Latest news with #BlueYellow
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
UCT discontinues AI detection tools, including Turnitin's AI Score
The OpenAI logo is seen on a mobile phone in front of a computer screen displaying output from ChatGPT. Image: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File UCT has announced that it will discontinue the use of AI detection tools, such as Turnitin's AI Score, effective October 1. This decision follows the endorsement of UCT's AI in Education Framework by the Senate Teaching and Learning Committee in June this year. According to the university, the framework prioritises ethical AI literacy, assessment integrity, and innovative curriculum design over reliance on automated surveillance tools. According to the University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Teaching and Learning Professor Brandon Collier-Reed, the institution will discontinue the use of AI detection tools, such as Turnitin's AI Score. He also raised concerns regarding the reliability of AI detection tools, noting that they are widely considered to be unreliable and can produce both false positives and false negatives. "An important related issue is the use of the Turnitin AI Score, which flags passages of writing in student work considered to be AI-generated," Reed said in a communique directed to students and staff. "AI detection tools are widely considered to be unreliable, and can produce both false positives and false negatives. The continued use of such scores risks compromising student trust and academic fairness. The Senate Teaching and Learning Committee has now agreed that use of the AI Score should be discontinued, and this feature in Turnitin will no longer be available at UCT from October 1, 2025". Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The university's decision comes amid global challenges with AI detection tools, which have frequently resulted in students being mistakenly accused of using AI-generated content. Collier-Reed added that the endorsement of the framework was a result of UCT moving with the times, as 'artificial intelligence technologies are becoming part of our daily lives'. 'Staff and students are using tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini in innovative and productive ways; while at other times these technologies present significant challenges, requiring us to rethink teaching pedagogies, assessment practices and the fundamentals of what a university experience should be, and what our qualifications should signify in a changing world,' he said. Cape Times
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Why the Asus ZenScreen MB169CK is the Ultimate Portable Monitor for On-the-Go Professionals
The Asus ZenScreen MB169CK 15.6-inch Full HD portable monitor offers USB-C and mini-HDMI connectivity, auto-rotate functionality, and a slim design that makes it ideal for hybrid workers, students, and digital nomads. Image: Benjamin Liebenberg If you're constantly on the move and need a second screen that's lightweight, functional, and easy to connect, the Asus ZenScreen MB169CK may be worth considering. This 15.6-inch Full HD portable monitor offers USB-C and mini-HDMI connectivity, auto-rotate functionality, and a slim design that makes it ideal for hybrid workers, students, and digital nomads. Here's a detailed look at its key features, including rotation, the stand, display quality for video and productivity (like Excel), and portability. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Rotation & Orientation: Auto-Pivot That Works (Mostly) The ZenScreen MB169CK supports both landscape and portrait modes, which is great if you like to code vertically or view long documents without scrolling. Once you install ASUS DisplayWidget software (for Windows), the monitor automatically switches orientation when rotated. Get it at Kickstand & Mounting: Flexible but Not Flawless Included in the box is a detachable 360° kickstand, which screws into a ¼-inch tripod socket on the back of the monitor. In landscape mode, the kickstand provides a solid and adjustable viewing angle. In portrait mode, however, stability is less reliable—if not perfectly aligned, the screen might wobble or tip over. The ZenScreen also features a small hole at the top corner for hanging—handy for creative mounting options in a workspace, but probably not something most users will rely on. Get it at Display Quality: Good for Video, Not for Colour Accuracy The MB169CK features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS panel. It runs at 60Hz with a 5ms response time, offering smooth performance for web browsing, office tasks, and casual video playback. Viewing angles are wide, and there's minimal motion blur. However, this display is not colour-accurate. With only around 62% sRGB