slotbet888 AP / THE CONVERSATION – Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in countless ways – and the ethical headaches it raises are countless, too. Consider “adult content creators” – not necessarily the first field that comes to mind. In 2024, there was a surge in AI-generated influencers on Instagram: fake models with faces made by AI, attached to stolen photos and videos of real models’ bodies. Not only did the original content creators not consent to having their images used, but they were not compensated. Across industries, workers encounter more immediate ethical questions about whether to use AI every day. In a trial by the United Kingdom-based law firm Ashurst, three AI systems dramatically sped up document review but missed subtle legal nuances that experienced lawyers would catch. Similarly, journalists must balance AI’s efficiency for summarising background research with the rigor required by fact-checking standards. These examples highlight the growing tension between innovation and ethics. What do AI users owe the creators whose work forms the backbone of those technologies? How do we navigate a world where AI challenges the meaning of creativity – and humans’ role in it? As a dean overseeing university libraries, academic programs and the university press, I witness daily how students, staff and faculty grapple with generative AI. Looking at three different schools of ethics can help us go beyond gut reactions to address core questions about how to use AI tools with honesty and integrity. RIGHTS AND DUTIES At its core, deontological ethics asks what fundamental duties people have toward one another – what’s right or wrong, regardless of consequences. Applied to AI, this approach focuses on basic rights and obligations. Through this lens, we must examine not only what AI enables us to do, but what responsibilities we have toward other people in our professional communities. For instance, AI systems often learn by analysing vast collections of human-created work, which challenges traditional notions of creative rights. A photographer whose work was used to train an AI model might question whether their labour has been appropriated without fair compensation – whether their basic ownership of their own work has been violated. PHOTO: ENVATO PHOTO: ENVATO On the other hand, deontological ethics also emphasises people’s positive duties toward others – responsibilities that certain AI programs can assist in fulfilling. The nonprofit Tarjimly aims to use an AI-powered platform to connect refugees with volunteer translators. The organisation’s AI tool also gives real-time translation, which the human volunteers can revise for accuracy. This dual focus on respecting creators’ rights while fulfilling duties to other people illustrates how deontological ethics can guide ethical AI use. AI’S IMPLICATIONS Another approach comes from consequentialism, a philosophy that evaluates actions by their outcomes. This perspective shifts focus from individuals’ rights and responsibilities to AI’s broader effects. Do the potential boons of generative AI justify the economic and cultural impact? Is AI advancing innovation at the expense of creative livelihoods? This ethical tension of weighing benefits and harms drives current debates – and lawsuits. Organisations such as Getty Images have taken legal action to protect human contributors’ work from unauthorised AI training. Some platforms that use AI to create images, such as DeviantArt and Shutterstock, are offering artists options to opt out or receive compensation, a shift toward recognising creative rights in the AI era. The implications of adopting AI extend far beyond individual creators’ rights and could fundamentally reshape creative industries. Publishing, entertainment and design sectors face unprecedented automation, which could affect workers along the entire production pipeline, from conceptualisation to distribution. These disruptions have sparked significant resistance. In 2023, for example, labour unions for screenwriters and actors initiated strikes that brought Hollywood productions to a halt. A consequentialist approach, however, compels us to look beyond immediate economic threats, or individuals’ rights and responsibilities, to examine AI’s broader societal impact. From this wider perspective, consequentialism suggests that concerns about social harms must be balanced with potential societal benefits. Sophisticated AI tools are already transforming fields such as scientific research, accelerating drug discovery and climate change solutions. In education, AI supports personalised learning for struggling students. Small businesses and entrepreneurs in developing regions can now compete globally by accessing professional-level capabilities once reserved for larger enterprises. Even artists need to weigh the pros and cons of AI’s impact: It’s not just negative. AI has given rise to new ways to express creativity, such as AI-generated music and visual art. These technologies enable complex compositions and visuals that might be challenging to produce by hand – making it an especially valuable collaborator for artists with disabilities. CHARACTER FOR THE AI ERA Virtue ethics, the third approach, asks how using AI shapes who users become as professionals and people. Unlike approaches that focus on rules or consequences, this framework centers on character and judgment. Recent cases illustrate what’s at stake. A lawyer’s reliance on AI-generated legal citations led to court sanctions, highlighting how automation can erode professional diligence. In health care, discovering racial bias in medical AI chatbots forced providers to confront how automation might compromise their commitment to equitable care. These failures reveal a deeper truth: Mastering AI requires cultivating sound judgment. Lawyers’ professional integrity demands that they verify AI-generated claims. Doctors’ commitment to patient welfare requires questioning AI recommendations that might perpetuate bias. Each decision to use or reject AI tools shapes not just immediate outcomes but professional character. Individual workers often have limited control over how their workplaces implement AI, so it is all the more important that professional organisations develop clear guidelines. What’s more, individuals need space to maintain professional integrity within their employers’ rules to exercise their own sound judgment. – Leo S LoOverachievers collide when Georgia Tech, Vandy play in Birmingham

