing

    To the Sailors of the USS New Jersey, you are about to embark on a great adventure as you bring this ship to life.

    On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you all for the work you have already done, for the sacrifices you have already made, and all that you will accomplish in the future.

    May God continue to watch over this ship, her crew, their families, and may they have fair winds and following seas wherever they may sail.

    Thank you.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: IADC Student Chapters: Roundup of Activities in September!

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: IADC Student Chapters: Roundup of Activities in September!

    MIT Student Chapter celebrates 5 year anniversary with 1st Student Technology Meet 

    In the later part of September, the IADC Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT) Student Chapter hosted its inaugural Student Chapter Technology Meet. Program highlights included a Young Professionals panel, Women in Drilling, and technical insights into geothermal drilling. The event brought together industry experts to discuss the main panel topic, “Unlocking Drilling Efficiency for Geothermal Exploration and Production.” This special event marked the Chapter’s 5th Anniversary and was a valuable forum for students to gain industry insights and network with established professionals. 

    IADC PTI Student Chapter hosts 3-day quiz competition

    The IADC Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Student Chapter recently hosted “Drilling Dynamics: Technical Challenge,” a 3-day quiz competition. There was a fantastic turnout for the event, with some days drawing over 160 students in attendance, eager to witness the competition. The event provided a platform for learning, fostering teamwork, and promoting healthy competition. Distinguished guests, including Engr. E.O. Ogunyemi, Mr. Frank Egede, and Engr. Dr. Adetona, added significant value to the event. 

    The PTI Student Chapter stated, “We extend our deepest appreciation to everyone who attended from Day 1 through to Day 3. Your support and enthusiasm have made this event truly special.”

    Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) Members visit companies & host “International Rig IQ Showdown” 

    On 24 September, the IADC UTP Student Chapter visited PETRONAS WRTC and Aberdeen Drilling International in Kuala Lumpur. At PETRONAS, the students dove deep into cutting-edge technology with the experts themselves. 

    Over at Aberdeen Drilling International, the students had a hands-on experience with the most advanced drilling simulator suites. They got to simulate real-life MPD operations, controlling pressure and managing different scenarios.

    On 30 September – 1 October , the UTP Student Chapter hosted the International Rig IQ Showdown. The event consisted of engaging lectures, challenging exams, and practical drilling simulation sessions. Teams faced real-world drilling challenges, from controlling wells under pressure to managing unexpected rig scenarios. Each team showcased their skills in handling equipment, making critical decisions, and working seamlessly together.

    University of Wyoming Student Chapter introduces new officers 

    The IADC University of Wyoming Student Chapter recently announced its new officers for the 2024-2025 academic year:

    President – Daniel McFadyen
    Vice President – Garrett Cox
    Treasurer – Eli Hernandez
    Secretary – John Bertschy

    According to the Chapter, “We’re looking forward to bringing a range of events, tours, speakers, and more to the University of Wyoming this year. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved!” 

    University of North Dakota hosts “Lunch & Learn” event 

    In mid-September, the IADC University of North Dakota Student Chapter hosted its first Lunch & Learn event to kick off activities for the semester. Speakers from TAQA (Industrialization & Energy Services Company) shared their insights with the students on drilling technologies and provided simple explanations of downhole drilling tools. This event provided an excellent platform for learning, networking, and collaboration. 

    KFUPM Student Chapter organizes movie night & celebrates new officers at dinner 

    The IADC Student Chapter at the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) recently hosted a special screening of Deepwater Horizon, providing an opportunity for students and professionals to reflect on one of the most pivotal events in oil & gas history. The movie sparked insightful discussions on industry challenges, safety protocols, and the human element in oilfield operations. The interactive quiz that followed added a competitive edge. 

    On a separate occasion, the Chapter gathered over dinner to celebrate the incoming officers. According to the Chapter, “It was a fantastic opportunity to strengthen bonds and discuss the exciting future of our chapter. The evening’s discussions revolved around our strategic plans, upcoming initiatives, and exploring innovative ways to improve and expand our impact. We are eager to see the collective effort of our new officers come to life as we continue to grow together.” 

    About IADC Student Chapters 

    IADC’s Student Chapter program was started in 2017 when the need for a formal vehicle for engaging with the next generation of young professionals was identified. At that time, students were also expressing a desire for opportunities to engage with the drilling industry while still in school. The IADC Student Chapter program serves as a supplement to the academic aspect provided by the universities. The Chapters provide unique opportunities for students to learn about the practical side of the industry and their future professions. These opportunities generally consist of attending conferences, rig tours, and other industry events.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Bright and Dark Sides of Pacific Salmon Biotransport

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Each year millions of Pacific salmon make a grand journey from the ocean to their freshwater spawning grounds at the end of their life cycles. This migration has rippling effects through food webs and ecosystems along the way.

    Whether they decompose or are consumed by other animals, these salmon deliver both nutrients and contaminants they have accumulated in their bodies after spending most of their lives growing at sea. A team of researchers from UConn, the University of South Dakota, the U.S. Geological Survey, Natural Resource Consultants, the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Missouri, and Regis University set out to study the transport of these nutrients and contaminants and trends as the salmon community changed over 40 years. Their findings are published in the journal Nature.

    Jess Brandt, assistant professor in UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and the Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, led the project. The study considers the spawning migrations to North America for the five major Pacific salmon species including Chinook, chum, coho, pink, and sockeye salmon. The research team combined estimates of migrating fish biomass for the forty years between 1976 and 2015 with Pacific salmon nutrient and contaminant tissue concentrations from scientific studies and reports.

    Energy and nutrients that travel from one system to another and have positive effects are called ecological subsidies. Contaminants that move alongside nutrients that can have detrimental impacts are referred to as “the dark side of subsidies,” says Brandt.

    “This research is about the ‘bright and dark sides’ of Pacific salmon subsidies,” she says. “We usually study them separately in the context of transport by animals, but nutrients and contaminants go hand-in-hand.”

    To start, the researchers combined the biomass estimates for each species with nutrient and contaminant concentrations to estimate the movements of these materials carried by salmon. Brandt says these movements had not been estimated at the continental scale before, and the magnitudes of materials transported by Pacific salmon were compelling.

    “On average, there were an estimated 119 million Pacific salmon returning to North America each year in the 40-year period of the study. This involved the movement of thousands of tonnes of nutrients and kilograms of contaminants. The fluxes of nutrients by Pacific salmon we report are among the largest fluxes that have been estimated so far for large groups of animals that move materials when they emerge, migrate, or die in large numbers.”

    The second question they address is how changes in the Pacific salmon community over time have impacted nutrient and contaminant transport.

    They found the Pacific salmon community grew substantially over that 40-year period, both in terms of biomass and number of fish. Brandt says the estimated amount of nutrients and contaminants transported in 2015 was 30% higher than in 1976, and the increase in pink salmon biomass during this period accounted for nearly 80% of the increase they observed.

    “We were curious about how shifts in the structure of the Pacific salmon community translated to changes in nutrient and contaminant transport over time,” says Brandt.

    To understand the significance of these questions, it helps to look at some of the aspects of the lives of different Pacific salmon species. Brandt says that where a species feeds on the food chain (called its trophic level), how long it spends in the ocean, and how large it gets, are all important when considering contaminant concentrations. The environmental contaminants included in this study build up in food webs and increase in concentrations from prey to predators, in a process called biomagnification. This means animals higher in the food web accumulate higher concentrations of these contaminants.

    Brandt notes that contaminant concentrations in Pacific salmon are low, overall, relative to many other types of fish. Even still, there are clear differences in contaminant levels among the Pacific salmon species. Pink salmon feed lower on the food web, spend less time at sea, and are small when they return to spawning grounds. By comparison, Chinook salmon feed higher up, spend many years in the ocean, and are the largest of the Pacific salmon species. These differences influence the amounts of contaminants each species transports.

    “That’s where we started thinking about the loading potential of each species – in other words, how much of each chemical a fish carries – and how loadings of nutrients and contaminants compare. We found the higher trophic level fish, specifically Chinook salmon, will carry relatively high ratios of contaminants to nutrients. On the other hand, pink salmon carry more nutrients per contaminant.”

    Despite these differences, pink salmon transported the largest overall amounts of contaminants, and this comes down to sheer numbers, says Brandt,

    “We also asked which species were contributing the most to nutrient and contaminant transport by the Pacific salmon community. Even though pink salmon have the lowest tissue concentrations of contaminants, the entire group of pink salmon contributes the greatest share of contaminants transported to North America because they dominate the community. Their numbers have increased, and even if the concentration of the contaminant hasn’t changed, if more fish are carrying the contaminant, then there’s more contaminant transferred.”

