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The AI race we need
I have been following the development of AI for some time. Indeed, I told the General Assembly six years ago that AI would have a dramatic impact on sustainable development, the world of work, and the social fabric. But like everyone here, I have been shocked and impressed by the newest form of AI, generative AI, which is a radical advance in its capabilities. The speed and reach of this new technology in all its forms are utterly unprecedented. It has been compared to the introduction of the printing press. But while it took more than 50 years for printed books to become widely available across Europe, ChatGPT reached 100 million users in just two months. The finance industry estimates AI could contribute between $10 and $15 trillion US dollars to the global economy by 2030. Almost every government, large company and organization in the world is working on an AI strategy. But even its own designers have no idea where their stunning technological breakthrough may lead. It is clear that AI will have an impact on every area of our lives – including the three pillars of the United Nations. It has the potential to turbocharge global development, from monitoring the climate crisis to breakthroughs in medical research. It offers new potential to realize human rights, particularly to health and education. But the High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed alarm over evidence that AI can amplify bias, reinforce discrimination and enable new levels of authoritarian surveillance. Today’s debate is an opportunity to consider the impact of Artificial Intelligence on peace and security — where it is already raising political, legal, ethical and humanitarian concerns. AI is being put to work in connection with peace and security, including by the United Nations. It is increasingly being used to identify patterns of violence, monitor ceasefires and more, helping to strengthen our peacekeeping, mediation and humanitarian efforts. But AI tools can also be used by those with malicious intent. AI models can help people to harm themselves and each other, at massive scale. Let’s be clear: The malicious use of AI systems for terrorist, criminal or state purposes could cause horrific levels of death and destruction, widespread trauma and deep psychological damage on an unimaginable scale. AI-enabled cyberattacks are already targeting critical infrastructure and our own peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, causing great human suffering. The technical and financial barriers to access are low – including for criminals and terrorists. Both military and non-military applications of AI could have very serious consequences for global peace and security. The advent of generative AI could be a defining moment for disinformation and hate speech — undermining truth, facts and safety; adding a new dimension to the manipulation of human behavior; and contributing to polarization and instability on a vast scale. Deepfakes are just one new AI-enabled tool that, if unchecked, could have serious implications for peace and stability. And the unforeseen consequences of some AI-enabled systems could create security risks by accident. Look no further than social media. Tools and platforms that were designed to enhance human connection are now used to undermine elections, spread conspiracy theories and incite hatred and violence. Malfunctioning AI systems are another huge area of concern. And the interaction between AI and nuclear weapons, biotechnology, neurotechnology and robotics is deeply alarming. Generative AI has enormous potential for good and evil at scale. Its creators themselves have warned that much bigger, potentially catastrophic and existential risks lie ahead. Without action to address these risks, we are derelict in our responsibilities to present and future generations. We must work together for AI that bridges social, digital and economic divides, not one that pushes us further apart. We need a race to develop AI for good. To develop AI that is reliable and safe and that can end poverty, banish hunger, cure cancer and supercharge climate action; AI that propels us towards the Sustainable Development Goals. That is the race we need, and that is a race that is possible and achievable. Excerpts from the UN Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council on Artificial Intelligence, 18 July 2023. The post The AI race we need appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ex-OPEC president Diezani Alison-Madueke charged with bribery
Former OPEC president Diezani Alison-Madueke has been charged with bribery offenses relating to her time as Nigeria's oil minister, the UK National Crime Agency said on Tuesday. Alison-Madueke, 63, has been on bail since first being arrested in London in October 2015. She will appear in court in the British capital on 2 October, the NCA said. Soon after her arrest, her family's lawyer told AFP she would strongly contest corruption allegations that have dogged her during and after her time in former president Goodluck Jonathan's government. Alison-Madueke, in office from 2010 to 2015, was the first woman to be oil minister in Nigeria and the first female president of the global oil cartel OPEC. The head of the NCA's international corruption unit, Andy Kelly, said in a statement: "We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts." The NCA said Alison-Madueke allegedly benefited from at least £100,000 ($127,000) in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties. The charges also detail financial rewards including furniture, renovation work and staff for the properties, payment of private school fees, and gifts from top designer shops such as Cartier jewelry and Louis Vuitton goods. "Bribery is a pervasive form of corruption, which enables serious criminality and can have devastating consequences for developing countries," Kelly said. "These charges are a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex international investigation," he added. Alison-Madueke has been living in the upmarket St John's Wood area of north London since she was first arrested, and undergone chemotherapy for breast cancer, according to her family. At the time of her arrest, the NCA said only it had detained five people in London on suspicion of international corruption, without naming those held. The Nigerian government of Jonathan's successor Muhammadu Buhari later confirmed Alison-Madueke's arrest and said its law enforcement agencies were cooperating with their British counterparts. Former army general Buhari began an anti-corruption drive after taking office. The NCA said that assets worth millions of pounds in relation to the case have been frozen as part of the investigation. In March, the agency, which targets international and organized crime, provided evidence to the US Department of Justice allowing them to recover assets totaling $53.1 million linked to Alison-Madueke's alleged corruption. The post Ex-OPEC president Diezani Alison-Madueke charged with bribery appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AI could halve time reading breast cancer scans, study suggests
