The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) has institutionalizes the National e-Governance Webinar Series (NeGW) 2023-24 to disseminate and replicate award-winning e-governance initiatives DARPG organizes the Webinar on National e-Governance Award-Winning Initiatives under the theme “Excellence in Providing Citizen-Centric Delivery at the State/UT Level,” where two award-winning initiatives were presented
“Excellence in Providing Citizen-Centric Delivery at the State/UT Level” theme of the 8th National e-Governance Webinar
Posted On: 20 SEP 2024 9:21PM by PIB Delhi
The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) launched the monthly National e-Governance Webinar Series (NeGW 2023-24) on September 22, 2023, to disseminate and replicate India’s award-winning e-governance initiatives. NeGW 2023-24 is held monthly, typically on the third Friday of each month.
The 8th National e-Governance Webinar, under the theme “Excellence in Providing Citizen-Centric Delivery at the State/UT Level,” was held today.
The webinar was chaired by Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG. He commended the award-winning initiatives—e-Registration (Self Help Portal) and Chikitsa Setu, for leveraging emerging technologies to enhance service delivery and foster innovation in governance practices. He recommended replicating these initiatives.
The following award-winning initiatives were presented:
Shri Shravan Hardikar (IAS), Managing Director, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited, Govt. of Maharashtra, showcased the e-Registration (Self Help Portal) for document registration. This initiative allows developers to register themselves, their projects, and schemes; prepare templates for agreements; and complete data entry forms. Joint District Registrars can verify and approve projects and schemes online. Similar to other e-Registration applications, Sub-Registrars can verify documents, payments, and the identity of the parties involved, and complete the registration process. The application benefits real estate developers, purchasers, and the Department of Registration & Stamps, serving citizens across all sectors of society—from premium flat buyers to PMAY beneficiaries—across the state’s 36 districts.
Shri Prashant Sharma (IAS), Special Secretary, Department of Additional Sources of Energy, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the Chikitsa Setu mobile application. Launched by the Department of Medical Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh, “Chikitsa Setu” is designed to train doctors, paramedical staff, and other COVID-19 frontline workers. The platform includes videos created by medical experts from King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow—the state government’s premier medical education institution. One of the key aspects of the application is the availability of training material from medical experts at users’ fingertips, with short videos (1 to 7 minutes) that retain audience engagement. More than 30 topics, based on extensive field surveys and research, are covered. Chikitsa Setu has trained over 200 doctors and more than 1,200 paramedical and associated staff.
The webinar was attended by around 400 officials from across the nation, including Principal Secretaries, Administrative Reforms Secretaries, IT Secretaries of States/UTs, District Collectors, Police Departments, State Information Officers, and academia from IITs/IIITs/NITs and other institutions. The webinar was also broadcastedon YouTube.
Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
09.20.24
EMERADO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that he has secured an $11.6 million grant to establish a fire station serving Grand Sky and the Grand Forks Air Force Base. As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven worked to advance the award under the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), which the senator has supported through annual appropriations legislation. Hoeven also made the case for the project to Department of Defense (DoD) officials, including General Kenneth Wilsbach, Commander of the Air Combat Command, who the senator hosted in Grand Forks earlier this year. In particular, the senator stressed to DoD officials:
The need to reduce the current 20-minute response time for local fire services to reach the base, particularly operations in the southern portion of the base.
The importance of providing adequate emergency services for:
The critical space and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities housed in Grand Forks, which support DoD missions around the globe.
The more than $4 billion in DoD assets at Grand Sky, including the Test Resource Management Center’s (TRMC) Range Hawk Program.
General Atomics’ MQ-9 training services for NATO partners operating that aircraft.
“This nearly $12 million grant to establish fire protection facilities at Grand Sky and the Grand Forks Air Force Base supports our ongoing work to expand the existing Air Force, DoD and Space Development Agency operations in this region, as well as secure future missions and partnerships for the base, the tech park, private industry and institutions like the University of North Dakota,” said Hoeven. “By building a fire station that is dedicated to serving the base as well as Grand Sky, we are providing greater certainty for these critical missions. At the same time, we are helping position Grand Forks to continue growing as a key player in missions around the globe, supporting operations from the ground all the way up into space.”
This comes as the latest in Hoeven’s efforts to strengthen existing missions at, and bring new operations to, Grand Forks Air Force Base and the adjacent technology and business park, Grand Sky. The fire protection station will serve as a vital asset helping ensure the security of current missions, while ensuring the base has the resources needed to support the growth of future operations. Among other priorities, Hoeven is working to:
Secure future ISR missions for Grand Forks Air Force Base.
Forge further partnerships between the Air Force and institutions like the University of North Dakota and Grand Sky to:
Strengthen U.S. counter-unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS) capabilities.
Demonstrate and validate UAS applications for the military through Project ULTRA.
Maximize the value of Grand Sky’s Enhanced Use Lease with the base.
Expanding the Space Development Agency (SDA) satellite mission with Advanced Fire Control (AFC) operations at the base.
Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 20 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the Vermont State Dental Society (VSDS), University of Detroit Mercy (UDM), and Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today announced their historic effort to establish an innovative, new dental clinic and training program in Vermont. Through a VSDS-University of Detroit Mercy partnership, the initiative will bring UDM students to Vermont to complete their final years of training – strengthening the dental care provider pipeline and expanding access to much-needed care across the state. Vermont currently has no dental school.
Sanders and Welch are working to secure $4.6 million in federal funding through the FY25 Congressionally Directed Spending process to support this initiative. The funding recently was approved by the Appropriations Committee and next needs to pass the House and the Senate before being signed into law by President Biden.
“The suffering that the dental care crisis causes Vermonters and people across this country too often goes unseen and unaddressed,” said Sanders. “Far too many, especially in rural areas like Vermont, do not have access to a dentist, which forces them to either travel long distances or go without the care they need. In some Vermont counties, there is a year-long wait list. In others, there are no dentists at all who treat kids with Medicaid. And because we don’t have a dental school in the state, there’s no natural pipeline for dentists to train and eventually work in our communities. It is time for that to change. This historic initiative brings me a lot of hope for the care and education opportunities we can deliver to Vermont. I am proud to partner with the Vermont Dental Society, University of Detroit Mercy, and Senator Welch to make this a reality. Let’s get it done.”
At a press conference on Friday, VSDS, UDM, Sanders, and Welch celebrated the program receiving its accreditation from the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) – an essential step in establishing the teaching program in Vermont.
“By partnering with University of Detroit Mercy, we are opening doors to educational opportunities that haven’t existed before in Vermont, and increasing access to oral health care for Vermonters as well,” said Justin Hurlburt DMD, board president of the Vermont State Dental Society. “We are excited to partner with Detroit Mercy on this opportunity to expand the dentistry workforce in the state,” he added.
“University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry has a long tradition of graduating practice-ready clinicians and it is an honor to help bring the Detroit Mercy DDS program to the Green Mountain State,” said Mert N. Aksu DDS, JD, MHSA, Cert DPH dean of Detroit Mercy Dental. “UDM recognizes the need for dentists in Vermont, and looks forward to providing a program to educate and graduate dentists in the state.”
“This accreditation is an important step forward in the process to expand access to dentists here in Vermont, so every patient can get the care they need. I look forward to working with Senator Sanders on this important issue, and will continue to advocate for more federal funding to support workforce development in dentistry and health care across our state,” said Welch.
Left untreated, dental issues can lead to larger health problems. Nearly half of adults in the United States have some form of periodontal disease, which makes them two to three times more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event. In 2019, there were 1.8 million visits to emergency rooms across the country for preventative dental conditions – a 62% increase from 2014.
This new initiative will go a long way to increase oral health education opportunities and address the statewide dental provider shortage. Beginning in the fall of 2025, the partnership between VSDS and UDM will include two years of foundational and preclinical education at the UDM School of Dentistry campus in Detroit, Michigan, followed by two years of clinical and didactic education at a new dental clinic based in Chittenden County. Students would choose the Vermont residency option upon enrollment, increasing the likelihood that students will remain in Vermont to practice post-residency.
University of Detroit Mercy-Vermont will house modern classrooms with on-site clinics to support its clinical education program and serve as a public health, Medicaid clinic to provide dental care to qualifying individuals. These students will not only work and learn in the new facility in Chittenden County, they will also do rotations in underserved areas around the state, including at Federally Qualified Health Centers and private dental practices. Current estimates show each class of students would see about 3,500 patients over a two-year period.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Dennis “Rick” Dingle and Dell Hoard Sr. and the reappointment of Tina Clary and Tammy “Chereese” Stewart to the Clay County Development Authority.
Dennis “Rick” Dingle Dingle is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Clay County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller’s Office. Active in his community, he currently serves as a member of the Florida Government Finance Officers Association. Dingle earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Flagler College and his master’s degree in business administration from the University of North Florida.
Dell Hoard Sr. Hoard is the Owner of Grumpy’s Restaurant. Previously, he served as a Transportation Coordinator for Walmart Transportation Center. A lifelong resident of Clay County, Hoard attended St. Johns River State College.
Tina Clary Clary is the Principal and Chief Executive Officer for Clary & Associates. Previously, she served as a member of the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society, the American Society of Highway Engineering, and the Clay County Chamber of Commerce. Clary earned her associate degree from Florida State College at Jacksonville.
Tammy “Chereese” Stewart Stewart is the Assistant County Manager for the Clay County Board of County Commissioners. She was previously elected as a Clay County Commissioner and currently serves as a member of the Clay County Cattlemen Association, the Clay County Farm Bureau, and the Florida Planning and Zoning Association. Stewart earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and her master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from the University of North Florida.
Director Rachel Rossi of the Office for Access to Justice (ATJ) traveled to Kansas this week to engage with stakeholders about the access to justice challenges rural communities face and to discuss innovative solutions. The visit built upon the ongoing work of ATJ to address the rural access to justice gap in the United States.
Director Rossi began by meeting with the Executive Director of Kansas Legal Services, a grantee of the Legal Services Corporation that serves all 105 counties in Kansas, to discuss the importance of civil legal aid, the barriers that low-income Kansans face in addressing their civil legal needs and the operational challenges of providing legal services in rural areas of the state. Director Rossi highlighted various initiatives, including the office’s work to expand and modernize the Federal Government Pro Bono Program — which mobilizes federal government employees to engage in pro bono work, often in partnership with legal service providers, and the online resource developed through the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable to make federal funding opportunities more accessible for legal service providers.
Following her meeting with Kansas Legal Services, Director Rossi met with the Dean of the University of Kansas (KU) School of Law and Directors of the Law School’s Legal Aid Clinic, which offers students the opportunity to represent low-income clients in civil, criminal and juvenile cases under the guidance of supervising attorneys. Director Rossi and KU Law faculty discussed the recruitment and retention issues plaguing public defense and youth defense systems in Kansas. The clinical professors and Dean shared unique insight into current challenges and potential solutions to several access to justice issues in Kansas, focusing on creative recruitment strategies to encourage law students to pursue public interest and public defense careers.
Later in the day, Director Rossi met with the Executive Director and the Director of Special Projects for the Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services (BIDS), which oversees Kansas’ 18 regional public defender offices and manages the statewide assigned counsel program, legal services for people in prison, non-capital appellate services and capital defense. Director Rossi shared ATJ’s Public Defense Resource Hub, a digital compilation of federal resources and materials that can be used to support public defense. The meeting included a discussion of caseload and workload standards, the public defense recruitment and retention crisis and the expansion of public defense in Kansas. Following her meeting with BIDS, Director Rossi met with the Federal Public Defender for the District of Kansas, who also serves as the chair of the Defender Services Advisory Group, to discuss issues federal public defenders are facing, implementation of the Report and Recommendations Concerning Access to Counsel at the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Pretrial Facilities and the innovative defense provided laptop program within the district that ensures discovery access for detained clients.
On Thursday, Sept. 19, Director Rossi met with the Rural Justice Initiative Committee, which was created in 2022 by the Kansas Supreme Court to collect information and data on unmet legal needs and the availability of legal help in rural Kansas and to issue a report and recommendations to address gaps and promote effective solutions. Director Rossi also met with the Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Committee and the Language Access Committee to discuss their programs in rural Kansas and ways in which ATJ can advance access to justice in rural areas. Director Rossi also had the opportunity to meet with a group of state court judges and Kansas Supreme Court justices who serve on these committees to hear their perspective on the role that the judiciary plays in addressing access to justice barriers in the state. She highlighted the work of ATJ to convene all 40 state access to justice commissions quarterly, and the office’s work to expand language access under the leadership of the department-wide language access coordinator.
