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Hong Kong Baptist University scientists develop versatile compound for treating Alzheimer’s disease

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 24 August 2022 - A study led by researchers from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has demonstrated that a multifunctional organic compound named F-SLOH has the potential to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at an early stage. The team found that it can inhibit the aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ), and reduce the hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins and neuroinflammation in the brain to improve the pathological features of AD. The findings have been published in the international academic journal Redox Biology. The study conducted by Professor Li Min (left), Professor Ricky Wong Man-shing (right) and Dr Iyaswamy Ashok (middle) provides the first in vivo evidence that F-SLOH is an effective agent that can target and treat multiple neurodegenerative changes in an AD mouse model. AD is the most common cause of dementia. It accounts for nearly 65% of dementia cases in elderly Hong Kong Chinese. It is pathologically characterised by the abnormal aggregation of Aβ, the hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins and neuroinflammation in the nerve cells in the brain, which cause progressive neuronal loss and cognitive impairment. Currently there is no cure for AD, and the available medicines can only relieve its symptoms. Inhibiting the abnormal aggregation of Aβ and the hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins is considered the primary and a promising therapeutic approach to treat AD. F-SLOH as theragnostic agent for AD In the search for novel therapeutic and diagnostic methods for AD, a research team comprising Professor Li Min, Professor of the Teaching and Research Division and Associate Dean of the School of Chinese Medicine; Professor Ricky Wong Man-shing, Professor of the Department of Chemistry of the Faculty of Science; and Dr Iyaswamy Ashok, Research Assistant Professor of the Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine at HKBU, demonstrated the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of a compound called F-SLOH in reducing the abnormal aggregation of Aβ, the hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins and neuroinflammation in the nerves cells in the brain, thereby improving the learning and memory functions of mice with AD. F-SLOH is a multi-functional cyanine probe synthesised by a team led by Professor Ricky Wong Man-shing for the detection of biological materials such as proteins and peptides. Its features include real-time visualisation of Aβ aggregation in brains, excellent permeability across the blood-brain barrier and low bio-toxicity. Previous studies showed that F-SLOH could inhibit the abnormal aggregation of Aβ species and provide neuroprotection against neurotoxicity induced by the abnormal aggregation of Aβ in vitro at the cellular level. F-SLOH improves pathological features in AD mice To determine the therapeutic efficacy of F-SLOH for AD, the researchers injected or fed F-SLOH to a group of transgenic AD mice. Histopathology and biochemical analyses showed that in mice treated with F-SLOH, Aβ oligomers (one of the Aβ species) and Aβ plaque deposits (the clumps of Aβ) were dramatically reduced in their hippocampus and their brains when compared with the AD mice in the control group who had not been fed F-SLOH. The researchers also found that F-SLOH can reduce the levels of an amyloid precursor protein that generates Aβ and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. In an immunoblot analysis of the transgenic AD mice brian, the F-SLOH treatment group showed a significant reduction in the levels of the amyloid precursor protein and its metabolites compared to the control group. In other experiments on the transgenic AD mice after F-SLOH treatment, the researchers separated the soluble and insoluble tau proteins in their brain tissue samples. The results showed that F-SLOH treatment significantly reduced the levels of insoluble tau protein in the brains of AD mice, which forms neurofibrillary tangles, one of the pathological features of AD. F-SLOH improves memory and cognitive functions in AD mice Aggregation of Aβ is closely related to the dysfunction of the links between nerve cells and memory decline. The researchers conducted two experiments to test the memory functions of AD mice. In the first experiment, mice were trained to swim in a water maze, reach a platform and remember its position. After the platform was removed, researchers observed whether the mice were able to recall and approach the original position of the platform. Compared to the control group, transgenic AD mice treated with F-SLOH spent more time swimming around the platform’s original position, showing that they can better memorise the platform’s location. In the second experiment, mice were placed in a chamber and exposed to an audio tone followed by an instant small electric shock to their feet from the floor of the chamber. On the following day, they were put back in the chamber but without any electric shock. When the mice were exposed to the same audio tone, they “froze” their body movements due to the fear of an electric shock. The transgenic AD mice treated with F-SLOH exhibited a longer freezing time than that of the control group. The results of the two experiments showed that AD mice treated with F-SLOH have better memories compared to the control group, suggesting that F-SLOH improved AD mice’s memory and cognitive functions. F-SLOH shows early potential for treating AD The researchers also revealed that F-SLOH degraded the abnormal aggregation of Aβ and reduced the levels of tau protein hyperphosphorylation, the amyloid precursor protein and its metabolites through the activation of the transcription factor EB. Transcription factor EB is the main regulator of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, a major mechanism for degrading ageing intracellular macromolecular proteins, including the intracellular metabolites such as Aβ aggregates. Professor Li Min said: “AD patients lose their self-management abilities and require long-term care as the disease progresses. As the population is ageing in Hong Kong, the prevalence of AD is likely to increase. There is an urgent need to develop new drugs that can treat or slow down the progression of AD. The current study suggests that the compound F-SLOH has promising theragnostic potential for treating AD at an early stage.” Professor Ricky Wong Man-shing said: “The study provides the first in vivo evidence that F-SLOH is an effective agent that can target and treat multiple neurodegenerative changes in an AD mouse model. The research findings can drive advancements in AD diagnosis and treatment in humans.” Contact Details Communication and Public Relations Office at HKBU Christina Wu christinawu@hkbu.edu.hk

