[News][carousel][6]

The Future of Fitness Tracking Technology

May 13, 2024

Empowering Personal Healthcare with Wearables



In an era where health is becoming increasingly personalized, fitness tracking technology has emerged as a pivotal tool in promoting wellness and enhancing personal healthcare. Wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness bands have revolutionized the way we monitor and manage our physical activity, providing us with real-time insights into our health metrics and behaviors.

These devices go beyond simply counting steps; they now offer a comprehensive suite of features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, GPS navigation, and even stress management tools. With advancements in sensors and data analytics, the future of fitness tracking technology looks promising, poised to further elevate the user experience and accuracy of health monitoring.

One of the most significant impacts of fitness tracking technology lies in its ability to empower individuals to take control of their health. By providing actionable data and personalized recommendations, wearables facilitate informed decision-making and encourage users to adopt healthier habits. From motivating users to achieve their fitness goals to alerting them to potential health issues, these devices play a crucial role in preventive healthcare.

Looking ahead, the future of fitness-tracking technology holds immense innovation potential. We can anticipate more seamless integration with other healthcare systems, such as electronic health records, telemedicine platforms, and AI-driven diagnostics. Furthermore, advancements in battery life, biometric sensors, and data privacy measures will enhance the reliability and accessibility of wearable devices, making them indispensable companions for personal health management.

Fitness tracking technology is not just a trend; it's a transformative force in personal healthcare. As wearables continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, they will undoubtedly play a central role in promoting holistic well-being and empowering individuals to lead healthier, more active lives.

Exploring Abstract Collage Illustrations: Techniques and Adobe Illustrator Tips

April 29, 2024




Abstract collage illustrations are a fascinating art form that allows artists to express creativity through a combination of different elements, textures, and shapes. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of abstract collage illustrations, exploring the techniques used to create them and how Adobe Illustrator can be a valuable tool in the process.


Techniques for Creating Abstract Collage Illustrations

1. Gathering Inspiration:

  • Before diving into the creation process, it's essential to gather inspiration from various sources such as nature, architecture, textures, and even everyday objects.
  • Look for interesting shapes, colors, and patterns that can serve as the foundation for your collage illustration.


2. Selecting Materials:

  • Choose a variety of materials to incorporate into your collage, such as paper scraps, fabric, photographs, and found objects.
  • Experiment with different textures and weights to add depth and visual interest to your composition.


3. Composition and Layout:

  • Start by sketching out rough ideas for your collage composition, considering the placement of each element within the illustration.
  • Play with scale, layering, and negative space to create a dynamic and visually engaging composition.


4. Cutting and Arranging:

  • Once you have a plan in place, begin cutting out your selected materials and arranging them on a surface.
  • Experiment with overlapping and juxtaposing elements to create visual contrast and movement within the illustration.


5. Adding Details and Texture:

  • Use additional techniques such as drawing, painting, or printing to add details and texture to your collage.
  • Consider using mixed media techniques to enhance the depth and complexity of your illustration.


Using Adobe Illustrator for Collage Illustrations

Adobe Illustrator can be a powerful tool for creating digital collage illustrations. Here are some tips for using Illustrator in your collage artwork:


1. Digitizing Your Collage:

  • Scan or photograph your physical collage and import it into Adobe Illustrator as a high-resolution image.


2. Tracing and Refinement:

  • Use the Pen Tool or Image Trace feature to trace the shapes and elements of your collage, creating clean vector paths.
  • Refine and edit the traced shapes as needed to achieve the desired look and feel for your illustration.


3. Adding Digital Elements:

  • Incorporate additional digital elements such as gradients, patterns, and textures to enhance your collage illustration.
  • Experiment with blending modes and layer effects to create depth and dimension within your artwork.



Abstract collage illustrations offer a unique opportunity for artists to explore creativity and experimentation. By combining traditional collage techniques with digital tools like Adobe Illustrator, artists can create captivating and visually stunning artwork that pushes the boundaries of traditional illustration. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, experimenting with abstract collage illustrations can be a rewarding and inspiring journey.