Director Rossi next met with the Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) Legal Foundation, an organization established by the Kansas Farm Bureau to provide legal education, information and research for those directly engaged in agriculture or related enterprises. They discussed the civil legal help provided by the KFB Legal Foundation to agricultural communities, including programs to educate farmers and ranchers about significant legal issues such as farm bankruptcy and probate issues, farm ownership transitions, agricultural land use and zoning and more. They also discussed the need for more attorneys and legal help in rural communities, and how the KFB Legal Foundation recently responded through the launch of a Rural Law Practice Grant to help defray the educational costs of law school and to encourage new attorneys to locate their legal practice in rural Kansas.
To conclude the trip, Director Rossi traveled to Washburn University Law School (Washburn Law), in Topeka, Kansas, to meet with faculty, administrators and students participating in Washburn Law’s Rural Law program that focuses on identifying rural externship and employment opportunities and providing support for students to transition into rural law practice. They discussed the program’s effort to expand the range of accelerated and remote study options to lower the barriers to rural students seeking a degree. This engagement highlighted the perspectives of law students, many with backgrounds from rural communities, on effective solutions to the rural lawyer shortage.
Director Rossi and ATJ staff met with faculty at the University of Kansas School of Law.Director Rossi and representatives from Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services.Director Rossi and ATJ staff convened with representatives from the Kansas Rural Justice Initiative, Access to Justice and Language Access Committees.Director Rossi engaged with Washburn University School of Law faculty and former and present law students.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Sessions (32nd District of Texas)
WACO- Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) announced that the Arctic Acclimatization & Sleep Optimization (ARKTOS) Research Center at Baylor University received federal funding under the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. Congressman Sessions was the sponsor of this Congressional Community Project. These funds will support the development of rapid acclimatization protocols and technologies, human-machine teaming, and group dynamics in multi-stressor arctic environments. The purpose of the project is to solidify the dominance of the United States military in complex, multi-stressor environments such as arctic climates.
Congressman Sessions said, “As the lead sponsor in the House of Representatives, I am proud to have played a pivotal role in achieving funding to improve the scientific endeavors of Baylor University. These funds will allow Baylor’s excellent researchers to optimize the performance of our military through rapid acclimatization.”
“We appreciate Congressman Sessions and his staff for their hard work supporting the impactful research being conducted at Baylor University as a Research 1 institution,” said Provost Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D. “Leading-edge research tied to rapid adaptation to extreme environments is greatly needed and critical for our state and country to remain ahead.”
India to host World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit early next year, covering the entire gamut of Media and Entertainment industry WAVES would position India as an unparalleled global powerhouse in the M&E landscape says Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of I&B
‘Create in India’ Challenge Season 1of WAVES thrown open, Shri Jaju exhorts youth to participate in large numbers
Posted On: 20 SEP 2024 5:08PM by PIB Hyderabad
The Government of India is gearing up to host the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) early next year from 5th to 9th February to bolster India’s Media & Entertainment industry and extend its global influence.
Speaking at a roadshow to promote WAVES at the Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU) in the city today, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju said that WAVES would be the first-ever global summit covering the entire gamut of Media and Entertainment industry. Participating in the event, Shri Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Department of IT, Electronics & Communications of Government of Telangana said that the state has a curated ecosystem to promote innovations in this sector and would be glad to take it to the national level.
Secretary I&B Shri Sanjay Jaju briefing about WAVES summit in Hyderabad
Shi Jaju said that WAVES would see a close coordinated efforts between the M&E industry and technology. WAVES aims to be a premier forum, fostering dialogue, trade collaboration and innovation within the evolving M&E industry landscape. The Summit will convene industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to explore opportunities, tackle challenges, attract trade to India, and shape the sector’s future.
Earlier in the day Secretary I&B Shri Sanjay Jaju met the Film Associations and the industry leaders of the AVGC sector. In the meeting organised by the CBFC Regional office of Hyderabad, he promised strict implementation of punitive measures against piracy faced by the film industry. Shri Jaju also assured Government support to the gaming industry stakeholders.
Shi Jaju said that WAVES would see a close coordinated efforts between the M&E industry and technology. WAVES aims to be a premier forum, fostering dialogue, trade collaboration and innovation within the evolving M&E industry landscape. The Summit will convene industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to explore opportunities, tackle challenges, attract trade to India, and shape the sector’s future.
Earlier in the day Secretary I&B Shri Sanjay Jaju met the Film Associations and the industry leaders of the AVGC sector. In the meeting organised by the CBFC Regional office of Hyderabad, he promised strict implementation of punitive measures against piracy faced by the film industry. Shri Jaju also assured Government support to the gaming industry stakeholders.
Meeting of film associations and AVGC sector stakeholders being addressed by Shri Sanjay Jaju
and Shri Jayesh Ranjan
Sh Ajay Dhoke, GM of NFDC and CEO of WAVES, Sh Rajendra Singh, CEO of CBFC,
Smt Shifali Kumar, RO and Shri Rahul Gowlikar EO from CBFC Hyderabad participated in the meeting.
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iBio, Inc. (NYSEA:IBIO), an AI-driven innovator of precision antibody immunotherapies, today announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and provided a corporate update.
“Our fiscal year 2024 was a transformational year for iBio, as we’ve solidified our business and financial position as a next-generation antibody company with a machine-learning-enabled platform for designing and developing difficult-to-drug therapeutics,” said CEO and Chief Scientific Officer Martin Brenner, Ph.D., DVM. “We made significant progress entering the fast-growing cardiometabolic and obesity space with our collaboration with AstralBio and strengthened our financial position by eliminating our debt associated with the facility and closing a fully subscribed financing including participation from Ikarian Capital, Lynx1 Capital Management, ADAR1 Capital Management, and other institutional and accredited investors. We continued to build our drug discovery platform, adding innovative technologies that are helping to advance our pipeline and provide critical support to our biopharma partners with best-in-class antibody discovery and development projects.”
Business Developments:
Expanded the AI-powered technology stack with the launch of ShieldTx™, a patent-pending antibody masking technology designed to enable specific, highly targeted antibody delivery to diseased tissue without harming healthy tissue.
In February, iBio closed the sale of its early-stage PD-1 asset to Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for $1MM in upfront cash with contingent downstream payments of up to $52.5MM, a pivotal moment that showcased the power of iBio’s platform to discover best-in-class assets.
Added bispecific capabilities with its EngageTx™ technology. We advanced a Trop2 x CD3 molecule to clinical candidate selection stage by demonstrating in a humanized mouse model of squamous cell carcinoma, a significant 36 percent reduction in tumor size 14 days after tumor implantation and after a single dose. Additionally, we leveraged our EngageTx technology and Epitope Steering technology to successfully develop multiple MUC16 x CD3 molecules, which show potent cell killing against ovarian cancer cells.
Entered into a collaboration with AstralBio, Inc. to provide an exclusive license in the cardiometabolic and obesity space. iBio will develop four targets of interest with rights to license up to three of these targets prior to entering the clinic.
Corporate Developments:
At the Company’s Special Meeting of Stockholders held on November 27, 2023, iBio’s stockholders authorized a reverse stock split, with a ratio ranging from 1-for-5 to 1-for-20 (the “Range”), with the ratio within such Range to be determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors (the “Board”), and thereafter the Board approved a one for twenty (1-for-20) reverse stock split of the Company’s shares of common stock. The reverse stock split was effective November 29, 2023.
Entered into a best-efforts public offering with investors in the fiscal second quarter for gross proceeds of approximately $4.5MM before deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses
Entered into a securities purchase agreement for a private investment in public equity financing with several institutional investors and an accredited investor in the fiscal third quarter and consummated the financing in the fiscal fourth quarter for gross proceeds of approximately $15.0MM before deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses.
During the third and fourth quarters, strengthened the Company’s cash position after previously issued warrants were exercised for proceeds of approximately $4.5MM.
The Company closed the sale of its manufacturing facility located in Bryan, Texas (the “Property”) to the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System for $8.5MM. Following the issuance of pre-funded warrants having a value of $4.5MM to the lender, Woodforest National Bank, iBio and its wholly owned subsidiary, iBio CDMO LLC, satisfied all of the conditions of the settlement agreement releasing the Company and its subsidiary of all obligations with respect to the debt secured by the Property, which coupled with the release of approximately $915K in restricted cash previously held by Woodforest, eliminated approximately $13.2MM in secured debt from the Company’s balance sheet.
Strengthened its Board of Directors and executive leadership team through the appointments of Dr. Brenner to the Board of Directors, effective June 1, 2024, and Kristi Sarno as Senior Vice President, Business Development, effective August 8, 2024.
“We ended this fiscal year well-positioned to advance our technology to drive value for patients and shareholders,” said Chief Financial Officer Felipe Duran. “We strengthened our balance sheet through capital raises and debt extinguishment. In fiscal year 2024, we executed transactions which brought in non-dilutive funding, and we continue to pursue business development projects to strengthen our financial position.”
Financial Results:
Revenues for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, were approximately $0.2 million, an increase of 100% over fiscal 2023.
R&D and G&A expenses for fiscal 2024 decreased $5.1 million and $7.3 million, respectively, over the comparable period in fiscal 2023. The decrease in R&D and G&A reflects the Company’s cost savings implemented to support its growing investments in its pipeline, platform technologies, employees, and related infrastructure.
iBio’s consolidated net loss for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, was $24.9 million, a decreased loss of $40.1 million compared to 2023 primarily because of the decrease in expenses related to the Company’s discontinued operations and cost saving initiatives.
iBio held cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $14.4 million as of June 30, 2024.
As disclosed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, which was filed on September 20, 2024 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the audited financial statements contained an audit opinion from its registered public accounting firm that includes an explanatory paragraph related to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. See further discussion in footnote 2 to the Company’s financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. This announcement is made pursuant to NYSE American LLC Company Guide Sections 401(h) and 610(b), which requires public announcement of the receipt of an audit opinion containing a going concern paragraph.
About iBio, Inc.
iBio is an AI-driven innovator that develops next-generation biopharmaceuticals using computational biology and 3D-modeling of subdominant and conformational epitopes, prospectively enabling the discovery of new antibody treatments for hard-to-target cancers, and other diseases. iBio’s mission is to decrease drug failures, shorten drug development timelines, and open up new frontiers against the most promising targets. For more information, visit www.ibioinc.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and include statements such as ending the fiscal year being well-positioned to advance the Company’s technology to drive value for patients and shareholders; and continuing to pursue business development projects to strengthen the Company’s financial position. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the Company’s ability to successfully advance its technology and continue to pursue business development projects to strengthen the Company’s financial position; its ability to obtain regulatory approvals for commercialization of its product candidates, or to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements; regulatory limitations relating to its ability to promote or commercialize its product candidates for specific indications; acceptance of its product candidates in the marketplace and the successful development, marketing or sale of products; the continued maintenance and growth of its patent estate; its ability to establish and maintain collaborations and attract and increase partnership opportunities; competition; the substantial doubt exists related to the Company’s ability to operate as a going concern; its ability to raise additional capital in order to fully execute the Company’s longer-term business plans and the other factors discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2024. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
iBio, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (In Thousands, except per share amounts)
Years Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
Revenues
$
225
$
—
Operating expenses:
Research and development
5,185
10,327
General and administrative
11,674
19,016
Total operating expenses
16,859
29,343
Operating loss
(16,634
)
(29,343
)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense
(172
)
(83
)
Interest income
363
213
Loss on sales of debt securities
—
(98
)
Gain on sale of intellectual property
1,000
—
Total other income
1,191
32
Net loss from continuing operations
(15,443
)
(29,311
)
Loss from discontinued operations
(9,464
)
(35,699
)
Net loss
$
(24,907
)
$
(65,010
)
Comprehensive loss:
Consolidated net loss
$
(24,907
)
$
(65,010
)
Other comprehensive loss – unrealized gain on debt securities
—
180
Other comprehensive income – foreign currency adjustment
—
33
Comprehensive loss
$
(24,907
)
$
(64,797
)
Loss per common share attributable to iBio, Inc. stockholders – basic and diluted – continuing operations
$
(4.03
)
$
(47.88
)
Loss per common share attributable to iBio, Inc. stockholders – basic and diluted – discontinued operations
$
(2.47
)
$
(58.31
)
Loss per common share attributable to iBio, Inc. stockholders – basic and diluted – total
$
(6.50
)
$
(106.19
)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted
3,831
612
iBio, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets (In Thousands, except share and per share amounts)
June 30, 2024
June 30, 2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
14,210
$
4,301
Restricted cash
—
3,025
Subscription receivable
—
204
Promissory note receivable and accrued interest
713
—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
749
664
Current assets held for sale (see Note 3 – Discontinued Operations)
—
18,065
Total Current Assets
15,672
26,259
Restricted cash
215
253
Promissory note receivable
1,081
1,706
Finance lease right-of-use assets, net of accumulated amortization
339
610
Operating lease right-of-use asset
2,401
2,722
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation
3,632
4,219
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization
5,368
5,388
Security deposits
26
50
Total Assets
$
28,734
$
41,207
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
358
$
1,849
Accrued expenses
2,028
4,561
Finance lease obligations – current portion
299
272
Operating lease obligation – current portion
436
389
Equipment financing payable – current portion
178
160
Term promissory note – current portion
218
—
Insurance premium financing payable
123
—
Term note payable – net of deferred financing costs
—
12,937
Contract liabilities
200
—
Current liabilities related to assets held for sale
—
1,941
Total Current Liabilities
3,840
22,109
Finance lease obligations – net of current portion
53
351
Operating lease obligation – net of current portion
2,688
3,125
Equipment financing payable – net of current portion
63
241
Term promissory note – net of current portion
766
—
Total Liabilities
7,410
25,826
Stockholders’ Equity
Series 2022 Convertible Preferred Stock – $0.001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023; 0 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023
—
—
Common stock – $0.001 par value; 275,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023; 8,623,676 and 1,015,505 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023, respectively
White Oak River, North Carolina: Wetlands like these are useful for preventing floods, reducing erosion, and preserving biodiversity. But every wetland is unique, and it is important to understand the impacts of climate on a local level.
