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Empower Clinics $CBDT.ca Announces Strong Start to The Year with January 2020 Patient Visits Increasing by 188% $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 6:31 AM on Tuesday, February 11th, 2020
  • Announced that patient visits in corporate clinics increased by 188% in January 2020 versus the same period in 2019, with total patient visits of 1,750 in January 2020 compared to 607 in January 2019.

VANCOUVER, BC /February 11, 2020 / EMPOWER CLINICS INC. (CSE:CBDT)(OTC:EPWCF)(Frankfurt:8EC) (“Empower” or the “Company“), a vertically integrated and growth-oriented CBD life sciences company is pleased to announce that patient visits in corporate clinics increased by 188% in January 2020 versus the same period in 2019, with total patient visits of 1,750 in January 2020 compared to 607 in January 2019.

“January patient volumes were strong, setting the stage for potentially record first quarter patient visits, that are always focused on the patient experience, it’s a competitive advantage and I continue to be impressed with how our team members care for each and every patient they see.” said Steven McAuley, Chairman & CEO of Empower. “Looking forward, we are excited for our next franchise signings and the expansion of our product lines, adding to the in-clinic retail experience we are building.”

The Company utilizes it’s technology platform to communicate with patients by text message, email and call center ensuring appointments are confirmed and expected patient visits take place as planned.

The Company’s Sun Valley Health division also completed the set up and build out of it’s retail product counter and sales areas in it’s Tucson, AZ location, to showcase it’s CBD product line with over 50 unique SKU’s. Patients and customers can purchase product in clinic locations or online at www.sunvalleyhealth.com.

ABOUT EMPOWER

Empower is a vertically-integrated health & wellness brand with it’s first hemp-derived CBD extraction facility under development, the Company produces its proprietary line of cannabidiol (CBD) based products and distributes products through company owned and franchised clinics, with wholesale partnerships, online channels and with new retail opportunities nationwide in the U.S. The company is a leading multi-state operator of a network of physician-staffed wellness clinics, focused on helping patients improve and protect their health, through innovative physician recommended treatment options. The company has commenced activity on how to connect its significant data, to the potential of the efficacy of alternative treatment options related to hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) therapies.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Steven McAuley
Chief Executive Officer

CONTACTS:

Investors: Steven McAuley

CEO

[email protected]

604-789-2146

Investors: Dustin Klein
SVP, Business Development
[email protected]
720-352-1398

For French inquiries: Remy Scalabrini, Maricom Inc., E: [email protected], T: (888) 585-MARI

DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (collectively “forward looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release.Forward-looking statements can frequently be identified by words such as “plans”, “continues”, “expects”, “projects”, “intends”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar words, or information that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding; the Company’s intention to open a hemp-based CBD extraction facility, the expected benefits to the Company and its shareholders as a result of the proposed acquisitions and partnerships; the effectiveness of the extraction technology; the expected benefits for Empower’s patient base and customers; the benefits of CBD based products; the effect of the approval of the Farm Bill; the growth of the Company’s patient list and that the Company will be positioned to be a market-leading service provider for complex patient requirements in 2019 and beyond. Such statements are only projections, are based on assumptions known to management at this time, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including; that the Company may not open a hemp-based CBD extraction facility; that legislative changes may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business and product development; that the Company may not be able to obtain adequate financing to pursue its business plan; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; failure to obtain any necessary approvals in connection with the proposed acquisitions and partnerships; and other factors beyond the Company’s control. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable laws.

SOURCE: Empower Clinics Inc.

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#Palladium Wave Analysis For 10 February, 2019 SPONSOR: New Age Metals $NAM.ca $WG.ca $XTM.ca $WM.ca $PDL.ca $GLEN

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 4:58 PM on Monday, February 10th, 2020

SPONSOR: New Age Metals Inc. The company owns one of North America’s largest primary platinum group metals deposit in Sudbury, Canada. Updated NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate 2,867,000 PdEq Measured and Indicated Ounces, with an additional 1,059,000 PdEq Ounces Inferred. Learn More.