Image Source: 

https://webexahead.webex.com/the-culture-factor-how-hybrid-work-is-advancing-around-the-world/

https://www.behance.net/gallery/75636593/Bauhaus-feeling-Collage




PUBG Mobile Vikendi Snow Map Release Date and Start Time Announced

December 18, 2018

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Vikendi is a part of the 0.10.0 update
  • It is the fourth map in the game following Erangel, Miramar, and Sanhok
  • It is playable from 5:30am IST on December 21

The PUBG Mobile 0.10.0 brought support for the Vikendi map and now Tencent has confirmed when you can play it. According to a tweet from the official PUBG Mobile account, the PUBG Mobile Vikendi Snow Map release date is December 20 and the start time and date is 5:30am IST on December 21 when it would be available for matchmaking. Earlier today, administrators of the official PUBG Mobile Discord stated that there was no definite timeline for when Vikendi could be played. Evidently this has changed. Before you can get the Vikendi map though, you'll need to download the PUBG Mobile 0.10.0 update that has a 2.1GB download size.

What this means is, PUBG Mobile could be the first version of PUBG to get Vikendi outside of PUBG public test servers, where it's playable for PC users. The PUBG Vikendi snow map is now live in PUBG PC PTS or Public Test Server as it is known. So if you bought PUBG on PC, you can check out Vikendi before its available in the main game. While no date has been given for Vikendi for PUBG Xbox One and PS4, it's safe to say that it would be available soon considering it was added to the PUBG PS4 PTS.

Other additions to PUBG PTS include the G64 rifle and a snowmobile. It's speculated that PUBG Vikendi PTS for PS4 and Xbox One will be live in early January and its full release will bring the Vikendi Event Pass along with it. Though we won't be surprised to see it hit earlier in order for PUBG to stay competitive with the likes of Fortnite and Overwatch, both of which have winter-themed events underway.

As for PUBG Mobile, Vikendi isn't the only thing new. With the PUBG Mobile 0.10.0 update comes a reporting system allowing players to report suspicious behaviour while spectating a match on death. Cross-server matchmaking has been added too. When enabled players have a chance to be matched with those of the same tier on other servers. Also new in the PUBG Mobile 0.10. update is the Firearms Finish Upgrade System. This lets players upgrade weapon finishes to get new kill effects, broadcasts, and death crate appearances.

VAR at the World Cup: What is the technology being used in Russia and how does it work?

June 19, 2018
The World Cup will put the greatest footballing nations on Earth to the test. But there is another trial happening, perhaps just as important and even more controversial: that of VAR, or the video assistant referee.

The technology is being used at the World Cup for the first ever time, and has the potential to fundamentally change games. It could decide the future of the tournament, by reversing some of the most important refereeing decisions in the game.

Proponents claim that VAR will ensure that decisions are fair and that the best team wins. But even those supporters admit that the technology is still at a very early stage – with supporters and referees still apparently confused about how it should actually be used.

How will VAR work in the Premier League?


Despite that complexity, the technology is fundamentally incredibly simple: it is an extra referee who watches the game and advises officials on decisions. In practise, though, it might be very complicated indeed.

How does it work?

There are 13 officials who can be chosen as the video assistant referee. They will all sit in a special hub in Moscow – no matter where the game is happening – and they will do so wearing their full kit, as if they were ready to jump onto the pitch at any time.

Of those, one will be chosen for each game, and they will have a team of three assistants.
In there, they will receive a stream from inside the stadium, which is made up of the view from a whole host of cameras – including slow motion ones – which the referees can flick between.

The VAR will watch the whole of each game. If they see something wrong, they can flag it to the referee; if the referee thinks something is wrong, he can get in touch with the VAR.

Either way, the VAR is only advisory. Any decision ultimately rests with the referee, even if he has advised the opposite way by the VAR.


