NY Weekly Staff, Author at New York Weekly

Vibrant Visions: Exploring Cultural Narratives through Xinran Shi’s Illustrations in London

NY Weekly Staff on August 20, 2023

Emerging from the diverse tapestry of Asian artistry, Xinran Shi stands out with an illustrative prowess rooted in rich cultural narratives. A graduate of the esteemed Glasgow School of Art, Xinran now calls London his canvas, extracting its vibrancy and translating it into illustrations that transcend mere visuals.

The essence of Xinran’s artistry hinges on accessibility; he believes art should be comprehensible to the masses, not just reserved for the elite or connoisseurs. For Xinran, art is a window to perceive the world—a lens that, in his hands, accentuates color and form. His palette, dominated by vivacious colors, showcases an influence deeply rooted in the Fauvism of Henri Matisse and the emotive strokes of German Expressionism. Yet, his approach is uniquely his own.

In his acclaimed work “Grow”, an observant animation art piece, Xinran’s meticulous attention to detail is evident. The piece is more than just art—it’s a narrative, a silent conversation between the artist and the viewer. His strong inclination towards architectural marvels emerges in his portfolio as well. In the bustling streets of London, Xinran’s illustrations become whispered stories of brick and mortar, capturing the ebb and flow of urban life.

Vibrant Visions: Exploring Cultural Narratives through Xinran Shi's Illustrations in London

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The sprawling city also plays host to Xinran’s exhibitions, where onlookers are offered a visual treat—a world seen through Xinran’s prismatic view, where even the mundane takes on a shade of wonder. With every hue and line, he isn’t just creating art, but inviting viewers into his vibrant universe, a realm where colors dance and stories unfold. It’s a universe many would find intriguing, captivating, and most importantly, relatable.

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Ins：https://www.instagram.com/jakesheck_/

Website：https://www.jakeshi.uk/

Grow animation: https://www.jakeshi.uk/animation

Anna Boyar: A Journey from Runways to an Inspiring Career in LA

NY Weekly Staff on August 20, 2023

In 2016, Anna Boyar began her international modeling career, embarking on her first business trip to Los Angeles. Securing contracts with The Industry LA agency and Elite Miami, she navigated work in both cities, transitioning from a newcomer in the industry with a portfolio in Milan and Germany. Despite the initial challenges, she found the experience captivating and developed a deep admiration for America, sparking a determination to succeed. Her travels and work in Europe didn’t diminish her focus on the opportunities America presented.

In early 2019, Anna arrived in New York with ambitious goals. However, within a month, a personal tragedy—her brother’s loss—led her to return home for recovery. Despite this setback, she returned to Los Angeles by the end of 2019, resuming her successful collaboration with The Industry agency. Flourishing contracts and portfolio growth marked this phase until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Anna’s hasty return home was prompted by uncertainties surrounding the pandemic’s duration. Two years later, in August 2022, she returned to the international stage, ready to reclaim her place with renewed vigor.

Anna Boyar’s dynamic journey in international modeling reflects her resilience and pursuit of success. Rooted in Russia and Ukraine, her ascent onto the American modeling scene seven years ago has been remarkable, featuring magazine covers, editorial features, and campaigns for distinguished brands such as Max Mara, Cover of Marie Claire Russia, and Woman’s Health.

Anna Boyar: A Journey from Runways to an Inspiring Career in LA

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Beyond the runway, Anna inspires the next generation, particularly in the American fashion landscape, advocating for the values of health, femininity, and elegance. Her influence transcends aesthetics, becoming a relatable role model.

Immersed in the international fashion scene, Anna brings a distinctive creative flair to her work, resonating with clients like Free People, Savage x Fenty, and Longines. Her ability to craft a unique ambiance showcases her modeling finesse and narrative crafting skills, resonating with American audiences. This unique combination positions Anna as a sought-after figure in the industry, seamlessly blending artistic expression with commercial appeal.

Anna Boyar’s impact extends beyond individual collaborations, evident in her affiliations with esteemed modeling agencies, emblematic of the evolving dynamics within the competitive modeling market. From The Industry in LA/NY to Elite in Miami, each partnership reflects her expanding presence in key American fashion hubs, highlighting the strategic role that agencies play in shaping a model’s career trajectory in the USA. These agency ties, coupled with dynamic collaborations with influential American brands, illuminate her seamless integration into the global fashion tapestry, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between models, agencies, and brands in the ever-evolving landscape of the fashion industry.

As Anna’s career ascends, her focus on the international market provides a distinctive perspective. Involvement in projects, including collaborations with Max Mara,, Cover of Marie Claire Russia, and Woman’s Health, positions her as a key influencer shaping the future. Beyond the runway, Anna’s exploration into acting exemplifies her commitment to broadening her horizons on a global scale as she becomes not only a model but a dynamic influencer shaping the evolving landscape of the fashion industry. In the context of the latest trends in 2023, where diversity, sustainability, and inclusivity are at the forefront of the fashion discourse, Anna Boyar’s global perspective aligns seamlessly with these industry shifts.

