He Lifeng met with Slovakian Deputy Prime Minister Denisa Sakova

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) — Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China and member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee He Lifeng met with Slovakian Vice Premier and Economy Minister Denisa Sakova in Beijing on Tuesday.

He Lifeng emphasized China's commitment to implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and expressed its readiness to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with Slovakia in various fields.

He also reaffirmed China's firm position on upholding multilateralism and free trade, and promised to further develop relations between the two countries, as well as between China and the European Union.

D. Sakova, in turn, said that Slovakia attaches great importance to Slovak-Chinese relations and is ready to further strengthen cooperation with China in trade and investment areas and in other areas, thereby contributing to the continuous development of bilateral relations. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

A training course for Uzbek prosecutors has begun in Beijing.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) — A training program for Uzbek prosecutors began Monday at the Shahe campus of the National Institute for Prosecutors Training in Beijing's Changping District, the Supreme People's Prosecutor's Office (SPP) of China said.

As is known, the 21-day program includes lectures given by Chinese legal experts, scholars, and senior prosecutors. The program places particular emphasis on integrating theoretical and practical courses to comprehensively highlight China's valuable experience in promoting the rule of law, particularly the institutional features and practical development of the procuratorate system with Chinese characteristics.

During the training, prosecutors from Uzbekistan will also visit Beijing, Qingdao (Shandong Province, eastern China), and Urumqi (the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, northwest China), where they will learn about China's latest achievements in the rule of law and socioeconomic development. In recent years, nearly 20 high-level meetings have been held between the Chinese and Uzbek prosecutors' offices.

The training program, conducted by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the National Institute for Prosecutor Training, is reportedly aimed at providing Uzbek prosecutors with an in-depth understanding of China's judicial system, particularly the prosecutorial system. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

SPbGASU became one of the venues for the 12th District Rally of Student Teams of the Northwestern Federal District

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Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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Creative performance by the student teaching team "Orbita" (SPbSUT)

The 12th District Student Team Rally of the Northwestern Federal District took place in St. Petersburg from October 9–11. SPbGASU was one of the host venues.

The gathering was organized by the St. Petersburg regional branch of the Russian Student Brigades, with the participation of the St. Petersburg Committee for Youth Policy and Interaction with Public Organizations and the Vector Center for the Support of Youth Initiatives. The student brigades headquarters, with the support of the Youth Policy Department, acted as organizers on behalf of our university.

According to Polina Yurkova, head of the press center for the SPbGASU student team headquarters, the event brought together more than 70 people from St. Petersburg, the Leningrad Region, Arkhangelsk, Pskov, Veliky Novgorod, Kaliningrad, the Republic of Karelia, and the Komi Republic.

Activists competed in professional skills competitions among archaeological and pedagogical student teams, participated in a quiz, and discussed the development vector of student teams in the district as part of the business program.

The members of the teaching teams completed a test on counseling activities; solved cases on first aid and safety; developed and presented interactive forms of working with children; and performed creative team performances.

Evgeniya Sidorova, a student at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU) from the "Freedom" student pedagogical group, performed a dance routine alongside other fighters. "I witnessed the high-quality organization of this large event. The highlight for me was our performance. The support both backstage and in the audience was incredible!" she said.

Members of the archaeological teams competed in their ability to divide an excavation into squares (divide the excavation site into squares for the sequential study of the cultural layer), sift the spoil heap (dug-up earth) to search for small finds, work with a level (a geodetic instrument for measuring the difference in height between points on the earth's surface), describe the stratigraphy (the sequence of soil layers in a section), and describe the finds.

Akim Kovalchuk, a student at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering and the head of the student archaeological team "Lin," won the competition: "During the season, we mostly worked with a shovel and an archaeological shovel, sometimes measuring layers with a level. During the competition, I had to work with a sieve and create a stratigraphic chart. I'd never done this before, but I succeeded!"

Sofia Raikova, a student at the M.V. Lomonosov Northern (Arctic) Federal University and leader of the Labyrinth student archaeological team, reconnected with old acquaintances: "There's always a friendly atmosphere among archaeological teams. It was interesting to hear stories about field expeditions, discoveries, and each team's traditions. I also wanted to try my hand at the competition and gain new knowledge to share with my team."