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ALTOONA, Pa. — After UnitedHealthcare’s CEO was gunned down on a New York sidewalk, police searched for the masked gunman with dogs, drones and scuba divers. Officers used the city's muscular surveillance system. Investigators analyzed DNA samples, fingerprints and internet addresses. Police went door-to-door looking for witnesses. When an arrest came five days later, those sprawling investigative efforts shared credit with an alert civilian's instincts. A Pennsylvania McDonald's customer noticed another patron who resembled the man in the oblique security-camera photos that New York police had publicized. Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry speaks during a press conference regarding the arrest of suspect Luigi Mangione, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in Hollidaysburg, Pa., in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey) Luigi Nicholas Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family, was arrested Monday in the killing of Brian Thompson, who headed one of the United States’ largest medical insurance companies. He remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. By late evening, prosecutors in Manhattan had added a charge of murder, according to an online court docket. He's expected to be extradited to New York eventually. People are also reading... Nebraska transportation director: Expressway system won't be done until 2042 27-year-old Beatrice man sentenced for May assault At the courthouse, Dec. 7, 2024 Stabler scores 22 in Lady O's season opening win Holiday lights travel through downtown Beatrice for annual parade Orangemen open season with win over Nebraska City P.E.O. sponsors Holiday Tour of Homes Mother to Mother supporting families Gage County Sheriff's Office helps catch Fairbury suspect At the courthouse, Nov. 30, 2024 Beatrice Regional Orchestra to perform Sunday Clarissa Ruh Missouri man sentenced for attempted sexual assault Community Players open holiday play Amie Just: This recruiting class marks the beginning of a new era — one without walk-ons It’s unclear whether Mangione has an attorney who can comment on the allegations. Asked at Monday's arraignment whether he needed a public defender, Mangione asked whether he could “answer that at a future date.” Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after the McDonald's customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said. Police in Altoona, about 233 miles (375 kilometers) west of New York City, were soon summoned. This booking photo released Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections shows Luigi Mangione, a suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (Pennsylvania Department of Corrections via AP) They arrived to find Mangione sitting at a table in the back of the restaurant, wearing a blue medical mask and looking at a laptop, according to a Pennsylvania police criminal complaint. He initially gave them a fake ID, but when an officer asked Mangione whether he’d been to New York recently, he “became quiet and started to shake,” the complaint says. When he pulled his mask down at officers' request, “we knew that was our guy,” rookie Officer Tyler Frye said at a news conference in Hollidaysburg. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a Manhattan news conference that Mangione was carrying a gun like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Mangione also had a three-page, handwritten document that shows “some ill will toward corporate America." An NYPD police officer and K-9 dog search around a lake in Central Park, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) A law enforcement official who wasn’t authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said the document included a line in which Mangione claimed to have acted alone. “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone,” the document said, according to the official. It also had a line that said, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.” Pennsylvania prosecutor Peter Weeks said in court that Mangione was found with a passport and $10,000 in cash — $2,000 of it in foreign currency. Mangione disputed the amount. Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a midtown Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. Police quickly came to see the shooting as a targeted attack by a gunman who appeared to wait for Thompson, came up behind him and fired a 9 mm pistol. Investigators have said “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were written on ammunition found near Thompson’s body. The words mimic a phrase used to criticize the insurance industry. A poster issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation shows a wanted unknown suspect. (FBI via AP) From surveillance video, New York investigators gathered that the shooter fled by bike into Central Park, emerged, then took a taxi to a northern Manhattan bus terminal. Once in Pennsylvania, he went from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, “trying to stay low-profile” by avoiding cameras, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said. A grandson of a wealthy, self-made real estate developer and philanthropist, Mangione is a cousin of a current Maryland state legislator. Mangione was valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, where his 2016 graduation speech lauded his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things.” He went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland lawmaker Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” An NYPD police officer and K-9 dog search around a lake in Central Park, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Luigi Nicholas Mangione worked for a time for the car-buying website TrueCar and left in 2023, CEO Jantoon Reigersman said by email. From January to June 2022, Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of Honolulu tourist mecca Waikiki. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. "There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said. “He went surfing with R.J. once but it didn’t work out because of his back," Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. NYPD officers in diving suits search a lake in Central Park, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. Although the gunman obscured his face during the shooting, he left a trail of evidence in New York, including a backpack he ditched in Central Park, a cellphone found in a pedestrian plaza, a water bottle and a protein bar wrapper. In the days after the shooting, the NYPD collected hundreds of hours of surveillance video and released multiple clips and still images in hopes of enlisting the public’s eyes to help find a suspect. “This combination of old-school detective work and new-age technology is what led to this result today,” Tisch said at the New York news conference. ___ Scolforo reported from Altoona and Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Contributing were Associated Press writers Cedar Attanasio and Jennifer Peltz in New York; Michael Rubinkam and Maryclaire Dale in Pennsylvania; Lea Skene in Baltimore and Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Kavita Patel Sells 1,500 Shares of Arcellx, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACLX) StockThe busy intersection of Routes 115 and 302 will be the subject of a major renovation project in the coming years. Rory Sweeting / Lakes Region Weekly Windham is embarking on an ambitious project to rein in congestion and make North Windham easier to navigate for travelers. North Windham Moves was conceived as the culmination of several decades worth of traffic analysis studies that found that Route 302, the main highway passing through North Windham, had serious problems regarding accessibility and traffic congestion. Drafting the plan took place over the course of late 2020 and early 2021. Once