Palladium Wave Analysis 10 February, 2019

  • Palladium reversed from support area
  • Likely to rise to 2400.00

Palladium recently reversed up from the support zone located between the key level 2155.00 (low of the previous short-term correction 4), lower daily Bollinger Band and the 38.2% Fibonacci correction of the pervious upward impulse 3 from December.

The upward reversal from this support area created the daily Japanese candlesticks reversal pattern Hammer.

Palladium is likely to rise further toward the next resistance level 2400.00 (top of the pervious impulse waves 3 and (i)).

Source: https://menafn.com/1099682466/Palladium-Wave-Analysis-10-February-2019

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NORTHBUD $NBUD.ca – Everything Canadians need to know about Legalization 2.0 $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 3:51 PM on Monday, February 10th, 2020

SPONSOR: NORTHBUD (NBUD:CSE) Sustainable low cost, high quality cannabinoid production and procurement focusing on both bio-pharmaceutical development and Cannabinoid Infused Products. Learn More.

Everything Canadians need to know about Legalization 2.0

  • Edibles, extracts, topicals, and vapes are finally legal in Canada. Billed as Legalization 2.0, the regulations came into effect on October 17, 2019 and products have slowly begun to trickle onto the market ever since.

By Leafly Canada Staff

Edibles, extracts, topicals, and vapes are finally legal in Canada. Billed as Legalization 2.0, the regulations came into effect on October 17, 2019 and products have slowly begun to trickle onto the market ever since.

From how to consume, to what to consume, here’s everything Canadians need to know about Legalization 2.0.

Edibles 101

Cannabis-infused edibles are now available for sale through licensed retailers in Canada, though there are strict rules around marketing and dosing, including a limit of 10 mg of THC per packaged item.  Edibles in the form of food products, lozenges, and beverages can produce effective, long-lasting, and safe experiences. These forms of cannabis can also produce unpredictable effects that may feel like overdose symptoms. The difference is, of course, the dose, although it’s worth noting that while consuming too much can feel very unpleasant, no one has ever died from it.

It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours for an edible to fully kick in. Health Canada suggests that adults who use cannabis, regardless of how they consume it, shouldn’t combine it with alcohol, nicotine or other drugs.

Source: https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/legalization-2-0-guide-canada

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St-Georges Eco-Mining Corp. $SX $SX.ca $SXOOF Provides Winter Corporate Update

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 3:41 PM on Monday, February 10th, 2020

Highlights

  • Lithium Processing: technology initiatives, patent formalization, battery recycling process and lithium metal manufacturing;
  • Pilot plant potentially de-risked through discussions with ready-built facilities;

Montreal, Montreal -  February 10, 2020 – St-Georges Eco-Mining Corp. (CSE:SX) (CNSX:SX.CN) (OTC:SXOOF) (FSE:85G1) would like to update its shareholders on its on-going corporate developments.

In the past six months, St-Georges has successfully executed its strategy to strengthen and expand its focus on its green extraction metallurgical processes development and re-center its exploration efforts on energy metals in Quebec and Iceland. The team has also added a Palladium-Rhodium project in Quebec and has advanced its Thor Gold Project in Iceland to drill-ready status. Significant changes in the Company operations, namely the sale of King of the North in September and the spin-off of ZeU Crypto Networks Inc. in December, has allowed the Company to free up resources that can now be allocated to the core competencies of the Company.

Highlights

– Lithium Processing: technology initiatives, patent formalization, battery recycling process and lithium metal manufacturing;

– Pilot plant potentially de-risked through discussions with ready-built facilities;

– Julie Nickel developments;

– Iceland Resources EHF/St-Georges Iceland ltd update;

– Borealis Derivative Exchange EHF status update;

– Hydro-Dam Project in Iceland advancing on its environmental permits;

– Status of Other Holdings.

Mineral Processing Research & Development

Lithium Processing Technology

Stage I of the development of the Company’s lithium processing technology, in collaboration with Iconic Minerals (TSX-V: ICM), was completed in the first half of 2019 (See July 24, 2019 Press Release). Following the delivery of the Stage I independent report to ICM, St-Georges has accelerated the work and obtained results on many tasks that are part of Stage II and Stage III of the planned development.

On-going testing has confirmed, so far, the portability of the process developed for sediments to hard rock sources of lithium. 