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Chinese style postcard

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Library No. 86 invites you to a workshop on making Chinese-style cards using scrapbooking techniques. Participants will use not only paper but also ribbons, lace, rhinestones, buttons, and newspaper clippings. They will learn about traditional Chinese holiday colors and create unique souvenirs to give to friends or family.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The pride of the Polytechnic: the presentation of departmental awards and university distinctions

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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An awards ceremony was held at the Polytechnic University to recognize employees for their outstanding achievements. These awards recognize those who, through their achievements, scientific discoveries, teaching excellence, and dedicated work, make the Polytechnic University stronger.

Our employees have received awards from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, and honorary distinctions from SPbPU. These awards recognize their contribution to the development of the Polytechnic University and the future of Russian science and technology.

"Any organization is enhanced by its employees. Therefore, we are proud to have such sincere patriots who have dedicated their lives to serving education. We are grateful for your creative approach to work, for each of you contributing a 'small stone to the great mosaic' of the Polytechnic University," emphasized Andrey Rudskoy, Rector of the Polytechnic University.

Professor Dmitry Zaitsev of the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics was awarded the title of "Honored Worker of Science and High Technology of the Russian Federation."

The "Young Scientist" award was presented to Mikhail Enuchenko, associate professor at the Higher School of Electronic and Microsystems Engineering, and Alexey Lukin, associate professor at the Higher School of Mechanics and Control Processes.

In addition, the SPbPU "For Merit" honorary badges were awarded to Olga Alekseeva, Head of the Financial Asset Accounting Department; Nina Atisheva, Head of the Settlements and Liabilities Accounting Department; and Ekaterina Kalinina, Deputy Head of the HR Directorate.

Awards of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation

Medal "For Impeccable Labor and Distinction":

Voynov Igor Borisovich – Head of the Department of Finite Element Mechanics and Computer Engineering;

Gorbenko Victoria Dmitrievna – Associate Professor of the Higher School of International Educational Programs;

Nadezhda Yuryevna Grashchenko – Head of the Directorate of Basic Educational Programs;

Dubyago Vilena Viktorovna – Director of the Center for Development of Educational Programs;

Lysykh Tatyana Dmitrievna – leading economist of the department of financial, economic and analytical accounting of R&D;

Mikhailov Alexander Alexandrovich – Head of the Department of Licensing Software and International Projects;

Strizhich Lyubov Vladimirovna – leading economist of the labor and wages department;

Tamm Nina Aleksandrovna – leading specialist of the department of financial, economic and analytical accounting of R&D;

Sheptunova Tatyana Vladimirovna – Head of the Scholarship and Contract Department;

Shimanovich Evgeny Grigorievich – Head of the Medical and Biological Center

Honorary title "Honored Worker of Education of the Russian Federation"

Baibikov Roman Anatolyevich – Director of the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education;

Borisova Margarita Eduardovna – professor at the Higher School of High Voltage Power Engineering;

Bulovich Sergey Valerievich – Associate Professor of the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics;

Zayats Oleg Ivanovich – Associate Professor of the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics;

Zverev Sergey Gennadievich – Director of the Higher School of Electric Power Systems;

Zuikova Elena Georgievna – Associate Professor of the Department of Physical Training and Sports;

Kitanina Ekaterina Eduardovna – Associate Professor of the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics;

Olga Vladimirovna Kolosova – professor at the Higher School of Technological Entrepreneurship;

Korotkov Alexander Stanislavovich – Director of the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications;

Morozov Dmitry Valerievich – Associate Professor of the Higher School of Electronics and Microsystems Engineering;

Namazov Ali Knyazh Ogly – Associate Professor of the Department of Physical Fitness and Sports;

Nikolaeva Inna Pavlovna – Associate Professor of the Higher School of Mechanics and Control Processes;

Orlenko Elena Vladimirovna – professor at the Higher School of Fundamental Physics Research;