coverage, colours appear washed out compared to more premium displays. Brightness peaks at approximately 200–250 nits, which is acceptable indoors but less effective in bright environments. Excel & Productivity: Made for Office Work The screen performs well for standard productivity apps like Excel, Word, and Google Sheets. Text is sharp and readable, and Full HD resolution gives you enough room to view spreadsheets side-by-side with other apps. Flicker-free technology and built-in blue light filters also make it more comfortable for long working hours. Get it at Connectivity: Simple, Versatile Setup The ZenScreen MB169CK supports both USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) and mini-HDMI. With USB-C, a single cable handles both power and video. If your laptop doesn't support DP Alt Mode, you can fall back to mini-HDMI for video and connect USB-C or a power bank separately for power. Asus includes both USB-C and HDMI cables in the box—no need for extra dongles or adapters. Portability: Built for Travel Weighing just 780 grams without the stand and 858 grams with it, the MB169CK is lightweight enough to carry in a backpack or laptop bag. It's just 11.8mm thin, making it one of the slimmest portable monitors on the market. Asus also includes a protective sleeve for added protection while traveling. Get it at Final Verdict The Asus ZenScreen MB169CK is a solid choice for anyone who needs a reliable second screen for work on the go. It's not built for creative professionals or gamers—but for emails, spreadsheets, browsing, and presentations, it gets the job done with minimal fuss. Get it at
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Coetzé charges into 100m backstroke final with world-leading form
South Africa's Pieter Coetzé powered through his 100m backstroke semi-final in Singapore, qualifying third-fastest for Tuesday's final after beating Olympic champion Thomas Ceccon. Photo: Swimming SA Image: Swimming SA Pieter Coetzé booked his place in the 100m backstroke final at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, after powering to second place in his semi-final on Monday, finishing ahead of Olympic champion Thomas Ceccon of Italy. The 21-year-old star had secured his semi-final spot with a time of 52.80 seconds in the morning heat and then went even quicker in the semis, clocking 52.29. That performance saw Coetzé qualify third-fastest for the final, behind Hungary's Hubert Kós (52.21) and Russia's Kliment Kolesnikov (51.26). Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Coetzé heads into Tuesday final with the fastest time in the world this year, having claimed gold at the World University Games in Germany just nine days ago. There, he posted an impressive African and World Student Games record time of 51.99 seconds, becoming only the eighth swimmer ever to dip under 52 seconds in the 100m backstroke. He also won gold in the 50m backstroke and earned a surprise silver in the 100m freestyle at the University Games. 'It was good. I just wanted to make it back for the final and I was happy with the time and the swim, and to get second in the semis is a good result,' said Coetzé, after his semi-final. 'I knew it was going to be fast … I've swum with most of these guys but the Russians are new to me. "I haven't swum against them and they're also really fast, but I don't really focus on the people I'm racing against. I just focus on what I need to do.' As for the final, he added: 'I know what I need to do, so I'll just go and look at the video and see where I can work on things and come back refreshed tomorrow.' Earlier in the day, three other South Africans were in action in the morning heats. Rebecca Meder finished ninth in her heat and 27th overall in the 100m breaststroke with a time of 1:07.50. 'It was a personal best time for me, so I can't complain — that's the best I've ever swum in the 100 breast,' she said. Matt Sates, meanwhile, placed 32nd overall in the 200m freestyle heats, clocking 1:48.45. 'It wasn't my best one. I think I went out a little bit hard, so I died at the end,' he admitted. 'But it's nice racing for South Africa and to get the first race done.' Catherine van Rensburg, who also competed in the open water events at these championships, finished 26th overall in the 1 500m freestyle. 'That was very hard. I did not enjoy it really,' she said. 'I felt strong in the warm-up and all, but it looks like it didn't all work out.' Swimming action continues on Tuesday with Chris Smith in the 50m breaststroke heats and Aimee Canny in the 200m freestyle heats, while Coetzé will be aiming to secure South Africa's first medal of the championships in the 100m backstroke final.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
The hidden dangers of blue light: Is your screen harming your skin?