    Finally, the researchers considered the tradeoffs in nutrient and contaminant co-exposure for animals that eat salmon, including people. They compared the benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids people get from eating salmon with the health risks associated with the contaminants included in the study. “The results for each species indicated that salmon consumption brings a net benefit to people,” says Brandt. “We believe this means that there is a net benefit to the ecosystem as well.”

    Studying nutrients and contaminants together gives powerful insight into the environmental impacts of migratory species like salmon.

    “We miss part of the story when we study nutrients and contaminants separately,” Brandt says. “We hope this study leads to future work focused on migratory species as transporters of nutrients and contaminants and the tradeoffs between the two types of inputs for recipient systems at large spatial scales.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Scholars Consider ‘Historic Firsts’ of 2024 Election

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    It’s rare that any particular event can be confidently predicted to be of major historical significance before it happens, but American presidential elections definitely fit the bill. And while all presidential elections are momentous, each one has unique dynamics and characteristics that influence history in very different ways.

    It was with this in mind that three UConn scholars gathered at the Old State House in Hartford on Tuesday, Oct. 8, to analyze the current presidential contest in terms of historical significance – and what makes this election distinct.

    Christopher Vials, professor of English at UConn, engages in a discussion during the “Historic Firsts: The 2024 Presidential Election” forum at the Old State House in Hartford on Oct. 8, 2024. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    One of the most striking differences between this election and every previous presidential campaign is that a major party nominee – Vice President Kamala Harris – is a woman of color. Even more remarkable, the scholars said, is the way she came to win the Democratic Party’s nomination – being endorsed by President Joe Biden after his unprecedented decision to drop out of the race just weeks before the party’s nominating convention in August.

    “What I will never forget, especially as a political scientist, is the way she came to be the Democratic nominee,” said Evelyn Simien, professor of Political Science, Director of the Africana Studies Institute, and author of “Historic Firsts: How Symbolic Empowerment Changes U.S. Politics (Oxford University Press, 2016).”

    Manisha Sinha, the James L. and Shirley A. Draper Chair in American History and author of “The Slave’s Cause: A History of Abolition (Yale University Press, 2017)” and “The Rise and Fall of the Second American Republic: Reconstruction, 1860-1920 (Liveright, 2024),” agreed that the circumstances of Harris’ nomination make the 2024 election unique.

    “This is probably one of the first times we’ve had a presidential nominee so late in the game who has been able to step up so quickly,” she said.

    Another distinctive factor of this election, argued Christopher Vials, professor of English and author of “Haunted by Hitler: Liberals, the Left, and the Fight Against Fascism in the United States (University of Massachusetts Press, 2014),” is that “new taboos continue to be broken” in political rhetoric surrounding the race.

    Pointing to an interview the pundit Tucker Carlson conducted in September with a far-right podcaster notorious for defending the Third Reich and blaming Winston Churchill for World War II, Vials said, “Tucker Carlson is nodding his head, and then Elon Musk tweets about how that was a fabulous interview. They’re sort of breaking the Hitler taboo now.”

    One concern all three scholars shared was the possibility of low voter turnout, especially in states like Connecticut, where the presidential race is not expected to be competitive.

    “A lot of people become a little blasé about elections; they think noting changes, they think their vote doesn’t count, and that can open the door to authoritarian outcomes in elections,” Sinha said.

    Simien said she reminds her students that the right to vote has only, in historical terms, recently been won by all Americans regardless of race or gender, and shouldn’t be taken for granted.

    “Younger voters owe a debt to older generations, people who have sacrificed life and limb so that we can have the right to cast a vote in American elections,” she said.

    Vials noted the importance of elections for state and local offices, pointing out that decisions made in city hall or Hartford often have immediate, direct consequences in daily life.

    “State elections affect your lives a lot; they determine whether social services are going to be provided, whether universities are going to be funded, tax rates, who gets taxed – those are things that affect people’s lives every day, apart from the federal election,” he said.

    Connecticut residents will be able to vote early for the first time this year: balloting begins on October 21 and runs for 14 days. 

    The forum at the Old State House was Sponsored by the UConn American Studies Program, the Department of Critical and Social Inquiry, the English Department, The Africana Studies Institute, the History Department, and the Department of Political Science at UConn.

    A video recording of the discussion can be viewed on YouTube.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Session 2: Monetary policy, credit and banking

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Session 2
    Monetary policy, credit and banking
    Chair: Carlo Altavilla, European Central Bank

    The long-run effects of monetary policy
    Òscar Jordà*, University of California, Davis
    Co-Authors: Sanjay R. Singh and Alan M. Taylor

    Discussant: Margherita Bottero, Banca d’ Italia

    Collateral Heterogeneity and Monetary Policy Transmission: Evidence from Loans to SMEs and Large Firms
    Şebnem Kalemli-Özcan*, Brown University
    Co-Authors: Cecilia R. Caglio and R. Matthew Darst

    Discussant: Katharina Bergant, International Monetary Fund

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHuKZOwOH-k

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Session 1: Monetary policy and financial markets

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Session 1
    Monetary policy and financial markets
    Chair: Wolfgang Lemke, European Central Bank

    Bond Market Views of the Fed
    Luigi Bocola*, Stanford University
    Co-Authors: Alessandro Dovis, Kasper Jørgensen and Rishabh Kirpalani

    Discussant: Klodiana Istrefi, Banque de France

    Deciphering Monetary Policy Shocks
    Christian Wagner*, WU Vienna University of Economics and Business
    Co-Authors: Phillipp Gnan, Maximilian Schleritzko and Maik Schmeling

    Discussant: Fabian Schupp, European Central Bank

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C63Zfcfv20

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Session 4: Monetary policy and inflation and concluding remarks

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Session 4
    Monetary policy and inflation
    Chair: Sujit Kapadia, European Central Bank

    Leaning against inflation experiences
    Stefan Nagel*, Chicago Booth

    Discussant: Falk Mazelis, European Central Bank

    Monetary Communication Rules
    Amy Handlan*, Brown University
    Co-Author: Laura Gáti, European Central Bank

    Discussant: Alexandre Kohlhas, University of Oxford

    Concluding remarks and end of conference

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGFOlRwBB0Y

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Session 3: Young Economists and Closing remarks and end of day 1

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Session 3
    Young Economists
    Chair: Roberto Motto, European Central Bank

    The fintech lending channel of monetary policy
    Lavinia Franco*, Bayes Business School

    Nonlinearities of Monetary Policy across States of Price Rigidity
    Pascal Seiler*, ETH Zurich, KOF Swiss Economic Institute

    Financial Intermediation and Aggregate Demand: A Sufficient Statistics Approach
    Piotr Zoch*, University of Warsaw

    Closing remarks and end of day 1

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq9XZ6F34As

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Competitive compensation for resident physicians

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    [embedded content]

    Alberta’s government, in partnership with Alberta Health Services (AHS), the University of Alberta, University of Calgary and the Professional Association of Resident Physicians of Alberta has reached a four-year agreement that provides competitive and fair-market compensation for physicians in training.

    The negotiated agreement provides wage increases of three per cent in each of the first two years, and two per cent in each of the last two years. It also includes market adjustments that put Alberta on par with other western Canadian medical schools.

    Ensuring resident physicians receive competitive, fair-market compensation while they train and provide services across the province will help stabilize and strengthen acute health care today while bringing medical students and ultimately more physicians to the province to support the province’s future health needs.

    “Alberta’s government is grateful for all the hard work resident physicians put in as they complete their training. We are pleased to see that a new agreement has been reached and look forward to more physicians calling Alberta home.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    “We are extremely grateful to all of our resident physicians, who play a vital role in caring for Albertans and supporting our front-line physicians and health care teams. This agreement will help us recruit medical students and encourage them to practise in this province.”

    Athana Mentzelopoulos, president and CEO, AHS

    Rural and Remote Family Medicine Resident Physician Bursary Pilot Program

    The agreement builds on actions Alberta’s government is taking to make the province a more attractive place for medical students and resident physicians to study and practise. On Oct. 3, Alberta’s government announced measures to improve health care in rural and remote communities through the new Rural and Remote Family Medicine Resident Physician Bursary Pilot Program. The bursary program is part of the province’s Rural Health Action Plan.

    The pilot program will provide up to $8 million annually for the next two years to medical students in their final year of an undergraduate medical program when they are matched with a family medicine residency program at the University of Alberta or University of Calgary, or to residents currently completing a family medicine residency at either university regardless of their year of study. In return, bursary recipients will commit to delivering comprehensive patient care in eligible communities for three years after completing their residency. 

