FOCUS
- May 31, 2022. By Theresa Hitchens, Breaking Defense. Diplomats and experts at the first formal meeting of the UN working group attempting to forge new international norms to guide military activities in space were expecting the worst — that the week-long meeting would start and end in finger-pointing acrimony — only to be surprised by what key players say was for the most part a productive launch. UN talks on space norms surprisingly collegial, but fireworks to come: Sources
THINK TANKS & GLOBAL NEWS
THE SCIENCE OF WHERE
- May 31, 2022. By Sydney Rich, Esri. In Bridgeport, Connecticut, properties once bustling with manufacturing are now prime sites for warehouses and other logistic and transportation uses, taking advantage of the city’s strategic location between New York City and Boston. At least that’s the city’s plan, in response to growing demand to shore up supply chain gaps in the US. However, many of the abandoned or rundown factories could still be hazardous due to past industrial uses so officials must determine where turnaround can happen quickly. Connecticut: How Maps of Past Contamination Focus Redevelopment in Cities
- May 26, 2022. By Sunny Fleming, Esri. The wilderness of Essex County, Massachusetts, has long inspired explorers and free spirits to wander its paths. Henry David Thoreau, a Massachusetts native who wrote extensively of his love for the local woodlands, wrote, “To be admitted to Nature’s hearth costs nothing . . . You have only to push aside the curtain.” For residents interested in exploring the vibrant trails of the northeast corner of the state, in pushing aside that curtain, it can be hard to know where to start. Massachusetts Hikers Go Exploring with Smart Map Trails App
- May 24, 2022. By Steve Gay, Esri. Glimpsed through the windshield as you head south out of San Francisco, the Bayshore Freeway is just a 50-mile stretch of US Route 101 that connects the city with San Jose. What you don’t see is a mile-wide corridor of higher-than-average pollution to the west. CalEnviroScreen: A Geographic Approach to Environmental Justice
DIGITAL & TECH
- May 31, 2022. By Eileen Yu, ZDNet. Singapore is aiming to boost its capabilities in quantum computing with new initiatives to develop relevant skillsets and quantum devices. It stresses the need to do so to ensure encryption technologies remain robust and able to withstand “brute force” attacks. Singapore ups investment in quantum computing to stay ahead of security threats
- May 31, 2022. By Justin Sherman, Lawfare. Data brokers’ unregulated buying and selling of Americans’ data on the open market continues to make headlines. Vice reported in May, for example, that data broker SafeGraph was openly selling GPS data on people visiting abortion clinics (the company has since claimed it stopped providing location pattern data for sale and for access through its API). Examining State Bills on Data Brokers
- May 30, 2022. By
- May 30, 2022. By Rufas Kamau, Forbes. Bitcoin gives one sovereignty, but the responsibility of safe storage is the cost of continuing to enjoy such sovereignty. The promise of permissionless money that is tamper-proof and sensor-proof is only realistic if the Bitcoin is held in self custody. How To Safely Self-Custody Your Bitcoin
- May 30, 2022. By Tanveer Zafar, Entrepreneur. The idea of decentralized finance was born around 2017, a few years after the launch of the Ethereum Blockchain. Since then, the DeFi space has increasingly attracted attention from many different key opinion leaders, influencers and investors. The Future is DeFi: Going Beyond the Traditional Norm
- May 30, 2022. By Darrell M. West, Brookings. The Metaverse is an immersive environment that combines virtual and augmented realities and allows people to integrate their digital and physical spaces. There is a lot of hype surrounding this concept and not everyone uses the term in the same way, so it is important to determine what the Metaverse is and what issues it raises for consumers and businesses. Already, there are questions about privacy, security, virtual content moderation, the sale of virtual goods, and data ownership so unpacking this notion is critical. TechTank Podcast Episode 45: Deciphering the Metaverse
