
Europe's richest country with more money than UK and Spain combinedLOCAL government units (LGUs) are ultimately responsible for ensuring housing safety in urban areas, even with the availability of detailed geohazard maps and risk assessments, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Allan Rommel Labayog, Phivolcs regional monitoring officer, emphasized that the agency’s role is limited to prevention and mitigation, leaving the implementation of safety measures to LGUs. “We have developed a website, webpage, and app, as well as a manual on home safety. This includes a training system and mapping tools for disaster-prone areas, which we’ve shared with LGUs and other stakeholders,” Labayog said in a mix of English and Filipino during a geological hazards seminar led by the Department of Science and Technology on Friday. “However, Phivolcs’ current capabilities are limited to this extent.” He then urged local authorities, especially in vulnerable regions, to translate this information into tangible actions, such as enforcing building codes, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring housing developments are located in safe zones. “We [Phivolcs] provide information and interpretations, it’s up to them [LGUs] to implement or act on it,” he said. Under Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, LGUs, with partner stakeholders, “should build the disaster resilience of communities and institutionalize arrangements and measures for reducing disaster risks.” The 2023 United Nations Habitat country report revealed that 70 percent of cities and urban centers in the Philippines are located along coastlines, with 3.7 million informal settler families, including 500,000 in high-risk areas, living in slums. As of December 2022, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development reported a housing backlog of 2.2 million units, adding the need to prioritize safe areas for new developments. Hidden risks While no fault lines exist in some regions, the Phivolcs officer said that proximity to trenches still poses significant seismic risks, citing Zamboanga’s proximity to the Sulu Trench as an example. “Earthquakes from trenches are far stronger compared to fault lines. Even without a visible fault, urban housing here remains at risk,” he explained. Based on the Phivolcs’ prediction, the West Valley Fault, which is anticipated to cause ‘The Big One,’ could trigger a magnitude 7.2 earthquake if it ruptures along Metro Manila’s eastern side. Areas near the Marikina Valley and Manila Bay’s edge are particularly vulnerable to intense shaking due to the underlying soft soil. In contrast to the rest of the earthquake-prone Philippines, Labayog noted that Palawan stands out as a relatively sheltered region, with its distance from major fault lines and trenches significantly reducing its seismic risk. “In the center of the development of the Philippines, almost everything is affected; Basically, everything is affected, except for Palawan,” he said.
By JILL COLVIN and STEPHEN GROVES WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working mostly behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role: Helping Donald Trump try to get his most contentious Cabinet picks to confirmation in the Senate, where Vance has served for the last two years. Vance arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday with former Rep. Matt Gaetz and spent the morning sitting in on meetings between Trump’s choice for attorney general and key Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The effort was for naught: Gaetz announced a day later that he was withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and the reality that he was unlikely to be confirmed. Thursday morning Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth, the “Fox & Friends Weekend” host whom Trump has tapped to be the next secretary of defense. Hegseth also has faced allegations of sexual assault that he denies. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings in coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., center, and Vice President-elect JD Vance, left, walk out of a meeting with Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, departs the chamber at the Capitol in Washington, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, center speaks during a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, right, speaks with Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, before testifying at a hearing, March 9, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a classified briefing on China, at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a vote on Capitol Hill, Sept. 12, 2023 in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance R-Ohio speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The role of introducing nominees around Capitol Hill is an unusual one for a vice president-elect. Usually the job goes to a former senator who has close relationships on the Hill, or a more junior aide. But this time the role fits Vance, said Marc Short, who served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs as well as chief of staff to Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence, who spent more than a decade in Congress and led the former president’s transition ahead of his first term. ”JD probably has a lot of current allies in the Senate and so it makes sense to have him utilized in that capacity,” Short said. Unlike the first Trump transition, which played out before cameras at Trump Tower in New York and at the president-elect’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this one has largely happened behind closed doors in Palm Beach, Florida. There, a small group of officials and aides meet daily at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to run through possible contenders and interview job candidates. The group includes Elon Musk, the billionaire who has spent so much time at the club that Trump has joked he can’t get rid of him. Vance has been a constant presence, even as he’s kept a lower profile. The Ohio senator has spent much of the last two weeks in Palm Beach, according to people familiar with his plans, playing an active role in the transition, on which he serves as honorary chair. Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs, oriental rugs and intricate golden inlays. It’s a world away from the famously hardscrabble upbringing that Vance documented in the memoir that made him famous, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His young children have also joined him at Mar-a-Lago, at times. Vance was photographed in shorts and a polo shirt playing with his kids on the seawall of the property with a large palm frond, a U.S. Secret Service robotic security dog in the distance. Related Articles On the rare days when he is not in Palm Beach, Vance has been joining the sessions remotely via Zoom. Though he has taken a break from TV interviews after months of constant appearances, Vance has been active in the meetings, which began immediately after the election and include interviews and as well as presentations on candidates’ pluses and minuses. Among those interviewed: Contenders to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray , as Vance wrote in a since-deleted social media post. Defending himself from criticism that he’d missed a Senate vote in which one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees was confirmed, Vance wrote that he was meeting at the time “with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director.” “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45,” Vance added on X. “But that’s just me.” While Vance did not come in to the transition with a list of people he wanted to see in specific roles, he and his friend, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is also a member of the transition team, were eager to see former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. find roles in the administration. Trump ended up selecting Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence , a powerful position that sits atop the nation’s spy agencies and acts as the president’s top intelligence adviser. And he chose Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , a massive agency that oversees everything from drug and food safety to Medicare and Medicaid. Vance was also a big booster of Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who will serve as Trump’s “border czar.” In another sign of Vance’s influence, James Braid, a top aide to the senator, is expected to serve as Trump’s legislative affairs director. Allies say it’s too early to discuss what portfolio Vance might take on in the White House. While he gravitates to issues like trade, immigration and tech policy, Vance sees his role as doing whatever Trump needs. Vance was spotted days after the election giving his son’s Boy Scout troop a tour of the Capitol and was there the day of leadership elections. He returned in earnest this week, first with Gaetz — arguably Trump’s most divisive pick — and then Hegseth, who has was been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, according to an investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Vance hosted Hegseth in his Senate office as GOP senators, including those who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee, filtered in to meet with the nominee for defense secretary. While a president’s nominees usually visit individual senators’ offices, meeting them on their own turf, the freshman senator — who is accompanied everywhere by a large Secret Service detail that makes moving around more unwieldy — instead brought Gaetz to a room in the Capitol on Wednesday and Hegseth to his office on Thursday. Senators came to them. Vance made it to votes Wednesday and Thursday, but missed others on Thursday afternoon. Vance is expected to continue to leverage his relationships in the Senate after Trump takes office. But many Republicans there have longer relationships with Trump himself. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said that Trump was often the first person to call him back when he was trying to reach high-level White House officials during Trump’s first term. “He has the most active Rolodex of just about anybody I’ve ever known,” Cramer said, adding that Vance would make a good addition. “They’ll divide names up by who has the most persuasion here,” Cramer said, but added, “Whoever his liaison is will not work as hard at it as he will.” Cramer was complimentary of the Ohio senator, saying he was “pleasant” and ” interesting” to be around. ′′He doesn’t have the long relationships,” he said. “But we all like people that have done what we’ve done. I mean, that’s sort of a natural kinship, just probably not as personally tied.” Under the Constitution, Vance will also have a role presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. But he’s not likely to be needed for that as often as was Kamala Harris, who broke a record number of ties for Democrats as vice president, since Republicans will have a bigger cushion in the chamber next year. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to move ahead with hiring an outside firm to conduct a forensic audit of all contracts executed by four agencies in response to the Andrew Do corruption scandal. The audit will cover contracts through the County Executive Office, Health Care Agency, OC Community Resources and Social Services Agency that were established between January 2019 and August 2024. The move comes after Do resigned from the board last month shortly after federal prosecutors said the longtime elected official had agreed to plead guilty in a conspiracy to steal millions of dollars meant to feed needy seniors. Since last November, LAist has uncovered how Do directed county contracts and millions of taxpayer dollars to a nonprofit, Viet America Society (VAS), linked to his daughter, Rhiannon Do . The money was meant to feed seniors during the pandemic and to build a Vietnam War memorial. Federal prosecutors say just 15% of the money earmarked for meals was actually used for that purpose. The audit was approved Tuesday on a 3-1 vote. The audit firm will be required to present their findings at a public forum or a Board of Supervisors meeting. The audit, however, will be more limited in scope to what Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento first called for: an “independent third-party forensic audit” of all contracts “directed or influenced” by Do. Board Chairman Don Wagner voted against the audit. The supervisors also voted on a policy document that affirmed they will adhere to “transparent and ethical contracting.” If the supervisors do not adhere to the policy, they could face censure or be referred for criminal prosecution. County employees who do not follow guidelines in contracting could also be subject to “training, loss of procurement license, and/or disciplinary action.” Meanwhile, contractors who violate the terms of agreements with the county could face “contract termination, restitution requests, and other legal remedies.” “You can't legislate good conduct, but you can certainly create checks and balances and better guardrails,” Sarmiento said of the external audit on Tuesday. Aggie Alonso, the director of internal audit at the county, told supervisors it could take four to five months to find an outside firm at a cost of around $2 million. Sarminento said the