Many businesses are set to benefit or see growth opportunities from the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), which is gaining ground in Thailand, while some may be affected by AI and may have to adjust before AI disrupts their business. Bangkok Post explores how AI is impacting the business landscape. AI juggernaut gathers pace Suchit Leesa-nguansuk Many businesses are expected to benefit or see growth opportunities from the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), which is gaining ground in Thailand. Somchai Sittichaisrichart, managing director of SET-listed SiS Distribution Plc, said businesses that will benefit from AI adoption range from technology companies, including hardware manufacturers, software companies that support AI, as well as consultants, implementers and distributors. Enterprises will also benefit from embracing AI to carry out their digital transformation, one of the key factors driving new investment in technology. Startups will see positive impacts if they integrate AI into their products and services, especially with AI-enabled applications. Moreover, businesses related to building small language models and Thai large language models will gain momentum in the AI uptake era. The providers of training and certification programmes will also see growth opportunities, with high demand for senior engineers who can verify the quality assurance of AI applications. Studios which use AI technology to generate creative work and reduce the costs and time of traditional processes will also thrive. Lastly, hybrid cloud solutions and data centres will see higher demand for their services in line with companies' increasing AI workload. In some countries, the demand for cloud services jumped by 3-5 times after hyperscale data centres were established. "If the government can ensure lower electricity costs, it will enable Bangkok-based data centres of global cloud providers to offer competitive pricing," said Mr Somchai. According to the Digital Economy Promotion Agency's Thailand Digital Technology Foresight 2035 report, by 2030 Thailand's AI market value is expected to reach 114 billion baht. AI tech gains traction at hospitals Becoming key to driving efficiency, accuracy and accessibility in healthcare services globally Lamonphet Apistinran and Suchit Leesa-nguansuk Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is becoming a more important part of treating patients as many hospitals have adopted medical AI in addition to the wider use of online healthcare services. AI technology is now central to driving efficiency, accuracy and accessibility in healthcare services worldwide, with applications ranging from predictive analytics and personalised medicine to advanced telemedicine platforms, said Suvanich Triamchanchoochai, deputy chief executive of privately-run Vimut Hospital. This transformative technology is enabling more patient-centric care models. "Thailand is making notable progress in this field," said Dr Suvanich, adding his hospital also jumped on the bandwagon by introducing "Inspectra" to patients. Inspectra allows the hospital to assist physicians in analysing chest X-ray images. Utilising deep learning algorithms trained on over 1.5 million high-quality chest X-rays, it can detect common pulmonary abnormalities with an accuracy exceeding 94% including more than 100,000 chest X-ray results from Thai patients, he said. Dr Suvanich believes Thailand has the potential to offer more technology-driven healthcare services to Thai and foreign patients. The country is leveraging its strong medical tourism reputation and robust healthcare infrastructure to position itself as a regional leader in integrating AI into healthcare services. The hospital will help the government strengthen healthcare services by further investing in new technologies and collaborating with industry leaders to embed AI into its operations to ensure round-the-clock patient care, said Dr Suvanich. Other hospitals are also focusing more on digital technologies to enhance diagnosis and treatments. Samitivej Hospital has joined hands with WHA Group, an industrial estate, logistics, utilities and power developer and operator, to offer healthcare services through the "WHAbit" digital application. The app provides market information, pain points and other necessary data that can be used to design and enhance healthcare solutions and services that connect with the offline channel. This includes telemedicine, health checkups, non-communicable disease clinics, pharmacies and data analytics. WHAbit can facilitate virtual consultations with qualified doctors for prompt diagnoses, treatment and medication, according to Samitivej Hospital. Fort Wachirawut Hospital, an army-run hospital based in Nakhon Si Thammarat, also developed the "FWH" application to serve as a connection between medical staff and patients. This software provides users, including foreign soldiers joining joint military exercises with the army, with updates on hospital and healthcare information, which is crucial for facilitating medical services. Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, which operates under the Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University, is the first hospital in Southeast Asia to use agentic AI to automate laboratory orders and patient appointment. The agentic AI combines generative AI and automation capabilities. The hospital and IBM have successfully completed this pilot project which elevates patient services by offloading the burden of high-volume workload and shortening lab order process time by at least 30-40 minutes from the current 150 minutes. "After piloting the use of IBM agentic AI for eight months, it helps foster the hospital's existing lab automation system and speeds up the lab service and reduces repetitive tasks and the workload of doctors and nurses," said Dr Bannakij Lojanapiwat, dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University. The hospital has 1.6 million outpatients per year. Car industry struggles to scale autonomous heights Lamonphet Apistinran Thailand is making some progress in producing and selling autonomous vehicles domestically, but it is difficult for the country to reach the top levels of self-driving technology, says Wallop Chalermvongsavej, managing director of Hyundai Mobility Thailand, a subsidiary of South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Group. Autonomous vehicles utilise artificial intelligence to support various functions while driving, including detecting objects like other cars and pedestrians. There are five levels of autonomous vehicle technology, ranging from zero to fifth level, based on the degree of driving automation. The zero level refers to cars with no automation systems, while the fifth level is the most advanced autonomous driving without human intervention. Many high-tech cars sold in the Thai market are currently in the second level, meaning they have partial driving automation, said Mr Wallop. These cars are equipped with the advanced driver assistance system, known as ADAS, which helps drivers better operate many functions, including steering, acceleration, deceleration and braking. Drivers are still needed to control the level-2 autonomous cars. "In my opinion, Thailand should reach only the third level in the next five years. Our infrastructure is not ready to go up to the fourth level," said Mr Wallop. The third level features conditional driving automation, which enables vehicles to control many driving tasks in certain conditions like highways, while drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel in some conditions. This is different from the fourth level in which drivers are not required when vehicles are driving within a specific operational design domain, or a defined geographical area with specific environmental and traffic conditions. It is difficult to say which types of vehicles, including electric vehicles with automation functions, are most suitable for Thai buyers, said Mr Wallop. It depends on drivers' lifestyles, where they use cars – urban or rural areas – and why they decide to buy a car in the first place, whether for travelling or working, he said. Tech transformation in manufacturing likely to occur before AI adoption Lamonphet Apisitniran and Suchit Leesa-ngunsak Manufacturers who depend on a large number of workers are likely to change their production technology even before artificial intelligence (AI) disrupts their businesses, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI, said he did not expect AI to cause significant changes to the manufacturing sector as is happening to companies in the internal combustion engine supply chain, which has been affected by the expansion of electric mobility technology. But he expects factory operators to adopt more robotic and automation systems to replace labourers in order to deal with an increase in operating costs and better compete with their rivals, especially Chinese manufacturers who export low-cost products into the Thai market. The influx of inexpensive products from China is affecting 30 industries, including steel and