The Company is looking at opportunities to apply its technologies to other advanced mining projects, in particular, ones that currently produce spodumene concentrate, but have not yet decided to build an expensive tech plant for refining. Potential adopters of the technology have been identified, and discussions initiated. In addition, the Company is looking at the potential to retrofit existing facilities. Management will update the public on the status of these discussions when materiality requires it.

St-Georges filed the final documentation with the US Patent Office allowing its patent application to move from its provisional status to the formal patent application stage. The Company also filed a PCT application for the same patent potentially giving it protection in an additional 152 countries. The final version of the patent application now allows for the recovery of lithium from recycled batteries. St-Georges intends to position itself as an ideal partner to provide strategic materials to the battery industry, which includes recycling and recovery of the new generation of batteries, including solid-state batteries. Additionally, this patent application covers recycling as well as lithium metal and alloys manufacturing.

Pilot Plant(s)

St-Georges’ management and the metallurgical team have worked on the design, the sourcing of equipment, and the financial aspects of its proposed pilot plant for the better part of the last six months. In an effort to lower the risk of the proposal, the team has initiated discussions with ready-built facilities with extra capacity. This could allow St-Georges to build its pilot plant’s processing circuit faster with only minor modifications to the ready-built facilities. Early estimates confirm that capital expenditure should only be a fraction of the original budgeted cost as the Company will be leasing the facilities long-term. The Company expects to have secured an agreement for the pilot plant facilities in Q2 2020. 

Mineral Exploration

Julie Nickel Project

Following last year’s fieldwork, the Company’s geological team and exploration sub-contractors are planning additional drilling on the Julie Nickel property. The exploration plan for the coming years will be presented to the local stakeholders and First Nations in Q1, and the updated permitting request should be filed by Q2 for work in early summer. Additional bulk sampling should be performed to advance a nickel-iron initiative by the Company’s metallurgical team.

Preliminary discussions are on-going with a ferronickel consortium planning a project in Quebec.

Manicouagan Palladium-Rhodium Project

Much like the Julie Project, the Manicouagan Project has nickel and copper that meets the conventional concentrates requirements based on the type of sulphates it contains. Additionally, the recrystallized nature of this region lends itself to higher recoveries of each crystal form and better conversion.

The presence of well-known high-grade Palladium-Rhodium-Ruthenium surface showings (See January 27, 2020, Press Release), regardless of size, allows St-Georges to significantly reduce its costs to acquire PGE concentrate material for metallurgical bench testing of its processing and refining metallurgical process for Palladium-Rhodium-Ruthenium. 

St-Georges exploration team is planning a pre-drilling surface campaign to obtain permitting to intervene on-site in mid-summer. At the same time, St-Georges’ management is having early-stage discussions with potential farm-in or earn-in partners to advance the project at a faster pace.

Borealis EHF

The hybrid decentralized and distributed ledger-driven derivative trading platform is coming together at a good pace. Regulatory discussions are now in control of the timeline for the delivery of the platform.

Islensk Vatnsorka Hf – Iceland Hydro-Electric Dam Project

Islensk informed the Company that the permitting process is moving within the expected timeline and according to expectations. The Company still believes that the project will be fully permitted by the end of 2020. 

Iceland Resources EHF/St-Georges Iceland ltd

On August 21, 2019, the Icelandic authorities approved St-Georges’ previously disclosed work program for the coming year (See March 2, 2019 Press Release). The core projects have seen a fair share of exploration work, while some secondary projects have been repeatedly delayed due to extreme weather conditions in northern and eastern Iceland.

Work on the Thor Gold Project has brought it to drill-ready status. Surface rights and environmental conditions are no longer problematic, and the Company has requested a legal opinion to confirm that it can drill on the sole basis of its central government license.

The Company did, however, take samples at Thor during the winter season that are currently being analyzed. The Company is now preparing a bulk sample program at Thor. The material will be sent to be processed in Canada as soon as the weather allows it sometime in Q2.

The Company is currently in discussions to acquire the balance of the surface rights that escape its ownership on the project and is looking to acquire the last portion equity own by a third party in the Thor Gold Project.

Status of other holdings

The Company currently holds the following assets as of January 31, 2020.

