Hiroyuki Yamada

Revolutionizing Patient Assistance Programs (PAP) with Automation and AI ! Patient Assistance Programs (PAP) play a critical role in supporting uninsured or underinsured patients, ensuring they receive essential medications and services. At PatientsForce, our MediPASS platform harnesses the power of automation and AI to streamline PAP operations, driving better patient outcomes and enhancing operational efficiency. Our automated solutions tackle key challenges in PAP management: AI-Powered OCR: Handling large volumes of diverse documents is a major pain point. Our platform uses AI-enhanced Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to swiftly extract and validate critical data, from medical records to application forms, reducing manual efforts and accelerating processing times. AI Voice Solutions: Traditional phone interactions are upgraded with AI-driven voice support, improving patient communication through real-time responses, standardized queries, and virtual agents. This ensures patients receive timely assistance, enhancing overall program engagement and compliance. Automated Eligibility Assessments: Determining patient eligibility requires intensive data collection and validation. Our automated system assesses patient data against predefined criteria, flagging inconsistencies instantly to streamline onboarding and re-enrollment. By integrating these solutions, PatientsForce optimizes PAP management, reducing costs, improving scalability, and ensuring patients receive the support they need in a timely and compliant manner. Automation is not just about efficiency; it’s about sustainability and delivering long-term patient care success. #HealthcareInnovation #Automation #AI #PAP #PatientsForce #MediPASS #PatientCare #HealthcareEfficiency

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Japanese Companies Unable to Hire Engineers from Abroad, Common Salary RequirementsUntil about three years ago, the author was engaged in R&D as an engineer at a Japanese manufacturer. It is with mixed feelings that I write what I am about to report, but it seems that in recent years, Japanese companies have been struggling to hire engineers. One of the reasons for this struggle is the low salary level. In particular, the disparity in salaries between Japan and Europe and the U.S. has made it difficult to secure foreign talent. According to data released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Japan's annual average wage in 2023 will be US$42,118, ranking only 24th among 33 countries. This is inferior to the U.S. wage of US$77,226 and other European countries. The recent depreciation of the yen has further reduced the level of wages in U.S. dollar terms. Average annual wages in each country in 2023 The OECD has 38 member countries, but the data shown here are for the 33 countries that had publicly available data as of September 2024. (Source: Nikkei Crosstech, based on OECD data) [Click on image to enlarge] The OECD said, “We can't hire by Japanese standards.” The salary level in Japan is no longer considered attractive,” said Mr. Kurokawa, a managing executive officer of AGC. Junichi Kobayashi, Managing Executive Officer and General Manager of the Human Resources Department at AGC, laments the state of recruitment of engineers overseas in recent years. The company is now focusing on hiring data scientists to help promote the digital transformation (DX) of its factories. However, even if the company wanted to hire talented students from India and other countries, it could not compete with European and U.S. companies in terms of compensation, and it was losing the competition for human resources, he revealed. Recently, he has been losing out to companies from Southeast Asian countries as well. In the past, Singaporean students could be hired by Japanese companies, but nowadays, starting salaries are probably higher at local companies. Comparing salaries at the manager level, salaries in Thailand and Indonesia are higher than those in Japan,” he said. For the time being, AGC plans to secure overseas engineers by hiring them at overseas subsidiaries in the local area and surrounding regions and then sending them back to Japan as needed. Recently, there was an example of an Indian data scientist who was hired by a Singaporean subsidiary, which offers higher salaries than Japan, and then sent to work in Japan. https://lnkd.in/gcd2AKQm

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■Should small and medium-sized manufacturers aim to become smart factories? The future of 3D design The author, who has been involved in mechanical design for more than 30 years and has been working with 3D CAD for more than 20 years, will write a column on topics related to the "future of 3D design" from various perspectives each time. In Part 13, I will focus on the realization of "smart factories" in small and medium-sized manufacturing industries, and will express my thoughts. First, we have listed the typical items that can be achieved with a smart factory.   What can be achieved with a smart factory Factory visualization Acquisition of various data Visualization of operating status Visualization of failure status Improved productivity Production optimization/efficiency Equipment (system) automation Technology inheritance Inheritance of know-how Reduction of equipment troubles Failure prediction/detection cost reduction Real-time understanding of manufacturing costs Reduce labor costs through streamlined manufacturing processes Factory management that minimizes supply chain impact A smart factory can be said to be an “ideal factory that makes full use of digital technology.” However, in reality, these initiatives are mainly carried out by large manufacturers, and this can be said to be a high hurdle for small and medium-sized manufacturers. At least that's how I feel. The following are typical reasons why small and medium-sized manufacturers are unable to implement smart factories.   Reasons why small and medium-sized manufacturers cannot tackle smart factories lack of resources Insufficient people/things/money to promote Small and medium-sized manufacturing industry and smart factories As an IT Coordinator (ITC), I also work on formulating business strategies and solving problems using IT. Through these activities, I feel that there is a lack of initiative in solving management issues, especially in small and medium-sized manufacturing industries, and that there is a lack of awareness of the latest trends and technology trends, such as smart factories. "There are few/no human resources with expertise and knowledge," and "In general, there is a lack of resources (people/things/money) to promote/continue new things." Not only systems that require large-scale environments and resources to realize Industry 4.0, but also "small development, design, and manufacturing environments" can be used to create products that make full use of digital engineering and create value-added products that are needed in Japan. I believe that production management is possible. https://lnkd.in/gZUfpCZc https://lnkd.in/gRFB7hvM

