The opioid crisis has been a perplexing issue, baffling scientists for nearly two decades as they have strived to comprehend the ever-changing societal and systemic reasons that induce people to misuse opioids and to pinpoint prospective overdose danger zones.
These painstaking and frequently imperfect endeavors unfold as healthcare providers endeavor to deliver secure, efficient therapy, and other resources to those grappling with addiction.
As both scientists and healthcare providers scrutinize the expansive and enduring influence of the opioid crisis, they are now inquisitively investigating AI (Artificial Intelligence) and pondering, Could AI be the key to ending the opioid crisis?
Tech Adoption in Healthcare: A Slow Process
Healthcare is not a sector known for swiftly adopting new trends; it’s notoriously slow in testing and incorporating novel technology. This hesitance has its repercussions. One study implies that the industry forfeits over $8.3 billion annually because of its reluctance or failure to adopt technology such as sophisticated electronic health records.
Public health scientists and biomedical engineers have been discreetly fostering an AI-driven revolution in medicine, with addiction prevention and treatment being the latest beneficiaries.
However, the costs of the opioid crisis extend beyond financial losses. Since 1999, over 1 million people have perished due to drug-related overdoses. In 2021, 106,699 drug overdose deaths were recorded in America, marking one of the highest per capita volumes in the nation’s history. Approximately 75% of all these overdoses were linked to opioid use, which includes prescribed analgesics such as Vicodin and Percocet, along with illicit drugs like heroin.
Despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health investing billions of dollars into outreach, education, and prescription monitoring programs, the crisis has stubbornly persisted.
The Opioid Crisis: The Human Cost
For the past decade, I have been conducting research on the opioid crisis in rural and urban communities across America, including New York City and rural southern Illinois.
Most of my peers concur, albeit reluctantly, that there’s a considerable amount of speculation involved in pinpointing the complex risks faced by drug users. Which drugs will they acquire? Will they inject, snort, or smoke them? Who, if anyone, will they use around, in case they overdose and require assistance?
But that’s not all. Practitioners also regularly grapple with inconsistent federal and state guidelines on effective treatments for opioid use disorder, like suboxone. They also find themselves playing catch-up with increasingly unpredictable drug supplies contaminated with affordable, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which is largely responsible for recent surges in opioid-related overdose deaths.
While AI advancements like ChatGPT have captured most of the public’s imagination, public health researchers and biomedical engineers have been quietly brewing an AI-infused revolution in medicine, with addiction prevention and treatment being the newest recipients.
AI Innovations in Opioid Crisis Management
Innovations in this space primarily utilize machine learning to identify individuals who may be at risk of developing opioid use disorder, disengaging from treatment, and relapse. For instance, researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology recently developed machine-learning techniques to effectively identify individuals on Reddit who were at risk of fentanyl misuse, while other researchers developed a tool for locating misinformation about treatments for opioid use disorder, both of which could allow peers and advocates to intervene with education.
Other AI-powered programs, such as Sobergrid, are developing the capacity to detect when individuals are at risk of relapsing — for example, based on their proximity to bars — then connecting them to a recovery counselor.
The most impactful advancements relate to the reduction of overdoses, often triggered by drug mixing. At Purdue University, researchers have developed and piloted a wearable device that can detect signs of overdose and automatically inject an individual with naloxone, an overdose-reversing agent. Another significant development has been the creation of tools to detect hazardous contaminants in drug supplies, which could drastically reduce fentanyl-driven overdoses.
The Potential Pitfalls of AI in Opioid Crisis Management
Despite the immense potential, there are concerns — could facial recognition technology be used to locate people who appear intoxicated, leading to discrimination and abuse? Uber has already taken a step in developing this kind of capacity in 2008, attempting to patent a technology that would detect a drunk passenger.
And what about dis/misinformation, a problem already plaguing chatbots? Might malicious parties embed incorrect information into chatbots to mislead drug users about risks?
The Fine Balance
Since Fritz Lang’s seminal silent film “Metropolis” in 1927, the public has been fascinated by the idea of new, humanlike technology making lives easier and richer. From Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” in 1968 to films like “I, Robot” and “Minority Report” in the early 2000s, though, these hopeful visions have slowly morphed into a kind of existential dread.
It will be up to not just researchers and clinicians, but also patients and the broader public to keep AI honest and prevent humanity’s biggest challenges, like the opioid crisis, from becoming insurmountable ones.