August 25, 2022 10:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Tips on Navigating the Back-to-School Season

YourUpdateTV

A new school year brings the return of many emotions – excitement, happiness, and of course, a little stress. Siri Daly is partnering with Juicy Juice and recently participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to share her tips for conquering the organized chaos of back-to-school mornings. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/SeVtdSpQXLk With the school year just kicking-off, it’s inevitable for parents to be running around the house in the morning, scrambling to get the kids ready for school and out the door. Siri’s advice? Plan, plan, plan. Planning out outfits, schedules, and of course, lunches, helps to create a sense of calm in the morning. When it comes to packing those lunches, Siri suggests switching things up and asking the kids what they want to eat. If they ask for something specific, they’re more likely to eat it once at school – even if it’s leftovers from the night before! To help parents with lunches, Siri has created lunchbox ideas to add into the monthly rotation that are budget-friendly, well-balanced, and delicious enough that kids look forward to eating them each day. The lunchbox ideas call for simple staples and Juicy Juice 100% juice – an easy choice for mom and kids with a variety of flavors, no added sugar, no high fructose corn syrup and no artificial sweeteners. Here’s a taste of Siri’s kid-friendly lunches that can be prepped the night before to move through mornings with ease: PB&J Roll-ups+ Pretzels + Grapes + Juicy Juice 100% Juice, Fruit Punch Cheesy Egg Bites + Cherry Tomatoes + Tortilla Chips + Juicy Juice 100% Juice, Grape Cheese & Salami Kabob + Crackers + Cucumbers + Yogurt + Juicy Juice 100% Juice, Berry Juicy Juice is also giving parents the chance to win money for back-to-school supplies and groceries to make Siri’s lunchbox ideas. Each week for four weeks, one grand prize winner will win a $1,000 gift card and 10 others will win a $100 gift card. Juicy Juice will share a weekly post on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter asking followers to answer a question about their back-to-school moments. To enter, parents must follow @JuicyJuiceUSA, either post a photo or comment on Juice Juice’s weekly post in response to the prompt and include the following hashtags: #SIRIouslyRealBTS and #Sweepstakes. Parents can go to JuicyJuice.com/backtoschool to download and print the lunchbox calendar and learn more about the SIRIously Real Back-to-School Sweepstakes. About Siri Daly: Siri Daly is quickly leaving her mark on the entertainment-lifestyle landscape. She is the founder of Siriously Delicious, a popular food blog that chronicles real-life cooking and a former Food Contributor on the TODAY show where she still regularly appears as a guest chef for cooking segments. In addition to Siri’s primary Instagram, Siriously Delicious, she also has a comedic Instagram account, Real Moms Wear Grey where she shares a personal take on being a mom. Siri’s first cookbook, Siriously Delicious: 100 Nutritious (and Not So Nutritious) Recipes for the Real Home Cook was published by Time, Inc. books in 2018. Siri, along with her husband, Carson Daly and their four children live in the greater New York area. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

August 25, 2022 02:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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ONEJUSTWORLD.ORG ASSEMBLING COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCILS AND VOICES WITH IMPACT