Credit: Norm Lane/Shutterstock
GAITHERSBURG, Md. — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has entered into a cooperative agreement with the University of Vermont (UVM) to establish a Climate Measurements Center of Excellence. The agreement includes an award of $2.7 million appropriated by Congress for this purpose and was made following a competitive process announced earlier this year.
“Our goal is to advance trust in measurements and technology in service to the nation. Effective measurements are key to understanding the dynamics of complex climate systems, and this center of excellence can amplify our impact and enable the development of equitable climate adaptation plans,” said Chuck Romine, the associate director for laboratory programs at NIST.
Climate impacts are felt differently from one region of the U.S. to another, and for communities to develop adaptation plans, they need more granular information than is currently available. The Climate Measurements Center of Excellence will support communities by providing standards frameworks, regional data, and the tools communities need to make decisions.
Climate impacts at the community level are expected to be diverse, complex and interrelated. Examples of possible impacts include diminished agricultural productivity, poor air quality, increased food costs, supply chain and commercial logistics disruptions, and public health issues. Preparing for and mitigating these impacts could be challenging for any one community alone. Therefore, the center will bring local climate researchers together to share resources and ideas and will serve as a hub for stakeholders including government climate offices, universities, nonprofits, industry and NIST.
The new center of excellence will establish and coordinate research teams that combine resources from the physical, biological and social sciences. It will also support the development of national standards and measurements for tracking hazards and risks associated with climate impacts. Throughout the three-year funding period, NIST will support the center through leadership, collaboration and community coordination.
The 2024 Enabling Native Researchers and Other Minorities Through Graduate Engineering (ENRGE) internship cohort. From left, Javier Moscoso, Chelsea Neely, Success Oluwole, Adrian Gomez, Zain ulAbdeen, and Danish Saleem. Photo by Josh Bauer, NREL
Internships offer students the opportunity to gain valuable experience in their field before joining the workforce—but for interns at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), they have the added motivation of contributing to meaningful work in energy efficiency and renewable energy. For interns in the Enabling Native Researchers and Other Minorities Through Graduate Engineering (ENRGE) program, undergraduate and graduate students at minority-serving institutions gain valuable experience in power, energy, and cybersecurity. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration’s Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program, which aims to create and support a sustainable career pathway that prepares a diverse workforce of talented students to make immediate and significant contributions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
ENRGE brings undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at minority-serving institutions with underrepresented backgrounds—such as Native, Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Latino Americans—to NREL for hands-on summer internships. The interns work on research projects that look at how human or natural threats may disrupt the U.S. electrical grid, assess the cybersecurity of distributed energy systems, or research pathways to strengthen the U.S. electrical grid.
“Many companies and teams look forward to new pools of student interns, as they’ll bring with them fresh ideas, new perspectives, and creative approaches to the projects or processes,” said NREL’s Danish Saleem, senior engineer and ENRGE program leader.
This past summer, JavierMoscoso, Adrian Gomez, ZainulAbdeen, and Success Oluwole participated in NREL’s second ENRGE summer internship program.
“We were fortunate to have Javier, Zain, Adrian, and Success this year at NREL,” Saleem said. “Their exceptional work, dedication, and contributions toward NREL’s clean energy goals was invaluable.”
Making the Personal Universal
Javier Moscoso. Photo by Josh Bauer, NREL
For Javier Moscoso, energy and climate issues hit home—that is, they affect him and all the people of Puerto Rico. “It’s a personal mission,” Moscoso said.
Hurricanes Maria and Fiona wreaked havoc on Puerto Rico in 2017 and 2022. Fiona knocked out power for 80% of the island’s customers who depended on an already fragile power system. Moscoso has witnessed the damage the hurricanes—and the loss of power—cause. He spoke with a woman using an oxygen tank earlier in 2024 about issues she faced when power goes away. She died following a power outage this summer. “I’m talking because I live this,” he said.
The ENRGE internship allows Moscoso to work on important cybersecurity projects, but it also allows him to talk with NREL people—like Laboratory Director Martin Keller, who Moscoso met with earlier this summer—about the issues Puerto Rico faces. “Not having a strong cybersecurity background before coming here, I have felt comfortable with my team, and I was always eager to learn more and get out of my comfort zone,” Moscoso said. “It gives me the opportunity to test out what I like and see new things that I maybe didn’t think I would ever like or work with. I have come to familiarize myself with cybersecurity and how crucial it is in power systems today. If I’m honest, I have come to appreciate how impactful this experience will be for my future. I think there is no better place than NREL to be exposing myself to this through many readings, workshops, and conversations with mentors. I look forward to continue learning and contributing in the best way I can.”
Moscoso’s work at NREL involves looking at the cybersecurity of utility-scale batteries and distributed energy resources (DER) deployment for underserved communities on separate projects. He completed a literature review on the cybersecurity of DERs, and his background informed the case studies he wrote on Puerto Rico. “It’s my opportunity to give visibility to Puerto Rican communities,” he said.
Moscoso said that there is intention to everything he does, which is why the ENRGE internship was enticing. It allowed him to bring his personal story and experience to NREL, which he will then take back to Puerto Rico. Encouraged by his time at NREL and with ENRGE, he will begin graduate school in Puerto Rico, where part of his time will be spent continuing a renewable energy project he began before coming to NREL.
Prior to arriving at NREL, Moscoso engaged other students on the design and architecture of a solar gazebo to be constructed at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. The gazebo will provide power on campus for students in the event of an outage. Moscoso has presented on this project at NREL and to many national outlets. The project includes an educational component where talks will be given on renewable energy and energy consumption.
What started as a napkin drawing is morphing into a reality that will benefit other Puerto Ricans, and Moscoso hopes that this first gazebo can be replicated across the island.
“Javier serves as an excellent example of someone who took full advantage of the networking and professional development opportunities that NREL and the ENRGE internship offered,” said NREL’s Chelsea Neely, cybersecurity researcher and ENRGE program coordinator. “Almost every week, he came to me to tell me who he met at NREL and what research and development opportunities he was excited about. We are so proud of the impact he has made here at NREL and can’t wait to see him continue his mission towards clean energy transformation.”
Exploring a New Career Pathway
Adrian Gomez. Photo by Josh Bauer, NREL
The path to NREL was not a straight line for Adrian Gomez. From the U.S. Army to education in criminal justice, his background was outside of energy. When Gomez decided that the criminal justice route was not what he wanted, he enrolled in the Ecotech Institute to learn about sustainable technologies.
Then the school closed permanently.
Gomez returned to criminal justice briefly before he learned about ENRGE. When he found the ENRGE internship opportunity at NREL, it felt like a fit. “It’s the right choice,” he said. “Everything led up to this. This is something I can do.”
At NREL, Gomez brings a cybersecurity background to the Clean Energy Cybersecurity Accelerator—which aims to expedite the deployment of novel or emerging operational technology security solutions—and learned from researchers involved in the cybersecurity situational awareness tool designed for renewable energy systems. For the Clean Energy Cybersecurity Accelerator, Gomez researched cyberattack scenarios involving solar panels and what types of attacks might cause disruptions.
“It’s interesting to see how everything is interconnected—how everything in a system affects everything else,” Gomez said. Researching cybersecurity has made Gomez hyperaware of cybersecurity concerns. He is paying attention to what is happening in the world in that regard. “I’m vigilant about those interconnections and how my role in cybersecurity is involved in that sphere.”
Following the ENRGE internship, Gomez will return to school to pursue a master’s degree in cybersecurity.
“For someone new to research, Adrian embraced the uncomfortable, often nonlinear path his research took him down this summer,” Neely said. “I was impressed with his ability to take on new concepts and come away from this experience with research he felt proud of. With the encouragement of researchers at NREL, we’re thrilled to hear he’s decided to pursue an advanced degree in cybersecurity. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for him as he builds on the skills he has learned here at NREL.”
Meeting the Challenges of Cybersecurity Through Computational Science
Zain ul Abdeen. Photo by Josh Bauer, NREL
Zain ul Abdeen came to NREL with a background in machine learning and artificial intelligence through a previous internship in NREL’s Computational Science Center, which comes in handy when asked to anticipate and respond to cyberattacks on power systems. Zain had worked as a computational scientist prior to arriving at NREL, and his computational skills were put to good use on cybersecurity projects.
Zain helped to test the performance of power system algorithms during adversarial attacks and built a model to detect anomalies in the system. With both, Zain was able to apply computational knowledge to specific challenges in cybersecurity. “We considered various kinds of attacks on the grid and how the algorithm was affected and how another model performed at detecting the attack,” he said.
A key component of Zain’s work is training models well enough that they are trustworthy when it comes to detecting and responding to attacks. That means designing robust systems that are well trained on possible scenarios and attacks.
“ENRGE is so well structured, and the mentors are very helpful,” he said. “They’re always there to help you solve a problem in your research. They listen, provide guidelines, and guide you in the right direction.”
“Zain’s final presentation of his projects this summer were incredibly impressive,” Neely said. “He made a big impact on his projects in such a short period of time. His successes clearly reflect the strong relationships he built with his mentors, Dr. Shuva Paul and Dr. Vivek Singh. We were very lucky to have his talents in the cybersecurity center this summer, and I can’t wait to read his next publications!”
Seizing an Unexpected Opportunity
Success Oluwole. Photo by Josh Bauer, NREL
When Success Oluwole went to her mentor and mechanical engineering department chair at Alabama Agriculture and Mechanical University, she asked him to keep his ears open for relevant opportunities. He called her up one day and directed Oluwole to an opportunity in the ENRGE program.
“I noticed it was a cybersecurity position and I’m quite in the mechanical engineering field,” she said. “So, I remember saying, ‘I’m not sure if this is the right fit for me.’”
The chair told Oluwole that she should not think like that—that she should be open to opportunities, even if the fit is not a direct match for her experience.
She applied to the ENRGE program. “I have always wanted to work at a national lab because I have research experience and working at the lab will give me more opportunities to do research full time,” she said.
When she interviewed for the role, it was the first time Oluwole had been interviewed by a panel, and she was nervous but optimistic, she said. When the offer came, Oluwole jumped at it. “The program gives people from minority communities the opportunity to work at a national lab. I’m Nigerian, and not many international students like me who come to this country have this opportunity. I knew working at NREL would be a great stepping stone for my career.”
Oluwole quickly realized that there was overlap between cybersecurity and mechanical engineering. She said she had the notion that there would be a lot of coding, but the actuality of the cybersecurity projects she worked on allowed her to use skills she brought with her to NREL.
She was able to deploy project management experience—data collection and budgeting—to help coordinate Liberty Eclipse, an annual full-scale cybersecurity preparedness exercise run by the U.S. Department of Energy. Oluwole also worked on a project involving cyber-informed engineering (CIE), which provides engineers a framework to integrate cybersecurity into the early design stages and throughout the life cycle of engineered systems. “I’ve been trying to apply the principles of CIE to the design, development, and operations of the wind turbines in the United States. I’ve been trying to apply the 12 principles of CIE to basically each level of a wind turbine,” she said.
