Category Archives: Technology

Wed, 05/17/2023 - 01:32pm | By: Gabriela Shinskie

The Gulf Blue Navigator program supports later-stage companies innovating in uncrewed systems, smart ports and shipping, ocean-friendly plastics, marine aquaculture, sea and space systems, and coastal ocean data and analytics.

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), the USM Research Foundation and SeaAhead sponsored the inaugural Demo Day of the Gulf Blue Navigator program on Wednesday, May 3rd. Demo Day included presentations by the six participating blue technology start-up companies. This event celebrated the success of the pilot program and first-ever blue technology accelerator program focused on the Gulf of Mexico.

This program provides startups with workshops, mentoring, site visits, and testing in South Mississippi and coastal waters to develop scaleup strategies and learn about the market potential of the Gulf Coast. The Gulf Blue Navigator is an example of Mississippis growing knowledge-based economy and efforts to increase high paying jobs on the MS Gulf Coast.

Cohort 1 participants

The Gulf Blue Navigator program brings SeaAheads domain expertise, network, and company-building skillset to the Gulf Coast, mixing with the University of Southern Mississippis core facilities, faculty and staff expertise, and ecosystem of local partners. The Gulf Coast is the next blue tech economic cluster in the US. Through the Gulf Blue Navigator program, we are supporting entrepreneurs as they take their innovations out-to-sea' and enable them to leverage the regions unique infrastructure and ocean-related stakeholders. The program is the embodiment of a new narrative for the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the growth of the coastal New Economy, said Mark Huang, Managing Director of SeaAhead.

We have enjoyed our longstanding partnership with SeaAhead Inc. on promoting the blue economy and showcasing why Mississippi is the Gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. With the financial support from the Builders Initiative Foundation, we were excited to provide this opportunity for the inaugural cohort of the Navigator program to demonstrate and promote their companies, Kelly Lucas VP of Research, USM.

We are so happy to be able to support the Gulf Blue Navigator Program at the University of Southern Mississippi, said Peter Bryant, Program Director for Builders Initiative. The combination of strong business development assistance with on-the-water testing makes it a unique platform for companies looking to further develop their blue economy businesses.

Dennis Yancey, CEO of Marauder Robotics based in Atlanta, when asked about the value the program brings to his growth: Gulfport makes a lot of sense: its right on the water so you have access and there's a streamlined permitting process to get in the water to test functionality. Then you have talent from the shipyards, the Navy, and Universities along the coast. It just makes sense to have a presence in Gulfport and along the Gulf Coast to augment what we do on the West Coast as well as in Atlanta.

Dr. Jason McKenna, Director of RDT&E and Training commented, The Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise has had the privilege to work with these 6 blue tech startups for the past 6 months. Its been a fantastic opportunity to showcase how our engineers and scientists can support their on-water testing and provide data-driven insights to help make their technology better under extremely compressed timelines. We look forward to many more years of supporting these innovators, learning from them, and helping bring high-paying jobs to Mississippi.

The Gulf Blue Navigator program kicked off in November of 2022 where their innovations focus on ocean monitoring and economic sustainability, with solutions that support working waterfront communities in the face of a changing economy and global competition.

About the Partners

USMRF

The USM Research Foundation is a Mississippi non-profit corporation formed in 1998 and is administered and operated exclusively for the benefit of The University of Southern Mississippi. The foundation supports and enhances the research mission of the University by promoting the increase of useful knowledge and encourages the development of intellectual property owned by the University. The foundation also provides support to the University by managing research contracts, coworking space and entrepreneurial programs.

The University of Southern Mississippis support for the Gulf Blue Navigator program is anchored by the Marine Research Center with its ability to support autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) development ranging from prototyping to over the horizon at sea testing, the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center which conducts research in algae, fin and shell-based aquaculture as well as RAS based regenerative farming and the Mississippi Polymer Institute.

