A startup called Nuralogix unveiled its flagship health and wellness app, Anura, at CES 2023. It takes a 30-second selfie and uses that data to create a catalog of health-related measurements about you.
The measurements include essential stats such as heart rate, blood pressure, and mental health-related diagnostics such as stress and depression levels. It also includes details about your physical condition, such as body mass index, skin age, and level of risk for things like high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease, along with biomarkers such as blood sugar levels.
Nuralogix built Anura on an AI trained on data from approximately 35,000 different users. A typical 30-second video image of the user’s face is analyzed to see blood movement around it.
According to the company, Human skin is translucent. The light and its respective wavelengths are reflected off different layers under the skin and can be used to reveal blood flow information in the human face.
This is matched against various diagnoses of people using traditional measurement tools and uploaded to the company’s “DeepAffex” emotion AI engine. Anura app users are then essentially “read” based on what the AI is trained to see. The blood flowing in one direction or another, or the color of a person’s skin, can say a lot about that person’s physical and mental state.
Pharmacies in Ukraine are accepting digital payments in lieu of the ongoing war, with a significant local pharmacy chain allowing payments in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC).
ANC Pharmacy, which is one of the biggest pharmacy chains in Ukraine, has collaborated with Binance Ukraine to introduce cryptocurrency payments through the contactless crypto payment service Binance Pay.
Starting from January 3, ANC Pharmacy is allowing its customers to go ahead with instant payments while purchasing pharmacy products online, the pharmacy chain announced.
ANC Pharmacy has over 1,000 pharmacies across Ukraine and runs its own online pharmacy service. Binance Pay payments will be rolled out in pharmacies in Kyiv initially, according to Binance.
The new payment features will be available at ANC pharmacies, along with ANC Pharmacy-operated pharmacy stores like Kopiyka and Shara. Users must download the Binance application and then go to the ANC.ua website in order to proceed with a crypto payment at ANC pharmacies.
After selecting a product to order online, users will have the option to pay using the Binance Pay service and pick up the order at a preferred pharmacy.
A group of researchers from the University of Montreal, Renmin University of China, and Xidian University developed an extended version of the existing text generation package (TextBox 1.0), TextBox 2.0. TextBox 2.0 significantly improves pre-trained text generation models compared to its previous version. It is an up-to-date Python library based on PyTorch that builds a unified and standardized pipeline for applying pre-trained language models to text generation.
The TextBox 2.0 Python library uses over 45 pre-trained language models that cover 13 tasks and 83 datasets to implement a unified framework for researching text generation. Existing Python libraries fail to support the development of language models in a unified manner as they do not maintain a comprehensive evaluation pipeline for text generation enclosing data loading, training, and evaluation. This is because existing Python libraries are intended to handle a few generation tasks only.
The TextBox 2.0 library offers a standard method to compare various models and evaluate the generated text. It also provides four rich and influential training methodologies and four pretraining objectives to help users optimize pre-trained language models for text generation. For research purposes, users can either pre-train a brand-new model from scratch or improvise it. This will help them increase the efficiency and dependability of text generation model optimization.
Researchers have released the TextBox 2.0 library on GitHub, where users can quickly learn to install and use it.
Last year in May, Cryptosat — a startup creating satellites that beam cryptographic building blocks down to Earth — had successfully put its first satellite, Crypto1, into orbit with help from SpaceX. Now, Cryptosat’s crypto-satellite network has grown with the launch of its second orbiting satellite, Crypto2. On January 3, the cryptographically equipped device was launched into space onboard SpaceX Falcon 9.
Cryptosat software was part of the consignment on SpaceX’s maiden voyage in 2023, supporting Cryptosat’s goal of establishing a Trusted Execution Environment in orbit. In addition to Cryprosat, SpaceX launched 114 other tiny satellites for 23 operators into polar orbit.
Comparatively, Crypto2 boasts 30 times more computing power than Crypto1. With the addition of new satellites to the constellation, Cryptosat is trying to turn space into a new “battleground” in the quest for bulletproof cryptography by increasing computer power.
The launch of Crypto2 is a significant step toward infrastructure expansion from a single satellite in 2022, according to Yonatan Winetraub, co-founder of Cryptosat. “This launch gives us more availability and more powerful specs to support the growing portfolio of use cases in our development pipeline,” says Yonatan.
By isolating computer environments in orbit, where they cannot be as easily targeted, Cryptosat attempts to enhance cryptographic security for sensitive operations. The startup ensures that there has been no outside interference with the computing environment before it is deployed into space by using its own satellites that were designed from the ground up.
With the launch of Crypto1, Cryptosat sought to make blockchain applications more accessible by offering a physically inaccessible, tamper-proof platform. The International Space Station, or ISS, had previously served as a testing ground for the satellite’s technologies to investigate data security applications in space.
