Latest news with #Koning
Time Magazine
25-05-2025
- Science
- Time Magazine
Who does AI help the most?
By One of the big questions about genAI's implication for work is whether it gives a greater performance boost to less experienced, lower-performing workers or more experienced, higher-performing workers. Research skews toward the former, but a few studies have found that access to genAI tools like ChatGPT help high performers more. One of the most well-known studies in the second camp has now been discredited. The paper—which was widely covered in media outlets, including Charter —found, among other things, that a genAI tool that helped material scientists discover new materials helped high-performing scientists significantly more than it helped their lower-performing peers. The author of the paper is no longer at MIT, and the university said it now 'has no confidence in the veracity of the research contained in the paper.' This came as a shock to us, as that research was important to our understanding of how AI may impact work and inequality. Given its retraction, we wanted to synthesize what the other current research says about this question of whether AI will widen or narrow performance gaps between workers. The question matters for understanding whether AI will increase inequality, explains Rembrand Koning, an associate professor at Harvard Business School, who co-authored a paper on this topic. But, he adds, it also has important implications for how AI might impact less experienced workers. 'If [AI] helps people with more experience, [who] tend to be the people who can do things better, it might take out the lowest rungs of the labor market because we think AI can have such large effects.' Longer term, Koning adds, 'there may be policy solutions or organizational changes that can get around some of these problems…we need to know the facts to start understanding how the economy might respond.' Most studies that look into this question find that genAI has an equalizing effect, helping less experienced, lower-performing workers more than their more experienced, higher-performing peers. With the retraction of the material sciences paper, I know of only a few papers that have found the opposite to be true. The AI-as-an-equalizer result has shown up in studies of everything from customer-support work to writing and consulting tasks. There are two important aspects of these studies to keep in mind when applying their results to other settings. First, the tasks in question are areas where we know AI already performs very well. Second, in these studies, what the genAI tool produces is often relatively close to—or, in some cases, is—the final product. So the mechanism through which AI levels the playing field in these studies is essentially by doing much, sometimes most, of the work. The AI-widens-performance-gaps result has shown up in a few papers, including one that looked at college students in a debate competition and another that studied entrepreneurs in Kenya. Both studies suggest judgment plays a crucial role in whether or not someone benefits from AI. In the Kenya context, for example, the AI tool provided a range of advice to entrepreneurs and it was up to them to decide what to do with it. 'Those who have the judgment do better because they're able to be like, 'Yeah, these 10 pieces of advice—six are terrible, two are neutral, two are actually really good. Let me focus on the two that can actually help my business,'' explains Harvard Business School's Koning, one of the study's co-authors. So, will AI widen or narrow performance gaps? My view is that it depends on a job's level of autonomy. If you're in a job where you help set your goals, determine how to reach those goals, and make many decisions throughout your day, AI likely helps you more if you're a high performer with strong judgment. If, however, you're in a role that's more constrained, requires less decision-making, and performs a pre-defined set of tasks that AI can do well, then AI likely narrows the performance gap. 'The way I think of that is when you start your day and you're looking at the possible number of paths you can go down…how many paths could I possibly choose? And then how different are the end destinations of those paths?' explains Ben Weidmann, director of research at the Harvard Skills Lab and co-author of a related paper. 'My hypothesis, which is very similar to yours…is that jobs where there are more paths are going to disproportionately have the AI gains go to people who are high-skilled' in their decision-making capabilities, says Weidmann. 'The other way to think about it is [whether] the AI [is] producing the inputs or the outputs for your job,' says Koning. In many of the studies that find that AI narrows performance gaps, the AI's output becomes the worker's output, with varying degrees of editing. Koning points out that in the debate and entrepreneurship studies, the AI's answers were the inputs for the tasks of debating an opponent or making critical business decisions and implementing them.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Koning Health Announces Series C Raise Through Strategic Partnership with Sage Tap Poder