iron, car and auto parts, shoes, garments, and petrochemicals. Many factories have shut down as they could not survive the competition, according to the FTI. Local entrepreneurs utilising labour-intensive manufacturing in the food, shoe, steel and iron, and agricultural segments, are also worried about labour shortages and the government's policy to increase the daily minimum wage to 400 baht, Mr Kriengkrai said. These issues are causing manufacturers to adapt their businesses to best fit the current situation. "They are expected to make changes and we should see more smart factories in the future," said Mr Kriengkrai. "This trend is in line with the government, which wants manufacturers to adopt more advanced technologies at work." Authorities have been promoting the Industry 4.0 (the fourth industrial revolution) scheme, which encourages factory operators to blend digital technology with data analysis. In 2021, only 2% of Thai industries were considered to be at the Industry 4.0 level by using advanced technology in their operations, according to the Industry Ministry. Some 28% were in the Industry 3.0 phase, with less high technology, while 61% were in the Industry 2.0 phase, which focuses on productivity and considerable production capacity. Only 9% were at the stage of Industry 1.0, the lowest level of technological development. Somchai Sittichaisrichart, managing director of the SET-listed SiS Distribution, said certain businesses could be impacted by AI, such as professional translators, English teachers and call centres, as these roles could be replaced by natural voice AI assistants and AI instructors.Incoming US President Donald Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to delay a potential incoming TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes office - and has declared himself "one of the most powerful, prolific, and influential users of social media in history." In a major move that would have sent shockwaves throughout the social media industry, the United States' number one court was set to pass a law in mid-January that would have banned the China-owned app that is now dominating teenagers' online lives. The ban was scheduled to take effect just one day before Trump was set to take office for the second time on January 19, 2025. In a 25-page brief filed with the court, Trump asked the nine justices for a stay on the deadline so his administration could “pursue a negotiated resolution” that would “obviate the need” for the justices to issue a ruling on the case. The US Congress passed a bipartisan law back in April of this year, that set a nine-month deadline for the Chinese company that owns TikTok to rid itself of its interest in the app or see it banned from American app stores. Trump's lawyers maede a filing to the court today, and said the president-elect was known for "consummate deal-making expertise." They appeared to be arguing that Trump could negotiate a resolution that would save TikTok from having to be banned while also addressing the US's national security concerns. They said Trump had the "political will" to do this. Congress's bill highlighted numerous national security concerns over the harvesting of US teens' data and influence on US society. Trump has 14.7million followers on TikTok, himself. He had seemed to support the idea of a ban on TikTok and appeared to come close to making it happen in his first term in office. But he has since appeared to have changed his mind and met with TikTok's CEO earlier in December, being quoted as saying he had a "warm spot" in his heart for the app. Trump could ask his Department of Justice to ignore the law passed by Congress or could try to strategically get the law's interpretation reworked. Meanwhile, his lawyers argue he has been given a mandate by votes to protect their right to free speech - and that this includes TikTok users. The filing says: "Moreover, President Trump is one of the most powerful, prolific, and influential users of social media in history. Consistent with his commanding presence in this area, President Trump currently has 14.7 million followers on TikTok with whom he actively communicates, allowing him to evaluate TikTok's importance as a unique medium for freedom of expression, including core political speech."777 pagcor 。

The USA might find itself outflanked In early August 2024, Ukrainian forces launched an unprecedented cross-border offensive into Russia’s Kursk region, marking the most significant foreign incursion into Russian territory since the Second World War. The response of Russian President Vladimir Putin to this development was particularly revealing. In the aftermath of the offensive, Putin directed his rhetoric against the USA and Europe, asserting that the West was waging war against Russia through Ukrainian proxies. Despite this assertive rhetoric, Putin refrained from initiating an immediate military counteroffensive, opting instead to maintain the focus of Russian forces on operations in eastern Ukraine. Even three months later, with Ukrainian forces still present in Kursk, Moscow chose to deploy North Korean troops to assist in reclaiming the region, marking the first instance in over a century that Russia permitted foreign troops on its soil. These actions underscore Putin’s unwavering commitment to the war in Ukraine and his broader antagonism towards the West, nearly three years after the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. While the conflict serves as an imperial endeavour aimed at dismantling Ukrainian sovereignty, Putin’s ultimate objectives extend to revising the post-Cold War European order, diminishing US influence, and establishing a new international framework that amplifies Russia’s global stature. Although these ambitions are longstanding, the war has intensified Putin’s resolve and narrowed his strategic alternatives, propelling Russia into deeper isolation while transforming its society, economy, and foreign policy to sustain confrontation with the West. The evolving dynamics suggest that the conflict is far from resolution, with the prospect of escalation remaining high. The incoming Trump Administration’s overtures toward normalizing relations with Moscow are unlikely to mitigate these tensions. Limited Western military support to Ukraine has impeded Kyiv’s capacity to decisively counter Russian aggression, potentially emboldening Moscow to pursue further destabilization efforts once it has replenished its military capacity. This trajectory raises the spectre of continued Russian subversion across Europe and reinforces Moscow’s alignment with states antagonistic to Western interests, such as Iran and North Korea. To address this growing challenge, the USA and Europe must prioritize containment measures against Russia. Delaying such efforts could result in greater strategic costs in the future. Washington, despite its focus on competition with China, cannot afford to downplay the Russian threat, which has significant implications for European security and transatlantic stability. Strengthening Ukraine’s negotiating position, enhancing NATO’s defensive capabilities, and encouraging European states to bolster their own defense frameworks are critical steps in mitigating Russia’s destabilizing influence. Domestically, Putin has consolidated power through extensive economic and societal reorganization. Russia’s defense budget for 2025 is projected to reach unprecedented levels, exceeding six percent of GDP. This militarization has reshaped Russia’s economy into a war-oriented structure, with increased production in defence industries and significant financial incentives for military service. These developments align with Putin’s ideological narrative of an existential struggle against the West, which he uses to legitimize his regime and maintain public support. However, the reliance on repression and control over the information environment presents risks, as excessive suppression of dissent may destabilize his rule over time. Internationally, Russia has forged closer ties with China, Iran, and North Korea, driven by strategic necessity and shared opposition to Western dominance. These partnerships provide Moscow with critical economic and military support while amplifying its ability to challenge US interests globally. The Kremlin’s recalibrated foreign policy reflects a long-term strategy that extends beyond the current conflict in Ukraine, aiming to sustain Russia’s relevance in the multipolar international order. Militarily, Russia is poised for reconstruction and adaptation. Despite significant losses, its armed forces have demonstrated resilience and an ability to incorporate advanced technologies and tactics into their operations. Challenges persist, particularly in scaling production capacities for modern weaponry and addressing skilled labour shortages. However, Russia’s focus on expanding its military infrastructure and replenishing its resources signals a sustained commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture. For NATO and its allies, these developments necessitate heightened vigilance and strategic preparedness. Although NATO’s