Tag Archives: labor

How Shifting Induction Time to Early Morning Can Reduce Labor Duration by 6 Hours

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For an efficient labor, opt for induction early in the morning.

Yulia Burmystrova/Getty Images

Innovative research indicates that the optimal time for labor induction is early in the morning. This approach aligns with our natural circadian rhythms, potentially shortening labor duration and decreasing the likelihood of C-sections.

“This cost-effective strategy enhances the birthing experience for mothers, newborns, and healthcare providers alike,” notes Hanne Hoffman from Michigan State University.

Across the UK, US, and Australia, approximately one-third of all births are induced, utilizing medication or artificial methods instead of allowing labor to commence spontaneously. Induction generally mitigates the risk of stillbirth, especially when the baby is overdue or facing developmental issues. Another indication for induction is when the water breaks prematurely, heightening the risk of infection.

However, induced labor can often be longer than natural labor. “I know individuals who underwent labor induction and endured two lengthy days of it; I was astonished by their prolonged and painful experiences,” Hoffman shares.

This prompted Hoffman, who investigates circadian rhythms—our body’s natural oscillations—to contemplate whether a specific time of day is ideal for labor induction. “We observe that natural childbirth follows a circadian rhythm, with uterine contractions peaking in the late evening and deliveries primarily occurring at night,” she adds. This timing may have evolved as it offers a safer environment, reducing predator threats.

To further explore this, Hoffman and her team analyzed data from over 3,000 induced deliveries at Michigan hospitals from 2019 to 2022. They discovered that the shortest labor duration was for those induced between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. For instance, inductions at 5 a.m. averaged 15 hours, while those at 11 p.m. took around 21 hours—an extension of six hours. Those induced in the morning also faced lower chances of emergency C-sections.

The early morning advantage may stem from heightened uterine receptor sensitivity to oxytocin during this timeframe, a crucial hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth. For inductions, a synthetic oxytocin is typically administered. “When a doctor initiates labor with a substantial dose of oxytocin, you may, in essence, be capitalizing on your body’s internal morning oxytocin boost and intensifying labor,” explains Satchidananda Panda from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego, California.

The findings suggest that women with a higher BMI or first-time mothers benefit significantly from early morning inductions. The research team now aims to delve into the biological mechanisms behind these outcomes.

While organizing all labor inductions between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. may not be feasible for all hospitals, prioritizing first-time mothers and patients with higher BMI could be beneficial, Hoffman posits.

Crucially, this study indicated no medical complications arising from early morning inductions. “We observed no rise in NICU admissions,” emphasizes Rene Cortese from the University of Kansas Medical Center. “This study sends a vital message: while one risk is diminished, no new risks are introduced.”

The research team is eager to conduct additional studies to validate that assigning early morning delivery actually enhances outcomes. “We need to establish a proof-of-concept study to replicate this finding,” shares Hoffman.

Other chronotherapy approaches, which adjust medical interventions based on circadian rhythms, are being explored across oncology, cardiology, and psychiatry, with recent findings indicating that administering cancer treatments before 3 p.m. can improve patient survival rates.

Topics:

  • Pregnancy and Childbirth/
  • Circadian Rhythm

Source: www.newscientist.com

Labor Refutes Claims of Permitting Tech Giants to Exploit Copyrighted Content for AI Training

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In response to significant backlash from writers, arts, and media organizations, the Albanon government has definitively stated that tech companies will not be allowed to freely access creative content for training artificial intelligence models.

Attorney General Michel Rolland is expected to announce this decision on Monday, effectively rejecting a contentious proposal from the Ministry of Justice. productivity committee, which had support from technology companies.

“Australian creatives are not just top-tier; they are essential to the fabric of Australian culture, and we need to ensure they have robust legal protections,” said Mr. Rowland.

The commission faced outrage in August when its interim report on data usage in the digital economy suggested exemptions from copyright law, effectively granting tech companies free access to content for AI training.

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Recently, Scott Farquhar, co-founder of Atlassian and chairman of the Australian Technology Council, told the National Press Club that revising existing restrictions could “unlock billions in foreign investment for Australia”.

The proposal triggered a strong backlash from creators, including Indigenous rapper Adam Briggs, who testified in September that allowing companies to utilize local content without fair remuneration would make it “hard to put the genie back in the bottle.”

Australian author Anna Funder argued that large-scale AI systems rely on “massive unauthorized appropriation of every available book, artwork, and performance that can be digitized.”