external audit will “make sure that we've covered all gaps, made sure that the work that's been done by our internal audit team is credible, is strong, and is something that we can confidently move forward with and demonstrate to the public.” Since LAist began reporting on Do, the county has passed other reforms. County officials are reviewing contracts funded by federal COVID dollars after Orange County supervisors directed them to do so in September. They were given 90 days to come back with their findings. Supervisors also voted in September to update the current contract policy manual to bring the county in line with AB 3130 , a new bill signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom that will require county supervisors across the state to disclose any family ties they have to a nonprofit’s employees or officers before awarding contracts. The new law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025, and was inspired by LAist’s reporting. Another bill signed into law by Newsom, AB-2946 , will require a majority vote by the Orange County Board of Supervisors before discretionary funds are awarded to a nonprofit or community group. The supervisors will also be required to post details online of how the money was spent. And starting in 2026, Senate Bill 1111 will make it a crime in California for elected officials to be involved in awarding government contracts to organizations if they know their child is an officer or director of the vendor, or has at least a 10% ownership stake. State Sen. Dave Min, who introduced the bill, said LAist’s reporting led him to take on the issue. In November 2023, LAist began investigating how millions in public taxpayer dollars were spent. In total, LAist has uncovered public records showing more than $13 million in public money that was approved to a little-known nonprofit that records state was led on and off by Rhiannon Do. Most of that money was directed to the group by Supervisor Do outside of the public’s view and never appeared on public meeting agendas. He did not publicly disclose his family ties. Much of the known funding came from federal coronavirus relief money. One of the best things you can do to hold officials accountable is pay attention. Your city council, board of supervisors, school board and more all hold public meetings that anybody can attend. These are times you can talk to your elected officials directly and hear about the policies they’re voting on that affect your community.OUT OF THE SHADOWS
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was limited with the right shoulder injury that sidelined him last week and there is growing concern about the long-term status of left tackle Trent Williams. Wednesday's practice was not the start to the NFL workweek head coach Kyle Shanahan had hoped after Purdy was unable to bounce back from a shoulder injury in Week 11. Brandon Allen started at Green Bay and the 49ers (5-6) lost 38-10 with the backup-turned-starter committing three turnovers. Williams was reportedly spotted in the locker room with a knee scooter and is experiencing pain walking. He played through an ankle injury against the Seattle Seahawks Nov. 17. Defensive end Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) also missed practice Wednesday, leaving the 49ers to spend the holiday plotting to play the Buffalo Bills (9-2) without the three Pro Bowlers again. "I don't know anyone who gets Thanksgiving off unless maybe you have a Monday night game. You just start a lot earlier and get the players out," Shanahan said. "We cram everything in so the players get out, tries to be home with the family by 5. I usually get home by 7 and they're all mad at me, then get back to red-zone (installation)." The 49ers are in danger of a three-game losing streak for the first time since Oct. 2021. Injuries have been a common thread since September when running back Christian McCaffrey was a surprise scratch with an Achilles injury for the opener. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (ACL) is out for the season at a position dinged from top to bottom. Star linebacker Fred Warner also is ailing and said Wednesday that he fractured a bone in his ankle on Sept. 29 against the New England Patriots. The game against the Bills will mark his eighth straight game playing with the injury. "It's something I deal with every game," Warner said. "I get on that table before every game and get it shot up every single game just to be able to roll. But it's not an excuse. It's just what it is. That's the NFL. You're not going to be healthy. You've got to go out there, you've got to find ways to execute, to play at a high level and to win every single week." Shanahan wasn't interested in injury talk. He said the 49ers have not played well in the past two weeks, and puts part of his focus on getting more out of the running game with snow in the forecast on Sunday night. He's not in agreement with pundits who doubt McCaffrey's ability early into his return from injured reserve, with a per-carry average of 3.5 yards compared to 5.4 in 2023. "The speculation on Christian is a little unfair to him," Shanahan said. "Christian is playing very well. He's playing his ass off. To think a guy who misses the entire offseason is going to come back and be the exact same the day he comes back would be unfair to any player in the world." San Francisco opened the 21-day practice window for linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl in February. His return date is unclear. --Field Level MediaIT Assessment and Optimization Market Is Booming So Rapidly | Major Giants IBM, EY, PwC, Capgemini 12-24-2024 05:42 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Pvt. Ltd. IT Assessment and Optimization Market HTF MI recently introduced Global IT Assessment and Optimization Market study with 143+ pages in-depth overview, describing about the Product / Industry Scope and elaborates market outlook and status (2024-2032). The market Study is segmented by key regions which is accelerating the marketization. At present, the market is developing its presence. Some key players from the complete study are IBM, Deloitte, PwC, Capgemini, Tata Consultancy Services, Cognizant, Infosys, EY, KPMG, BMC Software, ServiceNow, VMware, Rackspace, Dynatrace, SolarWinds. Download Sample Report PDF (Including Full TOC, Table & Figures) 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/4108586-it-assessment-and-optimization-market-1?