“Success truly blossomed during her 10 weeks here at NREL,” Neely said. “She did a fantastic job collaborating with her mentor and I could tell she was really open trying things outside of her comfort zone. The fact that she left her experience better able to understand how cybersecurity affects her work as a mechanical engineer is a huge win for all of us. I feel so privileged to witness her growth and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for such a promising young researcher.”
Oluwole values the experiences she is gaining in the ENRGE program.
“Every single day since I started my internship here, I have been grateful, because this has been a blessing,” she said. “This program has been transformative. I’ve met great people. I’ve been able to apply my academic knowledge. I hope the program grows so that other people from minority communities can have the opportunities to learn like I have this summer.”
Before joining NREL, Oluwole did not have cybersecurity as a potential career path, but she is glad she has been able to gain this experience in an unexpected field.
ENRGE began with one intern in 2023 and has grown to four interns, two of whom have decided to pursue higher education as a result of their time in the program.
“Coming from diverse engineering and technical backgrounds, ENRGE interns learned to appreciate the importance of taking an interdisciplinary approach to the cybersecurity of energy systems,” Neely said. “Each of them has a very bright future as leaders in this important field. I hope their experience at NREL influences how they design and build critical cyber-physical systems of the future.”
Learn more about NREL’s ENRGE program and about NREL’s internship opportunities.
Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) welcomed $1,316,951 to Central State University for innovations in semiconductor manufacturing and development, and to enhance the infrastructure and educational communities across seven partner Historically Black Colleges and Universities to develop a technical workforce that is ready to fill high-demand jobs in the industry.
“Harnessing the talents of students at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Central State University will help ensure that Ohio continues to be at the center of semiconductor innovation,” Brown said. “This research investment at Central State University will give Ohio HBCU students the opportunity to contribute to our state’s leadership creating and manufacturing the technologies of the future.”
Brown has been a leader in bringing new manufacturing opportunities to Ohio. The CHIPS and Science Act authorizes a historic $829 million investment in the Manufacturing USA program over five years, the largest increase in funding for the program since its inception. The CHIPS Act will support and grow domestic supply chains, invest in Ohio manufacturing jobs, and reduce costs for Americans by investing in American manufacturing. Currently, 90 percent of chip manufacturing capacity is overseas, but with investments in domestic manufacturing – like Intel’s $20 billion investment in a semiconductor plant in New Albany – chips will become a major American export out of Ohio. Brown also introduced the Building Chips in America Act to streamline federal reviews for microchip manufacturing facilities.
Source: US National Republican Congressional Committee
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –
September 20, 2024
Kirsten Engel repeatedly “misused taxpayer resources to prop up her political campaigns,” an investigation story out today revealed.
It followed an investigation that judges excoriated Engel for fraudulently overbilling taxpayers for ‘imaginary’ legal work.
In case you missed it…
NOTE: “Cash-it-in Kirsten’s ethical compass is broken,” Ben Petersen, a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, told the Washington Examiner. “From bilking taxpayers for ‘imaginary’ legal fees to misusing government resources, Engel has proven she will stop at nothing to game the system and benefit herself.”
Arizona congressional candidate misused taxpayer resources by using state-funded email to boost campaign Washington Examiner Annabella Rosciglione
EXCLUSIVE — A Democratic congressional candidate in Arizona misused taxpayer resources to prop up her political campaigns, documents show.
Records reveal that Democrat Kirsten Engel, who is running against Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, misused taxpayer-funded government resources to enhance her legislative and congressional campaigns while serving in the Arizona legislature.
Engel used her email as a state senator to forward taxpayer-funded subscription publications to her campaign staff, according to documents obtained by the Washington Examiner. She sent her campaign staff articles from trade publications such as the Yellow Sheet Report and Arizona Legislative Report, both of which are pricey subscriptions the state of Arizona finances for legislative officials and their staff.
Some emails she forwarded from said trade publications include in large text a “DO NOT FORWARD THIS EMAIL” message and state that it is illegal to “electronically disseminate” their reports. Engel forwarded emails like these from her state subscription to campaign staff at least 15 times over the last three years.
In one instance, she used her state legislative email to coordinate social media posts for her campaign. She asked her campaign staffer to make a post about donating to a local Tucson, Arizona-based organization after her then-Republican opponent did the same. Her staffer complied with the request.
In addition to using her state legislative-affiliated email for campaign-related happenings, she used her University of Arizona email, as she teaches at the law school there, to schedule a time to meet with a prospective congressional candidate in 2017. Another faculty member at the university reached out to her to schedule a time to meet with a prospective congressional candidate, to which Engel responded with a proposed time frame.
Email addresses connected to state universities are, in part, taxpayer-funded via funds they receive from the state. The UA and other public universities typically enter a contract with email domain providers such as Microsoft or Google, for example. It is very unlikely, however, that the University of Arizona or the state is billed per email address or per email sent.
If holding office or working in any capacity for the state or government, candidates are supposed to use their email from the campaign, which is paid for by money via donations and themselves, when discussing campaign-related topics rather than their email associated with the government.
“Cash-it-in Kirsten’s ethical compass is broken,” Ben Petersen, a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, told the Washington Examiner. “From bilking taxpayers for ‘imaginary’ legal fees to misusing government resources, Engel has proven she will stop at nothing to game the system and benefit herself.”
Engel and Ciscomani previously faced each other in 2022, with Ciscomani winning the seat by just over 1 percentage point. The Cook Political Report labels the race a toss-up.
Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
ICYMI: Following Apalachee High School Shooting, Senator Reverend Warnock Spotlights Harmful Impact of Gun Violence on Nation’s Youth
Senator Reverend Warnock hosted a panel discussion titled “Youth Under Fire: Addressing Gun Violence in Our Communities” during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC)
The forum followed a deadly school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia that took the lives of two students and two teachers
Senator Reverend Warnock previouslyexaminedthe impact of gun violence in the Black community during a forum at last year’s ALC
This year’s panel discussion featured Greg Jackson, the Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, Congresswoman Lucy McBath, and several other gun violence activists
Senator Reverend Warnock:“This public health crisis is undoubtedly stealing generations of youth from the Black community, and the American people are crying out for action on this issue”
Above left to right: Senator Reverend Warnock, Dr. Roger Mitchell, Jr., Armani White
Washington, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) convened survivors and gun safety advocates for a forum aimed at addressing the dangerous, deadly consequences of the nation’s gun violence epidemic on young people, particularly Black youth, during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) in Washington, D.C. The panel discussion, titled “Youth Under Fire: Addressing Gun Violence in Our Communities”,was Senator Warnock’s second session focused on efforts to curb gun violence at the ALC, and was held in the wake of the shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, GA that claimed the lives of two teachers and two students. 500 conference participants and community members, including high school students, attended the session.
“This public health crisis is undoubtedly stealing generations of youth from the Black community, and the American people are crying out for action on this issue,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “They want commonsense gun safety reform, but there’s a growing chasm between what the people want and what they can get from their government.”
Above Left: The Youth Under Fire: Addressing Gun Violence in Our Communities panel discussion
Above Right: Gregory Jackson, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention & Senator Reverend Warnock
Senator Warnock moderated the discussion, which included remarks from Gregory Jackson, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Special Assistant to the President; Dr. Roger Mitchell, Jr., President of Howard University Hospital; Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA-07), who lost her son, Jordan, to gun violence in 2012, Maciah King-Brooks, a gun violence student advocate in the DMV and partner for Guns Down Friday; Zoe Touray, a survivor of the 2021 Oxford High School shooting in Michigan that killed four students, youth activist, founder of S.E.E (Survivors Embracing Each Other), and a March For Our Lives national spokesperson; Hip-Hop artist Armani White, Mariah Cooley, Midwest Advocacy Associate with the Community Justice Action Fund; and Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action.
Above Left: Maciah King-Brooks, student advocate and partner for Guns Down Friday & Senator Reverend Warnock
Above Right: Zoe Touray, founder of Survivors Embracing Each Other & Senator Reverend Warnock
Senator Warnock has vocally championed efforts to address the gun violence crisis in the United States, as a pastor and legislator. Following the tragic shooting in Winder, Senator Warnock met with students and families from the Apalachee High School community, and honored the victims on the Senate floor while calling for Congress to come together to pass popular gun safety reforms supported by broad swaths of the American public, regardless of political ideology; the Senator’s speech marked his third time lamenting a mass shooting in Georgia on the Senate floor.
Additionally, since arriving to the Senate, Senator Warnock has championed several pieces of legislation to curb rampant, routine gun violence and help make communities safer, including cosponsoring bills to ban assault weapons, institute universal background checks on firearms, and the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first gun safety reform legislation passed by Congress in over 30 years.
Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) announced an award of $11,600,000 to Grand Sky in Grand Forks to enhance emergency response capabilities and improve safety for its growing community by building a new fire station. The new facility will serve as the primary fire response unit for Grand Sky, in addition to the southern portion of Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB).
This award, provided under the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, will ensure GFAFB’s ability to respond adequately and swiftly to emergencies, protect valuable assets, maintain missions, and safeguard the health and well-being of personnel. The groundbreaking of the fire station will commence once all environmental requirements have been met.
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), issued the following statement regarding the announcement:
“The partnership between Grand Sky and Grand Forks Air Force Base is essential to our state’s defense ecosystem, and with rapid growth comes infrastructure challenges,” said Cramer. “The completion of this fire station will protect our airmen and Grand Sky by improving resiliency and response time. Meeting these infrastructure needs will ensure safety, while supporting the partnership’s potential.”
Cramer has used his seat on SASC to support military installations and defense ecosystem partnerships in North Dakota. In August, Cramer flipped the switch to bring the Space Development Agency (SDA) Operations Center North online at GFAFB, participated in a Grand Forks Base Retention Committee meeting, toured the University of North Dakota (UND) National Security Corridor, and announced new Navy personnel at GFAFB. Cramer also joined E-Space CEO Greg Wyler in meeting with UND faculty and SDA staff to discuss workforce development and initiatives, and announced educational initiatives between SDA and UND.
