Technology News

Russia launched a Progress resupply spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, one of the rare Russian-American projects that has been maintained despite tensions between the two countries amid the Russian offensive in Ukraine.

The Soyuz 2.1a rocket with the Progress MS-26 spacecraft was successfully launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Russian space agency announced on its Telegram channel and broadcast a video of the launch.

The ship was successfully launched into orbit and is expected to dock with the station on Saturday morning, according to the same source.

It must provide fuel to the ISS crew, equipment for scientific experiments and food for the astronauts.

There are currently seven people on board the flying laboratory: three Russian cosmonauts, two American astronauts, a Dane and a Japanese.

In December, the Russian space agency and NASA agreed to extend their crossover flights to the International Space Station until 2025.

Russia announced in July 2022 its intention to withdraw from the ISS, where its cosmonauts are permanently stationed and in which it plays a key role, “after 2024.” The creation of a new Russian orbital station is therefore presented as a priority by Moscow.

The ISS is a model of international cooperation involving Europe, Japan, the United States and Russia. Construction of the ISS began in 1998. Its decommissioning was scheduled for 2024, but NASA estimated that it could be operational until 2030.

A newborn great white shark has been photographed for the first time, say biologists, whose observations are the subject of an article published in the journal Environmental Biology of Fishes (New Window).

Young great white sharks have been spotted in the wild before, but experts say this may be the first time images have emerged of an individual born just hours ago.

No one has ever been able to locate its birthplace or see a living newborn, emphasizes photographer Carlos Gauna, who captured the moment. This is the holy grail of shark research.

In early July 2023, Carlos Gauna and doctoral student at the University of California at Riverside Phillip Sternes observed a pregnant woman near the California coast, near the city of Santa Barbara.

The female appeared to be diving deep before a small shark soon surfaced and looked directly into the lens of a drone camera.

Experts were puzzled by a thin white layer that surrounded the small shark and that it shed when swimming. They put forward two hypotheses: it could be milk that the mother secretes in the uterus to nourish her, or it could be a skin disease.

Open in full screen mode

The great white shark has shed a white outer layer.

Photo: University of California, Riverside/Carlos Gauna

In any case, researchers must now confirm that they have identified a birthplace in the hope of promoting the protection of this species, classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

In fact, sharks are often collateral victims of fishing or killing campaigns to protect beaches, while attacks on humans are rare.

Open in full screen mode

This photo, taken in 2020 off the coast of Liverpool, Nova Scotia, is one of the first underwater photos of an adult great white shark taken by a diver in Canadian waters.

Photo: Courtesy of Chris Harvey-Clark

By knowing precisely the places where they go to give birth, we can protect these areas from the negative effects of the presence of humans: fishing activities, habitat destruction, noise related to maritime traffic, etc., Heike told AFP Zidowitz, an official from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Germany who was not involved in the study.

February 8th – This joint workshop is dedicated to the challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the environment. Hosted by Latitudes in collaboration with Planet Tech'Care. The workshop also includes a survey on AI and the environment led by Numeum and the G9+ Institute, both partners of Planet Tech'Care.

The workshop is divided into three phases. In program :

• Phase of AI history: The workshop begins with a historical phase in which participants put the AI ​​highlights in the correct order. This move aims to trace the birth of AI and its development in our daily lives;
• Thematic debates in small groups: The workshop then continues with debates on various topics. In small groups, participants delve deeper into these various topics;
• Projection phase and likely scenario: Finally, the workshop concludes with a projection phase. Participants will be put to the test in a prospective scenario focused on generative AI.

The workshop offers participants the opportunity to better understand the challenges of AI and its impact on the environment. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with experts in the field and exchange their views on topics related to AI and the environment.

Numeum and the G9+ Institute have launched a study called “AI for Green & Green AI”. The aim of this study is to understand how companies integrate the environment into their AI strategy and development and how AI is used to reduce carbon footprint. As part of this study, they are looking for testimonials from various companies and organizations to enrich their perspectives and experiences in this area. If you would like to contribute to this study, you can schedule a 30-minute interview by clicking this link: https://calendly.com/ai-for-green-and-green-ai/interview?back=1&month= 2024-02.