Artificial intelligence could help almost halve the workload of radiologists when it comes to searching routine scans for signs of breast cancer, a large Swedish study suggested on Wednesday. The interim results of the trial were hailed as promising, but the authors cautioned that more research was needed before AI can be used to screen for breast cancer on a wider scale. While increasingly convincing chatbots such as ChatGPT have driven speculation about the future potential applications of AI, one area in which the technology has already shown proficiency is in reading medical scans. With many countries suffering from a shortage of radiologists, there are hopes that AI could make the time-consuming job of analyzing routine scans quicker and more accurate. This could have a particularly large impact for breast cancer. More than 2.3 million women were diagnosed with the cancer in 2020 alone, according to the World Health Organization, and it caused 685,000 deaths. Regular screening is vital to identifying early signs of cancer. In Europe, women aged 50 to 69 are advised to get a mammogram every two years, with the resulting scan analyzed by two radiologists. The study in Sweden involved the scans of 80,000 women who had mammograms at four sites in southwest Sweden between April 2021 and July last year. 'Considerable importance' Their scans were randomly divided for analysis to either an AI-supported system or two human radiologists, who served as the control group. The AI algorithm read the scans and predicted the risk of cancer out of 10. Its predictions were then checked by a radiologist. The AI-supported system spotted 20 percent more cancers, the study said, which worked out to be an additional case for every thousand women screened. When it came to false positives -- when a mammogram is first thought to look suspicious but is later cleared -- both the AI-supported system and the two humans spotted the same rate: 1.5 percent. And the workload for radiologists was reduced by 44 percent for the AI group, because only one person was required to read the scans rather than the normal two. "The greatest potential of AI right now is that it could allow radiologists to be less burdened by the excessive amount of reading," said Kristina Lang, a radiologist at Sweden's Lund University and lead author of the study. But Lang said the "promising interim safety results" were "not enough on their own to confirm that AI is ready to be implemented in mammography screening," she said in a statement. It will take two more years before the trial can say whether using AI leads to a reduction in what are called interval cancers, which are detected between routine screenings, the researchers cautioned. Stephen Duffy, a professor of cancer screening at Queen Mary University of London who was not involved in the study, pointed out that the AI algorithm may have over-diagnosed certain forms of early breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ. Nonetheless, he praised the "high-quality study", saying that reducing the burden on radiologists' time was "an issue of considerable importance in many breast screening programmes". The post AI could halve time reading breast cancer scans, study suggests appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
When a growing chest isn’t muscle
Many men do exercises and lift weights to increase the strength and definition of their chest muscles. Enlargement in the area, however, can also be due to enlargement of the breast tissue, a condition called gynecomastia. Most men do not report any symptoms, but sometimes the enlargement can be accompanied by tenderness in the area and sensitivity when rubbing against clothing. [caption id="attachment_160533" align="aligncenter" width="619"] CONSULT your physician to get correct diagnosis.| Photograph courtesy of unsplash/alora griffith[/caption] Most breast lumps in men are usually benign enlargements. This can happen in just one or both breasts, and examination by a physician usually reveals a rubbery, movable lump can be felt just under the nipple area, measuring at least 0.5 cm up to 2.0 cm in diameter. If this lump is not felt on examination, the breast may be made up of mostly fatty tissue (also called pseudogynecomastia or lipomastia, which is due to an increase in breast fat and not breast glandular tissue). If physical examination cannot clearly identify between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia, then a breast ultrasound or mammography should be done. While breast cancer occurs primarily in women, it can also occur in men. Male breast cancer makes up less than one percent of all cases of breast cancer, and is usually detected in men between 60 and 70 years of age. Male breast cancers are one-sided, non-tender, firm-to-hard in texture and not movable under the skin. These are also often found off to the side and not under the nipple. There can also be some dimpling in the skin like an orange peel. Certain hormones produce the usual traits seen in males (testosterone) and females (estrogen), but males also produce a small amount of estrogen while females produce a small amount of testosterone. Gynecomastia can occur when men have estrogen levels that are high or out of balance with testosterone levels. Gynecomastia can occur due to natural hormone changes at different times in a male’s life: Infancy. More than half of newborn boys have enlarged breasts because of the estrogen they received from their mothers while developing in the womb. The gynecomastia goes away at two to three weeks after birth. Puberty. Changing hormone levels can cause breast enlargement, but this usually goes away six months to two years after the start of puberty (usually from 12-14 years old). Mid-life and beyond. Men produce less testosterone as they get older. Older men also tend to have more body fat, causing an increase in estrogen. About one in four men between the ages of 50 and 80 have