The same inquiry uncovered that the Productivity Commission did not engage with the creative community or assess the potential effects of its recommendations before releasing its report. This led Green Party senator Sarah Hanson-Young to state that the agency had “miscalculated the importance of the creative industries.”

The Australian Council of Trade Unions also cautioned against the proposal, asserting it would lead to “widespread theft” of creative works.

Higher government ministers were disrespectful, although a so-called “text and data mining” exemption may still be considered, Rowland’s statement marks the first time it has been specifically ruled out.

“While artificial intelligence offers vast opportunities for Australia and its economy, it’s crucial that Australian creators also reap the benefits,” she asserted.

The Attorney General plans to gather the government’s Copyright and AI Reference Group on Monday and Tuesday to explore alternative measures to address the challenges posed by advancing technology.

This includes discussions on whether a new paid licensing framework under copyright law should replace the current voluntary system.

Briggs says he will be replaced by AI: AI doesn’t know ‘what a lounge room in Shepparton smells like’ – video

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), one of the organizations advocating against the exemption, praised the announcement as “a substantial step forward.”

“This represents a win for creativity and Australian culture, including Indigenous culture, but more importantly, it’s a victory for common sense. The current copyright licensing system is effective,” stated ARIA CEO Annabel Hurd.

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“Intellectual property law is fundamental to the creative economy, digital economy, and tech industry. It is the foundation that technology companies rely on to protect and monetize their products, driving innovation.”

Hurd emphasized that further measures are necessary to safeguard artists, including ensuring AI adheres to licensing rules.

“Artists have the right to determine how their work is utilized and to share in the value that it generates,” she stated.

“Safeguarding those frameworks is how we secure Australia’s creative sovereignty and maintain our cultural vitality.”

Media companies also expressed their support for the decision.

A spokesperson for Guardian Australia stated that this represents “a significant step towards affirming that Australia’s copyrighted content warrants protection and compensation.”

“Australian media, publishers, and creators all voiced strong opposition to the TDM (text and data mining) exception, asserting it would permit large-scale theft of the work of Australian journalists and creators, undermining Australia’s national interests,” the spokesperson added.

They also indicated that the Guardian seeks to establish a fair licensing system that supports genuine value exchange.

News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller remarked that the government made the “correct decision” to exclude the exemption.

“By protecting creators’ rights to control access, usage terms, and remuneration, we reinforce the efficacy of our nation’s copyright laws, ensuring favorable market outcomes,” he affirmed.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Reverse Midas Touch: Starme Plan Promotes Collapse to Back Digital IDs | Labor

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Kiel Starmer is seen as a manifestation of Prime Minister’s “Reverse Midas Touch,” with overall support for digital IDs plummeting following his announcement about implementation plans.

Net support for digital ID cards has dropped from 35% in early summer to -14% over recent weekends.

These findings indicate that the proposal is significantly affected by its association with the unpopular government. In June, 53% of surveyed voters expressed support for all British digital ID cards, while 19% were opposed.

The government aims to launch a nationwide digital identity scheme, citing it as a “big opportunity” for the UK to make illegal employment more challenging.

After the cross-star announcement, only 31% of those surveyed expressed support for the scheme, while 45% opposed it, with 32% stating they strongly opposed it. Over 2.6 million people have signed the petition against the introduction of IDs.

Proponents of digital identity schemes across the nation are dissatisfied with how the policy was presented and are doubtful about its future implementation.

Analysis of the Commons vote indicates that public discontent with the government is contributing to the decline in support. While only 20% of those who believe Starmer is doing a poor job favor digital IDs, 71% of those who view Starmer positively support them, with only 14% in opposition.

These statistics reflect the Prime Minister’s uphill battle to regain public trust in his policies and leadership. His personal approval rating has fallen to an all-time low, with recent studies identifying him as the least popular prime minister in history.

Recent polling by Ipsos reveals that 13% of voters are satisfied, while 79% express dissatisfaction, leading to a net rating of -66. This marks the lowest satisfaction recorded for a prime minister since 1977, worse than previous lows set in August 1994 during John Major’s tenure.

“Digital IDs lack popularity fundamentally. Earlier this summer, we observed it as a clear indicator of governmental instability,” remarked Luke Trill, Executive Director of More Common.

“If governments are to reshape support for digital identity, they must initiate clearer use cases. The danger is that potentially beneficial policies could become additional challenges for governments amid organized opposition.”