There is some good news for farmers in Yinjiayuan, a village in Jiangsu Province, east China. The cost of watering their land has dropped by 20 percent, and pump malfunctions have significantly decreased — all thanks to a local political advisor. Shi Weidong is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s political advisory body. As former president of Nantong University in Jiangsu, he is also an expert on fluid machinery. In 2023, Shi submitted a proposal through the CPPCC highlighting the advantages of using a digital twin platform — a virtual replica of physical systems — to improve the precision and efficiency of pump management. His suggestion resonated with a nationwide initiative to invest heavily in extensive water conservancy infrastructure. That year alone, the country began the construction of 23,000 water supply facilities in its rural areas. Shi’s proposal provides a glimpse into the important role of the CPPCC as an institutional platform for consultative democracy, an essential element of China’s political system, alongside electoral democracy. According to political scientists, these two complimentary facets of socialist democracy allow China to better pool wisdom and strengths for the overarching endeavor of modernization. Consultative democracy takes many forms in China. For example, the government listens to ideas and opinions from all sectors throughout the processes of planning, decision-making and administration. With the CPPCC celebrating an important anniversary this year, many will be reviewing its crucial role and growing list of accomplishments. Effective democracy The CPPCC plays vital roles in multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Its members are drawn from political parties, people’s organizations, personages without party affiliation and various sectors of society. Among the CPPCC’s diverse membership are political figures, celebrities and experts. Shi himself is a member of the Jiusan Society, a political party primarily composed of scientists and researchers. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC. On Sept. 21, 1949, driven by great hopes for a bright future, more than 600 deputies from various sectors overcame obstacles to gather in Beijing. Decades later, the CPPCC has now transformed and improved itself to play a more effective role in state governance. One of its most notable recent developments is the addition of the environment and resource sector to the CPPCC National Committee in 2023. This is one of the biggest changes to the Committee’s composition in 30 years. The last such adjustment was the establishment of the economic sector in 1993. Over the past decade, China has undergone comprehensive changes in ecological and environmental protection. The country is making unprecedented efforts to conserve its ecology. The establishment of a new sector dedicated to this initiative would help pool efforts, facilitate research and promote consultation, said experts on the CPPCC. Moreover, the consultation topics have evolved over time to address emerging national challenges and public concerns. Zhang Yi, a national political advisor from Shanghai, has closely examined the ethical and judicial implications of algorithms. A partner at the law firm King & Wood Mallesons, Zhang represents the country’s new social groups. Zhang submitted a proposal in March on AI algorithms governance. He recently presented a report on social trends and public sentiment regarding privacy protection. “It’s great to see how my work as a political advisor turns into policies and measures that really push forward the development of the economy and society,” he said. Strengthening the foundations The CPPCC is also improving its foundational elements — institutions, standards and procedures — to facilitate in-depth consultations. Earlier this month, municipal political advisors in Beijing met to discuss how the integration of AI and digital technologies could help the city respond to natural disasters and workplace accidents. It was one of 12 key topics highlighted by the municipal CPC committee and government to be included on the consultation and deliberation agenda this year. In the summer of 2023, Beijing experienced its heaviest rainfall in more than 140 years. This year, heavy rain and gales battered the city again, uprooting trees and causing chaos across the urban road network. Political advisors began their investigation and research in March. It included 14 collective and group studies, 13 discussions, as well as fact-finding trips to Fujian and Guangdong provinces, which were attended by non-CPC political party members, scholars and experts. A vice mayor overseeing city administration, traffic, agriculture and rural areas attended a session on Sept. 6 to gather advice. Along with him were officials from departments including water resources, emergency response, digital resources, firefighting and meteorology. Wei Xiaodong, chairman of the CPPCC Beijing municipal committee, encouraged participants to speak openly about issues and provide advice tailored to reality. While most speakers focused on the application of technologies, Zhang Chengfu, a professor at the School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, cautioned against inappropriate development practices and over-reliance on technology. A final report incorporating the session’s advice is expected to feed into a government plan to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities for the next three years. Greater solidarity As a legacy of the CPC’s cooperation with other political parties and social stakeholders during the revolutionary years, the CPPCC is also the patriotic united front’s most inclusive organization. China is currently undergoing profound changes in areas such as social structure, relations between strata, and ways of thinking. Coupled with drastic global shifts, these factors have made it more challenging for the country to foster unity and pool strength. On March 5, 2023, new leaders of non-CPC political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce made a collective debut at a press conference during the first plenary session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. They pledged to stand in solidarity with the CPC through thick and thin, and build China into a modern socialist country in all respects. Political advisors are also key in ensuring that the frank exchange of views that build consensus and fortify unity occurs at the grassroots. In Shanghai, they set up tables in the open air to collect public opinions about the renovation of a decades-old plaza in 2023. They also engaged with neighborhood leaders and posted topics online. When streetlights were swiftly installed on the plaza at the request of elderly residents, “people realized that authorities are serious about their opinions,” said district political advisor Li Peilei. The prompt resolution to a community issue inspired more members of the public to get involved in decisions regarding the plaza’s logo and facilities. The plaza has now been completely revamped. More importantly, residents were made aware of the value that consultation plays in such processes. During a 2018 trip to a village in Chongqing, in southwest China, entrepreneur Shan Yi was struck by the stark contrast of cement houses among hundreds of stilted wooden homes — the traditional residence of the Tujia people. This jarring sight, coupled with stagnating local tourism due to poor management and inadequate facilities, inspired him to take action. Shan himself identifies as Tujia and runs a domestic services company in town. Leaving his business in his wife’s care, Shan moved to the village. He soon set to work building a museum showcasing Tujia architecture and opened stilt-house homestays to explore successful models. So far, the mu
seum, featuring traditional structures, including residences and academies, is starting to take shape along the bank of a broad, winding river. And the village received over 50,000 visits in the first half of the year, generating more than 20 million yuan (around 2.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue. “Personal and family comfort aside, you’ve got to do something for society one way or another,” said Shan, who became a political advisor last year. The CPPCC is also reaching out to the younger generation. For example, two students sat in on the session of political advisors of Beijing on emergency response on Sept. 6. It was part of an experimental program that invites students from middle school to university to observe the CPPCC sessions. Qi Xin, a sophomore at Miyun High School Affiliated with Capital Normal University, has a keen interest in public governance. He signed up as soon as he learned about the opportunity. “I noticed how CPPCC members shared the realities of their communities,” he said. “The will of the people is respected and reflected here.”
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
120 medical volunteers from different regions of the country gathered at the All-Russian seminar-conference on the development of medical volunteering in the field of preventive healthcare, which is being held from September 19 to 22, 2024 in Novosibirsk. The following cities are represented at the event: Samara, Moscow, Tomsk, Krasnodar, Lugansk, Belgorod, Ryazan, Crimea, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Khanty-Mansiysk, Volgograd, Kirov, Khabarovsk and others.
Volunteers are holding the event together with the Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Novosibirsk National Research State University” with the support of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs “Rosmolodezh.Granty”
The seminar-meeting is being implemented within the framework of the National Projects “Demography” and “Healthcare” with the aim of replicating the experience of young representatives of medical volunteering in the field of preventive medicine and updating knowledge about the prevention of diseases of the reproductive system.
The opening of the event featured speeches by the following guests of honor:
— I am very glad that the topic of the All-Russian Seminar-Conference on the Development of Medical Volunteering in the Field of Preventive Healthcare was preventive medicine with an emphasis on maintaining reproductive health. The Ministry of Healthcare has been actively involved in prevention issues in our country for about ten years, I think you all know that new federal projects will start on January 1, 2025, including the national project “Active Long Life”, thanks to which new health centers will be opened, they will be aimed at developing preventive technologies. I wish successful work to medical volunteers! I hope that you will spend the days of the seminar-conference positively, acquire not only new friends, but also new knowledge, which you will inspire everyone around you, so that each person takes care of their health, — shared the acting Minister of Healthcare in the Novosibirsk Region Tatyana Anokhina.
— It is gratifying that today the topic of health is receiving a lot of attention! Educational work is very important. It is great that the youth audience in the person of medical volunteers is taking on this challenge and is actively working with the population of the country. At our university, medical volunteers are a very noticeable figure, despite the fact that the medical faculty takes up a small percentage of students. I hope that during the seminar-meeting you will all be able to work well and walk around Novosibirsk, — said Olga Yakovleva, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Educational Work at Novosibirsk State University.
— I am glad to welcome you to the All-Russian Seminar-Conference. It is such an amazing coincidence that today is the Day of Socially Useful Persons, and volunteering is precisely the desire to be useful, to do things that improve various processes of life! Medical volunteers, we can’t do without you! The path from an idea that is born in the head to its implementation is the magic that you create. Dear friends, continue to be proactive and active. Bon voyage and don’t be afraid of anything! — noted Konstantin Bakulin, Vice-Rector for Educational and Social Work at the Novosibirsk State Medical University.
— I thank Novosibirsk State University for the trust and the opportunity to organize such an event! Thank you for your support and assistance in all aspects of holding the All-Russian Seminar-Conference on the Development of Medical Volunteering in the Field of Preventive Healthcare. Thank you to the team of the Novosibirsk Regional Branch, you are great! I hope that, having seen the experience of such events, each of you in your region will also be able to organize an All-Russian event. Thank you for coming to Novosibirsk, I wish each of you productive and fruitful work, — Maria Miroshnikova, Head of the Department of Medical Volunteering Projects and Educational Programs of the All-Russian Volunteer Medical Association, greeted the participants.
The event is attended by leading experts in reproductive health of men and women, specialists in medical prevention, as well as specialists in the field of health protection.
Paying special attention to strengthening the reproductive health of the country’s population and popularizing family values, the participants attend educational and outreach platforms, including in the format of strategic sessions. The participants are also working on creating an innovative information product in the field of medical examination and reproductive health, the result of which will determine the further development of volunteer activities in preventive work.
Organizers and partners: All-Russian public organization “Volunteers-doctors”, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Novosibirsk National Research State University”, Federal Agency for Youth Affairs “Rosmolodezh”, Federal State Budgetary Institution “National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, ANO “National Priorities”.
The All-Russian public movement “Volunteers-doctors” is one of the largest volunteer organizations in the healthcare sector in Europe. With the support of the Russian Ministry of Health, 89 regional branches of the All-Russian public movement “Volunteers-doctors” have been opened in the country, uniting more than 164 thousand people. From 2013 to 2023, volunteers provided more than 24 million hours of assistance in more than 1 thousand medical organizations in the Russian Federation. Every year, about 4 million Russians receive assistance and support from medical volunteers.
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://vvv.nsu.ru/n/media/nevs/atmosphere/all-Russian-seminar-meeting-on-the-development-of-medical-volunteering started in-Novosibirsk/
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.
There is some good news for farmers in Yinjiayuan, a village in Jiangsu Province, east China. The cost of watering their land has dropped by 20 percent, and pump malfunctions have significantly decreased — all thanks to a local political advisor. Shi Weidong is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s political advisory body. As former president of Nantong University in Jiangsu, he is also an expert on fluid machinery. In 2023, Shi submitted a proposal through the CPPCC highlighting the advantages of using a digital twin platform — a virtual replica of physical systems — to improve the precision and efficiency of pump management. His suggestion resonated with a nationwide initiative to invest heavily in extensive water conservancy infrastructure. That year alone, the country began the construction of 23,000 water supply facilities in its rural areas. Shi’s proposal provides a glimpse into the important role of the CPPCC as an institutional platform for consultative democracy, an essential element of China’s political system, alongside electoral democracy. According to political scientists, these two complimentary facets of socialist democracy allow China to better pool wisdom and strengths for the overarching endeavor of modernization. Consultative democracy takes many forms in China. For example, the government listens to ideas and opinions from all sectors throughout the processes of planning, decision-making and administration. With the CPPCC celebrating an important anniversary this year, many will be reviewing its crucial role and growing list of accomplishments. Effective democracy The CPPCC plays vital roles in multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Its members are drawn from political parties, people’s organizations, personages without party affiliation and various sectors of society. Among the CPPCC’s diverse membership are political figures, celebrities and experts. Shi himself is a member of the Jiusan Society, a political party primarily composed of scientists and researchers. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC. On Sept. 21, 1949, driven by great hopes for a bright future, more than 600 deputies from various sectors overcame obstacles to gather in Beijing. Decades later, the CPPCC has now transformed and improved itself to play a more effective role in state governance. One of its most notable recent developments is the addition of the environment and resource sector to the CPPCC National Committee in 2023. This is one of the biggest changes to the Committee’s composition in 30 years. The last such adjustment was the establishment of the economic sector in 1993. Over the past decade, China has undergone comprehensive changes in ecological and environmental protection. The country is making unprecedented efforts to conserve its ecology. The establishment of a new sector dedicated to this initiative would help pool efforts, facilitate research and promote consultation, said experts on the CPPCC. Moreover, the consultation topics have evolved over time to address emerging national challenges and public concerns. Zhang Yi, a national political advisor from Shanghai, has closely examined the ethical and judicial implications of algorithms. A partner at the law firm King & Wood Mallesons, Zhang represents the country’s new social groups. Zhang submitted a proposal in March on AI algorithms governance. He recently presented a report on social trends and public sentiment regarding privacy protection. “It’s great to see how my work as a political advisor turns into policies and measures that really push forward the development of the economy and society,” he said. Strengthening the foundations The CPPCC is also improving its foundational elements — institutions, standards and procedures — to facilitate in-depth consultations. Earlier this month, municipal political advisors in Beijing met to discuss how the integration of AI and digital technologies could help the city respond to natural disasters and workplace accidents. It was one of 12 key topics highlighted by the municipal CPC committee and government to be included on the consultation and deliberation agenda this year. In the summer of 2023, Beijing experienced its heaviest rainfall in more than 140 years. This year, heavy rain and gales battered the city again, uprooting trees and causing chaos across the urban road network. Political advisors began their investigation and research in March. It included 14 collective and group studies, 13 discussions, as well as fact-finding trips to Fujian and Guangdong provinces, which were attended by non-CPC political party members, scholars and experts. A vice mayor overseeing city administration, traffic, agriculture and rural areas attended a session on Sept. 6 to gather advice. Along with him were officials from departments including water resources, emergency response, digital resources, firefighting and meteorology. Wei Xiaodong, chairman of the CPPCC Beijing municipal committee, encouraged participants to speak openly about issues and provide advice tailored to reality. While most speakers focused on the application of technologies, Zhang Chengfu, a professor at the School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, cautioned against inappropriate development practices and over-reliance on technology. A final report incorporating the session’s advice is expected to feed into a government plan to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities for the next three years. Greater solidarity As a legacy of the CPC’s cooperation with other political parties and social stakeholders during the revolutionary years, the CPPCC is also the patriotic united front’s most inclusive organization. China is currently undergoing profound changes in areas such as social structure, relations between strata, and ways of thinking. Coupled with drastic global shifts, these factors have made it more challenging for the country to foster unity and pool strength. On March 5, 2023, new leaders of non-CPC political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce made a collective debut at a press conference during the first plenary session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. They pledged to stand in solidarity with the CPC through thick and thin, and build China into a modern socialist country in all respects. Political advisors are also key in ensuring that the frank exchange of views that build consensus and fortify unity occurs at the grassroots. In Shanghai, they set up tables in the open air to collect public opinions about the renovation of a decades-old plaza in 2023. They also engaged with neighborhood leaders and posted topics online. When streetlights were swiftly installed on the plaza at the request of elderly residents, “people realized that authorities are serious about their opinions,” said district political advisor Li Peilei. The prompt resolution to a community issue inspired more members of the public to get involved in decisions regarding the plaza’s logo and facilities. The plaza has now been completely revamped. More importantly, residents were made aware of the value that consultation plays in such processes. During a 2018 trip to a village in Chongqing, in southwest China, entrepreneur Shan Yi was struck by the stark contrast of cement houses among hundreds of stilted wooden homes — the traditional residence of the Tujia people. This jarring sight, coupled with stagnating local tourism due to poor management and inadequate facilities, inspired him to take action. Shan himself identifies as Tujia and runs a domestic services company in town. Leaving his business in his wife’s care, Shan moved to the village. He soon set to work building a museum showcasing Tujia architecture and opened stilt-house homestays to explore successful models. So far, the mu
seum, featuring traditional structures, including residences and academies, is starting to take shape along the bank of a broad, winding river. And the village received over 50,000 visits in the first half of the year, generating more than 20 million yuan (around 2.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue. “Personal and family comfort aside, you’ve got to do something for society one way or another,” said Shan, who became a political advisor last year. The CPPCC is also reaching out to the younger generation. For example, two students sat in on the session of political advisors of Beijing on emergency response on Sept. 6. It was part of an experimental program that invites students from middle school to university to observe the CPPCC sessions. Qi Xin, a sophomore at Miyun High School Affiliated with Capital Normal University, has a keen interest in public governance. He signed up as soon as he learned about the opportunity. “I noticed how CPPCC members shared the realities of their communities,” he said. “The will of the people is respected and reflected here.”
Innovation capacity, the digital sector and green industries have significant potential to be major engines of China’s growth, fueled by the nation’s commitment to reform and opening-up, said Japanese scholars.
Hidetoshi Tashiro, chief economist at Japan’s Infinity LLC, predicts that China’s economy is poised to enter a new phase of growth.
Speaking at a seminar on Chinese-style modernization in Osaka last week, Tashiro highlighted China’s significant share of the global market in various industries. While noting the nation’s leading position in sectors such as electric vehicles and solar panels, he also said that as digitalization expands globally, demand for products and services supporting this shift will continue to rise.
Tashiro stressed the digital sector is the key driver of China’s economic growth. Reflecting on his visit to China last November, he observed that cash payments had become obsolete in the nation.
“The rise of this vast digital ecosystem, unlike anything the world has ever seen, is now powering China’s economy. This momentum is driven by advancements in semiconductor design and application development,” Tashiro said.
A World Intellectual Property Organization report shows that from 2014 to 2023, China-based inventors filed more than 38,000 generative artificial intelligence patents, six times the number filed by inventors in the United States.
China’s economy is shifting from a labor-intensive to a capital-intensive model, making intellectual contributions increasingly important. The country is producing a huge number of highly-skilled scientists and engineers, fostering the growth of a vast and expanding digital ecosystem, he added.
Yangchoon Kwak, a professor at Rikkyo University’s College of Economics, emphasized that green industries will be the main driver of China’s future economic growth.
“China’s focus is not just on quantitative expansion but on pursuing environmentally-friendly development that contributes to global peace and prosperity,” Kwak explained.
Another key growth area is tourism. With a history spanning several millennia, China has a rich cultural heritage to share with the world. If the nation continues to open up, it could attract more than 100 million visitors, fostering a deeper international understanding and appreciation of the country, he said.
“China’s dynamism will continue to accelerate, and it’s vital for Japanese companies to seize this opportunity,” Kwak added. He advised them to engage in proactive capital and technology partnerships with China, aligning with the country’s evolving trends, rather than focusing on low-cost labor as they did in the past.
Confidence emphasized
Satoshi Tomisaka, a professor at the Institute of World Studies at Takushoku University, emphasized the importance of fostering an environment in China where people feel confident in their spending.
“As Western economies face stagnation and institutional difficulties, China’s model is starting to make a significant global impact,” said Tomisaka.
However, for the world to truly acknowledge China’s achievements, soft power is crucial. International recognition would not only elevate China’s global reputation but also strengthen its domestic standing, he added.
Kiyoyuki Seguchi, research director at the Canon Institute for Global Studies, said that the future of China’s economic growth will be driven by the innovation capacity of its companies. If policies continue to energize private companies, China still has significant potential for further growth, he added.
Seguchi’s remarks came after a recent lecture in Tokyo organized by the Japan-China Belt and Road Initiative Promotion Association.
The foundation for China’s growth is rooted in its reform and opening-up policy. Seguchi emphasized that the focus given by the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which was held in July, on reform and opening-up is essential. He stressed the need to create mechanisms that deliver specific reform measures desired by private enterprises, noting this is critical for sustained development.
According to Seguchi, the major challenges facing China’s economy include the end of high-speed growth, issues in the real estate sector and local fiscal problems. While the government has introduced policies to address these issues, he highlighted the importance of accurately implementing them in a way that responds to market needs, maintaining a market-oriented approach to enhance policy effectiveness.
At the invitation of Secretary-General of the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) Secretariat Dr. Wei Zhaohui, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn will lead the ASEAN Secretariat’s team to attend the 21st CAEXPO and sideline events in Nanning, People’s Republic of China, on 23-26 September 2024. Dr. Kao will deliver remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 21st CAEXPO and will take part in several related events during the visit, which include China-ASEAN Business Leaders’ Forum, ASEAN Plus Three Industrial Chain & Supply Chain Partnering Conference, China-ASEAN Young Leaders’ Roundtable Dialogue, and the visit to CAEXPO Pavilion, among others. Dr. Kao will also take the opportunity to meet with high-level government officials and representatives from the private sector and the media to further promote the work of ASEAN as well as to explore ways to further advance the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During his stay in China, Dr. Kao will also present a special lecture to a group of students and scholars at the Guangxi University on “Fostering Friendship and Cooperation: The Role of People-to-People Connections and Exchanges in ASEAN-China Relations,” in order to promote ASEAN diplomacy and enrich the knowledge of ASEAN among the youths.
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The Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum held its annual review today, giving youth members the chance to present research topics and reflect on their learning experiences over the past year, and to set a course for the forum’s development over the coming year.
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki remarked at the event that nearly 30 activities had been undertaken during the forum’s second term, giving members diverse training opportunities. He said members also took part in study tours to places such as the Greater Bay Area and Henan Province, to experience the country’s history, culture and social development, and that these tours enhanced their sense of national identity.
He added that in the coming year, the bureau will deepen co-operation with Shenzhen University, and collaborate with Macau to promote youth exchanges between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, strengthening the mutual cohesion of youths in the theee places and encouraging them to contribute to the country.
Youth members shared their experiences and insights from the past year at the event. Three outstanding alumni shared their experiences of participating in the 2024 UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs Youth Forum in Vienna and, as Hong Kong youth volunteers, in the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 in Hainan.
Other members shared their internship experiences at the Palace Museum in Beijing, well-known enterprises and government institutions. A group of representatives collaborated with students from Shenzhen University to present the findings of research related to youth in the Greater Bay Area, and received feedback from guests
Concluding the event, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said members had undergone significant growth after a year of learning, and that he is pleased that some alumni and members will join the Government as administrative officers and members of disciplinary forces.
The Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum was established in October 2022 to enhance youth work.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
75-minute documentary “Enchanting China” premieres today to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People’s Republic of China (with photos) 75-minute documentary “Enchanting China” premieres today to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People’s Republic of China (with photos) ******************************************************************************************
To mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) and the Environmental Protection Department, in collaboration with the Center for Environmental Education and Communications of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, have produced the documentary series “Enchanting China”. The premiere of the documentary series was held today (September 21) at Shaw Auditorium, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). The first series of “Enchanting China” consists of five episodes totalling 75 minutes, namely “Ninety-Nine Bends of the Yellow River”, “Song of the Yangtze”, “From Desert to Forest”, “Embracing Diversity” and “Clean Air Actions”. The first four episodes, together with “Picturesque Bays of Hong Kong”, which is the first episode of the documentary series “Beautiful Hong Kong” produced by the EEB, were screened at today’s premiere. Through showing the country’s achievements and contributions in environmental protection, it aims to instil a strong sense of patriotism in the younger generation and help them understand the country’s progress of the ecological civilisation development in building a beautiful China and the contributions and achievements made by the country and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in environmental protection and nature conservation. Speaking at the premiere, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said, “‘Enchanting China’ allows us to experience the extraordinary charm of our nation and witness the country’s major achievements and contributions in environmental protection. On the first National Ecology Day last year, President Xi Jinping emphasised that ‘building an ecological civilisation is of fundamental importance for the sustainable development of the Chinese nation’. ‘Enchanting China’ is a meaningful way to implement the concept of ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets’, and promote the construction of ecological civilisation and environmental protection education.” The Convenor of the Working Group on Patriotic Education (WGPE), Ms Starry Lee, who is also a member of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee and the Chairman of the Legislative Council House Committee, also attended the premiere today. She said that “Enchanting China” is a thematic documentary series born out of Hong Kong’s integration into the overall framework of national development, allowing Hong Kong to join the leading force in national environmental governance at a new level to deepen the understanding of the practice of green transformation. Other guests at the premiere included Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR Mr Luo Yonggang; the Inspector General of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Mr Ling Jiang; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui; heads of Departments; Consuls-General and representatives from Chambers of Commerce; Legislative Council Members; members from the WGPE, the Advisory Council on the Environment, and the Environment and Conservation Fund Committee; District Council members; chairmen and vice-chairmen of the three committees (the Area Committees, the District Fight Crime Committees and the District Fire Safety Committees); as well as representatives from local professional bodies, higher-education institutions and schools. The EEB’s documentary series “Beautiful Hong Kong” also consists of five episodes totalling 75 minutes, showing the progressive environmental improvements in Hong Kong since the return to the motherland. Mr Tse said, “The showcase of ‘Picturesque Bays of Hong Kong’ celebrated the achievements made by the HKSAR Government in environmental protection and nature conservation. Looking ahead, the HKSAR will continue to maintain close collaboration with other Greater Bay Area cities to jointly set up ecological security shields with a view to developing a more charming bay area. I encourage everyone in the community to explore our picturesque bays, treasure the natural beauty of Hong Kong and work together to enhance our natural environment.” Professor Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, where the premiere took place, said in her welcome remarks, “The movie showcases our motherland’s unwavering commitment to preserving our natural environment and promoting sustainable development. Advancing sustainability requires collaboration and knowledge sharing across different sectors. HKUST strives to foster global sustainable development through scientific research, innovative solutions and international partnerships. We are also pleased to witness the establishment of the World Sustainable Development Institute in collaboration with the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation as part of today’s meaningful celebration. The institute will seek to generate impactful research outcomes and pursue science-based solutions for complex challenges such as climate change and nature conservation.” The documentary series “Enchanting China” and “Beautiful Hong Kong” will be screened at the Hong Kong Space Museum and T·PARK from October. It will subsequently be broadcast on RTHK TV 32 and uploaded online for all primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong to download for broadcast.
Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 18:05
New York Mets manager Casey Stengel and outfielder Jim Hickman celebrate after breaking their 17-game losing streak in 1962.Bettmann/Getty Images
Bad press has engulfed Jerry Reinsdorf.
As owner of the Chicago White Sox, Reinsdorf heads a franchise with the most single-season losses in baseball history. The White Sox also set team records with a 21-game losing streak and losses in 20 straight series. In one game, a mundane pop fly went viral after two players collided, the ball rolled away, and three runs scored. In another, the team’s second baseman was injured by a ball to the face because he wasn’t paying attention to the catcher’s throw during warmups between innings.
The negative media attention isn’t surprising. When a team fails so spectacularly, sports writers inevitably take swings at the owner, with one notable exception: the last team to lose 120 games, the 1962 New York Mets.
The Mets owner didn’t just manage to escape blame from the press.
She became the toast of the town.
‘Mother of the Mets’
Joan Whitney Payson had a decidedly elitist background. She grew up in one of the world’s wealthiest families, the benefactors of art museums and opera houses. She collected priceless paintings by the masters – Renoir, Monet, Cézanne, Matisse. Her grandfather had been secretary of state, and her brother was the U.S. ambassador to the U.K.