capabilities— particularly air superiority— are expected to shape future engagements, deficiencies in European defense readiness, such as limited munitions stockpiles, remain concerning. The duality of Russia’s military, characterized by advancements in some areas and reliance on outdated Soviet-era equipment in others, complicates Western efforts to anticipate and counter Russian aggression effectively. Russia’s trajectory under Putin’s leadership suggests a persistent and multifaceted challenge to Western security and global stability. The transformation of Russia’s domestic, economic, and military structures to support prolonged confrontation underscores the enduring nature of the threat it poses. The USA and its allies must adopt proactive measures to address this challenge, ensuring that future confrontations with Russia remain within manageable bounds. In recent years, Europe and the USA have faced immediate threats from unconventional actions orchestrated by Moscow, which has been actively engaging in measures that destabilize the region. Suspected Russian-backed actors have perpetrated incidents such as arson targeting arms depots in Germany and the United Kingdom, tampering with critical infrastructure in Finland, and fomenting migratory pressure on Poland and Finland through Belarus. Further incidents include targeting rail networks in the Czech Republic and Sweden, assassinating a military defector in Spain, and plotting against key European defence industry figures. These acts are part of the Kremlin’s strategy to deter European governments and citizens from supporting Ukraine by demonstrating Russia’s capacity for retaliation. However, Moscow’s objectives extend beyond the immediate conflict in Ukraine. Its broader aim is to weaken the West, undermine transatlantic unity, and diminish Europe’s ability to counter Russian aggression. This strategy is reinforced through nuclear brinkmanship, as evidenced by revisions to Russian nuclear doctrine that lower the threshold for their use. Although Russia currently avoids direct confrontation with NATO due to its military limitations, it seeks to exploit divisions and test the alliance’s resolve, particularly if the USA is preoccupied with conflicts in the Indo-Pacific. Should Washington’s commitment to NATO appear to wane, Moscow may feel emboldened to challenge NATO’s eastern flank, risking further destabilization. Moscow’s actions reflect a dangerous propensity for risk-taking and miscalculation, exacerbated by its authoritarian governance structure, where decision-making is often influenced by sycophants. This tendency has already led to significant strategic errors, including the underestimation of Ukrainian resistance and Western resolve. While NATO is well-positioned to repel Russian aggression, the devastation witnessed in Ukraine underscores the imperative to deter Moscow preemptively. A future conflict, even if it concludes in a NATO victory, could result in catastrophic destruction for the affected nations. Globally, Russia continues to challenge Western influence. Despite sanctions and diplomatic isolation efforts following its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has maintained and expanded its partnerships, including hosting summits for BRICS nations, which highlight growing global resistance to Western dominance. Russia’s defiance has implications beyond Europe, as its actions embolden other states to question the consequences of aggression. While this may not directly precipitate Chinese actions in Taiwan, it provides a testing ground for Western resolve and capability. Moscow also actively supports actors opposed to Western interests. In Africa, Russian backing has facilitated military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, leading to diminished Western influence in the region. Similarly, its support for the Houthi movement in Yemen exacerbates instability, disrupts international trade, and threatens US allies. These actions amplify the strategic challenges faced by the West, with Russia positioning itself as a critical enabler of anti-Western sentiment. Moreover, Russia’s growing collaboration with China, Iran, and North Korea intensifies global instability. Military and technological exchanges between Moscow and Beijing erode US strategic advantages in the Indo-Pacific, while Russia’s support for Iran bolsters Tehran’s military and nuclear capabilities. Moscow’s partnership with Pyongyang, including technology transfers and military cooperation, risks escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Such alliances underscore a broader axis of authoritarian regimes opposing democratic norms and Western interests. Hopes that China might temper Russia’s destabilizing actions have proven unfounded. Instead, Beijing appears to benefit from the disorder created by Moscow, leveraging it to pursue its ambitions. The consolidation of ties between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea reflects deeper strategic interests rather than transactional alignments stemming from the Ukraine war. Concessions to Russia would likely embolden this bloc, further undermining Western influence. The enduring threat posed by Moscow requires sustained vigilance. Although Russia is a declining power, its capacity for disruption remains significant. For the USA and its allies, a comprehensive strategy to deter Russia is essential, encompassing strengthened European defence capabilities and increased transatlantic cooperation. By investing in the resilience of NATO and addressing immediate security challenges, the West can prevent Russia from exploiting vulnerabilities. Failure to act decisively risks higher costs in the future, as Moscow’s opportunistic aggression remains a persistent challenge to global stability. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );Delivering Optimized, Outbound-Focused Contact Center Solutions for Modern Businesses LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- outboundIQ www.outboundiq.com proudly announces its accreditation as a Five9 Certified Implementation Partner (CIP), a distinction that reflects its deep expertise in optimizing and streamlining outbound-focused contact center operations. With a team of seasoned Five9 veterans, expert programmers, and industry thought leaders, outboundIQ is uniquely equipped to help businesses of all sizes unlock the full potential of Five9's Virtual Contact Center platform. Optimized Solutions for Complex Contact Center Needs outboundIQ specializes in providing expedited, outbound-focused contact center implementations, integrating advanced features such as inbound and outbound Voice, SMS, Chat, Email, Salesforce Integration, and other third-party app integrations. Clients can also leverage ongoing optimization engagements and monthly retainers for strategic consulting designed to support long-term, outreach-focused success. "Who better to handle your domain configuration than the experts that understand the outbound contact center world. To be an outbound expert, you must know 3 things; how to configure the domain front end, how the architecture interprets that design, and how carriers respond to your dialing behavior as a result of the build. outboundIQ has the advantage of deeply understanding all 3 things. Our experts are seasoned professionals that will guide toward the best build for your business. You tell us about your business, your needs and your processes, and we will build you a domain fit for purpose. outboundIQ offers best in class Domain Optimization, Implementation and Consulting for customers of all sizes and complexity. Due to our methodology and proprietary automations, we are able to bring our customers' projects to life within accelerated timeframes." - Jessica Clay , VP Support and Services "We launched our business in June and were fortunate to connect with the incredible team at outboundIQ early on. Navigating the world of outbound calling and building efficient prospecting systems isn't easy, but the entire team at outboundIQ brought our vision to life seamlessly. They implemented our ideas quickly and executed them flawlessly. Since partnering with them, our contact rates have significantly improved, our conversions have increased, and our overall business is thriving. We're deeply grateful for this collaboration and look forward to continuing our work together on future endeavors!" - Tim, Lit Financial "I genuinely don't know enough ways to thank the entire outboundIQ team. I inherited a domain riddled with mistakes, tangled beyond belief, and I had essentially planned to scrap the whole thing and start over. That's when this team, led by Jessica Clay's brilliance, took over to understand exactly what I wanted to create and completely revitalized my domain. We are all beyond thankful as they continue to consult for us to this day and I see no reason to stop. Thank you, Jessica, Jason, Rudy, Bruno, Sandy and everyone who gets the pleasure of working with these domain geniuses!" - Michael, Lifetime Home Remodeling A Holistic Approach to Outbound Excellence Creating a competitive, consumer-focused outreach program requires more than just advanced technology. As outboundIQ explains, a thriving contact center functions like a high-performing racing team: outboundIQ's professional services team brings these critical elements together, ensuring clients achieve best-in-class outbound operations that prioritize consumer experience while maintaining a competitive edge. A Call to Collaboration With its new CIP certification, outboundIQ invites businesses to explore select partnership opportunities and projects to reimagine their contact center operations. Whether through expedited implementations or ongoing strategic consulting, outboundIQ is committed to driving measurable results for its clients. About outboundIQ outboundIQ delivers optimized, outbound-focused contact center implementations, combining years of Five9 expertise with cutting-edge strategies to help businesses achieve exceptional outreach outcomes. As a Five9 Certified Implementation Partner, outboundIQ provides tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of modern organizations. About Five9 Five9 is a digital enterprise's leading cloud contact center and software provider. The Five9 Intelligent CX Platform is reliable, secure, compliant, and scalable, designed to create exceptional personalized customer experiences. www.five9.com Media contact: Sandy Tafur Phone: 404-660-5314 mail: sandy@outboundiq.