Vilhjalmur Thor Vilhjalmsson, President and CEO of St-Georges, commented: “(…) the last six months have been for the Company both challenging but exciting. With the successful listing of ZeU Crypto Networks Inc., the sale of KOTN, funding above market prices, and now faster-than-expected progress in regards to the pilot plant, the team has shown its capabilities to deliver.”

___________________________________________________________________________

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

“Vilhjalmur T. Vilhjalmsson”

VILHJALMUR THOR VILHJALMSSON, PRESIDENT & CEO

About St-Georges 

St-Georges is developing new technologies to solve some of the most common environmental problems in the mining industry. The Company controls directly or indirectly, through rights of first refusal, all the active mineral tenures in Iceland. It also explores for nickel-copper-cobalt and Palladium-Palladium-Rhodium-Ruthenium on the Julie Nickel Project & the Manicouagan Palladium-Rhodium Project on the Quebec’s North Shore. Headquartered in Montreal, St-Georges’ stock is listed on the CSE under the symbol SX, on the US OTC under the Symbol SXOOF and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol 85G1.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of the contents of this release.

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#Mhealth Market Is Generating Revenue of $10.5 billion by 2020, at CAGR 33.5% Growth Rate – SPONSOR: CardioComm Solutions $EKG.ca – $ATE.ca $TLT.ca $OGI.ca $ACST.ca $IPA.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 1:15 PM on Monday, February 10th, 2020

SPONSOR: CardioComm Solutions (EKG: TSX-V) – The heartbeat of cardiovascular medicine and telemedicine. Patented systems enable medical professionals, patients, and other healthcare professionals, clinics, hospitals and call centres to access and manage patient information in a secure and reliable environment.

mHealth Market Is Generating Revenue of $10.5 billion by 2020, at CAGR 33.5% Growth Rate

  • Global mHealth market was valued at $10.5 billion in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 33.5% during 2015-2020.

Mobile health provides health service and information through mobile communication devices to address the health priorities and concerns. The advanced mobile and wireless technologies have transformed the face of healthcare services across the globe and are rendering the growth of mHealth market.

Moreover, the continued growth in coverage of mobile cellular networks, rapid advances in mobile technologies & applications, increasing lifestyle diseases and growing awareness among patient population in emerging economies, are some of the key factors fostering the growth of mHealth market. On contrary, the lower accuracy of the devices, technology’s infancy in middle and lower income economies, weak reimbursement coverage, uncertainty in government regulations in certain regions, and low adoption among ageing population is hampering the market growth to a certain extent.

The major chunk of mHealth devices market – i.e. ~71% – is collectively commanded by BP monitors, blood glucose monitors and cardiac monitors. The largest share of these monitors can be attributed to increased affordability of mobile compatible devices, integration of innovative technologies in monitoring devices and the increasing lifestyle disease such as diabetes, stroke, COPD, ischemic heart to name a few. Within mHealth services, diagnostic, monitoring and treatment services collectively hold about 74% of the market. The rapid growth of mHealth services market is attributed to rising government initiatives, increasing mHealth awareness programs in underdeveloped regions etc.

Geographically, North America and Europe constitute the two largest markets for mHealth and collectively accounted for 67% of the market revenue in 2014. They are expected to continue its hold on the global market throughout the forecast period. Early adoption of innovative technology, large patient population and high capacity to pay for services are some of the key factors responsible for the growth of mHealth market in these regions. However, the market outlook across developing economies is looking favorable and strong owing to the increasing awareness of chronic diseases, favorable government regulations and increased healthcare expenditure. Philips healthcare, Bayer Healthcare and Sanofi are some of the key companies enjoying a strong foothold in mHealth market, especially in Asian countries.

Source: https://www.openpr.com/news/1925119/mhealth-market-is-generating-revenue-of-10-5-billion-by-2020

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The Landscape Of #Edtech: Mapping The Innovation Revamping #Education In #India $ARCL $CPLA $BPI $FC.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 12:45 PM on Monday, February 10th, 2020
SPONSOR:  BetterU Education Corp. aims to provide access to quality education from around the world. The company plans to bridge the prevailing gap in the education and job industry and enhance the lives of its prospective learners by developing an integrated ecosystem. Click here for more information.