NORCROSS, Ga., May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Koning Health, the commercial-stage medical imaging company behind the revolutionary Vera Scan, announced the launch of its official Series C fundraising round in coordination with Sage Tap Poder SPV. The raise is being conducted as a Rule 506(c) offering under Regulation D and is open exclusively to verified accredited investors. Sage Tap Poder's SPV (special purpose vehicle) will directly invest in Koning, supporting the company's next phase of growth as it scales the rollout of the Koning Vera Breast CT (Koning Vera)—the first and only FDA-approved 3D breast imaging system for diagnostic use that delivers high-resolution images without compression or discomfort. "This Series C round marks a major milestone in our mission to transform breast imaging and empower women with a more accurate, comfortable, and accessible alternative to traditional mammography," said Matthew Stack, CFO of Koning. "Partnering with Sage Tap Poder allows us to bring a broader base of accredited investors into the Koning family at a pivotal time in our commercial expansion." The funding will accelerate deployment of the Koning Vera in clinics and hospitals across the US, drive reimbursement strategy and adoption among radiologists, and fuel ongoing innovation in 3D imaging technology. Koning's unique approach replaces the decades-old standard of painful breast compression with a fast, comfortable, and patient-friendly scan that captures a full 360-degree view of breast tissue in 7 seconds per breast—ideal for dense tissue, calcification detection, and routine imaging. "We're proud to support a company that's redefining women's health through breakthrough imaging technology," said Kirk Honour, Managing Partner at Sage Tap Poder. "This opportunity gives accredited investors the chance to invest in a category-defining medical device company with strong commercial traction and a clear path to scale." About Koning Health About Koning: Koning is a global Health Technology company focused on improving the breast imaging industry with its patented Koning Vera Breast CT. Koning's vision is to create a revolution in medical imaging through advanced computed tomography technology that dramatically improves the way clinicians visualize and evaluate breast tissue. The Koning Vera is expected to optimize early disease detection, diagnosis, and intervention by the clinician. For more information, please visit Koning's website. Accredited investors interested in participating in the offering can contact Kirk Honour at or 888-558-5228 x803 to learn more about the opportunity. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE KONING CORPORATION
Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
AI threatens women's jobs three times more than men's, as per United Nations report
Listen to article Women are nearly three times more likely than men to have their jobs automated by artificial intelligence (AI), according to a new report from the United Nations' International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Poland's National Research Institute (NASK). The report, released May 20, highlights the disproportionate impact AI-driven automation is expected to have on women's roles in the workplace, especially in higher-income countries. It found that about 9.6% of women's jobs in these countries face a high risk of AI automation, compared to just 3.5% of men's jobs. Globally, around 25% of jobs are potentially exposed to generative AI technologies, rising to 34% in wealthier nations. Clerical and administrative positions, where women make up the vast majority, are particularly vulnerable. In the United States, between 93% and 97% of secretarial and administrative assistant roles were held by women from 2000 to 2019, according to US Census Bureau data. These roles rank among the most common jobs for women, making AI's impact on these positions a significant concern. The report does not include caretaker roles such as health aides, which typically involve emotional labour and are considered less susceptible to AI automation. Experts emphasise that the report does not claim AI will completely eliminate clerical or entry-level jobs but identifies roles where AI can take on certain tasks, signalling where workers and employers should prepare for change. 'This index helps identify where generative AI is likely to have the biggest impact, so countries can better prepare and protect workers,' said Marek Troszyński, senior expert at NASK. Rembrand Koning, associate professor at Harvard Business School, advocates for viewing AI as a tool for augmentation rather than solely a threat. 'AI can automate routine tasks, enabling workers to focus on higher-paying or more complex activities,' he revealed in the report. However, Koning's research reveals a gender gap in AI adoption. Women use AI tools at a rate approximately 25% lower than men, partly due to concerns about the ethics of AI and fears of being perceived as cheating or less competent by colleagues. 'Men tend to be more confident, even overconfident, about the benefits of using AI,' Koning said. He emphasises that workplace leaders must foster inclusive environments where all employees feel comfortable adopting AI technologies. 'It's the job of a leader to bring everybody in,' Koning said. As AI continues reshaping the workforce, ensuring equitable access and support for women will be crucial to safeguarding their careers amid this technological transition.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Most New Jersey voters don't know there's an election coming up: Rutgers-Eagleton poll