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/outboundiq-achieves-certified-implementation-partner-cip-status-with-five9-302339797.html SOURCE outboundIQ

Retro Runback: ‘NBA and NFL Street’Mobile phones turned 40 in 2024, but there’s no need for a foldables or AR glasses fueled midlife crisis before they're 50Philippe Clement pointed to selection struggles as he responded to a question on the attacking nature of his side against Kilmarnock. Rangers ran rampant against the Ayrshire side with a flurry of goals in the second half to earn a 6-0 victory in the Scottish Premiership. Danilo started up front with Hamza Igamane also involved from the start alongside Ianis Hagi and Vaclav Cerny. Clement discussed his team selection post-match as he insisted the only reason it has taken time to adopt a more attacking system is down to player availability. Responding to a question on the starting XI "setting the tone and Rangers on the front foot", Clement said: "Yes, but how many times in this one year did I have two strikers available in the squad? That's the reality of the story also. Read more: Clement confirms Rangers 'big discussions' over transfer window "So it's major, it's important to keep everybody fit and you say now the right choices, but I'm sure if we didn't win with 6-0 that maybe you would have said, why is Connor Barron not starting today? "It's like that. It's like that, but all these players are pushing, they're working hard. I cannot say anything about that. "We need to keep it that way and then they all will have their moments to shine. They all will have their moments also to sit on the bench and to be ready for the next game because it's such an ultra marathon this season that we need this rotation and smart rotation in the squad and that's what we're going to do the next weeks and the next month. "So I'm sure maybe you're going to be the first one if we don't win the game to say, why is that one not playing? But that's easy after the game with insight. So that's the difficulty about this job."

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologized to his Azerbaijani counterpart for what he called a "tragic incident" following the crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people, but stopped short of acknowledging that Moscow was responsible. Putin's apology came as allegations mounted that Russian air defenses shot down the plane while attempting to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya. Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting via videoconference Saturday at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. An official Kremlin statement issued Saturday said that air defense systems were firing near Grozny airport as the airliner "repeatedly" attempted to land there on Wednesday. It did not explicitly say one of these hit the plane. The statement said Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev "for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace." The readout said Russia has launched a criminal probe into the incident, and Azerbaijani state prosecutors have arrived in Grozny to participate. The Kremlin also said that "relevant services" from Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are jointly investigating the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. The plane was flying from Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, to Grozny when it turned toward Kazakhstan, hundreds of miles across the Caspian Sea from its intended destination, and crashed while attempting to land. There were 29 survivors. According to a readout of the call provided by Aliyev's press office, the Azerbaijani president told Putin that the plane was subject to "external physical and technical interference," though he also stopped short of blaming Russian air defenses. Part of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane lies on the ground Thursday near the airport of Aktau, Kazakhstan. Aliyev noted the plane had holes in its fuselage and the occupants sustained injuries "due to foreign particles penetrating the cabin mid-flight." He said that a team of international experts began a probe of the incident at Azerbaijan's initiative, but provided no details. Earlier this week, the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's office confirmed that investigators from Azerbaijan are working in Grozny. On Friday, a U.S. official and an Azerbaijani minister made separate statements blaming the crash on an external weapon, echoing those made by aviation experts who blamed the crash on Russian air defense systems responding to a Ukrainian attack. U.S. President Joe Biden, responding Saturday to a reporter asking whether he thought Putin should take responsibility for the crash, said: "Apparently he did but I haven't spoken to him." Biden made the comment after leaving church in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Passengers and crew members who survived the crash told Azerbaijani media they heard loud noises on the aircraft as it circled over Grozny. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia's civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia, said Friday that as the plane was preparing to land in Grozny in deep fog, Ukrainian drones were targeting the city, prompting authorities to close the area to air traffic. Yadrov said after the captain made two unsuccessful attempts to land, he was offered other airports but decided to fly to Aktau. People attend a funeral Saturday for Mahammadali Eganov, who died in the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crash near the Kazakhstan's airport of Aktau at the age of 13, in Baku, Azerbaijan. Earlier this past week, Rosaviatsia cited unspecified early evidence as showing that a bird strike led to an emergency on board. In the days following the crash, Azerbaijan Airlines blamed "physical and technical interference" and announced the suspension of flights to several Russian airports. It didn't say where the interference came from or provide any further details. If proven that the plane crashed after being hit by Russian fire, it would be the second deadly civil aviation accident linked to fighting in Ukraine. Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was downed with a Russian surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people aboard, as it flew over the area in eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists in 2014. Russia denied responsibility but a Dutch court in 2022 convicted two Russians and a pro-Russia Ukrainian man for their role in downing the plane with an air defense system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base. The grave of Mahammadali Eganov, 13, who died in the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crash near the Kazakhstan's Aktau airport, is seen Saturday in Baku, Azerbaijan. Following Wednesday's suspension of flights from Baku to Grozny and nearby Makhachkala, Azerbaijan Airlines announced Friday that it would also halt service to eight more Russian cities. Several other airlines made similar announcements since the crash. Kazakhstan's Qazaq Air on Friday said it would stop flying from Astana to the Russian city of Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains for a month. Turkmenistan Airlines, the Central Asian country's flagship carrier, on Saturday halted flights to Moscow for at least a month, citing safety concerns. Earlier this past week, Israel's El Al carrier suspended service from Tel Aviv to the Russian capital, citing "developments in Russia's airspace." Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