the plan was presented to the Town Council, town representatives met with Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner Bruce Van Note, as well as Windham’s state Legislative representatives at the time, Sen. Bill Diamond and Reps. Mark Bryant and Patrick Corey. Next, the town applied for a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant. All three of the roads at Boody’s Corner, the main business district in North Windham, met the qualifications for the RAISE grant, a federally funded grant to help improve transportation infrastructure. U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King assisted in securing the grant, and in 2023, the town received $25 million in RAISE money, with the town and state each contributing 10%. Windham property taxes will not be affected, as most of the rest of the town’s share money will be paid for by tax-increment financing district funds. “Basically, what this does is make improvements on the intersection of 115 and 302 all the way up to Whites Bridge and 302,” said Town Manager Barry Tibbetts as he described the project to the Lakes Region Weekly. Through North Windham Moves, the area around Boody’s Corner will be revamped considerably, with connector routes to be built between Route 115 and Franklin Drive, as well as between Manchester Road and Whites Bridge Road. Tibbetts anticipated that the intersection will see a 35% decrease in traffic, as cars learn to take local access roads and get to businesses the back way. The road improvements, Tibbetts said, were expected to carry into the 2040s. The new road improvements will begin in 2027, following the completion of a revamp of North Windham’s sewer system. Tibbetts explained that the timeline is longer because, since the project is using federal funds, several government agencies, such as the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers, need to sign off. It’s expected to be completed by late 2029 or early 2030 at the earliest. In addition to reducing congestion and accidents in Windham itself, North Windham Moves will also improve road access to the Lakes Region as a whole. Currently, Boody’s Corner acts as a chokepoint for those traveling to communities around Sebago Lake. Thus, Tibbetts noted, improvements are needed to help traffic flow quicker and more efficiently, as well as allow locals to go north for shopping without having to deal with so much traffic. Another major change is the upgrading of four existing traffic lights into synchronized “smart lights.” Comparing the technology to artificial intelligence, Tibbetts explained that a camera will be installed that reads the number of cars, allowing the lights to communicate with one another to figure out how and when to change to prevent congestion. He noted that there was already similar technology in place in Augusta, as well as his former workplace of Kennebunk. In the long-term, North Windham Moves is just one of the many plans that the town has for the area. These include a trail from the end of Franklin Drive to Chaffin Pond that loops back to Route 302, as well a new hotel to complement the existing Microtel. Speaking about how the project will significantly improve walkability in North Windham, Tibbetts said that, “From the perspective of the community, where you never had walkability and could never ride a bike, this (project) will be cool.” We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. 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N.J. Benson has 22 points, 17 rebounds and DePaul wins 84-65 over Loyola Maryland

Chitosan Derivatives Market 2024-2031 Explosive Growth, Highly Accurate Outlook, and an Analysis of the Competitive Landscape Comprise the next big thing - FMC Corp, Kitozyme, Kunpoong Bio. 11-22-2024 07:11 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: DataM Intelligence 4market Research LLP Chitosan Derivatives Market 2024-2031 The new research report on Chitosan Derivatives market published by DataM Intelligence is committed to delivering details analysis of the market. DataM Intelligence offers a high level of accuracy, an in-depth valuation, and systematic research methodology to the reader that helped to collect the information from direct as well as indirect sources. Few patterns were considered across the various regions where the Chitosan Derivatives market industry is growing steadily. The report has taken a deep dive into the market and has extracted the data from secondary and primary sources. Download a Free sample PDF (Use Corporate email ID to Get Higher Priority) at: https://datamintelligence.com/download-sample/chitosan-derivatives-market Chitosan Derivatives Market is valued at a significant CAGR during the forecast period (2024-2031). Market Overview: The market for chitosan derivatives is expanding due to their versatile applications in water treatment, agriculture, biomedicine, and the food industry. Chitosan derivatives are chemically modified forms of chitosan, a natural polymer derived from chitin, offering improved solubility and functional properties. Key drivers include rising demand for eco-friendly solutions, advancements in biopolymer technology, and increasing applications in pharmaceuticals for drug delivery systems. Additionally, their role in sustainable agriculture and cosmetics further propels market growth. Chitosan Derivatives Market Segments: The report covers the segmentation of the market into different segments based on various classifications such as applications, end users, product types, and others. The segmentation is divided into two sections, one for development and the other for different roles, needs, and behaviors. By Derivative Type: Carboxymethyl Chitosan, Chitosan HCl, Chitosan Quaternary Ammonium Salt, Hydroxypropyl Chitosan. By End-use: Pharmaceutical and Bio-pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Cosmetics, Others. Research Process: Both primary and secondary data sources have been used in the global Chitosan Derivatives Market research report. During the research process, a wide range of industry-affecting factors are examined, including governmental regulations, market conditions, competitive levels, historical data, market situation, technological advancements, upcoming developments, in related businesses, as well as market volatility, prospects, potential barriers, and challenges. Regional Assessment: Regional analysis includes segmentation based on the geography that accentuates the recent and future demand for Chitosan Derivatives market across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America. The study also focuses on the demand for each application segment over all the prominent regions. In terms of geographical analysis, Chitosan Derivatives Market report provides an in-depth view of- ● Regional level break-up ● Leading growth rates ● Countries with the largest market share ● Market factors ● Latest developments ● Industry challenges ● Regulatory policies ● Player strategies Competitive Evaluation: The Chitosan Derivatives Market analysis identifies a number of major market players. It enables companies to understand the strategies and partnerships used by other industry players to combat market competition. The