Most New Jersey voters don't know there's an election coming up. The primary election for governor will take place on June 10. But according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll, conducted in April, most voters can't tell you that. In the poll of 1,058 adults, including 966 registered voters, only 4% could name the correct date when asked when the next election was. Twenty percent said the election would take place at some point in June, including those who got the right month but wrong date. More: New Jersey expands early voting period for state primaries starting in June Thirty-five percent said the next election would be in November, 1% mentioned a special election in their area, 24% said 'other' and 16% said they were unsure. 'Any election not held during a presidential year or not in November has historically seen lower turnout due to less awareness, less interest, and less engagement,' said Ashley Koning, an assistant research professor and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling (ECPIP) at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, in a news release. 'New Jersey's gubernatorial primaries are the perfect storm for this – typically held in June and never during a presidential year – with turnout in past primaries in the single digits to low double digits.' The poll found that registered voters were not more aware of the primary date than the general population, being only slightly less likely to say they are unsure. Democrats were slightly more likely than Republicans and independents to know the correct month. 'Since independents are able to change their registration to vote in the primaries or declare their party at the polls in-person, they can still play an important role in the upcoming election, but they are not as tuned in as their partisan counterparts right now,' Koning said. 'The reality is, if more independents were aware and declared a party, it could potentially change the game for many of the primary candidates, particularly on the Democratic side.' Older voters were more likely to know that an election is taking place in June, according to the poll, while Hispanic voters were less likely than non-Hispanic white or non-Hispanic Black voters to know the date or month. 'Disadvantaged voting groups often go unheard in primaries because they are less aware that they are taking place and therefore less likely to vote,' said Jessica Roman, director of data management and analysis at ECPIP, in the release. 'Some of these groups are key to candidates' platforms and potential victories, but those who typically vote in primaries are less representation of the population as a whole and more likely to be affluent and well educated.' This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Most NJ voters don't know primary election date: Rutgers-Eagleton poll
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Jersey Democrats brace for nail-biter with governor's primary
The Democratic primary for the New Jersey governor's race is a jump ball just more than a month before voters head to the polls. Public polling of the race has been sparse, but the available public and internal surveys have shown Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) with a small lead over the other five candidates running. But her leads have generally been no more than a few points, often with another candidate within the margin of error behind her. That's given candidates hope that anyone could pull off a win next month in a race where Democrats are favored. 'All of these candidates are within striking distance from one another,' said Ashley Koning, the director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University. 'It seems like a lot of the voters still aren't sure, still very undecided and can't coalesce around a single candidate.' The race to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy (D) gradually became more crowded as a half dozen major Democratic candidates launched bids to replace them. All of them bring extensive resumes in New Jersey politics: two House members, two mayors of major cities who have served for more than a decade, a former mayor and current president of the state education labor union, and a former state Senate president who's been an influential powerbroker in state politics for years. Sherrill, a fourth-term House member and former Navy helicopter pilot, appears to be the slight favorite, at least on paper. One of the only consistent trends in polling has been a slight lead for Sherrill. In the most recent public polling from the Eagleton Center, Sherrill led by 5 points over her next-closest opponent, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. She's also led by varying small amounts in internal polls, including those conducted by other campaigns. Along with receiving the endorsement from most of the county parties in North Jersey, which has the largest population in the state, Sherrill isn't in a bad spot. But her lead in the Eagleton poll was within the margin of error and her leads in other surveys have consistently been in the single digits. With the percentage of undecided voters often being as high as the percentage of Sherrill's support and predicting turnout in an off-year primary being difficult, Koning warned that the state of the race may be different than it appears. 'Just because she's having consistent but small leads doesn't mean in reality she's having a consistent but small lead,' Koning said. 