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Press Release QueeenB Inc. and Tohoku University Begin Collaborative Research on Lab Automation Key Points: Two months ago, QueeenB Inc., a startup founded by Tohoku University students, began a joint research project with Tohoku University's Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences (FRIS) focused on lab automation. The research leverages 3D printers and robotic arms to automate repetitive experimental tasks, aiming to accelerate innovation by reducing manual labor in labs. We aim to introduce affordable and flexible lab automation to academic institutions, research centers, and corporate laboratories. Overview: Researchers often spend considerable time on repetitive tasks, which can hinder innovation. Lab automation, particularly with robotics, has been advancing in industries like pharmaceuticals, but high costs and inflexibility have limited broader adoption. In collaboration with FRIS, we at QueeenB Inc. are working to develop cost-effective solutions for automating lab tasks using 3D printers and robotic arms. The student group, LaboRobo, is also contributing to the project, focusing on optimizing robotic arm control and evaluating 3D-printed components. Future Prospects: Our research aims to make lab automation accessible to institutions and companies worldwide, accelerating research and development. Contact Information: QueeenB Inc. Kazuki Nemoto, CEO https://lnkd.in/gbdTBgsU

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In Japan, hydrogen supply chain for train is facilitated.(^^)/ ENEOS( the 1st sales of oil retailer in Japan, HITACHI（the 1st sakes of railway vehicle in Japan), and Central Japan Railway(JR Tokai) concluded a MOU to establish a hydrogen supply chain for train. The Japanese railway companies have a significant rate of diesel train, which need to be carbon-neutral one. Hydrogen powered train is the solution for that. ENEOS will conduct produce hydrogen and transport by MCH. HITACHI will take a role to transport and emit hydrogen from MCH on site. JR Tokai will consume the hydrogen by operating hydrogen-powered train. MCH can be transported under at normal temperature and pressure, while Liquified hydrogen needs -253℃ condition. MCH is easier for transport players because they can use co-existing oil facilities. HITACHI can lead the MCH transportation method. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism(MLIT) disclosed the transportation emission rate in FY2022 on the 26th April 2024. (https://lnkd.in/ghURQ32m) It says transportation is 18.5%(198 million tons-CO2) and railway is 3.8% in the transportation emission. Japan will have a large scale hydrogen-powered track after 2025, have operated hydrogen-powered(hybrid type) ship commercially . In addition to that, it will operate the hydrogen-powered train in the 2030s. The plan of carbon-neutrality 2050 is on track( ^^) _旦~~ https://lnkd.in/gp-XrVhF

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We have set our products and services related Academic Conference Archive.   Title: 1 : 無菌Jcl:MCH(ICR)[Gf]マウスの供給体制の確立（1）生産効率 2 : 無菌Jcl:MCH(ICR)マウスの供給体制の確立（2）器官重量データ解析 3 : 無菌Jcl:MCH(ICR)[Gf]マウスの供給体制の確立（3）血液データ解析 4 : DBA/2N-mdxと関連系統との体重・臓器重量の比較解析 5 : DBA/2N-mdx、DBA/2Nでの筋力測定(Wire Hanging Test)による比較解析 6 : DMDモデルDBA/2N-mdxマウスにおける背景データの比較解析   Date: May 25-27, 2017   Info: 64th Japan Association for Laboratory Animal Science: Fukushima, Japan   CLEA product: MCH(ICR)/Jcl, DBA/2NJcl   Keywords: mouse, MCH(ICR)/Jcl[Gf], DBA/2NJcl, Hybrid Strains, Inbred Strain, Supply process, production efficiency, data analysis, comparative analysis, Wire Hanging Test, organ weight data, biochemical data, background data   Please click here to see the detail. https://lnkd.in/gacsgfap #mouse #MCH(ICR)/Jcl[Gf] #DBA/2NJcl #HybridStrains #InbredStrain #Supplyprocess #productionefficiency #dataanalysis #comparativeanalysis #WireHangingTest #organweightdata #biochemicaldata #backgrounddata