comprehensive market report provides a fascinating microscopic look at the market. Corporations can detect the footprints of manufacturers by learning about demand, the global price of manufacturers, and the global benefit of manufacturing companies. Companies covered in this report are: FMC Corp, Kitozyme, Kunpoong Bio, BIO21, Heppe Medical Chitosan, Yaizu Suisankagaku, Golden-Shell, Lushen Bioengineering, AK BIOTECH, Zhejiang New Fuda Ocean Biotech, Weifang Sea Source Biological Products, Qingdao Honghai Biotech, Haidebei Marine Bioengineering, Jiangsu, Aoxin Biotechnology and Jinhu Crust Product. Get Customization in the report as per your requirements + Exclusive Bundle & Multi-User Discounts: https://datamintelligence.com/customize/chitosan-derivatives-market Recent Developments: In 2021, FMC Corporation partnered with UPL Ltd., a leading provider of sustainable agricultural solutions, to globally expand access to Rynaxypyr, a highly effective insect control active ingredient. This strategic collaboration aimed to enhance support for farmers worldwide while increasing the manufacturing capacity of Rynaxypyr. By leveraging both companies' expertise, the partnership sought to address growing demands for sustainable crop protection solutions and contribute to global food security. **The full version of the report includes an in-depth analysis of emerging players and startups, which will provide valuable insights into the evolving market landscape and key strategies being adopted** Points Covered: ⏩ Market Overview: It contains five chapters, as well as information about the research scope, major manufacturers covered, market segments, Chitosan Derivatives market segments, study objectives, and years considered. ⏩ Market Landscape: The competition in the Global Chitosan Derivatives Market is evaluated here in terms of value, turnover, revenues, and market share by organization, as well as market rate, competitive landscape, and recent developments, transaction, growth, sale, and market shares of top companies. ⏩ Companies Profiles: The global Chitosan Derivatives market's leading players are studied based on sales, main products, gross profit margin, revenue, price, and growth production. ⏩ Market Outlook by Region: The report goes through gross margin, sales, income, supply, market share, CAGR, and market size by region in this segment. North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America are among the regions and countries studied in depth in this study. ⏩ Market Segments: It contains the deep research study which interprets how different end-user/application/type segments contribute to the Chitosan Derivatives Market. ⏩ Market Forecast: Production Side: In this part of the report, the authors have focused on production and production value forecast, key producers forecast, and production and production value forecast by type. ⏩ Research Findings: This section of the report showcases the findings and analysis of the report. ⏩ Conclusion: This portion of the report is the last section of the report where the conclusion of the research study is provided. What does the report provide? The report provides a detailed analysis of Market Size (historical and forecast), Total Addressable Market (TAM), Serviceable Available Market (SAM), Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM), Market Growth, Technological Trends, Market Share, Market Dynamics, Competitive Landscape and Major Players (Active, Innovators, Start-ups, and Cutting Edge) that are anticipated to influence its future growth trajectory. ✔ Go-to-market Strategy. ✔ Neutral perspective on the market performance. ✔Development trends, competitive landscape analysis, supply side analysis, demand side analysis, year-on-year growth, competitive benchmarking, vendor identification, and other significant analysis, as well as development status. ✔Customized regional/country reports as per request and country level analysis. ✔ Potential & niche segments and regions exhibiting promising growth covered. Unlock Year-End Savings! Get Up to 30% Off: https://www.datamintelligence.com/buy-now-page?report=chitosan-derivatives-market Frequently Asked Questions: ● What is the expected growth rate of the global Chitosan Derivatives market for the forecast period? ● What are the key factors driving the growth of the global Chitosan Derivatives market? ● What are the emerging trends in Chitosan Derivatives market? ● What region/countries are expected to witness the highest growth in the Chitosan Derivatives Market? ● What Opportunities exist for startups and investors in the Chitosan Derivatives Market? ● What are the top challenges Chitosan Derivatives startup face during the initial stages? Contact Us - Company Name: DataM Intelligence Contact Person: Sai Kiran Email: Sai.k@datamintelligence.com Phone: +1 877 441 4866 Website: https://www.datamintelligence.com About Us - DataM Intelligence is a Market Research and Consulting firm that provides end-to-end business solutions to organizations from Research to Consulting. We, at DataM Intelligence, leverage our top trademark trends, insights and developments to emancipate swift and astute solutions to clients like you. We encompass a multitude of syndicate reports and customized reports with a robust methodology. Our research database features countless statistics and in-depth analyses across a wide range of 6300+ reports in 40+ domains creating business solutions for more than 200+ companies across 50+ countries; catering to the key business research needs that influence the growth trajectory of our vast clientele. This release was published on openPR.A study of hot spots for collisions between ships and whales around the world, including Canadian waters, offers a map for measures to prevent the deadly strikes that could drive some species to extinction, one of the British Columbia-based authors says. Chloe Robinson said reported strikes represent a fraction of their true extent, and a lack of protection measures leaves whales vulnerable as global shipping expands. The study found shipping takes place across 92 per cent of the ranges for humpback, blue, fin and sperm whales worldwide, but measures to reduce vessel strikes have been implemented in less than seven per cent of high-risk areas. “That could really spell, you know, potential extinction for some of these species,” said Robinson, director of whales for Ocean Wise, a B.C.