'That kind of misinterpretation would be very reminiscent of what we saw with [Hillary] Clinton back in 2016.' Sherrill's campaign disputed the idea that the race is open, arguing that she is the front-runner based on the polling. Her campaign argued that it has developed a strong field operation and that Sherrill has been willing to appear on traditional and nontraditional media, no matter where voters receive their news. Most of the other Democratic candidates — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (N.J.) — have placed second in at least one recent poll. Former state Senate President Steve Sweeney is the only one who hasn't but has still had decent support. The candidates largely agree on many issues, pushing to lower the cost of living in what is one of the most expensive states to live in, investing in clean energy and education, and improving housing affordability. But as the primary has approached, they've increasingly taken shots at each other to argue they're the one who will get their goals accomplished in office. They have also pointed to specific proposals that set themselves apart from the rest. Fulop in particular has sought to call out Sherrill over what he argues are vague positions on the issues and being the choice of the party machine, comparing her to New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy. Murphy ran for Senate in the Democratic primary with the backing of her husband and several party leaders, but she dropped out after struggling to fend off opposition from now-Sen. Andy Kim (D). Sherrill campaign spokesperson Sean Higgins argued Sherill's 'affordability agenda' covers a range of key issues like housing, health care and energy costs, saying a unique policy point is her call for protecting children and democracy online from the harmful effects of social media and Big Tech. 'She's got a really clear vision for the state, and I think her story shows that she has a different kind of leadership that we're seeing resonate in this campaign,' Higgins said. Fulop told The Hill in an interview that the fundamental difference between his campaign and the others' is the 'really detailed policies' he's proposed from day one and the political reform he's called for. '[Voters] want somebody who is more than just a fighter against some of the Trump policies,' he said. 'I think a differentiator is that I talk more about substance on how I'm going to stand up for New Jersey, but people want to hear that.' He argued that voters want to hear a 'clear vision' instead of 'platitudes.' On his website, he's laid out extensive policy proposals on various issues that are all at least a dozen pages long. Fulop expressed optimism about his campaign, arguing that he has the most momentum and is receiving the right signs on the ground from voters. He's positioned himself as an antiestablishment outsider, having crusaded against the county line system that favored county-endorsed candidates and calling for reducing a 'corruption tax' that he argues raises costs because of lobbyists' political power. 'June 10 is going to be, in some ways, kind of a referendum on whose vision is right, whether people want change from that system or they're comfortable with the way it's working,' he said. Gottheimer told The Hill in an interview that he's the only candidate with a 'very specific' plan to cut not just costs but taxes as well, calling for a property tax cut of nearly 15 percent. He also pointed to the recent ad that depicted him fighting President Trump in a boxing ring as showing he won't let 'anybody mess with Jersey.' 'People are just really looking for somebody who's going to take on these costs and taxes and be unafraid to take on Trump,' he said. He noted that 'undecided' has more support in the race than any other candidate but expects that to drop as the primary approaches. 'That's why I'm running around the state,' Gottheimer said. Spiller, who is a former mayor of Montclair, has argued he's set himself apart as the only candidate not receiving contributions from Wall Street and other wealthy donors. 'I'm the one candidate in this race who isn't funded by big corporate PACs, hedge funds, developers, and Wall Street,' he told The Hill in a statement. 'I'm a science teacher, union leader, and immigrant — and New Jerseyans know I'm the one candidate they can trust to stand up to Donald Trump and the wealthy special interests.' Spiller has received some criticism over the millions of dollars that a super PAC with ties to the union he leads has spent to boost him in the race. He's defended himself by arguing that the money is coming from average working people rather than hedge funds. The Hill has reached out to the Baraka and Sweeney campaigns for comment. One major difference for this race is the lack of the county line that previously had been highly influential in primaries in New Jersey. The ballot was designed like a grid, with the candidate who receives the party endorsement in each county usually receiving the first and most optimal spot, making it difficult for other candidates to compete without the endorsement. But a judge struck down the county line as unconstitutional last year, and the governor signed a bill in March officially repealing the county line ballot system. Still, the race could be a test of the influence of the state party in the new era for New Jersey politics. Strategist Julie Roginsky said the removal of the county line system requires party organizations to effectively organize and reach voters rather than relying on the line. She said the candidate who best demonstrates their ability to stand up for New Jersey and oppose Trump may have the best chance of breaking through with the backdrop of this race happening with him in the White House. 'If you are able to authentically, and I use the word authentically purposely, authentically message that you are that fighter, you stand a much better chance of winning that primary,' she said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