    “With this agreement, Alberta strengthens its position as an attractive destination for resident physicians across Canada. By enhancing compensation, training and working conditions, we ensure Alberta recruits and retains the brightest medical talent to serve our communities and shape the future of health care.”

    Dr. Pauwlina Cyca, president, Professional Association of Resident Physicians of Alberta (PARA)

    “The University of Alberta is pleased collaborations with our partners have resulted in an agreement that reflects the critical impact resident physicians make in our health care system so all Albertans receive the care they need.” 

    Brenda Hemmelgarn, dean and vice-provost, College of Health Sciences, and dean, faculty of medicine & dentistry, University of Alberta

    “Remuneration, respect, retention and recruitment of rural generalists are key to elevating rural hospitals to becoming rural centres of excellence. With this agreement and bursary pilot program, the Alberta government is recognizing rural health as being different, requiring separate and unique solutions for our communities that are mutually beneficial in enhancing the health of rural Albertans.”

    Dr. Rithesh Ram, president, section of rural medicine, Alberta Medical Association

    Quick facts

    • Resident physicians have graduated medical school but are completing post-graduate training in a residency program to obtain their licence to practise. With residency programs requiring an additional two to seven years of post-graduate training, most resident physicians spend more than 10 years training to become fully licensed physicians and surgeons.
    • The Professional Association of Resident Physicians of Alberta represents more than 1,660 resident physicians in Alberta.
    • The current agreement between AHS, the University of Alberta, University of Calgary and the association ended on June 30, 2024.
    • The resident physician agreement is funded by Alberta Health through a grant to AHS and the universities.

    Related information

    • Postgraduate medical education (AHS)

    Related news

    • Improving health care in rural and remote Alberta (Oct. 3, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Cambodia: journalist arrest signals false dawn for democracy as the country slides into authoritarianism

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sabina Lawreniuk, Principal Research Fellow, University of Nottingham

    Mech Dara, an award-winning Cambodian journalist and one of the kingdom’s last remaining independent media voices, was arrested on Monday, September 30. He has been detained over a social media post for “incitement to disturb social security”, and faces up to two years in jail.

    The news of Dara’s arrest has saddened and disturbed many within Cambodia and elsewhere. But it will have shocked few. Dara’s courageous journalism has made him a persistent thorn in the side of Cambodia’s ruling class.

    No stranger to harassment and intimidation by Cambodia’s increasingly repressive state apparatus, Dara had told me when we last met that he was considering applying for political asylum abroad. Life had become impossible in Cambodia.

    From humble beginnings, Dara built his reputation on a dogged commitment to justice, whose work includes exposing human rights abuse, illegal logging, land grabs and labour struggles in his homeland. These are rife in a notoriously corrupt state that ranks 141 out of 142 countries worldwide on the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index.

    Most recently, however, Dara’s investigations have focused on uncovering abuse in Cambodia’s cyberscam industry. Dara’s reporting, which in 2023 earned him a “Hero” commendation by the US State Department, revealed how the industry often involves cyberscam compounds staffed by victims of human trafficking.

    His investigations have disclosed how these people are compelled under the threat of physical torture and financial extortion to perform acts of deception and fraud on targets across China, the US, Europe and beyond, through fake romances or cryptocurrency schemes.

    The UN estimates that at least 100,000 people have been tricked into participating in this criminal industry, which is now said to be worth more than US$12 billion (£9.1 billion) per year in Cambodia.

    Dara has turned to identifying the political and business elites in Cambodia whose complicity enables the criminal syndicates who run the compounds to flourish with impunity.

    Some of his best-known work linked the LYP Group, which is owned by prominent Cambodian businessman and state senator, Ly Yong Phat, to the operation of scam compounds in Cambodia’s Koh Kong province. Ly Yong Phat continues to deny any involvement.

    The timing of Dara’s arrest may be no coincidence. He was detained 18 days after the US treasury department sanctioned Ly Yong Phat for his role in serious human rights abuse related to the treatment of trafficked workers.

    Dara’s arrest is believed by some to be an act of retaliation intended to send a chilling message to those who challenge the vested interests of Cambodia’s incumbent kleptocracy: be silent or you will be silenced.

    It continues a pattern of the Cambodian oligarchy’s waging of “lawfare” against members of civil society, using the court system to intimidate and muzzle critics. It is the surest sign yet that Cambodia’s new prime minister, Hun Manet, intends to follow his predecessor’s pathway into intensifying authoritarianism.

    The son rises

    Cambodia’s self-proclaimed “strongman” leader, Hun Sen, stepped down as prime minster in August 2023 after nearly 40 years in power. He chose Manet, his oldest son, as his successor.

    A dynastic succession does not typically indicate a democratic transfer of power. Yet hopes were raised that Manet might reverse the increasingly authoritarian trajectory of his father’s rule.

    Where Hun Sen came of age fighting on the frontlines of Cambodia’s civil war, Hun Manet has had a more worldly upbringing. He was educated in the US and UK, and obtained a PhD in economics from the University of Bristol.

    Cambodian prime minister, Hun Manet, who succeeded his father Hun Sen in 2023.
    Sa sola / Shutterstock

    Some observers believed that the softly spoken and sharp-suited Manet might possess a more liberal worldview than that of his father, ushering a new era of renewed democracy.

    Hun Sen’s reign in Cambodia was characterised by an increasing reliance on what researcher Neil Loughlin terms the “politics of coercion” to cement his hold on power. The Hun family are at the centre of a network of tightly entwined business and state elites that exert a stranglehold over Cambodia’s politics and economy.

    This kleptocratic coalition is accused of asset-stripping the kingdom of its once-abundant natural resources, enriching themselves at the cost of impoverishing the many. As a result, popular dissent has grown.

    To quell any threat to its longevity, the ruling Cambodian People’s party (CPP) has led a concerted crackdown on freedoms of association, assembly and expression. Over the past decade, this has included the shuttering of almost all independent news outlets, the dissolution of the opposition Cambodian National Rescue party, and the detention of its leader, Kem Sokha, under house arrest.

    As the architect of the Paris Peace Accords that brokered the end to Cambodia’s civil war, the old guard of the party has sought to legitimise its heavyhanded approach by stressing the continued need to preserve order and stability to prevent descent into further unrest.

    A false dawn

    Manet has been keen to present himself as part of a new guard, ready to reengage with major powers such as the US and EU. Both the US and EU had cooled relations with Cambodia following the democratic deficits unleashed during Hun Sen’s premiership.

    Yet the cyberscam story and its growing repercussions have embarrassed Cambodia on the international stage. By apparently censoring Mech Dara for uncovering the scandal, rather than seeking to control party elements responsible for the cyberscam scourge, Manet appears to be showing where his true loyalties and sentiments lie.

    Dara is but one of a long line of dissenters charged with “incitement” by the CPP-controlled courts. With its explicit reference to the conjured threat of renewed social chaos, it harks to the CPP’s past as custodian of order and stability.

    The heavyhanded nature of the arrest itself, where Dara was apprehended by a convoy of six military vehicles while on vacation with his family, is also straight out of the CPP’s historic playbook. Persecution not by stealth but by flourish, it sends a wider message to civil society to deter any would-be imitators.

    More crucially, it signals a forceful intent to preserve the power, plunder and impunity of Cambodia’s elites, and a commitment to the continued silencing of dissenting voices who threaten their supremacy.

    Sabina Lawreniuk receives funding from UKRI’s Future Leaders Fellowship scheme.

    – ref. Cambodia: journalist arrest signals false dawn for democracy as the country slides into authoritarianism – https://theconversation.com/cambodia-journalist-arrest-signals-false-dawn-for-democracy-as-the-country-slides-into-authoritarianism-240382

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Fix the climate or appease the fossil fuel industry – we can’t do both

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jack Marley, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition

    Britain ended more than 140 years of coal power when it closed its last generator in September.

    Coal emits more heat-trapping gas to the atmosphere than any other fossil fuel, so its demise as a source of electricity is an unalloyed good for the climate. Yet, with another announcement a week later, the UK government has helped extend the reign of fossil fuels well into the 21st century.


    This roundup of The Conversation’s climate coverage comes from our award-winning weekly climate action newsletter. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 35,000+ readers who’ve subscribed.

    Less than six months from polling day, the UK Labour party (then the official opposition) scrapped a campaign commitment to provide an annual stimulus of £28 billion (US$36.6 billion) for green industries.



    Read more:
    Labour’s £28 billion green investment promise could be watered down – here’s why

    Six billion pounds shy of this figure will now be raised over 25 years, Keir Starmer’s Labour government has revealed, but for a specific purpose: carbon capture and storage.