But Payson did share one trait with the American working class: a love of baseball. She grew up a rabid fan of the New York Giants and eventually came to own 10% of stock in the team. Like many New Yorkers, she was crushed in 1957 when the Giants relocated to California, a move she tried desperately to prevent. That same year, the Giants’ rival, the Brooklyn Dodgers, also headed west.
A city that had three thriving teams was down to just one: the Yankees, a longtime adversary that many Giants and Dodgers fans couldn’t bring themselves to root for.
Payson gave New Yorkers another option. Three years after the Giants and Dodgers left town, Payson bought an expansion club that was set to play in Queens. Anticipation for the new team energized the city. But in 1962, the first woman to purchase a sports team – a distinction that could have made her a target of the all-male press – led the Mets to a disastrous record: 40 wins against 120 losses.
In many ways, the 1962 Mets were worse than the 2024 White Sox. They made a whopping 210 errors; the White Sox will finish with half that many. Two Mets pitchers lost 20 games each; no one on the White Sox will come close. The White Sox outpaced the Mets in a range of categories, from doubles to stolen bases.
I research the history of sports media, and a few years ago, I set off to find out how the press covered Payson. I figured she must have been prime fodder for the tough New York media. When I was growing up, the Yankees and Mets never sank to the depths that Payson’s team did, yet the press still rebuked Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and the Mets’ Fred Wilpon, whose ownership group bought the team from the Payson family in 1980.
I spent many hours scanning newspapers on microfilm and digital databases. I made a trip to the Yale University archives to sift through Payson’s papers, and I combed her file at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, too.
I was certain reporters must have zeroed in on a few of the 1962 Mets’ many failings and pinned them on the owner.
But despite months of research, I didn’t find any negative coverage about the woman the press dubbed the “Mother of the Mets.”
A partner of the press
It’s much easier finding unfavorable stories about Reinsdorf. The owner of the White Sox since 1981, he is known for blowing off reporters. Even amid the national focus on the White Sox, he has not spoken to journalists for more than a year.
Jerry Reinsdorf, right, has had a prickly relationship with the press since buying the Chicago White Sox in 1981. Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Payson, meanwhile, treated the press like partners.
The winter before her team’s inaugural season, she made an unprecedented gesture: inviting sports writers to her Manhattan duplex to help select the name of the team they would be covering. Payson wanted to go with Meadowlarks, a tribute to the team’s future home in Flushing Meadows. But the writers preferred Mets, an homage to a 19th-century New York team whose four-letter brevity worked well in headlines. In a decision that’s hard to imagine Reinsdorf making, Payson conceded to the press.
Later, during that 17-game skid, she took out newspaper ads thanking reporters in “the most tolerant city in the nation” for dispelling the notion “that New York is a cynical sports city, settling only for a winner.”
To be fair to the White Sox owner, Payson benefited from conditions that Reinsdorf cannot control.
Beat writers gave Payson grace after Major League Baseball forced her to draft the Mets roster from a pool of unwanted players from other clubs. Many of those journalists had lost work in 1957 when the Dodgers and Giants decamped for California. “These were very accomplished for their times guys who suddenly didn’t have teams to cover,” Robert Lipsyte, then a cub reporter at The New York Times, told me in an oral history interview in 2020. Payson gave these underworked sports writers a chance to cover the big leagues again.
In return, the Mets owner elicited effusive praise. In his book “Can’t Anybody Here Play This Game?” journalist Jimmy Breslin wrote that Payson “could be the best person to come into baseball in our time.”
No one at the Chicago Tribune or Sun-Times makes the same lofty claim for Reinsdorf.
Knives out?
After her team’s 120-loss campaign, Payson entered the offseason as a media darling. The press appreciated her good nature and accessibility for interviews even as the Mets floundered.
In comparison, Reinsdorf’s combination of on-field futility and off-field coolness to the Chicago media has assured him a spot in the annals of infamy.
With two and a half weeks to go in the season, Reinsdorf put out a statement acknowledging “this year has been very painful for all” and promising that he will “have more to say at the end of the season.”
At this point, what Reinsdorf says probably won’t matter much. Rather than learning from Payson’s approach, he has made it easy for the press to cast him as a villain.
Nick Hirshon does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
People across the Taiwan Strait have raised doubts about Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te’s civil mobilization plan, criticizing his thinly-veiled intention of seeking “Taiwan independence” by military means. At the first meeting of the island’s newly-formed so-called “Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee” on Thursday, relevant authorities announced a plan to mobilize and train about 400,000 people, including active and former substitute military service personnel, volunteers at police stations and fire departments, as well as those from private disaster-relief and charity groups. Lai said the core functions of this civilian force, other than handling disaster emergencies, also include “supporting military operations when necessary.” The move was immediately met with doubts and criticism. Shi Xue-qin, a Taipei resident in his thirties, expressed his concern that if young people are forced to prepare for war, the island’s industries will lack the labor force and financial resources to sustain development. “This does nothing to ensure Taiwan’s safety and will only severely harm its industries, economy and the future of the island’s young people,” Shi said. Lin Yan-chen, a Taiwan student who is studying on the mainland, said the act of binding Taiwan’s youth to the “Taiwan independence” agenda is shameful as it sacrifices the interests of a generation of young people for political gains. “What we truly need is development and peace, not isolation or confrontation,” Lin said. Yeh Yuan-chih, a Chinese Kuomintang legislator, said Taiwan already has guidelines and training systems for civil mobilization. But instead of upgrading the existing system, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities insisted on creating a new high-level committee, which is clearly a political maneuver to give a platform to those supporting “Taiwan independence,” said Yeh. Many said they viewed the new civil mobilization plan as Lai’s latest attempt to hijack people in Taiwan onto his “war chariot.” “Well, we are heading to a proxy war,” commented a Facebook user named Wu Gen-xin, under Lai’s post about the newly-formed committee. Li Zheng-xiu, an associate researcher of a think tank in Taiwan, said Lai has repeatedly advocated his “two-state theory” on various occasions, provoking cross-Strait tensions by triggering the mainland’s sensitivities. “This leads the public to wonder: does Lai truly have a vision for peace in his heart? Or does he believe that war is the only solution to resolve cross-Strait differences?” Li said. Observers also pointed out that Lai and the DPP were further emboldened by U.S. politicians who constantly sent wrong signals to the island. One such example was Robert O’Brien, a former U.S. national security adviser, who once gave a much more radical and scary version of so-called “defense resilience.” During a visit to the island in March 2023, he suggested that Taiwan with 1 million AK47-armed citizens on “every corner and in every apartment block” would be, as he described, “a fearful deterrent.” Wang Zhenwei, a research fellow with the Graduate Institute for Taiwan Studies of Xiamen University, told Xinhua that some U.S. politicians neither want to make a clear security commitment to Taiwan, preferring Taiwan to rely on self-defense, nor are they willing to see the two sides of the Taiwan Strait cooperate for peace and stability. Washington seeks to divert China’s strategic focus through tensions in the Strait to serve its global hegemony, Wang said. “If the DPP authorities insist on accommodating or even implementing U.S. intentions, they will further intensify cross-Strait tensions and threaten the safety and well-being of the people of Taiwan,” Wang said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TOKYO, Sept. 28 — China’s blockbuster game “Black Myth: Wukong,” acclaimed by game enthusiasts as “game of the year,” has triggered a Chinese game craze across the world.
Yet, the proof of the Chinese gaming industry going gangbusters is far beyond that. At the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024 kicked off Thursday, Chinese exhibitors are under the spotlight with record numbers and quality products, wooed by game professionals and lovers from across the world.
WINNING GLOBAL RECOGNITION
A record 985 companies and organizations from 44 countries and regions are showcasing their products and services at this year’s show held at the convention center of Makuhari Messe in Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo.
The TGS, one of the top three game shows in the world, attracted 535 exhibitors from overseas, including more than 70 Chinese companies. Particularly, China’s mobile gaming drew special attention. “Around 10 percent of Chinese exhibitors are mobile game companies, which represents some 80 percent of the mobile game sector at the TGS,” said Xue Hui, general manager of Shanghai Lizhi Business Information Consulting Service Center, who was in charge of coordinating with Chinese exhibitors for the show.
Game enthusiasts from Japan and other nations were queuing up Thursday to experience Chinese mobile games featuring Nijigen (two-dimensional space) characters or Chinese historical stories.
“Chinese mobile game companies have an edge over their Japanese rivals. In recent years, an increasing number of Japanese game developers are handing over game IPs to Chinese partners for co-development,” said Xue.
Other types of Chinese games, such as single-player and console, also won popularity at the show. S-GAME showcased Phantom Blade Zero, an action role-playing game with hack-and-slash elements, which attracted more than 500 people to try out this single-player game on Thursday.
“Traditional Chinese culture has provided background content and spiritual inspirations for the game,” said Anni Pan, director of marketing and IP operations of the Beijing-based game maker. “For example, the creation of one boss was inspired by lion dance from China’s Guangzhou, and the mountain path scenes in the game are based on real landscapes of Yandang Mountain, one of the top 10 famous mountains in China.”
Dost Kayaoglu, a Turkish YouTuber, regarded Phantom Blade Zero as an important reason to visit the show. “The animations are fluent. Game plays are tight. The period timing is great. I really like it,” he said, adding that he really wants to visit China after playing the game.
FOUR WHEELS DRIVING DEVELOPMENT
Advantages in talent, technology, funds, and the strategy of developing overseas markets have powered up the momentous growth of China’s gaming industry, according to game observers.
Adequate talents have laid the foundation for the boom of China’s gaming industry. The development teams of large Chinese game makers such as NetEase and Tencent are generally at the level of 30,000 to 50,000 people, said Xue. According to data by Liepin’s Big Data Research Institute, nearly 70 percent of the talents are under the age of 30, providing sufficient vitality and impetus for the industry.
“Chinese game makers are investing heavily to develop various types of products, which gives them a good chance to gain a foothold in the global market,” said Liang Yi, publishing director of GRYPH FRONTIER, which showcased Arknights: Endfield, a real-time 3D RPG with strategic elements at the TGS.
According to data by CNG, an organization publishing the China Game Industry Report, Chinese game companies have increased their development investment for five consecutive years since 2019, and in 2023, the top 50 Chinese listed game companies invested a total of 47.91 billion yuan (6.83 billion U.S. dollars) in product development, marking a 3 percent year-on-year increase.
Technology-wise, “China’s mobile gaming industry has found its edge in game development, distribution, publicity and flow buying,” said Xue.
In addition, Chinese gaming companies are expanding their overseas markets to generate higher revenue.
An increasing number of Chinese game companies are issuing products at domestic and foreign markets simultaneously, and some even give priority to overseas releases, said Xue, adding that games with low domestic sales could achieve sustainable development by relying on overseas revenue.
He Wei, professor of the School of Arts & Communication at Beijing Normal University, said China’s self-developed shooting, strategy, and role-playing games started to test overseas markets in the first decade of the 21st century, and over time have gained a firm foothold in foreign markets.
Since 2020, self-developed Chinese games have recorded an overseas market revenue of over 100 billion yuan (14.26 billion dollars) for four consecutive years, and a great number of mobile games have been ranked at the top of various charts in the world’s mainstream markets, and have started to win important international awards.
MORE POTENTIAL TO BE TAPPED
Chinese game makers could release more hidden energy by going overseas, observers said.
Developed game markets like Japan have nurtured mature user habits, such as game players feeling more willing to pay. While mobile games account for around 80 percent of the Chinese market, they merely represent less than 10 percent in Japan, leaving big opportunities for Chinese game developers to tap into, observers said.
They also noted that Japan is the birthplace of Nijigen, a key focus of Chinese exhibitors at the TGS, and is severely experienced in game IP development.
“Chinese game makers would benefit substantially if they work with Japanese partners on story scripting and character design. With its cutting-edge technological strength, Chinese game makers can create more globally influential IPs like the ‘Black Myth: Wukong’,” said Xue.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Alexander Novak took part in the Youth Day of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”
September 28, 2024
Alexander Novak took part in the Youth Day of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”
September 28, 2024
Alexander Novak took part in the Youth Day of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”
September 28, 2024
Previous news Next news
Alexander Novak took part in the Youth Day of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak took part in the Youth Day as part of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”, which traditionally brings together representatives of the youth community – schoolchildren, students, postgraduates and young specialists in the fuel and energy sector.