Puchkova Lyudmila Valentinovna – Professor of the Higher School of Biomedical Systems and Technologies;

Rodionova Elena Aleksandrovna – Associate Professor of the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics;

Svetlana Vladimirovna Ruleva – Senior Lecturer, Department of Physical Fitness and Sports;

Talalov Viktor Alekseevich – Associate Professor of the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics;

Vladimir Sergeevich Chudny, Associate Professor at the Higher School of Electric Power Systems

Honorary Diploma of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia

Aronova Ekaterina Borisovna – Associate Professor of the Higher School of Biotechnology and Food Production;

Barsukova Natalia Valerievna – Associate Professor of the Higher School of Biotechnology and Food Production;

Galkin Aleksey Vasilyevich – Head of the Laboratory "Electrotechnology";

Egorova Irina Aleksandrovna – leading economist, planning and financial analysis department;

Svetlana Mikhailovna Korneeva – Leading Specialist of the Directorate of Educational Programs

Honorary title "Honored Worker of Science and High Technology of the Russian Federation"

Dmitry Kirillovich Zaitsev, professor at the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics

"Young Scientist" badge

Enuchenko Mikhail Sergeevich – Associate Professor of the Higher School of Electronic and Microsystems Engineering;

Alexey Vyacheslavovich Lukin, Associate Professor at the Higher School of Mechanics and Control Processes

Awards of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation

Honorary title "Honored Worker of Education of the Russian Federation"

Varfolomeeva Natalia Mikhailovna – teacher at the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education

Certificate of Honor of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation

Bazhenova Tatyana Sergeevna – teacher at the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education;

Selifontova Anna Sergeevna – teacher at the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education;

Talalaeva Darya Aleksandrovna – teacher at the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education

SPbPU Honorary Badge of Distinction "For Merit"

Alekseeva Olga Aleksandrovna – Head of the Financial Assets Accounting Department;

Atisheva Nina Mikhailovna – head of the department for accounting of settlements and obligations;

Ekaterina Sergeevna Kalinina – Deputy Head of the HR Directorate

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

October 13, 2025 Microplastics in Everyday Life: How to Avoid Them

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Ecology Foundation

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Microplastics in Everyday Life: How to Avoid Them

The invisible companion of modernity.

We live in a world where plastic has become a part of everything, from packaging to clothing. Its smallest particles (less than 5 mm) are already everywhere: in water, food, air, and even in our bodies.

Scientists are finding microplastics in oceans, rainwater, and Arctic snowpack. Recent studies have shown that microparticles have been found in human blood and lungs.The Guardian, 2023)

It's difficult to completely avoid contact with microplastics, but you can significantly reduce the amount of them in your life.

What is the source of microplastics?

Synthetic clothing (polyester, nylon, acrylic) releases microfibers with each wash.

Plastic containers – especially when heated.

Disposable plastic items: bottles, lids, packaging.

Cosmetics and cleaning products.

How to reduce the amount of microplastics in your home

Do not reheat food in plastic

Hot food and drinks accelerate the release of microparticles. Use glass, metal, or ceramic. Wash eco-friendly.

When washing synthetics, thousands of fibers are released.

Wash full loads at low temperatures.

Give up single-use plastic

Thermal mug – simple things that will help nature.

Be careful with the composition of cosmetics

Choose products without polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon—these are the ingredients that often hide microplastics.

Small steps – big effect

Every cloth bag and ceramic mug you buy is a step toward reducing plastic waste. Changing even one daily habit makes a big and important difference.

Together we make the world a cleaner place.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Polytechnic University Expands Horizons: Participation in an Educational Exhibition in Oman

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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St. Petersburg Polytechnic University participated in EduTrac Oman, one of the largest educational exhibitions in the Gulf region, held in Muscat. The event provided a platform for universities and other institutions to connect with prospective students, prospective students, and their parents. The Polytechnic University was represented by Hamouda Khaled, Associate Professor at the Higher School of Mechanical Engineering, and Albina Bakurina, Deputy Head of the International Student Services Department.