    “The technology works by capturing CO₂ as it is being emitted by a power plant or another polluter, then storing it underground,” says Mark Maslin, a professor of natural sciences at UCL.

    The Guardian reports that oil companies BP and Equinor will invest in a cluster of carbon capture and storage installations in Teesside, north-east England. Eni, an Italian oil company, is expected to develop sites in north-west England and north Wales. In each case, emissions will probably be pumped via gas pipes beneath the seabed.

    Starmer anointed “a new era” for green jobs when announcing this funding, but experts claim he is actually offering symbolic and strategic support to climate-wrecking energy sources that have dominated for centuries.

    A new error

    “This announcement represents a massive bet on a still unproven technology, and will lock the UK into fossil fuel dependence for decades to come,” Maslin says.



    Read more:
    The UK’s £22 billion bet on carbon capture will lock in fossil fuels for decades

    “The Climate Change Act mandates the UK should achieve net zero emissions by 2050, yet this will be impossible if carbon capture leads to the UK building new gas power stations instead of wind and solar farms.”

    Our ability to capture all this carbon is not guaranteed.
    DimaBerlin/Shutterstock

    Maslin was one of several scientists who wrote to energy secretary Ed Miliband criticising the plans. As he sees it, the government would not fund these projects if it did not see a future for fossil fuels beyond the middle of this century, by which time scientists have said our interference in the climate must end.

    The message is clear: expensive imports of natural gas (essentially methane, a potent greenhouse gas) are here to stay. Even successful deployment of carbon scrubbers at the point of burning this gas would not erase its climate impact, Maslin says, as it leaks at all stages of its production and use.

    But Maslin also doubts carbon capture and storage can siphon off the emissions of gas-fired power plants without adding to climate change. This is why climate scientists often describe carbon capture and storage as an unproven technology for decarbonising electricity and heavy industry: most of its applications have been in natural gas processing facilities where CO₂ is extracted for commercial uses.

    “The track record of adding carbon capture to power plants is much worse, with the vast majority of projects abandoned,” Maslin explains.

    More damning still, almost 80% of all the CO₂ captured by existing installations has been reinjected into oil fields – to pump more oil.

    Could carbon capture and storage tech turn natural gas into zero-carbon hydrogen, as some hope? Again, Maslin is dubious. Water is a cleaner source for hydrogen and using this fuel to heat homes or decarbonise factories is a second-rate solution compared with renewable electricity, he says.

    The fruits of appeasement

    Maslin and his co-signatories say that carbon capture and storage should be limited to reducing emissions from existing fossil power plants or steel furnaces while these emission sources are rapidly phased out.

    Marc Hudson at the University of Sussex is a historian of climate politics and policy in Australia, the US, UK and internationally. He has encountered policy proposals for carbon capture dating back to the 1970s and in his view, their overwhelming effect has been to prolong the use of fossil fuels by justifying investment in their expansion.



    Read more:
    Relying on carbon capture and storage may be a dangerous trap for UK industry

    “It’s the equivalent of smoking more and more cigarettes each day and gambling that a cure for cancer will exist by the time you need it,” he says.



    Read more:
    Cumbria coal mine: empty promises of carbon capture tech have excused digging up more fossil fuel for decades

    When trying to explain why rational climate policies like the mass insulation of draughty homes tends to lose out to investment in carbon capture and storage, Nils Markusson, a lecturer in environmental politics at Lancaster University, found something similar:

    “Home insulation does nothing to shield the profits of fossil fuel companies or landlords in the large and growing private rental sector,” he says.



    Read more:
    Does carbon capture and storage hype delay emissions cuts? Here’s what research shows

    In other words, appeasing the fossil fuel industry is a proviso of policies drafted to address climate change. This limitation has also infiltrated scientific assessments of the climate.

    A new report shows that “overshoot” scenarios – that is, projections of future climate change which accept the global target of 1.5°C will be at least temporarily breached – are rife in mainstream climate science.

    This is despite evidence of the permanent damage such a breach would cause – and our doubtful ability to reverse warming once it has exceeded these dangerous levels using speculative carbon removal technology.

    There is not enough land or energy to rapidly restore the carbon we have emitted.
    Oksana Bali/Shutterstock

    What has led us here? Comprehending the climate crisis and its solutions on terms favourable to the fossil fuel industry say Wim Carton and Andreas Malm, political ecologists at Lund University.

    “Avoiding climate breakdown demands that we bury the fantasy of overshoot-and-return and with it another illusion as well: that the Paris targets can be met without uprooting the status-quo.



    Read more:
    How mainstream climate science endorsed the fantasy of a global warming time machine

    “One limit after the other will be broken unless we manage to strand the necessary fossil assets and curtail opportunities for continuing to profit from oil and gas and coal.”

    – ref. Fix the climate or appease the fossil fuel industry – we can’t do both – https://theconversation.com/fix-the-climate-or-appease-the-fossil-fuel-industry-we-cant-do-both-240694

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Despite progress on poverty, Mexico’s first female president inherits a shaky economy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nicolas Forsans, Professor of Management and Co-director of the Centre for Latin American & Caribbean Studies, University of Essex

    shutterstock Octavio Hoyos/Shutterstock

    Mexico’s first female president, leftwing academic and climate scientist Claudia Sheinbaum, has set out her agenda. She pledged to maintain the social policies of her mentor and predecessor, the widely popular former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador (commonly known by his initials, AMLO).

    She promised a transition to green energy, and set out the need for new infrastructure in railways, ports and airports. Sheinbaum inherits a US$1.79 trillion (£1.4 trillion) economy closely integrated to that of the US – in fact, Mexico has the second-largest economy in Latin America. It is also the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world with 128 million people.

    But Sheinbaum also inherits Mexico’s largest budget deficit since the 1980s.

    Despite social policies that have seen 9.5 million Mexicans lifted from poverty during AMLO’s six-year term, 36% of Mexicans are still poor and 7% live in extreme poverty. Access to health services remains problematic, and has worsened for those living in deprivation.

    Gross domestic product per capita, a measure of wealth, actually fell during the previous administration, which means the “average” Mexican is worse off now than at the start of AMLO’s presidency. And next year, the central bank estimates GDP will grow by only 1.2%, which will inevitably constrain Sheinbaum in her early years in office.

    While campaigning, she promised to continue the social and political policies of her predecessor. Now in office, she will not only grapple with the country’s security situation but also navigate serious economic and fiscal challenges.



    Read more:
    As Mexico’s new president takes office, a renewed battle to contain cartel violence begins

    In 2018, AMLO took office in a relatively stable fiscal environment. His predecessor, Enrique Peña Nieto, had implemented significant reforms early in his term aimed at reducing reliance on oil revenues and energy subsidies.

    Nieto also sought to strengthen the country’s two stabilisation funds. The Oil Revenue Stabilisation Fund is aimed at protecting Mexico’s budget from fluctuations in oil revenues. Meanwhile, the Budget Income Stabilisation Fund seeks to stabilise budget revenues from non-oil sources, such as taxes.

    These funds have been crucial for maintaining economic stability given the volatility of commodity prices, especially since oil has historically been a key contributor to Mexico’s public finances. However, under AMLO’s administration, both funds were used to plug gaps, leaving them depleted and raising concerns about the country’s ability to weather economic downturns. The country has not balanced its books since 2007.

    High energy subsidies introduced in 2019 are putting a strain on public finances. Driven by a commitment by AMLO to shield consumers from rising international oil prices, subsidies increased as a result of the COVID pandemic in 2020, and again in 2022 amid the war in Ukraine.

    The recent rise in social spending to fund universal state pensions, social programmes and debt servicing has created considerable strain, pushing the deficit close to 6% of GDP. Mexico’s debt-to-GDP ratio is 50% this year, up from its 2018 level.

    The tax issue

    In most countries, tax revenues are used to fund social investment. But Mexico’s ability to raise taxes has been extremely limited – tax revenues amount to just 17% of the country’s GDP, below the Latin American average of 22%, and well below that of countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) at 34%.

    Mexico has a large informal economy, with many workers and businesses not registered with tax authorities. Corruption, inefficiencies in tax administration and lack of trust in government institutions have led to low tax compliance, while efforts to increase taxes on the wealthy have met political resistance.

    Mexico has high levels of income inequality, and the wealthiest segments of society contribute relatively little to the overall tax revenue. Instead, the country had historically relied on oil revenues – which have declined – to fund public services and investment.