The Landscape Of Edtech: Mapping The Innovation Revamping Education In India

  • Over $1.8 Bn has been invested into Indian edtech startups from 2014 to 2019
  • The test prep segment has the highest capital inflow and the greatest demand in India
  • India’s tech economy growth has pushed the demand for skill development solutions

By: Sandeep Singh

From classrooms to smart devices, the medium of education and learning in India has gone through a paradigm shift. With over 665 Mn wireless internet subscribers (Q3 2019), India has seen a massive 14% increase in the addressable base for internet services in just one year. This rate of adoption has meant great things for startups and digital products and services and has given rise to personalisation and convenience when it comes to the school curriculum and off-classroom learning.

The growing popularity of online learning has provided a major push to two of the top subsectors in the edtech market— test preparation (from K-12 to entrance exams) and online certification. To put this into perspective, between 2014 to 2019, startups in test prep and online certification startups earned a whopping 88% ($1.6 Bn) of the total capital inflow in edtech.

The skewness in funding and investor interest for test prep and online certification startups is in line with the prevalence of the grades-first mentality in the Indian market as well as the need for skilled tech labour. These products are highly in demand in the Indian market because they mirror the traditional climb up the education ladder — preparation for exams and getting the right certificate for employment.

Source: https://inc42.com/datalab/the-landscape-of-edtech-mapping-the-innovation-revamping-education-in-india/

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PRIMO Nutraceuticals Inc. $PRMO.ca – #CBD’s Touted Therapeutic Benefits Help Loosen Regulatory Constraints $CROP.ca $VP.ca NF.ca $MCOA

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 12:10 PM on Monday, February 10th, 2020

SPONSOR:  PRIMO NUTRACEUTICALS INC. (CSE: PRMO) (OTC: BUGVF) (FSE: 8BV) (DEU: 8BV) (MUN: 8BV) (STU: 8BV) provides strategic capital to the thriving cannabis cultivation sector through ownership and development of commercial real estate properties. The company also offers fully built out turnkey facilities equipped with state-of-the-art growing infrastructure to cannabis growers and processors. Click here for more info.

CBD’s Touted Therapeutic Benefits Help Loosen Regulatory Constraints

  • Global cannabidiol market is expected to reach USD 9.69 Billion by 2025 while registering a CAGR of 32.6% during the forecast period.

NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2020 – Most regions that have approved medical cannabis typically see doctors prescribe CBD-based medications to their patients. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a derivative of the hemp plant, yet is unlike its counterpart, THC, which is derived from the marijuana plant. Nowadays, the FDA acknowledges that CBD can possibly become a legitimate alternative medical treatment to a number of traditional therapeutics, further highlight the health benefits associated with the compound. However, the agency is requiring researchers to provide more data on the efficacy of CBD in order for CBD to become an approved medicinal treatment, prompting them to conduct large-scale clinical trials. “As legislation expands rapidly worldwide, the volume of efficacy data is growing, as are legitimate clinical trial studies,” says Liam McGreevy, Chief Executive Officer of Ethnopharm, a European cannabis company specializing in genetics and distribution, “This data will enable us to better understand the effects of the various cannabinoids and terpenes, their synergistic effect and how their impact links to the individual’s genetics or biomarkers.

This data is key to understanding the most effective combinations and strengths for various conditions, moving towards targeted personalized medicines.” And according to data compiled by Grand View Research, the global cannabidiol market is expected to reach USD 9.69 Billion by 2025 while registering a CAGR of 32.6% during the forecast period. Global Payout, Inc. (OTC: GOHE), Auxly Cannabis Group Inc. (OTC: CBWTF), Puration Inc. (OTC: PURA), Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (OTC: TGODF), Liberty Health Sciences Inc (OTC: LHSIF)

As the cannabis industry continues to develop, lawmakers and federal agencies are actively working towards expanding the market. Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided an update on its interim final rule process for hemp. According to the USDA, hemp production in the U.S. has seen a resurgence in the last five years; however, it remains unclear whether consumer demand will meet the supply. High prices for hemp, driven primarily by demand for use in producing CBD, relative to other crops, have also driven increases in planting. As such, producer interest in hemp production is largely driven by the potential for high returns from sales of hemp flowers to be processed into CBD oil.