In addition to the Polytechnic University, universities from Oman, Iran, the UK, Germany, Greece, Cyprus, Japan, and Malaysia were represented at the exhibition. St. Petersburg Polytechnic University became the first Russian university to participate in person, generating excitement among participants and visitors.

Oleg Levin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Sultanate of Oman, and his wife visited the Polytechnic University booth. The exhibition also marked the opening of the Russian House's partner booth in Oman. Discussions were held with its director, Anna Popova, on ways to collaborate with the Polytechnic University to promote Russian education in Oman.

Education in Russia generated considerable interest among exhibition visitors. Omani applicants expressed interest in the English-language programs, engineering, and IT programs offered at the Polytechnic University. Guests were given detailed information about admissions pathways, with a focus on the International Olympiad of the Association of Global Universities.

The trip allowed the university to assess its prospects for entering the Omani market and introduce local prospective students to Russian education. The Polytechnic students held productive negotiations with universities in Iran and India willing to collaborate, and also agreed to joint career guidance events with an Omani school.

"It was gratifying to hear some visitors say they came to the exhibition specifically to meet with Polytechnic University representatives, which speaks to our university's brand recognition abroad. We hope that the results achieved at the exhibition will be further developed into joint projects and increase the number of international students at Polytechnic University," noted Albina Bakurina.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

UNICEF: Two-thirds of children in Europe and Central Asia experience violent parenting

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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October 13, 2025 Human rights

Nearly one in three children in Europe and Central Asia experiences physical punishment at home, and two-thirds of children experience psychological aggression. According to a new report published today by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), these are the most common forms of violence against children.

Data from the report "Where We Live and Learn: Violence Against Children in Europe and Central Asia" shows that physical punishment, including spanking, pinching, and hitting, is used against more than 30 percent of children in the region. Psychological aggression, including threats, humiliation, and verbal abuse, affects up to 69 percent of children in 15 countries and territories in the region for which data are available.

“Violence affects the lives of too many children in Europe and Central Asia, often at the hands of those who are supposed to protect and care for them,” said Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. “And while prohibition of all forms of corporal punishment under all circumstances is an important step, governments must go beyond that and invest in parental education, strong protection systems and community-based services to prevent violence and respond to it when it occurs.”

The vicious circle of violence

Data shows that over 90 percent of parents believe that physical punishment and psychological aggression are unnecessary, yet many still resort to them. This is often due to their inability to control their own emotions and a lack of awareness of the long-term detrimental impact of violent discipline on children's development and behavior.

Read also:

WHO report: Corporal punishment widespread and harmful to children's health

Children exposed to physical or psychological abuse are more likely to suffer from mental health problems, struggle in school, and exhibit aggressive behavior. These consequences can continue into adulthood, increasing the likelihood of violence in their future families and communities. This perpetuates a vicious cycle of intergenerational violence.

Corporal punishment is currently prohibited in all settings, including the home, in 38 of the region's 55 countries and territories, but legislation must be supported by specific support for parents and caregivers, including parenting training programs and family support services.

Multidisciplinary support

The report also analyses the prevalence of sexual abuse and violence against children in schools:

Between 1 and 14 percent of women in 19 EU countries report experiencing sexual violence before the age of 15, although the actual figures are likely much higher. On average, 11 percent of children in the region report were bullied at school, 15 percent report having encountered cyberbullying, and 10 percent were involved in fights.

The global cost of violence against children, according to UNICEF, is estimated at $7 trillion per year, which is about 8 percent of global GDP.

Promising models such as Barnahus, which provides child survivors of violence with multidisciplinary, tailored support, demonstrate that coordinated services can help children overcome the effects of violence and achieve justice.

UNICEF offers six recommendations to accelerate progress:

Prohibit all forms of corporal punishment in all settings; invest in parenting training programmes and family support services that promote positive disciplinary measures; expand access to justice and child-sensitive social services; scale up the implementation of safe and inclusive learning environments free from peer and teacher violence; prioritize data collection and monitoring to track incidents of violence and assess progress; ensure that all children, including those with disabilities, on the move or in care, receive support.

