Tagged: Technology

Excel autocorrect errors still plague genetic research, raising concerns over scientific rigour - Hot off the press

Guest Author • Aug 27, 2021 •

• algorithms,
• genetic research,
• spreadsheets,
• Technology

Mark Ziemann, Deakin University and Mandhri Abeysooriya, Deakin University   Autocorrection, or predictive text, is a common feature of many modern tech tools, from internet searches to messaging apps and word processors. Autocorrection can be a blessing, but when the algorithm makes mistakes it can change the message in dramatic and sometimes hilarious ways. Our research shows autocorrect errors, particularly … Read More

Australia and New Zealand are signing up for an international tax on the tech giants — but will it be enough? - News

Guest Author • Jul 09, 2021 •

• New Zealand stories,
• taxation,
• Technology

Victoria Plekhanova, Massey University   Australia, New Zealand and many other countries are losing hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year by not adequately taxing the profits of digital giants doing business in their jurisdictions. Australia has opted not to impose a digital services tax (DST) on the likes of Google, Facebook, Amazon, Uber and Airbnb. Meanwhile, … Read More

Technology listicles, deep tech, and social systems - Ariadne

Robert Hickson • Mar 02, 2021 •

• culture,
• foresight,
• indigenous knowledge,
• prediction,
• socio-cultural,
• Technology

Technology lists, what’s this thing called “Deep Tech”, and thinking beyond the tech. Top “x” lists of technology developments, breakthroughs and trends aren’t hard to find. But how useful are they?   MIT’s “Breakthrough Technologies” This time every year MIT’s Technology Review magazine produces a “10 breakthrough technologies” list. This showcases what it sees as the year’s … Read More

Fancy coughing at your phone? Nicer than a swab up your nose - Physics Stop

Marcus Wilson • Nov 03, 2020 •

• Science,
• Technology

The pandemic has certainly been a trigger for some really interesting science to be done. Here’s something that’s hit the headlines today – Artificial Intelligence can be used to detect COVID-19 from the sound of someone’s cough. If you want to read it, the full report is here, but unless you’re lucky enough to subscribe to IEEE you’ll … Read More

Can Kiwis be better chameleons? - FutureworkNZ

Guest Author • Feb 25, 2020 •

• productivity commission,
• Technology,
• work

John MacCormick To succeed in an unpredictable and changing world, adaptability is the key. Let’s be chameleons. Technology continues to change people’s jobs and work environments. But change so far is not as fast and extensive as some pundits claim. Nor is it as fast and extensive as it needs to be if New Zealand is to realise the opportunities … Read More

Transitioning - Ariadne

Robert Hickson • Dec 31, 2019 •

• Environment,
• foresight,
• future,
• futures methodology,
• geopolitical,
• governance,
• government,
• Society,
• Technology

Two things you can guarantee at this time of the year. Predictions about the coming year, and days at the beach (only lightly polluted, hopefully). Futures thinking is often seen as identifying the “next big thing” – technology and consumer trends. But that’s surface level futuring. Wave spotting. As a first step in raising awareness of change … Read More

Will there still be Santa? - Unsorted

Guest Author • Dec 23, 2019 •

• Christmas,
• santa,
• Technology

Amelia Sharman I’ve got some bad news about Santa Claus. The North Pole may be far, but it’s not too far to avoid the tentacles of technological change. While Santa is no slouch when it comes to adopting technology (having adopted assembly lines about 100 years ago, and more recently using real-time warehouse management systems to run his … Read More

From sewing machinist to software programmer - FutureworkNZ

Guest Author • Dec 16, 2019 •

• Labour,
• occupation,
• Technology

Amelia Sharman I’m sure you’ve heard some version of this popular prediction – about two-thirds of children entering primary school today will end up working in jobs that don’t exist yet.1 This prediction assumes rapid or accelerating technological change. But looking at historical trends and current data, rates of technological change are not accelerating, and the impact on jobs will … Read More

Generalist to specialist - FutureworkNZ

Guest Author • Dec 05, 2019 •

• Automation,
• Employment,
• Technology

Amelia Sharman Both my parents are pretty handy – and they seem to have the right tools for most jobs in the garage and they know how to fix practically anything. A similar story could be told about their generation’s experience in the workforce – being a generalist was not unusual and turning your hand to most activities within … Read More

Climate change – determination over despair - Ariadne

Robert Hickson • Sep 19, 2019 •

• clean energy,
• climate change,
• Economics,
• Environment,
• geoengineering,
• Society,
• Sustainability,
• Technology

  There is much to be despondent about looking ahead to the consequences of a changing climate. But adopting Jonathan Franzen’s defeatism isn’t the best response. Reducing adverse impacts of climate change isn’t as simple as regulating automotive emissions, banning a pesticide of refrigerant, or changing to LED lights. But nor is it as … Read More