-based organization that provided data for the paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Science. “A recent study estimated anything up to 20,000 whales are killed a year through ship strikes, globally, and that’s just an estimate, a best-case estimate.” Robinson said she was surprised to see Swiftsure Bank, off the west coast of Vancouver Island, emerge as a risk hot spot for strikes of fin, blue and humpback whales. The area is a “migration highway” for humpbacks, she noted. The study also identified a hot spot for the same three species in the Gulf of St. Lawrence between Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. “This is something that Ocean Wise has been looking into because a lot of the management measures occur offshore and not sort of within the Gulf of St. Lawrence itself and even the St. Lawrence Seaway, (which) leads down to the Great Lakes,” she said. “That was a huge hot spot, which was really interesting for me.” Robinson said there have been smaller studies on the risk of ship strikes in different regions, but the study published Thursday is the first to map the distribution of the four whale species, using a variety of data sources, then compare it with the Automatic Identification System, a tool used for tracking vessels worldwide. “This was really the first of its kind to map these two on top of each other,” she said. The researchers found the highest levels of risk in the Indian, western North Pacific and Mediterranean, while it also identified high-risk areas in the eastern North Pacific, North and South Atlantic Ocean along with the South China Sea. The Southern Ocean was the only region that did not contain any ship-strike hot spots due to low levels of shipping, despite high use by whales, the study found. Robinson said the findings support a strong case for maritime authorities to adopt measures such as whale alert systems, speed limits and no-go zones. “We know where there are areas where there are lots of whales and lots of ships, so this is where we need to target for management,” she said in an interview. Robinson said Canada is home to many “eyes on the water” and researchers exploring innovative techniques for monitoring whales. But the country lacks mandatory mitigation measures, and it’s not alone. “Next to none of the measures globally are mandatory. So, having voluntary measures (is) great, provided people comply,” Robinson said. Ocean Wise launched an alert system in 2018 that notifies large vessels of the presence of whales in Pacific Northwest waters, and Robinson said about 80 per cent of mariners from Washington state up to Alaska have signed up. The WhaleReport alert system mainly functions in what she describes as “inshore” waters around busy ports in Seattle, Vancouver and Prince Rupert. The Port of Vancouver has also seen a high rate of compliance for its ECHO program, Robinson noted. The program encourages vessels to take voluntary steps, such as slowing down or staying farther away from whales, in order to reduce underwater noise and the potential for strikes in busy shipping areas. Robinson favours a multi-pronged approach to reducing ship strikes, but she said one single measure she believes could have a big impact would be equipping vessels with an infrared camera to detect whales within several kilometres. “Maybe some mariners ... respond better to knowing there 100 per cent is a whale 200 metres in front of your vessel, versus, ‘slow down, there might be a whale here.'” Robinson said such cameras can cost between US$50,000 and $75,000. But the cost was a “drop in the bucket” of major companies’ profits, she said. The cameras also present a public-relations opportunity for businesses to advertise themselves as operating in a more whale-friendly manner, Robinson said. “I know people who have had to go and have therapy after killing a humpback whilst at the helm,” she added. “I think there’s a lot to be said (for) the long-term benefits of this kind of technology.” The study also found areas with lower traffic that could provide refuge for whales, especially with added protections. It shows the Arctic Ocean, for example, has very few high-risk areas for vessel strikes, and Robinson said some researchers view it as potential sanctuary. But without protections, Robinson said Arctic waters could become the next high-risk hot spot as sea ice melts with climate change, opening up shipping routes. “Knowing the plans to expand shipping routes into these areas to cut shipping time, make things faster, right through prime whale habitat, I think this is a really good opportunity to get ahead of the issue before it becomes an issue,” she said. Whales play crucial roles in their ecosystems, including cycling nutrients that support other species, and they’re a boon for tourism, Robinson said. They’re also “magical” creatures that people feel connected to, she said, and they remain vulnerable after many species were hunted to the brink of extinction. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2024. Brenna Owen, The Canadian Press

Regrettably, 2024 was a good year for scammers. Colorado is on pace to see a bigger financial loss from scams by the end of 2024 than the nearly $190 million stolen in 2023. The mass use of artificial intelligence could be driving the surge, according to the Colorado Attorney General’s office. Long gone are the days of using clear misspellings, unprofessional website design and fishy email domains as reliable identifiers for online scams. With the recent explosion of artificial intelligence into everyday life, scammers have transitioned from using flashy pop-up advertisements to duplicating the voices of family members in fake emergency situations to extract money and information. “Artificial intelligence takes existing scam opportunities and puts them on steroids,” Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said. The FBI Denver Field Office reported scammers stole $187 million from nearly 11,500 Coloradans in 2023. This was an increase of nearly $9 million over the 2022 dollar amount — an upward trend that shows no signs of slowing down in 2024. In 2023, the top three schemes with the largest dollar amount losses in Colorado were investment fraud ($60 million), business email compromise ($57 million) and tech support ($23 million), according to the FBI’s report. Weiser said his office has seen a record-breaking number of scam complaints since 2019, each year greater than the last. The complaints were reported through StopFraudColorado.gov , an education outreach program in the Attorney General’s Office where Coloradans can report cases of fraud and learn about online risks. In 2019, consumers in Colorado filed 9,819 complaints and inquiries with the Consumer Protection Section in the Attorney General’s office. During 2023, the number of complaints hit 20,390. According to the FBI Denver Field Office, Colorado ranks seventh in the nation for complaints per capita. “There’s no question that the use of AI is a part of what’s driving up those scams,” Weiser said. “I hate to say this because it will be a painful occasion, but I’m bracing myself for that number to go up this year,” he added. The most common types of complaints in 2023 were for unauthorized subscriptions and retail services, professional services, automobile sales and services, and home repair services. The fifth most common complaint alerted Weiser’s office of imposter scams. He gave the example of the “grandparent scam,” which involves targeting victims who have a grandchild traveling abroad. The scammer will contact the grandparent, either by email or phone, to tell them that their grandchild is in jail in a different country and they need money right away in order to be released. The selling point comes when scammers use AI to replicate the voice of the grandchild in a phone call, making it more believable. “One of the scary parts is many people have a hard time understanding the difference between the so-called deepfakes made