Last month, Cryptosat published an API tutorial with a simulated satellite trajectory. This was crucial because now developers can acquire an idea of how to communicate with Cryptosat’s low earth orbit (LEO) satellites in space using the Cryptosim software.
Cryptosat is not the only company that has experimented with blockchain technology’s applications in outer space. As part of SpaceX’s CRS-19 commercial resupply service mission, SpaceChain, a space blockchain company with its headquarters in Singapore, sent its blockchain hardware wallet technology to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2019. Earlier that year, as part of its Kick-start Activity program, the European Space Agency (ESA) gave SpaceChain funding to explore and uncover commercial use cases for its blockchain-based satellite technology. SpaceChain had also collaborated with PricewaterhouseCoopers in France to research its space applications.
Samsung has unveiled one of the new smart kitchen appliances, its Bespoke AI Wall Oven, ahead of the CES 2023, featuring a built-in camera, burn detection AI technology, and even allowing livestream view on social media.
The AI Pro Cooking algorithm in the appliance can recognize up to 80 dishes (up to 106 in Europe). It can recommend the appropriate time, temperature, and mode for cooking. It can also send notifications to help prevent the food from burning.
The oven also has a push-to-open door for a sleeker appearance, which also enables the convenience of nudging the door open with one’s shoulder when hands are full. The Bespoke AI Oven is currently available in Europe and is expected to launch in North America in the third quarter.
Samsung also launched three new Bespoke refrigerator models, viz., the Top Mounted Freezer Refrigerator, the 4 Door Flex Refrigerator with Family Hub, and the Side-by-Side Refrigerator.
Inside the refrigerators, the AI-powered ViewInside cameras help to keep track of inventory and can also analyze food images and labels.
Microsoft recently released the newest version of its machine learning framework ML.NET, ML.NET 3.0. With the ML.NET new edition 3.0 from Microsoft, programmers can fully take advantage of resource acceleration calculations during training because of several body acceleration improvements from previously released ML.NET 2.0.
ML.NET 3.0 offers algorithmic building blocks for the entire machine learning process and enhanced workload efficiency when installed alongside Intel’s oneDAL (oneAPI Data Analytics Library) beta kit. Installing them together accelerates the process by using 64-bit architectures standard to AMD and Intel CPUs for better performance.
With ML.NET 3.0, one can import more machine learning capabilities to existing .NET applications and directly create predictions using application data. This feature cuts the requirement of undertaking comprehensive programming steps to generate prediction models.
Additionally, developers can import previously trained TensorFlow and ONNX models or train a new custom model by inputting algorithms.
TensorFlow, ONNX, and OneDAL integration into ML.NET in the newest ML.NET 30 version further the model in analyzing massive datasets and generating more accurate predictions. This development of more advanced ML.NET integrations is a beginning point for machine learning, and developers can expect more such updates.
Refer to the ML.NET 3.0 (prerelease) documentation for more information.
Universal Business School has launched India’s 1st AI university, the Universal AI University, near its location in Karjat, Mumbai. Being the foremost artificial intelligence university, it will offer degree programs in AI and ML, liberal arts and Humanities, Design, Law, Sports, Management, and a few other domains.
Arundhati Bhattacharya (Salesforces’ CEO and Chairperson) and Bharat Puri (Managing Director of Pidilite Industries) unveiled the Universal AI University, claiming it to promote AI-driven skill development in the upcoming generation.
Tarun Anand, Universal Business School’s Chairman, elaborates that Universal AI University will be a management school where students will get excellent industrial training with placement assistance. Universal AI University will also have labs for students to learn and experiment with IT 4.0 technologies like augmented reality, mixed reality, IoT, blockchains, and more.
Many tech-focused companies, like Tata Capital, NSE, L&T, Wipro, Xiaomi, etc., have visited the campus and are willing to assist with hiring and placements. Tarun added, “The AI University enhances our positioning as one of India’s most innovative educational institutions and will deepen our relationships with corporations further.”
Universal AI University is another milestone in Universal Business School’s success as a ‘Made in India’ initiative. It is the first business school to publish its own ESG (environmental, social, and governance) report and turn campus waste into “black gold.” Moreover, more than 70% of the energy requirements of the university are generated on campus using solar panels.
It is a significant initiative to prompt sustainable AI developments and make students responsible.
In today’s digital era, technology has significantly shaped and influenced businesses in ways most of us couldn’t imagine just a few years ago. It has redefined how businesses operate, from the management of employees to the delivery of customer service. Even better, high-performing IT teams and efficient tech support for startups have directly impacted business growth and innovation trajectory.
However, building, optimizing, and enhancing an in-house technical support team can be stressful and expensive for most startups and mid-sized businesses, especially with limited resources. Let’s overview how an AI-based startup called SigiloTech is addressing the latter with its state-of-the-art offerings.