You device could be causing your skin more harm than you realise. Image: Freepik Whether it's scrolling on our phones, working on laptops, or binge-watching our favourite shows, constant exposure to blue light has become part of daily life. Blue light, also known as High-Energy Visible (HEV) light, is part of the light spectrum that our eyes can see. The sun is by far the most significant natural source of blue light, which plays a role in regulating our sleep cycles and boosting our mood. However, the artificial blue light emitted from our digital devices has significantly increased our daily exposure, leading to modern skin concerns. Research is shedding light on how this pervasive blue glow might be doing more than just straining our eyes. Here's how this digital light can impact your complexion. Accelerated ageing Just like too much sun can lead to wrinkles, blue light can also play a role in speeding up the signs of ageing. It generates what scientists call "reactive oxygen species" (ROS) or "free radicals" in your skin cells. These are unstable molecules that can damage essential skin components like collagen and elastin, which are responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump. According to a review published in ResearchGate on the effects of blue light on skin, this process "fuels oxidative stress, pigment problems, and skin ageing." Over time, this can lead to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of skin elasticity. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Persistent pigmentation Ever noticed new dark spots or an uneven skin tone? Blue light can stimulate your melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. A study published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology indicates that "blue light can increase skin hyperpigmentation, particularly in dark-skinned people." This can result in new dark spots, worsen existing ones like melasma, and contribute to a less even complexion, with some studies noting that blue light-induced pigmentation can last as long as three months. Blue light can stimulate your melanocytes. Image: Freepik Inflammation Prolonged exposure to blue light can trigger inflammatory responses in the skin, potentially leading to redness and irritation. It can also compromise your skin's natural barrier function, making it less effective at retaining moisture and protecting itself from environmental stressors like pollution. While blue light's effects are a growing concern, it's vital to remember that the damage is generally not as immediate or aggressive as that caused by UV radiation, which is a primary factor in sunburn and skin cancer. However, the cumulative effect of our increasing screen time makes blue light a significant modern skincare challenge. Protecting your skin from blue light The good news is you don't need to ditch your digital devices entirely to protect your skin. Here are some simple yet effective tips to help create a shield against blue light damage. Mind your screen time: The simplest step is often the most effective. Take regular breaks from your devices. A great guideline is the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a break and reduces continuous blue light exposure to your skin. Step away from your screen. Image: Nataliya Vaitkevich / Pexels Activate device filters: Most modern smartphones, tablets, and computers come with settings to reduce blue light emission, often called "Night Mode" or "Blue Light Filter." Turn these on, especially in the evenings, to create a warmer, less intense glow. Embrace antioxidant-rich skincare: Antioxidants are your skin's best defence against the free radicals generated by blue light. Incorporate skincare products that contain powerhouse antioxidants like: Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that helps brighten skin and combat damage. Vitamin E: Works synergistically with Vitamin C to enhance protection. Ferulic Acid: Often found in antioxidant serums to boost their effectiveness. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps strengthen your skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and can even assist with hyperpigmentation. According to a study on pigmentation effects, niacinamide can "mitigate blue light-induced visible pigmentation and skin reddening." Use mineral sunscreen with a tint: While broad-spectrum sunscreens are crucial for UV protection, some mineral sunscreens offer an added benefit against blue light. Look for formulas containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which act as physical blockers. For even more protection against visible light, including blue light, opt for tinted mineral sunscreens that contain iron oxides. IOL Lifestyle Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Passport ready? 5 bucket list destinations for young adrenaline junkies
For young adventurers craving excitement and experience, the iconic city of Miami is synonymous with sun-drenched beaches, vibrant neighbourhoods and a melting pot of delicious cuisines. Image: Instagram. Travelling in your 20s or 30s can be very different from exploring the globe in later years. For the young or young-at-heart, the temptation lies in the exhilaration of nightlife, outdoor adventures and interactive activities. Whether you're after budget-friendly spots or unique experiences that step off the beaten path, this list of destinations will pique your interest. East Coast of Australia The East Coast of Australia is an adventurer's paradise. Here you can scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef or hike through the Daintree Rainforest, the world's oldest tropical rainforest in Queensland. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ And, of course, don't miss iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Twelve Apostles, which offer plenty of Instagram opportunities. Thailand With a tropical climate and an incredibly vibrant nightlife, Thailand is a favourite among young globetrotters. Bangkok boasts a mix of trendy clubs and lively beach parties in Phuket, particularly around the famous Bangla Road. Travellers can also enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking and rock climbing, especially in the mountainous regions near Chiang Mai. Portugal This small but vibrant European nation has so much to offer. There are rugged coastlines with picturesque beaches waiting for you to surf or swim. Cities like Lisbon and Porto burst with music, colour and energy, and don't forget the amazing detail when it comes to architecture and design. The Palácio da Bolsa was built on the ruins of the Convento de S. Francisco and is an example of an architectural gem worth visiting. Image: Instagram. Costa Rica Filled with rich green forests, volcanic hot springs, abundant wildlife, reggaeton music and peaceful beaches, Costa Rica is a magical place. Adventures and activities include ziplining through the rainforest canopy, whitewater rafting on rivers like the Pacuare, hiking, surfing at world-class surf spots on both coasts and wildlife watching. Costa Rica also has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, making it easy to travel around and find lodging and dining. Miami, USA This iconic US city in southern Florida is exactly what you would picture based on all the songs about it: Think Pitbull's "I'm in Miami b****". Tourists can enjoy beautiful beaches, explore diverse neighbourhoods and indulge in spicy Cuban, Mexican and Puerto Rican cuisine. Not forgetting, its warm weather and sunny skies make it ideal for outdoor activities and relaxation. At night, Miami is legendary, with world-renowned clubs, bars and lounges. Areas like South Beach and Downtown Miami are hotspots for those seeking vibrant nightlife.