The Institute for Social Justice

OneJustWorld.org, an online community that seeks to mobilize individual and group action for measurable impact, is creating Community Action Councils across the country, starting in four cities: Cincinnati, Ohio; Hollywood, Florida; Los Angeles, California; and Sacramento, California. These regional groups will help their own communities tap into OneJustWorld ‘s resources to address their unique needs. Union Institute & University’s (UI&U) The Institute for Social Justice (TISJ), OneJustWorld.org’s interactive platform was created to encourage and facilitate community dialogue, learning, and action around the pursuit of social justice and a more just world. “We know social justice must be enacted for the community, by the community,” said Betsy Martin, Executive Director, TISJ. “We’re starting with the four communities where UI&U already has a strong physical presence and then will encourage other cities to create their own Community Action Councils to guide and inspire local citizens to take action. We are calling on community leaders in Cincinnati, Hollywood, Los Angeles and Sacramento to sign up on our website to help us launch the Councils in these initial cities. We can all agree that change is needed. OneJustWorld is committed to providing the resources, connections, and support to take the intent for social justice into action.” Community Action Councils are being organized in regions. The first four cities will be the launching point for their region and anyone interested in becoming a council member outside of the city, but within the region are also invited to join in on the city’s initial meeting which will be offered both in-person and on Zoom. The first meeting will be on October 12 in Cincinnati Ohio for the Midwest and Northeast regions. Hollywood Florida will kick off the South and Southeast regions. Los Angeles California will host the Southwest and Sacramento California, the Northwest. These meeting dates are listed on the website. The first step in developing understanding is to get people talking and listening to each other. OneJustWorld recently launched the “Share My Voice” campaign. Community members are invited to listen to and share the stories and voices regarding all aspects of social justice: education, economic, environment, health, safety, and social. One of the primary goals of the Community Action Councils will be to help amplify these “Voices with Impact.” The council voices will be captured at these meetings and added to the many voices of the community that are already featured on OneJustWorld.org including: our own Dr. Karen Schuster Webb, President of UI&U; Dr. Hassana Alidou, Niger’s former Ambassador to the U.S. and Canada, Richard Blanco, the fifth poet to read at a U.S. inauguration; Paul Taylor, Chair of the Philosophy Department at Vanderbuilt; and Norman Sylvester, an R&B musician who not only added his voice to the discussion, but also wrote a song. Voices with Impact can and should include your voice as well. What have been your challenges or how have you put social justice into action? Who has inspired you or what have you done to inspire others? What does one just world look like to you? OneJustWorld would like everyone to “Share Your Voice.” Adding your voice via “Share Your Voice” is quick and easy. Simply go to the website and set up an account using your email address. Once you’re logged in, add your voice by entering your response in the box below “What Does One Just World Look Like to You?” You can type in a response and also share images or video. OneJustWorld has identified 5 Steps Toward a Socially Just World: Listen, Learn, Engage, Act, Reflect. Listen to others, then Learn by gathering information from various sources about the groups of individuals impacted by structural injustice. Engage communities in a social approach to addressing social injustice. Act by taking informed and intentional action with no action too small to begin to address injustice Reflect on your personal motivations for taking action. OneJustWorld offers multiple access points to information and engagement, including: Resource Center: Project, contract, supplier, and employment matching Digital Library: Videos, podcasts, webinars, articles, papers, and research Coffee Chat: Online coffee, conversations, and networking Virtual Community: Physical and digital work and meeting spaces Book Circle: Social justice book sharing, discussions, and author events OneJustWorld is committed to sharing an abundance of opportunities to hear Voices with Impact. All of the upcoming events can be found on the OneJustWorld Events page and links for registration can be found there as well. About TISJ The Institute for Social Justice exists to impact society through participatory and democratic work with individuals and organizations. Beginning with reflective abilities and systemic awareness, it creates organizational and social structures that no longer perpetuate injustice in society. TISJ applies theory to practice through a coalition of thought leaders who are scholar-practitioners, philanthropists, policymakers, community advocates, and others committed to promoting social justice and equity in the U.S. and globally through research, education, and policy. Since its founding in 1964, UI&U has focused on academic excellence, creativity, diversity, and integrity. TISJ aims to reach significant and clear progress toward social justice by advocating for equality, valuing diversity, and committing to an innovative teaching and learning environment that shrinks economic disparities and eliminates racism. TISJ connects programs and individuals that are committed to providing "innovative and pragmatic solutions" globally. To learn more about The Institute for Social Justice, visit tisj.myunion.edu. About Union Institute & University Founded in 1964, Union Institute & University has been a nonprofit pioneer in educating adults through distance learning. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Union Institute & University offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree programs, as well as certificates designed for those seeking to make a difference in their own lives and within their communities. The university offers specialized online and low residency degree programs with high-touch faculty attention, designed for students regardless of where they live and work. Union's flexible delivery models emphasize relevant and transformative coursework taught by a national faculty of scholar-practitioners. Union graduates – including two dozen college presidents, leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, members of the United States Congress, and the first female prime minister of Jamaica – promote Union's legacy of utilizing education to transform lives and communities. Based in Cincinnati, UI&U has additional Academic Centers in California (Los Angeles and Sacramento) and Florida (Hollywood). To learn more about Union Institute & University, visit www.myunion.edu or call 1-800-861-6400. For media inquiries regarding The Institute for Social Justice, please contact Rita Tennyson at (310) 779-9747 or rita.tennyson@orcapr.com. About TISJ The Institute for Social Justice exists to impact society through participatory and democratic work with individuals and organizations. Beginning with reflective abilities and systemic awareness, it creates organizational and social structures that no longer perpetuate injustice in society. TISJ applies theory to practice through a coalition of thought leaders who are scholar-practitioners, philanthropists, policymakers, community advocates, and others committed to promoting social justice and equity in the U.S. and globally through research, education, and policy. Since its founding in 1964, UI&U has focused on academic excellence, creativity, diversity, and integrity. TISJ aims to reach significant and clear progress toward social justice by advocating for equality, valuing diversity, and committing to an innovative teaching and learning environment that shrinks economic disparities and eliminates racism. TISJ connects programs and individuals that are committed to providing "innovative and pragmatic solutions" globally. To learn more about The Institute for Social Justice, visit tisj.myunion.edu. Contact Details Rita Tennyson +1 310-779-9747 rita.tennyson@orcapr.com Company Website https://tisj.myunion.edu/