A general view of the Video Assistant Referee's Room home of the VAR system to be used at all FIFA World Cup matches during the Official Opening of the International Broadcast Centre on June 9, 2018 in Moscow, Russia (Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

What can be referred to the video referee?

Fifa might have allowed the technology into the World Cup. But they have severely limited the kinds of decisions it can actually be used for.

In total, there are four different sorts of incident that can be reviewed:
  • Goals. The system can be used to check if a goal actually went in, in the obvious way. But it can also adjudicate on the lead-up to the goal, not just the ball passing into the net – if an infringement would have stopped the goal being rewarded, then VAR can stop it being awarded.
  • Penalties. This can go either way, being used to check whether a penalty should have been awarded and wasn't, but also reversing the decision if a foul is given in the penalty box.
  • Red cards. If the referee has decided a foul has been committed, then VAR can be used to decide whether a red card should be awarded. This might be the most controversial thing that the video technology will be relied on for, for reasons we will get onto later.
  • Mistaken identity. Probably the most vague but also important parts of VAR's responsibility, this will allow the additional referees to spot if the wrong player has been disciplined. If they are, the referee will be corrected. That should stop situations like the mix-up between Kieran Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain that saw the wrong player sent off during a match in 2014.


How do you know when it's happening?

The entire system of VAR is focused around the referees, not around spectators. Which means the priority is not on making clear when or whether the system is being used.

It can be engaged in one of three ways.

In some situations, the referee might simply get a message in their earpiece, indicating that a decision is being reviewed. They'll get word from the VAR referees, who might tell them to change or stick with a decision. Spectators might not even know this is happening, or just see the referee touch their earpiece.

Another sees the video process engaged more formally, and the referee will draw a rectangle in the air to indicate a TV. That can be triggered by either the referee or the VAR judges, who will again have a word through the earpiece. The decision will be relayed to the referee, who will then make the rectangle sign again and carry on with the match.

The final one is the most clear, but could be the most confusing and frustrating in the stadium. Referees will head over to a small reviewing station on the side of the pitch – making the TV sign as they do – where they will also be able to see the same replays that are being shown to the VAR officials. They'll then consult together and make their decision.

In all cases, the decision will be made clear in the normal way – by the traditional referee signalling the decision, in the same way as without VAR. They might make the rectangle TV sign in the air to indicate how the decision was made, but then will continue in the usual way.

What can spectators see?

Perhaps the strangest and most confusing part of VAR is the fact that spectators won't actually get to see any of the replays, or even necessarily know what is happening. At most, they'll see the referee make the TV screen sign and perhaps head off to watch the pitch-side review.

But viewers at home will get to see the same pictures the referees are being shown, so the decision should not be quite so shocking. (This only goes one way: the referees don't get to see any broadcast images, or hear any commentary.)

Does it make any difference to players?

In the more direct sense – that is, discounting any arguments about whether it will change the pace of games – VAR doesn't allow players to do anything specific. In fact, the only significant rule change is what players can't do: they must not make the VAR sign themselves, in the same way they can't pretend to hold up a yellow card to someone as part of a protest, and they can be booked if they try it.

Why is it so controversial?
It took a long time for VAR to be introduced. And that was partly because many people fear it could ruin the flow and feel of the game.

Critics suggest that referees flagging up decisions using VAR – and then taking time to review footage and make their decision – could cause disruptions in play. And they also suggest that it will take away the important nuance that is part of refereeing, butting into matches to decide on any incident that relies on shades of grey.

Proponents have dismissed that idea. Earlier this year, refereeing body PGMOL stressed that the system would only interrupt games when there were very clear problems – "the rule of thumb is essentially 'if it’s not clear and obvious, leave it', and 'minimum interference, maximum benefit'," The Independent's Miguel Delaney wrote at the time.

But in use, the technology has been far from clear.