Starmer and former adviser to Tony Blair, Peter Hyman, claimed the plan is “dead in the water” within six months, as ministers failed to present a persuasive case during an event at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.

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Hyman indicated that the scheme’s opposition finds itself “on the back foot,” urging Downing Street to engage social media influencers to “address objections” and counter rising conspiracy theories threatening the initiative’s viability.

The minister stated that digital ID cards would be mandatory for individuals wishing to prove their right to live and work in the UK. The government is particularly concerned about the ease of accessing illegal jobs within the UK’s shadow economy, a contributing factor encouraging perilous travel across the channel.

Photo IDs would be stored on smartphones, similar to a digital bank card, and would contain details such as the owner’s name, residency status, date of birth, and nationality. They do not grant access to healthcare or welfare benefits.

According to a senior minister, ID cards will be implemented prior to the next election, initially aimed at verifying individuals’ rights to work.

“If having an ID card helps eliminate fraudulent activities within the system, this was always a straightforward aim,” stated Interior Secretary Shabana Mahmoud at a fringe event. As conservatives deem it a “witness,” the plan continues to face resistance from British reformists.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Former UK Amazon CEO as Competition Watchdog is a “Slap in the Face,” According to Labor Union

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Trade unions and consumer activists have criticized the appointment of Amazon’s former chief executive as the head of Britain’s competition watchdog, calling it a “slap in the face to workers” and “Trumpian.” The government hired Doug Gurr, former Amazon UK and China boss, to chair the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), leading to accusations of favoritism towards big tech.

Business Secretary Justin Madders defended the decision, stating that it was aimed at boosting economic growth. Gurr replaces Markus Bockelink and will serve as interim chair for up to 18 months. The CMA will focus on investigating technology companies under the new digital market competition regime to increase competition.

Critics like GMB national secretary Andy Prendergast and campaigner Rob Harrison have raised concerns about Gurr’s ties to Amazon and the potential bias in regulating technology monopolies. However, government officials maintain that the CMA will uphold its operational independence and protect consumer interests.

Amazon, known for its dominance in online sales, has faced criticism for its treatment of workers and market practices. The company has pledged to ensure worker rights and dignity. The appointment of Gurr has sparked debates over conflict of interest and regulatory oversight of tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Facebook.

Antitrust watchdogs and consumer groups have expressed concerns about the impact of Gurr’s appointment on economic growth and innovation. The Open Market Institute (OMI) criticized the move as a strategic failure that could harm UK’s competitiveness in the tech sector.

Despite the backlash, government officials defend the decision, stating that it is necessary to balance consumer protection and growth. Gurr’s background as an Amazon executive has raised questions about his ability to regulate the tech industry effectively.

Gurr’s appointment comes after disagreements over the CMA’s approach to growth, leading to the replacement of Bockelink. Regulators like Nikhil Rati of the Financial Conduct Authority have emphasized that they are acting on government directives to ensure compliance and customer protection.

The CMA and Gurr have been approached for comment on the matter. Additional reporting by Kalyeena Makortoff and Sarah Butler.

Source: www.theguardian.com

UK retailers embrace automation with robotic packaging machines and AI cameras to cut labor expenses

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EElectronic shelf labels, return machines, robotic bagging machines and even self-service tills are just some of the many technologies UK retailers are adopting to solve the problem of rising labor costs.

Big retailers have been releasing a flurry of festive deals in recent weeks as they face rising labor costs from April following increases in the national minimum wage and employers' National Insurance Contributions (NICs). , investment in automation has always been active.

The investment could boost productivity in an industry that has long relied on cheap labor – a key goal of the government. But they will also replace entry-level jobs and reduce the number of roles in the sector, which is Britain's biggest employer.

When the British Retail Consortium asked finance chiefs at major retailers how they would respond to the impending increase in employer NICs, almost a third said they would make greater use of automation, but this Hours of what's behind the hike, head office job cuts, and reductions in working hours.

So what innovations are they considering and whose jobs might they impact?

electronic shelf price labels

Electronic shelf labels are already common in some other countries, and could be on UK high streets in the blink of an eye by 2025. One retailer's manager told the Guardian that NIC's rising labor costs suddenly made the switch economically viable.

