This may seem an exaggeration, but there is an ongoing isolation pandemic. The current wave of loneliness, along with the decreasing number of family members; and even the growth of pet care businesses are signs of this problem. As a parent and teacher, I see this growing problem among my sons' peers and in my classrooms. While we seem to be growing more connected to things (internet, devices and services), we are disconnecting with people. This lack of personal connection is starting more at a younger age and deepening through generations with significant negative social impact on society and individuals. To prevent future personal and societal problems, families, schools and workplaces need to encourage and foster personal connections through meaningful friendship. Reading and understanding books becomes harder. Students with few friends or siblings will have issues with books from Charles Dickens, Enid Blyton, or even the Wimpy Kid series; all focus on relationships. These books have been regularly used to teach the love of reading, building imagination and understanding society. The ability to get a deeper meaning or relate to the author's message is lost. This deeper understanding becomes even harder with business text, which requires reading at different levels to apply concepts innovatively or address new conditions. Understanding how various people use words is an essential skill, ideally with foundations built when learning to talk at home. The quality of friendships is vital in addressing social ills. More quality friends reduce the need for social media and the documented associated extremes. Physical interaction gives the same dopamine hit that social media provides but in better dosage and longer duration. By focusing on quality friends, depression and other social ills can be reduced as people share their feelings, grow, and interact in a positive manner. For students, having genuine friends helps with studying and learning from schoolwork. There are more exchanges and explanations of ideas in a positive environment. Research supports that talking with others builds stronger relationships than text messages. Thus, for students, more trustworthy contacts help them develop as individuals. I see many university students struggle in class because they have few people they call friends. Students struggle with mental health problems because the structure that existed before and provided help is not there. Parents assume that students are connecting because of online interactions, but that cheap substitute for real friendship is not working. More friends means less dependence on one person; hence, relationships are better. Young adults have fewer people to interact with, resulting in intense interactions. Thus, there are more strains or demands on fewer relationships. For example, if someone has one friend, they discuss ten items with their one friend, requiring much of that one friend's time and energy. Therefore, the friend may start limiting interaction as the relationship requires a lot of energy and the person talking feels less fulfilled. Two unhappy people. However, if someone has five friends, then they can discuss two items with each other; and so the friends are happy to interact more because the relationship requires less energy. Ironically, by having more friends, individuals develop better relationships. The principle applies even at the workplace because if someone can relate to a wider number of people in the office, they can get more done and contribute to better productivity. Workplaces have always seen the need for friendship at work, though it may not be referred to as such. In offices, teamwork, openness, and psychological safety are terms that have similar meaning to authentic human interaction. Work-from-home advocates prioritise interacting with people at home, whereas return-to-office advocates prioritise interacting with people in the office. However, generational problems and the lack of interpersonal experiences, real and perceived, highlight the difficulty of communicating various needs and desires by the individual. It comes as no surprise that communication is one of if not the most valuable skills for the workplace. Companies have to spend time developing workers' abilities in talking with each other because that particular skill may not have been fully developed at home or in school. Having real friends helps individuals and society by reducing loneliness and business inefficiencies caused by employees' mental distractions. A sense of belonging starts with family interactions followed by schools and grows into society. Mariano Miguel Carrera, PhD, is a lecturer at the International College at King Mongkut's University of Technology, North Bangkok.
WATERBURY – A downtown institution will reach a milestone Sunday morning when the Fischang-Cicchetti Memorial 5-mile/5K Road Race takes off for the 50th time. About 200 runners are expected to compete, exceedingly more than when the race began in 1975 with only a handful of Waterbury Track Club members participating. The inaugural race started and finished at the former Saint Margaret’s-McTernan School on Chase Parkway. The event later moved to West Side Middle School for a run through the Town Plot section of Waterbury. In 1993, it made the trek to the downtown, where it starts and finishes at the Waterbury Green. The race was named in 1978 for two of the founders, Al Fischang and Janice Cicchetti, who both died of cancer. This year, the race will honor the legacy of its longtime race director, the late Carl Cicchetti. Carl, the husband of Janice and a longtime city attorney, died last year at the age of 76 of Parkinson’s disease, but his influence is still felt. Jim O’Rourke, CEO of the Greater Waterbury YMCA, which stages the race, still considers himself assistant race director – “Carl will always be the race director” – and remembers his friend’s attention to detail. “He would yell if a mile marker was 10 or 15 feet off,” O’Rourke recalled with a chuckle. The starter’s pistol will sound at 9 a.m. in front of the YMCA at 136 W. Main St., sending runners off on a trip that wends its way out to Hamilton Park and back. There will be one course change in the park because of work being done on the Hamilton Park pool, but O’Rourke assured, “We’ll have volunteers to direct runners.” The weather forecast calls for sunshine and 40 degrees, balmy compared to the subfreezing temperatures and 40-mph winds that runners endured in the memorable 2013 race. “A lot of relatives come to town for the holidays. We get a lot of out-of-town runners, which is cool,” O’Rourke said. Meriden’s Joe Decker has won the 5-mile race the past two years, although he hadn’t registered to defend his title as of midweek. Waterbury’s Kateri Danay was the top female 5-mile finisher in 2023. Cheshire’s Trevor Genthe won the 5-kilometer race and Kate Cicchetti, Carl’s granddaughter, was the first female in the 5K for her fourth time. Runners can register online at runsignup.com/takingoverthestreets or at the YMCA on race day. Proceeds from the race go to the YMCA’s Youth Scholarship Fund. For more information, call 203-754-9622.