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash According to HTF Market Intelligence, the Global IT Assessment and Optimization market is expected to grow from 16 Billion USD in 2024 to 40 Billion USD by 2032, with a CAGR of 12% from 2024 to 2032. The IT Assessment and Optimization market is segmented by Types (Performance Analysis, Cost Reduction, Workflow Optimization, Security Assessments), Application (BFSI, Retail, Healthcare, Manufacturing) and by Geography (North America, LATAM, West Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, MEA). Definition: This market includes services to evaluate and enhance IT systems' efficiency. Businesses optimize IT infrastructure, reduce costs, and align technology with strategic objectives. Dominating Region: • North America Fastest-Growing Region: • Europe Market Trends: •Automation Tools, Real-Time Analytics, Unified Dashboards Market Drivers: •Cloud Migration, IT Cost Optimization, Security Needs Market Challenges: •Complexity in Legacy Systems, Cost of Consulting, Change Resistance Have a query? Market an enquiry before purchase 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/4108586-it-assessment-and-optimization-market-1?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below: In-depth analysis of IT Assessment and Optimization market segments by Types: Performance Analysis, Cost Reduction, Workflow Optimization, Security Assessments Detailed analysis of Tank Container Shipping market segments by Applications: BFSI, Retail, Healthcare, Manufacturing Geographically, the detailed analysis of consumption, revenue, market share, and growth rate of the following regions: • The Middle East and Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Egypt, etc.) • North America (United States, Mexico & Canada) • South America (Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, etc.) • Europe (Turkey, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.) • Asia-Pacific (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia). Buy Now Latest Edition of IT Assessment and Optimization Market Report 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=4108586?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash IT Assessment and Optimization Market Research Objectives: - Focuses on the key manufacturers, to define, pronounce and examine the value, sales volume, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis, and development plans in the next few years. - To share comprehensive information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (opportunities, drivers, growth potential, industry-specific challenges and risks). - To analyze the with respect to individual future prospects, growth trends and their involvement to the total market. - To analyze reasonable developments such as agreements, expansions new product launches, and acquisitions in the market. - To deliberately profile the key players and systematically examine their growth strategies. FIVE FORCES & PESTLE ANALYSIS: In order to better understand market conditions five forces analysis is conducted that includes the Bargaining power of buyers, Bargaining power of suppliers, Threat of new entrants, Threat of substitutes, and Threat of rivalry. • Political (Political policy and stability as well as trade, fiscal, and taxation policies) • Economical (Interest rates, employment or unemployment rates, raw material costs, and foreign exchange rates) • Social (Changing family demographics, education levels, cultural trends, attitude changes, and changes in lifestyles) • Technological (Changes in digital or mobile technology, automation, research, and development) • Legal (Employment legislation, consumer law, health, and safety, international as well as trade regulation and restrictions) • Environmental (Climate, recycling procedures, carbon footprint, waste disposal, and sustainability) Get 10-25% Discount on Immediate purchase 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/request-discount/4108586-it-assessment-and-optimization-market-1?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash Points Covered in Table of Content of Global IT Assessment and Optimization Market: Chapter 01 - IT Assessment and Optimization Executive Summary Chapter 02 - Market Overview Chapter 03 - Key Success Factors Chapter 04 - Global IT Assessment and Optimization Market - Pricing Analysis Chapter 05 - Global IT Assessment and Optimization Market Background or History Chapter 06 - Global IT Assessment and Optimization Market Segmentation (e.g. Type, Application) Chapter 07 - Key and Emerging Countries Analysis Worldwide IT Assessment and Optimization Market Chapter 08 - Global IT Assessment and Optimization Market Structure & worth Analysis Chapter 09 - Global IT Assessment and Optimization Market Competitive Analysis & Challenges Chapter 10 - Assumptions and Acronyms Chapter 11 - IT Assessment and Optimization Market Research Methodology Key questions answered • How Global IT Assessment and Optimization Market growth & size is changing in next few years? • Who are the Leading players and what are their futuristic plans in the Global IT Assessment and Optimization market? • What are the key concerns of the 5-forces analysis of the Global IT Assessment and Optimization market? • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors? • What are the different prospects and threats faced by the dealers in the Global IT Assessment and Optimization market? Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter-wise sections or region-wise report versions like North America, LATAM, Europe, Japan, Australia or Southeast Asia. Nidhi Bhawsar (PR & Marketing Manager) HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited Phone: +15075562445 sales@htfmarketreport.com About Author: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting is uniquely positioned to empower and inspire with research and consulting services to empower businesses with growth strategies. We offer services with extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events, and experience that assist in decision-making. This release was published on openPR.
PUBG MOBILE Wins Media's Choice Award at 2024 Green Game Jam