And after extensive consultation with the Attorney General, the USDA issued the following interim final rule to establish the domestic hemp production program and to facilitate the production of hemp, as set forth in the 2018 Farm Bill: The USDA upholds the 0.3% threshold as out of its jurisdictional hands as written into the law. Furthermore, the lack of remedies for testing noncompliance raised suggestions that farmers be allowed to ship to processors who could remove the THC to keep the crop viable. Another subject of worry was the requirement (as described in the Federal Register) that laboratories be certified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and crops tested within 15 days prior to harvest. Yet, by the end of January, only 44 labs existed to support more than 16,000 licensed farmers. Accordingly, the industry expects to remain bureaucratically constrained yet again after other fundamental supply-chain bottlenecks limited output and producers’ ability to bring their crops to market.

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cbds-touted-therapeutic-benefits-help-loosen-regulatory-constraints-301001669.html

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The technology that could save us from #deepfake videos SPONSOR: Datametrex AI Limited $DM.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 4:01 PM on Tuesday, February 4th, 2020

SPONSOR: Datametrex AI Limited (TSX-V: DM) A revenue generating small cap A.I. company that NATO and Canadian Defence are using to fight fake news & social media threats. The company announced three $1M contacts in Q3-2019. Click here for more info.

The technology that could save us from deepfake videos

Israeli startup Cyabra’s technology detects expertly doctored videos as well as the bots powering fake social-media profiles.

By Brian Blum

It’s November 2020, just days before the US presidential election, and a video clip comes out showing one of the leading candidates saying something inflammatory and out of character. The public is outraged, and the race is won by the other contender.

The only problem: the video wasn’t authentic. It’s a “deepfake,” where one person’s face is superimposed on another person’s body using sophisticated artificial intelligence and a misappropriated voice is added via smart audio dubbing.

The AI firm Deeptrace uncovered 15,000 deepfake videos online in September 2019, double what was available just nine months earlier.

The technology can be used by anyone with a relatively high-end computer to push out disinformation – in politics as well as other industries where credibility is key: banking, pharmaceuticals and entertainment.

Israeli startup Cyabra is one of the pioneers in identifying deepfakes fast, so they can be taken down before they snowball online.

Cyabra cofounder and CEO Dan Brahmy. Photo: courtesy

Cyabra CEO Dan Brahmy tells ISRAEL21c that there are two ways to train a computer algorithm to analyze the authenticity of a video.

“In a supervised approach, we give the algorithm a dataset of, say, 100,000 pictures of regular faces and face swaps,” he explains. “The algorithm can catch those kinds of swaps 95 percent of the time.”

The second methodology is an “unsupervised approach” inspired by a surprising field: agriculture.

“If you fly a drone over a field of corn and you want to know which crop is ready and which is not, the analysis will look at different colors or the way the wind is blowing,” Brahmy explains. “Is the corn turning towards its right side? Is it a bit more orange than other parts of the field? We look for those small patterns in videos and teach the algorithm to spot deepfakes.”

Cyabra’s approach is more sophisticated than traditional methods of ferreting out deepfakes – looking at metadata, for example, of where was the picture taken, what kind of camera was used and on what date it was shot.

“Our algorithm might not know the exact name of the manipulation used, but it will know that the video is not real,” Brahmy says.

Only a computer program can spot telltale signs the human eye would miss, such as eyeglasses that don’t fit perfectly or lip movements not perfectly synched with movements of the chin and Adam’s apple, Brahmy tells ISRAEL21c.

Staying a few steps ahead

Cyabra’s technology detects inauthentic nuances that the human eye would miss. Photo: courtesy

Deepfake detection technology must continually evolve.

In the early days – all the way back in 2017, when deepfakes first started appearing – fake faces didn’t blink normally. But no sooner had researchers alerted the public to watch for abnormal eye movements than deepfakes suddenly started blinking normally.

“To have a durable edge, you need to be a year or two ahead, to make sure no one can re-do what you just did,” Brahmy says.

That’s important both in catching the deepfakers and for a company like Cyabra to stay ahead of the competition.