- May 26, 2022. By Shania Kennedy, Health IT Analytics. Clinicians at Pennsylvania-based Geisinger health system have deployed an artificial intelligence (AI) medical imaging model that uses computed tomography (CT) scans to create 3D models of a patient’s arteries, helping to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) without the use of invasive procedures. Geisinger Deploys AI Imaging Model to Diagnose Coronary Artery Disease
- May 26, 2022. By Shania Kennedy, Health IT Analytics. Only about half of respondents (52 percent) identified health information as part of the personal data collected and shared in clinical settings, indicating significant knowledge gaps among patients about healthcare data collection, use, and security. Data Sharing Knowledge Gaps Widespread Among Patients
- May 25, 2022. By Shania Kennedy, Health IT Analytics. In a letter to the chair and vice-chair of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office (NAIIO), healthcare and technology stakeholders asked that healthcare be included in the scope of its work to advance US artificial intelligence (AI) by adding a healthcare subcommittee to the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC). Stakeholders Urge White House’s AI Office to Include Healthcare
- May 25, 2022. By Shania Kennedy, Health IT Analytics. Danville, Pennsylvania-based Geisinger health system and biotechnology research company Tempus have developed an electrocardiogram (ECG)-based artificial intelligence (AI) model that can predict undiagnosed structural heart disease (SHD). Geisinger, Tempus Develop AI Model to Predict Heart Disease
- May 24, 2022. By Shania Kennedy, Health IT Analytics. US Radiology Specialists’ partner North Carolina-based Charlotte Radiology will implement AI solutions from Volpara Health to improve breast cancer care. Physician-owned radiology company US Radiology Specialists is partnering with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) software company Volpara Health to deploy AI tools at Charlotte Radiology with the aim of enhancing mammography services and breast cancer care. NC Radiology Center to Deploy AI Tools for Enhanced Breast Cancer Care
- May 19, 2022. By Felix Kaiser, Marc Sommerer, Stefan Thimm, and Jan Vandaele, McKinsey & Company. A pandemic, inflation, and geopolitical conflict are affecting global supply chains. We offer an approach companies can use to avoid product shortages and mitigate the effects of price volatility. Managing supply chain risks
PERSPECTIVES
- May 30, 2022. By Chatham House. The COVID-19 pandemic has cost the world so much since it emerged in late 2019. More than 6 million people have lost their lives, and there has scarcely been an aspect of modern life untouched by the pandemic. How to build a better world post-COVID-19
- May 31, 2022. By Sujata Rao, Reuters. European shares fell on Tuesday and Wall Street was tipped to start weaker as surging oil prices fanned fears of further acceleration in global inflation that would keep the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks raising interest rates. Oil surge fans inflation fears, dampens stocks
- May 31, 2022. By Reuters. Russia’s central bank said on Tuesday that the role of the dollar and the euro as global currencies would decline as central banks rethink their strategies after the West froze Russian reserves, suggesting it could consider imposing negative rates for dollar and euro deposits. Russian central bank plays down role of dollar and euro at home and globally
- May 31, 2022. By Emeline Burckel, Al-Monitor. Saudia Arabia, Russia and their allies are likely to stick to their policy of modest oil output increases when they meet Thursday after the EU banned most imports from Moscow. EU’s Russian oil ban unlikely to affect OPEC+ decision
AROUND THE WORLD
Canada – Russia
- May 31, 2022. By Reuters. Canada said Tuesday it was imposing new sanctions on Russia and putting restrictions on 22 individuals and four entities in response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Canada imposes Russia-related sanctions 22 individuals, 4 entities
China
- May 31, 2022. By World Nuclear News. The concreting has been completed of the inner containment dome of unit 1 at the Zhangzhou nuclear power plant in China’s Fujian province, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) affiliate China Nuclear Industry 24 Construction Company (CNI24) has announced. Zhangzhou unit 1, the first of two Hualong One units at the site, is scheduled to enter commercial operation in 2024. Inner dome completed at Zhangzhou unit 1 : New Nuclear