Change prices with the push of a button, saving staff time removing and replacing hundreds of small paper labels. Electronics chain Currys plans to introduce electronic pricing to 100 of its 300 UK stores by the end of this year after trials in stores in Northern Europe, with supermarket groups Sainsbury's and Co-op also experimenting.

self service

Shopper-operated checkouts are widespread in supermarkets, and we expect to see more of them in fashion and home goods retailers this year.

Primark is rolling out the service in 41 stores in the UK and plans to expand to at least five more this spring, while Next is piloting it in one branch.

Inditex, owner of Japanese fashion chains Uniqlo and Zara, has led the way with technology that allows customers to recall entire baskets of goods without having to scan them with wireless tags. Marks & Spencer is experimenting with this approach for customers purchasing non-food items.

Grocery stores are also continuing to innovate. Co-ops are testing hybrid checkouts that can be operated by self-service or staff, and some supermarkets have added larger self-checkouts suitable for handling full carts.

Self-scanning systems, such as Sainsbury's SmartShop and Tesco's Scan as you Shop, where shoppers use a handheld device or smartphone app to recall prices, are also on the rise. Sainsbury's said 30% of the groceries it sold during the peak holiday season were processed through SmartShop, leading to “lower costs and faster checkouts”.

Automated return machines have also been introduced, allowing shoppers to drop off unwanted items by simply swiping a QR code. John Lewis is testing the product at three Waitrose stores.

But the idea of ​​leaving stores completely unmanned has been questioned. Amazon's “Just Walk Out” store, where shoppers sign in through an app and technology automatically monitors and charges their purchases, hasn't been a huge success. The company has 21 stores in the UK, with one store opening in north London in November after several closures in 2023 and 2024. Tesco only has four GetGo self-service stores, the first of which opened in 2021, while Aldi only has one such store in the UK.

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Warehouse automation and robots

Retailers have been gradually increasing automation in their warehouses for years, but rising labor costs are accelerating that trend.

Sales of assembly line robots to food and drink, logistics and consumer goods companies rose 31% in the first nine months of last year, according to industry body Automate UK. This number does not include autonomous mobile robots, which move and complete tasks without a human operator and are becoming increasingly popular.

For example, Amazon and John Lewis use autonomous robots to move goods around their warehouses and bring them to the humans who pack them. Ocado's entire business model is based on the use of warehouses run by robots, but the company has expanded its use to go beyond just picking products out of crates and putting them into shoppers' bags and into vans. It's starting to expand.

One Irish retailer recently introduced a robot that patrols its stores to monitor out-of-stock items and mispricing, according to the Institute of Grocery Distributors (IGD), and a U.S. retailer is also rolling out the same technology. It is said that they have been able to increase their inventory level to 98.5%.

artificial intelligence

IGD also cited AI-powered cameras, which check shelf gaps in real time and monitor how shoppers interact with products, as one of the key technologies to improve store operations this year. There is. Last year, Morrisons added cameras to supermarket shelves that allow customers to reorder stock if needed.

Retailers also want to reduce waste and improve marketing efforts by using AI to analyze vast amounts of data and handle simple, repetitive tasks.

Sainsbury's has introduced an AI-enabled predictive tool to ensure it has the right amount of products on its shelves as part of a £1bn cost-cutting plan. Waitrose uses this technology to schedule the right workers for deliveries from stores and analyze food trends for product development. Meanwhile, M&S uses the technology to create product descriptions online and advise shoppers on clothing choices based on their body type and style preferences.

Tesco uses AI to make purchasing decisions and optimize routes for delivery drivers. The supermarket's CEO Ken Murphy said customer interactions will be “truly enhanced and driven by AI in almost every aspect of our business.”

He uses this to analyze shoppers' loyalty card data and learn how to save money and take care of their health by not buying too much (or perhaps too much) of certain products. suggested it could provide “relevant inspiration and ideas for shoppers and their families.” .

Source: www.theguardian.com

‘AI Integration in Britain: Labor Announces Extensive Public Implementation’

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Billions of pounds are set to be invested in enhancing Britain’s computing capacity, with ministers unveiling plans to integrate artificial intelligence more deeply into the country’s operations, despite widespread public concerns about the repercussions of using AI.

Keir Starmer has introduced an ambitious scheme to boost AI computing power under public ownership 20-fold by 2030 and leverage AI in various applications, ranging from identifying potholes to supporting educators. The initiative is in the works.