Cyabra’s edge is that two of its four cofounders came out of IDF intelligence divisions where they looked for ways to foil terrorist groups trying to create fake profiles to connect with Israelis.

In addition, former Mossad deputy director Ram Ben Barak is on the company’s board of directors.

Fake social-media profiles

Cyabra’s deepfake detection technology was only released in the last month. For most of the past two years, since the company was founded, it has been focused on spotting fake social-media profiles.

Cyabra cofounder and COO Yossef Daar. Photo: courtesy

Brahmy cofounderYossef Daar claims there are 140 million fake accounts on Facebook, 38 million on LinkedIn, and 48 million bots on Twitter.

These, too, are not easy to detect.

Researchers from the University of Iowa discovered that some 100 million Facebook “likes” that appeared between 2015 and 2016 were created by spammers using around a million fake profiles.

Cyabra’s machine-learning algorithms run some 300 unique parameters to determine profile authenticity. A three-day-old profile with 700 friends whose user has no footprint outside of Facebook raises a red flag, for example.

In the 2016 U.S. elections, fake profiles on social media were the biggest problem – deepfakes didn’t exist yet.

By now, though, you’ve probably seen a few deepfakes yourself: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg bragging about having “total control of billions of people’s stolen data,” former US President Obama using a profanity to describe President Trump or Jon Snow apologizing for the writing in season 8 of “Game of Thrones.”

Brahmy says the leadup to the 2020 election season is the right time to offer Cyabra’s solution.

Investors agree. Cyabra has raised $3 million from TAU Ventures and $1 million from the Israel Innovation Authority. The 15-person company started in The Bridge, a seven-month Tel Aviv-based accelerator sponsored by Coca-Cola, Turner and Mercedes. Now they’re based at TAU Ventures with a small presence in the United States as well.

Public and private sector clients

Cyabra’s clients prefer not to be named, although Brahmy did tell ISRAEL21c that 50% of its clients are in the public sector – governmental organizations or agencies – and the other half are “in the world of sensitive brands: consumer product, food and beverage, media conglomerates.”

“Imagine you’re in the business of providing unbiased information and suddenly 500 bots send you a message with a falsified picture and you’re ready to publish it. We want to be there five seconds before you pull the trigger, to let you know it’s false,” says Brahmy. This heatmap shows the level of doctoring done to a picture or frame in a video. Emphaized areas represent more heavily forged pieces of content. Image courtesy of Cyabra

Cyabra leaves the task of fact-checking content for “fake news” to other companies such as NewsGuard and FactMata. (Neither company is Israeli.)

There are also other companies dealing with deepfakes and fake profiles. But, Brahmy says, “we’re the only one doing both, with the technical capability to detect deepfakes along with cross-channel analysis to detect the bots [powering fake social media profiles], all under one roof.”

Facebook announced in January 2020 that it is banning deepfakes intended to mislead rather than entertain. But can Facebook really get ahead of all the deepfakes out there – and those to come?

If Cyabra and companies like it succeed, the next time you see a politician or celebrity saying something you find reprehensible, it might just be true.

Source: https://www.israel21c.org/the-technology-that-could-save-us-from-deepfake-videos/

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PyroGenesis $PYR.ca Comments on Recent Trading Activity and Stock Price $LMT $RTN $NOC $UTX $HPQ.ca $DDD.ca $SSYS $PRLB

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 2:58 PM on Tuesday, February 4th, 2020

MONTREAL, Feb. 04, 2020 — PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (http://pyrogenesis.com) (TSX-V: PYR) (OTCQB: PYRNF) (FRA: 8PY), a high-tech company, (the “Company”, the “Corporation” or “PyroGenesis”) that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma atomized metal powder, plasma waste-to-energy systems and plasma torch products, issues this press release in response to recent trading activity in its shares, and stock price decline.

The Company does not usually opine on stock price and trading activity, however, given the recent decline, and inquiries from investors, the Company confirms the following:

Everything material has been disclosed by the Company in either its press releases or quarterly reports. PyroGenesis further confirms that none of the contracts press released are at risk. Last but not least, the Company wishes to reassure PyroGenesis’ shareholders that we remain on track with our current and prospective projects, and that all contracted projects are being worked on, and such activity will be reflected in Q1 2020 results.

