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SAS announces winners of 2024 SAS Hackathon

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Innovative solutions to business and social challenges driven by access to SAS Viya and its new AI tools

CARY, N.C., Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SAS, a leader in data and AI, has announced the winners of the 2024 SAS Hackathon across 25 regional, industry, technology, specialty and student categories. These winning teams represent businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, universities and SAS Partners.

The 2024 SAS Hackathon offered hands-on experience with the very latest SAS Viya technology.

This year’s SAS Hackathon boasted 1,731 registrants from more than 70 countries. This led to an all-time high of 145 approved teams that participated in the month-long hack, supported by 110 SAS mentors. SAS produces the annual SAS Hackathon, which was sponsored this year by long-time SAS Partners Microsoft and Intel.

During the SAS Hackathon, teams of data scientists, business analysts, technology enthusiasts and students come together – often virtually across continents – to network, learn from each other and from a SAS mentor, and experiment with new technologies that spark innovation and improve lives.

Cutting-edge tech
The 2024 SAS Hackathon offered hands-on experience with a host of new technologies, including the very latest from SAS® Viya®, SAS‘ cloud-native, massively parallel data and AI platform. Four new Viya offerings were available to SAS Hackathon teams:

SAS Viya Workbench – a self-service, on-demand compute environment for conducting data preparation and exploratory data analysis and developing AI models.Model Cards – best described as “nutrition labels” for AI models, they highlight indicators like accuracy, fairness and model drift. With emerging AI rules, it is crucial to understand and share with regulators how models are performing.SAS Data Maker – a synthetic data generator, it addresses data privacy and data scarcity challenges by generating high-quality synthetic data without compromising sensitive information.SAS Viya Copilot – a personal AI assistant, it enhances productivity for developers, data scientists and business users by accelerating code generation, data cleaning and exploration, marketing planning and more.

“Hackathons are a fantastic way to advance novel ideas and explore new methods. And with hands-on access to SAS Viya and its powerful new AI tools, the winning teams in this year’s SAS Hackathon have raised the bar of innovation to new heights,” said Jennifer Chase, Chief Marketing Officer at SAS.

“Their projects will have a substantial impact on many of today’s business and societal challenges. Congratulations to the winners and all SAS Hackathon participants for inspiring us.”

Preventing heat stroke and saving lives
An example of a SAS Hackathon team effectively using these new technologies is team StaSASticians. Team members are experts in data analytics, mathematical modeling and health care. Using SAS Viya Workbench and SAS Data Maker, along with SAS Viya and Python tools, they developed an AI-enabled Heat Stroke Prevention System for construction workers.

The system analyzes real-time weather data and sensor information from IoT-equipped smart helmets from IoT company (and team member) BeeInventor that monitor factors such as workers’ heart rate and core body temperature. The system then provides real-time warnings of potential heat stroke to protect high-risk workers. This can save lives and enhance safety, productivity and regulatory compliance while also reducing health care costs.

In a world warming due to climate change, this Heat Stroke Prevention System is a very timely and targeted innovation. For the 2024 SAS Hackathon, team StaSASticians won in three categories: Americas (region), Insurance (industry) and IoT (technology). And its project is typical of the many inspiring stories within this year’s SAS Hackathon.

Overall winner?
While SAS announced category winners today, the overall SAS Hackathon winner will be named at SAS Innovate, the SAS data and AI technology conference, May 6-9, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.

2024 SAS Hackathon winners
More than 100 expert judges chose regional winners and global industry, technology, specialty and student winners. To learn more about each winning team and view videos of their projects, visit the SAS Hacker’s Hub community and search by team name.