China – India
- May 31, 2022. By Global Times. China remained India’s top trading partner in 2021 based on Chinese data, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday, in response to different trade rankings according to Indian statistics. Different statistical standards lead to discrepancies between Chinese, Indian trade rankings: FM
China – Papua New Guinea
- May 31, 2022. By Global Times. Papua New Guinea is the first country in the South Pacific to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the construction of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Projects undertaken by Chinese enterprises under the BRI have led to fruitful benefits for local people – higher living standards, more jobs and skilled training. Projects under China-proposed BRI benefit PNG significantly
- May 31, 2022. By Shen Weiduo, Global Times. In recent years, cooperation between China and Papua New Guinea (PNG) has seen rapid progress, especially after the South Pacific island nation became the first in the region to sign a MOU on the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with China. As Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting regional countries, including PNG, China’s Ambassador to PNG Zeng Fanhua (Zeng) shared his views on the current China-PNG ties, future prospects for cooperation and external meddling with Global Times (GT) reporter Shen Weiduo. Strengthening China-PNG ties won’t be affected by external disruptions: Chinese envoy
Ethiopia
- May 31, 2022. By Giulia Paravicini, Reuters. Eritrean forces shelled a town in north Ethiopia over the weekend, according to internal U.N. documents and regional forces, in a rare bombardment after two months of relative peace in the Tigray conflict. Eritrean troops shell town in north Ethiopia – U.N.
Europe
- May 31, 2022. By Balazs Koranyi and Jan Strupczewski, Reuters. Euro zone inflation rose to another record high in May, boosting government bond yields as markets saw the data as a challenge to the European Central Bank’s view that gradual interest rate increases from July will be enough to tame fast price growth. Euro zone inflation hits new record, adding to case for big ECB rate hikes
- May 31, 2022. By Global Times. The EU’s new curbs on Russian oil imports, intended to put more pressure on Russia over the Ukraine conflict, will backfire by driving global crude prices up to about $130 per barrel after hitting a two-month high of $120 per barrel, dealing a further blow to European countries’ recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and further disrupting global oil markets, a Chinese expert said on Tuesday. EU’s curbs on Russian oil criticized for driving up global prices
France
- May 31, 2022. By World Nuclear News. The Chooz A nuclear reactor, built into a hillside, is the first pressurised water reactor (PWR) to be decommissioned in France. In its latest review of progress the French nuclear regulator says monitoring of the action plan on site could be improved, but it approved the continued decommissioning activities. French regulator reviews Chooz A decommissioning : Waste & Recycling
Horn of Africa
- May 31, 2022. By Reuters. Millions of people face severe hunger in the Horn of Africa as the worst drought in more than 40 years could extend to a fifth consecutive failed rainy season, the United Nations and humanitarian agencies warned on Tuesday. Drought threatens starvation in Horn of Africa, U.N., agencies say
Iran
- May 31, 2022. By IRNA. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Tuesday that the slogan of “Neither East, nor West” doesn’t mean isolationism and avoiding east and west, but rather the main goal is being independent of East and West. FM: Being independent Iran’s main policy
Iran – IAEA
- May 31, 2022. By Reuters. Iran accused the International Atomic Energy Agency on Tuesday of publishing an unfair report on its investigation into Tehran’s nuclear activities, possibly setting up a fresh diplomatic clash with the West. Iran decries ‘unfair’ IAEA report on nuclear activities
Iran – South Africa
- May 31, 2022. By IRNA. The Ambassador of South Africa to Tehran said that the upcoming visit of the Iranian President to South Africa, which will take place in October or November, is an opportunity to strengthen and stabilize the two countries’ ties. Iranian president’s visit to South Africa to boost mutal ties: Envoy