SeaAhead

Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SeaAhead Inc. specializes in high potential ocean-focused technology startups, building global networks, and venture financing. Now also co-located in the Gulf & Ship Island building in Gulfport, SeaAheads platform, in tandem with USMs infrastructure and mission of fostering a culture of innovation, will connect promising global blue technology startups to the Mississippi Gulf Coast blue economy.

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Blue technology startups presented at the inaugural Gulf Blue ... - The University of Southern Mississippi

[1/3] A vial labelled "CureVac COVID-19 Vaccine" is seen in this illustration taken January 16, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

May 19 (Reuters) - CureVac NV said on Friday it had filed an expanded patent infringement claim against Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) and BioNTech over the use of mRNA technology and that a U.S. court had granted its request to transfer the trial.

The company said it filed a counterclaim alleging that Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech infringed on nine of its patents, broader than its original claim of three patents.

In July 2022, CureVac had filed a patent lawsuit against BioNTech over the use of mRNA technology in the companies' COVID-19 vaccine.

The transfer of the trial to the Eastern District of Virginia from the Federal District Court of Massachusetts is expected to accelerate progress of the case and allow for a likely 2024 trial date, CureVac said on Friday.

Pfizer and BioNTech did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Pfizer and BioNTech in response had filed a complaint with the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, seeking a judgment that they did not infringe U.S. patents held by CureVac.

The companies have previously told the court that their COVID vaccine Comirnaty does not work in the same way as CureVac's patented technology.

Pfizer and BioNTech are also facing patent infringement lawsuits from other companies.

Reporting by Raghav Mahobe in Bengaluru

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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CureVac files expanded patent lawsuit against Pfizer/BioNTech over ... - Reuters

Harrison Ford has defended the use of de-ageing technology in the latest Indiana Jones film.

The actor, 80, has returned for his final outing as the adventurous archaeologist in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this week.

While the film predominantly shows Indiana at the same age as Ford, the film opens with a 25-minute flashback sequence featuring a younger Indy, played by Ford, with the help of digital de-ageing technology.

The practice attracted criticism from a number of reviewers, who questioned the believability of the technology and why a younger actor couldnt be used in Fords place. You can read The Independents review of Dial of Destiny here.

However, speaking at a press conference on Friday (19 May), Ford defended the decision.

I know that that is my face, he said, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. Its not a kind of Photoshop magic thats what I looked like 35 years ago. Because Lucasfilm has every frame of film that weve made together over all of these years.

This process, this scientific mining of this library, this was put to good [use]... Its just a trick unless its supported by a story, and it sticks out like a sore thumb if its not honest, its not real... I mean, emotionally real. And so I think it was used very skillfully.

Ford attended the Cannes Film Festival this week (AP)

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was well received at Cannes, with Ford growing visibly emotional at the premiere.

Tearing up as he was shown a highlights reel from his career, the Star Wars actor said: They say when youre about to die, you see your life flash before your eyes. I just saw my life before my eyes.

Im very moved by this But I got a movie you ought to see. Its right behind me. So let me get out of the way and thank you again for this.

Elsewhere, Ford had a predictably deadpan response after being told by a reporter that he was still very hot.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will be released in UK cinemas on 28 June.

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Harrison Ford defends use of de-ageing technology in new Indiana Jones film: I know that that is my face - Yahoo News

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that Nigeria needs technology to be able to compete with the likes of China.

Sanwo-Olu said this during the commissioning of the Senator Abiru Innovation Hub, SAIL, in Ikorodu, Lagos yesterday.

The hub meant to train young people in latest technological innovations, is the brainchild of Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos West Senatorial District, in partnership with Co-Creation Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu said technology was what would give the nation the advancement and opportunity to create solutions, not only here in the country but also globally.

We are proud that what we cannot do, those coming behind us will do. Im glad that Microsoft wants to make Nigeria its African hub. As a governor, we will continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Eighty per cent of new investments came to Lagos last year, he said.