Ending violence against children is a legal obligation under Convention on the Rights of the Child and a global commitment within the framework of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable DevelopmentHowever, the Europe and Central Asia region is not meeting the targets for achieving this goal.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Ramallah's mayor on life under occupation

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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Elma Okic

October 13, 2025 Peace and security

Ramallah, located in the occupied Palestinian territory on the West Bank, is a bustling urban center surrounded by barriers and checkpoints that define every aspect of residents' lives. Speaking at the UN Forum of Mayors in Geneva, Ramallah Mayor Issa Kassis noted that the challenges facing city authorities are exacerbated by conflict and occupation.

For Cassis, housing isn't a privilege, but a matter of survival. "We resist," he says, "simply by remaining on our land. Occupation isn't just tanks and soldiers. It restricts not only your movement, but also your thoughts, plans, aspirations, and your vision of the future."

Providing basic services under occupation is also more difficult: "Our wells are located in Area C of the West Bank, where Israeli security is controlled. Israeli settlements are also located there, and settlers are attacking these water sources, undermining efforts to provide water, which is already among the lowest per capita in the world. Meanwhile, settlers enjoy their swimming pools."

To adapt, Ramallah is investing in wastewater treatment and irrigation projects, using recycled water to create green spaces. "When you see greenery, you see hope. And when you see hope, you strive for it," says the mayor.

Photo by UN

Cultivating resilience

The cost of occupation is measured not primarily in barriers and shortages, but in lost lives. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), nearly 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 2023, more than 200 of them children.

Local residents are constantly under pressure, especially for families with children. "We are a young society," explains Kassis. "More than 65 percent of Ramallah residents are under 40. Half of them are teenagers or children." He says parents want their children to live freely and enjoy life, but they constantly fear harassment and arbitrary arrests.

"Thousands of people are behind bars. Every day, people are detained without a court order and held for six months, with the possibility of extension. The goal is to crush our spirit," the mayor believes. Nevertheless, he emphasizes, resilience remains: "Look at Gaza. Look at the smiling children. For me, that's resilience. These people choose life, no matter what."

Cassis believes that resilience must be nurtured from childhood – through education, green spaces, and fostering pride in one's land. "We've built this through years of hard work and raising our children to appreciate life, the beauty of the city, love the land, and feel a sense of belonging. It's part of our DNA in the municipality," he notes.

Photo by UN

The way forward

The UN supports a two-state solution as the basis for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—an independent Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security. Key issues that remain to be resolved include borders, settlements, the status of Jerusalem, the refugee issue, and security arrangements.

Until that vision becomes reality, says Kassis, the people of Ramallah will continue to live in hope.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

UN chief calls for urgent action to combat road accidents

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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October 13, 2025 UN

Every year, 1.2 million people die on the world's roads, and another 50 million are injured. "These aren't just statistics. These are children going to school, parents going to work, people whose lives are shattered in an instant," reads a statement from the Secretary-General, delivered Monday by Assistant Secretary-General Naveed Hanif at a high-level event at UN Headquarters.

Road accidents are the eighth leading cause of death globally and the leading cause of death among children over five and young adults. The problem is particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries, where 90 percent of all road deaths occur. Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and children—those who lack access to safe transportation and road infrastructure—are the most common victims.

The Secretary-General emphasized that solutions already exist: from improved urban planning and safe public transport to mandatory helmet and seatbelt use, speed enforcement, and effective emergency protocols. These measures have the potential to save thousands of lives.

The UN actively supports road safety efforts, with 94 countries already receiving assistance. In Brazil, the implementation of speed control protocols has reduced fatalities, in Rwanda, helmet laws protect motorcyclists every day, and in Laos, a new licensing system improves driver safety.

On the eve of the start UN Decade of Sustainable Transport calls for new partnerships in which philanthropic organizations should play a key role. "Your commitment has helped overcome polio, tuberculosis, hunger, and maternal mortality. Now it can transform the road safety landscape," António Guterres noted.

Road safety, according to the Secretary-General, is not only a matter of public health but also of development, urban planning, and climate action. "Together, we can save millions of lives and give the green light to road safety," he concluded.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.