Iraq
- May 31, 2022. By Kurdistan 24. The Kirkuk criminal court has issued a decree sentencing the former head of the oil-rich province’s provincial council to six years imprisonment. Iraqi court sentences former head of Kirkuk Provincial Council to six years in prison
Japan
- May 31, 2022. By World Nuclear News. The Sapporo District Court has issued a ruling granting a request for an injunction against the operation of the three-unit Tomari nuclear power plant on Japan’s northern Hokkaido island. Operator Hokkaido Electric Power Company said it will appeal against the decision. Japanese court rules Tomari plant must not restart : Regulation & Safety
Lebanon
- May 31, 2022. By Rouba El Husseini, Al-Monitor. Lebanese lawmakers re-elected Nabih Berri as parliament speaker Tuesday for a seventh consecutive term, cementing his reputation as an immovable centrepiece of the country’s political landscape. Lebanon re-elects Nabih Berri as speaker for seventh term
Libya
- May 31, 2022. By The Libya Observer. More than 200 local and foreign companies are participating in the Libya Build International Exhibition for Building and Construction in its 12th session that has kicked off on the grounds of the Tripoli International Fair. Libya Build Int Exhibition kicks off in Tripoli featuring 215 firms
- May 31, 2022. By The Libya Observer. Head of the National Oil Corporation (NOC) Mustafa Sanalla discussed with the CEO of Repsol, Josu Imaz aspects of cooperation in the area of oil exploration and production and renewable energies during the former’s visit to Repsol’s HQ in Madrid on Monday. Sanalla meets Repsol’s officials during visit to Madrid
- May 31, 2022. By The Libya Observer. Qatar has expressed readiness to activate agreements signed with Libya, especially in the health sector, according to Qatari ambassador to Libya, Khalid Al-Dousari, who met on Monday the Libyan Health Minister-designate Ramadan Abu Janah in Tripoli. Qatar says it’s ready to activate agreements signed with Libya
- May 31, 2022. By The Libya Observer. The head of the Presidential Council (PC), Mohammed Menfi, has met with the British Ambassador to Libya, Caroline Hurndall, to discuss the latest political, economic and security developments. Menfi, British ambassador discuss latest political, economic and security developments
Russia
- May 30, 2022. By Andrew Wood, Chatham House. Vladimir Putin was generally welcomed in the West as the president who would restore order and pursue reform when he replaced a tired and discredited Yeltsin in 2000. Few then sensed that he might instead lead the Russian people towards the tragedy that now hangs over them. Putin’s purposes an affront to his office, his people, and their future
Russia – Ukraine
- May 31, 2022. By Joe Gould, Defense News. Amid mounting calls to break Russia’s blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports for grain exports, America’s top military officer said that to do so militarily would amount to a “high risk military operation.”. With food crisis looming, Milley says using military to end Russian blockade would be ‘high risk’
- May 31, 2022. By Reuters. Ukraine has identified more than 600 Russian war crime suspects and has started prosecuting around 80 of them, Kyiv’s top prosecutor said on Tuesday. Ukraine has identified 600 Russian war crime suspects – prosecutor
Syria
- May 31, 2022. By SOHR. SOHR activists have reported that regime forces stationed at a military checkpoint have blocked a US patrol near Tel Al-Dhahab village in Al-Hasakah countryside and forced the US patrol to change their way. No skirmishes have been reported. It is worth noting that blocking US patrols by regime forces has been repeated almost daily. Recurrent event | Regime checkpoint blocks US convoy in Al-Hasakah countryside
- May 31, 2022. By SOHR. Hiba Moussa, a Syrian schoolgirl in a family of seven living in an unfinished, dim apartment just outside the capital city, often has to do her homework in the morning, as electricity is cut off in the poor neighborhood for the most of the night. Poor Syrian children seek education as salvation from plight
- May 31, 2022. By SOHR. SOHR sources have reported that unknown gunmen shot dead a 16-year-old child in front of his house in Al-Hawayij town in the east of Deir Ezzor yesterday evening. Security vacuum | Unknown gunmen shoot child dead in eastern Deir Ezzor
