On Thursday, October 22nd, Florida Polytechnic University hosted the third Google+ Hangout, #STEMTalks. This Google+ Hangout was the third installment of a four part series that featured a panel of technology leaders who discussed the impact of big data, super computers and all things technology.
Crystal Lauderdale, the Director of Marketing and Communications at Florida Poly moderated the panel of industry experts, which included:
- Jingsong Cui, VP of Data Science at Nielson
- Joseph F. Miceli Jr., CEO of Omniscient Analytics
- Athanasios Gentimis, Florida Poly Math and Analytics Professor
Florida Poly has highlighted the top six moments from the Google+ Hangout below.
What is big data?
How does big data integrate with Facebook?
How does big data influences purchasing habits?
What are the recent advancements in big data?
What should data scientists know before entering the field?
How does big data analytics affect small businesses?
Due to time constraints, many of the viewer’s questions were unanswered. Dr. Athanasios Gentimis answered any outstanding questions provided by viewers below.
Q: What new technology is making use of the knowledge derived from big data?
A: Machine learning that leads to ‘deep learning’ applications which allows a set of
algorithms to model high-level abstractions in data by using processing layers with
complex structures.
Q. What are some specific examples in which big data has contributed toward a scientific
finding?
A. Big Data has contributed to the discovery of Higgs Boson, Genomics and advancements
in pharmacology.
Q. What are some predictions about the future that have been made using big data?
A. Some predictions that have been made are card fraud detection, purchasing helper-recommender
(i.e. Facebook, Amazon, Netflix) and voice recognition in cell-phones.
Q. How do GPA programs, such as Google Maps, give us the shortest route from one location
to another using algorithms.
A. Google Maps does not exactly use a big data algorithm. However, all routes are all
there and available, both in distance and maximum speed. The program tries all possible
combinations “intelligently” trying to utilize highways as much as possible (higher
speeds, lower time penalty). Newer systems can tap into GPS data and figure out if
there is a traffic jam or accidents. A GPS device sends and receives signals, so if
you are sitting in the middle of the highway for some time, and others around you
do the same, the algorithms determine if there is a blockage and offer re-routes.
Some GPS systems are also connected to highway traffic data.
Q. Is Al at the point where if two different people ask the same or similar questions
will they receive the same answer, or will Al give different answers?
A. Currently there are not any “real” AI’s that I know of. I have heard of programs,
that “change their minds” or “learn from the user” if that answers your question.
Q. I’ve always wanted to go to a STEM university and I have earned many industry certifications.
Does PolyTech take these certifications in to consideration for applications? I have
multiple CIW, Autodesk, COMTIA… etc. Will those help me get in or get a job?
A. YES! We are always on the look out for gifted and qualified individuals. Good luck!
Q. Would you say the future of programming in analyses is parallel? With the rise
of massive sets of data, in regards to Graphics Progressing Unites (GPU’s), will it
not be necessary in the future to analyze data using these devices?
A. Absolutely yes! There is no way to centrally process big data. That creates a shift
in thinking and implementation. GPU’s are currently being surpassed by CPU in most
of the analyses except for a few areas. Their usefulness is heavily exploited and
they will continue advance and improve.
Q. How is data extracted from an anonymous user say trying to extract data from someone
on the deep web.
A. This is a broad question, but in general, an anonymous user does not offer a whole
lot. But, if somehow he/she can be linked to some demographics, or by his/her responses
some demographics can be interpolated then they become useful and catalogued.
Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Assistant Director of Communications
863-874-8450