According to him, Lagos would remain home to major international players, saying that the innovation hub would give hope and future to the students of innovation hub to express themselves and opportunity to ensure their own future.

Once you finish your training here,we hand you over to Microsoft and Meta, he added.

Speaking on what gave birth to the idea of the innovation laboratory, Senator Abiru went down memory lane to when he was in the banking sector, where he rose to become the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Skye Bank, now Polaris Bank.

He said when he started his career in Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB); the bank started the idea of real-time online banking.

However, he later discovered that when they did technological upgrade as managing director of Skye Bank, most of their staff members could not cope with the new technology.

He added that while people might have certificate, skill is very important.

He continued: We have global economic meltdown but there are jobs out there only that many do not have the skills to do these jobs. That is where Sail Innovation Laboratory comes in.

And I can tell you that those that would pass through this hub and are passing through it, it would be free. That is our own contribution to the society and they will be here for six months.

The new language of the world is tech. All around us, we see how tech is shaping social interactions, disrupting how we live, work and interact with others. Quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet Of Things (IOTs) are now the buzzwords in a world that is changing faster than we can adapt to it.

Since inception, the innovation lab has recorded some significant milestones. Till date, over 490 participants have benefitted from the several programmes, in-person, while over 2,000 have participated in the online programmes.

In this age where digital skills are high in demand, the lab would help to bridge the resource gap. In the coming months and years, we will be offering a range of training programmes in areas such as digital product design, data science, metaverse and the like.

In his own remarks, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Co-Creation Nigeria, said, It is our young people that drive innovation and growth.We have to engage and empower them to be able to do this driving. There are numerous people doing amazing things.

It is what these people are doing that will drive innovation in our community. That is why Sail Innovation Laboratory is special. Young people on Ikorodu will start to build solutions on Ikorodu.

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Sanwo-Olu: Nigeria needs technology to compete with likes of China - Guardian Nigeria

More Than a Glitch

Meredith Broussard MIT Press (2023)

An artificial-intelligence (AI) glitch is a problem neither expected nor consequential. Bias, by contrast, is baked in and disastrous, argues data scientist Meredith Broussard, one of very few Black women in this field, who focuses on AI and journalism. Tech is racist and sexist and ableist because the world is so, she says. Vivid examples in her disturbing book include that of a man arrested by US police using facial-recognition technology purely because both he and the suspect in a blurry surveillance photo were Black.

Assyria

Eckart Frahm Basic (2023)

The worlds first empire flourished in Assyria in the eighth and seventh centuries bc, and has long been seen as the epitome of barbarism. But, as Assyriologist Eckart Frahm reveals in his deeply informed, challenging history, Assyria produced many features of the modern world. Its innovations included long-distance trade, sophisticated communications networks, mass deportations and widespread political surveillance. Unlike most later empires, he writes, it was at least honest in its open celebration of plunder, torture, and murder.

Hands of Time

Rebecca Struthers Hodder & Stoughton (2023)

Time is the most commonly used noun in English, according to Rebecca Struthers, the first professional watchmaker in the United Kingdom to earn a PhD in horology. Each chapter of her exquisitely crafted history explores a pivotal moment in watchmaking from the past 500 years. Mechanical timekeepers, she argues, have influenced human culture as much as the printing press. Imagine trying to catch a train by depending on the Suns position, or to perform an organ transplant without measuring the patients heart rate precisely.

The Deep Ocean

Michael Vecchione et al. Princeton Univ. Press (2023)

For most people, the deep ocean is out of sight and out of mind, write three zoologists and an oceanographer. The zone starts where penetration of sunlight can no longer support photosynthesis, about 200 metres down. This guidebook dissipates ignorance with superb colour photographs of astonishing organisms, accompanied by detailed captions and brief essays. For example, the vampire squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis) is neither vampire nor squid, but was so named because its black cloak reminded scientists of Dracula.