The AI ​​Battle Workshop will take place online on Thursday, February 8, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. You can register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/billets-atelier-bataille-de-lia-806213826257.

Alliancy is ambassador of Planet Tech'Care, the platform that connects companies from all sectors of activity, public stakeholders and educational actors who want to engage in innovative digital technologies in the environmental sector with network partners, digital and environmental experts. By committing to a manifesto, signatories have free access to a funding program consisting of workshops designed by the initiative's partners. Planet Tech'Care was launched in October 2020 and today brings together 700 signatories and 50 partner associations or ambassadors of the initiative. The platform is managed by numeum's Responsible Digital program. Further information: https://www.planet-techcare.green/

13th Century

The Parisian second-hand community

Thrift stores sold used fabrics and clothing.

The first traces of second-hand shops date back to the Middle Ages. We then find documents that prove its origin Thrift store community: Sellers and buyers of used clothing or fabrics.

There are two types of second-hand dealers: those who have a store and itinerant dealers. The first ones are trained and have to pass the exam Masterpiece, a practical test that enables them to acquire craftsman status and thus have their qualifications recognized. The latter are less fortunate: they have no training and are subject to more rules, such as the ban on staying in the same place for more than an hour.

Their common point is you bad press: Thrift stores suffer from a reputation of scammers and thieves. They are accused of applying fake dyes to clothing or stealing fabrics, but no source says whether these facts are true. Despite it, the profession is thriving.

1664

The birth of ready-to-wear clothing

Weavers and other textile trades were threatened by the second-hand goods trade, which could combine all of their skills into one profession.

In the Middle Ages there were many textile professions: tailors, dyers, cloth makers… Used dealers collect qualifications this fabric artist. That's what makes them successful. A success that is annoying. Other textile companies believe that second-hand clothing is a problem unfair competition and demand more regulation. They want second-hand stores to only sell used clothing and definitely not make new ones.

In 1664 there were not enough tailors to meet demand. This gives second-hand dealers the right to produce new clothing. An approval is subject to several Conditions: They cannot make custom-made clothing and have to make do with inferior fabrics to keep the prices of their creations affordable.

New clothes of average quality, affordable prices and random sizes… Maybe we'll see that to the beginnings of prêt-à-porter as we know it today.

until the 19th century

Golden age

Seller of used clothing

Second-hand clothing was in its heyday until the Industrial Revolution Hours of glory. It is part of every person's daily life.

The wear and tear on the garment is then Social class symbol. The economist Gérard Bertolini calls this one “Cascade decommissioning process”. The richest buy new, current fashion and tailor-made clothing from tailors. Then the lower middle class collects these clothes second hand, buying them at auctions or hunting for them in markets. The clothing passes from hand to hand, from class to class, until it reaches those most in need through charitable donations.

When clothing is no longer wearable, it is thrown onto the street with the rest of the trash and collected by local authorities. Rag picker. The latter ultimately sell these pieces of fabric to second-hand dealers who use them to make new clothing. A model Circular economy.

1880

The Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Ready-To-Wear

Textile factories have made it possible to significantly reduce the cost of producing a garment.

First strike for thrift stores: industrialization. It allows new clothing to be manufactured at affordable prices affordable for the middle classwhich turn away from the second hand.

This becomes the prerogative of the poorest. Thanks to cheaper clothing, it is the only way for poor people to dress themselves.

Read more 2022

The business, which weighs 1.5 billion euros in Belgium

There are more than 300 second-hand shops in Wallonia and Brussels alone

Nowadays the demand for second-hand fashion is not decreasing. The thrift store was able to offer an answer to the very current question: “How do you consume organically?”. Every second Belgian has already bought used goods, and the trend is rising. In 2022, the trade association published a study showing that the market in Belgium is worth 1.5 billion euros, of which 419 million euros comes from clothing alone.