Labour’s strategy to ‘unleash’ AI involves the Prime Minister’s personal commitment to position the UK as a ‘world leader’ in this rapidly advancing sector. The government’s proposals include potentially contentious measures to release public data to foster the growth of AI firms. This includes offering anonymized NHS data to “researchers and innovators” for training AI models. The government assures the presence of “robust privacy protections”, ensuring the data remains beyond the control of private entities.

Ministers are optimistic that AI could combat Britain’s sluggish economic expansion and generate an economic injection of up to £470 billion over the coming decade, based on their internal forecasts. The action plan signals a shift from the UK government’s earlier emphasis on addressing critical challenges.

The administration’s commitment to nurture the AI sector has been well received by tech giants like Microsoft, Anthropic, and OpenAI. Mr. Starmer emphasized the necessity for governmental support in the AI domain. Regulatory bodies are tasked with “actively backing innovation,” a stance that may clash with individuals advocating for public protection.

However, experts caution about the societal, employment, and environmental impacts of AI. Recent government research underscores that the terms “robot,” “scary,” and “worry” are top-of-mind for the average person regarding AI.

The political initiative also aims to expedite investments in new small-scale nuclear reactors to power energy-intensive technologies.

Susie Alegre, an expert in technology and human rights, mentions the Post Office scandal as a stark reminder of the perils of overreliance on technology without sufficient oversight mechanisms.

Mr. Starmer urged all cabinet members to prioritize the integration of AI, stating that AI’s transformative potential can enhance various facets of daily life. He stressed the need for swift and decisive action, recognizing the fierce global competition in the realm of AI.

Endeavors to bolster the UK’s AI hardware could position cloud computing as vital to the country’s economy, society, and security as internet access, electricity, oil, and gas. This strategic move is propelled by the belief that…

Source: www.theguardian.com

Elon Musk Urges Labor MP to Address Tommy Robinson’s Anger

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Elon Musk has caused controversy by advocating for the release of Tommy Robinson and criticizing Keir Starmer for not prosecuting a child rapist in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

Billionaire and ally of Donald Trump, Elon Musk’s message “Free Tommy Robinson!” was prominently displayed on his X feed, showing support for the far-right activist who had been jailed for contempt of court.

In addition to expressing support for Robinson, Musk also made several posts about the Rochdale and Oldham rape gangs, criticizing the Prime Minister and Security Secretary Jess Phillips for their handling of the scandal.

In a post, Musk mentioned, “In the UK, serious crimes like rape require approval from the Crown Prosecution Service for the police to prosecute a suspect. Who was leading the CPS when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008-2013.”

He also stated that Mr. Phillips claimed it was Oldham City Council, not the central government, calling for an investigation into child exploitation, remarking, “He deserves to be in prison.”

Elsewhere, he suggested: “The real reason she’s refusing to investigate the rape gang is because it would clearly implicate Keir Starmer [Crown Prosecution Service] during that time.”

Musk reposted numerous comments advocating for Robinson’s release, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, and who had been jailed the previous October for spreading false information about Syrian refugees.

The recent involvement of the Tesla founder and X owner in British politics has angered many Labour MPs, prompting calls for the government to cease using X for postings.

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The founder of Tesla and X has been openly critical of Mr. Starmer for the Prime Minister’s response to last summer’s British riots. He is reportedly considering donating up to $100m (£80m) to Reform Britain, and two weeks ago, he met with party leader Nigel Farage and treasurer Nick Candy, with whom he was photographed.

Musk’s recent online posts show strong support for the British far-right and follow his pledge to support Germany’s anti-immigration party, Alternative for Germany.

As one member of parliament commented: “[Musk] This time I went too far. Twitter [now X] is becoming a cesspit remarkably quickly, even for uninterested independents.”

Several ministers believe this should be the trigger for the government to distance itself from Musk’s platform, although some warn that doing so could create a diplomatic issue given Musk’s role in the upcoming Trump administration.

Downing Street declined to provide a comment.

A spokesperson for Reform UK did not indicate whether the billionaire’s support for Mr. Robinson, who is at odds within the party, would impact their willingness to accept funding from him.

A spokesperson for Oldham City Council stated: ‘Survivors are at the heart of our efforts to end child sexual exploitation, and their wishes remain our priority, regardless of the outcome of any future investigations. We have made a promise, and we intend to keep it.

“We all acknowledge the grave mistakes of the past where children were overlooked and neglected. By ensuring that survivors’ voices are heard, we can prevent the same failures from happening again.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Labor MP criticizes Westminster’s dependence on Elon Musk’s X as ‘wholly incorrect’

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A close friend of Keir Starmer suggests that Westminster needs to distance itself from X, alleging that Elon Musk is purposely manipulating algorithms to further his own political and personal agenda. He implied that this might be the case.