by AI and what’s real, and the implication of this means that everybody needs to practice constant vigilance,” Weiser said. One of the telltale signs that something is a scam is a false sense of urgency. The pressure from the scammer to “act now before things get worse” can keep people from calling appropriate family members or authorities to make sure the call is real. “Don’t trust those calls. Hang up, and then you can call the right source — the bank, for example — and ask, ‘Is there anything going on with my account, or is this a scam?'” he said. “You will have saved yourself a lot of headache and a lot of money by proceeding carefully as opposed to acting immediately.” Weiser explained that the people most vulnerable to these scams are often younger internet users who are less experienced, and older adults who are perhaps overly trusting. “AI is not a brand-new technology, but the widespread use of ChatGPT has taken the adoption of AI to a new level,” Weiser said. Austin Hastings, assistant vice president and data analyst for Colorado-based Alpine Bank, said customers often see repeats of the same types of scams until people stop falling for them — after which scammers select a new strategy and use it until failure. “If there’s a big batch of people that fall for one scam and then ... people start talking to each other, posting things on social media, (they’re) not going to be able to compromise as many people,” he said. “They’re almost incentivized to ‘stay fresh.'” AI technology has been used by scammers to clone the voices of loved ones or employers (often paired with fake caller IDs), forge copies of trusted websites to steal login credentials, hijack smartphones and other devices with malware, and place fake QR codes over parking meters, restaurants and advertisements. Hastings said they’ve seen an increase in reports of fraud involving AI this year, mostly in the form of phishing rather than video or audio manipulation. Part of what’s behind the increase is the ability of AI to mass-produce email and website templates to look like the real thing. Alpine Bank, which serves over 170,000 customers across the state, suggests that its customers be extra vigilant around holidays as scammers are more active during seasons of high spending. Alpine Bank offers the following guidelines to help consumers avoid falling victim to sophisticated scams: “No. 1 would be, don’t click the link. But if you do, communicate it with the bank,” Hastings said. It’s better to report things right away, as timing can impact what kind of help victims can get from their bank. Alpine Bank has worked with victims of scams to recover funds, restrict accounts and coordinate with law enforcement. Another way to avoid becoming the target of scammers is restricting the sharing of personal data, an option enabled by the Colorado Privacy Act in 2021 . The act gives Coloradans the right to opt out of the sale of their personal data or its use for targeted advertising, as well as requiring entities to safeguard personal data. “It’s a dangerous world out there, and AI is making it more dangerous, so please protect yourself and protect those you love,” Weiser said.Georgia quarterback Carson Beck announces plan to enter NFL draft after season-ending elbow injury

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck announced Saturday that he will forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Beck, 22, led the Southeastern Conference with 28 touchdown passes and finished third in the SEC with 3,485 passing yards. He also led the conference in interceptions, however. Beck will be a spectator for the Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff after undergoing surgery Monday to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right (throwing) elbow. Gunner Stockton is in line to guide No. 2 seed Georgia into the CFP, starting with the Bulldogs' quarterfinal game against No. 7 seed Notre Dame at the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday in New Orleans. "There's unfinished business still this season and I'll be here to support however I can, finish strong!" Beck said in a statement posted on social media. Beck, a fifth-year senior, finished with a 24-3 record in his career with Georgia. "The past five years at the University of Georgia have been nothing short of a dream come true and I will forever cherish the memories that have been made. Thank you Dawg Nation for the time I've been here and to those who've supported and believed in me, thank you," Beck wrote on social media. "It's been an incredible journey and all these moments have ultimately led me to take the next step in my football career. With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. Go Dawgs!" Beck, the Bulldogs' starter all year, was replaced in the second half of the SEC title game with the injury. Stockton helped to guide the Bulldogs to a 22-19 overtime win over Texas and clinch a first-round bye in the first 12-team playoff. --Field Level Media

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However, the company has raised concern in Namibia, including from the government, that uranium mining could poison the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System, the country’s largest water basin which expands into South Africa and Botswana. Earlier this year, agriculture, water and land reform minister Calle Schlettwein told the Russian uranium miner that while Namibia cannot survive without water and food, it can live without coal or uranium. In a statement on Saturday, the company said it has achieved a significant milestone by initiating the pilot operation of a fuel fabrication facility for the BREST-OD-300 fast reactor. This facility is part of the ‘Proryv’ – breakthrough – strategic project, which aims to develop and demonstrate a new generation of nuclear power plants. According to Rosatom director general Alexey Likhachev, this technology aligns with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s classification of Generation IV nuclear power, offering higher efficiency, increased safety, and reduced nuclear waste. A key innovation is the utilisation of recycled nuclear fuel. Rosatom’s facility can manufacture fuel for fast neutron reactors using recycled materials, minimising waste and maximising efficiency. Additionally, the company is building a pilot energy complex that will showcase a closed nuclear fuel cycle. This system allows for the repeated use and reprocessing of nuclear fuel, further reducing waste and enhancing sustainability. “These advancements are crucial for meeting global energy demands while mimimising environmental impact,” Likhachev said. This comes after Headspring Investments, a subsidiary of Russia’s state-owned Uranium One which is 100% owned by Rosatom, has been searching for uranium in the Omaheke region. The Namibian earlier reported that Schlettwein says the government’s priority is to ensure a reliable supply of water for human consumption and food production, while ensuring that the extraction of minerals does not harm the aquifer. He said this during a meeting at Mariental on the impacts of uranium mining in the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System on