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Leading entrepreneur and founder of the Econet Group, Strive Masiyiwa, was on Thursday night awarded at the prestigious Zimbabwe ICT Excellence Awards held at Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare. Masiyiwa, widely celebrated for his pioneering contributions to innovation and technology, was honoured for his significant impact on the country’s telecommunications and ICT sector. The event marked a historic occasion as it revived the awards, which had been suspended for a decade. The ceremony celebrated outstanding achievements in various sectors of technology, innovation, and digital media. In her address at the event, ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera highlighted the importance of the awards, stating that they are a vital way to recognize the exceptional work and dedication of individuals and organizations contributing to the growth of Zimbabwe’s technology landscape. “The decade-long silence of not honouring our telecommunications sector heroes and heroines comes to an end tonight,” Minister Mavetera said. “By honouring those who demonstrate exceptional performance and quality in their ICT initiatives, these awards foster a culture of excellence that is essential for both the public and private sectors.” The awards ceremony featured a range of categories, including Best ICT Journalist, Best Social Media Influencer, and Best ICT Industry Disruptor. Among the notable winners was Evans Mathanda, an online reporter from Alpha Media Holdings, who received a Certificate of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding work in the ICT Journalist of the Year category. Masiyiwa’s award, in particular, served as a reminder of his transformative role in the technology sector, with Econet Group playing a pivotal role in revolutionizing telecommunications and mobile money services in Zimbabwe. The event was seen as a turning point for the nation’s ICT sector, bringing attention to the many achievements of local innovators and setting the stage for future growth and investment in the field. Source – newsdayNEW YORK , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global professional development market in us size is estimated to grow by USD 4.82 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.36% during the forecast period. The report provides a comprehensive forecast of key segments below- Segmentation Overview Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: The K-12 segment of the professional development market in the US is experiencing steady growth due to the shift towards more engaging and collaborative teaching methods. Traditional K-12 education previously focused on rote memorization and individual learning, but modern educators prioritize student engagement and the use of multimedia content. To effectively implement these new techniques, teachers require digital skills and up-to-date knowledge of various teaching methods. Despite the availability of advanced technology and new teaching methods in K-12 education, many teachers find it challenging to keep up with complex course content, new teaching modes, and changing education regulations. Consequently, the teacher dropout rate has risen, with the National Education Association reporting a 55% dropout rate in February 2022 . To mitigate this issue, districts are reimbursing teachers for professional development costs. Teachers in STEM subjects are particularly focusing on professional development to deepen their subject knowledge and stay informed about emerging trends and technologies. They are also incorporating digitalization in their classrooms and adopting interdisciplinary techniques. For instance, Discovery Education Inc. Introduced new content on its K-12 learning platform, Discovery Education Experience, in February 2024 , including games, interactive content, and career tools, to encourage student curiosity and deeper learning. Additionally, teachers are enrolling in English Language Learning (ELL) professional development courses to help immigrant students master English as a second language. The emergence of innovative online tutoring options for K-12 learners is expected to fuel the growth of the professional development market in the US during the forecast period. Analyst Review The professional development market in the US is a dynamic landscape of continuous growth and innovation, driven by the need for individuals and organizations to stay competitive in today's rapidly changing economy. This market encompasses a wide range of products and services designed to enhance learning, education, and skills development. The internet has played a significant role in expanding access to information and training opportunities, making professional development more accessible and flexible than ever before. The impact of professional development is far-reaching, from individual career advancement to organizational growth and competitiveness. The segment is characterized by a strong focus on research and adoption of new technologies and teaching methods to maximize learning outcomes for students and professionals alike. Market Overview The Professional Development market in the US is a dynamic and evolving landscape that focuses on the growth and adoption of various courses, products, and innovations in the areas of education, training, and learning. The market is segmented into various regions and topics, including K-12, higher education, and corporate training. The market size is significant, with end-users seeking certification, career advancement, networking opportunities, and access to online resources and coaching. The market is influenced by the impact of mobile learning, competition from key players, and the addition of workshops, seminars, and webinars. The market is also shaped by research and innovations in skills development, leadership, management, and other professional areas. The US Professional Development market is a vital segment of the training industry and education market, with companies like Cast Inc., D2L Corp., Pearson Plc, McGraw Hill LLC, and others playing key roles. The market is expected to continue growing due to the increasing demand for professional skills development and the adoption of online learning platforms. To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/professional-development-market-in-the-us-to-grow-by-usd-4-82-billion-2023-2028-driven-by-ai-powered-market-evolution-and-key-segment-insights---technavio-302328477.html SOURCE Technavio