Tenacious Beasts

Christopher J. Preston MIT Press (2023)

Humans and domestic animals make up 96% of the mass of the worlds mammals. The outlook for wildlife remains dire, writes philosopher Christopher Preston. But he describes signs of hope in his well-travelled, thoughtful study of recoveries. Populations of humpback whales in the western Indian Ocean have surged since the mid-twentieth century; those of Californian black bears have quadrupled in a few decades. He visits farmland, prairie, river, forest and ocean, exploring why only certain species are recovering.

The author declares no competing interests.

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Prejudice in technology, and the necessity of time: Books in brief - Nature.com

At least 2 billion people worldwide routinely drink water contaminated with disease-causing microbes.

Disinfectant powder is stirred in bacteria-contaminated water (upper left). The mixture is exposed to sunlight, which rapidly kills all the bacteria (upper right). A magnet collects the metallic powder after disinfection (lower right). The powder is then reloaded into another beaker of contaminated water, and the disinfection process is repeated (lower left). (Image credit: Tong Wu/Stanford University)

Now, scientists at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have invented a low-cost, recyclable powder that kills thousands of waterborne bacteria per second when exposed to ordinary sunlight. The discovery of this ultrafast disinfectant could be a significant advance for nearly 30 percent of the worlds population with no access to safe drinking water, according to the Stanford and SLAC team. Their results are published in a May 18 study in Nature Water.

Waterborne diseases are responsible for 2 million deaths annually, the majority in children under the age of 5, said study co-lead author Tong Wu, a former postdoctoral scholar of materials science and engineering (MSE) in the Stanford School of Engineering. We believe that our novel technology will facilitate revolutionary changes in water disinfection and inspire more innovations in this exciting interdisciplinary field.

Conventional water-treatment technologies include chemicals, which can produce toxic byproducts, and ultraviolet light, which takes a relatively long time to disinfect and requires a source of electricity.

The new disinfectant developed at Stanford is a harmless metallic powder that works by absorbing both UV and high-energy visible light from the sun. The powder consists of nano-size flakes of aluminum oxide, molybdenum sulfide, copper, and iron oxide.

We only used a tiny amount of these materials, said senior author Yi Cui, the Fortinet Founders Professor of MSE and of Energy Science & Engineering in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. The materials are low cost and fairly abundant. The key innovation is that, when immersed in water, they all function together.

After absorbing photons from the sun, the molybdenum sulfide/copper catalyst performs like a semiconductor/metal junction, enabling the photons to dislodge electrons. The freed electrons then react with the surrounding water, generating hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals one of the most biologically destructive forms of oxygen. The newly formed chemicals quickly kill the bacteria by seriously damaging their cell membranes.

Microscopic images of E. coli before (left) and after disinfection. The bacteria died quickly after sunlight produced chemicals that caused serious damage to the bacterial cell membranes, as shown in the red circles. (Image credit: Tong Wu/Stanford University)

For the study, the Stanford and SLAC team used a 200 milliliter [6.8 ounce] beaker of room-temperature water contaminated with about 1 million E. coli bacteria per mL [.03 oz.].

We stirred the powder into the contaminated water, said co-lead author Bofei Liu, a former MSE postdoc. Then we carried out the disinfection test on the Stanford campus in real sunlight, and within 60 seconds no live bacteria were detected.

The powdery nanoflakes can move around quickly, make physical contact with a lot of bacteria and kill them fast, he added.

The chemical byproducts generated by sunlight also dissipate quickly.

The lifetime of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxy radicals is very short, Cui said. If they dont immediately find bacteria to oxidize, the chemicals break down into water and oxygen and are discarded within seconds. So you can drink the water right away.

The nontoxic powder is also recyclable. Iron oxide enables the nanoflakes to be removed from water with an ordinary magnet. In the study, the researchers used magnetism to collect the same powder 30 times to treat 30 different samples of contaminated water.