CRANFORD, N.J. , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Citius Oncology, Inc. ("Citius Oncology" or the "Company") CTOR , a specialty biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel targeted oncology therapies, today reported business and financial results for the fiscal full year ended September 30, 2024 . Fiscal Full Year 2024 Business Highlights and Subsequent Developments Achieved U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of LYMPHIRTM (denileukin diftitox-cxdl), an immunotherapy for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL); Began trading on the Nasdaq exchange under the ticker symbol CTOR on August 13, 2024 , following completion of the merger of Citius Pharma's oncology subsidiary with TenX Keane to form Citius Oncology, Inc., a standalone publicly traded company; Advanced manufacturing, marketing and sales activities in preparation for commercial launch of LYMPHIR in the first half of 2025; key activities included: Manufactured initial inventory for launch and finalized supply chain agreements, Initiated recruitment of targeted field force with contract sales organization, Launched a marketing awareness campaign and engaged with all leading CTCL prescribers, Applied for a unique J-code within the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) to facilitate accurate reimbursement, Secured inclusion of LYMPHIR in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, critical to clinical decision-making in oncology and hematology, influencing treatment practices and payor reimbursement in the U.S., and Initiated development of the patient support center to help patients access LYMPHIR expeditiously; Supported two investigator-initiated trials to explore LYMPHIR's potential as an immuno-oncology combination therapy being conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the University of Minnesota ; and, Shared interim trial results with the clinical community at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Conference (SITC) of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Phase I trial of LYMPHIR with checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab. The combination of these two immunomodulatory agents showed clinical benefit in relapsed or refractory gynecological neoplasms, resulting in: 27% objective response rate and 33% clinical benefit rate with median progression free survival of 57 weeks (range: 30-96 weeks), and A manageable safety profile whereby the regimen was well-tolerated with reversible treatment emergent adverse events and no definitive immune-related adverse events greater than or equal to grade 3 documented. Financial Highlights R&D expenses were $4.9 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $4.2 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 ; G&A expenses were $8.1 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $5.9 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 ; Stock-based compensation expense was $7.5 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $2.0 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 ; and, Net loss was $21.1 million , or ($0.31) per share for the full year ended September 30, 2024 compared to a net loss of $12.7 million , or ($0.19) per share for the full year ended September 30, 2023 . "Reflecting on 2024, Citius Oncology has achieved pivotal milestones that underscore our commitment to advancing cancer therapeutics," stated Leonard Mazur , Chairman and CEO of Citius Oncology. "The FDA's approval of LYMPHIR for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma marks a significant advancement in providing new options for patients battling this challenging disease. It is the only targeted systemic therapy approved for CTCL patients since 2018 and the only therapy with a mechanism of action that targets the IL-2 receptor. Additionally, the successful merger forming Citius Oncology, now trading on Nasdaq under the ticker CTOR, strengthens our position in the oncology sector. We expect it to facilitate greater access to capital to fund LYMPHIR's launch and the Company's future growth. With a Phase I investigator-initiated clinical trial combining LYMPHIR with pembrolizumab demonstrating promising preliminary results, indicating potential for enhanced treatment efficacy in recurrent solid tumors, and preliminary results expected from a second investigator trial with CAR-T therapies in 2025, we remain excited about the potential of LYMPHIR as a combination immunotherapy." "These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our team and the trust of our investors. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to develop innovative therapies that improve the lives of cancer patients worldwide," added Mazur. FULL YEAR 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS: Research and Development (R&D) Expenses R&D expenses were $4.9 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $4.2 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 . The increase reflects development activities completed for the resubmission of the Biologics License Application of LYMPHIR in January 2024 , which were associated with the complete response letter remediation. General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses G&A expenses were $8.1 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $5.9 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 . The increase was primarily due to costs associated with pre-commercial and commercial launch activities of LYMPHIR including market research, marketing, distribution and drug product reimbursement from health plans and payers. Stock-based Compensation Expense For the full year ended September 30, 2024 , stock-based compensation expense was $7.5 million as compared to $2.0 million for the prior year. The primary reason for the $5.5 million increase was due to the amounts being realized over 12 months in the year ended September 30, 2024 , as compared to three months post-plan adoption in the year ended September 30, 2023 . Net loss Net loss was $21.1 million , or ($0.31) per share for the year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to a net loss of $12.7 million , or ($0.19) per share for the year ended September 30, 2023 . The $8.5 million increase in net loss was primarily due to the increase in our operating expenses. About Citius Oncology, Inc. Citius Oncology specialty is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel targeted oncology therapies. In August 2024 , its primary asset, LYMPHIR, was approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory CTCL who had had at least one prior systemic therapy. Management estimates the initial market for LYMPHIR currently exceeds $400 million , is growing, and is underserved by existing therapies. Robust intellectual property protections that span orphan drug designation, complex technology, trade secrets and pending patents for immuno-oncology use as a combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors would further support Citius Oncology's competitive positioning. Citius Oncology is a publicly traded subsidiary of Citius Pharmaceuticals. For more information, please visit www.citiusonc.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Citius Oncology. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as "will," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "plan," "should," and "may" and other words and terms of similar meaning or use of future dates. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition and stock price. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated, and, unless noted otherwise, that apply to Citius Oncology are: our ability to raise additional money to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months as a going concern; our ability to commercialize LYMPHIR and any of our other product candidates that may be approved by the FDA; the estimated markets for our product candidates and the acceptance thereof by any market; the ability of our product candidates to impact the quality of life of our target patient populations; our dependence on third-party suppliers; our ability to procure cGMP commercial-scale supply; risks related to research using our assets but conducted by third parties; our ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; uncertainties relating to preclinical and clinical testing; market and other conditions; risks related to our growth strategy; patent and intellectual property matters; our ability to identify, acquire, close and integrate product candidates and companies successfully and on a timely basis; government regulation; competition; as well as other risks described in our Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings. These risks have been and may be further impacted by any future public health risks. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Risks regarding our business are described in detail in our SEC filings which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov , including in Citius Oncology's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2024 , filed with the SEC on December 27, 2024 , as updated by our subsequent filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. Investor Contact: Ilanit Allen ir@citiuspharma.com 908-967-6677 x113 Media Contact: STiR-communications Greg Salsburg Greg@STiR-communications.com -- Financial Tables Follow – CITIUS ONCOLOGY, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 AND 2023 2024 2023 Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 112 $ — Inventory 8,268,766 — Prepaid expenses 2,700,000 7,734,895 Total Current Assets 10,968,878 7,734,895 Other Assets: In-process research and development 73,400,000 40,000,000 Total Other Assets 73,400,000 40,000,000 Total Assets $ 84,368,878 $ 47,734,895 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 3,711,622 $ 1,289,045 License payable 28,400,000 — Accrued expenses — 259,071 Due to related party 588,806 19,499,119 Total Current Liabilities 32,700,429 21,047,235 Deferred tax liability 1,728,000 1,152,000 Note payable to related party 3,800,111 — Total Liabilities 38,228,540 22,199,235 Stockholders' Equity: Preferred stock - $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized: no shares issued and outstanding — — Common stock - $0.0001 par value; 100,000,000; 71,552,402 and 67,500,000 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively 7,155 6,750 Additional paid-in capital 85,411,771 43,658,750 Accumulated deficit (39,278,587) (18,129,840) Total Stockholders' Equity 46,140,339 25,535,660 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 84,368,878 $ 47,734,895 CITIUS ONCOLOGY, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 AND 2023 2024 2023 Revenues $ — $ — Operating Expenses: Research and development 4,925,001 4,240,451 General and administrative 8,148,929 5,915,290 Stock-based compensation – general and administrative 7,498,817 1,965,500 Total Operating Expenses 20,572,747 12,121,241 Loss before Income Taxes (20,572,747) (12,121,241) Income tax expense 576,000 576,000 Net Loss $ (21,148,747) $ (12,697,241) Net Loss Per Share – Basic and Diluted $ (0.31) $ (0.19) Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding – Basic and Diluted 68,053,607 67,500,000 CITIUS ONCOLOGY, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 AND 2023 2024 2023 Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Net loss $ (21,148,747) $ (12,697,241) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Stock-based compensation expense 7,498,817 1,965,500 Deferred income tax expense 576,000 576,000 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Inventory (2,133,871) - Prepaid expenses (1,100,000) (5,044,713) Accounts payable 2,422,577 1,196,734 Accrued expenses (259,071) (801,754) Due to related party 14,270,648 14,805,474 Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities 126,353 - Cash Flows From Investing Activities: License payment (5,000,000) - Net Cash Used In Investing Activities (5,000,000) - Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Cash contributed by parent 3,827,944 - Merger, net (2,754,296) - Proceeds from issuance of note payable to related party 3,800,111 - Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities 4,873,759 - Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents 112 - Cash and Cash Equivalents – Beginning of Year - - Cash and Cash Equivalents – End of Year $ 112 $ - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Activities: IPR&D Milestones included in License Payable $ 28,400,000 $ - Capital Contribution of due to related party by parent $ 33,180,961 $ - Prepaid Manufacturing transferred to Inventory $ 6,134,895 $ - View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/citius-oncology-inc-reports-fiscal-full-year-2024-financial-results-and-provides-business-update-302339671.html SOURCE Citius Oncology, Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Browns restructure QB Deshaun Watson's contract to create cap space, flexibility, AP source says

An online spat between factions of Donald Trump's supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump's movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump's Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer, a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer's comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks, whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar." Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government, weighed in, defending the tech industry's need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump's world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift. His presidential transition team did not respond to questions about positions on visas for highly skilled workers or the debate between his supporters online. Instead, his team instead sent a link to a post on X by longtime adviser and immigration hard-liner Stephen Miller that was a transcript of a speech Trump gave in 2020 at Mount Rushmore in which he praised figures and moments from American history. Musk, the world's richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect, was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump's movement but his stance on the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry's need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent," he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump's own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration, including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order, which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump's businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club, and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country" and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country," he told the “All-In" podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump's budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.FiscalNote CEO Tim Hwang sells $71,489 in stock

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Cade Klubnik threw for three touchdowns, backup running back Jay Haynes scored twice on the ground and defensive tackle Payton Page had a 57-yard pick-6 score as No. 17 Clemson routed The Citadel 51-14 Saturday to move to 39-0 all-time against FCS opponents. The Tigers (9-2) won their third straight and still held on to feint hopes of reaching the Atlantic Coast Conference title game and the College Football Playoff.By HALELUYA HADERO, Associated Press President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by Jan. 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk. “President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case,” said Trump’s amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case and was written by D. John Sauer, Trump’s choice for solicitor general. Related Articles The argument submitted to the court is the latest example of Trump inserting himself in national issues before he takes office. The Republican president-elect has already begun negotiating with other countries over his plans to impose tariffs, and he intervened earlier this month in a plan to fund the federal government, calling for a bipartisan plan to be rejected and sending Republicans back to the negotiating table. He has been holding meetings with foreign leaders and business officials at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida while he assembles his administration, including a meeting last week with TikTok CEO Shou Chew. Trump has reversed his position on the popular app, having tried to ban it during his first term in office over national security concerns. He joined the TikTok during his 2024 presidential campaign and his team used it to connect with younger voters, especially male voters, by pushing content that was often macho and aimed at going viral. He said earlier this year that he still believed there were national security risks with TikTok, but that he opposed banning it. The filings Friday come ahead of oral arguments scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. The law was was signed by President Joe Biden in April after it passed Congress with broad bipartisan support. TikTok and ByteDance filed a legal challenge afterwards. Earlier this month, a panel of three federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously upheld the statute , leading TikTok to appeal the case to the Supreme Court. The brief from Trump said he opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.” In their brief to the Supreme Court on Friday, attorneys for TikTok and its parent company ByteDance argued the federal appeals court erred in its ruling and based its decision on “alleged ‘risks’ that China could exercise control” over TikTok’s U.S. platform by pressuring its foreign affiliates. The Biden administration has argued in court that TikTok poses a national security risk due to its connections to China. Officials say Chinese authorities can compel ByteDance to hand over information on TikTok’s U.S. patrons or use the platform to spread or suppress information. But the government “concedes that it has no evidence China has ever attempted to do so,” TikTok’s legal filing said, adding that the U.S. fears are predicated on future risks. In its filing Friday, the Biden administration said because TikTok “is integrated with ByteDance and relies on its propriety engine developed and maintained in China,” its corporate structure carries with it risk.