Read more

The latest tool for recognizing text written using artificial intelligence is called Binoculars. Developed by researchers at the University of Maryland in the United States, it promises to limit so-called “false positives.” These false results concern recognitions of texts attributed to artificial intelligence even though they were written by a human. For example, if we rely on certain current detection tools, we discover that Shakespeare's Macbeth was written by software!

This can make you smile. But students can be falsely accused of cheating and receive a disqualifying grade. Therefore, more reliable detection is essential. Currently the error rate is around 1% false positive results. But with the binocular tool we would go down to 0.01%. But even if it is reliable, it is still not foolproof and therefore does not satisfy the question of students. Several universities have also stopped using these types of tools.

Accept uncertainty

After all, it is possible to never know whether a text was written by artificial intelligence or not. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, had started working on a detection tool. He seems best suited for this. However, in the end he gave up. He also felt unable to develop a 100% reliable tool.

We are therefore not yet done with the controversies surrounding homework written with ChatGPT. Maybe the education sector will adapt at some point. The school has managed to integrate the calculator, which favors reasoning over pure results. Maybe she can do it with ChatGPT too.

A tool like binoculars could still be interesting for other industries where false alarms are less critical. For example, to sort what is published in business or on the Internet. This will help dispel certain doubts or simply gain some distance from what we are reading.

Choose the SportPlus recumbent ergometer to stay in shape and achieve your sporting goals without leaving the house. With its 6 training programs and advanced features such as the integrated heart rate sensor, you can now enjoy a personalized and effective training session.

With more and more people working in gyms, maintaining a home workout routine can be challenging, especially without the right equipment. The SportPlus exercise bike is available as an extended complete model for less than 350 euros. It is an ideal solution to maintain your physical activity at home without having to spend a fortune. Discover the many benefits and functions of this premium fitness device.

Introducing the SportPlus exercise bike

The SportPlus SP-RB-9500-iE exercise bike offers 24 resistance levels with a maintenance-free magnetic braking system as well as a quiet, self-tensioning poly-V belt. With a flywheel of approx. 8 kg and pulse sensors, this device allows you to easily monitor your training level. Its built-in computer with 2.5″ LCD screen displays important data such as time, distance, calories, speed and heart rate, while its 6 pre-installed programs adapt to your needs and goals.

Designed for comfort and convenience, this recumbent exercise bike features built-in wheels for easy transport, a tablet or cell phone holder, non-slip pedals, and an adjustable seat with backrest and side handles.

What advantages does a recumbent ergometer offer?

Recumbent exercise bikes enable comfortable and effective training at home. Its elongated design with seat and backrest guarantees optimal support for the lumbar spine, reducing tension and the risk of pain during training. Additionally, these bikes often feature adjustable magnetic resistance, allowing users to choose the intensity of their workout based on their needs.

Their magnetic braking system ensures a smooth and quiet pedaling experience, ideal for training at any time of the day without disturbing others. Some models also have an on-board computer with pre-installed training programs and heart rate sensors to monitor progress. Finally, the ability to adjust the seat and pedals according to your size and body shape increases individual comfort for more comfortable and motivating workouts.

The prices mentioned are guide prices and may vary. Futura may receive compensation if our readers make a purchase using the links contained in this article. Your support through these retailer links directly contributes to maintaining our informative content.

After starting to roll out on Android a few months ago, Passkeys are finally coming to iOS. They are currently still in testing and allow you to reconnect to WhatsApp without the six-digit validation code.

Reconnecting your WhatsApp account on an iPhone will soon be a lot easier. The instant messaging application is actually testing support for passkeys. Passkeys, also called access keys, allow users to more easily (and quickly) authenticate to their WhatsApp account when they reconnect to it. The feature, which was already used on Android a few months ago, is being tested in the latest WhatsApp beta on iOS.

