Reinforcing Figures in the Field of Math, Physics, and Data Science
Words by: Christian Rendon
Three speakers from different scientific fields were invited for the department lecture of the Math and Physics Department to discuss timely and relevant issues in the field of Physics, Data Science and Analytics, and Mathematics on March 28, 2023, in the Central Laboratory Auditorium.
. Dean Rey Donne Papa kicked off the lecture with his opening remarks as he urged students and faculties under the Department of Math and Physics to sustain their drive for excellence due to the increasing number of recognitions under their department. He also cheerfully acknowledged the presence of the first batch of students from the Data and Science Analytics who attended the said lecture.
. In the field of physics, Dr. Borlaza-Lacoste, from the State University of New York, presented her study on atmospheric aerosols and the generation of oxidative potential. The issues of ethical algorithms in data science were addressed by Mr. Dominic Ligot, a data scientist from the University of Asia and the Pacific. To conclude the lecture, Dr. Nheil Ignacio from the University of the Philippines Diliman, discussed probability mass function through the Fibonacci sequence.
Dr. Lucille Joanna Borlaza-Lacoste, from the State University of New York and an alumnus of B.S. Applied Physics at UST, discussed her current study concerning present environmental air quality with atmospheric aerosols being the main focus of her research. Atmospheric aerosols, or particulate matter, are solids or liquids suspended in the atmosphere brought upon by natural and anthropogenic emissions. Dr. Borlaza highlighted the relevance of particulate matter (PM) on public health concerns. According to her, current statistics identified PM-related mortality rates and toxic responses in human health. Furthermore, her study investigated the oxidative potential generated by particulate matter and its potential use for air quality monitoring. Alongside discussing PM-related health concerns, Dr. Borlaza stressed the importance of utilizing new instruments and methods in detecting and analyzing the toxicological and chemical components of PM.
Ethical Algorithms and the current challenges surrounding AI are only one of the relevant issues our world is facing in the 4th Industrial Revolution. As discussed by Mr. Dominic Ligot, a data scientist from the University of Asia and the Pacific, modern technology has changed the way we handle data and algorithms. With the mainstreaming of A.I. or artificial intelligence at the present time, the role of ethics has become a tremendous challenge. Algorithms that produce data can cause harm according to Mr. Ligot. He emphasized the social costs of improperly training algorithms and the loss of life due to ungoverned data quality. Moreover, this kind of system allows the formation of eco-chambers in social media which deprives users of accessing other kinds of information and the emergence of hate speech. It has also been discussed that naïve automation can lead to public issues such as bias against minorities, misuse of A.I. for political means, and spread of disinformation. With the advent of generative A.I., Mr. Dominic explained the role of Data Ethics and Heuristics in response to ethical issues surrounding our current technology. He pointed out numerous guidelines and approaches in order to manage data in an ethical way through responsibility and accountability. As emphasized by Mr. Ligot, we are the new recipients of information and we should handle it responsibly.
Dr. Nheil Ignacio, from the University of the Philippines Diliman, shared his discussion on generating the probability mass function using Fibonacci Sequence. In his lecture, mathematical formulas were presented by analyzing and solving example problems of probability. In his example of the coin toss probability, the concept of the Fibonacci number was emphasized and defined by the recurrence formula. Additionally, Dr. Ignacio has presented his discussions on probability and Fibonacci distribution, including the Lemma (Limit of Success ratio). Fibonacci distribution was carefully examined through graphs of probability mass function. Application and simulation for the Fibonacci sequence were observed to have no relations in real-world applications aside from the coin toss, however, Dr. Ignacio has urged students, especially from applied mathematics, to conduct future studies regarding real-world applications of probability mass function and the Fibonacci sequence.
The department also invited esteemed guests from the National Dong Hwa University at Hualien, Taiwan to endorse and promote their post-graduate degree programs to the Applied Physics, Applied Math, Data Science and Analytics students; the guests include: University Vice-President Prof. Yuan Ron Ma, Physics Chair Prof. Wen-Ping Peng, Applied Math Chair Prof. Wei Ying Wu chair, Electrical Engineering Chair Prof. Chia Hua Huang, and Biology Chair Prof. Shih Chen Wu.
The department chair, Engr. Enrico Yambao, wrapped up the event highlighting the plethora of Scientific opportunities in internships, career, and research the students of the university have.