Regional winners

Americas – StaSASticians [U.S.] Using SAS Viya, SAS Viya Workbench, SAS Data Maker and Python tools, this team developed an AI-enabled Heat Stroke Prevention System for construction workers. See above for more details.Asia-Pacific – Nupeak Neurons [India]. This team from IT services provider and SAS Partner Nupeak Group applied computer vision and machine learning to create a new approach to quality inspection in the pharmaceutical industry. Using SAS Visual Data Mining and Machine Learning and Python tools, the team created an automated system for inspecting injectable pharmaceuticals that quickly detects defects, improves manufacturing quality and ensures product safety.EMEA – Butterflies [U.K.] The flood of data, misinformation and disinformation are becoming major problems, often negatively influencing decisions and causing harm. SAS Partner Butterfly Data has developed a tool to help analysts assess data sources for their reliability and credibility. The tool uses advanced natural language processing (NLP) and classification models to check the trustworthiness of news and open source data. Built with SAS Viya, Viya Workbench, and Viya Copilot, as well as open-source tools like Git and Python, the tool helps verify data sources, spot unreliable information and ensure the use of ethical information to make decisions.

Global industry winners

Banking – Raffles Vietnam. Many banks face policy complexity that can lead to misunderstanding and misalignment. SAS Partner Raffles Data & Analytics has created RAGI, a generative AI solution built on SAS Viya. With RAGI, banks can automate the extraction of business rules from policy documents and resolve conflicts or gaps in credit policies, saving time and money. By seamlessly integrating with SAS Intelligent Decisioning, RAGI drastically reduces the time-to-market for new policies and products.Energy – IAEA: Climate Change and Challenges to Nuclear Plant Safety [U.S., Italy]. As countries confront the climate crisis and energy-security concerns, nuclear energy is increasingly recognized for its potential. But it must demonstrate a proven level of safety. A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Pacific Disaster Center, and Oakland University assessed natural hazard risks in nuclear facility site selection. Using SAS Viya and its AI and machine learning capabilities, the team identified various natural hazards (floods, wildfires, severe weather and more), uncovered correlations between hazards, analyzed hazard characteristics and affected regions, and estimated the probability of occurrence and risk to new and existing nuclear facilities.Health Care – NEAR Exergame [Malaysia]. A team of researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia has created a system that delivers engaging and safe rehabilitation for stroke patients and elderly individuals. Powered by AI and SAS Viya, the system offers real-time recovery feedback while tracking progress, predicting outcomes and tailoring a therapy plan for each patient.Insurance – StaSASticians [U.S.] See above for more details.Life Sciences – RatioTeam [Italy]. This team from SAS Partner Rationence developed Abstract Finder, a solution that exploits generative AI to enhance biomedical literature retrieval. Powered by SAS Viya, the solution helps researchers, medical and health professionals and students quickly find the abstracts they need within the PubMed database to advance scientific discovery.Public Sector – Team Only Planet 2120 [Netherlands]. This diverse and dynamic team of experts included specialists in civil engineering (Heijmans and Dura Vermeer), water management (Waterschap Rivierenland and Groene Metropoolregio Arnhem-Nijmegen), data science/GIS (SAS Partner Notilyze) and climate research (Wageningen University). By using SAS Viya, open source tools and GIS mapping and simulation, the team integrated diverse data sources to create comprehensive visualizations of climate scenarios in the Dutch river delta. These helped the team optimize water-management strategies.Retail, Consumer Goods & Manufacturing – Supply Chain Resource Cooperative NCSU [U.S.] A team from North Carolina State University has developed a machine learning-based system that grades apparel factory compliance with established labor standards. NCSU used SAS Viya to develop its framework, which creates a more transparent and ethical way to evaluate apparel supply chains.Telecom – Advanced Analytics TEF Vivo. [Brazil]. A team from telecom provider Vivo created a solution that automates revenue and profit forecasting in the mobile segment. Using machine learning models and data analysis within SAS Viya led to significant increases in forecasting accuracy, a simplified process, and easy visualization and adjustment. The result? Better strategic planning and resource allocation, reduced manual effort and improved efficiency.