TOKYO , Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Representatives from China and Japan shared their insights on promoting artificial intelligence (AI) governance and data sharing at a sub-forum of the 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum in Tokyo recently. The sub-forum contributed eastern wisdom to AI governance and digital social development, demonstrating the significance of international cooperation for the development of the digital economy, according to Gao Shaolin, advisor at Peking University's Legal Artificial Intelligence Research Center. AI governance framework The participants agreed that the next 10 years will be a critical period for the development of AI. Gao Wen, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), said since China's State Council issued a guideline on developing AI in 2017, the nation has made significant progress in AI research and development and industrial layout, especially in computing power and 5G network construction. By the end of 2023, China had over half of the world's 1.57 billion 5G users, according to the World Internet Development Report 2024. It ranked second globally in AI and computing power scale, which has laid a solid foundation for the rapid development of AI. Tatsuo Yamazaki , project professor at the International University of Health and Welfare, said it was very meaningful for Japan and China to discuss strengthening AI governance rules. Fumihiko Kamio , research director of the Nomura Research Institute, echoed his view. He emphasized that the core goal of AI technology is to improve productivity and eliminate obstacles to social development, and called on Chinese and Japanese experts to work together to build an AI governance framework to cope with the global challenges. Deepening international cooperation China put forth the Global AI Governance Initiative in October last year. In July, the UN General Assembly adopted a China -sponsored resolution on enhancing international cooperation on AI capacity-building. The participants spoke highly of the Global Cross-Border Data Flow Cooperation Initiative recently proposed by China . They agreed that AI governance requires global collaboration, especially in the formulation of international standards and the construction of ethical frameworks, where China and Japan can play an active role. Ding Wenhua, academician of the CAE, said China and Japan have both similarities and differences in technology development and governance priorities, so deepening cooperation will bring unique value to global AI governance. " China and Japan should deepen AI technology cooperation between enterprises, work together in AI security research, talent exchange, and jointly explore more possibilities for the application of technology," Wang Zhongyuan , president of the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence, said. Balancing development & risks AI governance refers to the guardrails established to ensure AI systems and tools remain safe and ethical and respect human rights. Xu Zhilong , editor-in-chief of Science and Technology Daily, stressed that AI, as a revolutionary technology, has far-reaching impacts on all areas of society and economy. However, its potential risks such as data leakage and the spread of false information should not be ignored. "Technological progress and security ethics should be developed in a balanced way to ensure that AI technology always serves the progress of human civilization," Xu said. AI governance should not only heed the current technological ethics issues, but also prevent possible long-term risks, such as AI going out of human control, according to Toshio Iwamoto , senior corporate advisor of NTT DATA. He said AI R&D and application should abide by the principles of fairness, transparency, safety and availability. Yuan Yue, chairman of Beijing Dataway Horizon, shared his view from the perspective of regulatory models. "Policy choices should be based on the current status and goals of national technological development," Yuan said, adding that China prefers to provide a more friendly development environment for enterprises while ensuring an effective response to risks. SOURCE Science and Technology Daily
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Hours after PMC clears footpaths near MIT College Campus, roadside eateries return
Soak it in, Nebraska fans. The long wait is finally over. The Nebraska football team is going bowling for the first time since 2016, and those who saw it happen live on Saturday couldn’t wait any longer to start the celebration. Fans rushed the Memorial Stadium field for the second time this fall, and who could blame them? As Nebraska’s one-time pregame anthem, “Can You Feel It,” blasted from the stadium’s loudspeakers, the answer was undoubtedly yes — everyone could feel the energy and the joy present on the field. Fans jumped together, screaming into the November night sky as Nebraska staffers milled around and players received congratulations, applause and handshakes. That such a breakthrough moment would happen for the Nebraska football this fall was not always certain, especially after the Huskers dropped a fourth straight game to USC last week. Following that game, quarterback Dylan Raiola boldly proclaimed he felt the Huskers would win their next game — but why? “I’m a big vibes person, and when I came back in the locker room even though we lost, I just got the vibe that we were about to take off,” Raiola said. On Saturday night inside Memorial Stadium, the vibes were immaculate. Let’s drop into coverage: When Nebraska walked off the field at the 2016 Music City Bowl, no one would’ve predicted that it’d be eight years before the Huskers would themselves back in the postseason. Year after year and season after season followed — each with its own promise and potential, only to end in heartbreak. There was the defensively challenged 2017 team, and the 2018 team that started 0-6 but put things together late. The 2019 team showed flashes but stumbled late, especially in one-score games. The 2020 team actually got the option to go to a bowl game but turned it down. The 2021 team earned the unfortunate moniker of perhaps being the best three-win team ever. The 2022 team once again found itself on the wrong end of one-score games. The 2023 team had an elite defense but couldn't get the job done in four tries. In the end, it was the 2024 Huskers who got it done, true freshman quarterback and all. It was impossible to see the accomplishment of Saturday night and not think of the hundreds of Huskers whose playing careers came to an end not during a bowl game but during the regular season. Players like Ethan Piper, Garrett Nelson, Luke Reimer or Trent Hixson — Nebraskans who shed blood, sweat and tears for the program with little to show for it. “It’s for the guys that came before us and stuck through it all,” senior Isaac Gifford said of making a bowl game. Head coach Matt Rhule was paid the big bucks to deliver such a moment, but he’s still deserving of credit for getting the job done. An inability to get over the line in 2023, combined with a swing and a miss at a transfer portal quarterback, raised pressure on Rhule as other programs found their quick fix and instant success. Rhule, who earned a reputation as a program-builder from his time at Temple and Baylor, was always going to focus on long-term, not short-term success. “The future of Nebraska football is not hanging on one decision; it’s hanging on an accumulation of great recruiting, great development, great coaching and great teaching,” Rhule said in November 2022. The Nebraska administrators who stood alongside Rhule on that day — Chancellor Ronnie Green, President Ted Carter and Athletic Director Trev Alberts — all left their posts before seeing the process through. Rhule, however, hasn't wavered. Nebraska fans can have their gripes about clock management, playing time, offensive play calls or any of the other places where NU still has room for improvement — but who can deny that Rhule has made strides in each and all of those areas? “It’s relief in that I’ve gotten the benefit of doing this twice before,” Rhule said Saturday of snapping the bowl game streak. “I look at the weight room, I look at the training room, sports science, sports psychology, player development, recruiting and I look at all the things we’re doing and believe it’s all right and that it’s all going to pay off in a big way.” Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen is cooking up something special. Facing a Wisconsin defense that allowed just 16 points against No. 1 Oregon last week, Nebraska ran the ball effectively, threw the ball into tight windows and strung together drives with impressive consistency. It’s not just the 44-point output that stands out — the way Nebraska played on offense has simply looked different with Holgorsen calling the plays the last two weeks. “Credit to coach Holgorsen and what he’s brought to the offense,” Rhule said. “Maybe it’s playcalling, but I think the biggest thing he’s brought is a little bit of swagger to them.” Let’s give Holgorsen his flowers while remembering something as well: this is still the offense designed and built by Marcus Satterfield over the last two seasons. Holgorsen hasn’t reinvented the wheel since taking over, but what he has done is shake up the rhythm and timing of play calls within the offense and the personnel trusted to execute them. In order to run the ball, you have to commit to it, and Holgorsen has done an excellent job thus far of making sure Nebraska gets plenty out of its ground game. Playing the most snaps (52) of any Husker running back this season, sophomore Emmett Johnson also ran for the most yards (113) any player has all year. Nebraska also debuted a nifty two-back look where Dante Dowdell and Johnson lined up alongside Raiola in the backfield, a formation that gave the Wisconsin defense trouble to defend. Credit the blocking, up front and on the perimeter — where NU has looked much better in recent weeks — for springing the big running day. 20 of NU’s 38 rushing attempts went to the right side of its offensive line, with the Huskers averaging over 6 yards per carry on those plays. Holgorsen also dialed up the right mixture of passing plays for Raiola, who played his first interception-free game since late September. Nebraska got the ball out quickly with Raiola often firing to his first read for short gains, a setup senior Jahmal Banks said was “just like practice.” “The ball went where it was supposed to be,” Rhule said of Nebraska’s pass game, adding that the Huskers did well in pass protection. Also of interest in NU’s offensive personnel was senior wide receiver Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda getting on the field to record his first catch since the 2023 season opener. And at tight end, usual starter Thomas Fidone II spent much of the game on the sidelines after committing an early false start penalty. Fidone played just three snaps, ceding playing time to Nate Boerkircher (49 snaps played) and Luke Lindenmeyer (44 snaps). Many of the players who powered the Nebraska offense on Saturday are the same who the Huskers will hope to build around moving forward. Johnson in particular stands out as the running back of the future for Nebraska, having averaged 4.6 yards per carry a year ago and 5.4 yards per attempt this fall in addition to his skills as a pass-catching back. “We’re changing Nebraska football,” Johnson said after the game. Raiola, of course, has gone through his own learning curves and should come back stronger as a sophomore in 2025 as a result. His favorite target this fall, freshman wideout Jacory Barney Jr., also continues to impress as the season progresses. In addition to his work on special teams, Barney has 49 receptions, 10 rushing attempts, three touchdowns and over 500 yards to his name this season. “Jacory runs a route as hard if he’s the first progression as if he’s the fourth progression; he runs every play like it’s the last play of his life,” Rhule said. Nebraska’s depth of talent on offense runs much deeper than those players, with some who’ve not even seen the field this fall set to make their impact moving forward. Knowing that this Wednesday will not be their final practice of the season with bowl game practices to follow simply adds to the growth potential of NU’s young offense. “There’s a lot of guys that if they just stop at the end of the year, catch their breath and look up, they’ve really gotten better over the course of the year,” Rhule said. “Now we have a couple extra weeks of bowl practice to try and get them to another one.” A veteran-heavy Nebraska defense, excellent throughout the 2023 season, hasn’t necessarily been at the same level this fall. Remember, that unit essentially dragged the team to five wins; earning more than that is the reward for their hard work this time around. Wisconsin struggled to finish drives off but still chewed up more than 400 yards of offense as Nebraska allowed 20-plus points for the fifth week in a row. Still, NU’s early season success — particularly in the nonconference slate — has allowed the Huskers to put together a solid campaign at home. Nebraska allowed just 15.7 points per game inside Memorial Stadium this season, a number which rose to 28.8 points per game on the road. Nebraska’s Black Friday matchup against Iowa will pit the Huskers against a team that is down to its fourth-string quarterback. If there’s one thing Iowa knows how to do, it is win with defense, special teams and the ground game. Sophomore walk-on Jackson Stratton completed 10-of-14 passes for 76 yards in Iowa’s win over Maryland, with head coach Kirk Ferentz saying Stratton is likely to start against Nebraska as well. NU fans can now begin looking at bowl game projections with the knowledge that the Huskers will be a part of the postseason. CBS Sports’ projection, updated after Nebraska’s win over Wisconsin, has the Huskers set for the Guaranteed Rate Bowl against Texas Tech on Dec. 26 in Phoenix. Get local news delivered to your inbox!THAAP screens award-winning documentary ‘All That Breathes’