    AMLO had launched popular social programmes aimed at reducing poverty and inequalities. Now Sheinbaum has promised increased social spending while maintaining “fiscal responsibility” and not reforming tax (at least in her early presidency). That promise seems unrealistic. Without a change of approach, a fiscal crisis looms.

    However, she is expected to be a more pragmatic president than her predecessor. In part because she is less ideology-driven, but also because she won’t have a choice. If she wants to boost the economy and keep reducing poverty, she will need to attract foreign investment and encourage the private sector to play a much bigger role.

    Infrastructure will be a key focus, not least to ensure Mexico can benefit from the process of “near-shoring” – the relocation by multinationals of key processes away from Asia closer to the US market in order to minimise supply chain disruptions.

    Mexico stands to gain from the current desire by many companies to operate closer to the USA. As a result of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and its predecessor Nafta (North American Free Trade Agreement), Mexico enjoys tariff-free trade with its northern neighbours.

    But the country has not fully benefited from those opportunities. It lacks a consolidated investment promotion strategy and needs to produce more energy, ensuring it is from cleaner sources.

    It’s expected that Sheinbaum will continue government efforts to lift disadvantaged Mexicans out of poverty.

    Companies keen to invest in Mexico need access to low-emission hydrocarbons, as well as renewable energy. But AMLO viewed oil as a key part of Mexico’s sovereignty, eradicating previous reforms that had opened up the energy sector to private companies and preventing private investment in renewable energy. Instead, public finances were used to prop up ailing state-owned oil monopoly Pemex and national electricity company CFE.

    Given the fiscal challenges Sheinbaum inherits, Mexicans can expect the private sector to play a much greater role in infrastructure investment and in making the green energy transition a reality.

    As mayor of Mexico City, she championed public-private partnerships (PPP) while promoting solar energy. But to entice factories from Asia, she will also have to weaken the grip of the criminal organisations which are believed to control as much as a third of Mexico.

    During her tenure as mayor she halved the number of murders in the capital. But attempting to replicate this success throughout the country will be no small undertaking.

    Nicolas Forsans 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. Despite progress on poverty, Mexico’s first female president inherits a shaky economy – https://theconversation.com/despite-progress-on-poverty-mexicos-first-female-president-inherits-a-shaky-economy-240136

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Google Deepmind founder shares Nobel prize in chemistry for AI that unlocks the shape of proteins

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Matthew Addicoat, Senior Lecturer in Functional Materials, Nottingham Trent University

    The 2024 Nobel prize in chemistry has been awarded to three scientists for their work on describing and predicting proteins with the help of computers. One half of the prize goes to David Baker from the University of Washington in the US “for computational protein design”, with the other half jointly awarded to Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper, both from Google Deepmind, UK, “for protein structure prediction”.

    Using computers to carry out protein design and for predicting protein structures are two sides of the same coin. They are separately very powerful – and combined, even more so.

    Proteins are the building blocks of life, building and powering our muscles and organs. Proteins are molecular machines: they read and copy our DNA to make new cells, and pump ions (electrically charged atoms or groups of atoms) into and out of our cells, so these always have what they need to work properly. Proteins act as sensors, detecting what’s in their environment. They also activate our immune systems.

    The molecular building blocks of proteins are amino acids. These connect, one end to another, like letters joining to form a word. Exactly like a word, scientists give a letter to each amino acid, and these can spell out any given protein.

    Just having that protein sequence – the “word” – isn’t enough, though. It’s the three-dimensional shape of the protein that determines how it works. So, if we want to make a protein for some purpose, we need a way to determine what its three-dimensional shape will be from the amino acid sequence alone. This is protein structure prediction.

    Some proteins can be prepared in such a way that their structure can be determined by X-ray, but most cannot. This is why computational structure prediction is vitally important.

    It is still an extraordinarily difficult problem. Even a small protein, of around 100 “letters” or amino acids, has an impossibly high number of possible ways it can be arranged in three dimensions. To visualise this, imagine arranging strands of cooked spaghetti in a bowl.



    Read more:
    Nobel Prize in physics spotlights key breakthroughs in AI revolution − making machines that learn

    For this reason, until the last decade, computational structure prediction had very low accuracy – less than 50%, in fact. Then, in 2020, Hassabis and Jumper developed an AI tool called AlphaFold2. This can predict the three-dimensional structure of a protein, using only the sequence of letters, with over 90% accuracy.


    Nobelprize.org, CC BY-SA

    To make such a leap in accuracy, AlphaFold2 uses deep learning and neural networks. Deep learning is a computer-based approach that simulates the way the human brain makes decisions. Neural networks mimic the human brain’s structure and function to process data.

    AlphaFold2 also makes use of massive databases of known protein structures and sequences. The neural network correlates the known three-dimensional shapes with the amino acid sequence. It can then derive rules for what shape a given sequence – the “letters” – will adopt.

    The opposite problem, computational protein design, can be summed up by the following question: “I want a protein with this three-dimensional shape; what is the sequence that gives me that shape?”

    This challenge was actually solved first. In 2003, Baker wrote a computer program called Rosetta that begins with the desired three-dimensional structure, and produces the amino acid sequence that will give that structure. It uses the idea that the three-dimensional structure of the entire protein can be built from the structures of small fragments.



    Read more:
    AI system can predict the structures of life’s molecules with stunning accuracy – helping to solve one of biology’s biggest problems

    Applying the science

    Computational protein design has many applications. Proteins have been designed to bind and inactivate viruses, to detect drugs like fentanyl, and even to degrade plastic in the environment.

    So, why has this prize been awarded for these advances now? Protein design and prediction are both inherently complex problems. There is no way to shortcut the large number of possible structures. But the rapid rise in the capabilities and use of artificial intelligence methods has given us a way to address this complexity. AI can efficiently derive correlations from millions of protein structures.

    The pace of development in AI approaches is highlighted by this year’s Nobel prize in physics, which was awarded for the development of neural networks.

    The twin methods of computational protein design and computational protein structure prediction are now real tools, used by millions of scientists worldwide. Proteins to counter pandemic viruses can now be designed in a matter of weeks.

    It therefore wouldn’t be surprising if we see many other Nobels in future being awarded for breakthroughs that use the power of artificial intelligence.

    Matthew Addicoat receives funding from EPSRC and the Royal Society.

    – ref. Google Deepmind founder shares Nobel prize in chemistry for AI that unlocks the shape of proteins – https://theconversation.com/google-deepmind-founder-shares-nobel-prize-in-chemistry-for-ai-that-unlocks-the-shape-of-proteins-240921

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How mainstream climate science endorsed the fantasy of a global warming time machine

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Wim Carton, Associate Professor of Political Ecology, Lund University

    When the Paris agreement on climate change was gavelled into being in December 2015, it briefly looked like that rarest of things: a political victory for climate activists and delegates from the poorest regions of the world that, due to colonisation by today’s wealthy nations, have contributed little to the climate crisis – but stand to suffer its worst ravages.

    The world had finally agreed an upper limit for global warming. And in a move that stunned most experts, it had embraced the stretch target of 1.5°C, the boundary that small island states, acutely threatened by sea-level rise, had tirelessly pushed for years.

    Or so, at least, it seemed. For soon, the ambitious Paris agreement limit turned out to be not much of a limit at all. When the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (or IPCC, the world’s foremost body of climate experts) lent its authority to the 1.5°C temperature target with its 2018 special report, something odd transpired.

    Nearly all modelled pathways for limiting global heating to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels involved temporarily transgressing this target. Each still arrived back at 1.5°C eventually (the deadline being the random end point of 2100), but not before first shooting past it.

    Scientists responsible for modelling the response of Earth’s climate to greenhouse gas emissions – primarily caused by burning fossil fuels – called these “overshoot” scenarios. They became the dominant path along which mitigating climate change was imagined to proceed, almost as soon as talk of temperature limits emerged.

    De facto, what they said was this: staying below a temperature limit is the same as first crossing it and then, a few decades hence, using methods of removing carbon from the atmosphere to dial temperatures back down again.

    From some corners of the scientific literature came the assertion that this was nothing more than fantasy. A new study published in Nature has now confirmed this critique. It found that humanity’s ability to restore Earth’s temperature below 1.5°C of warming, after overshooting it, cannot be guaranteed. Many impacts of climate change are essentially irreversible. Those that are might take decades to undo, well beyond the relevant horizon for climate politics. For policy makers of the future, it matters little that temperatures might eventually fall back again; the impacts they will need to plan for are those of the overshoot period itself.

    Not coming back: tropical coral reefs face permanent destruction.
    Sabangvideo/Shutterstock

    The rise of overshoot ideology

    Even if global average surface temperatures are ultimately reversed, climate conditions at regional levels might not necessarily follow the global trend and might end up different from before. Delayed changes in ocean currents, for instance, could mean that the North Atlantic or Southern Ocean continue warming while the rest of the planet does not.