Global technology winners

Computer Vision – avalanche [Turkey]. A student team from TOBB University of Economics and Technology designed a system to monitor social media platforms and economic and public camera data. The goal? Detect harmful content or dangerous activity and provide timely alerts to relevant authorities to prevent panic and protect public safety.Decisioning – Benjamin & Joseph (Benjo) [Singapore]. SAS IoT Partner Ecosystem member Benjamin & Joseph has developed a solution to automate line-by-line auditing of medical bills. Its Sherlock solution, powered by SAS AI and IoT analytics, helps reduce errors in medical billing. These errors lead to billions of dollars in preventable losses for health care providers and payers worldwide.Forecasting – Datacurate [India]. SAS Partner Datacurate Technologies created a procurement-planning solution for the food industry using SAS Viya. For a restaurant chain, for example, procurement planning involves determining which ingredients to buy, the optimal time for purchasing, and the precise quantities needed to meet anticipated demand. Effective procurement planning aims to minimize costs and reduce waste while ensuring timely availability of ingredients.Internet of Things (IoT) – StaSASticians [U.S.] See description above.Models – Butterflies [U.K.] See description above.Natural Language Processing (NLP) – Council Insights Heidelberg [Germany]. This team wanted to create a way for Heidelberg’s citizens to find out quickly about the work and resolutions of the city’s Municipal Council. Using SAS Viya, they built a system that automatically retrieves documents from the Council’s website, preps the data, and analyzes it with NLP, large language models (LLMs) and Viya tools so it can be easily accessed and searched. By better presenting the work of city committees, the team helps strengthen citizens’ trust in their local government. And this project could be a model for other cities.Visualization – Council Insights Heidelberg [Germany]. See description above.

Global special award winners

Channel Ready – Butterflies [U.K.] See description above.Sustainability – Cleaner Commutes [Netherlands]. Employee commuting is a significant part of many companies’ carbon footprint. Using SAS advanced analytics and machine learning, this team provides data-driven insights to companies to help them reduce their commuting emissions and comply with environmental regulations. Large volumes of synthetic data (from SAS Data Maker) can also help simulate different commuting scenarios so companies can assess employee impact and develop personalized solutions.Data for Good – AbuSearch [U.K.] This team from SAS Partner Katalyze Data and the Child Rescue Coalition used text analytics, NLP and other tools to fight child abuse. They analyzed chat and forums data from Project Nemesis, child-protection software for law enforcement. The goal was to identify users of the chat and forums who share and even produce harmful content on children, as well as those who find, groom and contact potential victims.Emerging Talent – NEAR Exergame [Malaysia]. See description above.Trustworthy AI – Butterflies [U.K.] See description above.

Global student winners

Data for Good – ORSOL [U.S.] This team from Purdue University examined how economically disadvantaged populations are disproportionally affected by climate change. It built a system to identify the 50 counties in the U.S. that are most at risk from the combination of climate change and economic vulnerability. And created data-driven insights to help policymakers better allocate resources.Ethical Data Analysis – Data Ninjas [U.K.] To develop a data-driven and ethical admissions process for graduate schools, this team from the University of London and the University of Wolverhampton used SAS Viya for Learners to mitigate bias and promote fairness.

About SAS
SAS is a global leader in data and AI. With SAS software and industry-specific solutions, organizations transform data into trusted decisions. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW®.

SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. ® indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright © 2023 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.

Editorial Contact:
Mike Nemecek
SAS
mike.nemecek@sas.com 
919-531-5140
sas.com/news

 

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HelloNation Examines Medicare Advantage & Medigap Coverage Differences, Featuring Financial Advisor Ash Toumayants

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July 24, 2026

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The article reviews provider access, prescription coverage, and out-of-pocket expenses when comparing Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How should residents evaluate whether Medicare Advantage or Medigap coverage better fits their healthcare and financial needs? HelloNation answers this question in an article that explains the key considerations involved in choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans.