At a friendly match between Italy and England just weeks ago, a bizarre decision saw the video referee award a penalty – but that fact came after minutes of unexplained contemplation, and was not very well communicated to spectators. That came after similar events at Tottenham, which saw Spurs have two games disallowed during an FA Cup game, but after a lengthy disruption to play.

Officials might now be more used to using the technology, and working together. But we won't know until a World Cup match is interrupted.

Are there any changes being made for the World Cup?

The previous confusing instances have led to some changes for this competition. Fifa will be able to use a special tablet to send information to spectators and broadcasters, which should hopefully give them a bit more of a sense of what is actually happening while decisions are being made.

Is it likely to make a difference to decisions?

A study released this week found that slow-motion videos and real-time ones mostly led to the same decisions: in the experiment, referees were 63 per cent right when they watched an incident slowed down, compared with 61 per cent at normal speed.

But it found that slowing down videos seemed to severely change the way that referees saw intention. Watching in slow-motion made them far more likely to think that a foul had been done on purpose – and therefore considerably more likely to give a red card.

By
Andrew Griffin 
Jun 16, 2018

Google says its AI is better at predicting death than hospitals

June 19, 2018

Google’s Medical Brain team is now training its AI to predict the death risk among hospital patients — and its early results show it has slightly higher accuracy than a hospital’s own warning system.

Bloomberg describes the healthcare potential of the Medical Brain’s findings, including its ability to use previously unusable information in order to reach its predictions. The AI, once fed this data, made predictions about the likelihood of death, discharge, and readmission.

In a paper published in Nature in May, from Google’s team, it says of its predictive algorithm:

These models outperformed traditional, clinically-used predictive models in all cases. We believe that this approach can be used to create accurate and scalable predictions for a variety of clinical scenarios.

In one major case study in the findings, Google applied its algorithm to a patient with metastatic breast cancer. 24 hours after she was admitted, Google gave her a 19.9 percent chance of dying in the hospital, in contrast with the 9.3 estimate with the hospital’s augmented Early Warning Score. Less than 2 weeks later, the patient died from her condition.

In order to come to that number, the AI tallied 175,639 data points from the patient’s electronic medical records, including handwritten notes. According to the paper, this is the difference between Google’s work and previous deep learning approaches:

In general, prior work has focused on a subset of features available in the EHR, rather than on all data available in an EHR, which includes clinical free-text notes, as well as large amounts of structured and semi-structured data.

In its whole study, Google analyzed 216,221 hospitalizations with 114,003 patients — and over 46 billion data points from all of their electronic health records.

This isn’t the first time Google’s AI has been applied to predictive healthcare. Earlier this year, DeepMind partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs to feed its AI 700,000 medical records from veterans in order to predict deadly changes in patient condition.

The company is also working to develop a voice recognition system for clinical notes which will eliminate the need for doctors to type them in. In that particular case, the challenge comes from inaccuracy — even the smallest mistakes in a patient’s record can result in them getting the wrong care. Dr Steven Lin, who spearheaded the research with Google, told CNBC:

This is even more of a complicated, hard problem than we originally thought. But if solved, it can potentially unshackle physicians from EHRs and bring providers back to the joys of medicine: actually interacting with patients.

If Google can both smooth the process of entering data and improve the means by which that data is used, it could cut down on human error in medical care.

The company’s greatest challenge — the data in this case isn’t available for security reasons. In 2016, the company faced backlash from patients when it was revealed it’d gained access to the data of 1.6 million patients — without consent — from three hospitals in London in order to develop an app which notified doctors when a patient was likely to get kidney disease.

It could also stoke fears of an AI having too much say over who gets what care. If a patient is given a significantly higher risk than another, will the hospital allocate more resources to the former based on the AI’s prediction?

By
Rachel Kaser
Jun 19, 2018

roshankhapung



Thanks you for reading my blog! The reason why I created my own blog was to have the freedom to write about anything intrested in.





Recent

recentposts

Random

randomposts