The Youth Day was held in the format of the intellectual game “Who Wants to Become an Energy Specialist”, co-hosted by Alexander Novak.
Three teams took part in the game, which included managers and representatives of key companies in the industry and students from specialized universities.
The oil and gas industry was represented by the Chairman of the Management Board of PJSC Gazprom Neft Alexander Dyukov and a first-year master’s student in the Oil and Gas Engineering program at the Tyumen Industrial University Maria Sivkova. The mining industry team included Vladimir Rashevsky, a member of the Supervisory Board of the NP Market Council Association, and Ilya Stepanov, a fifth-year student in the Transport Systems of Mining Production program at the Empress Catherine II St. Petersburg Mining University. The electric power industry was represented by Andrey Ryumin, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of PJSC Rosseti, and Egor Sergeev, a first-year master’s student in the Electric Power Industry and Electrical Engineering program at the National Research University MPEI.
Participants answered questions regarding the history of mineral extraction, the geography of significant industry facilities in Russia and other countries, scientific discoveries, the technological process of energy resource production, etc.
The players had the opportunity to use hints twice – from the audience and experts, who were the rectors of the country’s leading industry universities. Each team answered all seven questions and earned the maximum number of points.
Thus, all three teams won the main prize. The students received the opportunity to intern at the companies PAO Gazprom Neft, the association NP Market Council, PAO Rosseti, and the mentors were invited to intern at the Government of Russia.
“Energy is one of the most high-tech areas where modern digital technologies are being implemented today. Therefore, it is especially pleasant to see talented, proactive schoolchildren, students, young industry specialists in this hall, with whom the future of our energy sector is connected. As you know, Russia is one of the world leaders in the fuel and energy sector, and it is very important for us to maintain these positions,” said Alexander Novak.
At the end of the game, Alexander Novak awarded participants of professional competitions in the oil and gas complex and energy sector: IT Championship of the Oil Industry, International Engineering Championship CASE-IN, All-Russian Competition of Graduation Qualification Works with commemorative diplomas.
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://government.ru/nevs/52831/
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.
joined The Trust at the end of February 2018 where he is serving as the Chief Operating Officer. In that capacity, he is responsible for the management and operation of an internal team which supports the areas of finance, business planning, budgeting, human resources, administration and IT.
Prior to joining The Trust, Alex had worked at the General Secretariat of the OAS. Starting as a field accountant, he worked his way through the ranks and culminated a 17-year career as the Chief, Financial Operations for the OAS where he supervised a staff of 40 and had overall responsibility for the OAS’ financial operations In Washington and at the 29 offices away from Headquarters.
After leaving the OAS in December 2011, he started a company providing services in accounting, advisory, and taxes. The company’s portfolio included six non-profits among its clients. Alex holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Towson University and is a Certified Governmental Financial Manager (CGFM). The CGFM is a professional certification awarded by the Association of Government Accountants.
Alex is fluent in both English and Spanish. Dr. Mark Moyou is a Senior Data Scientist at NVIDIA, developing scalable machine learning solutions for top North American retailers. With previous roles at Lucidworks and Alstom Transportation, he brings a wealth of experience in machine learning applications. Dr. Moyou, who holds advanced degrees in Systems Engineering, also actively contributes to the tech community as the host of the Caribbean Tech Pioneers Podcast and the Southern Data Science Conference in Atlanta.
BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) announced it awarded a $61,492,477 contract to Korte Construction Company for the construction and renovation of a building for use as an Aircraft Maintenance Facility to accommodate the Disaster Resiliency Program mission. The work is expected to be completed on October 8, 2026, and will be performed at Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB).
“While it may have seemed unlikely in 2010, operations at Grand Forks Air Force Base continue to grow, and improvements and growth go hand in hand,”said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC).“This contract is a welcome development to renovate the Aircraft Maintenance Facility and ensure our airmen have a modern building to meet the needs of today’s threats.”
Cramer has used his seat on SASC to support military installations and defense ecosystem partnerships in North Dakota. In August, Cramer flipped the switch to bring the Space Development Agency (SDA) Operations Center North online at GFAFB, participated in a Grand Forks Base Retention Committee meeting, toured the University of North Dakota (UND) National Security Corridor, and announced new Navy personnel at GFAFB. Cramer also joined E-Space CEO Greg Wyler in meeting with UND faculty and SDA staff to discuss workforce development and initiatives, and announced educational initiatives between SDA and UND.
Painting of an unknown 21-year-old man, widely supposed to be Christopher Marlowe (1585).Corpus Christi College
In Shakespeare’s time, about a quarter of all plays were collaboratively written by two or more dramatists. Christopher Marlowe’s classic work Doctor Faustus was first performed in the 1580s or early 1590s but only published in 1604, 11 years after his death. The dramatists Samuel Rowley and William Bird were paid in 1602 to write new additions to the play.
However, researchers have long suspected that the original play was not written by Marlowe alone. Its broader comic parts, largely in prose, have been thought to be the work of a second writer who never got the credit they deserved.
Previous research has suggested one of the dramatists Thomas Nashe or Henry Porter. Nashe left us only one play, Summer’s Last Will and Testament (1592). Porter wrote several in collaboration with other dramatists, but only one sole-authored play survives, The Two Angry Women of Abingdon (1599).
So, can a new computer analysis of texts resolve this question and finally credit the second author of Doctor Faustus?
In an article in the journal Notes & Queries and a piece in the Guardian, Darren Freebury-Jones describes computer techniques that point to Marlowe’s co-author being Porter. But we have found methodological problems in Freebury-Jones’s approach, and believe the evidence he presents does not support the conclusions he draws from it.
Computational analysis can certainly generate new knowledge about authorship, but his work is not a convincing example of this burgeoning art.
Unique matches
Freebury-Jones’s Notes & Queries article presents tables from a free online dataset, Collocations and N-Grams, created by independent Shakespeare analyst Pervez Rizvi. For 527 plays from the 1550s to the 1650s (pretty much all of those that have survived from this period), the dataset lists all four-word phrases that each play has in common with the other 526.
But the phrases Rizvi considers most significant are those that appear only in the play under consideration and one other play – known as “unique matches”. For each of the 527 plays, he ranks which other plays have the most unique matches to it.
If these rare phrases are particular to each dramatist’s idiolect (unique way of speaking), then researchers should, for example, find at the top of the Macbeth table some other plays by Shakespeare. And we do: among the top-ten plays that share the most unique matches with Macbeth are Julius Caesar, Coriolanus, King Lear and Hamlet.
But while the top-ten list for Macbeth gives grounds for optimism about Freebury-Jones’s method, since four of its plays are Shakespeare’s, the top-ten list for Doctor Faustus, reproduced below, dashes this:
The Taming of a Shrew
A Trick to Catch the Old One
The Devil’s Charter
Albumazar
Caesar and Pompey, or Caesar’s Revenge
The Family of Love
Messalina, the Roman Empress
The Sisters
The Two Angry Women of Abingdon
Tamburlaine
While Porter is present in this list as the author of The Two Angry Women of Abingdon, Marlowe himself has only one play in it: Tamburlaine (1587) at position ten. If this method were detecting authorship, Marlowe’s other plays should dominate the list, just as the Macbeth list is dominated by Shakespeare plays.
Moreover, Porter’s play also appears at number ten for unique matches with Macbeth. This suggests the evidence for Porter being a coauthor of Macbeth is almost as strong as for Doctor Faustus – but Freebury-Jones makes no mention of this.
Illustration from the title page of a 1620 edition of Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus. John Wright
Porter can hardly be expected to dominate any top-ten list as Shakespeare does for Macbeth, since he left us only play. In contrast, with his roughly 1 million words of writing, Shakespeare presents a much greater “surface area” to any method that counts rare words or phrases – so he has more opportunities than anyone else to write the rare phrases we are looking for. To compensate for this, Rizvi discounts the significance of matches to authors with large canons.
Freebury-Jones mentions that the raw counts “are divided by the combined word counts for each pairing”, which is the scaling process Rizvi describes in the notes to Collocations and N-Grams. But nobody knows if this is the right way to scale for different canons or not, because the science of this problem has not been explored.
Rizvi changed his scaling formula in 2018 at my (Gabriel Egan’s) suggestion. But I did not claim to have solved the problem, and I consider it an open question whether we can derive a fair formula for such scaling.
Furthermore, Rizvi’s dataset does not distinguish between the plays that Shakespeare wrote alone and those he co-wrote, so his scaling factor treats as Shakespeare’s some substantial writings of other authors.
Further problems
This highlights another question with the analysis. In the top-ten list for unique matches with Macbeth are two plays co-authored by the dramatists Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher: The Woman Hater (1606) and Philaster (1620).
So, what should a researcher do when a play has more than one author? One response is to count matches to Beaumont’s part separately from matches to Fletcher’s part, using the widely accepted divisions of these two plays – as first proposed by Cyrus Hoy, an expert in the English Renaissance stage, in 1958. Alternatively, you could exclude co-authored plays entirely, as many authorship investigators do.
But Freebury-Jones says nothing about this problem of judging writers by their co-authored works. This consideration bears somewhat on Macbeth too, since many Shakespearians believe the playwright Thomas Middleton wrote about 5%-10% of it.
So where does all this leave Porter? Freebury-Jones ends his Notes & Queries piece with a cautious claim: “We may reasonably conclude that Henry Porter is a likelier candidate than [Thomas] Nashe for Marlowe’s collaborator on Doctor Faustus.”
But in speaking to the Guardian, he abandoned this caution. He reports being “astonished by just how close the dramatic language of Doctor Faustus actually was to Porter”, and insists that we must recognise “Porter as the most likely collaborator”.
It’s possible that Porter did co-write Doctor Faustus. But the problems with Freebury-Jones’s analysis mean that, for now, we still can’t say for sure.
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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
On September 25, 2024, during a working visit to Donetsk, the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev held a meeting with participants of the University Shifts project.
The rector met with the director’s advisor for educational work at secondary school No. 9 in the city of Snezhnoye, Tatyana Pilipenko, and the physical education teacher at Shakhtyorsky secondary school No. 18, Alina Shandyuk.
Let us recall that for a number of years, the staff of the State University of Management headed by Vladimir Stroyev has been creating methodological support for youth tourism for school teachers from the DPR within the framework of the project “University Shifts”. Tatyana Pilipenko and Alina Shandyuk have been cooperating with the State University of Management since the very first “University Shift” that took place at our university, helping to develop methodological recommendations as part of working groups.
As a result of the discussion, it was decided to expand the range of scientific and practical developments for the system of higher and additional education to implement the national task of training personnel to improve management in the tourism sector. The decision was made in accordance with the current task of achieving value sovereignty through the study of the history of Russia and the constituent elements of the cultural code of a Russian.
Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 09/28/2024
в ходе рабочего визита в Донецк ректор Государственного университета управления Владимир Строев провёл встречу с участницами проекта «Университетские смены»….” data-yashareImage=”https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/Визит-в-ДНР.-Универсмены.jpg” data-yashareLink=”https://guu.ru/%d0%b2%d0%bb%d0%b0%d0%b4%d0%b8%d0%bc%d0%b8%d1%80-%d1%81%d1%82%d1%80%d0%be%d0%b5%d0%b2-%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%be%d0%b2%d1%91%d0%bb-%d1%80%d0%b0%d0%b1%d0%be%d1%87%d1%83%d1%8e-%d0%b2%d1%81%d1%82%d1%80%d0%b5/”>
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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.
The Albanese Government is investing $70.9 million to get almost 1,500 new teachers from a range of backgrounds into schools across the country.
The Government is tripling the number of teachers entering into the High Achieving Teachers (HAT) Program, which provides financial assistance, mentoring and training to get teachers into the classroom more quickly, helping to tackle the teacher workforce shortage.
The funding will be provided to ten providers to get more people, including mid-career professionals and high-achieving school leavers, into the teaching profession.
The HAT Program is part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan that Education Ministers agreed to in 2022.
It builds on the success of Phase 1 of the HAT Program already underway in Victoria and New South Wales with 94 per cent of graduates from the La Trobe Nexus program continuing to teach after graduating.
The providers will support the teachers-in-training to complete their qualifications and make a successful start in the classroom, providing them with the skills they need to commence a career in teaching.
Participants receive a salary and split their time between practical teaching in the classroom and studying.
The new school teachers will start to be placed into schools that need them the most in 2025.
The program focuses on attracting new teachers, including with a STEM background, First Nations peoples, people with disability, teacher aides and people based in remote locations.
They will teach across all states and territories, in government and non-government schools, and across primary and secondary schools.
A list of successful providers from the open-competitive grant opportunity follows:
