UbiKann

UbiKann is a blog/site managed by  John Garner. He's been adding to it, on add off in various forms, since the 90s.

The reliability & accuracy of GenAI

I question the reliability and accuracy of Generative AI (GenAI) in enterprise scenarios, particularly when faced with adversarial questions, highlighting that current Large Language Models (LLMs) may be data-rich but lack in reasoning and causality. I would call for a more balanced approach to AI adoption in cases of assisting users, requiring supervision, and the need for better LLM models that can be trusted, learn, and reason.
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From Chatbots to Reducing Society's Technical Debt

I discuss my experience with chatbots, contrasting older rules-based systems with newer GenAI (General Artificial Intelligence) chatbots. We cannot dismiss the creative capabilities of GenAI-based chatbots, but these systems lack reliability, especially in customer-facing applications, and improvements in the way AI is structured could lead to a "software renaissance," potentially reducing society's technical debt.
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The imbalance of power in the AI game: in search of the common good

The article discusses the contrasting debate on how AI safety is and should be managed, its impact on technical debt, and its societal implications. It notes the Center for AI Safety's call for a worldwide focus on the risks of AI, and Meredith Whittaker's criticism that such warnings preserve the status quo, strengthening tech giants' dominance. The piece also highlights AI's potential to decrease societal and technical debt by making software production cheaper, simpler, and resulting in far more innovation. It provides examples of cost-effective open-source models that perform well and emphasizes the rapid pace of AI innovation. Last, the article emphasises the need for adaptive legislation to match the pace of AI innovation, empowering suitable government entities for oversight, defining appropriate scopes for legislation and regulation, addressing ethical issues and biases in AI, and promoting public engagement in AI regulatory decisions.
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Japan revises copyright laws for AI

Japan has made its ruling on the situation between Content creators and Businesses. Japanese companies that use AI have the freedom to use content for training purposes without the burden of copyright laws. This news about the copyright laws in Japan reported over at Technomancers is seen as Businesses: 1 / Content Creators: 0 The […]
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Sustainable Enterprise AI Adoption: Protecting Confidentiality, Ensuring Accuracy, and Successful Business Integration

The public's recent access to breakthroughs in AI has sparked excitement but their integration into businesses often leads to significant issues, especially without proper management. Implementing AI effectively requires robust security measures to protect sensitive data, investment in unbiased technology, sufficient training for understanding AI systems, identification of the best AI use cases, assurance of reliable data sources, and careful management to prevent over-reliance on AI over human workforce. It's also critical to understand that AI systems like ChatGPT have their limitations and inaccuracies, and they need continuous monitoring and fine-tuning, while keeping in mind that these technologies have evolved from a long history of advancements, thanks to various companies and organizations.
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AI in my pocket

A novel AI topic that is trending, is around the porting of foundation models like Llama on to Google Pixel phones. This also maps to the leaked Google Memo about the threat of open source to their general 'moat model'.
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AI: I see hallucinations

Discussing AI-generated hallucinations in language models like ChatGPT, which sometimes provide incorrect or fictional information aka BS. This problem is concerning for businesses that require trustworthy and predictable systems. While search engines like Google and Bing attempt to improve their accuracy and user experience, neither is perfect. The unpredictability of AI systems raises concerns about high-stakes decisions and public trust. Is the closing of OpenAI’s open-source projects a good idea? Could it benefit from expert analysis to understand and mitigate AI hallucinations?
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AI promises: the good, the bad, the ugly

Looking at the current condition and possibilities of AI and AGI, emphasizing the rapid progress, benefits, and potential risks linked to their development. AI tools are already driving productivity gains in various industries. We look at applications ranging from farming to law. However, concerns about the security, accuracy, and ethical implications of these technologies persist. Some experts, like Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, are advocating for stricter regulation and caution in AI development.
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Installing Ubuntu server 20.04 LTS on a Netcup root server

Below is a step by step guide on how to install Ubuntu server 20.04 LTS on a Netcup root server
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Looking for and finding a solid Photoshop alternative

Realising I was not using Photoshop as much and the very expensive subscription they now force people into, I decided it was time to find an alternative. And as you will see, I found 2 solutions.
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Safety measures and the importance of monitoring air quality

Safety measures to improve the quality of the air indoors are being discussed more and more. Notably with the aim to destroy not only germs but also viruses. Monitoring and informing people about the quality of the air we breathe indoors could help promote cleaner air beyond the commercial environment.
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The UX, UI & format of dates in your forms

The way dates are presented, especially when you are being asked to input dates in a form can be pretty confusing if the UI lacks empathy. Some thoughts on ways to make it easier for users.
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Overcoming Spam on WordPress

If you are often trying to figure out how to stop the constant ebb and flow of spam, when you allow comments on your site, you may find the below helpful.
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Retail transformation: thoughts on issues & opportunities during the pandemic

Some thoughts on the challenges companies face during these difficult times but also how this can be an opportunity to transform
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Digital Transformation: through the looking glass

My thoughts and experience on Digital Transformation having taken part in implementing such changes for Fortune 500 company clients. Digital Transformation: the key pillars, positive outcomes you can target and the pitfalls to avoid.
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