SigiloTech
Founded in 2018, SigiloTech is a leading provider of cutting-edge technological services, offering scalable solutions to companies of all sizes. The startup provides technical assistance in domains such as cloud, big data and analytics, and application development. SigiloTech provides training, consulting, and development on Crystal reports, Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, RestAPI, JQuery, D3.JS, HighCharts, NPM, MS Forms, and many more.
SigiloTech was co-founded by Qudir Ansari and his wife, Tamanna Parvin. Having worked for about ten years, anchoring and supervising multiple transformation programs with Machine First, AI First, and Cloud First in corporate companies like TCS and Infosys, Ansari finally wanted to return to India and create an impactful company in Kolkata.
Just like any other IT startup, SigiloTech started to solve a problem that the founders believed needed to be addressed immediately. IT resources with quality commitment are rare in current conditions, and SigiloTech started solving that problem with their own expertise in application development. Founded by the couple by scribbling their ideas onto a piece of paper, today, the startup offers intelligent and innovative services to dozens of clients worldwide.
“I’ve been working in IT for almost ten years and automation for the last four years. Being an automation enthusiast, when I started automation, I thought it could change how the IT industry works. Millions of people work in IT, and engineers are forced to do repetitive manual tasks that most of them dislike. My idea was to leverage AI and automation to help more startups and companies cut their operational costs by adopting automation and cloud services,” said Ansari
Ansari added, “Seeing the growth of startups in India and outside, after doing market research, I found that 70% of startups do not have the technical expertise they need in this ever-changing technology-driven world. Seeing this space for growth, we started our company to facilitate such a startup.”
Behind The Scene
According to Ansari, SigiloTech is a completely bootstrapped company. “Profitable since the day it started, our startup is seed funded with an annual turnover of INR 50 million, as per our last quarter,” he said. SigiloTech has built its solutions by closely listening to its potential clientele and understanding their expectations of SigiloTech’s product. The startup analyzes this information and customizes its offerings to changing market needs.
“Big organizations are not willing to work with startups. But we work especially with small and medium-sized startups with limited seed funding. Until now, we have helped more than four startups to build their products and scale quickly. They are now working with clients like Microsoft, Google, and Facebook,” said Ansari.
Optimistic Future
SigiloTech helps companies of all sizes to automate their manual process, minimizing operational costs and offering scalable solutions using cutting-edge technologies and services. “AI is a very fascinating term. Everyone in the world is trying to solve a problem. We are especially focused on addressing manual labor, cost-cutting, and leveraging cloud services for clients. Moreover, our client retention is 70-90%, which shows the technical capability and value we have created for them. Clients who have been working with us for the past two years still consider us their first option,” said Ansari.
According to Ansari, SigiloTech is building its own product and is currently pitching its roadmap. “We plan to launch it by next year’s first or second quarter. Besides that, we also plan to double our revenue and the team size on a quarterly basis,” he said.
Louisiana authorities’ use of facial recognition technology has led to a mistaken identity arrest of a Georgia black man on a fugitive warrant, an attorney said. This case renews racial disparities in the use of AI-based digital tools.
According to The New Orleans Advocate, Randall Reid was jailed in November in DeKalb County, Georgia. His attorney, Tommy Calogero, said authorities mistakenly linked Reid to purse thefts in Baton Rouge and Jefferson Parish. Reid, arrested on November 25, was released on December 1.
Reid is Black, and his arrest is bringing new attention to the use of technology, resulting in higher misidentification of people of color compared to white people.
Calogero said Reid was falsely connected to the June theft of luxury purses from a shop in Metairie. Reid’s case has brought up renewed attention to the usage of facial recognition equipments in Louisiana and elsewhere.
Facial recognition tools have been criticized for their mass surveillance features, which raise privacy concerns. Some studies have shown that the tech is far more likely to misidentify Black people and other people of color, resulting in mistaken arrests.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna launches a BTech course in artificial intelligence and data science that will allow students to handle large volumes of data and develop AI-powered solutions.
Besides IIT Patna, IIT Guhawati and IIT Hyderabad have also offered the BTech course in artificial intelligence and data science. The course is a refined version of the BTech computer science course specially designed for students interested in learning the dynamics of AI algorithms. IIT Patna offers a total of 36 seats for the course.
The BTech artificial intelligence and data science course is a four-year full-time undergraduate course divided into eight semesters. Students will have to study 6 to 7 subjects and elective options each semester. In the first semester, they must also participate in National Social Service (NSS)/National Cadet Crops (NCC) or other cultural activities.
In the first semester, students will be introduced to the core branches of engineering, such as electrical sciences, engineering mechanics, machine learning, data science, artificial intelligence, operating systems, computer networks, big data, data analytics, data security, and computer architecture. Admission to the course will be made on the basis of JEE advanced score, and candidates also need to complete class 12th or any equivalent examination from a recognized central or state board.