    Any losses and damages that accumulate during the overshoot period itself would of course be permanent. For a farmer in Sudan whose livestock perishes in a heatwave that would have been avoided at 1.5°C, it will be scant consolation to know that temperatures are scheduled to return to that level when her children have grown up.

    Then there is the dubious feasibility of planetary-scale carbon removal. Planting enough trees or energy crops to make a dent in global temperatures would require whole continents of land. Direct air capture of gigatonnes of carbon would consume prodigious amounts of renewable energy and so compete with decarbonisation. Whose land are we going to use for this? Who will shoulder the burdens for all this excess energy use?

    If reversal cannot be guaranteed, then clearly it is irresponsible to sanction a supposedly temporary overshoot of the Paris targets. And yet this is exactly what scientists have done. What compelled them to go down this dangerous route?

    Our own book on this topic (Overshoot: How the World Surrendered to Climate Breakdown, published last week by Verso) offers a history and critique of the idea.

    When overshoot scenarios were summoned into being in the early 2000s, the single most important reason was economics. Rapid, near-term emissions cuts were deemed prohibitively costly and so unpalatable. Cost optimisation mandated that they be pushed into the future to the extent possible.

    The models for projecting possible mitigation trajectories had these principles written into their code and so for the most part could not compute “low” temperature targets like 1.5 or 2°C. And because modellers could not imagine transgressing the deeply conservative constraints that they worked within, something else had to be transgressed.

    One team stumbled upon the idea that large-scale removal of carbon might be possible in the future, and so help reverse climate change. The EU and then the IPCC picked up on it, and before long, overshoot scenarios had colonised the expert literature. Deference to mainstream economics yielded a defence of the political status quo. This in turn translated into reckless experimentation with the climate system. Conservatism or fatalism about society’s capacity for change flipped into extreme adventurism about nature.

    Time to bury the time machine

    Just as the climate movement scored an important political victory, compelling the world to rally behind an ambitious temperature limit, an influential group of scientists, amplified by the world’s most authoritative scientific body on the subject, effectively helped water it down. When all is said and written about the post-Paris era, this surely should stand as one of its greatest tragedies.

    By conjuring up the fantasy of overshoot-and-return, scientists invented a mechanism for delaying climate action and unwittingly lent credibility to those (and they are many) who have no real interest in reigning in emissions here and now; who will seize on any excuse to keep the oil and gas and coal flowing just a little longer.

    A stable climate is not compatible with rising oil profits.
    Igor Hotinsky/Shutterstock

    The findings of this new paper make it perfectly clear: There is no time machine waiting in the wings. Once 1.5°C lies behind us, we must consider that threshold permanently broken.

    There then remains only one road to ambitious mitigation of climate change, and no amount of carbon dioxide removal can absolve us of its inconvenient political implications.

    Avoiding climate breakdown demands that we bury the fantasy of overshoot-and-return and with it another illusion as well: that the Paris targets can be met without uprooting the status-quo. One limit after the other will be broken unless we manage to strand fossil fuel assets and curtail opportunities for continuing to profit from oil and gas and coal.

    We will not mitigate climate change without confronting and defeating fossil fuel interests. We should expect climate scientists to be candid about this.


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

    Get our award-winning 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 35,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Wim Carton receives funding for his work on carbon removal from the Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development (Formas), the Swedish Energy Agency, the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation, and the Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF).

    Andreas Malm receives funding for his work on carbon removal from the Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development (Formas).

    – ref. How mainstream climate science endorsed the fantasy of a global warming time machine – https://theconversation.com/how-mainstream-climate-science-endorsed-the-fantasy-of-a-global-warming-time-machine-225597

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA-Funded Study Assesses Pollution Near Los Angeles-Area Warehouses

    Source: NASA

    Satellite-based data offers a broad view of particulate air pollution patterns across a major West Coast e-commerce hub.
    As goods of all shapes and sizes journey from factory to doorstep, chances are they’ve stopped at a warehouse along the way — likely several of them. The sprawling structures are waypoints in the logistics networks that make e-commerce possible. Yet the convenience comes with tradeoffs, as illustrated in a recent NASA-funded study.
    Published in the journal GeoHealth, the research analyzes patterns of particulate pollution in Southern California and found that ZIP codes with more or larger warehouses had higher levels of contaminants over time than those with fewer or smaller warehouses. Researchers focused on particulate pollution, choosing Southern California because it is a major distribution hub for goods: Its ports handle 40% of cargo containers entering the country.
    The buildings themselves are not the major particulate sources. Rather, it’s the diesel trucks that pick up and drop off goods, emitting exhaust containing toxic particles called PM2.5. At 2.5 micrometers or less, these pollutants can be inhaled into the lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream. Although atmospheric concentrations are typically so small they’re measured in millionths of a gram per cubic meter, the authors caution that there’s no safe exposure level for PM2.5.
    “Any increase in concentration causes some health damage,” said co-author Yang Liu, an environmental health researcher at Emory University in Atlanta. “But if you can curb pollution, there will be a measurable health benefit.”

    Growing Air Quality Research
    Particulate pollution has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, some cancers, and adverse birth outcomes, including premature birth and low infant birth weight.
    The new study is part of a broader effort funded by the NASA Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team to use satellite data to understand how air pollution disproportionately affects underserved communities.
    As the e-commerce boom of recent decades has spurred warehouse construction, pollution in nearby neighborhoods has become a growing area for research. New structures have often sprouted on relatively inexpensive land, which tends to be home to low-income or minority populations who bear the brunt of the poor air quality, Liu said.
    Another recent NASA-funded study analyzed satellite-derived nitrogen dioxide (NO2) measurements around 150,000 United States warehouses. It found that concentrations of the gas, which is a diesel byproduct and respiratory irritant, were about 20% higher near warehouses.
    Distribution Hub
    For the GeoHealth paper, scientists drew on previously generated datasets of PM2.5 from 2000 to 2018 and elemental carbon, a type of PM2.5 in diesel emissions, from 2000 to 2019. The data came from models based on satellite observations, including some from NASA’s MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) instruments.
    The researchers also mined a real estate database for the square footage as well as the number of loading docks and parking spaces at nearly 11,000 warehouses across portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, and all of Orange County.
    They found that warehouse capacity correlated with pollution. ZIP codes in the 75th percentile of warehouse square footage had 0.16 micrograms per cubic meter more PM2.5 and 0.021 micrograms per cubic meter more elemental carbon than those in the 25th percentile.
    Similarly, ZIP codes in the 75th percentile of number of loading docks had 0.10 micrograms per cubic meter more PM2.5 and 0.014 micrograms per cubic meter more elemental carbon than those in the 25th percentile. And ZIP codes in the 75th percentile of truck parking spaces had 0.21 micrograms per cubic meter more PM2.5 and 0.021 micrograms per cubic meter more elemental carbon than those in the 25th percentile.
    “We found that warehouses are associated with PM2.5 and elemental carbon,” said lead author Binyu Yang, an Emory environmental health doctoral student.
    Although particulate pollution fell from 2000 to 2019 due to stricter emissions standards, the concentrations in ZIP codes with warehouses remained consistently higher than for other areas.
    Researchers also found that the gaps widened in the holiday shopping season, up to 4 micrograms per cubic meter — “a significant difference,” Liu said.
    Satellites Provide Big Picture
    Satellite observations, the researchers said, were essential because they provided a continuous map of pollution, including pockets not covered by ground-based instruments.
    It’s the same motivation behind NASA’s TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution) mission, which launched in April 2023 and measures air pollution hourly during daylight over North America. The release of TEMPO’s first maps showed higher concentrations of NO2 around cities and highways.
    Meanwhile, NASA and the Italian Space Agency are collaborating to launch the MAIA (Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols) in 2026. It will be the first NASA satellite mission whose primary goal is to study health effects of particulate pollution while distinguishing between PM2.5 types.“This mission will help air quality managers and policymakers conceive more targeted pollution strategies,” said Sina Hasheminassab, a co-author and science systems engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Hasheminassab, like Liu, is a member of the MAIA science team.
    News Media Contacts
    Andrew Wang / Jane J. LeeJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.626-379-6874 / 818-354-0307andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov / jane.j.lee@jpl.nasa.gov
    2024-134

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A working meeting of the university management with partners from the Omsk ANC was held at the State University of Management

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    On October 9, 2024, a meeting was held of the heads and responsible executives of the teams of the State University of Management and the Omsk Agrarian Scientific Center, implementing a major scientific project “Ensuring food security of the country based on the creation of software and hardware systems and intelligent platform digital solutions in the field of development of agro-industrial technologies of the full life cycle.”