The HelloNation article features insights from Financial Advisor Ash Toumayants of Strong Tower Associates. The article explains that both Medicare Advantage and Medigap supplement Original Medicare but differ significantly in how they handle healthcare providers, prescription coverage, and overall out-of-pocket expenses.

Medicare Advantage plans are typically offered through private insurers and bundles Medicare Part A, Part B, and possibly prescription coverage into a single policy. However, Medicare Advantage plans generally operate with provider networks, meaning healthcare providers must often be selected from within the plan’s approved list.

For residents across Pennsylvania, provider access can play an important role in selecting the right plan. The article explains that individuals should review which healthcare providers are included in a Medicare Advantage network before enrolling. Plan networks may vary by county in Pennsylvania, so residents should confirm that their preferred doctors and specialists are covered.

Medigap plans, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, operate differently from Medicare Advantage. The article explains that Medigap works alongside Original Medicare and helps cover certain out-of-pocket expenses such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Although Medigap policies generally involve higher monthly premiums, they can offer greater predictability in medical expenses.

One advantage of Medigap is flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. The article explains that individuals with Medigap coverage can typically visit any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare nationwide. This broader provider access can be beneficial for retirees who want more freedom in choosing healthcare providers across Pennsylvania or while traveling.

Prescription coverage is another important factor in the decision process. Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription coverage as part of their bundled benefits. In contrast, Medigap plans do not include prescription coverage, which means individuals who choose Medigap often purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan to manage medication costs.

Budget considerations also influence the decision between Medicare Advantage and Medigap. The article explains that while Medicare Advantage plans may have lower premiums, they often include copays and service limits that affect annual out-of-pocket expenses. Medigap plans generally involve higher premiums but may reduce unexpected out-of-pocket expenses throughout the year.

Travel and lifestyle habits can also affect which plan is more suitable. The article explains that Medicare Advantage plans may have limitations on out-of-network care outside their coverage area. For residents in Pennsylvania who travel frequently or spend time in multiple locations, Medigap coverage may offer greater flexibility when accessing healthcare providers.

Enrollment timing is another important consideration discussed in the article. Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans have different enrollment rules and deadlines tied to the Initial Enrollment Period or the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period. Missing these enrollment opportunities can limit plan choices or result in additional underwriting requirements.

The article concludes that choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medigap in Pennsylvania requires careful evaluation of healthcare providers, prescription coverage, travel habits, budget considerations, and potential out-of-pocket expenses. Comparing plan structures and reviewing coverage details helps individuals make informed decisions that align with their healthcare and financial priorities.

How to Decide Between Medicare Advantage & Medigap features insights from Ash Toumayants, Financial Advisor of State College, PA, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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In HelloNation, Pool & Landscaping Expert Tina Possehn Wolbers Discusses What Pool Opening & Closing Services Include

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July 24, 2026

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The article highlights how seasonal pool service simplifies pool maintenance and protects backyard pools year-round.

LANSING, Mich., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What is included with pool opening and closing services, and how do they support pool ownership? The answer is explored in a HelloNation article, which features insights from Tina Possehn Wolbers of Wolbers-Possehn Pools, Ponds and Landscapes.

The HelloNation article explains that seasonal pool service plays a key role in maintaining a backyard pool throughout the year. By handling the transition between seasons, pool opening service and pool closing service make pool maintenance more manageable and allow homeowners to focus on enjoying their space.

Pool opening service marks the beginning of the swimming season. One of the first steps is removing the pool cover, which has protected the pool during colder months. The pool cover is carefully cleaned and stored, helping extend its lifespan and prepare it for future use. Once removed, the backyard pool begins to take shape as a clean and inviting environment.

Another important part of pool opening service is reconnecting and inspecting pool equipment. Pumps, filters, and circulation systems are checked to ensure they are functioning properly. This step helps restore water flow and sets the foundation for effective pool maintenance throughout the season.

Water level adjustments and water balancing are also essential components of pool opening service. Ensuring proper water levels allows systems to run efficiently, while water balancing helps create a safe and comfortable swimming environment. These steps help homeowners enjoy their backyard pool without unnecessary complications.

