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January 5, 2017

AI Is Quickly Becoming Big Business at Google and IBM

Reports surfaced in China on Thursday that Google’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) research group has again beat some of the best Go players in an online tournament. Go is widely considered one of the toughest strategy games to play as each move has roughly 250 choices. However, DeepMind, Google’s AI program, has repeated beaten the masters over the past year.

In talking about the recent victories, DeepMind founder, Demis Hassabis, tweeted that many of the games were played with ‘fast time controls’. As such, these were speed games, which would benefit only the most experienced players. Or in this case, a supercomputer.

According to a report from Venture Beat, one Chinese player offered a reward of $14,300 (100,000 Chinese Yuan) to the player who could beat one of DeepMind’s usernames.

While the game playing is well and good, DeepMind is involved in several initiatives at Google. In fact, the research team has published multiple papers to the scientific community including a paper published by Nature in October of last year on the hybrid computing. Whilst the paper is meant for an academic audience it points out how AI is moving beyond the research lab and into the real world.

Stock Photo: ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JANUARY 18: IBM Watson Solutions General Manager Manoj Saxena delivers an address to IBM Lotusphere 2012 conference on January 18, 2012 in Orlando, FL. (drserg / Shutterstock.com)

One company which is at the forefront of this push is IBM. The company’s Watson supercomputer when it defeated a host of Jeopardy champions in 2011. Fast forward five years and Big Blue’s AI initiative is currently working with cancer specialists around the world to help diagnose and treat patients.

IBM has also partnered with companies such as Pfizer for drug research, The Weather Channel, BMW, and several technology companies. The approach has been so positive that IBM has opened up Watson to just about anyone through its Bluemix suite of tools.

AI is quickly becoming big business. In July 2016, CB Insights, a research firm which tracks venture capital investments, noted that the more than $1 billion in funding flowed into AI companies of last year. The amount was an all-time high and while the number of transactions were down the average deal size was up.This shows that several AI companies are quickly maturing and many of them have already deployed their technology in the market.

According to IDC, nearly half of all consumers will have regular contact with AI-enabled programs by 2018. This is already happening in several industries, especially banking and finance. Last year the RBS installed an AI program in its customer service department and large U.S. banks such as Goldman Sachs and J.P.Morgan have made significant investments in the technology.

Stock Photo: New York – October 29, 2016: The corporate sign in front of the JP Morgan Chase & Co office building on Park Avenue in New York City. (Felix Lipov / Shutterstock.com)

As such, AI is quickly moving beyond hype and along with other emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as Google Home have the potential to be big business.

New Study Suggests Gun Violence Maybe Contagious

Business

Megan Diane

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January 4, 2017

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New Study Suggests Gun Violence Maybe Contagious

What if gun violence was just as contagious as the flu? While this sounds as strange as an episode of Netflix’s Black Mirror, researchers at Yale University discover a link between gun violence and other contagious diseases.

Gun Violence Chicago — Stock Photo:
CHICAGO, USA – JUL 17: Policeman arrested a homeless man on Michigan Avenue in Downtown Chicago. July 17, 2010 in Chicago, USA. (MaxyM / Shutterstock.com)

In 2016, Chicago experienced 762 murders and over a thousand shootings. The worst history of gun violence in over twenty years. In fact, those primarily affected by violence attributed to guns lived in the inner city and urban areas of the city. Now, researchers at the Yale University have published a study in the “Journal of American Medical Association” showing how “contagious” gun violence is in America.

Yale University Gun Violence — Stock Photo: New Haven – May 18: Yale University graduation ceremonies on Commencement Day on May 18, 2015. Yale University is a private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 1701

Associate professor of sociology, Andrew Papachristos, and his team of researchers analyzed the social networks of men and women who were arrested over the course of 8-years in Chicago, Illinois. Researchers discovered that a person was the greatest risk of getting shot 125 days after the person most responsible for putting them in harm is subjected to gun violence.

Researchers argue that type of violence is not only a problem but also follows a pattern. Ultimately, the person with a large group of friends who have become a victim of gun violence are also more likely to get shot. With that being said, researchers were not able to prove that gun violence is actually “contagious”.

However, Papachristos explained that it is important that we understand the timing of these events in order to identify victims and where provide programs to reduce violence in historically violent areas.

Can gun violence be stopped?

The U.S. government is still working on a solution to stop gun violence. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a program to help reduce gun and gang violence in America by working with existing programs that target crime. Since 2001, nearly $2 billion has been used to decrease violence in America. In turn, Project Safe Neighborhoods led to the creation of Baltimore’s “Safe Streets” program. Ultimately, the Safe Streets led to a decrease in bloodshed by using conflict mediations led by program outreach workers.

However, recent a study published in the “Journal of Quantitative Criminology” called Deterring Gang-Involved Gun Violence found Boston Operation Ceasefire – a program designed to help eliminate violence by helping at risk youth – had little direct evidence of actually positively impacting the community.

Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg Reveals His New Year’s Resolution

Business

Jonathan Antonio

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January 4, 2017

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Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg Reveals His New Year’s Resolution

What is sounding more and more of an early presidential campaign, Mark Zuckerberg is going to tour the United States.

The CEO of Facebook posted on his social media account his “personal challenge for 2017”. In the post, Zuckerberg explained that his previous accomplishments. They ranged from running 365 miles to building an Artificial Intelligence system for his home. Now, the billionaire is looking to meet with people from every state in the United States by the end of 2017.

Mark Zuckerberg Facebook 2017 — Stock Photo: SAN FRANCISCO JUNE 30 : Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Marched With 700 Facebook Employees In San Francisco’s Gay Pride Parade on June 30 2013 (Kobby Dagan / Shutterstock.com)

“Going into this challenge, it seems we are at a turning point in history,” Zuckerberg explains. “For decades, technology and globalization have made us more productive and connected. This has created many benefits, but for a lot of people it has also made life more challenging. This has contributed to a greater sense of division than I have felt in my lifetime. We need to find a way to change the game so it works for everyone.”

Zuckerberg plans on visiting universities, offices, meeting with teachers, scientists and visiting places people recommend as he travels across the United States.

Is Mark Zuckerberg running for President?

Earlier this year Facebook’s own board of directors were sued after investors argued that the board was not looking out for them. The lawsuit came after Facebook’s board of directors voted in favor of allowing Mark Zuckerberg to sell a large portion of his shares but, still maintain majority voting control in Facebook.

Then in December, court filings showed text messages between Facebook board member Marc Andreessen that suggested he was helping Zuckerberg. Not to mention, a text message alluding to the possibility of future “government service”.

With that being said, Zuckerberg’s plan to engage in politics is nothing new. Zuckerberg has pushed for faster internet around the world. In addition to hosting fundraisers for Donald Trump supporters such as governor of New Jersey Chris Christie. Along with donating $100 million towards Newark’s school system.

ADT Partners with Amazon to Delivery Home Security

Business

Reginald Edward

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January 4, 2017

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ADT Partners with Amazon to Delivery Home Security

In a joint statement, Amazon and ADT announced they would be partnering to deliver a home security solution. The partnership will merge ADT’s Pulse with Amazon’s Alexa and will users to monitor, arm, and disarm their home security systems.

According to reports the combined solution will be available later this month and will include an update for the ADT Pulse. This update will link Pulse with Alexa-enabled devices such as the Amazon Echo and the Dot. Once users sync the devices with a four-digit PIN code then they will be able to use voice commands to manage their home.

Additional functionality will include the ability to link other Pulse-compatible devices such as smart deadbolts and lights. This will give users the ability to manage their home as long as they are within earshot of their Alexa device.

While the Pulse is not the first home security system to link with Alexa, Mike George, Vice President of Alexa, pointed out that the company is ‘excited to work with a leading security company like ADT to expand the Alexa smart home experience through their new skill.’

Stock Photo: JANUARY 27, 2014 – BERLIN: the logo of the brand “ADT”.

The future of Amazon’s Echo

The partnership with ADT is just one part of Amazon’s plans to expand the capabilities of Alexa. In fact, Amazon has announced plans to pull back the curtain on a number of added features. These will help the Echo and Dot to maintain their lead on competitive devices such as Google Home and Apple HomeKit.

As part of this push Amazon is working with DISH to merge Alexa voice control and DISH’s Hopper DVR. Whirlpool is also working to connect its smart appliances as part of an all-embracing in-home connectivity solution. Not to be left out, Lenovo is partnering with Alexa on a series of smart devices.

But this is just one part of the plans that Amazon has for Alexa as it seeks to develop multiple distribution agreements. This will allow Amazon to build an ecosystem around Alexa, something which observers see as key to ensuring the dominance of the Echo and Dot for years to come.

Shares of Amazon were trading up 0.24% on early trading on Wednesday at $755.49.

Researchers Find a Link Between Alcohol Abuse and Heart Attacks

Business

Brent Edward

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January 3, 2017

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Researchers Find a Link Between Alcohol Abuse and Heart Attacks

Researchers have discovered a correlation between alcohol abuse and heart attacks.

There are more than 3 million US cases per year of alcoholism. It is a disease that cannot be cured. Symptoms of alcohol consumption is related to wanting to start each day with a drink.

More than 18 million people in the United States struggle with alcohol abuse, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

But, researchers now argue that alcohol use disorders may be deadlier than what physicians previously thought. In fact, new research has found a link between alcoholism and heart attacks.

Published in the “Journal of the American College of Cardiology”, researchers have found alcohol abuse puts people at risk for a heart attack and even heart failure.

Researchers examined data of all California residents ages 21 and older who received emergency inpatient medical care from 2005 and 2009. Among the nearly 15 million patients in the database, 268,000 patients had been diagnosed with alcohol abuse. Scientists examining the data discovered that alcohol abuse was linked to a 140% increased risk of a heart attack and 230% increase of congestive heart failure.

Researchers argued that eliminating alcohol abuse would lead to nearly 100,000 fewer patients with congestive heart failure.

Gregory M. Marcus, MD, the lead researcher in the study revealed that he was surprised to see a connection between alcohol abuse and heart attacks. He hopes that this research will help prevent people from binging drinking.

Alcohol abuse and drinking and driving

Alcohol abuse doesn’t just lead to heart attacks. A 2017 study published in the journal of “Accident Analysis & Prevention” found that people with exhibiting risky alcohol consumption patterns were more likely to drink and drive. In addition, people who abused alcohol were also less likely to think they were going to crash. Researchers also explained that people who reported drinking and driving revealed that they also had friends and family who also engage in drinking and driving.

Obese Parents Linked to Child Development Issues, Study Finds

Business

Brent Edward

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January 3, 2017

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Obese Parents Linked to Child Development Issues, Study Finds

Researchers have found a correlation between child development issues and obese parents.

Currently, two out of three Americans are clinically obese and researchers are examining the impact of obesity on the human body. Last week, researchers discovered a link between dopamine in the brain and obesity, which in turn impacts physical activity. Now, according to a study published by researchers from the National Institutes of Health, children of overweight mothers were more likely to have child development delays.

Published in the journal of “Pediatrics”, researchers discovered that children from obese mothers were more likely to have problems controlling movement of small muscles. In addition, children of obese fathers were also more likely to have issues with problem solving tasks.

Researchers examined over 5,000 New York State mothers. Then, researchers had the mothers fill out a questionnaire over the course of 3 years.

Scientists involved in the study found that children with obese mothers were nearly 70% more likely to have problems with their fine motor skills. In addition, 75% of children with overweight fathers had problems interacting with others. Furthermore, children with two obese parents were 300% more likely to have problem solving issues by the time they turn 3 years old.

Why is this happening? Well, researchers have not discovered why a link exists. But, the researchers explain that studies with animals suggest obesity impacts the development of the fetal brain. In addition, researchers also assert that obesity could impact genes in sperm.

The cycle of obesity

This is worrying considering, 20% of pregnant women in the United States are currently overweight or obese. Studies have shown that people are no longer going hungry but, are more likely to become obese. Not to mention, obesity can lead to several health issues including: cancer, type-2 diabetes, and stroke.

Moreover, scientists has found that children with intellectual development issues are at an increased risk for obesity. In turn, creating a vicious cycle of obesity from one generation to the next.

3 Potential Projects Google Will Advance in 2017

Business

Reginald Edward

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January 3, 2017

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3 Potential Projects Google Will Advance in 2017

With 2016 in the books, Google is a moving forward from its internal reorganization and is getting ready to unleash a few advancements. These developments will create new opportunities for the company and its customers for years to come. While Waymo, the company’s autonomous driving spinoff, is set to make a splash in the new year. Some technology analysts have started to look deeper into Google’s pipeline to see what else they have on the cards.

Google Android — Stock Photo: MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA/USA – JUNE 30: Android Nougat replica in front of Google office on June 30, 2016. (Asif Islam / Shutterstock.com)

Three potential advancements which might see further advancement in 2017 including increased integration of Chrome and Android, improvements to Google Assistant, and TV. Advancements in each of these three areas will address strategic opportunities which have cropped up over the years. This is not to say that Google does not have a solution currently available; but rather that the internet behemoth is not currently the dominant player.

In the past year, Microsoft has made great strides to create a seamless experience for desktop and mobile users. This is not to say that Edge is a superior browser. In fact, Microsoft’s replacement to the long-running Internet Explorer market share is dwarfed by Google’s Chrome. However, Microsoft efforts do pose a threat to Chrome’s dominance. The key advantage for Google is the popularity of the company’s Android mobile operating system.

The leg up is by no means permanent. While Microsoft won the ‘browser wars’ in the 1990’s. Remember Netscape? Google could build a better product which ultimately came out on top. The irony being that dominance may tend to breed complacency and Android/Chrome integration might be a way to break out of this trap.

Virtual Assistants ended up being the tech toy which won Christmas 2016. Unfortunately for the search engine giant, its Google Home ended up playing second fiddle to Amazon’s offering. While questions of privacy and security surround these devices, consumers are interested. This creates a massive opportunity to extend its reach through an entirely new category – one which could be even more groundbreaking than mobile. However, Google is currently playing catch up to Amazon and while the market is still young, it should seek to leverage its Artificial Intelligence (AI) and application ecosystem to gain share.

The last opportunity is television, which is another market where Google is not on the cutting edge – despite the overwhelming advantage YouTube enjoys. The irony being that YouTube brought streaming video into the mainstream. But that early advantage has been lost of companies like Netflix and Hulu which have raked in billions on monthly membership fees.

Part of the problem has been finding content providers willing to partner with Google. As of 2016, Sony was the only major company to partner with Google on Chromecast. This presents a tremendous opportunity for the company. Maybe Google will enter talks to partner with Netflix, or it could seek to cobble together agreements with the networks and companies like HBO. Either way, it must do something or TV will be lost as Netflix and Amazon solidify their positions in this space.

Shares of Google were trading up 1.67% as part of a broader rally on the first day of the new trading year.

Chrysler and Google Join Forces for an Android UConnect System

Business

admin

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January 2, 2017

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Chrysler and Google Join Forces for an Android UConnect System

Chrysler has announced a partnership with Google’s Android for an updated infotainment system.

Google is taking their relationship with the seventh-largest car manufacturer in the world one step further. The company is already partnered with the company to unleash their self-driving car technology. Now, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced on Tuesday that they will be collaborating with Google for a new entertainment system powered by Android.

Currently, UConnect is featured in dozens of Chrysler automobiles. The system provides a features including Wi-Fi hotspots, vehicle health reports, emergency assistance, voice texting, personal commands, and many other features. But, Google’s partnership with the automaker aims to take the UConnect system to another level.

Chrysler’s UConnect System

Stock Photo: DETROIT – JANUARY 15 : A Chrysler 300 M on display at The North American International Auto Show January 15, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan. (Darren Brode / Shutterstock.com)

The UConnect system will allow for cars to be able to download applications. In addition, Uconnect owners use their car in the same way people traditionally use their phones.

According to press release, Android’s UConnect will provide integration of popular Android apps such as Pandora, Spotify and Google Maps. In addition, the new UConnect system will feature Android’s latest version of 7.0 Nougat. Also, the first installation of the system will be unveiled during CES 2017.

Director of Android Engineering, Patrick Brady, explained that Google is focused on using Android’s technology to “create powerful infotainment systems designed for the digital age.”

This announced of a partnership with Google’s Android system illustrates Google’s growing relationship with the car company.

Last December, Google’s self-driving car company, Waymo, announced they will be partnering with the automaker. Waymo’s CEO, John Krafcik, explained that Waymo’s self-driving technology will be installed within several Chrysler Pacifica minivans. The new Chrysler minivan will feature Google’s self-driving technology and an all new system of sensors, computers and updates.

Uber Could Replace 98% of NYC Taxis With Fewer Cars, Study Finds

Business

Jonathan Antonio

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January 2, 2017

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Uber Could Replace 98% of NYC Taxis With Fewer Cars, Study Finds

Ride sharing is becoming a growing business. It took Uber five years before reaching 1 billion rides. But, six months later Uber, hit 2 billion rides and the company is continuing to grow. In fact, Uber has partnered with McDonald’s to provide delivery service to consumers in major Florida cities. In addition, General Motors has created a plan to rent cars to Uber drivers for only $179 per week. Now, MIT researchers have developed a new algorithm that could disrupt the entire taxi industry using Uber’s ride-sharing technology.

Researchers discovered that 3,000 four passenger cars could replace 98 percent of all New York City taxis. In fact, researchers suggests ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft have the potential of eliminating large-scale traffic, pollution and energy usage in New York City.

Research led by MIT Professor Daniela Rus of MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory also found that the average wait-time would be less than 3 minutes.

Future of ride-sharing

Rus explained in a statement that ride-sharing carpooling would help transport multiple people at a time resulting in fewer trips, and ultimately, less money.

New York City Taxi — Stock Photo: NEW YORK CITY -MARCH 25: Times Square, featured with Broadway Theaters and animated LED signs in Manhattan, New York City. USA. (Luciano Mortula / Shutterstock.com)

“A system like this could allow drivers to work shorter shifts, while also creating less traffic, cleaner air and shorter, less stressful commutes.”

Currently in New York City, there are approximately 14,000 taxis. But, nearly all of the city’s transportation demands could be replaced by only 2,000 ten-person vehicles, according to the algorithm.

Researchers were able to make this discovery by examining 3 million taxi rides. Researchers then rerouted the cars based on incoming requests. In addition, researchers had inactive cars moving to areas with high demands.

With that being said, researchers argue that ride-sharing programs are unable to handle the algorithm’s predictions. At the moment, ride-sharing applications need to be designed so that multiple requests can be sent at one time before an algorithm can design an efficient route. Consequently, that makes the real-world application of their algorithm difficult, according to Rus.

Uber — Stock Photo: CHIANG MAI,THAILAND – AUG 7, 2016 : Samsung Galaxy S6 with uber app on the screen (Chonlachai / Shutterstock.com)

“A key challenge was to develop a real-time solution that considers the thousands of vehicles and requests at once,” says Rus. “We can do this in our method because that first step enables us to understand and abstract the road network at a fine level of detail.”

Teens Are Using E-Cigarettes For More than Just Nicotene

Business

Brent Edward

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December 31, 2016

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Teens Are Using E-Cigarettes For More than Just Nicotene

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that U.S. adolescents are using refillable e-cigarettes for products other than nicotine.

E-cigarettes are becoming more and more popular among middle and high school students.

A 2015 study examined e-cigarettes and tobacco use among adolescents. Published in the journal of “Pediatrics”, Thomas A. Willis and his research team found that e-cigarettes are being used U.S. youth who would normally not try tobacco products.

In fact, a 2016 study, “Youth-Targeted E-cigarette Marketing in the US”, examined how e-cigarettes were marketed in the U.S. The study found that many of the advertisements were directed towards adolescents. In fact, Alisa Padon and her team discovered the ads frequently tied e-cigarettes to emotions including: happiness (68%), friendship (41%), sex (24%), and success (24%).

What’s worrying is that most addictions typically start during adolescence. Now, with the rise of synthetic cannabis in urban areas, new research by the CDC is suggesting that middle and high school students are filling up their e-cigarettes for something more than just nicotine.

The E-Cigarette CDC Report

Published in the “Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report”, researchers show that 16% of high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the last month. However, adolescents who choose to vape, report filling their e-cigarette for more than just nicotine.

The CDC explained that one third of e-cigarette users are not smoking nicotine. In fact, among Connecticut high school students, 18% of e-cigarette users revealed they used cannabis in an e-cigarette.

Moreover, the CDC also reported e-cigarettes as being popular among young white and Hispanics in comparison to black students. Not to mention, blu being the most reported e-cigarette product among U.S. youths.

The health agency suggests a continued effort to prevent and reduce the use of e-cigarettes, among U.S. kids. Furthermore, the CDC recommends continued regulation of the distribution and marketing of tobacco products.

Can gun violence be stopped?

Is Mark Zuckerberg running for President?

The future of Amazon’s Echo

Alcohol abuse and drinking and driving

The cycle of obesity

Chrysler’s UConnect System

Future of ride-sharing

The E-Cigarette CDC Report

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