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Found the fish eye view effect if you ask Gemini Pro 1.5 to return coordinate from image. https://lnkd.in/d7z3Tk9X

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We have set our products and services related Academic Conference Archive.   Title: Complex Dedrick plot を用いた、コモンマーモセットによるバルサルタン、テルミサルタンの臨床血漿中濃度プロファイルの予測   Date: February 20-21, 2024   Info: 第13回 日本マーモセット研究会大会   CLEA product: Marmoset   Keywords: Common Marmoset, Pharmacokinetic, Complex Dedrick plot, plasma concentration, angiotensin receptor blocker : ARB, valsartan, telmisartan   Please click here to see the detail. https://lnkd.in/gmq-gS54 #CommonMarmoset #Pharmacokinetic #ComplexDedrickplot #plasmaconcentration #angiotensinreceptorblocker #ARB #valsartan #telmisartan

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🚀 Researchers at POSTECH, led by Professor Jongmin Kim and Ph.D. candidates Hansol Kang and Dongwon Park, have developed a smart guide RNA capable of multi-signal processing, akin to logic gates in computing. This innovative guide RNA can logically regulate gene expression, enabling precise control of gene networks. Published in Nucleic Acids Research, their work integrates biocomputing with the CRISPR/Cas system, paving the way for advanced gene therapies and personalized treatments. #GeneticEngineering #Biocomputing #CRISPR #POSTECH Read more: https://lnkd.in/e-AF_rQy

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#IDCDirections is coming to Japan on 21 June! AI is crucial for transforming companies into digital businesses, with GenAI accelerating growth and innovation. How can we leverage this tech to innovate business models? Join Ritu Jyoti and Nobuko Iisaka discuss AI everywhere and its business impact globally and in Japan. #IDCDirectionsJapan #AIEverywhere #Innovation #AI #TechConference #FutureTech

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The latest article for Famitsu.com is now online! Due to various business matters, I could not update it for almost a year. This time, I featured the newest game IP, Stellar Blade. Many people complained about its insensitivity toward political correctness. However, I examined the game from both game mechanics and game narrative perspectives. This will shed a totally different perspective from any others shown in the game media. I also focus on its possibilities for taking this IP into transmedia storytelling (not Media Mix). The developer of this game is SHIFT UP, a Korean game studio, 20% of which is owned by Tencent. We will see how these companies nurture this smash-hit IP https://lnkd.in/egDjDC3P

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About the hydrogen-supply chain by the liquified hydrogen (▲253℃）in Japan. The liquefied hydrogen network in Japan will be established in the Kawasaki Bay Area near Tokyo. JSE*（Japan Suiso Energy, Ltd) and JFE* signed the land rental contract, which is about 21ha in the JFE Steel factory area at Ogishima in Kawasaki City. JSE will develop a harbor for a liquefied hydrogen ship in 2028, the liquefied hydrogen ship will use the site in 2029, and the practical test of the liquefied hydrogen supply chain will be completed in 2030. After that, JSE will launch the liquefied hydrogen supply business in 2030 swiftly. Kawasaki area has many industrial facilities, which will consume hydrogen for their carbon-neutral process. In addition to that, Haneda Airport is nearby, which will use hydrogen as an SAF in the mid-2030s. This area is promising for hydrogen. The Kawasaki area has been accepted MCH-hydrogen by ENEOS and supplied to oil refinery of ENEOS and Tokyu REI Hotel there since August 2021. (ENEOS Perss release https://lnkd.in/gVDyCJJg) This time, the liquified hydrogen will be added in Kawasaki、 which can cover the Tokyo area's hydrogen demand. In contrast, the liquified hydrogen has been imported from Hasting Port, VIC in Australia to Kobe Port near Osaka in Japan since December 2021. (https://lnkd.in/gWjKyysb) The Japanese Plan of carbon-neutral 2050 is going smoothly. ( ^^) _旦~~ *JSE https://lnkd.in/gFupZxp8 *JFE https://lnkd.in/gP6fnGAX https://lnkd.in/gPMhSxSd

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 "A zero-interest-rate environment is not a healthy way to set the cost of capital. It tends to inflate asset values across the board, including those that generate no economic value. An IPO based on zero interest rates is like a 'sugar high' – eventually, you come crashing down. In the long term, the IPO market is driven by supply and demand," Drew Bernstein, Co-founder and Co-chair of Marcum Asia CPAs LLP, recently told our reporter in an exclusive interview. The U.S. IPO sector has shown an upward trajectory in 2024, witnessing 98 IPOs that have generated $24.1 billion to date. This marks an increase of 30% in volume and 58% in capital raised compared to the 75 IPOs that brought in $15.3 billion during the equivalent timeframe in 2023. Following a decline due to elevated interest rates, the IPO market is steadily rebounding.   Investors also start to think rationally about the AI boom. Bernstein noted, "So far, the AI boom has been mostly relegated to private VC investments and large-cap tech stocks. In both cases, the speculative phase has probably peaked. Rather than being swept up in visions of how 'AI changes everything,' investors are now asking how it adds value to specific business and consumer applications and how that translates into a sustainable business model." Read:https://lnkd.in/gBgB37GV

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AI is successfully implemented in our real life at a garbage incineration facility in Japan - I was working at an AI startup company, together with Ebara Plant Co. Ltd. (Japanese engineering/plant company).   The garbage incineration facility combusts flammable garbage provided by local residents, such as paper, kitchen garbage, futon, mud, and so forth. The challenge was that which one is ready for combustion given that the dry/wet condition and type of the garbage are totally unknown. If the garbage is still wet, for example, it decreases the temperature of the furnace, requiring more fuels which is costly, and possibly emitting more toxic gasses (NOX, SOX, etc) which can violate the social environmental regulations. The temperature cannot be also so high because it also emits toxic gasses significantly. There is an optimal temperature range for combustion, and a reliable garbage classification technology was strongly desired. With this use case and lots of test cases, AI (deep learning) technology was newly developed to classify the type of garbage with an acceptable accuracy and precision, in collaboration with Ebara Plant Co. Ltd.   This core AI technology here is to detect the type of the garbage from a camera image installed in the garbage pool. A deep learning technology was selected. This AI performance was satisfactory and became a key enabler for an autonomous operation in this garbage incineration facility. When I joined, the project is in the middle-late stage to evaluate the AI performance. I remember that I closely communicated with the internal non-Japanese AI engineer to help the Japanese PM and to share a domain knowledge about this type of plant that I worked previously in IHI. Through this thorough discussion, we could define a nice test plan enough to prove our AI performance. Sometime after this project, I had to leave the company to complete my Ph.D. as a full-time student, but it is a good memory that I could contribute to introduce AI in our real life.

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What if blockchain technologies are applicable to industries like healthcare and logistics? Professor Jianliang Xu, Head and Chair Professor (HKBU Department of Computer Science), and his team’s pioneering “Gas-efficient Merkle Index Tree” is slashing operational costs by almost 80% while enhancing data precision, paving the way for blockchain’s broader adoption in healthcare and beyond in Hong Kong. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 (Chinese only): https://lnkd.in/ehqcC3Ey  🗝 Cluster: Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence #Cluster_Data_Analytics_and_Artificial_Intelligence #HKBU #ResearchOffice #HKBUResearch #HKBURO #blockchain #BlockchainTechnology #DataAnalytics #interdisciplinary HKBU Faculty of Science

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In 2023, 18.4% of Taiwan's population was aged 65 and over, with projections to officially enter a super-aged society by 2025. In 2022, National Health Expenditure reached NT$1.6951 trillion, growing 6.82%, outpacing GDP growth. Pharmaceutical expenditure also hit a historic high. Businesses are gearing up for this challenge. From 2013 to 2023, Taiwan's beauty and pharmacy retail industry grew from NT$117.86 billion to NT$230.5 billion, a 95.6% increase. Average sales per store rose from NT$7.195 million to NT$13.023 million. With the participation of large distribution companies, tech giants, and international chains, Taiwan's beauty and pharmacy retail industry has entered a phase of capitalization, chain operations, and large-scale development. In 2022, cosmetics and skincare products accounted for 45.6% of sales, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies 21.3%, and food and beverages 13.6%. In 2022, Xingyi Pharmacy launched an OMO (online-merge-offline) retail model, using big data to analyze customer behavior for precise marketing. With store expansion, a pharmacist shortage, and diverse purchasing channels, the beauty and pharmacy retail industry is poised to become the next key battleground for digital service technology!

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