The article emphasizes that pool opening service and pool closing service are key components of seasonal pool service, helping simplify pool maintenance and reduce the stress of managing a pool. With a structured approach, homeowners can rely on consistent care that keeps their pool in good condition.

Pool closing service prepares the pool for colder months when it is not in use. This process includes lowering the water level to help prevent potential damage. Proper water management during pool closing service helps protect the structure and equipment over time.

Protecting plumbing lines is another critical part of pool closing service. Water is removed from pipes to prevent freezing and expansion, which could lead to damage. Taking these steps ensures that the system remains intact and ready for the next pool opening service.

Securing the pool cover completes the process. A properly fitted pool cover keeps debris out and helps maintain water quality during the off-season. It also makes the next pool opening service easier by reducing the amount of cleaning required.

Seasonal pool service provides a more predictable and low-stress experience for homeowners. Instead of handling every detail themselves, pool owners can rely on professional processes that keep their backyard pool functioning properly year after year.

Beyond maintenance, a well-cared-for backyard pool becomes a space for relaxation and connection. Whether hosting gatherings or enjoying quiet time, the pool adds value to everyday life. Pool opening service and pool closing service support that experience by keeping the pool ready when it matters most.

The HelloNation article concludes that understanding what is included in seasonal pool service helps homeowners set clear expectations and maintain their pool with confidence. With proper pool maintenance, water balancing, and use of a secure pool cover, owning a backyard pool in Lansing becomes both simple and enjoyable.

What Is Included With Pool Opening & Closing Services in Lansing? features insights from Tina Possehn Wolbers, Pool & Landscaping Expert of Lansing, MI, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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Verra Mobility Schedules Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Call

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July 24, 2026

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MESA, Ariz., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM), a leading provider of smart mobility technology solutions, announced today that it will report financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026, after market close on August 5, 2026.

Verra Mobility’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Jon Keyser, and Chief Financial Officer, Craig Conti, will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss financial results for investors and analysts at 5:00 p.m. ET on August 5, 2026.

A live webcast will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at ir.verramobility.com. To access this conference call by telephone, register here to receive dial-in numbers and a unique PIN to join the call. A replay of the call will also be made available on the Investor Relations website.

In addition, an archived webcast will be available in the “News & Events” section of Verra Mobility’s Investor Relations website at ir.verramobility.com.

About Verra Mobility

Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM) is a leading provider of smart mobility technology solutions that make transportation safer, smarter and more connected. The company sits at the center of the mobility ecosystem, bringing together vehicles, hardware, software, data and people to enable safe, efficient solutions for customers globally. Verra Mobility’s transportation safety systems and parking management solutions protect lives, improve urban and motorway mobility and support healthier communities. The company also solves complex payment, utilization and compliance challenges for fleet owners and rental car companies. Headquartered in Arizona, Verra Mobility principally operates in North America, Europe and Australia. For more information, please visit www.verramobility.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about Verra Mobility’s plans, objectives, expectations, beliefs and intentions and other statements including words such as “hope,” “anticipate,” “may,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “continue” and “potential” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. The forward-looking statements herein represent the judgment of Verra Mobility, as of the date of this release, and Verra Mobility disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. This press release should be read in conjunction with the information included in Verra Mobility’s other press releases, reports and other filings with the SEC and on the SEC website, www.sec.gov. Understanding the information contained in these filings is important in order to fully understand Verra Mobility’s reported financial results and our business outlook for future periods. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions and estimates used as a basis for the forward-looking statements.

Additional Information

We periodically provide information for investors on our corporate website, www.verramobility.com, and our investor relations website, ir.verramobility.com. We intend to use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor our website, in addition to following the Company’s press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts.

Media Relations:

Investor Relations:

Valerie Schneider

Mark Zindler

valerie.schneider@verramobility.com

mark.zindler@verramobility.com 

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