Monday.Fazl to 'consider' meeting Imran Khan upon formal request Fazl says some people allowed themselves to be used in Feb 8 polls but JUI-F refused to follow suit Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that he has not received any official message from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan seeking a meeting, highlighting that if such a request is made, he will think about it. "I have not received any formal message from the PTI founder for a meeting," he said while talking to journalists who showed up at his residence to inquire after his health on Saturday. "I will make a decision after thorough contemplation, if the PTI founder expresses a desire to meet me." The JUI-F chief's remarks come more than a month after he denied media reports that claimed that the Maulana Fazlur Rehman-led party decided to meet the incarcerated PTI founder in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. The media reports had claimed that JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza, after receiving the court’s nod, would meet Khan in the Rawalpindi jail. During the meeting, the two opposition parties would discuss a strategy to give a tough time to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led federal government, the reports added. However, a JUI-F spokesperson called such media reports “rumours”, saying Senator Murtaza was not given any special task in this regard. “There should be a fair trial in cases filed against the PTI founder. We are and will remain in contact with the PTI as an opposition party," the party's spokesperson noted. Earlier today, Fazl reiterated his complaint about the February 8 elections, saying that his religio-political party was not provided with a level playing field in the election. “Some individuals allowed themselves to be used, whereas we refused to be part of such manipulation,” he remarked. Replying to a question, Fazl highlighted his party's commitment to institutional strength over personal interests in the 26th Amendment. He also criticised uncalled-for interference in previously settled matters regarding the registration of seminaries. However, he affirmed progress on the issue. Turning to security concerns, Fazl expressed alarm over the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noting, “There is no writ of the government in the province as districts like Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Tank are under the control of terrorists.” He further revealed that courts and government offices in Tank have been relocated to Dera Ismail Khan due to security challenges. Responding to a question about his party's relations with the PTI, he underscored: “We maintain a working relationship with the Imran-founded party at the federal level. But, we have different stance on provincial matters.” PTI founder not seeking relief for himself, clarifies Shibli Faraz 'Why fish only cut Pakistan's cable': Bilawal slams PML-N govt over 'internet slowdown' All power centres should be part of negotiation process: Asif Forces repel 'joint attack' by Afghan Taliban, khawarij at borderMOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologized to his Azerbaijani counterpart for what he called a "tragic incident" following the crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people, but stopped short of acknowledging that Moscow was responsible. Putin's apology came as allegations mounted that Russian air defenses shot down the plane while attempting to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya. Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting via videoconference Saturday at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. An official Kremlin statement issued Saturday said that air defense systems were firing near Grozny airport as the airliner "repeatedly" attempted to land there on Wednesday. It did not explicitly say one of these hit the plane. The statement said Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev "for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace." The readout said Russia has launched a criminal probe into the incident, and Azerbaijani state prosecutors have arrived in Grozny to participate. The Kremlin also said that "relevant services" from Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are jointly investigating the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. The plane was flying from Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, to Grozny when it turned toward Kazakhstan, hundreds of miles across the Caspian Sea from its intended destination, and crashed while attempting to land. There were 29 survivors. According to a readout of the call provided by Aliyev's press office, the Azerbaijani president told Putin that the plane was subject to "external physical and technical interference," though he also stopped short of blaming Russian air defenses. Part of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane lies on the ground Thursday near the airport of Aktau, Kazakhstan. Aliyev noted the plane had holes in its fuselage and the occupants sustained injuries "due to foreign particles penetrating the cabin mid-flight." He said that a team of international experts began a probe of the incident at Azerbaijan's initiative, but provided no details. Earlier this week, the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's office confirmed that investigators from Azerbaijan are working in Grozny. On Friday, a U.S. official and an Azerbaijani minister made separate statements blaming the crash on an external weapon, echoing those made by aviation experts who blamed the crash on Russian air defense systems responding to a Ukrainian attack. U.S. President Joe Biden, responding Saturday to a reporter asking whether he thought Putin should take responsibility for the crash, said: "Apparently he did but I haven't spoken to him." Biden made the comment after leaving church in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Passengers and crew members who survived the crash told Azerbaijani media they heard loud noises on the aircraft as it circled over Grozny. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia's civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia, said Friday that as the plane was preparing to land in Grozny in deep fog, Ukrainian drones were targeting the city, prompting authorities to close the area to air traffic. Yadrov said after the captain made two unsuccessful attempts to land, he was offered other airports but decided to fly to Aktau. People attend a funeral Saturday for Mahammadali Eganov, who died in the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crash near the Kazakhstan's airport of Aktau at the age of 13, in Baku, Azerbaijan. Earlier this past week, Rosaviatsia cited unspecified early evidence as showing that a bird strike led to an emergency on board. In the days following the crash, Azerbaijan Airlines blamed "physical and technical interference" and announced the suspension of flights to several Russian airports. It didn't say where the interference came from or provide any further details. If proven that the plane crashed after being hit by Russian fire, it would be the second deadly civil aviation accident linked to fighting in Ukraine. Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was downed with a Russian surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people aboard, as it flew over the area in eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists in 2014. Russia denied responsibility but a Dutch court in 2022 convicted two Russians and a pro-Russia Ukrainian man for their role in downing the plane with an air defense system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base. The grave of Mahammadali Eganov, 13, who died in the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crash near the Kazakhstan's Aktau airport, is seen Saturday in Baku, Azerbaijan. Following Wednesday's suspension of flights from Baku to Grozny and nearby Makhachkala, Azerbaijan Airlines announced Friday that it would also halt service to eight more Russian cities. Several other airlines made similar announcements since the crash. Kazakhstan's Qazaq Air on Friday said it would stop flying from Astana to the Russian city of Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains for a month. Turkmenistan Airlines, the Central Asian country's flagship carrier, on Saturday halted flights to Moscow for at least a month, citing safety concerns. Earlier this past week, Israel's El Al carrier suspended service from Tel Aviv to the Russian capital, citing "developments in Russia's airspace." Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Dr Manmohan Singh's Legacy Continues To Shape India: UK Foreign Secretary

AP News Summary at 5:57 p.m. ESTUnion ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, C.R. Patil, Chirag Paswan, K. Ram Mohan Naidu and Jayant Chaudhary, alongside three chief ministers — Devendra Fadnavis, Chandrababu Naidu and Revant Reddy, will join hundreds of government and business leaders from across the globe in Swiss ski resort town Davos next month for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu will also be joined by his son and senior minister in his state Nara Lokesh, while Karnataka 's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Tamil Nadu Minister TRB Rajaa and Uttar Pradesh Minister Suresh Khanna will also be there for the five-day annual congregation of the world's rich and powerful, starting January 20, 2025. Actor Bhumi Pednekar, known for films like Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Badhai Do and Saand Ki Aankh, would also be there. Besides over 50 Presidents and Prime Ministers from across the world, top officials of international organisations like the United Nations, IMF, World Bank, Interpol, NATO, European Central Bank and WTO are also expected to be in Davos for the WEF Annual Meeting 2025. Senior ministers from Pakistan and Bangladesh, including Bangladesh Government's Chief Adviser and head of the interim government Muhammad Yunus would also be present. Mr. Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & IT, also attended the last WEF annual meeting, alongside Smriti Irani and Hardeep Singh Puri from the Union Council of Ministers. This time, Mr. Vaishnaw will be joined by Jal Shakti Minister Patil, Food Processing Industries Minister Paswan, Civil Aviation Minister Naidu and Minister of State for Skill Development and Education Chaudhary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also attended the meeting in the past, but there is no official word so far about his participation in the high-profile summit, for which the main theme this time will be 'collaboration for the intelligent age'. Expected to be attended by nearly 50 heads of state and governments from across the world, the annual meeting would take place against the backdrop of a change of regime in the U.S. and various geopolitical and macroeconomic issues, including the Ukraine war and continuing West Asia crisis. Both Mr. Modi and Donald Trump attended the WEF Annual Meeting in 2018 for the first time as India's Prime Minister and the US President, respectively. While Mr. Modi became Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive term earlier this year, Mr. Trump is set to assume office for the second time on January 20, and his return is expected to be among the key topics of discussion at Davos. Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu have been to Davos multiple times, while Telangana Chief Minister Reddy attended the WEF Annual Meeting in January 2024 as well. Besides government leaders and civil society members, the Indian presence would comprise top executives of business conglomerates like Reliance, Tata, Adani, Birla, Bharti, Mahindra, Godrej, Jindal, Bajaj and Vedanta groups. Besides Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, the next-generation leaders from their groups are also expected to be present, while technology leaders, including Salil Parekh of Infosys, Rishad Premji of Wipro, as also Sumant Sinha of ReNew, Vijay Shekhar Sharma of Paytm and Adar Poonawalla of Serum Institute are expected in the Swiss Alpine resort town. Geneva-based WEF, which describes itself as an international organisation for public-private cooperation, will convene leaders from government, business and civil society as well as scientific and cultural thinkers for its 55th annual meeting under the theme of 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age'. According to the WEF, the meeting will serve as a trusted global platform for dialogue and cooperation, bring together a diverse community of stakeholders, seek to connect the dots in an era of complexity and be firmly future-oriented — both in terms of insights and solutions. Several sessions are expected to be attended by Indian leaders, including one on 'India's Economic Blueprint'. As one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, India has been growing at over 8%, and this growth has been buoyed by a focus on promoting local innovation and startups in technology and manufacturing, representing a departure from traditional export-oriented models. The leaders would deliberate how India has capitalised on this new blueprint and to what extent it can continue to drive global growth. According to the WEF, the annual meeting will take place at a time when geo-economic fragmentation, geopolitical polarisation and divisions over values continue to impact countries and communities across the world. At the same time, exponential innovation and deployment around whole sets of inter-connected technologies -- from AI and quantum to energy tech, biotech and health tech — offer an unprecedented opportunity to increase productivity and hence, standards of living. Reviving and reimagining growth is critical to building stronger and more resilient economies, and the meeting would seek to discuss how to avoid an Age of Fragmentation and instead work together on a can-do, people-centred agenda for an Intelligent Age. The global leaders would also deliberate on how to reinvent the muscle of collaborative innovation to get out of the current low-growth, high-debt world economy and address common challenges from climate change to the ethical use of AI. Published - December 28, 2024 05:52 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit economy, business and finance / India / World