Category Archives: Transhuman News

One of Africas most distinguished philosophers, Professor Mogobe Ramose, will be heading to Kigali next week for eLearning Africa, the continents leading conference on digital learning, training and skills development. In the Rwandan capital, he will meet a senior futurist, Dr Njeri Mwagiru of the University of Stellenbosch, and other experts for discussions about the role of learning in transforming Africa.

Professor Magobe Ramosa has been described as one of Africas key thinkers, having helped to popularise African philosophy and, specifically, its Ubuntu tradition. He and Dr Mwagiru are scheduled to join Rwandas Education Minister, Dr Valentine Uwamariya, Mark West of UNESCO and Albert Nsengiyumva of the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) at the opening plenary session of the annual eLearning Africa conference. Conference organisers are not hesitating to emphasise the significance of their discussions, which provide an opportunity not only to focus on how education on the continent is changing, but also about its fundamental purpose in an era that is increasingly defined by rapid technological change

eLearning Africa Founder Rebecca Stromeyer says that participants at this years conference, which is being held in real time for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, will be looking for answers to fundamental questions.

What is the post-pandemic, African agenda for education? As the continent begins to evolve towards a single market, what do Africans expect from their education system? And what can Africa teach the world about the real purpose of education? These are very important, urgent questions for education professionals and decision makers.

I am delighted that well joined by such a distinguished panel for the opening plenary session, which will set the tone for three days of debates, discussions, interaction and networking. Its wonderful that were going to be meeting together again for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. eLearning Africa is a unique network of professionals and our conferences bring people together from all over the world, which results in a huge amount of knowledge-sharing, as well as the formation of many new partnerships and projects in the field of digital learning and training in Africa.

eLearning Africa was founded in 2005 and has been held in cities across the continent ever since. In the past, the conference has hosted more than 20,000 participants from over 100 countries around the world, with more than 3,730 speakers talking about every aspect of technology supported learning and skills development. In the last 14 years it has also been the occasion for a ministerial round table meeting, at which African education and technology ministers exchange ideas and experience with leading figures from the private sector.

The eLearning Africa conference is accompanied by an exhibition, at which leading international eLearning manufacturers, suppliers and service providers present their latest products and services, providing visitors with an opportunity to gain an insight into the latest developments in the EdTech market.

Plenary speakers Professor Ramose and Dr Mwagiru will also be taking part in the eLearning Africa debate at the close of the conference on the evening of Friday 13 May. The motion for discussion, at what should be a very lively debate, is This House believes Africa urgently needs an African education model.

More details on the conference can be found here: https://www.elearning-africa.com/conference2022/

For more information (and Media Inquiries):

For more information about the elearning Africa, including booking details and a guide to taking part, please visit the website at elearning-africa-conference.com, or contact info@elearning-africa.com.

eLearning Africa - Africa's Home for Ideas, Innovation and Sustainable Solutions for Education, Training and Skills Development since 2005

Secretariat: ICWE GmbH, Leibnizstrasse 32, 10625 Berlin, GermanyContact: Rebecca Stromeyer, info@elearning-africa.comTel: +49 (0)30 310 18 18-0, Fax: +49 (0)30 324 98 33

Platinum Sponsors: HP. TooShare, Class Technologies, OneConnect

MRT Sponsors: HP. Cypher Learning, Coursera for Campus

Gold Sponsors: Appliansys, Moodle, Deviare

Silver Sponsors: ETS, Panopto, Vigilearn, Coursera for Campus

Sponsors: Alison, Certiport, Kamaleon, Bookt

Partners: UNESCO, Mastercard Foundation, EdTech Hub, Enabel, AHEEN, Hasso Plattner Institut, Atinigi, iMove, Africa Connect3, Association for the Development of Education in Africa, Global Business Schools Network, Smart Africa, Kepler, mEducation Alliance

Co-Hosted by: Rwanda Convention Bureau

Official Carrier: RwandAir

Media Partners: Checkpoint eLearning, Learning News, Africa News Agency, EduGist, The New Times

Stay connected:eLearning Africa News PortalFacebook GroupFacebook PageInstagram PageLinkedIn GroupLinkedIn PageTwitter: @eLAconference #eLA22

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eLearning Africa 2022: Philosopher and futurist top the bill for 'fundamental' discussions - BusinessGhana

Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Tourism Ajay Bhatt called upon the scientific community to make advancements in technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), to ensure that the nation is prepared to deal with future threats.

He was addressing an event on the occasion of National Technology Day organized by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The government is making all efforts to meet the defence requirements through domestic procurement exhorting all sectors of the defence ecosystem to work together to achieve excellence in cutting edge technologies, said Bhatt.

The minister lauded the efforts of DRDO in establishing a self-reliant Research and Development (R&D) ecosystem that provides the armed forces with state-of-the-art equipment, in line with Prime minister Narendra Modis vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

DRDO has proved itself through design, development and production of highly-sophisticated weapon platforms/systems. It has enhanced the involvement of the private sector. Due to these efforts, India is now among the top 25 nations exporting defence equipment, he said.