Share Tweet Share Share Email Speed and efficiency are critical. Financial institutions face increasing pressure to process loans quickly while maintaining accuracy. Traditional methods of loan processing often involve extensive manual labor, leading to delays and higher costs. Automation in loan processing and underwriting is a game-changer, offering faster credit decisions without compromising on quality . The Need for Automation in Loan Processing Loan processing involves multiple steps, including application review, document verification, and credit assessment. Historically, this has been a time-consuming process. For example, manual verification of documents can take days or even weeks. With increasing customer expectations for quick approvals, financial institutions need to adapt. Automation helps streamline these steps, ensuring faster turnarounds and improved customer satisfaction. Challenges in Traditional Loan Processing Traditional loan processing methods come with several challenges: Time-Consuming Processes: Manual tasks such as data entry and document validation slow down the approval process. Human Error: Errors in data entry or calculations can lead to incorrect decisions. High Operational Costs: Staffing for manual processing requires significant resources. Regulatory Compliance: Keeping up with changing regulations manually is labor-intensive and prone to oversight. Automation addresses these challenges by minimizing manual intervention and enhancing accuracy. How Automation Speeds Up Loan Processing Streamlined Data Collection Automated systems can collect and analyze data from various sources in real time. For instance, an automated platform can pull credit scores, income details, and employment history from integrated databases. This eliminates the need for borrowers to submit extensive paperwork, reducing the overall processing time . Optical Character Recognition (OCR) OCR technology is a critical component of loan processing automation. It allows systems to read and extract information from physical or digital documents. This reduces the time spent on manual data entry and ensures greater accuracy. Automated Credit Scoring Automation uses algorithms to assess creditworthiness based on predefined criteria. These algorithms analyze multiple factors, such as credit history, income, and debt-to-income ratio, within seconds. This results in faster and more consistent credit decisions. Real-Time Fraud Detection Fraud detection is crucial in loan processing. Automated systems use machine learning models to detect anomalies and flag potential fraud. For example, these systems can identify discrepancies in income statements or mismatched personal details, reducing the risk of fraudulent applications. The Role of Automation in Underwriting Underwriting is a critical step in loan approval, involving risk assessment and decision-making. Traditional underwriting methods rely heavily on human judgment, which can be subjective and inconsistent. Automation brings objectivity and efficiency to this process. Automated Underwriting Systems (AUS) AUS evaluates applications using predefined rules and criteria. These systems can process large volumes of applications simultaneously, ensuring quick decisions. Additionally, they provide clear justifications for approvals or rejections, enhancing transparency. Machine Learning in Underwriting Machine learning models improve the accuracy of underwriting decisions by analyzing historical data. These models identify patterns and trends that may not be evident to human underwriters. For example, a machine learning algorithm can predict default risks based on subtle indicators, such as irregular income patterns or recent job changes. Improved Compliance Automation ensures adherence to regulatory requirements by embedding compliance rules into the system. This reduces the likelihood of errors and penalties. For example, automated systems can check whether a loan meets Fair Lending Act requirements, ensuring unbiased decisions. Benefits of Automation in Loan Processing and Underwriting Faster Turnaround Times Automated systems significantly reduce the time required for loan approvals. Borrowers can receive decisions within minutes, improving their experience and increasing customer loyalty. Cost Efficiency Automation reduces the need for extensive manual labor, lowering operational costs. Financial institutions can reallocate resources to focus on customer service and strategic initiatives. Enhanced Accuracy Automated systems minimize errors in data entry and calculations. This ensures more accurate decisions, reducing the risk of defaults or regulatory violations. Scalability Automation allows financial institutions to handle higher volumes of applications without compromising on quality. This is particularly beneficial during peak periods, such as holiday seasons or economic stimulus programs. Better Risk Management Machine learning models used in automation improve risk assessment. By analyzing a wide range of data points, these models provide a comprehensive view of borrower risk. Key Considerations for Implementing Automation Integration with Existing Systems For successful implementation, automated systems must integrate seamlessly with existing platforms. This ensures a smooth transition and minimal disruption to operations. Data Security With increased reliance on digital systems, data security is paramount. Financial institutions must invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive customer information. Employee Training Automation does not eliminate the need for human involvement. Employees must be trained to work alongside automated systems, focusing on tasks that require judgment and expertise. Regulatory Compliance Automated systems must be designed to comply with local and international regulations. Regular audits and updates are essential to maintain compliance. Future Trends in Loan Processing and Underwriting Automation Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration AI is set to play a larger role in automation, enabling more sophisticated decision-making processes. For instance, AI can analyze unstructured data, such as social media activity, to assess creditworthiness. Blockchain Technology Blockchain offers a secure and transparent way to manage loan data. By providing a tamper-proof ledger, blockchain can streamline verification processes and reduce fraud. Customer-Centric Solutions Future automation efforts will focus on enhancing the borrower experience. Personalized loan offers and intuitive application processes will become standard. Conclusion Loan processing and underwriting automation are revolutionizing the financial industry. By leveraging technologies like OCR, machine learning, and AI, financial institutions can speed up credit decisions, reduce costs, and improve accuracy. However, successful implementation requires careful planning, integration, and adherence to regulatory standards. As automation continues to evolve, it promises a future of faster, smarter, and more customer-centric lending processes . Related Items: Automation in Loan Processing , Automation in Underwriting , Speeding Up Credit Decisions Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments

PRESBYTERIAN 67, YOUNGSTOWN STATE 42