    Let us recall that the project is aimed at research, development and implementation of advanced software, information, technological, agricultural and organizational-managerial innovations in the sphere of the agro-industrial complex of the Russian Federation.

    The meeting was attended by Rector Vladimir Stroyev, Vice-Rector Maria Karelina, Head of the Institute of Information Systems Olga Pisareva, Director of the Engineering Project Management Center Vladimir Filatov, Researcher of the Center Dmitry Rybakov and Associate Professor of the Innovation Management Department Denis Serdechny. On behalf of the Omsk ANC, Director Maxim Chekusov and Researcher Artem Timokhin were present.

    At the working meeting, colleagues summed up the preliminary results of their joint activities, discussed in detail the first results of the project, as well as the most important areas for its further support, development and expansion.

    During the tour of SUM, the guests learned about the specifics of the university, its history, campus structure and research potential. In particular, the partners inspected the Sports Complex, the Information Technology Center and the SUM Media Center. Vladimir Stroyev and Maxim Chekusov looked with interest at the prototype of an unmanned aerial vehicle designed at our university. According to Vladimir Filatov, this is a racing drone designed for high-speed filming and capable of accelerating to 250 km/h. In addition, due to the modular design, the head part can accommodate equipment for various purposes.

    The meeting participants noted that such interdisciplinary interaction will allow us to obtain significant scientific results, as well as to translate them into technical and analytical solutions that are in demand today, aimed at achieving food and technological independence for our country.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/9/2024

    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.

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

    A working meeting of the university management with partners from the Omsk ANC was held at the State University of Management

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ultra-processed foods: we have the technology to turn them from foe into friend

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Benton, Professor Emeritus (Human & Health Sciences), Medicine Health and Life Science, Swansea University

    Ultra-processed foods can be cheap, convenient and they usually taste good. PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    Ultra-processed foods are the latest nutritional villains, associated with several diseases of the modern world, from obesity to heart disease. However, many nutritionists question whether the term “ultra-processed” does any more than create confusion. It only considers the way food is produced, ignoring other important factors like calories and nutrients.

    My work suggests that instead of being viewed as the problem, ultra-processed foods could actually be part of the solution. With advances in food science, we have the technology to create low-calorie, nutritious and affordable processed foods.

    There is no consensus about how ultra-processed foods should be defined. But a common approach was proposed by the nutrition and public health scholar, Carlos Monteiro. He coined the term about 15 years ago, defining foods that undergo significant industrial processing and often contain multiple added ingredients. In Portugal, ultra-processed food make up about 10% of the average diet, whereas in Germany it’s 46%, the UK 50% and in the US 76%.

    Ultra-processed foods three major advantages – they are cheap, convenient and they usually taste good. Their affordability in particular is an important factor.

    Producing food in bulk reduces costs. For instance, the Heinz factory in Wigan is the largest baked bean factory in the world. It produces 3 million cans of baked beans a day, ensuring they are widely available and affordable.

    In 1961, scientists in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire developed a new method for making bread. Today, more than 80% of loaves in Britain are produced this way. These loaves are softer, last longer and cost less than traditional bread.

    The affordability of ultra-processed food makes them a staple for many, particularly people on lower incomes. As around 30% of children in the UK live in poverty, calls to remove such foods from diets need to address how poorer families will be able to afford fresher and more nutritious food. Current ultra-processed foods may not offer a perfect diet, but they do provide calories when money is scarce.



    Read more:
    Ultra-processed foods: here’s what the evidence actually says about them

    Convenience is another notable benefit of ultra-processed food. Preparing meals from scratch can be time-consuming, involving buying ingredients, cooking and cleaning up afterwards. Ultra-processed foods offer a shortcut, saving valuable time. This is especially important for parents trying to balance jobs and family life. For those with busy lives who are working long hours, time is a luxury that ultra-processed food can help reclaim.

    Finally, ultra-processed foods are designed to be tasty. We’re genetically inclined to be attracted to sweet and fatty foods. Having a pleasant taste is one of the reasons we select our food.

    This convenience, affordability and taste come at a cost, however, as ultra-processed foods are often high in sugar, salt and saturated fats, while lacking in fruits, vegetables and essential nutrients.

    Are all ultra-processed foods bad for us?

    It’s not always clear if it’s the “ultra-processed” nature of these foods or their high calorie and low nutrient content that causes health issues. Nutrition is more complex than just considering how food is processed. We also need to consider calories, fibre, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.

    For example, while baked beans are considered ultra-processed, they’re also high in fibre – something often missing from UK diets – low in fat and calories, and a good source of plant-based protein.

    Inside the world’s largest baked bean factory in Wigan.

    Some studies suggest that many health problems linked to ultra-processed food, like obesity and diabetes, may be caused by excess calorie consumption rather than the processing itself. When people cut out ultra-processed foods, they often end up eating fewer calories, which could explain the health benefits they experience.

    The link between ultra-processed foods and poverty suggests that many of the health issues linked to ultra-processed food may be caused by factors associated with poverty itself. Poor nutrition is often just one part of a wider picture that includes limited access to healthcare, higher stress levels and fewer opportunities for physical activity – all of which can contribute to poor health.

    Can ultra-processing be used for good?

    Ultra-processing has been used to fortify foods in the UK for decades. For example, the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 requires certain nutrients like calcium, iron, thiamine (vitamin B1) and niacin (vitamin B3) to be added to any non-wholemeal flour. This fortification plays an important role in public health, providing around 35% of calcium intake, 31% of iron and 31% of thiamine to the average UK diet. Without these added nutrients, the risk of deficiencies would rise.

    The UK government took a further step in 2022 by requiring folic acid be added to flour. It was a move aimed at preventing birth defects such as spina bifida, where a baby’s spine and spinal cord doesn’t develop properly in the womb, and anencephaly, where a baby is born without parts of the brain and skull.

    Breakfast cereals, often criticised for their sugar content, can also boost the intake of essential nutrients like vitamins B2, B12, folate and iron. Some experts would like to see mandatory food fortification be extended much further.

    Food scientists are exploring other ways to make ultra-processed foods healthier. One approach involves reducing sugar by making it taste sweeter more quickly, which means less sugar is needed to achieve the same taste.

    Another is using scientific techniques to increase the speed at which salt is released from food. Similarly, this results in it being tasted more quickly, leading to lower consumption.

    Other innovations to lower the calories in foods by changing the recipe include creating creamy, low-calorie sauces without dairy, or plant-based burgers that are virtually indistinguishable from their meat counterparts, but have fewer calories.

    These types of innovations show that ultra-processing doesn’t necessarily mean unhealthy and calorie-dense food – it’s about the choices made in production. If scientists focus on creating affordable, nutritious ultra-processed foods, they could become part of the solution to the obesity crisis, rather than the enemy.

    I have never had funding that has anything to do with ultra-processed foods. However, I have worked on other aspects of nutrition and have worked with the likes of Novartis, Danone, Yakult, Beneo and Pepisco. Much of my work has been on micro-nutrients or the glycaemic response to carbohydrate. 

    – ref. Ultra-processed foods: we have the technology to turn them from foe into friend – https://theconversation.com/ultra-processed-foods-we-have-the-technology-to-turn-them-from-foe-into-friend-239683

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Kamala Harris is suddenly embracing the media spotlight – but is it working?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Colleen Murrell, Full Professor in Journalism, Dublin City University

    Kamala Harris appears to have drastically changed her media strategy for the final few weeks of the US election race. From largely avoiding media interviews, she has begun embracing them.

    The Democratic presidential candidate demonstrated she was a serious and consensus-building leader on 60 Minutes with Bill Whitaker. She told amusing anecdotes and drank a beer on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert; gave fast, snappy returns on The Howard Stern Show; and for 40 minutes talked women’s rights, domestic violence and reproductive health on the high-profile Call Her Daddy podcast.

    With less than a month to go until the presidential election, Harris is trying to hit all demographics with her media message campaign. She appeared to be most at home, or “real”, on Call her Daddy with Alex Cooper, where she talked about the lessons she’d learned from her mother, and how an abused school friend helped ignite her desire to fight for justice for the vulnerable.

    The podcast, which focuses on women’s issues, has 5 million listeners. Harris already leads the voting among women by a majority of 55% to former president Donald Trump’s 43%, according to a MaristPoll conducted last month in swing state Pennsylvania.

    More significant was the CBS 60 Minutes interview. This show, which averages 8.4 million viewers, has been a must for presidential candidates to appear on for the last half century.

