Neuroscientist proposes AI-inspired theory for why we dream
Why we dream is one of science's most perplexing mysteries, but a neuroscientist thinks he finally has the answer. Neural networks are a subset of machine learning and are at the heart of deep learning algorithms. Their name and structure are inspired by the human brain, mimicking the way that biological neurons signal to one another. 'There's obviously an incredible number of theories of why we dream,' said Professor Hoel. But a common problem when it comes to training neural networks is that they can become too familiar with the data they've been trained on.
Source:The Nation
May 14, 2021 17:03 UTC
Sri Lanka, World Bank ink agreement for COVID vaccine deployment
The Government of Sri Lanka and the World Bank on Thursday (May 13) signed a USD 80.5 million additional financing to help Sri Lanka access and distribute COVID-19 vaccines and to strengthen the country’s vaccination system and pandemic response. Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Sajith Attygalle signed on behalf of the Government and Faris World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka Hadad-Zervos signed on behalf of the World Bank. “Solidarity and support of all stakeholders is key to fight this pandemic,” said Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka. “The World Bank remains responsive to the health priorities of Sri Lanka as well as emergency needs. -World Bank
Source:The Nation
May 14, 2021 16:00 UTC
CDB promotes women’s entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka —Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) is empowering female entrepreneurs by proving them with the technical know-how to successfully navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The leading non-banking financial institution recently held an interactive webinar to promote economic leadership and enterprise culture among women. SMEs make up a crucial part of the national economy and female entrepreneurs play an important role in generating employment both directly and indirectly. #CDBsmbFriday is a video series championed by CDB to support small businesses by increasing their exposure to the public. Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) is a public quoted corporate leader positioned among the Top Five Largest Non-Banking Financial Institutions in Sri Lanka with an island wide presence, driven by a state-of-the-art technological platform that has revolutionized the way financial transactions are performed.
Source:The Nation
May 14, 2021 15:45 UTC
5 Less Violent 'Battle Royale' Games for Kids
However, there are non-violent free-for-all alternatives—games that offer all the excitement of the multiplayer-elimination genre without the guns and grenades. Tetris 99This addictive Nintendo Switch game lets you compete with 99 other players in gigantic block-dropping battles. As you’d probably expect from Tetris, things speed up and the attacks become more frequent as the game goes on. 3 / 7 Forza Horizon: The EliminatorForza Horizon: The EliminatorThis mode for Forza Horizon 4 lets 72 drivers compete online by challenging each other in races all over the Forza world. Party RoyaleParty Royale isn’t a game, per se; it’s a game mode within multiplayer shooter Fortnite.
Source:The Nation
May 14, 2021 15:45 UTC
Bride who fell down stairs sues stately home for £100,000
A bride left blushing after falling down a flight of stairs on her wedding day is now suing the stately home she booked for her nuptials for £100,000. According to papers filed at the High Court, Mrs Hetherington had enjoyed her wedding in the grounds of the 114-year-old stately home in June 2017. The claimant's husband fell to the right. Lighting in the grounds had not been either the owner or Softley Events' responsibility, the barrister adds, since it was Mrs Hetherington who had booked the marquee and lighting. Mrs Hetherington must have known they were there as she had walked up them to get to the bridal suite after the reception, he says.
Source:The Nation
May 14, 2021 15:01 UTC
AFP’s globally renowned Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis (FPAC) certification now offered in Sri Lanka.
The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) and PMsquare have announced a formal partnership to offer exam preparation courses for finance professionals based in Sri Lanka. The courses will equip financial professionals with the tools they need to earn the Certified Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Professional (FPAC) certification, sponsored by AFP. By partnering together, AFP and PMsquare are providing finance professionals in Sri Lanka with an opportunity to achieve their career goals. “This partnership with PMsquare helps to further achieve AFP’s goal of better serving finance professionals in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Himashi Soriano, managing director of APAC. Companies in leading economies have defined and dedicated FP&A roles,” said Kaveenga Wijayasekara, managing director of PMsquare Sri Lanka.
Source:The Nation
May 14, 2021 13:08 UTC
Ireland shuts down health IT system after ransomware attack by malicious hackers
The Irish attack was blamed on international criminals and was said to be targeting healthcare records, but officials said patient safety was not at risk. Another ransomware attack last Friday forced the shutdown of the United States' largest fuel distribution system, leading to some panic buying at gasoline stations along the east coast. Hospital chief Fergal Malone said the attack had targeted computers storing patient records. The HSE said the attack was an adaptation of ransomware known as 'Conti', in which hackers have already compromised a computer system and lie low until springing their trap. In 2017, the United States and Britain blamed North Korea for the 'WannaCry' ransomware attack that infected some 300,000 computers in 150 countries, including one-third of British hospitals.