National Technology Day is observed on May 11 every year to commemorate the nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran in 1998. The theme this year is Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for Sustainable Future.

Ajay Bhatt said that the theme underlines the importance of all-round development of science and technology for the progress of a nation.

During the event, the minister distributed DRDO awards for the year of 2019 to the scientific fraternity for displaying outstanding acumen in realising the technological dreams of the Nation.

The category of awards included awards for Life-Time Achievement, Technology leadership, Senior Scientists Awards, Academy Excellence, Techno-Managerial, Self-Reliance and Performance Awards.

Shri Ajay Bhatt also released two monographs Endeavours in Self-reliance Defence Research (1983-2018) authored by former Director DRDO Dr KG Narayanan and Concepts and Practices for Cyber Security by former Director General at DRDO Dr G Athithan.

A Defence Technology Spectrum was also released on the occasion. The event also witnessed three orations from DRDO scientists on advanced technologies.

Continued here:
Advancements in futuristic tech need of the hour: MoS Ajay Bhatt - The Siasat Daily

The steep path known as the Radical Road, running along Salisbury Crags was closed in 2018 due to safety concerns after 50 tonnes of rock fell from cliffs onto the path.

BBC Scotland has now cited a study revealing the walkway as one option, as well as reopening the route at users' own risk; installing avalanche-style shelters like those at Lochcarron or wire mesh; or shutting it permanently.

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Ramblers Scotland and Edinburgh heritage watchdog the Cockburn Association reportedly said they wanted it reopened, echoing previous calls to do so.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) manages the site, and an internal report into its risk-management is said to cite the sky walkway at Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies as an example that could be emulated.

The Radical Road is deemed historically significant, and was where geology pioneer James Hutton examined exposed horizontal bands of dolerite rock. At one exposure, now known as Huttons Section, he was able to better understand the relationship between the different layers of rock, using the example to support his theory that igneous rocks are formed from magma.

The road got its name in the aftermath of the Radical War of 1820, when unemployed west of Scotland weavers protesting at what they felt were unjust conditions paved the track round Salisbury Crags, in a plan suggested by author Sir Walter Scott.

Ramblers Scotland director Brendan Paddy is quoted as saying "much more detail" was needed about the true risk to walkers using the path, and he said people are usually left to take their own call about the dangers involved with outdoor activity, as these are usually hugely outweighed by the benefits.

Concerns

He added: "While we recognise HES has a duty of care to people on the route, we are concerned that it seems to be treating Salisbury Crags a natural geological feature like it would a crumbling historic building."

James Garry, the assistant director of the Cockburn Association, deemed the plan for a sky walkway an "excessive and inappropriate intervention", adding: "Other more sustainable and more sensitive options may be possible. It would be interesting to hear from the managers of similar sites worldwide who have successfully tackled the same sort of issues. HES needs to raise its game to deliver what Scotland's capital deserves."

A HES spokeswoman was quoted saying the risk of rockfall could "cause death or severe injury" on part of the Radical Road.

"We continue to consult external specialists and partners on what is the most appropriate option to best remedy this situation," she added. "This includes a number of options including the permanent closure of the path to the general public and scoping the feasibility of intervention methods.

"We will be undertaking further technical assessments before coming to a decision. However, no final decision has been taken yet."

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Could this futuristic option help reopen a key pathway on Edinburgh's Arthur's Seat? - The Scotsman

Sweden-based Volta Trucks on Thursday announced plans to enter the United States market with its Zero electric commercial trucks.

The company said in a press release that it plans to "appoint an experienced U.S.-based manufacturing partner in late 2022." It plans to start U.S. production with this partner in 2024-2025.

Prior to that, Volta plans to deploy a pilot fleet of 100 trucks for U.S. customer evaluation, starting in Los Angeles in 2023. They'll be built at Volta's existing contract manufacturing partner in Steyr, Austria.

Volta Zero

Those initial trucks will be Americanized versions of the Volta's European 16-tonne (35,000-pound) model, equivalent to Class 7 by U.S. standards. A modular battery system will offer a range of 95-125 miles, according to Volta. Trucks will have 19-kw AC charging that can add 12 miles of range in one hour, and DC fast charging that will deliver a full charge in the same amount of time, the company said.

In addition to the Class 7 truck, Volta also recently unveiled Class 5 and Class 6-equivalent models for the European market. All three share futuristic exterior styling. Volta claims that its commercial trucks afford better visibility for the driver, as it places them down at street view, with a centered seating position.

Volta also indicated that it will offer its "truck as a service" model in the U.S. Pitched as an alternative to traditional ownership or leasing, it gives fleet operators access to vehicles and charging infrastructure for a single monthly fee, with maintenance, insurance and driver training included.