- May 31, 2022. By SOHR. SOHR activists have reported that Turkish forces stationed at Thulthanah base in Marea city, north of Aleppo have fired artillery shells on Al-Sha’alah, Zawyan villages and the outskirts of Umm Al-Hosh and Umm Al-Qura in northern Aleppo countryside. Turkish offensive l Heavy artillery shells hit five villages, north of Aleppo
- May 31, 2022. By SOHR. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has discussed Ankara’s planned military operation in northern Syria and the war in Ukraine with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Erdogan’s office said Monday. Erdogan discusses Turkey’s Syria incursion plans with Putin
- May 31, 2022. By SOHR. SOHR sources have reported that Russian forces have conducted two separate patrols in the western countryside of Al-Hasakah, near the Syria-Turkey border. Amid flights by Russian helicopters | Russian forces run two separate patrols in Al-Hasakah countryside on Syria-Turkey border
Tajikistan – Iran
- May 31, 2022. By IRNA. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon expressed interest in access to the Iranian seaport for the transport of goods and products, the Tajik news agency Asia Plus wrote on Tuesday. Tajikistan president expresses interest in using Iranian seaports
UK
- May 31, 2022. By World Nuclear News. A new laser-welding robotic “snake” developed by the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA) robotics research centre has demonstrated its capability to operate inside nuclear fusion plant pipework in trials at the Culham Science Centre near Oxford. Robotic snake shows its ability in fusion challenge : New Nuclear
- May 31, 2022. By Theo Beal, David Lawrence, Chatham House. The UK government’s decision to cut aid – from 0.7 per cent to 0.5 per cent of Gross National Income – has triggered widespread criticism for both its immediacy and potential humanitarian damage. These cuts were recently confirmed as part of the government’s new development strategy. Does the UK’s new development strategy support its foreign policy objectives?
USA
- May 31, 2022. By Karen Brettell, Reuters. With the Federal Reserve set to begin letting bonds mature off its $9 trillion balance sheet, the key metric to watch will be whether Treasury volatility picks up as a result in a market already suffering bouts of low liquidity. Analysis: Treasury market faces liquidity risks as Fed pares balance sheet
- May 31, 2022. By Jarrett Renshaw, Reuters. U.S. President Joe Biden will meet Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday as historic inflation continues to drain Americans’ pocketbooks. Biden, Fed Chair Powell to meet as inflation continues to weigh on consumers
DEFENSE – MILITARY – CYBER
- May 31, 2022. By Elizabeth Montalbano, Threat Post. The malvertiser’s use of PowerShell could push it beyond its basic capabilities to spread ransomware, spyware or steal data from browser sessions, researchers warn. ChromeLoader Browser Hijacker Provides Gateway to Bigger Threats
- May 31, 2022. By Phil Muncaster, Infosecurity. A low-cost Turkish airline accidentally leaked personal information of flight crew alongside source code and flight data after misconfiguring an AWS bucket, it has emerged. Turkish Airline Exposes Flight and Crew Info in 6.5TB Leak
- May 31, 2022. By Naval News. The Royal Canadian Navy christened two new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS), HMCS Margaret Brooke and HMCS Max Bernays, at the Halifax Shipyard on May 29, 2022. Royal Canadian Navy names 2 new AOPS in Halifax Shipyard
- May 31, 2022. By Breaking Defense. Wearable technology is one of the hottest commercial trends of recent years, but penetration into the Pentagon has been fairly limited. In this new analysis, Air Force officers Gabe Arrington and Christopher Mulder argue that the department should embrace the potential of the new technologies, despite privacy and data rights questions that will need to be addressed. Time to start operationalizing wearable technology in the DoD
- May 31, 2022. By
- May 31, 2022. By Naval News. Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100, given to Romania by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), has begun its maritime surveillance mission in support of the Romanian Border Police. Schiebel Camcopter S-100 Performs Maritime Survellience in Romania
Le interviste di The Science of Where Magazine