Travis Scott, the visionary Houston talent, has officially ushered in UTOPIA season with the release of the highly-anticipated track “K-POP.” Featuring the dynamic collaborations of Bad Bunny and The Weeknd, the lead single from Travis Scott’s long-awaited album promises a unique fusion of hip hop and South American influences, resulting in an electrifying soundscape that perfectly complements Scott’s unapologetic lifestyle.
Produced by a dream team of BNYX, Boi-1da, Jahaan Sweet, and Illangelo, “K-POP” is a cinematic masterpiece that opens in an empty stadium, setting the stage for an unforgettable visual journey. Travis Scott and a crew of bikers take over the venue, hinting at the grandiosity of what’s to come. Bad Bunny, the Latin music sensation, delivers his verse from an exuberant party in a separate location, infusing the track with his infectious energy and distinctive flair.
The Weeknd, a chart-topping icon, joins forces with the Cactus Jack head honcho during a mesmerizing studio session, surrounded by breathtaking views. The seamless collaboration between Travis Scott, Bad Bunny, and The Weeknd elevates “K-POP” to new heights, creating a musical experience that transcends boundaries and unites fans across the globe.
As the lead single from his highly-anticipated album, “K-POP” marks the beginning of a new era for Travis Scott. The track’s bold experimentation and genre-blending aesthetics reaffirm Scott’s position as a boundary-pushing artist, unafraid to explore uncharted territories in his music.
In the cinematic visual for “K-POP,” cameos by SZA and Pharrell Williams add to the star-studded allure, further emphasizing the magnitude of this collaborative masterpiece. Travis Scott‘s ability to assemble a powerhouse lineup of artists reflects his immense influence and respect within the music industry.
With “K-POP,” Travis Scott has once again proven his ability to captivate audiences with his signature style and visionary approach to music. The track’s seamless blend of diverse influences serves as a testament to Scott’s versatility and creativity, setting the stage for what promises to be a groundbreaking album.
As UTOPIA season dawns upon us, fans eagerly anticipate the full album release, eager to immerse themselves in the immersive world that Travis Scott has meticulously crafted. “K-POP” is only the beginning, a tantalizing glimpse into the sonic journey that awaits in the captivating realm of UTOPIA.
Stormzy, the iconic London talent, and the sensational RAYE come together for an uptempo collaboration titled “The Weekend,” a heartfelt dedication to lovers everywhere. Produced by the talented duo of Michael “LONDON” Hunter and RAYE, the track exudes infectious energy and celebrates the joys of summer romance.
In the visually stunning video, directed by Omar Jones, viewers are transported to the vibrant streets of London during the sunny months. The scenes are filled with beautiful people basking in the warm weather, immersing themselves in the carefree spirit of the season. Stormzy effortlessly embodies the player lifestyle, exuding charisma and charm as he navigates the city’s bustling atmosphere.
In a visually captivating spectacle, Stormzy and RAYE seamlessly come together in front of an immense sound system, crafting a mesmerizing and unforgettable scene that evokes fond memories of the iconic “Girls Dem Sugar” music video by Beenie Man and Mya. The palpable synergy between these two exceptionally talented artists imbues “The Weekend” with an irresistible charm, elevating it to the status of a resounding anthem that embodies the essence of summer love and exuberant celebration. As the music swells, the chemistry between Stormzy and RAYE becomes palpable, radiating an infectious energy that beckons listeners to embrace the magic of the moment. With a perfect blend of electrifying beats and captivating visuals, this remarkable collaboration paints a vivid picture of shared joy and camaraderie, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who experience its euphoric melodies and lyrics. By evoking the spirit of unity and the thrill of collective jubilation, “The Weekend” stands tall as a defining masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of musical genres and resonates with audiences across the globe, transforming ordinary days into extraordinary celebrations of life, love, and the universal language of music.
Looking ahead, Stormzy is gearing up to host his very own “This Is What I Mean Day” event in collaboration with All Points East. Set to take place on August 18 in London’s Victoria Park, the massive occasion will feature an impressive lineup of supporting acts, including Kehlani, Knucks, Lucky Daye, WSTRN, Amaria BB, Nippa, and more. Fans can anticipate an unforgettable experience as Stormzy takes the stage to showcase his dynamic artistry.