Josh Symonds, Member of Parliament for Makerfield and former director of the pro-Starmerite think tank Labor Together, argues that Britain’s political elite is dangerously reliant on the platform formerly known as Twitter. He expressed his belief in it. Symonds maintains an active X profile but is cautious not to “overuse” it.

His remarks mirror the growing unease among Labour MPs regarding the impact of X following the summer riots, during which misinformation rapidly circulated on the platform. This situation also risks escalating tensions between the government and the company, with Musk persistently criticizing Starmer for his handling of the violence.


Congressman Josh Simmons Photo: Roger Harris/British Parliament

Simons, a tech expert who authored a book on artificial intelligence, conveyed in an interview with The Guardian: That’s all. Particularly because I hardly ever endorse anything he says and I really don’t want to see it, even though I encounter him frequently.

“I even mentioned, ‘Don’t show me any more,’ yet he’s constantly present. And that certainty – despite the disapproval from the company’s founders and owners. You’ll notice additional individuals in the algorithm – [of] Something happening.”

He added, “The notion that individuals in the Westminster bubble are acquainted through a ranking system devised by someone who has dedicated his life to supporting Donald Trump is entirely, unequivocally wrong and detrimental to British democracy. I believe it’s harmful,” he continued. “I think it’s short-sighted for us all.”

X did not respond to requests for comments

The relationship between the government and social media platforms has been strained since the summer riots, with experts contending that online misinformation about the perpetrator who killed three children in Southport incited the disturbances.

As the violence intensified, Musk repeatedly posted about the unrest, sharing a video of the riots in Liverpool with the caption: “Civil war is inevitable.” Downing Street publicly rebuked these comments, labeling them as “unjustified,” to which Musk retaliated with a flurry of enraged posts.

X’s owners recently revived their criticism of the Labour government after being excluded from an international investment summit on Monday. “I don’t reckon anyone should visit the UK when they release a convicted pedophile. [sic] For imprisoning individuals based on their social media postings,” he posted, apparently alluding to the government’s early release initiative.

Numerous Labour MPs have opted out of X and instead established profiles on competing platforms such as Bluesky.

Simons, formerly involved in Meta’s AI program and presently campaigning for a seat on the Commons Technology Select Committee, opines that the new cohort of MPs are more skeptical of platforms than their predecessors, he asserts.

“The landscape is evolving quite fundamentally,” the 31-year-old remarked. “In reality, I believe there’s a generation that doesn’t necessarily imply they won’t utilize it at all, particularly since it offers us another avenue to attract attention.”

He also contends that the discourse surrounding AI has been predominantly shaped by older politicians who did not grow up in a tech-immersed environment like his generation did. He suggests that such individuals are frequently overly optimistic or pessimistic about how technology will revolutionize government operations.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair and ex-Conservative Party leader William Hague are among the most vocal proponents of broad AI integration in the public sector. Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak also conveyed optimism about the potential but cautioned about the “existential risks” to humanity.

“There’s a generation,” Simons remarked, “[that] didn’t grow up alongside data and technology, and they harbor simplistic, reductionist, and often utopian or apocalyptic notions about how technology will impact the nation’s future, public services, and economy.”

“AI frequently hinders delving deeper into the technology to better comprehend its policy and political implications.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Impact of Africa’s Affordable Outsourced Labor on AI Technology

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We are witnessing the emergence of AI, a development that was unexpected by many. Let’s explore this further.

If you’ve interacted with an AI assistant extensively, you may have noticed a distinct quality in their responses. Unless deliberate efforts are made to deviate from the default settings, the text generated by AI can seem oddly produced, even if technically correct in terms of grammar and meaning.

Certain patterns are evident. Chatbots exhibit an exaggerated use of language models influenced by reinforcement learning with human feedback. The result? A willingness to please and a generally optimistic demeanor, desirable traits for an assistant role (or any role).

There are also areas where the AI hesitates to venture. Initiating a scenario like a romantic encounter between Mickey Mouse and Barack Obama can trigger various safety mechanisms, revealing the AI’s reluctance to engage in certain topics.

Other subtle indicators include a tendency to present both sides of an argument, an aversion to brief responses, and impeccable spelling and grammar, akin to “writing by a robot.”