Volta Zero

Volta's plans to build and sell vehicles in the U.S. aren't unexpected. The company has worked with U.S. suppliers for some time, sourcing batteries from California-based Proterra and e-axle units from Michigan-based Meritor.

Electric trucks will help reduce emissions, but that's not the only benefit. Freightliner noted that in test fleets drivers suffer from less fatigue in electric trucks. So far, though, the infrastructure for electric commercial trucks is lagging.

The grid can handle itmostlybut megawatt-capable stationswill come more slowly than light-vehicle fast-charging stations. California is working on deploying the infrastructure to support heavy-duty electric trucks, however.

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Volta plans to build its futuristic-looking electric trucks in the US, teases truck-as-a-service offering - Green Car Reports

That's pretty big.Survival 101

A team of researchers from Nanjing University in China say lunar soil could be used to support long-term human survival on the Moon because it provides extraterrestrial survival resources like oxygen and fuel.

The scientists published their research Friday in the journal Joule, analyzing samples collected during Chinas 2021 Change-5 mission. It was the first to bring back fresh lunar soil in 40 years, according to SciTechDaily. The team says lunar dirt might facilitate human exploration to the Moon and beyond, as long as they can convert carbon dioxide into others resources on a large scale like they did for the study.

Chinas accomplishments in space are, of course, a good thing. Its great to learn details that could help us survive when we get to the Moon again, or even when we colonize Mars like Elon Musk and SpaceX hope to do. Even better, a previous report about Chinas upcoming lunar missions said the country would consider collabing with others.

The US and Russia certainly arent getting along any time soon, and life aboard the ISS has been seemingly dramatic of late. Successful missions will probably continue putting astronauts from different countries together on the same ships and stations, so if China can bring everybody together and find helpful Moon expertise, we say good on em.

More on off-world news: Scientists Capture the Mournful Wailing of a Black Hole

Excerpt from:
Scientists Say They've Figured Out How to Turn Moon Soil Into Spaceship Fuel and Oxygen - Futurism

B.I released the music video teaser video for the pre-release single 'BTBT' of part 1 of the 2022 global album project 'Love or Loved (LOL)', which will be released on May 13th through the official social media handles on May 11.

Following the teaser poster released the day before, B.I, who appeared with silver hair and rider jacket styling, shows a sensual appearance in the background of various spots such as the pier, in the car, and on the roof in this teaser video. In particular, the trendy sound and B.I's voice of "Make me go beep" were unveiled for the first time in this teaser video. Here B.I has raised the curiosity about the euphemisms by expressing his own sensibilities with his unique colors.

'BTBT' is the initials of the adverb 'Beetle Beetle', and it is a song that expresses the strong attraction of love that makes it impossible to walk straight. B.I improved the song's perfection by working with the famous American rapper Soulja Boy, the aspiring domestic artist DeVita, and the producer team Stereotypes, who had been nominated for three Grammys in the United States.

B.I was one of the contestants on Show Me the Money 3. In 2015, he debuted as the leader of the boy band iKon under YG Entertainment and is credited with the production and songwriting for all releases by the group. After his departure from iKon in 2019, B.I was appointed as the executive director of IOK Company in 2020 and continues to record under IOK Music affiliate 131 Label.

B.I debuted as a solo artist in 2021, with the release of his self-written charity single album Midnight Blue (Love Streaming) and full-length charity studio album Waterfall. He released the first part of his self-written second studio album, Cosmos, on November 11, 2021.

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WATCH: B.I welcomes viewers to the futuristic world of BTBT featuring Soulja Boy and DeVita - PINKVILLA

The sneaker of the future is here today. Thats the overwhelming sentiment surrounding the new TK-360 mens sneaker from Givenchy. TK stands for total knit, a nod to the shoes unique material that wraps around from top to bottom; 360 references the 360 degrees of knit. The shoe lacks the traditional rubber sole, leaving it lighter and more distinctly shaped than any of its competitors. An arc on the bottom of the TK-360 makes it so that much of the shoe does not touch the ground when you wear it. With a distinct shape and one-of-a-kind style, the TK-360 is certainly a disruption to the norms of the sneaker market.

Givenchy Creative Director Matthew M. Williams is the man responsible for the avant-garde shoe. Dubbing it his dream shoe, the TK-360 represents the envelope-pushing vision Williams has brought to the brand since his appointment in mid-2020. Eagle-eyed fans may recognize the summer-ready knit shoe from its debut on the Spring 2022 runway, though it has now become a prominent part of the houses Pre-Fall 2022 collection as well. Simple but well-constructed, it bears a minimalist Givenchy logo on the side. Its a safe bet to say that the TK-360 will be one of the defining pieces of Williams tenure at Givenchy.

Read more here:
Meet the TK-360, Givenchy's Futuristic New Knit Shoe - CR Fashion Book