For hikers and backpackers, I could envision carrying a tiny amount of powder and a small magnet, Cui said. During the day you put the powder in water, shake it up a little bit under sunlight and within a minute you have drinkable water. You use the magnet to take out the particles for later use.

The powder might also be useful in wastewater treatment plants that currently use UV lamps to disinfect treated water, he added.

During the day the plant can use visible sunlight, which would work much faster than UV and would probably save energy, Cui said. The nanoflakes are fairly easy to make and can be rapidly scaled up by the ton.

The study focused on E. coli, which can cause severe gastrointestinal illness and can even be life-threatening. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set the maximum contaminant-level goal for E. coli in drinking water at zero. The Stanford and SLAC team plans to test the new powder on other waterborne pathogens, including viruses, protozoa and parasites that also cause serious diseases and death.

Yi Cui is director of the Precourt Institute for Energy and the Sustainability Accelerator in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. He is also a professor of photon science at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Bofei Liu is now a research scientist at EEnotech Inc., a water purification spinoff co-founded by Cui. Tong Wu is on the faculty of Tonji University in Shanghai.

Other Stanford co-authors are Harold Y. Hwang, professor of applied physics in the School of Humanities and Sciences and professor of photon science at SLAC, and director of the Stanford Institute for Materials & Energy Sciences; former engineering postdocs Chong Liu, Jiayu Wan, Feifei Shi, Ankun Yang, Kai Liu and Zhiyi Lu; and former engineering PhD students Jie Zhao and Allen Pei.

Funding for the research was provided by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Read more:

New technology uses ordinary sunlight to disinfect drinking water ... - Stanford University News

Each week we're learning more and more of the scary capability of artificial intelligence (AI).

From writing academic essays and making investments to deep faking celebs in puffer coats to musicians singing songs in different languages - there isn't a lot AI can't do.

And now, thanks to cutting edge generative AI Midjourney, we have been previewed to what UK cities might look like in the future.

Midjourney has used AI to predict what the UK is going to look like in 2050 and the results are a little bit mind-blowing.

AI predicts that there will be a stunning 'walking only' bridge, which will be added to London in 27 years time.

The bridge will probably make it easier for commuters making their way through the hectic city.

Landmarks such as the Shard and Tower bridge look to be untouched, which is always a positive.

Next up is a photo of an updated Cardiff Bay, which AI thinks will be transformed into a high-end marina for yachts.

This could attract more tourists to the area.

Midjourney has also shared an AI image of the Glasgow Cathedral, which has controversially been given an updated look.

The roof of the famous building has been massively changed, with the addition of a huge dome being added to a majority of the roof.

We'll have to wait and see what Scots think of that one.

Well, amid the never-ending capabilities of AI, it seems that the biggest tech chiefs in the game want to pause its development before it 'gets out of hand'.

Billionaire, Elon Musk, has joined the likes of Apple co-founder, Steve Wozniak and Skype co-founder, Jaan Tallinn, who have all signed an open letter demanding that all labs training AI systems stop for at least six months.

"Recent months have seen AI labs locked in an out-of-control race to develop and deploy ever more powerful digital minds that no-one not even their creators can understand, predict or reliably control," the letter reads.

"Powerful AI systems should be developed only once we are confident that their effects will be positive and their risks will be manageable."

They have called for researchers to focus on making sure the technology is accurate, safe and transparent.

The letter added: Humanity can enjoy a flourishing future with AI. Having succeeded in creating powerful AI systems, we can now enjoy an AI summer in which we reap the rewards, engineer these systems for the clear benefit of all and give society a chance to adapt.

Society has hit pause on other technologies with potentially catastrophic effects on society.

We can do so here. Lets enjoy a long AI summer, not rush unprepared into a fall.

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Incredible AI technology shows what UK cities will look like in 2050 - LADbible

The accounting profession is undergoing a rapid digital transformation. As a result, embracing innovative technology tools is crucial for public practice accounting firms to stay competitive, streamline operations, and provide exceptional client service. In this article, well explore a range of top technology tools that revolutionize how public practice accounting firms operate.