About PyroGenesis Canada Inc.

PyroGenesis Canada Inc., a high-tech company, is the world leader in the design, development, manufacture and commercialization of advanced plasma processes and products. We provide engineering and manufacturing expertise, cutting-edge contract research, as well as turnkey process equipment packages to the defense, metallurgical, mining, advanced materials (including 3D printing), oil & gas, and environmental industries. With a team of experienced engineers, scientists and technicians working out of our Montreal office and our 3,800 m2 manufacturing facility, PyroGenesis maintains its competitive advantage by remaining at the forefront of technology development and commercialization. Our core competencies allow PyroGenesis to lead the way in providing innovative plasma torches, plasma waste processes, high-temperature metallurgical processes, and engineering services to the global marketplace. Our operations are ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified, and have been since 1997. PyroGenesis is a publicly-traded Canadian Corporation on the TSX Venture Exchange (Ticker Symbol: PYR) and on the OTCQB Marketplace. For more information, please visit www.pyrogenesis.com.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words “may”, “plan”, “will”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “in the process” and other similar expressions which constitute “forward- looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Corporation’s current expectation and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Corporation with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Corporation’s ongoing filings with the securities regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com, or at www.otcmarkets.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward- looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange, its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor the OTCQB accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

SOURCE PyroGenesis Canada Inc.

For further information please contact:
Rodayna Kafal, Vice President Investors Relations and Strategic Business Development,
Phone: (514) 937-0002, E-mail: [email protected]

www.pyrogenesis.com

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Anglo American chief ‘surprised’ by #palladium bull market – SPONSOR: New Age Metals $NAM.ca $WG.ca $XTM.ca $WM.ca $PDL.ca $GLEN

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 2:48 PM on Tuesday, February 4th, 2020

SPONSOR: New Age Metals Inc. The company owns one of North America’s largest primary platinum group metals deposit in Sudbury, Canada. Updated NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate 2,867,000 PdEq Measured and Indicated Ounces, with an additional 1,059,000 PdEq Ounces Inferred. Learn More.

Anglo American chief ‘surprised’ by palladium bull market

Neil Hume in Cape Town

  • The bull market in palladium has come as a surprise to the chief executive of Anglo American, one of the world’s biggest producers of the metal.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Mark Cutifani said he had not anticipated the barnstorming performance of palladium, which has surged 75 per cent over the past year to around $2,400 an ounce.

“Am I surprised prices have risen to this degree? Yes. And the reason is I thought there would be more substitution [from carmakers] back to platinum,” he said. “It will still happen over time. I have not changed my view. What I underestimated, very clearly, was the focus on the automakers have on making sure they manage emissions.”

In March 2018 Mr Cutifani said the rapid rise in the precious metal’s price has created a “bubble” but that its value was likely to remain high for some time. At that point palladium was trading at around $1,350 an ounce. The price subsequently rose as high as $2,555 before dropping back to about $2,400 today.

Palladium is a vital ingredient in catalysts for petrol and hybrid cars that convert toxic emissions such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide to carbon dioxide, water and nitrogen. Demand for the metal has increased due to tightening emission standards in the automotive industry, particularly in China, that require more of it to be used in car catalysts.

“The way I put it, the CEO of an auto company won’t get fired for spending $20 on a vehicle on a bit more palladium. What they might get fired for is not meeting their emissions targets. That’s the critical issue,” said Mr Cutifani. After nearly a decade of undersupply the market is now critically short of palladium and scrambling to find new sources of supply.

It has also sparked a crime wave with thieves in London jacking up cars to steal the catalytic converters, which are then sold to scrap metal dealers for cash. Production of palladium is constrained because it is mined as a byproduct of platinum and nickel — commodities where new projects have been few and far between.

“What people are learning is that you can’t just turn its [supply] on and off. It’s not a flick of the switch. Mines take a long time to develop. Now, are we reacting, yes . . . but it takes a bit of time.” Additional reporting by Harry Dempsey in London.

Source: https://www.ft.com/content/61e14260-4737-11ea-aeb3-955839e06441

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