“The Weekend” serves as a testament to Stormzy’s versatility as an artist, infusing his signature style with RAYE’s captivating vocals to create a mesmerizing musical journey. The track’s infectious beats and heartfelt lyrics make it an instant favorite, resonating with audiences on a profound level.
As summer heats up, Stormzy and RAYE’s “The Weekend” provides the perfect soundtrack for moments of love and joy. Its uplifting vibes and London-inspired visuals leave a lasting impression, solidifying Stormzy’s position as one of the most influential artists in the UK music scene.
683 Lyft employees will be laid off as part of the company’s cost-cutting efforts.
Ride-hailing giant Lyft is laying off 683 employees as part of a cost-cutting effort, the company said on Tuesday.
The move comes as Lyft, which is scheduled to go public next month, looks to cut costs ahead of its debut on the stock market.
The layoffs will affect 9% of Lyft’s workforce and are the biggest round of job cuts in the company’s history. The company will take a $60 million charge because of layoffs.
Six hundred and eighty-three Lyft employees will be laid off as part of its cost-cutting measures
Lyft is laying off 683 employees across the U.S. in a cost-cutting push that will center on its human resources, marketing, and recruiting teams.
The ride-hailing company announced the layoffs in an email to staff on Tuesday, saying the move was necessary to achieve profitability. The company has been burning through cash as it battles Uber for supremacy in the U.S. market and has been under pressure from investors to cut costs.
“We need to get to profitability and ensure our long-term health as a business,” Lyft co-founder and president John Zimmer wrote in a company-wide email.
The layoffs represent about 9 percent of Lyft’s 7,000 employees worldwide. Most of the affected workers are based in San Francisco, where Lyft is headquartered, but there are also cuts in New York, Seattle, and other cities.
How will this affect Lyft’s business?
Lyft’s decision to let go of employees will affect its business. The company has been under pressure to cut costs, and this move will help it achieve that goal. However, the layoffs will also reduce the company’s workforce and could lead to lower morale among the remaining employees. It is unclear how Lyft will manage its business without the affected employees.
How will this affect the rideshare industry?
The coronavirus pandemic has decimated ride-sharing demand, and Lyft is feeling the pinch. The company announced yesterday that it would release 982 employees, or 14% of its workforce.
This is a significant blow to the rideshare industry, which has already been struggling to compete with traditional taxi and transportation companies. The pandemic has only exacerbated those problems, as people are hesitant to use shared ride services.
Lyft’s layoffs will have a ripple effect throughout the industry as other companies attempt to cut costs to stay afloat. This could mean fewer drivers on the road, higher prices for riders, and shorter wait times for cars. Rideshare is going through a tough time, and it’s unclear when the industry will recover.
Why is Lyft laying off employees?
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage the economy, many companies are forced to make tough decisions to stay afloat. That means many workers are losing their jobs.
Lyft is the latest company to announce layoffs, saying it will cut about 1,000 employees from its workforce. The ride-hailing company has been hit hard by the pandemic, with ridership plummeting as people stay home to avoid spreading or contracting the virus.
The layoffs are meant to make the organization more efficient.
With the layoffs, Lyft expects to save money, but it is seeking to raise $600 million in new financing.
That money will be used in part to help offset some losses caused by the pandemic.
Lyft says it will offer severance packages and outplacement services for those who are losing their jobs to help them transition to new employment. The company also says it is committed to rehiring as many laid-off employees as possible when business picks back up.
Conclusion
Lyft is the latest company to release workers to cut costs. The ride-hailing firm said it would eliminate 683 positions, or about 5% of its workforce, as part of a broad restructuring announced late last month.
Lyft has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with ridership plummeting and losses widening. The company has already announced several rounds of layoffs and other cost-cutting measures, including the closure of its self-driving car division.
After joe biden got elected to be the new president, the nation celebrated for days. Throughout the process, as the four key states were still counting votes, the nation Waited. On november 6th, georgia finally began to give us the proper numbers as Biden surpassed trump, therefore moving towards presidency. Previously, georgia Was mostly red. However, former gubernatorial candidate and voting rights Advocate stacey abrams turned it around. In the year of 2018, abrams contested to Be a governor but lost to then-secretary of state brian kemp by 55,000 votes. People Claimed that voter suppression played a role, so she turned into an activist for fair Counting of votes in her state.
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