August 22, 2022 08:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Back to School Tech

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details News Media Group, Inc. Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

August 19, 2022 08:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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NASDAQ: $AMST Amesite to Provide Website Integrated eCommerce Solution to Major New Partners

Amesite Inc.

Contact Details Amesite, Inc. +1 734-876-8141 info@amesite.com Company Website http://www.amesite.io

August 10, 2022 06:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Volatus Aerospace Obtains Industry First Special Flight Operations Certificate for Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations without a Visual Observer

Volatus Aerospace Corp.

Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV: VOL) (OTCQB: VLTTF) ("Volatus" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it is the first company in Canada to receive a Beyond Visual Line Of Sight ("BVLOS") Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) from Transport Canada to operate a remotely piloted aircraft (RPAS, drone) without a visual observer, using a ground-based optical detect and avoid system. This is a key milestone in the commercialization of the AERIEPORT nesting station and a necessary and important step toward commercializing drone technologies at scale in Canada. Volatus is experienced in BVLOS operations and currently holds authorization to conduct BVLOS training at several locations across Canada. This new SFOC will enable Volatus Aerospace to remotely pilot a Volatus M300 drone integrated with FlightOps’ remote operations software and a CASIA G Optical Detect and Avoid system from IRIS Automation at the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport. “An SFOC is an authorization, usually on a one-time, single location, or risk level basis given by Transport Canada to operate above and beyond current regulations,” explained Richard Podolski, VP of Flight Operations for Volatus Aerospace. “It’s a very well regulated and safety-oriented method for developing new functionality in an industry or accomplishing what nobody thought to write rules for.” “For drone technology to be successful long-term, it needs to improve upon current methods and applications, be affordable, and scalable,” stated Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace. “Today’s achievement has broken through a major barrier and opened the door to commercial opportunities that have only been dreamed about but until today have been just out of reach. Remote operations beyond visual line of sight are now a reality for Volatus. Commercialization begins now.” About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace Corp. is a leading provider of integrated drone solutions throughout Canada, the United States, Latin America and most recently in Europe. Operating a vast pilot network, Volatus serves commercial and defense markets with imaging and inspection, security and surveillance, equipment sales and support, training, and design, manufacturing, and R&D. Through its subsidiary Volatus Aviation, Volatus carries on the business of aircraft management, charter sales, and cargo services using piloted, remotely piloted, and autonomous aircraft. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Corporation with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information regarding (i) the business plans and expectations of the Corporation; and (ii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Corporation, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information reflects the Corporation’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Corporation; meeting the continued listing requirements of the TSXV; and anticipated and unanticipated costs and other factors referenced in this news release and the Circular, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Circular under the caption “Risk Factors”. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Source: Volatus Aerospace Corp. TSXV: VOL Contact Details Rob Walker +1 514-447-7986 rob.walker@volatusaerospace.com Company Website https://volatusaerospace.com