Client Portals and Communication Tools (Single Portal)

Secure client portals like Liscio, Suralink, SmartVault, ShareFile, and CCH Axcess Client Collaboration provide encrypted file-sharing and storage solutions that streamline document exchange and collaboration. These portals protect sensitive information, enhancing client trust and reducing the risk of data breaches. Additionally, communication tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom facilitate real-time communication, making it easier to collaborate and keep clients informed.

Cloud-Based Accounting Software

Cloud-based accounting software has become indispensable for modern public practice accounting firms. Solutions such as QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Sage Intacct provide real-time access to financial data, enabling accountants to offer more accurate and timely financial advice. In addition, these platforms facilitate collaboration between team members and clients and provide robust integrations with other essential tools, creating an efficient accounting ecosystem.

Automated Data Entry and Expense Management

Automation tools like Dext Prepare, Expensify, Zoho Expense, and Hubdoc leverage optical character recognition (OCR) technology to streamline data entry and expense management. These tools save time and improve data accuracy by reducing manual data entry and the potential for human error. They also provide integrations with popular accounting software, making it seamless to incorporate expense data into clients financial records.

Workflow Management and Collaboration

Workflow management tools like Karbon, CCH Axcess Workflow, and Jetpack Workflow are transforming the way public practice accounting firms manage projects and deadlines. These platforms enhance productivity and collaboration by automating repetitive tasks, providing visibility into team workload, and ensuring deadlines are met. Additionally, they often include features like task assignment, progress tracking, and notifications, ensuring no task slips through the cracks.

Business Intelligence and Analytics

Advanced analytics tools like Alteryx, 4ImpactData, Clearify QQube, Power BI, Tableau, and Fathom enable accountants to transform raw financial data into actionable insights for their clients. By creating interactive dashboards and visualizations, these tools make it easier to identify trends, monitor key performance indicators, and make data-driven decisions. As a result, public practice accounting firms can offer value-added advisory services that set them apart from competitors.

Tax and Audit Solutions

Tax and audit solutions like CCH Axcess Tax, Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS, and Wolters Kluwer ProSystem fx Tax streamline the preparation and filing of tax returns. Likewise, CCH Axcess Engagement, Thomson Reuters AdvanceFlow, Hg Capital CaseWare, Fieldguide.io, Audit Sight, and Wolters Kluwer ProSystem fx Engagement improve audit workpaper automation. As a result, these tools reduce the time spent on manual tasks and minimize the risk of errors. They also ensure compliance with the latest tax laws and regulations, providing both accountants and clients peace of mind.

Payroll and HR Solutions

Payroll and HR solutions like JustWorks, Rippling, Gusto, ADP, and Paychex offer comprehensive payroll processing and human resources management for clients. These platforms automate payroll calculations, tax filings, and benefits administration, saving time and ensuring accuracy. Additionally, they provide employee self-service portals, making it easy for staff to access pay stubs, update personal information, and request time off.

Document Management and eSignature Solutions

Document management solutions such as Doc-It, SmartVault, and CCH Axcess Document enable accounting firms to store, organize, and retrieve digital files securely. In addition, these platforms offer features like version control, access permissions, and audit trails, ensuring sensitive information is well-protected. eSignature solutions like DocuSign, Adobe Sign, and Right Signature further streamline document management by enabling KBA-based secure electronic signing of contracts, agreements, and other essential documents. By adopting these solutions, public practice accounting firms can reduce their reliance on paper, improve efficiency, and enhance client satisfaction.

Financial Planning and Forecasting

Financial planning and forecasting tools like PlanGuru, Spotlight Reporting, and Jirav allow accountants to create detailed financial projections and analyze various scenarios for their clients. In addition, these platforms offer robust reporting and visualization features, enabling accountants to communicate complex financial information effectively. By leveraging these tools, public practice accounting firms can offer strategic financial planning and advisory services that differentiate them from competitors.