Source:The Nation
May 14, 2021 13:06 UTC
Our Zenfone 8 Flip video review is up
Unlike some companies Asus knows the value of making a phone available right after announcing it, before the excitement from the launch event cools off. The Zenfone 8 Flip should be available in multiple countries across Europe as of today. Our written review of the Flip went live yesterday, now you can watch Will explain the ups and downs of the phone on video too. Asus Zenfone 8 Flip next to the petite Zenfone 8Keep in mind that the Zenfone 8 (also available as of this week) starts at €600 and has the appeal of a more compact (if not exactly small) phone. The Zenfone 8 Flip is quite a capable flagship, but as Will explains there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Source:The Nation
May 14, 2021 13:05 UTC
ONLINE PRESS CONFERENCE-“Igniting Africa’s Connectivity”
The virtual conference will highlight how African countries are poised to benefit, and how this expansion project will be a game changer to Africa’s digital future. WHO: Nic Rudnick, Liquid Intelligent Technologies Group CEO, Industry experts and journalists from across Africa. See here what time it will be in your country: https://bit.ly/2QcJXmJWHERE: Online via Zoom. Please click on this link to register https://APO-opa.com/lit/You will receive zoom log in details for your attendance. The virtual conference will bring together officials, industry experts and journalists from across Africa for an insightful discussion and you are cordially invited to attend and cover the grand event.
Source:The Nation
May 14, 2021 12:56 UTC
Sri Lanka, World Bank sign agreement for COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment
COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government of Sri Lanka and the World Bank signed today a $80.5 million additional financing to help Sri Lanka access and distribute COVID-19 vaccines and to strengthen the country’s vaccination system and pandemic response. S. R. Attygalle, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance signed on behalf of the Government and Farisn Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka, signed on behalf of the World Bank. “Solidarity and support of all stakeholders is key to fight this pandemic,” said Faris Hadad-Zervos, WorldnBank Country Director for Sri Lanka. “The World Bank remains responsive to the health priorities of Sri Lanka as well as emergency needs. Project funds have contributed to the provision of essential works, goods, services and consultancies for emergency pandemic management and prevention activities, including the procurement of medical and surgical consumables.
Source:The Nation
May 14, 2021 12:00 UTC
Campaigners lose fight to save 450-year-old bell foundry
Save the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, a campaign group, tweeted: 'The Secretary of State's decision to approve the bell-themed boutique hotel destroys the possibility of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry ever having a future as a fully working foundry.' But the scheme met fierce criticism from community groups, including members of the Save the Whitechapel Bell Foundry Group, which branded the project 'historical vandalism'. The Whitechapel Bell Foundry passed through various owners until, in 1904, it was acquired by the Hughes family. One said: ''Never send to know for whom the bell tolls…' Today it tolls for the Whitechapel Bell Factory. The Great Peter of York bell cast by Charles and George Mears at the Bell Foundry in 1845.
Source:The Nation
May 14, 2021 11:26 UTC
Term of De-Regulation Commission extended for three months
May 14, 2021 by Mihi Perera No CommentsThe term of the De-Regulation Commission to simplify existing laws has been extended for three more months. In a gazette notification issued by the President’s Secretary, P. B. Jayasundera, it was stated that the term of the commission has been extended for three months starting from 07 April. The De-Regulation Commission was established on the 07th of January.
Source:The Nation
May 14, 2021 11:07 UTC
June 21 'freedom day' is now 'in doubt': Experts sound alarm after Indian variant cases double
But Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he would not welcome local lockdowns to combat the spread of the Indian coronavirus variant. We do believe if we move quickly on vaccination we can take away any risk of a local lockdown.' What is the Indian variant? The second sub-type of the Indian variant – B.1.617.2 – was upgraded to a VOC because of concerns over its spread. Public Health England confirmed yesterday that several of the areas in England with the highest infection rates are those where the Indian variant is known to be rampant.
Source:The Nation
May 14, 2021 11:03 UTC
Illegal migration attempt thwarted; 30 suspects under arrest
A total of 30 individuals who are suspected to have attempted to illegally migrate to a foreign country via sea routes have been taken into custody. The operation was carried out on the 13th and 14th of May by Sri Lanka Navy and the Coast Guard at Samindugama area. Fourteen of the suspects and a house owner who had provided them with lodging facilities were apprehended on the May 13. Expanding the operation with the assistance of Chilaw Police today (May 14), the Navy and Coast Guard managed to apprehend 15 more persons in connection with the illegal act. The 30 males held during these operations were identified as residents of Jaffna, Batticaloa, Mullaitivu and Puttalam areas.
Source:The Nation
May 14, 2021 10:41 UTC
Meizu Watch appears on China Telecom website
We’ve been expecting Meizu to announce its second smartwatch for a while now and we might not be far away from it finally happening. The Meizu Watch was spotted on China Telecom’s very own site by Weibo leakster @UncleMobile giving us our first look at the device. Meizu Watch listingThe design is quite reminiscent of the Apple Watch with its square casing and looped watch band. Meizu Watch was initially believed to launch in Q4 2020 but that never materialized. The smart wearable will debut with Meizu’s very own Flyme for Watch interface.
Source:The Nation
May 14, 2021 10:41 UTC