Additionally, specific terms like “Learn more” recurrently used by ChatGPT raise flags on AI involvement, pointing towards the increasing integration of AI models in various fields for enhancing written content.




Dr. Jeremy Nguyen’s exploration suggests ChatGPT’s influence on certain PubMed articles. Photo: Jeremy Nguyen/X

A different dataset reveals that words like “Explore,” “Tapestry,” “Will,” and “Exploit” are more frequent in ChatGPT’s output compared to general internet usage.

Understanding the inner workings, GPT-4 serves as a vast language model processing extensive data to predict the next word in a sentence, a task requiring substantial data sets and sophisticated processing.

Transitioning this into a chatbot involves reinforcement learning with human feedback, engaging human testers to provide feedback for refining the AI’s responses, a resource-intensive process demonstrating the growing reliance on AI in content creation.

While AI advances in various sectors, the physical manifestation of AI technology is slowly emerging, as evidenced by Limitless’s innovative pendant for intelligent conversation tracking.

Looking ahead, AI hardware like Rabbit’s R1 proposes novel solutions for enhancing daily tasks through AI agents, emphasizing the evolving integration of AI in our lives.

As AI hardware gains traction, the future holds a vast landscape of possibilities, with ongoing advancements shaping the interconnected realms of AI technology and human interaction.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Will other US companies follow Starbucks’ lead in making major progress in union negotiations?

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Starbucks has been actively resisting unionization efforts for over two years, but now they seem willing to engage in negotiations.

In a surprising move, Starbucks and its union released a joint announcement at the end of February, expressing a willingness to make progress on organizing and collective bargaining.

The union representing Starbucks employees announced plans to resume direct negotiations with the company in late April to establish a basic framework agreement involving over 400 unionized stores.

This development has brought hope not only to Starbucks employees but also to workers at companies like Amazon, Trader Joe’s, and REI, who have been struggling to move contract negotiations forward.

The possibility of Starbucks potentially unionizing after years of aggressive anti-union tactics has sparked curiosity about which company may follow suit in the future.

Claire Chan, an REI employee, expressed excitement about the progress, highlighting the persistence required to bring a company like Starbucks to the negotiating table. She described it as a significant step forward.

John Logan, a labor studies professor, remains cautious about Starbucks’ intentions and whether they will truly commit to ending anti-union practices and reaching an initial contract.

The union representative for Starbucks, Michelle Eisen, remains optimistic about the future collaboration between Starbucks and the union, emphasizing the importance of valuing employee input for business success.

Starbucks has offered a settlement to the union following backlash over union-busting allegations, stock price declines, and disruptive strikes, showing a potential shift towards supporting unions.

Legal experts and union representatives see Starbucks’ possible unionization as a significant step that could inspire other companies to consider similar actions.

Overall, the announcement from Starbucks has far-reaching implications for workers’ rights and the future of unionization in major corporations.

Source: www.theguardian.com

AI Companies Will Be Required by Labor to Share Test Data on Their Technology

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Labor is planning to require artificial intelligence companies to share the results of their road tests with authorities, replacing voluntary testing agreements with a statutory system. Peter Kyle, the shadow technology secretary, emphasized the need for greater transparency from tech companies, particularly in the wake of Brianna Gee’s murder.

Under Labor’s proposals, AI companies would be required to disclose their plans for developing AI systems and ensure safe testing under independent oversight. The testing agreement announced at the Global AI Safety Summit was supported by the EU and other countries, including the US, UK, Japan, France, and Germany.

During a visit to the United States, Kyle emphasized the importance of test results in providing independent scrutiny of cutting-edge AI technology. He stressed the need to ensure the safe development of technology that will have a significant impact on workplaces, societies, and cultures.

Tech companies that have agreed to test their models include Google, OpenAI, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta. Kyle also highlighted the role of the British AI Safety Association in independently scrutinizing AI development.

“We are moving from voluntary regulations to statutory regulations,” Mr Kyle told BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. We can find out what they’re testing for, so we know exactly what’s going on and where this technology is taking us.”

At the first Global AI Safety Summit in November, Rishi Sunak announced voluntary agreements with major AI companies such as Google and OpenAI. Under Labor’s proposals, AI companies would be required to disclose their plans for developing AI systems and ensure safe testing under independent oversight.

He added: “Some of this technology will have a profound impact on our workplaces, societies and cultures. And we need to ensure that its development occurs safely.”

Source: www.theguardian.com