Client Relationship Management (CRM) Systems and Business Development

CRM systems like Zoho CRM, Results CRM, and Levitate help accounting firms manage client relationships and track interactions. These platforms offer features such as contact management, pipeline tracking, and integration with other essential tools, providing a comprehensive view of client interactions and history. By adopting CRM systems for business development, public practice accounting firms can better understand their clients needs, identify growth opportunities, and provide personalized service.

Cybersecurity Solutions (Make sure to complete your 5293/4557 WISP!)

With the increasing reliance on digital tools and the handling of sensitive financial data, cybersecurity is more critical than ever for public practice accounting firms. Implementing robust security measures like multi-factor authentication, firewalls, and encrypted communication channels help protect client information and ensure compliance with professional regulations. Additionally, investing in tools like endpoint protection and network monitoring can further safeguard your firm from potential threats. Regular staff training on cybersecurity best practices is also essential to maintain a secure environment.

So, What Are The Right Tools For Your Firm?

In conclusion, integrating various cutting-edge technology tools into your public practice accounting firms tech stack is vital for success in todays competitive landscape. By embracing these tools, firms can enhance client service, improve efficiency, and stay ahead of professional trends. Regularly evaluating and adopting new technologies is essential to ensure your firm remains at the forefront of innovation in accounting. As you explore these tools, remember to prioritize staff training and support to ensure a smooth transition and maximize the benefits of your firms technology investments.

Read more here:

Your Firm and Your Tools - Top Technology Initiatives - CPAPracticeAdvisor.com

16 May 2023

Image source, Getty Images

Hanks said: "I could be hit by a bus tomorrow and that's it, but performances can go on and on"

Tom Hanks has raised the prospect of his career continuing after his death using artificial intelligence.

The Forrest Gump and Cast Away actor said the technology could be used to recreate his image, ensuring he continued to appear in movies "from now until kingdom come".

But he admitted the developments posed artistic and legal challenges.

His remarks came as the Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant said AI could be used by musicians to complete songs.

"This has always been lingering," he said. "The first time we did a movie that had a huge amount of our own data locked in a computer - literally what we looked like - was a movie called The Polar Express.

"We saw this coming, we saw that there was going to be this ability to take zeros and ones from inside a computer and turn it into a face and a character. That has only grown a billion-fold since then and we see it everywhere."

The Polar Express, released in 2004, was the first film entirely animated using digital motion-capture technology.

Image source, Getty Images

Tom Hanks played several animated characters in The Polar Express

Hanks said talks are being held in the film industry about how to protect actors from the effects of the technology.

"I can tell you that there is discussions going on in all of the guilds, all of the agencies, and all of the legal firms in order to come up with the legal ramifications of my face and my voice and everybody else's being our intellectual property," Hanks added.

"What is a bona fide possibility right now is, if I wanted to, I could get together and pitch a series of seven movies that would star me in them in which I would be 32 years old from now until kingdom come.

"Anybody can now recreate themselves at any age they are by way of AI or deep fake technology. I could be hit by a bus tomorrow and that's it, but performances can go on and on and on and on.

"Outside the understanding of AI and deep fake, there'll be nothing to tell you that it's not me and me alone.

"And it's going to have some degree of lifelike quality. That's certainly an artistic challenge but it's also a legal one."

Image source, Lucasfilm Ltd.

Harrison Ford was "de-aged" for Indiana Jones: The Dial of Destiny

Similar technology has already been used in the latest Indiana Jones film, for which Harrison Ford, 80, was "de-aged" for the opening sequence.

Filmmakers trawled archived material of the younger Ford before matching it to new footage, creating the illusion of Indiana Jones in 1944.

Hanks acknowledged that the technological developments could lead to an AI-generated version of himself appearing in films he may not not normally choose.