The fashion industry is currently witnessing a significant transformation, with an increasing emphasis on embracing diversity in all its forms. Anna’s project with Woman’s Health signifies her commitment to promoting wellness and positive body image, aligning with the current industry movement toward inclusivity and health-conscious representation. In an era where consumers are increasingly seeking authenticity and relatability, Boyar’s active role in these projects positions her as a pivotal figure shaping the future of fashion and modeling.

Ultimately, Anna Boyar isn’t just an international model who landed in Los Angeles; she’s contributing to the evolving story of fashion. Through impactful campaigns and efforts to empower the youth, Boyar’s journey reflects the blend of global talent and style, establishing her as a notable presence in the fashion scene.

Bring on the Deals: 9 Ways To Optimize Your End-Of-Summer Sales Strategy

NY Weekly Staff on August 20, 2023

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

As summer comes to a close, many businesses are left wondering what they can do to get past the summer sales slump. As people stop spending their money on summer vacations and going out with friends, businesses small and large notice a significant drop in sales towards the end of the season. Here are eight ways you can optimize your end-of-summer sales strategy and beat the end-of-summer slump.

1. Switch Up Your Content Strategy

Summer is one of the most exciting times of the year. The warm weather, planned vacations, and time off with friends and family are perks we look forward to year-round. You should be taking advantage of imagery that evokes the feeling of summer on your website, social media, and other forms of marketing.

“People love a feel-good factor. If you can provide that in your marketing content, you are more likely to form connections — and those connections are what create sales,” advises Shideh Kaviani, President of Naked Wardrobe.

You’ll want to make sure that you are channeling the spirit of the summer season in all of your content. Whether it’s a blog post, an Instagram reel, or an email campaign, use summer imagery as much as possible. Sunshine, beaches, BBQs, bikinis … you get the idea.

2. Create Summer-Centric Designs or Products

Releasing seasonal products or even repackaging existing products with seasonal themes is a smart habit to form. The only thing consumers love more than a theme is exclusivity. Offering themed products that are exclusive to summer is an effective way to draw in business when sales are down.

“How you sell matters. What your process is matters. But how your customers feel when they engage with you matters more,” points out Tiffani Bova, Business Growth Expert.

Bath and Body Works is a great example of a company that capitalizes on seasonal product design. Each new quarter, the storefronts are decked out with seasonal imagery. They also have product lines that are exclusive to each season, creating a sense of nostalgia that people come back for year after year.

3. Keep Connecting With Customers

When sales are down, staying connected with customers becomes more important than ever. You want to ensure they remember to come back and purchase your products when they’ve recovered from all their summer spending. You can do this through email or social media.

“There is never a good time to stop connecting with your customers. It truly is a year-round job. Remember, if you aren’t connecting with your customers, someone else will,” suggests Alia Bedi, General Manager of L’Evate You.

Spend your downtime making lasting connections with the people who have shown loyalty to your brand. Even if they are not currently purchasing from you, they can still recommend your products or services to their friends and family in the meantime — which you want to encourage as much as possible.

4. Utilize Social Media

Another good use of your downtime is to focus on your business’s social media accounts. Spend time creating summer-themed posts for all major platforms. Many small businesses have been able to increase their sales significantly through social media posting.

“Social media is a company’s strongest asset. It is free to use, can help you stay connected with your existing customers, and can help you find new ones,” says Athan Didaskalou, Co-Founder of July, a company known for their line of expandable luggage.

TikTok’s algorithm has been a godsend for many small businesses. If you haven’t started advertising your products on TikTok, use the summer sales slump to start curating your page. All it takes is one viral video to change the trajectory of your business forever.

5. Have a Sale

The best step you can take to attract customers during the summer slump is to have a sale! Towards the end of summer, people are hurting financially from vacation costs and their season of fun in the sun. If you want people to spend money on your products, you may want to entice them with a sale.

“When you’re not bringing in revenue, have a sale. If you’re trying to reduce inventory, have a sale. If it’s a random Tuesday, have a sale. Sales are great for bringing in extra revenue, even when selling stock at a reduced cost,” explains Stephanie Venn-Watson, CEO OF Fatty15.

Advertise your sale via social media, email campaigns, and on the main page of your website. You can also send out individual discount codes to your existing customers to show your appreciation for their repeat purchases. Here are a couple of ways that you can advertise your sale.

End-of-Summer Sales

Market your sale as an end-of-summer sale. Let your customers know this is their last chance to get their hands on all your hottest summer items. This is also an effective way to get rid of any remaining summer inventory you still have to make room for fall items.

“If it seems like everyone is having an end-of-summer sale, you’re right. If you’re not having one, you’re losing out on easy revenue that other businesses will gladly take from you,” mentions Den Montero, Marketing Director of Moeflavor.