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Londynn Jones scored 15 points, making all five of her 3-pointers, and fifth-ranked UCLA stunned No. 1 South Carolina 77-62 on Sunday, ending the Gamecocks’ overall 43-game winning streak and their run of 33 consecutive road victories. The Gamecocks (5-1) lost for the first time since April 2023, when Caitlin Clark and Iowa beat them in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals. Te-Hina Paopao scored 18 points and Tessa Johnson scored 14 for the Gamecocks, whose road winning streak was third-longest in Division I history. It was the first time UCLA took down a No. 1 team in school history, having been 0-20 in such games. The program's previous best wins were over a couple of No. 2s — Oregon in 2019 and Stanford in 2008. Elina Aarnisalo added 13 points as one of five Bruins in double figures. UCLA (5-0) dominated from start to finish, with the Bruins' suffocating defense preventing the Gamecocks from making any sustained scoring runs. South Carolina: The Gamecocks trailed by double-digits at halftime for the first time since Dec. 21, 2021, against Stanford, according to ESPN. Chloe Kitts, who averages a team-leading 14 points, finished the game with 2 points on 1 of 7 shooting. UCLA: The Bruins led 43-22 at halftime. Eight different players scored and contributed to 11-0 and 7-0 runs in the first and second quarters as they shot 52% from the field. The first quarter set the tone for a game in which the Gamecocks never led. They missed their first nine shots and were 4 of 18 from the floor in the quarter. UCLA ran off 11 straight points to take a 20-10 lead into the second quarter. The Bruins dominated the boards, 41-34, and held the Gamecocks well under their scoring average of 80.2 points. South Carolina travels to Florida to meet Iowa State in the Fort Myers Tipoff on Thanksgiving. UCLA travels to the Rainbow Wahine Showdown in Hawaii to play UT Martin on Friday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all season. Sign up here. AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballAccording to the Kingdom’s central bank, also known as SAMA, this figure includes online shopping payments, in-app purchases and e-wallets, and excludes transactions by Visa, MasterCard and other credit cards. Mada cards are Saudi Arabia’s national payment cards, offering debit and prepaid services within the network. They use Near Field Communication for contactless payments, allowing secure transactions at retailers and online, and play a key role in supporting the country’s cashless economy. The number of e-commerce transactions also increased by 29.3 percent on a year-on-year basis to reach around 101 million in October. The prevalence of smartphones, with a 98 percent penetration rate according to the Kingdom’s Fashion Commission, highlights the digital readiness of Saudi consumers compared to advanced markets like the US, which has a 90 percent rate, and the UK with 80 percent. The Kingdom’s youthful and increasingly affluent population is embracing online shopping, spurred by rising disposable incomes and growing awareness of e-commerce benefits like convenience and cost savings. Saudi Arabia’s per capita gross domestic product is on a steady rise, with the IMF forecasting a 15.95 percent increase by 2029, reaching $38,124.66. This growing individual income is enhancing purchasing power, spurring demand for fashion, apparel, and other consumer goods. Combined with government initiatives to promote cashless transactions and local brand development, these trends are creating ripe opportunities for e-commerce players. According to a study by Mordor Intelligence the fashion and apparel sector is a major driver of the Saudi online retail sector. Saudi Arabia’s fashion e-commerce market was valued at nearly $4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $7 billion by 2028, according to a 2024 report by the Kingdom’s Fashion Commission. This growth is driven by increased digital exposure, evolving consumer sophistication, and strong government initiatives aimed at fostering a robust digital economy. The Kingdom’s Fashion Commission’s 100 Saudi Brands initiative exemplifies this effort, spotlighting local designers and promoting Saudi craftsmanship on a global scale. By addressing consumer pain points and integrating innovative technologies like virtual try-ons, fashion brands can further capitalize on this thriving market. With a combination of local and international collaboration, the Kingdom’s fashion e-commerce sector is poised for sustained growth in the coming years. The report highlighted that 65 percent of the population is under 40, a demographic renowned for their online shopping preferences. These groups are among the most active online shoppers globally, turning to social media platforms and brand websites for fashion inspiration and purchases. Adding to the allure of the Saudi market, the Kingdom is home to nearly 130,000 millionaires, a figure projected to rise to 226,000 by 2030. This affluent demographic, known for their financial confidence and affinity for luxury, is poised to increase local spending as high-end international brands expand their Saudi presence. Notably, these high-income consumers spend significantly more than their global counterparts, with 30 percent planning to boost their expenditures, reflecting a strong appetite for premium clothing and accessories, according to the Fashion Commission. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Snapchat, have emerged as critical sources of inspiration for shoppers in the Kingdom. The Saudi Fashion Commission noted that 50 percent to 60 percent of women use these platforms to discover new trends, while men often rely on YouTube for fashion insights. This underscores the importance of influencer marketing and targeted digital campaigns in driving brand awareness and engagement within the Kingdom. According to Mordor Intelligence, Saudi Arabia has invested over $24.8 billion into its digital ecosystem over the past six years, significantly enhancing internet quality and coverage. As a regional leader, it was among the first in MENA to deploy 5G networks, with 77 percent nationwide coverage – well above global averages – and 94 percent coverage in Riyadh, cementing its position as a global frontrunner in connectivity. Global companies are seizing opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s expanding e-commerce market. In October, Mastercard introduced local processing for e-commerce transactions, bolstering secure and efficient payment options. Similarly, TBS Holding announced plans to use artificial intelligence technologies to support digital transformation efforts in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the Kingdom’s broader