Putin apologizes for crash but stops short of saying Azerbaijani plane was shot downNoneBlues supporters also sang the name of head coach Maresca during the closing stages of an emphatic success sealed by goals from Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and substitute Jadon Sancho. Bottom club Southampton briefly levelled through Joe Aribo but were a man down from the 39th minute after captain Jack Stephens was sent off for pulling the hair of Marc Cucurella. Chelsea, who have endured an underwhelming period since Todd Boehly’s consortium bought the club in 2022, climbed above Arsenal and into second place on goal difference, seven points behind leaders Liverpool. “It was a very good feeling, especially because you can see that they are happy, that is our target,” Maresca said of the atmosphere in the away end. “We work every day to keep them happy and tonight was a very good feeling, especially the one that they can see that Chelsea’s back. This is an important thing.” Maresca rotated his squad in Hampshire, making seven changes following Sunday’s impressive 3-0 win over Aston Villa. Following a sloppy start, his side, who stretched their unbeaten run to six top-flight games, could easily have won by more as they hit the woodwork three times, in addition to squandering a host of chances. “I’m very happy with the five we scored,” said the Italian. “I’m not happy with the first 15, 20 minutes, where we struggled. The reason why we struggled is because we prepared the game to press them man to man and the first 15, 20 minutes we were not pressing them man to man. “After 15, 20 minutes we adjust that and the game was much better. For sure we could score more but five goals they are enough.” Southampton manager Russell Martin rued a costly “moment of madness” from skipper Stephens. The defender’s ridiculous red card was the headline mistake of a catalogue of errors from the beleaguered south-coast club as they slipped seven points from safety following an 11th defeat of a dismal season. “I don’t think anyone will be as disappointed as Jack,” Martin said of Stephens, who was sent off for the second time this term after tugging the curls of Cucurella as Saints prepared to take a corner. “I haven’t got to sit down and talk with him about that at all. He will be hurt more than anyone and it’s changed the game for us tonight, which is disappointing. “I think they have to describe it as violent conduct; it’s not violent really but there’s no other explanation for that really. It’s a moment of madness that’s really cost us and Jack.” Southampton repeatedly invited pressure with their risky attempts to play out from defence, with goalkeeper Joe Lumley gifting Chelsea their second goal, scored by Nkunku. While Saints were booed off at full-time, Martin, who was missing a host of key players due to injuries and suspensions, praised the effort of his depleted team. “When they see such a big scoreline and a couple of the goals we concede, I understand it (the jeers),” he said. “It’s football, it’s emotive, people feel so much about it, it’s why it’s such a special sport in this country and so big. “I understand it but I feel really proud of the players tonight, some of the football we played at 11 v 11 was amazing. “For an hour with 10 men we’ve dug in so deep, there were some big performances. I’m proud of them for that and I’m grateful for that because that’s not easy in that circumstance.”

Broken Arrow School Board Candidate Announces Public Meet and GreetHyperautomation Market Size 2024: Global Share, Industry And Report Analysis By 2031 | Linde Material Handling GmbH Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., Ltd. Motrec International Inc. 12-28-2024 11:00 AM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: orion market research Hyperautomation Market Hyperautomation market is anticipated to grow at a considerable CAGR of 19.5% during the forecast period. The high demand for hyperautomation from several end-user industrial verticals is a key factor driving the growth of the global market. According to the research of Salesforce and Vanson Bourne in June 2022, hyperautomation is a key priority for CIOs. The survey reveals that 80.0% of organizations will have hyperautomation on their technology roadmap within the next 24 months. Get Free Sample link @ https://www.omrglobal.com/request-sample/hyperautomation-market Additionally, in May 2022, Pegasystems acquired Everflow, a Brazilian-based process mining company. This acquisition was done by Pega to position itself as a platform of choice for hyperautomation across the enterprise, building on its other recent platform advancements. Such strategies are being actively adopted by the companies operating in this industry to remain competitive in the marketplace. full report of Hyperautomation Market available @ https://www.omrglobal.com/industry-reports/hyperautomation-market •Market Coverage •Market number available for - 2024-2030 •Base year- 2023 •Forecast period- 2024-2030 •Segment Covered- By Source, By Product Type, By Applications •Competitive Landscape- Archer Daniels Midland Co., Ingredion Inc., Kerry Group Plc, Cargill •Inc., and others Global Hyperautomation Market Report Segment By Component •Solutions •Services By Technology •Robotic Process Automation (RPA) •Machine Learning (ML) •Natural Language Generation (NLG) •Biometrics •Chatbot •Context Aware Computing •Computer Vision By End-User Vertical •Manufacturing •Retail •IT & Telecom •Education •Automotive •Manufacturing •Healthcare & Life Science Global Hyperautomation Market Report Segment by Region North America •United States •Canada Europe •UK •Germany •Italy •Spain •France •Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific •China •India •Japan •South Korea •Rest of Asia-Pacific Rest of the World •Latin America •Middle East & Africa The Report Covers •Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031. •Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment. •Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions. •Key companies operating in the global hyperautomation market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report. •Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future. •Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies. •Competitive strategies by identifying 'who-stands-where' in the market. For More Customized Data, Request for Report Customization @ https://www.omrglobal.com/report-customization/hyperautomation-market About Orion Market Research Orion Market Research (OMR) is a market research and consulting company known for its crisp and concise reports. The company is equipped with an experienced team of analysts and consultants. OMR offers quality syndicated research reports, customized research reports, consulting and other research-based services. The company also offer Digital Marketing services through its subsidiary OMR Digital and Software development and Consulting Services through another subsidiary Encanto Technologies. Media Contact: Company Name: Orion Market Research Contact Person: Mr. Anurag Tiwari Email: info@omrglobal.com Contact no: +91 780-304-0404 This release was published on openPR.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump appears to be siding with Elon Musk and his other backers in the tech industry as a dispute over immigration visas has divided his supporters. Trump, in an interview with the New York Post on Saturday, praised the use of visas to bring skilled foreign workers to the U.S. The topic has become a flashpoint within his conservative base. “I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them," Trump said. In fact, Trump has in the past criticized the H-1B visas, calling them “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. During his first term as president, he unveiled a “Hire American” policy that directed changes to the program to try to ensure the visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants. Despite his criticism of them and attempts to curb their use, he has also used the visas at his businesses in the past, something he acknowledged in his interview Saturday. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program," Trump told the newspaper. He did not appear to address questions about whether he would pursue any changes to the number or use of the visas once he takes office Jan. 20. Trump's hardline immigration policies, focused mostly on immigrants who are in the country illegally, were a cornerstone of his presidential campaign and a priority issue for his supporters. But in recent days, his coalition has split in a public debate largely taking place online about the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Hard-right members of Trump's movement have accused Musk and others in Trump's new flank of tech-world supporters of pushing policies at odds with Trump's “America First" vision. Software engineers and others in the tech industry have used H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers and say they are a critical tool for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated. Michelle L. Price, The Associated Press

Copart Inc. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitors despite daily gainsAP News Summary at 5:47 p.m. EST