Use lots of fun summer verbiage and imagery in your marketing materials. This age-old tactic works well for a reason. When done right, the end-of-summer sale will help you overcome a dip in revenue.

Back-to-School Sales

If you don’t have any excess summer inventory to offload, you can advertise a back-to-school sale. A back-to-school sale works for any business that has a younger target demographic. If your demographic is 22 or younger, a back-to-school sale is the way to go.

“Sales can be used to draw in customers that are not typically in your target demographic. This is a low-cost way to break into new markets. Use it as a way to feel out different types of customers so you can determine where to put your advertising dollars,” suggests Maegan Griffin, Founder, CEO and nurse practitioner at Skin Pharm.

Even if you don’t intend to advertise to school-aged customers, the word “sale” is usually enough to get people excited. If you already did an end-of-summer sale, try a back-to-school sale to increase business.

6. Upsell

Take advantage of sales that you are already making by upselling. You can upsell products to people who are already purchasing through your website or in person. An easy way to do this is by adding product recommendations at checkout. For example, if someone is purchasing a perfume from you, have your website suggest the matching lotion during the checkout process.

“Don’t find customers for your products, find products for your customers,” suggests Seth Godin, entrepreneur and author of 18 books.

It becomes even easier to upsell if you have brick-and-mortar locations. Have your cashiers suggest products that work well with the other products your customers are purchasing. You can even use the tactic of putting smaller items in the line at the checkout area to make additional sales.

7. Host an Event

Whether you have physical storefronts or are exclusively an e-commerce site, hosting an end-of-summer event is a fun way to get people talking about your brand. Virtual sales events have been growing in popularity since the pandemic, so a virtual event is perfect for you if your products are exclusively sold online.

“Put yourself in the shoes of your target audience and ask what they would like to see from you. Better yet, engage directly with customers to find out what they want,” says Max Ade, CEO of Pickleheads, a company that helps athletes find the best pickleball paddles.

If you have a storefront, host an event at your flagship location. Ask customers on social media for what they’d like to see at your event. You can do giveaways, provide attendees with snacks and merch, and do an exclusive event-only sale. The possibilities are truly endless.

8. Take Advantage of Downtime

We already talked a bit about how to use downtime to your advantage, but that only scratched the surface. You can also use this time for personal development as a business owner. You can take time to attend conferences, take online courses, read industry publications, or network.

“Don’t ever stop developing your skills as a business owner. It can be all too easy to stagnate when things are going well. If you have the time for personal development, take full advantage of it,” recommends Jason Zhang, CTO of Tapin.GG, a company that helps video gamers team up with other players to secure an elo boost.

Taking the time to develop new skills can help you better serve your customers. It can also help you stay competitive in an ever-changing market.

9. Start Preparing for the Holiday Season

Speaking of downtime, many businesses use the end-of-summer slump to start devising their holiday strategy. Although the holiday season is nearly half a year away, it will always be your biggest sales opportunity of the year. Considering the importance of the holiday season, you can never be too prepared.

“Black Friday through Christmas is the most important sales season of the year. You’ll want to start strategizing by September at the latest,” suggests Rachel Drori, CEO and Founder of Daily Harvest, a company that specializes in healthy meal delivery.

Start working on product design and think about how you will market holiday products during the busy holiday season. You also want to start researching what types of sales tactics your competition will be using as Black Friday weekend approaches.

Finish Out the Summer Strong

In short, there are so many ways that you can take advantage of the infamous summer sales slump. Connect with your clients, hone your skills, and prepare for future sales and business during the downtime.

Odds are, when things start to pick back up for the holiday season, you’ll be missing the relaxed and easy days of summer. So be sure to take full advantage of this time while you have it. Now, get out there, and beat the summer slump!

Laced Dreams: A Shoe Store Like No Other

NY Weekly Staff on August 20, 2023

Sneakers have come a long way from being mere athletic wear. They now tread the crossroads of pop culture, street style, and high fashion, leaving permanent footprints on youth culture worldwide. And so, in an era where these fashion items symbolize everything from status to identity, the demand for uniqueness and authenticity has never been higher.

Just north of the hustle and bustle of New York, in the coastal city of Stamford, Connecticut, an innovative sneaker store has been silently making waves through this brave new fashion world. Far removed from the standard commercial giants, The Plug CT, helmed by Taylor Tobias, has distinguished itself by its unique, curated collection and a philosophy rooted in passion and constant innovation.

Taylor, a former Wall Street financier and consultant-turned-fashion mogul saw and ran with an untapped market niche in Stamford. They recognized the need for a store to provide Stamford residents with a place to get fashionable shoes and apparel that were never available.

“The cookie-cutter sneaker stores don’t excite me,” Taylor recalls. “There’s never been any store of this kind here in Stamford, so I wanted to bring something completely new. But, most of all, I wanted to create a place where every item tells a story.”

No journey to success is without its hurdles, and Taylor’s path was fraught with unique and devastating challenges, from the clutches of addiction to homelessness. His professional path was just as turbulent as he traveled the road of finance and consulting for over a decade.

Although Wall Street did not lead Taylor anywhere close to financial independence, his consulting work around the time COVID hit yielded tremendous results, allowing Taylor to get back on his feet and set the founding stones of his hopeful fashion empire.

“Challenges are a part of life; I’ve had my fair share of those. But, you either let them define you, or you learn, adapt, and rise,” Taylor says. “My past isn’t who I am, and I’ve decided never to let anything stand in my way again.”

After earning significant money as a consultant, Taylor invested $650.000 into opening his store, deep-diving into his childhood passion for sneakers and fashion.

But Taylor’s brainchild, The Plug CT isn’t just about sneakers – it’s a meticulously cultivated space that seeks to redefine fashion. Since its inception, the store has diversified its offering by moving beyond sneakers and adding high-end apparel and designer bags. Still, it also boasts some stylish artwork brought to life by the creative use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Unfortunately, Taylor’s journey with The Plug CT was recently interrupted by a severe crisis when an unfortunate incident involving an employee threatened the store’s reputation. The tragic incident, in which the employee in charge of the store got into a car accident resulting in the death of two people, turned into a nightmare.

“It was a horrible, tragic incident, and I was out of myself when I first heard about it,” Taylor recalls. “Sadly, since my former employee went around telling people he was the owner, I got caught in the crosshairs, and people started to blame me and even looked at the store as if it was guilty of the crime.”

Despite the storm, Taylor managed to steer the ship toward brighter horizons. A new chapter is set to begin with a rebrand to “Laced Dreams.” The transition is more than a mere change of name. It signals a rebirth, a new vision for the brand that seeks to explore uncharted territories in the fashion landscape.

To celebrate this transition, Taylor will host a giveaway, a token of his gratitude to the community that has supported him on his journey giving away 100 pairs of sneakers to students and many other donations to his community.

The Plug CT has undoubtedly etched a niche in Stamford’s fashion scene in a market often shadowed by big brands. Through insightful curation and an innovative approach, Taylor Tobias has moved beyond retail and transformed his store into a source of inspiration for fashion enthusiasts.

As Taylor says, “We’re not just selling sneakers or bags. We’re sharing a piece of culture, a story, a dream.”

How Cloud Computing and AI Innovation are Revolutionizing Dermatology

NY Weekly Staff on August 20, 2023

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

Cloud computing and AI innovation have a myriad of applications across multiple industries, and the pandemic helped to shape that.

By Hammad Naeem

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of cloud computing and AI innovation, and has also expanded their applications across various industries. As many businesses pivoted to remote work scenarios, they found themselves heavily reliant on cloud-based services to maintain operations. Similarly, AI technology became essential in various sectors, from healthcare to e-commerce and education, to manage the changes brought about by the pandemic.

In the healthcare industry, for example, cloud computing has facilitated telemedicine, enabling doctors to consult with patients remotely. Concurrently, AI algorithms have been leveraged to analyze vast amounts of data related to the virus, aiding in predicting hotspots and analyzing vaccine responses. Meanwhile, the e-commerce sector experienced a surge as lockdown measures were implemented globally. AI-powered cloud solutions played a crucial role in managing increased demand, enhancing logistics, and improving customer experience by offering personalized recommendations.

Similarly, in the educational sector, both cloud and AI were critical in the transition to virtual learning, providing accessible platforms for online classes and AI-driven tutoring systems. The pandemic, while disruptive, undoubtedly accelerated the adoption and innovative application of cloud computing and AI across industries.

As the world recovers from the massive changes brought about by the pandemic, the demand for secure and efficient data storage solutions continues to expand exponentially. This is ushering in an era dominated by cloud computing. Experts are focusing on providing innovative cloud technology solutions for modern-day challenges, and are using platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud to do so.

AWS (Amazon Web Services), Azure (Microsoft Azure), and Google Cloud are three of the leading cloud service providers, offering a broad spectrum of services, including but not limited to, computing power, storage options, and data analytics capabilities to help businesses scale and grow.

A good example of a recent innovation is the development of an uninterrupted patient checking system for the New York-based Schweiger Dermatology Group. During the pandemic, in-person consultations were not possible. Thus a technical acumen became a pivotal asset. It was essential to develop a deep understanding of the challenges faced by both patients and healthcare providers during this time. This led to the development of an innovative solution which allowed continuous patient monitoring.

A program known as “Mirror” was created to address this need. The program employs Dermoscopy, which captures images of the skin using a specialized device called a dermatoscope. These images are then analyzed by AI algorithms that can identify patterns or features that may suggest specific skin conditions such as melanoma or psoriasis. Mirror uses AI to assist dermatologists in making more accurate and efficient diagnoses. This has been a significant step forward in the world of dermatology.”

To bolster the effectiveness of Mirror, an integrated solution was developed via an app called “Modern Medicine”. This app allows patients to upload images of their skin conditions and receive preliminary assessments remotely. The platform employs machine learning algorithms to analyze the images and provide initial suggestions or recommendations.

Using the power of cloud computing and AI allows Modern Medicine to expand access to dermatological care. This is particularly beneficial for individuals living in areas with limited resources or those who face difficulties in visiting a clinic in person. With the rise of telemedicine during the pandemic, this creative solution proved to be timely and highly efficient, bringing much-needed relief to both patients and healthcare providers.

This revolutionary project for Schweiger Dermatology is a prime example of how industry professionals are determined to set a new standard in the cloud computing industry. The application of cutting-edge technology to address timely healthcare challenges is essential in a changing world.

How Cloud Computing and AI Innovation are Revolutionizing Dermatology

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About Hammad Naeem

Hammad Naeem is an accomplished cloud computing professional with over 15 years of experience in the IT industry. Throughout his career, he has successfully led more than 170 projects, demonstrating his deep understanding of cloud architecture, deployment models, and migration strategies. He has a solid track record in using leading cloud service platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, and is well-versed in automating infrastructure provisioning and configuration management. Apart from his vast experience in cloud computing, Naeem is also an innovator in integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies into cloud-based solutions. His entrepreneurial venture, Biyah, an AI-based matchmaking app, showcases his proficiency in using these advanced technologies. His work has generated significant revenue for US-based companies and has made him a sought-after expert in the realm of cloud computing.

Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hammad-naeem-5777a3b/

Yunfan (Kevin) Yang: The Developer Pushing Boundaries at Warp

NY Weekly Staff on August 20, 2023

In every sphere of life, when passion meets profession, extraordinary things happen. The world of technology is no exception, where individuals like Yunfan (Kevin) Yang are redefining the landscape. As a paragon of innovation and tenacity, Yang’s contributions to Warp, a cutting-edge terminal for the 21st century, are pushing boundaries and setting new standards. His journey, originating from China and leading to the forefront of tech development in the US, is marked by a deep passion for his craft and an unwavering curiosity to solve hard problems. Yang’s tale of dedication and resilience offers an insightful look into the transformative power of genuine love for one’s field.

Yang’s love affair with technology began during his college years at Minerva University, an institution renowned for its unique global education. He soon developed a keen interest in app development. His drive? The forward-looking Yang wanted to create systems that enable people to access, understand, and execute information more efficiently. This fascination led him to hackathons, where his skill and creativity earned him accolades, including two first-place finishes at the Samsung Hackathon 2017 and NCSV Hackathon 2017.

Beyond Hackathons, Yang’s talents found a fertile testing ground during his numerous internships in various countries, including Japan, India, Germany, and the United States. One of these internships saw him implement an innovative feature that brought 30,000 new users to an app, earning media recognition in Japan.

Despite his early successes, Yang’s journey was not without challenges. During his tenure at Warp, he encountered hurdles while designing AI features for the platform. The challenge lay not in conceiving potential solutions but in designing solutions grounded in real user needs, a necessity that required a rigorous process of understanding users’ pain points.

Resilient and resourceful, Yang adopted a first-principles approach to overcome these challenges. By starting with user needs and building features around these, he ensured that the solution would not only be innovative but also user-centric and functional. One of the most significant outcomes of this approach was the integration of the OpenAI Codex model into the Warp terminal application—a game-changing idea conceived by Yang that rapidly became a key feature of the platform.

Yang’s extraordinary engineering skills and ability to produce novel ideas have distinguished him in his field. This distinction is evident in his recognition as a Neo Scholar in 2021 and the growth he has spurred at Warp as one of the company’s early engineers.

Despite his impressive achievements, Yang remains future-focused. He strongly believes in the power of AI. As the volume of stored and shared information continues to increase exponentially, he envisages that AI can revolutionize productivity by automatically incorporating the user’s working environment into its context when generating answers. If the user agrees, some of their solutions could even be shared with a wider community and utilized by AI to solve similar challenges.

As the developer at the helm of Warp’s transformation, Yang represents innovation and unwavering dedication to creating impactful solutions. Through his work, he continues to enhance how users engage with information, pushing boundaries and revolutionizing the realm of technology. For those who follow the ever-evolving tech landscape, Yunfan (Kevin) Yang is one innovator to watch.

How CytoBay is Enabling Breakthroughs in Pathology with AI-Driven Tumor Detection

NY Weekly Staff on August 20, 2023

In the era of modern medicine, pathology stands as a crucial pillar in the fight against cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates more than 1.9 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2021. The ability to accurately diagnose and characterize tumor cells plays a pivotal role in guiding treatment decisions and, ultimately, improving patient outcomes. Medical technology brand CytoBay is helping make that possible.

According to CEO and co-founder Olivia Chu, the company leverages liquid immunocytochemistry (LICC), paired with an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) enumeration interface, to help pathologists more easily screen for bladder cancer. An estimated 82,290 patients will be diagnosed with the condition this year.

Pathology is an essential step in cancer diagnosis and treatment. CytoBay’s technology makes identifying and diagnosing cancer cells easier in cytology or liquid samples. According to Chu, current screening methodologies completely ignore cytology even though it holds critical information for patient diagnosis and prognosis. CytoBay’s approach, developed in collaboration with Chu’s father, Dr. Wenjiang Chu, sidesteps this limitation. By refining the immuno-staining process, CytoBay enhances the visibility of tumor markers in addition to leveraging a proprietary AI algorithm.

The marriage of staining enhancements with AI-powered analysis expedites and refines tumor detection. CytoBay’s algorithms swiftly identify and quantify cancer cells through machine learning, providing accurate risk assessments for doctors and patients.

“What really ties us together is the vision and how big and important this project can be. It can potentially turn cancer into a chronic disease rather than something that can kill you,” Chu points out. This vision has culminated in a groundbreaking fusion of traditional pathology with cutting-edge technology, enabling accuracy and efficiency that can help improve patient outcomes.

Early detection can dramatically increase a person’s chance of survival. However, research suggests that 50 percent of cancer diagnoses are made at advanced stages of the disease. As Chu explains, improved screening techniques can drastically increase the opportunity of detecting the presence of cancer sooner.

“There are many potentially powerful testing options, like urine tests, blood tests, and fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAs), that are underutilized in the medical field because there’s just no way to apply chemical stains in liquid samples,” says Chu. “We’ve not only made them visible, but doctors can also find them easily with the AI algorithm.”

CytoBay’s amalgamation of advanced staining and AI analysis enables the identification of even low-grade tumors, facilitating cancer detection in its nascent stages. This, in turn, empowers medical professionals to intervene earlier, potentially saving more lives and improving the long-term prognosis of their patients.

The technology can also help streamline the screening process, starting with bladder cancer. Increasing the efficiency, precision, and availability of cancer testing can also shift the screening from a reactive assessment to an essential step in preventive care. This can reduce the burden of late-stage treatments, says Chu, and enhance overall patient well-being.

The company received patents for its technology in 2021. Following a promising clinical study with Peking University in early 2023, Chu and her father partnered with a manufacturer to commence production of CytoBay’s prototype. The flagship product, an automated liquid ICC machine, is designed to integrate into current pathology practices with high throughput capacity and a three-hour turnaround time.

Initial testing shows case-by-case accuracies of 98 percent and success in classifying all low-grade cases, validating its potential to reshape cancer diagnostics. In contrast, today’s typical lab accuracies for low-grade tumors vary from 3 to 40 percent, with an overall 60 percent accuracy rating.

The origins of CytoBay’s liquid ICC technology started at an intriguing conversation with Chu’s parents at a family dinner, as the science-minded family quickly identified a unique opportunity at the intersection of computational science and pathology. Her father and eventual co-founder brought with him two decades in the pathology industry, where he oversaw laboratory operations at some of the country’s largest consumer medical brands.

While CytoBay’s impact on bladder cancer diagnosis is already remarkable, Chu and her father believe their patented LICC process can help other patients. The company’s roadmap expands its technology to encompass a broader spectrum of cancer types, including breast and lung cancer.

According to Chu, CytoBay plans to offer a direct-to-consumer screening option. “There are up to one million people unknowingly living with cancer in the United States. Early intervention is invaluable, so we want to make it easy and accessible,” she explains.

CytoBay’s at-home testing kits would allow users to collect liquid samples in the privacy of their own homes and mail them in for testing. The company estimates it can turn results around in one week, providing customers with a risk assessment and detailed explanation of potential next steps to take with their primary care providers.

As CytoBay plans to launch to the broader medical community in late 2023, the company’s steadfast commitment to research and development remains paramount. Chu recognizes that sustained innovation and research are pivotal in elevating the field of pathology and diagnostics. But CytoBay’s fusion of advanced staining and AI algorithms is already reshaping how we diagnose and treat cancer. Learn more about CytoBay’s advancements at cytobay.com.

Meet Mason Monahan: The 12 Year Old Founder of the World’s Largest Interior Designer Directory

NY Weekly Staff on August 18, 2023

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

Mason Monahan is not your average 12 year old. While most kids his age are focused on school, friends, and fun, this 7th grader from North Carolina is running his own successful business – InteriorDesigner.org, the world’s largest directory of interior designers.

Mason’s passion for interior design started early. He has always loved transforming drab, boring spaces into warm, inviting environments. At just 12 years old, he took this passion and turned it into InteriorDesigner.org – a platform to connect interior design professionals with potential clients from around the world.

The directory already has over 500 interior designers listed from all corners of the globe, from North Carolina to California to England to Singapore to Australia. In just a few short months since launching in May 2023, Mason’s start-up has surpassed all other interior design directories to become the definitive place on the web to find top talent in the field.

With over 130,000 people searching “interior designer near me” each month, Mason saw a need for a centralized directory where designers could gain exposure and connect with new clients. The site allows members to create detailed profiles showcasing their skills, experience, portfolio, and reviews. For clients, it makes finding and vetting local professionals quick and easy.

As a middle schooler, Mason isn’t able to work full-time as an interior designer just yet. But with InteriorDesigner.org, he’s found a way to turn his passion into a purpose. Mason has put his heart and soul into the website, working tirelessly to bring together the best designers and decorating resources.

To help with the substantial growth of the website, Mason recently hired 3 full time employees to ensure all of his customers receive the support they deserve for helping him with his business and life goals. Even though he’s still just a kid, he understands how important it is to provide amazing customer service and outstanding value to his customers.

While entrepreneurship is highly uncommon for someone Mason’s age, his success has already been highlighted by major media outlets like Entrepreneur Magazine and INC. Mason may only be 12, but his interior design directory is poised to continue growing and cement itself as the industry go-to.

“When I first started the Interior Designer Directory, I was just hoping I could take something I’m super passionate about and turn it into a small business that not only makes the world a better place, but also helps my mom afford to buy a new house to replace ours that burned down. I had no idea that so many interior designers would hear my story and join the directory. I’m very appreciative and I’m going to continue to grow the business and make it even better and better as I want all my customers to make at least 10X an ROI on their directory listing.” said Mason Monahan, CEO of InteriorDesigner.org.

For this driven, design-obsessed 12 year old, InteriorDesigner.org is just the beginning. Mason plans to continue enhancing the directory’s offerings while pursuing his dreams of one day becoming a designer himself. With his relentless work ethic and bold vision, his future in the interior design world certainly looks bright.

You can also check out Mason Monahan on YouTube! Join the journey of a remarkable 12-year-old who founded the world’s largest Interior Designer Directory. Explore design, inspiration, and entrepreneurship with Mason!

Munchkin Kat: Mastering the Art of Sound, One Beat at a Time

NY Weekly Staff on August 18, 2023

Inventive artist Munchkin Kat transports listeners into their vibrant world through unique glitch-hop music. Blending their deep-rooted passion for music with inspiration from video games and influential artists, Munchkin Kat’s genre-melding style stands out and reflects the talented artist’s dedication to growth and experimentation.

Munchkin Kat credits the colorful artistry of David Bowie for sparking their interest in music. They became involved in the New York music scene upon moving to Brooklyn over a decade ago. While bartending, Munchkin Kat formed a rock band with friends before transitioning to software engineering and EDM and gaining exposure by performing in numerous bars and clubs across New York.

The artist’s solo foray into mid-tempo bass and glitch-hop music was driven by Munchkin Kat‘s conviction that adaptability is crucial to an artist. With the boundless potential of electronic music, Munchkin Kat became eager to explore the countless ways sound can be manipulated to create fresh compositions. Embracing a new genre, Munchkin Kat became skilled in mid-tempo bass and glitch-hop music.

Adapting to a new genre brought challenges, with Munchkin Kat acknowledging the obstacles posed by time constraints and gaining visibility with their target audience. Not allowing obstacles to hinder them, Munchkin Kat overcame the time issue by landing a job that complemented his musical lifestyle. Exchanging ideas with various producers and educating himself through tutorials and practice helped them excel at learning and innovating within this new genre.

Munchkin Kat: Mastering the Art of Sound, One Beat at a Time

Sourced photo

With a discography featuring multiple albums and singles, Munchkin Kat maintains their unconventional spirit with their latest album, inspired by the Soulsborne games. Munchkin Kat’s dark and cinematic track “YOU DIED” references the video game Elden Ring, instilling a trance-like beat with suspenseful bass to capture the source material’s essence. The Soulsborne games also influence Munchkin Kat’s “Break To The” music video.

Drawing inspiration from artists spanning various genres, Munchkin Kat’s music reflects both the musical pioneers they admire and their own original and ingenious creativity. Forging their own path in the EDM world, Munchkin Kat distinguishes their music by experimenting with older genres such as funk, disco, rock, and blues, blending them with the more contemporary EDM style. This melodic fusion is evident in Munchkin Kat’s song “High For This,” where they sample Delta and Hill country blues, creating a rhythmic track that embodies energy and soul.

Munchkin Kat’s achievements include amassing over 8K monthly listeners on Spotify, with their songs reaching hundreds of thousands of Spotify users. Their music resonates with listeners, from one of Munchkin Kat’s personal EDM inspirations, Slynk, who complimented Munchkin Kat on his track, to their mother, who expressed encouraging astonishment when hearing the extent of their artistic abilities.

As an artist, Munchkin Kat plans to continue discovering inventive ways to create music from anything and to better comprehend the mechanics and possibilities of sound. Their latest album is just the beginning, as listeners can anticipate much more exciting heavy bass music from Munchkin Kat in the future. The infectious and undeniable pulse of Munchkin Kat’s music is certain to keep glitch-hop fans grooving.

Behind the Scenes: Exploring Veritaseum’s Technology and Infrastructure

NY Weekly Staff on August 18, 2023

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

Welcome to Veritaseum, an innovative technology and infrastructure provider that is reshaping the finance and investment landscape. In this comprehensive article, we will take you on a journey behind the scenes, exploring the intricate details of Veritaseum’s state-of-the-art technology. By leveraging Veritaseum’s groundbreaking solutions, individuals and businesses gain the ability to seize control of their financial future. Have you ever heard of online trading platforms? If not, do check out one and try its advanced trading features. Immediate Code is the prime example!

The Veritaseum Platform

Veritaseum provides an advanced platform that harnesses the potential of blockchain technology to facilitate direct peer-to-peer transactions, eliminating the reliance on traditional intermediaries. Through the innovative utilization of smart contracts, Veritaseum empowers users to seamlessly exchange and manage assets with enhanced efficiency, security, and real-time functionality. By leveraging the decentralized nature of blockchain, Veritaseum revolutionizes the way transactions are conducted, offering a streamlined and transparent approach to asset transfers and management. This transformative technology opens up new possibilities for individuals and businesses, enabling them to transact with greater ease and confidence while reducing costs and increasing operational effectiveness.

Decentralization and Security

One of Veritaseum’s core strengths lies in its decentralized infrastructure, which ensures enhanced security and transparency. The platform operates on a distributed ledger system, where transactions are recorded on multiple nodes across the network, making it nearly impossible for malicious actors to tamper with the data. This decentralized approach eliminates the vulnerabilities associated with centralized systems, offering users peace of mind and a higher level of trust.

Smart Contracts and Automation

Veritaseum’s integration of smart contracts revolutionizes the way transactions are executed. Smart contracts are self-executing agreements with predefined conditions encoded within them. These contracts automatically trigger actions when specific conditions are met, eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing the risk of human error or manipulation. By leveraging smart contracts, Veritaseum enhances efficiency, streamlines processes, and minimizes costs.

Key Features and Benefits

Veritaseum’s technology offers a wide range of features and benefits that cater to the needs of both individual users and businesses.

Global Accessibility

Veritaseum breaks down geographical barriers and provides global accessibility to financial services. Users from any part of the world can access the platform and engage in transactions seamlessly. This inclusivity empowers individuals and businesses, opening up new opportunities for wealth creation and economic growth.

Cost Efficiency

Traditional financial systems often come with high fees and complex processes. Veritaseum disrupts this status quo by offering a cost-efficient alternative. Through the elimination of intermediaries and the automation of processes, Veritaseum significantly reduces transaction costs, making it an attractive option for users seeking to optimize their financial activities.

Enhanced Liquidity

Liquidity plays a crucial role in financial markets, and Veritaseum recognizes its importance. By providing a decentralized marketplace for various assets, Veritaseum enhances liquidity, enabling users to buy and sell assets swiftly and efficiently. This increased liquidity opens up avenues for investment and diversification, benefiting both traders and investors.

Transparency and Auditability

Veritaseum’s blockchain-based infrastructure ensures transparency and auditability at every level. All transactions are recorded on the blockchain, creating an immutable and verifiable record. This level of transparency builds trust among users, reduces the risk of fraud, and enables seamless regulatory compliance.

Future Developments and Expansion

As a forward-thinking technology provider, Veritaseum is continuously innovating and expanding its offerings. The company is actively exploring partnerships with industry leaders, aiming to integrate its platform with existing financial systems and extend its reach to a broader user base. By fostering collaborations and embracing emerging technologies, Veritaseum is poised to shape the future of finance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Veritaseum is leading the way in the financial revolution with its advanced technology and infrastructure. Through its decentralized platform, smart contracts, and commitment to accessibility, cost efficiency, liquidity, and transparency, Veritaseum is empowering individuals and businesses to embrace a new era of financial freedom. Exciting developments from Veritaseum are on the horizon as they continually push the boundaries of innovation and redefine the financial landscape. Stay tuned for more updates from this groundbreaking company.

1. Switch Up Your Content Strategy

2. Create Summer-Centric Designs or Products

3. Keep Connecting With Customers

4. Utilize Social Media

5. Have a Sale

End-of-Summer Sales

Back-to-School Sales

6. Upsell

7. Host an Event

8. Take Advantage of Downtime

9. Start Preparing for the Holiday Season

Finish Out the Summer Strong

The Veritaseum Platform

Decentralization and Security

Smart Contracts and Automation

Key Features and Benefits

Global Accessibility

Cost Efficiency

Enhanced Liquidity

Transparency and Auditability

Future Developments and Expansion

Conclusion

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