ambitions for a thriving digital shopping ecosystem. According to online platform Setup in Saudi, the Kingdom’s e-commerce market is led by six major players, including Noon, backed by the Public Investment Fund, Amazon, which entered via Souq.com, and Jarir Bookstores, a local retail giant with a strong online presence. Other key companies include Namshi, which caters to regional fashion, while Extra Stores focuses on electronics and home appliances. AliExpress has a shrinking share as local platforms expand. These leaders exemplify the sector’s rapid growth and evolving consumer trends. The Fashion Commission highlighted the seamless integration of digital and physical retail as the rise of e-commerce does not signify the decline of brickand-mortar stores. Instead, the Saudi market is embracing an omnichannel approach, where online and offline experiences converge. Approximately 75 percent of fashion-buying behavior in Saudi Arabia is influenced by digital channels. This includes 38 percent who research online with purchases made offline and 25 percent doing pure online transactions Challenges like uncertainty about sizing and fit remain key barriers to greater e-commerce adoption, with 40 percent of consumers citing this as a primary concern. Key challenges for this sector as highlighted by the Fashion Commission include delivery lead times, return processes, and lastmile logistics. While 30 percent of Saudi consumers expect delivery within two to three days, this demand can only be met through local fulfillment centers. Historically, products were shipped from the UAE or Europe, causing delays and higher costs. To address this, initiatives like Riyadh’s Special Integrated Logistics Zone support localized operations, helping reduce delivery times. Companies like Chalhoub, Apple, and Amazon have already set up fulfillment centers, enhancing distribution efficiency. For example, Farfetch has notably improved its delivery times. On payments, the government introduced e-payment regulations in 2018 to increase consumer trust and aims to shift 70 percent of transactions to digital methods. Solutions like BNPL providers Tabby and Tamara, alongside mobile wallets like Apple Pay, are accelerating this transition. The market remains fragmented, with the top three e-commerce platforms Shein, Namshi, and Centrepoint holding a combined 22 percent market share. Luxury fashion remains underrepresented, presenting opportunities for growth as brands like Farfetch and local players like Level Shoes expand their presence.
The SM Group in partnership with Mastercard and SM Foundation have launched a new initiative aimed at empowering Filipino students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Through this collaboration, 10 top students from the Ten Outstanding STEM Students program will receive scholarship grants, along with access to critical digital learning tools, to help them succeed in today’s tech-driven world. Mastercard will donate P100 to SM Foundation for every eligible transaction made using a Philippine-issued Mastercard at SM Stores. The funds raised between November 15 to 17 during the promo period will go directly toward supporting the scholarships for these students, enabling them to pursue higher education and build careers in the technology sector. In addition to financial support, the program also seeks to address the digital divide in the Philippines. Previous efforts have already equipped thousands of students with tablets and established digital learning hubs in public schools. In 2023 alone, nearly 10,000 students benefited from these resources, gaining access to modern technology that enhances their educational experience. According to a 2020 Department of Education survey, only 64 percent of Filipino students had access to smartphones, and just 55 percent had access to laptops. These were critical tools for participating in digital learning. Last October, SM announced that its loyalty program raised some P30 million in December 2023 to January 2024 which it used to help address involuntary hunger and the lack of access to quality education. The said program was undertaken in collaboration with Globe Telecom Inc.’s Hapag Movement and SM Foundation. Last year’s campaign raised P5.5 million which benefited 10,000 families. SMAC supported it wherein for every sale of a SMAC kit, P50 was donated to the campaign. Also, for every eligible purchase from participating SM Retail affiliates, including SM Store, SM Fashion, SM Beauty, SM Appliance Center, Kultura, Our Home, Surplus, Sport Central, Silk Issues, Levi’s, Forever 21, The Body Shop, Echo and Crate and Barrel, bonus points were donated to the campaign. A journalism graduate and has covered the Philippine business beat for more than a decade.Listings appear on a space-available basis, free for nonprofits and at the discretion of The Gazette. Email information at least two weeks in advance: listings@gazette.com . The Blue Zones Challenge Part 1 — Sponsored by Unity Spiritual Center with Dan Buettner, with practical steps to enhance a long life, living well through exploration of health, happiness, movement, nutrition and social connection, noon-1 p.m. Jan. 12 free; 6-8 p.m. Jan. 15-Feb. 5, $100, 1945 Mesa Road; fitfocus@qwestoffice.net , 719-313-0329. Children's Coping Skills with TESSA — For ages 5-12 with an adult, with mindful hike and indoor presentation, 2-4 p.m. Jan. 24, Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Peppergrass Lane, Fountain, donations accepted. Registration: 719-520-6745, elpasocountynaturecenters.com . Jackson Creek Senior Living — 16601 Jackson Creek Parkway, Monument. Registration: 719-725-1331, jacksoncreekseniorliving.com/events . • Parkinson's Exercise Empowerment, 10:30-11:30 a.m., fourth Thursdays through Sept. 25. National Alliance on Mental Illness — Exact location will be given upon registration. Registration: 719-473-8477. • NAMI Family-to-Family Program, for family, friends and partners of adults with mental health conditions, 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 15-March 5, Southwest, Colorado Springs. • NAMI Peer-to-Peer Program, for adults with mental illness, 6-8 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 27-March 17, Southeast Colorado Springs. Reclaim & Renew: A Burnout Recovery Retreat — For adults in high-stress fields such as health care, therapy and caregiving, March 7-9, La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road, $150 and up. Financial aid available. Registration: laforet.org/events . Teaching Sign Language to People with Disabilities — 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 30, Cheyenne Village, 6275 Lehman Drive, 440. Registration: tinyurl.com/mpzyacza .