    The first controversy came a week before the broadcast when Trump pulled out, with his team allegedly complaining the programme would fact-check the interview. Trump also claimed he needed an apology from CBS over disputed facts related to his 2020 interview, specifically about Hunter Biden’s laptop. No apology was forthcoming.

    The former president’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, alleged Trump had never actually confirmed the interview, calling it “fake news”. CBS reporter Scott Pelley, who was due to do the Trump interview, was scathing about the “shifting explanations” that had been given for his no-show.

    In advance of Harris’s 60 Minutes interview, I asked Nick Bryant, author of The Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict with Itself, why he thought Trump had pulled out. “Scott Pelley is a seasoned pro,” Bryant replied. “On abortion, on January 6th, on accepting the 2020 result, he could skewer Trump. In a cost-benefit analysis, Trump has more to lose from a 60 Minutes interview than gain.”

    Harris, on the other hand, had all to gain because, despite a clear win in the debate against Trump, she has stayed at relatively low visibility. During what was a fairly tough interview, she was quizzed on America’s inability to rein in Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, how she would fund her economic policies, how her administration would handle Ukraine, and whether or not she had flip-flopped on policies about fracking, immigration and Medicare.

    The world is watching as the US election campaign unfolds. Sign up to join us at a special Conversation event on October 17. Expert panellists – Thomas Gift, Natasha Lindstaedt and Inderjeet Parmar – will discuss the upcoming election and its possible fallout.

    Her answer regarding changing policies was not to deny this, as she had previously, but to say that over the past four years of being vice-president, she had travelled the country “listening to folks and seeking what is possible in terms of common ground. I believe in building consensus.” This strong answer managed to differentiate her starkly from her opponent’s more divisive approach.

    Bryant believed that Harris’s lack of interviews before this latest round was worrying, because “she is not match fit” and her previous answers regarding the economy had been “tossed-salad like” and “strangely inarticulate”.

    This time around, it wasn’t the economy that tripped Harris up, but answers about Israel and Netanyahu. After the interview, Fox News and the Trump campaign were quick to allege that an answer on Israel broadcast in the 60 Minutes trailer was different to the answer broadcast during the programme.

    They argued that, once again, Harris had given a chaotic response in the trailer, while the answer in the programme was much more considered and neatly delivered. Trump’s national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, asked: “Why did 60 Minutes choose not to air Kamala’s full word salad, and what else did they choose not to air?” So far, there has been no comment from 60 Minutes.

    Last-ditch swerves

    The other factor that has dogged the Harris-Walz ticket is the claim that Governor Tim Walz had inserted himself, Walter Mitty-like, into being in Beijing at the time of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989.

    He was first asked about this during the vice-presidential debate, where he answered that he was a “knucklehead” at times who had misspoken. Pressed on this in his part of Monday’s 60 Minutes interview, Walz said that people would understand the difference between him, who “got the date wrong”, and “a pathological liar like Donald Trump”.

    Harris on 60 Minutes.

    After Trump’s disastrous performance in the September debate with Harris, he refused a second one. This can be attributed to his answers resulting in countless memes of him declaring erroneously that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating people’s cats and dogs. Social media subsequently exploded in a similar way to Republican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance’s earlier claims that the country was being run by “a bunch of childless cat ladies”.

    And then Melania Trump threw a curve ball into the mix. Her autobiography, published this week, sets out her position on abortion, which conflicts with that of evangelic Republicans – a big Trump support base. “Restricting a woman’s right to choose whether to terminate an unwanted pregnancy is the same as denying her control over her own body,” she writes. “I have carried this belief with me my entire adult life”.

    In these final weeks of campaigning, with the two sides so close in the polls, the gloves seem to have come off and we can expect further spats in the media. Once again, the power of misinformation and disinformation to sow conflict will continue to unfold on social media – especially now that X’s owner Elon Musk is openly campaigning, and jumping, in support of a Trump win.

    Colleen Murrell received a grant from Ireland’s media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, for researching and writing the Reuters Digital News Report Ireland (2020-24).

    – ref. Kamala Harris is suddenly embracing the media spotlight – but is it working? – https://theconversation.com/kamala-harris-is-suddenly-embracing-the-media-spotlight-but-is-it-working-240262

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Chagos Islands: how to ensure their coral reefs aren’t damaged as they return to Mauritius

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adam Moolna, Lecturer in Environment and Sustainability, Keele University

    The UK has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the largely uninhabited Chagos archipelago to Mauritius. The islands have been known as the British Indian Ocean Territory since being administratively detached in 1965 from what was then the colony of Mauritius. Except for the US military base on Diego Garcia at the southern tip of the archipelago, the islands have been uninhabited since 1973.

    As Mauritius takes back control, there are big environmental implications.

    These 247,000 square miles (640,000km²) of remote seas include among the most pristine tropical coral reef ecosystems on our planet. Chagos is nearly three times the area of the British Isles. In 2010, it became the world’s largest marine protected area that bans any form of fishing.

    The shallow water coral reefs account for 1.5% of the global total. Like coral reefs elsewhere around the planet, the marine ecosystems of Chagos are threatened by climate change with rising sea levels and warming waters. Unlike most places, however, these reefs don’t currently face the extra stresses such as pollution and physical damage that come with the presence of people.

    Whether the islands remain uninhabited is a major factor in the potential environmental repercussions of Mauritian sovereignty. Future scenarios are highly dependent on how the UK and Mauritius engage with the displaced Chagossian community.

    Chagossians have long campaigned for a right to return to the islands and need to be part of future plans. This would require establishment of infrastructure and livelihoods. The UK government has previously explored resettlement options with detailed feasibility studies. Addressing possible resettlement will form an important part of how Mauritius takes forward management of the environment in Chagos.

    The environmental consequences of a change in management and human activity could be good or bad. Any environmental benefits or damage will depend very much on what, if any, development takes place and how it is managed. The presence of people could cause damage, but it doesn’t need to.

    Economic activity and infrastructure can support the capacity to do research and to take action to help habitats adapt to climate change. This could include, for example, transplanting strains of coral with better resistance to marine heatwaves.

    Island restoration efforts that began when Chagos was a British territory could become much easier if facilitated from local settlements rather than relying on long-distance expeditions. This includes the removal of rats from certain islands to help ground-nesting birds. Rat eradication also helps the health of surrounding coral reefs. The presence of people as observers could help deter unregulated fishing from vessels sailing into these quiet waters.

    There is substantial scientific research by people from around the globe, including from the Zoological Society of London, already taking place on the ecosystems of Chagos. This supports informed ecological management under the current administration.

    The government of Mauritius needs to continue supporting this, including plans for a Mauritian marine protected area in Chagos. Limited settlement and different zones allowing some uses including fishing are proposed. Funding and support for Mauritius to grow its ability to manage these islands is promised in the sovereignty transfer announcement. This is vital for a future Mauritian administration to be able to take forward environmental action.

    Mauritius should embrace cooperation with the UK and other regional partners. The neighbouring Republic of Seychelles, for example, has extensive experience with the management of its own lightly inhabited outer islands, similar to those of the Chagos. Mauritius already cooperates with Seychelles in the world’s first joint management area of underwater extended continental shelf, the Mascarene plateau that covers approximately 150,000 square miles.



    Read more:
    Freedom for Chagos Islands: UK’s deal with Mauritius will be a win for all

    Ensuring an environmentally sound future

    The announcement of an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago might end years of dispute between the UK and Mauritius governments over jurisdiction. But it marks the humble beginnings of what will be complex, difficult and important work. There will inevitably be disputes between the two countries and other people involved, not least Chagossian citizens, in how these globally important ecosystems are managed.

    It is vital for the environment of Chagos that there is an effective handover. Approaching sovereignty transfer, Mauritius needs to continue the current level of environmental engagement. There may later be reintroduction of economic activities, such as limited commercial fisheries or the resettlement of people with potential tourism development.

    Importantly, environmental outcomes can be successfully addressed whether people return or not. But this needs careful evidence-informed planning and robust management. And Mauritius needs to build effective working partnerships with the UK, Chagossians, scientists and the wider global community to deliver a sustainable future for the Chagos archipelago.


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    Adam Moolna has dual citizenship of the UK and Mauritius, and has previously worked on environmental and conservation partnerships with Seychelles’ government-owned Islands Development Company

    – ref. Chagos Islands: how to ensure their coral reefs aren’t damaged as they return to Mauritius – https://theconversation.com/chagos-islands-how-to-ensure-their-coral-reefs-arent-damaged-as-they-return-to-mauritius-240610

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –