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An FE tutor who took cocaine into the college where he worked was among education staff disciplined and banned in the first term of the academic year in Wales. Other offences that saw school and college staff brought before professional standards commitees included theft, disclosing or threatening to disclose private sexual images with intent to cause distress, calling a colleague a "psycho b****" and failing to disclose court convictions. Cases before the Education Workforce Council Wales professional standards committees saw some staff struck off and banned from the classroom while others were allowed to continue working but with official reprimands placed on their registration. The EWC’s role is to maintain and standards of professional conduct among teachers and support staff in schools and colleges. Its professional standards panels have powers to strike staff off the EWC education professional register, or impose official reprimands, if evidence of misconduct is found. Some hearings are held in private for child protection or other reasons and some parts of some hearings are held in private for a number of other legal reasons. The allegations, findings and final rulings of each case are published online by the EWC. Most hearings are held remotely online and the standards commitees include lay members as well as former and current school and college staff with the help of legal advisors and EWC support staff. These are the outcomes of EWC hearings held between September and December 2024: Aaron Phillips A school teaching assistant was cautioned by police for disclosing or threatening to disclose private sexual images with intent to cause distress. Aaron Dean Phillips, who was working at Ysgol Penglais in Aberysywyth at the time, was banned from the classroom after failing to inform the Education Workorce Council Wales that he had accepted the police caution. The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Mr Phillips: Having made these findings, the committee judged Mr Phillips’ conduct in paragraph two above was dishonest and demonstrated a lack of integrity. The panel indefinitely removed him Mr Phillips from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of school learning support worker. It also decided he may not make an application for restoration to the register before two years has elapsed. If he does not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the register after September 4 2026, he will remain prohibited indefinitely. Louise Thomas A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on September 10 2024, found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against school learning support worker, Louise Thomas. The panel found the following allegations proven, that Ms Thomas: on April 6 2018, accepted a caution from Gwent Police for theft from person on February 15 2018 The committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Ms Thomas from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of school learning support worker. It also decided she may not apply to be restored to the register before a period of two years has elapsed. Should Ms Thomas not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the register after 10 September 2026, she will remain prohibited indefinitely. Samuel Harvey A military training instructor was slapped with a reprimand after he told teenage pupils he was looking forward to spending the night with his partner after she had got lip filler, among other allegations. A professional standards committee heard that Samuel Harvey made a series of inappropriate comments to teenagers while working in a pupil referral unit in Pembrokeshire . The Education Workforce Council (EWC) Wales fitness to practise committee also found it proved that Harvey, who worked at Pembrokeshire Learning Centre, had offered a pupil free entry to a nightclub, told a learner he had been arrested over the summer, and accused another learner of starting a fire in a multi-storey car park. Harvey – who was employed as an instructor with the Military Preparation College for Training, which is now known as the Learning Curve Group – was also found to have left a vape pen on a school desk while learners were in the room. A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council sitting remotely on September 10, 11 and 12 2024, found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against work-based learning practitioner, Samuel Harvey. The committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a MPCT Schools Lead Instructor Teacher at Learning Curve Group, Mr Harvey: advised a learner that he had been arrested over the summer The committee imposed a reprimand upon Mr Harvey’s registration as a work based learning practitioner for a period of two years (from 12 September 2024 to 12 September 2026). As such, Mr Harvey will be able to work as a registered person (work based learning practitioner) who provides services for or on behalf of a work based learning body (other than as a volunteer) in Wales for the period of the reprimand. Timothy John A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on September 23 and 24 2024, found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against work-based learning practitioner, Timothy John. The committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a Training Officer at Cambrian Training, Mr John: Having made these findings, the committee also determined that Mr John’s conduct at paragraphs 1 and 2 above was dishonest and lacking in integrity. The committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr John from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of work-based learning practitioner. It also decided he may not make an application for restoration to the register before a period of two years has elapsed. Should Mr John not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after September 24 2026, he will remain prohibited indefinitely. David Sweet A teacher, who was head of behaviour and safeguarding at a large secondary school, went off sick rather than tell his school he was going to court on a charge of threatening behaviour. David Sweet was caught out years later when he was summoned to court again for a further offence of drink driving. Sweet, who was found guilty and convicted of both offences, taught at Ysgol John Bright in Llandudno at the time. He was Head of KS4 behaviour and safeguarding as well as a PE teacher at the school, where he had been employed since 2005. A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on October 2 and 3 2024, has found allegations of unacceptable professional conduct and a relevant offence proved against Mr Sweet. The committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a school teacher at Ysgol John Bright, Mr Sweet: Having made the above findings, the committee also determined that Mr Sweet’s conduct at paragraphs 3 and 4 above was dishonest and lacked integrity. The committee imposed a reprimand on Mr Sweet’s registration as a school teacher for a period of two years (from 3 October 2024 to 3 October 2026). As such, Mr Sweet will be able to work as a registered person (school teacher) in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales for the period of the reprimand. Martin Lofthouse A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely from September 30 to October 3 2024, found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against further education teacher, Martin Lofthouse. The committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a lecturer at Gower College Swansea Mr Lofthouse, on June 7 2023: The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a reprimand on Mr Lofthouse’s registration as a further education teacher for a period of two 2 years (from October 3 2024 to October 3 2026). As such, Mr Lofthouse will be able to work as a registered person (further education teacher) who provides specific services in or for a further education institution in Wales for the period of the reprimand. James Jones A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on September 30 and October 1 to 4 2024, found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against school teacher, James Jones. The committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a deputy headteacher at Wats Dyke Primary School, Wrexham , Mr Jones engaged in inappropriate use of social media on a number of occasions in that: Having made these findings, the committee also determined that Mr Jones’ conduct at 1 and 2 breached confidentiality. The committee imposed a reprimand on Mr Jones’ registration as a school teacher for a period of two from October 4 2024 to October 4 2026. As such, Mr Jones will be able to work as a registered person (school teacher) in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales for the period of the reprimand. Kristen Evans A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council sitting remotely from October 14-16 2024, found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against work-based learning practitioner, Kristen Evans. The committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as an Assessor with ACT Training Ltd, Mr Evans: Having made the above findings, the committee also determined that Mr Evans’ conduct at paragraphs 2 and 3 above was dishonest and lacked integrity. The committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr Evans from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of work-based learning practitioner. It also decided Mr Evans may not make an application for restoration to the register before a period of two years has elapsed. Should Mr Evans not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after October 16 2026, he will remain prohibited indefinitely. Leah Johns A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on October 24, 25, 28 and 29 2024, found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct and an allegation of a relevant offence proved against further education teacher, Leah Johns. The committee imposed a Suspension Order (with conditions) on Ms Johns’ registration as a further education teacher for a period of 12 months (from 29 October 2024 to 29 October 2025), provided that she meets the conditions specified within this timeframe. As such, Ms Johns will not be able to work as a registered person (further education teacher) who provides specific services in or for a further education institution in Wales for the period of the suspension order. Phillip Lewis A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on November 19 and 20 2024, found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against further education learning support worker, Phillip Lewis. The committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a tutor at Pembrokeshire College, Mr Lewis: The committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr Lewis from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of further education learning support worker. It also decided Mr Lewis may not make an application for restoration to the register before a period of two years has elapsed. Should Mr Lewis not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after November 20 2026, he will remain prohibited indefinitely. Melanie Morgan An experienced teaching assistant who called vulnerable children in her care "little s****" and locked one or more out of the classroom was banned from the profession. Melanie Morgan also swore in front of the children aged five to 11 in her class at Pantside Primary School in Newbridge, a professional standards hearing was told. Melanie Morgan worked in one of the two classes at the school's special resource base for children with additional learning needs, an EWC Fitness to Practise committee of the Education Workforce Council heard. Some of the pupils in her care had autism and some were non-verbal but understood what she was saying and the tone used according to colleagues who said they witnessed the swearing and pupils being locked outside. The committee, sitting remotely on November 26, 27 and 28 November 2024, found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against her. The committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a Teaching Assistant by Caerphilly County Borough Council at Pantside Primary School, Miss Morgan: The committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Miss Morgan from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of school learning support worker. It also decided Miss Morgan may not make an application for restoration to the register before a period of two years has elapsed. Should she not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the register after November 28 2026, she will remain prohibited indefinitely. Chloe Munn An inexperienced and unqualified teaching assistant who left five-year-old pupils alone by a lake and a car park on a school trip received a reprimand but can continue to work, a professional standards panel ruled. Chloe Munn, who worked at Llandough Primary School, had not been given guidance on how to take children to the toilet on the trip to Cosmeston Lakes when she left three of them unaccompanied, an Education Workforce Council Wales committee found. Announcing its delayed decision after a hearing in November , the panel said that a risk assessment for the trip did not address how children should be taken to the toilet and Miss Munn had not been given clear instructions. There was also no evidence she had received on the job training at Llandough Primary. A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on November 5 to 8, and 29 2024, found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against school learning support worker , Chloe Munn . The committee found the following allegations proven: The committee imposed a Reprimand on Miss Munn’s registration as a school learning support worker for a period of two years (from November 29 2024 to November 29 2026). As such, Miss Munn will be able to work as a registered person (school learning support worker) in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales for the period of the reprimand. Richard Stratton-Thomas A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on December 2, 3 and 4 2024, found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against work-based learning practitioner, Mr Richard Stratton-Thomas. The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven: The committee imposed a Reprimand on Mr Stratton-Thomas’s registration as a work-based learning practitioner for a period of 2 years (from December 4 2024 to December 4 2026). As such, Mr Stratton-Thomas will be able to work as a work-based learning practitioner, who provides services for or on behalf of a work-based learning body (other than as a volunteer) in Wales for the period of the reprimand. Anthony Morris A college carpentry supervisor who “tapped” a colleague on the bottom and failed to disclose convictions for destroying or damaging property was struck off the education work register. Antony Morris failed to disclose the convictions when he applied to register with the Education Workforce Council Wales and now the council has barred him indefinitely A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on December 17, 18 and 19 December 2024, found allegations of unacceptable professional conduct and relevant offence proved against further education learning support worker, Anthony Morris. The committee found the following allegations proven, that Mr Morris: Having made these findings, the committee determined that Mr Morris’ conduct at paragraphs 4 and 5 above was dishonest and demonstrated a lack of integrity. The committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr Morris from the register of education practitioners in the category of further education learning support worker and work based learning practitioner. It also decided Mr Morris may not apply for restoration to the register before a period of 2 years has elapsed. Should Mr Morris not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the register after December 19 2026, he will remain prohibited indefinitely. Nicholas Maguire A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on December 9 to 10 2024, found an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct proved against work-based learning practitioner, Nicholas Maguire. The committee found the following allegations proven, that whilst employed as a Work-Based Learning Practitioner at Inspire Training, Mr Maguire The committee imposed a reprimand on Mr Maguire’s registration as a work-based learning practitioner, further education learning support worker and school learning support worker for a period of two years (from December 10 2024 to December 10 2026). As such, Mr Maguire will be able to work as a work based learning practitioner, who provides services for or on behalf of a work-based learning body other than as a volunteer or as a further education learning support worker, in FE institutions in Wales or school learning support worker in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news. 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'India lost a visionary statesman': Tributes pour in as former PM Manmohan Singh passes awayAmanda Hernández | (TNS) Stateline.org CHICAGO — Shoplifting rates in the three largest U.S. cities — New York, Los Angeles and Chicago — remain higher than they were before the pandemic, according to a report last month from the nonpartisan research group Council on Criminal Justice. Related Articles National News | Nicotine pouches are selling fast — and falling into minors’ hands National News | NORAD’s Santa tracker was a Cold War morale boost. Now it attracts millions of kids National News | Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights National News | Prosecutors withdraw appeal of dismissed case against Alec Baldwin in fatal movie set shooting National News | Bill Clinton is hospitalized with a fever but in good spirits, spokesperson says The sharp rise in retail theft in recent years has made shoplifting a hot-button issue, especially for politicians looking to address public safety concerns in their communities. Since 2020, when viral videos of smash-and-grab robberies flooded social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have expressed fears that crime is out of control. Polls show that perceptions have improved recently, but a majority of Americans still say crime is worse than in previous years. “There is this sense of brazenness that people have — they can just walk in and steal stuff. ... That hurts the consumer, and it hurts the company,” said Alex Piquero, a criminology professor at the University of Miami and former director of the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, in an interview. “That’s just the world we live in,” he said. “We need to get people to realize that you have to obey the law.” At least eight states — Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, New York and Vermont — passed a total of 14 bills in 2024 aimed at tackling retail theft, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The measures range from redefining retail crimes and adjusting penalties to allowing cross-county aggregation of theft charges and protecting retail workers. Major retailers have responded to rising theft since 2020 by locking up merchandise, upgrading security cameras, hiring private security firms and even closing stores. Still, the report indicates that shoplifting remains a stubborn problem. In Chicago, the rate of reported shoplifting incidents remained below pre-pandemic levels throughout 2023 — but surged by 46% from January to October 2024 compared with the same period a year ago. Shoplifting in Los Angeles was 87% higher in 2023 than in 2019. Police reports of shoplifting from January to October 2024 were lower than in 2023. Los Angeles adopted a new crime reporting system in March 2024, which has likely led to an undercount, according to the report. In New York, shoplifting rose 48% from 2021 to 2022, then dipped slightly last year. Still, the shoplifting rate was 55% higher in 2023 than in 2019. This year, the shoplifting rate increased by 3% from January to September compared with the same period last year. While shoplifting rates tend to rise in November and December, which coincides with in-person holiday shopping, data from the Council on Criminal Justice’s sample of 23 U.S. cities shows higher rates in the first half of 2024 compared with 2023. Researchers found it surprising that rates went up despite retailers doing more to fight shoplifting. Experts say the spike might reflect improved reporting efforts rather than a spike in theft. “As retailers have been paying more attention to shoplifting, we would not expect the numbers to increase,” said Ernesto Lopez, the report’s author and a senior research specialist with the council. “It makes it a challenge to understand the trends of shoplifting.” In downtown Chicago on a recent early afternoon, potential shoppers shuffled through the streets and nearby malls, browsing for gifts ahead of the holidays. Edward Johnson, a guard at The Shops at North Bridge, said that malls have become quieter in the dozen or so years he has worked in mall security, with the rise of online retailers. As for shoplifters, Johnson said there isn’t a single type of person to look out for — they can come from any background. “I think good-hearted people see something they can’t afford and figure nothing is lost if they take something from the store,” Johnson said as he patrolled the mall, keeping an eye out for lost or suspicious items. Between 2018 and 2023, most shoplifting in Chicago was reported in the downtown area, as well as in the Old Town, River North and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, according to a separate analysis by the Council on Criminal Justice. Newly sworn-in Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke this month lowered the threshold for charging retail theft as a felony in the county, which includes Chicago, from $1,000 to $300, aligning it with state law. “It sends a signal that she’s taking it seriously,” Rob Karr, the president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, told Stateline. Nationally, retailers are worried about organized theft. The National Retail Federation’s latest report attributed 36% of the $112.1 billion in lost merchandise in 2022 to “external theft,” which includes organized retail crime. Organized retail crime typically involves coordinated efforts by groups to steal items with the intent to resell them for a profit. Commonly targeted goods include high-demand items such as baby formula, laundry detergent and electronics. The same report found that retailers’ fear of violence associated with theft also is on the rise, with more retailers taking a “hands-off approach.” More than 41% of respondents to the organization’s 2023 survey, up from 38% in 2022, reported that no employee is authorized to try and stop a shoplifter. (The federation’s reporting has come under criticism. It retracted a claim last year that attributed nearly half of lost merchandise in 2021 to organized retail crime; such theft accounted for only about 5%. The group announced this fall it will no longer publish its reports on lost merchandise.) Policy experts say shoplifting and organized retail theft can significantly harm critical industries, drive up costs for consumers and reduce sales tax revenue for states. Those worries have driven recent state-level action to boost penalties for shoplifting. California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of 10 bills into law in August aimed at addressing retail theft. These measures make repeated theft convictions a felony, allow aggregation of crimes across multiple counties to be charged as a single felony, and permit police to arrest suspects for retail theft even if the crime wasn’t witnessed directly by an officer. In September, Newsom signed an additional bill that imposes steeper felony penalties for large-scale theft offenses. California voters also overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure in November that increases penalties for specific drug-related and theft crimes. Under the new law, people who are convicted of theft at least twice may face felony charges on their third offense, regardless of the stolen item’s value. “With these changes in the law, really it comes down to making sure that law enforcement is showing up to our stores in a timely manner, and that the prosecutors and the [district attorneys] are prosecuting,” Rachel Michelin, the president and CEO of the California Retailers Association, told Stateline. “That’s the only way we’re going to deter retail theft in our communities.” In New Jersey, a bipartisan bill making its way through the legislature would increase penalties for leading a shoplifting ring and allow extended sentences for repeat offenders. “This bill is going after a formally organized band of criminals that deliver such destruction to a critical business in our community. We have to act. We have to create a deterrence,” Democratic Assemblymember Joseph Danielsen, one of the bill’s prime sponsors, said in an interview with Stateline. The legislation would allow extended sentences for people convicted of shoplifting three times within 10 years or within 10 years of their release from prison, and would increase penalties to 10 to 20 years in prison for leading a retail crime ring. The bill also would allow law enforcement to aggregate the value of stolen goods over the course of a year to charge serial shoplifters with more serious offenses. Additionally, the bill would increase penalties for assaults committed against retail workers, and would require retailers to train employees on detecting gift card scams. Maryland legislators considered a similar bill during this year’s legislative session that would have defined organized retail theft and made it a felony. The bill didn’t make it out of committee, but Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Retailers Alliance, said the group plans to propose a bill during next year’s legislative session that would target gift card fraud. Better, more thorough reporting from retailers is essential to truly understanding shoplifting trends and its full impact, in part because some retail-related crimes, such as gift card fraud, are frequently underreported, according to Lopez, of the Council on Criminal Justice. Measuring crime across jurisdictions is notoriously difficult , and the council does not track organized retail theft specifically because law enforcement typically doesn’t identify it as such at the time of arrest — if an arrest even occurs — requiring further investigation, Lopez said. The council’s latest report found conflicting trends in the FBI’s national crime reporting systems. The FBI’s older system, the Summary Reporting System, known as SRS, suggests that reported shoplifting hadn’t gone up through 2023, remaining on par with 2019 levels. In contrast, the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System, or NIBRS, shows a 93% increase in shoplifting over the same period. The discrepancy may stem from the type of law enforcement agencies that have adopted the latter system, Lopez said. Some of those communities may have higher levels of shoplifting or other types of property crime, which could be what is driving the spike, Lopez said. Despite the discrepancies and varying levels of shoplifting across the country, Lopez said, it’s important for retailers to report these incidents, as doing so could help allocate law enforcement resources more effectively. “All law enforcement agencies have limited resources, and having the most accurate information allows for not just better policy, but also better implementation — better use of strategic resources,” Lopez said. Stateline staff writer Robbie Sequeira contributed to this report. ©2024 States Newsroom. Visit at stateline.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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In today's digital era, facial recognition technology, traditionally linked with high-end devices, is undergoing a revolutionary shift. Avtar Singh, an expert in resource-constrained computing and mobile vision, has developed an innovative framework that bridges the technological divide. This groundbreaking solution brings facial recognition capabilities to low-end devices, ensuring accessibility for broader audiences while maintaining high standards of accuracy and performance. Revolutionizing Algorithm Efficiency Traditional facial recognition systems often demand computational resources beyond the reach of budget-friendly devices. A novel approach addresses this challenge by leveraging algorithmic simplification inspired by efficient object detection frameworks. By optimizing feature extraction and detection processes, memory usage is reduced from 250MB to approximately 110MB. Advanced techniques such as model pruning and architecture scaling achieve a 70% reduction in computational demands while maintaining over 93% accuracy. This innovation enables the integration of facial recognition technology into devices previously deemed unsuitable. Smart Frame Processing for Real-Time Performance Real-time facial recognition on low-end hardware is challenging. A novel grid-based prediction system optimizes resources by selectively processing every third frame at full resolution, with intermediate frames interpolated. This approach reduces response times to an average of 156ms, significantly outperforming traditional methods. The multi-scale strategy focuses on high-confidence detection regions, achieving a balance between accuracy and speed, making it ideal for resource-constrained environments. Harnessing the Power of Hybrid Cloud-Edge Computing The framework seamlessly integrates local device processing with cloud computing to optimize workload distribution. Facial detection is handled locally to minimize initial computational demands, while complex feature extraction tasks are offloaded to cloud servers. By transmitting compressed feature maps instead of raw images, the system reduces bandwidth usage by 80%, enhancing efficiency. This hybrid approach ensures consistent performance even under varying network conditions and maintains low latency, with processing delays kept under 250ms, providing a robust solution for real-time applications. Energy-Efficient Innovations Energy consumption is a critical concern for low-end devices, as continuous facial recognition operations can quickly drain battery life. This challenge is addressed through dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) combined with optimized cache utilization, reducing energy consumption per inference to just 12mJ and significantly extending device operational lifespan. Furthermore, intelligent workload scheduling prevents thermal throttling, ensuring consistent performance over prolonged usage periods while maintaining energy efficiency and device reliability. Real-World Applications and Testing The proposed framework has undergone extensive testing on resource-constrained devices, including processors clocked at 1.1 GHz to 2.0 GHz and RAM capacities between 1GB and 3GB. Demonstrating consistent accuracy rates exceeding 90% and inference times between 155ms and 180ms, the results underscore its efficiency and reliability. These advancements pave the way for deploying sophisticated AI solutions in emerging markets, where low-end devices are prevalent, bridging technological disparities and enabling access to cutting-edge technology in underserved regions. A Blueprint for Responsible AI As facial recognition technology becomes more accessible, ethical considerations like data privacy and algorithmic accountability become increasingly important. A three-tier privacy framework ensures robust protection for user data, emphasizing a responsible approach to technology. This model not only democratizes access to advanced capabilities but also establishes a standard for balancing innovation with societal responsibilities, fostering trust and accountability in its implementation. In conclusion, Avtar Singh 's groundbreaking research revolutionizes facial recognition technology by enhancing accessibility and global impact. Through optimized algorithms, hybrid cloud-edge computing, and energy-efficient designs, this innovative framework overcomes barriers like cost and resource constraints. By addressing these challenges, it fosters inclusivity and bridges the digital divide, ensuring advanced AI technologies benefit diverse communities worldwide. This approach not only promotes equitable technological progress but also creates transformative impacts, improving lives and enabling meaningful advancements across various global contexts. .AP Business SummaryBrief at 1:03 p.m. EST
Nigeria, a nation often hailed as the “Giant of Africa,” is rich in natural resources, human capital, and potential. Yet, the country finds itself at a pivotal moment, where it must reimagine how to address the challenges of poverty and underdevelopment. While temporary relief efforts, such as palliative distributions, may bring short-term solace to vulnerable populations, they do not tackle the root causes of poverty or unlock the nation’s immense potential. Now is the time to shift the narrative—from reliance on handouts to a focus on sustainable, community-driven empowerment. The tragedies of December 2024, which saw lives lost during charity distributions, underscore the need for a different approach. These heartbreaking events serve as a call to action, urging all stakeholders—government, private sector, and communities—to work together to create systemic solutions that restore dignity and offer lasting opportunities. Learning from Global Success Stories Across the globe, countries have transformed their economies by identifying and leveraging regional strengths. Shenzhen, once a small fishing village in China, is now a global hub for electronics manufacturing, producing devices that shape modern life. In São Paulo, Brazil, industries focused on automotive components, machinery, and biofuels have fueled sustainable economic growth. Bandung, Indonesia, has become a leader in textile production, catering to global markets, while Stuttgart, Germany, is synonymous with engineering excellence in the automotive and machinery sectors. These success stories share a common thread: industrial specialization supported by reliable infrastructure, forward-thinking policies, and collaborative efforts between governments and local stakeholders. Nigeria, with its diverse regions and abundant resources, has the potential to achieve similar success. Building on Regional Strengths Every region in Nigeria has unique assets that can serve as the foundation for economic growth: The North: With its vast arable land, the region is well-suited for large-scale agriculture and agro-processing industries. The South: As the oil-rich hub of the country, this region can expand its energy production and petrochemical industries. The East: Renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit, the East can lead in manufacturing and skilled trades. The West: Home to thriving commercial hubs, the West can become a leader in trade, finance, and technology. By identifying and harnessing these comparative advantages, Nigeria can create industrial and commercial zones tailored to each region’s strengths. This approach will foster balanced economic growth, reduce inequalities, and drive nationwide development. The Foundation for Success To make these zones viable, certain foundational elements are essential: The Ripple Effects of Sustainable Development The benefits of this approach extend far beyond economic metrics. Developing specialized industrial zones will: Create Jobs: Employment opportunities will reduce poverty, empower individuals, and curb urban migration. Boost Productivity: Regional specialization will enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets. Promote Community Investment: Income generated from thriving industries will fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure, creating a virtuous cycle of development. A Shared Responsibility Nigeria’s transformation depends on collective effort. The government, private investors, and communities must unite in their commitment to building a self-reliant economy. Sustainable development is not just about creating industries; it is about creating opportunities that preserve dignity, foster innovation, and inspire hope for a brighter future. The time to act is now. With its youthful population, vast natural resources, and untapped potential, Nigeria stands on the brink of a new era. By prioritizing sustainable empowerment over temporary fixes, the nation can unlock its promise and ensure that every community thrives. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Nigeria—one where dignity, opportunity, and prosperity are accessible to all. Dr. Femi Akinkuebi is the MD of Ore Industrial Park (OIP)
Middle East latest: Syrians celebrate Assad's fall as US seeks a peaceful political transitionComing off what was likely a week's worth of intense practices, No. 10 Kansas returns home for a matchup with North Carolina State on Saturday afternoon in Lawrence, Kan. The Jayhawks (7-2) lost back-to-back games versus unranked opponents, the first time in school history that they have done that while ranked No. 1. Now they have to regroup to face the Wolfpack (7-3). Kansas lost its first two games of the season emphatically: 76-63 at Creighton on Dec. 4 and 76-67 at Missouri last Sunday. Coach Bill Self, who has only lost three straight games four times in his 21-year career at Kansas, was pretty succinct about his team's play following the loss to Missouri. "I think it was probably a combination of them being good and us not being good," he said. "I don't know that I could give them 100 percent credit, but that's what happens in sports. When the other team is doing things to hurt you, and you don't attack it well, they guard you the same way. "A lot of times you just roll it straight because of just not being as prepared or ready. I think it was a combination of both. I would err on the side of giving them more credit, because if I just say we sucked, that would take credit from them. We did suck, but it was in large part them." The Jayhawks still have a balanced and experienced attack, led by seniors Hunter Dickinson (15.0 points per game), Zeke Mayo (10.9), Dajuan Harris Jr. (10.7) and KJ Adams Jr. (9.8). Their biggest problem against Missouri was the 22 turnovers. "It's been a crap week for all of us," Self said on his weekly radio show Tuesday. "But hopefully we get an opportunity to bounce back. "I'm not going to make any excuses. If you don't perform the way we didn't perform, there certainly can be some valuable things to learn from that hopefully will give us a chance to win the war and not just the battle." NC State has won back-to-back games, including the ACC opener against Florida State on Dec. 7. In their last game, the Wolfpack handled Coppin State 66-56 on Tuesday. That's not to say NC State coach Kevin Keatts was impressed. "I thought we did a terrible job at the end of shot clocks when they were going to take a bunch of bad shots but we fouled them," Keatts said. "That being said, you can learn a lot from a win instead of a loss. "We compete hard every day, and our energy is always high. With this group, I'm trying to get everyone to be consistent." The Wolfpack has a trio of double-digit scorers, led by Marcus Hill (13.0 ppg). Jayden Taylor adds 12.5 and Dontrez Styles chips in 10.6. Ben Middlebrooks (9.2) and Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (8.7) round out the top five. Huntley-Hatfield (5.6 rebounds per game) and Styles (4.6) also lead a balanced rebounding attack. The Jayhawks have won 12 straight games in the series with North Carolina State. --Field Level MediaAuxiliary Contacts for MCCBs: Functions and Standards
Abu Dhabi is set to host the Global Media Congress 2024, where an agenda teeming with groundbreaking discussions has been unveiled. Patronized by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the event promises significant insights into the media industry's future, featuring key panels and sessions tackling critical issues faced by media professionals today. The opening keynote session, 'What Keeps You Up at Night?' will dive into pressing matters such as media credibility, digital transformation, and ethical AI use. Current global security concerns and urban leadership issues will also be part of the discourse. A session dedicated to 'The Digital Generation' aims to explore the impact of digital media on youth and how communication strategies can adapt to technological changes. Discussions on 'Emerging News Models' will examine the transformative role of technology and social media in news production and distribution. Another session, 'The AI-Powered Newsroom,' will highlight AI's potential to enhance journalistic efficiency and address ethical challenges like bias and misinformation. As the day progresses, sessions will focus on media innovations for digital-native audiences and explore cutting-edge strategies in film and digital entertainment. (With inputs from agencies.)The period between forwarding an invoice and receiving the payment is a crucial time. The business owner will be in an oscillating stage of whether they will get paid or not. Nothing is more frustrating for business owners than getting unpaid. So, what can a business owner do to face unpaid invoices? Let’s dive into details. What are Unpaid Invoices? Unpaid invoices are the invoices issued by the business owner but remain unpaid after the agreed timeframe. This is a common issue for small business owners and freelancers. Tracking of Unpaid Invoices: Why is tracking unpaid invoices essential for business? Tracking unpaid invoices is essential because of the following reasons. Steps to Track Unpaid Invoices: Here are several steps to track the unpaid invoices. Frequent Monitoring: Frequently reviewing the accounts balances helps the business owners remain informed and communicate promptly with the clients for initiating the payment process. Sending Payment Reminders: Sending polite payment reminders via emails, text messages, and phone calls is an effective way to keep clients informed about overdue invoices. Setting of Clear Payment Terms: Well-defined payment terms help prevent misinterpretation and provide clients with a clear idea about the payment procedure. Using Automated Invoice Software: Infusing automated invoice management software helps in tracking the unpaid invoices regularly and enhances the smooth flow of business. It also helps to identify the unpaid invoices more easily and make wise prior decisions. Need to know about the best invoicing software? Reviewing Client Payment Patterns: While dealing with unpaid invoices, a small business owner must review the client’s past payment patterns and tailor effective strategies accordingly. Reconsideration of Payment Terms: Adjusting the payment terms according to the client’s fondness with prior discussion encourages faster payments. This approach not only expedites the client pay faster but also creates a positive impression on the business owner. Offering Effective Payment Discounts: By reviewing the client’s prior payment patterns, the business owner can offer early payment discounts or late payment penalties for the payment. Maintaining Clear Records: Overall, maintaining records about the entire process made with the client serves as legal proof for your business, and it can be easily managed through the best online invoicing software . Managing the unpaid invoices in an effective way is a tip for boosting business growth. Setting an effective tracking system, maintaining friendly relationships with clients, sending timely payment reminders, and frequent monitoring of the business helps to manage the unpaid invoices effectively and protect the business’s solidity. Why worry over unpaid invoices when free invoice tools can help? Start using free invoicing today, streamline your invoice management, and accelerate your unpaid invoices being paid faster.
About 2.6 million Stanley cups recalled after malfunctions caused burns. Is your mug included?