breast enlargement and usually have no symptoms. Men should see a doctor if you have: Breast tissue that is growing very fast A lump bigger than two to three inches under the nipple or a very hard lump that is off to the side of the nipple Pain and tenderness Nipple discharge in one or both breasts A lump on one of your testicles There are some other medical conditions can cause gynecomastia: Obesity Lack of proper nutrition Tumors in the testicles or adrenal glands Liver disease Thyroid disease Lack of testosterone Kidney failure Certain drugs and substances can also cause gynecomastia, including: Steroids Estrogens Treatments for an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer Diuretics (spironolactone) Medications used for heartburn (metoclopramide) Anti-fungal medications Herbal treatments that contain tea tree oil and lavender Excessive alcohol intake Prohibited substances such as amphetamines and marijuana In most cases of gynecomastia, treatment is often not needed. If there is an underlying condition, gynecomastia often goes away after treatment or once any offending medications are stopped. A medication called tamoxifen or anastrazole can also be used for a short while. If the breast enlargement persists despite these, surgery to reduce the size of the breasts can be done. If you suspect you have gynecomastia, consult your physician to get the correct diagnosis and to find the right treatment. The risk for gynecomastia may also be reduced by not using drugs that include anabolic steroids, amphetamines and marijuana, and by avoiding alcohol or drinking in moderation. The post When a growing chest isn’t muscle appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
12 things to know about your thyroid
It’s International Thyroid Awareness Week, from 25 to 31 May. We each have a thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, just above your collarbone. It is usually flat and cannot be felt even if you press around that area of your neck. Here are some things other things that you should know about your thyroid. The thyroid gland makes thyroid hormone, a substance that controls your metabolism. An excess of thyroid hormone is called hyperthyroidism, where your metabolism can be very fast. This can cause weight loss, palpitations, sweats, tremors, feeling warm and a characteristic eye stare. A lack of thyroid hormone is the opposite, with a slow metabolism that can lead to weight gain, a slow heart rate, constipation and feeling cold. Any enlargement of the thyroid is called a goiter. The whole thyroid can be enlarged or just a small part which can be a nodule if it is a solid mass, or a cyst, which is filled with fluid. There can also be multiple nodules or cysts or both. [caption id="attachment_137002" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MAKATI MEDICAL CENTER | Any enlargement of the thyroid is called a goiter.[/caption] Having a goiter does not always mean that you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Most patients have normal thyroid function tests, which are known as TSH, free T4 and free T3. There are many misbeliefs about goiter. Goiters are not caused by shouting, singing, drinking cold water, lifting heavy things, straining or eating certain foods. You can do all these things without causing your thyroid to become enlarged. Goiters can affect anyone and can be present at birth. If they remain small they may not even be detected until they are found on a routine physical examination or incidentally with tests done for other reasons, like a CT scan or X-ray of either the head or chest that may include part of the neck. [caption id="attachment_137005" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UNSPLASH/clem onojeghuo | The most common symptom of thyroid goiter is a lump in the neck.[/caption] The most common cause of goiters worldwide is a lack of iodine in the diet, which is needed to make thyroid hormone. Other causes are autoimmune disorders where antibodies produced by your immune system mistakenly attack your thyroid gland. [caption id="attachment_137004" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UNSPLASH/JAKUB KAPUSNAK | FISH are rich in iodine.[/caption] Pregnancy can also cause the thyroid to enlarge slightly, and thyroid problems can occur with the hormonal changes of pregnancy and menopause. Certain medications can also stimulate the thyroid or damage it, such as amiodarone and lithium. Exposure to radiation through radiation treatments to the head and neck also increase the risk of developing a goiter. Most goiters are not cancer. A neck ultrasound is the best imaging test to take a closer look and depending on the appearance and size of the nodule, an ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy can be done if it looks suspicious for cancer. If thyroid cancer is found, the good news is that the usual thyroid cancers are slow to grow and slow to spread or metastasize. Complete removal of the thyroid or a total thyroidectomy is recommended for high risk patients, and this includes Filipinos. And unlike some cancers that require several courses of chemotherapy, a single dose of radioactive iodine in a capsule may be all that is needed in thyroid cancer to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue. If your entire thyroid removed you have to take thyroid hormone replacement for life. Thyroid hormone should be taken regularly on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, and only take with water. One way to remember is to place the medication next to your bed and to take it upon waking. Wait at least 30 minutes before taking any other food or medication. [caption id="attachment_137003" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UNSPLASH/mary skrynnikova | DAIRY, such as milk, is a major source of iodine in human nutrition.[/caption] If you think you have a goiter, consult your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and timely treatment. And remember to see your doctor regularly for follow-up tests. Thyroid cancer patients need blood tests done every three to six months to monitor hormone levels for medication dose adjustment and to check that the cancer has not recurred. The post 12 things to know about your thyroid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ANZ raises Philippine inflation forecast to 3.8% this year
ANZ Research hiked its inflation forecast for the Philippines to 3.8 percent this year, from 3.5 percent previously, as risks may drive inflation up to above the central bank’s two to four percent target in the coming months......»»