He said: "Without a doubt people will be able to tell [that it's AI], but the question is will they care? There are some people that won't care, that won't make that delineation."

AI is also posing dilemmas for the music industry, with conflicting reactions to its use to make music by artists.

A song created using the cloned voices of Drake and The Weeknd was pulled from streaming services last month, but Grimes has encouraged musicians to use her voice to make music.

Pet Shop Boys' singer Neil Tennant told the Radio Times he was excited about the potential of the technology.

"There's a song that we wrote a chorus for in 2003 and we never finished because I couldn't think of the verses, " he said.

"But now with AI you could give it the bits you've written, press the button and have it fill in the blanks. You might then rewrite it but it would be a tool."

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Tom Hanks: I could appear in movies after death with AI technology - BBC

As the digital infrastructure is fast becoming a critical lifeline for modern businesses today, the role of Chief Technology Officer, whos in charge of leading and managing a team of technology professionals, is in high demand. As an aspiring or new Chief Technology Officer you will be responsible for ensuring that the technological stack of your organisation is informed by the latest trends, emerging and new technologies, and future-ready insights. However, as the technology landscape is evolving and impacting the way businesses are building products, the role of a CTO is much more layered and nuanced today. Today, the role of a CTO also calls for a drive for innovation, a deep understanding of how tech is reshaping market metrics and consumer demand, and the way how products are impacting people, smart strategic thinking, and a futuristic vision, among others.If this is the next leap you want to take in your career, a Chief Technology Officer programme can help equip you with the necessary leadership skills, such as strategic thinking, decision-making, team building, and communication, which are crucial for effectively leading a technology department. Catering to the need of organisations to hire high-functioning CTOs, several top management schools now offer executive learning programmes aimed at equipping working professions in the digital landscape with the necessary skills to drive digital transformation at their organisations.

Leadership programmes from Emeritus are geared to empower the next generation of CTOs with the necessary skills, insights, and outlook required to position themselves as digital strategists. One such programme is the Chief Technology Officer programme offered by the Indian School of Business (ISB). A Chief Technology Officer programme can be your gateway to unlock your true potential in the world of technology and leadership.

The course, which will begin in June 28, 2023, will span a duration of 24 weeks combining a mix of online and live sessions, requiring 4-6 hours per week.

This programme is aimed at senior technology leaders who are Chief Technology Officers or Chief Information Officers or Deputy/VP Technology or Information.

This programme will be beneficial for professionals who are looking to:

The following USPs of the ISB Chief Technology Officer programme make it a well-thought programme, which combines theory with the best of practical insights, industry learnings, and networking and collaboration opportunities:

Additionally, learners of this programme will get free one year premium access to Emeritus Insights, a microlearning platform, which can help you shape your success.

A CTO programme can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of various technical areas, including software development, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain. In addition, a CTO programme can teach you about business strategy, financial management, project management, risk assessment, and other essential business skills. Such cross-functional knowledge will enable you to make informed decisions that positively impact the organisation's bottom line.

Upon successfully completing the ISB Chief Technology Officer programme with a minimum 70% score, a learner will be awarded a certificate for the Chief Technology Officer programme from ISB Executive Education.

A structured CTO programme can help a tech leader stay ahead of the curve by providing insights into emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices. This knowledge can help those who are at the forefront of technology to make informed technology decisions and drive innovation within their organisations. If you are a senior technology leader, enrolling for a CTO programme, this will demonstrate your commitment to professional development and your credibility as a deserving candidate for a top-tier technology leadership role. A CTO programme can also provide you with valuable credentials and certifications that can boost your resume and differentiate you from other candidates. In conclusion, as a CTO a constant desire to learn and unlearn, challenging oneself and staying curious will prove to be added drivers of your career.

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Disclaimer: This content was authored by the content team of ET Spotlight team. The news and editorial staff of ET had no role in the creation of this article.

( Originally published on May 17, 2023 )

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Transform your career with Chief Technology Officer online course - Economic Times