August 10, 2022 12:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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What's Cool for School

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

August 09, 2022 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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HKBU launches Turing AI Orchestra as next milestone in human-AI art co-creation

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 9 August 2022 - Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has announced the launch of the world’s first “Turing AI Orchestra” today (9 August) as the next milestone in its visionary plan to broaden the scope and explore potential opportunities in art co-creation by humans and artificial intelligence (AI). The Turing AI Orchestra is the world’s first AI ensemble. By applying state-of-the-art AI technology, the Orchestra aims to achieve a new form of symbiotic artistic creation and performance between humans and AI systems. The announcement of the launch of the Orchestra was made at the “ Human, Machine, Art, Creativity: International Symposium ” co-organised by HKBU and the Hong Kong Productivity Council, at which world-renowned researchers and artists from academia and industry gathered to discuss the development of human-AI symbiotic art creativity. Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the HKSAR; Mr Xu Jie, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China; Dr Zhang Zhihua, Director-General, Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, graced the occasion and gave video addresses. Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government also gave an opening address in person. Other officiating guests of the opening ceremony included Professor James Tang Tuck-kong, Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee; Ms Zhu Yihua, Deputy Director-General, New Territories Sub-office of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Mr Mohamed Butt, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council; Dr Clement Chen, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU; Ms Rosanna Choi, Treasurer of the Council and the Court of HKBU; Professor Alexander Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU; Professor Guo Yike, Vice-President (Research and Development) of HKBU; Ms Christine Chow, Vice-President (Administration) and Secretary of HKBU; and Professor Johnny M Poon, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research) of HKBU. In his address, Chief Executive Mr John Lee Ka-chiu said: “Hong Kong Baptist University, with its commitment in discovering and nurturing new technologies and big ideas, is a leading force in comprehensive research and development for arts technology. The pioneering and innovative project Building Platform Technologies for Symbiotic Creativity in Hong Kong is funded by the Research Grants Council. It is one of China's biggest artificial intelligence technology research projects. It seeks to radically advance human and AI interaction and contribute to the sustainability of our arts ecosystem.” In his welcoming speech, Dr Clement Chen said: “With the emerging trend of applying technology to art creation, our scholars at HKBU are also pushing the frontiers of art-tech to transform the creation of art and culture. We are also impressed and encouraged by the increased amount of support offered by the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the HKSAR Government’s drive to promote and develop art-tech. Against such a backdrop, our important initiatives will definitely support and spearhead the development of art-tech in Hong Kong and enable the SAR to assume a leading position in art-tech on the global stage.” In his address, Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government said: “Leveraging the advanced development in the AI technologies, art creations can be transformed and propelled to the next level, bringing new experiences to audiences and significant socio-economic benefits to the city. I must say, the Hong Kong Baptist University has best demonstrated how AI can be a creative force in performing music, cross-media art and dance at its Symphony Orchestra Annual Gala Concert held last month. It truly marks a milestone in the history of arts tech, showing the harmonious collaboration between human and machine.” Outlining the concept of the Turing AI Orchestra (TAIO), Professor Guo Yike said that it offers an open platform for artists and scientists from around the world to collaborate within a dynamic and innovative environment, and it will produce groundbreaking AI research that will disrupt the world of art. “The Turing AI Orchestra also echoes one of the project tasks stated in the project proposal – building a Digital Art and Policy Network, for symbiotic creativity collaboration and related policy innovation. It is envisaged that TAIO, as a vibrant and sustainable development base, can help us put our vision, philosophy and technology into practice via creative performances in the context of active international collaboration. By using Blockchain technologies, TAIO will realise the world’s first Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (DAO) ecosystem for art creation through collaboration between scientists and artists. TAIO will promote transdisciplinary whole-person education to the next generation in Hong Kong. It will propel strategic policymaking by the Government to guide Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries development going forward, thus contributing toward building Hong Kong to be an international cultural exchange and Intellectual Property trading hub,” said Professor Guo. Apart from launching the TAIO and introducing ongoing HKBU initiatives in human-AI symbiotic art creativity, today’s Symposium also covered topics including the enabling technologies of symbiotic art creation and manifestation, the aesthetics and cognitive values of symbiotic art creativity, the new trend of the art economy with the ecosystem of Metaverse, new issues raised by the new forms of art in society, and the impact on art community stakeholders, among others. Following the first human-AI collaborative performance of its kind in the world at the Annual Gala Concert of the HKBU Symphony Orchestra on 14 July, today’s Symposium is another key deliverable of the “ Building Platform Technologies for Symbiotic Creativity in Hong Kong ” research project supported by HK$52.84 million in funding from the Theme-based Research Scheme under the Research Grants Council. Contact Details Wong Suk-ling +852 3411 2119 hkbunews@hkbu.edu.hk