Cebu bus terminals: 100,000 passengers expected on March 27
CEBU CITY, Philippines — At least 100,000 passengers are expected to flock to two of the biggest bus terminals here in Cebu for the Holy Week this year. As early as 7 a.m. on Holy Wednesday, dozens already queued for buses at the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT) in the North Reclamation Area. READ MORE:.....»»
Mandaue drug bust: P476,000 ‘shabu’ seized from HVI
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Authorities seized suspected shabu worth at least P476,000 from a 45-year-old man described as a high-value individual during an anti-illegal drugs operation in Mandaue City early on Wednesday morning, March 27, 2024. The operation took place along Realty Road in the North Reclamation Area in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Cebu. The.....»»
Fisherfolk raise alarm over demolition of Navotas City fishing structures
“Affected fisherfolk and other residents ‘highly believe’ that the dismantling order is part of the 650-hectare reclamation project in the area.” The post Fisherfolk raise alarm over demolition of Navotas City fishing structures appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, March 25
JAKARTA -- One was killed and nine others, including children, went missing after a landslide struck a village in the Indonesian province of West Java on Sunday, a local official said Monday. The disaster took place in Cibenda village in West Bandung regency on Sunday after torrential rain reportedly poured over the area for around two hours. (Indonesia-Landslide) - - - - SYDNEY -- Local media repo.....»»
DOH orders 5 million measles vaccine doses
The Department of Health has procured five million doses of measles vaccine as part of its renewed and intensified campaign against increasing cases of measles in the country......»»
Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, March 25
JAKARTA -- One was killed and nine others, including children, went missing after a landslide struck a village in the Indonesian province of West Java on Sunday, a local official said Monday. The disaster took place in Cibenda village in West Bandung regency on Sunday after torrential rain reportedly poured over the area for around two hours. (Indonesia-Landslide) - - - - SYDNEY -- Local media repo.....»»
Measles vaccine drive launched in BARMM
The Department of Health is conducting a non-selective immunization program against measles in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to contain an outbreak......»»
DOH, SPMC raise colorectal cancer awareness
THE Department of Health (DOH) and the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) collaborated to raise awareness about colorectal cancer causes and symptoms during the Kapihan sa Dabaw at SM Ecoland on Monday morning, March 25, 2024......»»
Nexperia workers decry mass ‘lay-offs’, claim union-busting
The lay-offs are set to begin while Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations are underway. The post Nexperia workers decry mass ‘lay-offs’, claim union-busting appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Belle Mariano renewed as Shein Filipina ambassador
Kapamilya star Belle Mariano had a message for her fellow women this Women's Month. .....»»
Samal residents rally vs power woes
Electricity consumers in the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte province joined an interfaith prayer rally over the weekend to protest the continued power woes in their area......»»
Princess Kate praised for ‘extraordinary dignity’ after cancer diagnosis
LONDON – Kate, Britain’s Princess of Wales, and her husband Prince William have been “enormously touched” by the messages of support received since she announced her cancer diagnosis, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said on Saturday. Kate said on Friday she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy after tests done following her major abdominal surgery in January revealed cancer had.....»»
Wheat imports seen to rise on higher bread demand
It’s a quarter before seven in the morning. A queue starts to form in front of RJS bakery in Barangay Barangka Drive in Mandaluyong City......»»
Kate Middleton na-diagnose ng cancer, sumasailalim na sa chemotherapy
MATAPOS ang successful na abdominal surgery, na-diagnose ng cancer ang Princess of Wales ng Britain na si Kate Middleton. Ito ang ibinunyag mismo ng prinsesa sa isang video message kamakailan lang. Kung matatandaan, noong January lamang nang operahan si Kate para sa isang “unspecified but non-cancerous condition.” Sa nasabing video, nag-open up siya sa publiko.....»»