Also read: On Android, WhatsApp lets you connect without a password

An access key that replaces the six-digit code

WABetaInfo, which reports the information, says the functionality is included in version 24.2.10.73 of WhatsApp Beta, available in TestFlight for iPhone owners. With this new module, WhatsApp wants to increase the security of users but also simplify the process of reconnecting to their account. In order to connect to a WhatsApp account, you previously had to enter a six-digit authentication code via SMS. With passkeys this code disappears. Users who have chosen this authentication method simply need to use the facial recognition module or fingerprint reader or enter their iPhone's unlock code to confirm reconnection to their WhatsApp account.

© WABetaInfo

Please note, however, that the introduction of access keys in WhatsApp is not mandatory. The application allows you to configure if you want while giving you the option to keep the traditional authentication method. Likewise, the installation of the access key is not final. It is entirely possible to disable it and return to the classic authentication method if you wish.

Support for passkeys in WhatsApp is under development on iOS and is expected to be available in a future app update in the next few weeks or months.

🔴 In order not to miss any news from 01net, follow us on Google News and WhatsApp.

Opera One – AI-powered web browser

From: Opera

Source: WABetaInfo

An unknown species of dinosaur that populated American territory 66 to 68 million years ago has been described by American and Canadian paleontologists.

Eoneophron infernalis belongs to the family Caenagnathidae, theropod dinosaurs that closely resembled birds and lived in North America and Asia during the Late Cretaceous.

Eoneophron was estimated to have weighed about 73 kg (160 pounds) and stood about 1 meter (3 feet) tall at the hip.

Its fossilized remains were collected from outcrops of the Hell Creek Formation in South Dakota in 2014, but they were assigned to a different species.

Open in full screen mode

Eoneophron infernalis (top left), Anzu wyliei (right) and another caenagnathid dinosaur (bottom left) in the Hell Creek Formation. (Artistic illustration)

Photo: Oklahoma State University/Zubin Erik Dutta

Accidental discovery

Oklahoma State University (OSU) paleontologist Kyle Atkins-Weltman examined a small collection of bone fossils that he believes belonged to a juvenile Anzu wyliei.

The expert in vertebrate anatomy was not interested in identifying a new species. Instead, he tried to understand how Anzu's metatarsals or toe bones supported her weight.

Fossils suggested the animal was about 25% smaller than other Anzu remains. So we thought it was a juvenile Anzu. And that's what we thought until evidence showed that wasn't the case.

When he realized the fossils might not belong to Anzu, the paleontologist turned to caenagnathid experts Greg Funston of the Royal Ontario Museum and Jade Simons of the University of Toronto for help and expertise.

The researcher also reached out to Holly Woodward Ballard, a professor of anatomy at OSU, whose research is based on paleohistology, the study of fossil bone microstructures.

Thanks to newer techniques, they were able to determine that the bones of the foot and leg were structurally similar not to those of a young Anzu wyliei, but to those of a more mature specimen that could only belong to a dinosaur species unknown to science.

It was really exciting. I never thought that one day I would discover a new species of dinosaur.

Open in full screen mode

A femur of Eoneophron infernalis.

Photo: Oklahoma State University/Kyle Atkins-Weltman

This dinosaur was covered in feathers and had relatively short wings and tail. Its toothless beak makes it difficult to determine its diet, says Kyle Atkins-Weltman, lead author of the paper published in the journal PLoS ONE (New Window).

The chicken from hell

Kyle Atkins-Weltman named the new dinosaur Eoneophron infernalis, which translates to “Hell Chicken from the Pharaoh's Dawn.” This name refers to the description of the Anzu as well as his deceased beloved pet, a Nile monitor lizard named Pharaoh.

To date, paleontologists have discovered three species of caenagnathids of varying sizes that lived in the ecosystems of the Hell Creek Formation. Atkins-Weltman said this diversity supports the idea that these species were not in decline at the end of the Cretaceous.

Canadian scientists from the University of Toronto and the Royal Ontario Museum were also involved in the work.