August 09, 2022 07:57 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Yoodli Announces $6M Funding for AI Platform to Overcome Fear of Public Speaking

Yoodli

Yoodli, a startup building an artificial intelligence platform to help people communicate more effectively, announced that it has raised $6 million in a seed round co-led by Madrona Venture Group and Cercano Management (formerly Vulcan Capital). Other investors include J4 Ventures, Ascend, Jeff Richards from GGV Capital, Dave Rosenberg (founder of Mulesoft), and renowned communication experts Renn Vara and Maureen Taylor. Yoodli is already being used by thousands of professional speakers, coaches, students, and corporate professionals to get data-driven insights on their speaking presentations. “Effective communication is the single determinant of success in the workplace and more broadly in life,” said Craig Valentine, Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking. “I’ve been working with clients for over 20 years, but Yoodli has completely transformed my coaching business. I’m now able to work with many more clients at once while saving up to 10 hours per week! I ask my clients to record their practice sessions on Yoodli, improve with AI feedback, and then share their speeches with me for asynchronous work. AI will not replace speech coaches but is certainly helping us be more efficient.” Yoodli makes preparing for a speech or interview fun and judgment-free. The platform provides an instant transcript and real-time analysis on your use of filler words, non-inclusive language, pacing, body language, and much more. It also makes it easy to collaborate with friends and coaches on upcoming presentations. Want to test your ability to think on your feet or strike up a conversation with a stranger? Try the one minute ‘Spin a Yarn’ challenge, which throws out fun words to blend into a compelling impromptu speech. The seed round brings Yoodli’s total funding to $7.1 million. The new funds will be used to support Yoodli’s product development, as well as sales and marketing expansion. Patrick Ennis, who has decades of experience as a scientist, engineer, businessman, and venture capitalist at Madrona, ARCH Venture Partners, Intellectual Ventures, and Bell Labs, will be joining the Yoodli Board of Directors. “We are delighted to support Yoodli’s journey,” Ennis said. “The fear of public speaking has affected humanity throughout history and across cultures. At Madrona, we see the massive impact that Yoodli will have by improving communication for everyone.” Yoodli’s founders, Esha Joshi and Varun Puri, are deeply familiar with the fear of public speaking and teamed up to start Yoodli at the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence in June 2021. Yoodli’s team includes engineers and product managers from Facebook, Apple, Google, and an advisory board consisting of TEDx coaches, top AI researchers, among others. Yoodli uses natural language processing, computer vision, and speech algorithms to help users get detailed feedback on speeches recorded on the platform. The speeches are private to the user but shareable to friends, coaches, and others if external feedback is desired. Becoming a good public speaker is no small task, and to prove that point Yoodli has analyzed the speeches of famous celebrities, tech execs, and politicians. Even some of the world’s most prominent figures are not perfect when it comes to speech delivery. Elon Musk, for example, might have a limited word count on Twitter, but he used over 70 filler and hedging words (“really,” “basically”, “actually”) in a 5-minute window during a 2014 commencement speech. Check it out at https://app.yoodli.ai/share/gfYhf3qU. Yoodli allows you to record and playback your speech with filler words removed, and then provides simple, strategic and customized tips to help you refine and improve your public speaking skills. The platform is free and can be accessed at www.yoodli.ai. About Yoodli: Yoodli is an AI-enabled communication skills improvement platform that records users as they deliver presentations, and then points out tips such as where they could speak more clearly, cutting back on "ums" and filler words, as well as improving their use of eye contact and gestures. Users can also solicit feedback from colleagues and get connected to an expert coach. The company was founded in 2021 and is based in Seattle, Washington. Contact Details Forrest Carman +1 206-859-3118 forrestc@owenmedia.com Company Website https://www.yoodli.ai/

August 08, 2022 09:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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