THE RIGHT WAY TO CARE: Playing it safe the last night of the year3M Co. stock underperforms Thursday when compared to competitorsNEW YORK , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global insurtech market size is estimated to grow by USD 77.41 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 42.35% during the forecast period. Increasing need to improve business efficiency is driving market growth, with a trend towards investors collaborating with insurtech firms. However, high cost of investment poses a challenge. Key market players include Acko Technology and Services Pvt. Ltd., Allianz SE, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Charles Taylor Ltd., Cuvva Ltd., Cytora Ltd., DeadHappy Ltd., Flock Ltd., Friendsurance, Kin Insurance Technology Hub LLC, KYND Ltd., Laka Ltd., Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., Milvik AB, Nimbla Ltd., Quantemplate Technologies Inc., simplesurance GmbH, Slice Insurance Technologies Inc., Uinsure Ltd., Urban Jungle Services Ltd., Wrisk Ltd., ExtraCover Ltd., and F2X Group Ltd.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF InsurTech Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 42.35% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 77.41 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 40.22 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 51% Key countries US, China, India, UK, and France Key companies profiled Acko Technology and Services Pvt. Ltd., Allianz SE, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Charles Taylor Ltd., Cuvva Ltd., Cytora Ltd., DeadHappy Ltd., Flock Ltd., Friendsurance, Kin Insurance Technology Hub LLC, KYND Ltd., Laka Ltd., Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., Milvik AB, Nimbla Ltd., Quantemplate Technologies Inc., simplesurance GmbH, Slice Insurance Technologies Inc., Uinsure Ltd., Urban Jungle Services Ltd., Wrisk Ltd., ExtraCover Ltd., and F2X Group Ltd. Market Driver InsurTech, the fusion of Insurance and Technology, is creating waves in the industry. This innovation is revolutionizing the creation, distribution, and administration of insurance products. From social insurance to life & health, auto, marine, liability, buildings, and commercial buildings insurance, InsurTech is transforming business lines and product lines. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are driving personalized solutions for niche customers. Real-time tracking and monitoring information enable better risk monitoring and decision making. Customer data is the new currency, with predictions based on purchase quantity and consumer needs. Cloud computing, blockchain, IoT, and digital solutions are the new norm. InsurTech is transforming insurance planning with big data, chatbots, and on-premise solutions. Insurance carriers are embracing digital transformation, leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experience. The future of InsurTech lies in continuous innovation and meeting evolving customer needs. Investors are showing heightened enthusiasm towards partnering with InsurTech firms, as evidenced by the recent conference where 1,500 investors, entrepreneurs, and insurance executives convened. The primary objective of the event was to explore how technology is revolutionizing the insurance sector. Technological advancements have significantly impacted the insurance value chain, streamlining costing processes, enhancing consumer experience, increasing transparency, reducing fraud through data analysis, and simplifying claims for customers. InsurTech companies are prioritizing the growing consumer demand for tailored insurance products and personalized services. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges The InsurTech market is revolutionizing the insurance industry by creating and distributing innovative insurance products using technology. Challenges in insurance creation and administration are being addressed through the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Social insurance and customer data analysis help insurers make accurate predictions and personalized decisions for insurance planning. Real-time tracking and monitoring information are crucial for risk monitoring and customer satisfaction. Insurance carriers are embracing digital solutions to meet consumer needs, including cloud computing, IoT, and blockchain. Business lines and product lines are catering to niche customers with specific risk profiles. Machine learning algorithms help insurers assess purchase quantity and make informed decisions. Big data and chatbots streamline customer interaction and improve decision-making processes. Solutions providers are leading the digital transformation in insurance, offering cloud-based and on-premise solutions for life & health, auto, marine, liability, buildings, and commercial buildings insurance. IoT devices provide real-time data for dwelling coverage, contents coverage, and risk monitoring. The integration of technology in insurance is a game-changer, enabling insurers to provide customized solutions and improve overall customer experience. Insurance firms are embracing the sale of products through the latest technology, known as InsurTech. However, this new approach necessitates specialized training for insurance staff to effectively use the technology and understand the insurance offerings. Retraining is essential to ensure that employees can provide clients with suitable insurance solutions. Many firms are integrating technology with banking and broking services, but managing these systems effectively requires technical expertise, which some firms may lack. Therefore, investing in trainers for staff and brokers is crucial for successful implementation of InsurTech solutions. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This insurtech market report extensively covers market segmentation by Application 1.1 Marketing and distribution 1.2 IT support 1.3 Claim management 1.4 Policy administration and management 1.5 Others Deployment 2.1 On-premises 2.2 Cloud Geography 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 Marketing and distribution- The InsurTech market's marketing and distribution segment is poised for significant growth during the forecast period. The widespread use of smartphones and easy internet access have fueled digital marketing and distribution of insurance policies through advanced technologies. Regulations mandating electronic promotion system certifications ensure security. Mobile point-of-sales in e-retail is gaining acceptance, providing insurance companies with opportunities to cater to busy customers. InsurTech platforms offer chatbots for live customer interaction and resolution of queries, enhancing the digital experience. Customer-centricity and high ROI are driving segment growth. InsurTech startups disrupt traditional financial services with increased access, transparency, and lower costs. Automation through pattern recognition algorithms and predictive coding reduce industry overheads and improve process efficiency. Deregulation of equity crowdfunding and private startup investments attract investors, further fueling market growth. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis Insurance Technology, or InsurTech, refers to the use of technology to create, distribute, and administer insurance products. This innovative sector is revolutionizing the industry by enabling the creation of ultra-customized policies tailored to individual needs. Social insurance, life & health, auto, marine, liability, buildings, and commercial buildings insurance are just a few areas benefiting from InsurTech. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are key technologies driving personalized offerings. Customer data is analyzed to provide accurate risk assessments and pricing. Cloud computing and deployment models allow for flexible and scalable solutions. Blockchain ensures secure and transparent transactions. Business analytics and IoT devices provide real-time data for risk assessment and claims processing. InsurTech is transforming various insurance sectors, including life & health, auto, marine, liability, buildings, and home insurance. Dwelling coverage and contents coverage are now offered with greater precision and efficiency. The future of insurance is technology-driven, offering customized policies and improved customer experiences. Market Research Overview The InsurTech market refers to the use of technology to create, distribute, and administer insurance products. This includes social insurance, life & health, auto, marine, liability, buildings, and commercial buildings insurance. Customer data is a crucial element, with machine learning and artificial intelligence used for predictions based on consumer needs, purchase quantity, and decision making. Real-time tracking and monitoring information are essential for insured parties, and businesses are leveraging digital solutions to streamline insurance planning. Cloud computing, blockchain, IoT, and big data are transforming the industry, with solutions providers offering digital transformation through on-premise and cloud-based platforms. Chatbots and insurance carriers are also part of this landscape, enhancing customer experience and enabling efficient claim processing. Overall, InsurTech is revolutionizing the insurance industry by providing innovative digital solutions for various business lines and niche customers. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Application Marketing And Distribution IT Support Claim Management Policy Administration And Management Others Deployment On-premises Cloud Geography North America Europe APAC Middle East And Africa South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/insurtech-market-to-grow-by-usd-77-41-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-business-efficiency-needs-and-ai-impacting-market-trends---technavio-302328190.html SOURCE Technavio © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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BUFFALO, N.Y. — Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon announced on Saturday that Dec. 28 will be recognized as "Buffalo Bandits Day" in the city. The proclamation honor's the teams legacy and the unveiling of their sixth National Lacrosse League (NLL) Championship banner at KeyBank Center in downtown Buffalo. "The Bandits have brough immense pride, excitement, and joy to our city and with every win the Bandits unite our community and inspire young athletes across the City of Buffalo and Western New York," Scanlon said in a statement. "Buffalo is Banditland, and this proclamation is a tribute to a team that has made an indelible impact on our city, community, and region." The team was founded in 1992 and is the longest-tenured team in the NLL with 33 years in Buffalo. The team is currently 2-0 for the 2024-2025 regular season. The Buffalo Bandits take on the Rochester Knighthawks in Buffalo for their home opener at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information on the Buffalo Bandits, visit their website here . "They’re going to be really hungry to upset our banner night. Obviously, it’s exciting but once the game starts, it’s going to be all about Rochester.”Read the game preview: https://bit.ly/4gw9Pk9
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