Question 1.
Using real live examples differentiate between the following terms as used in the field of
informatics:
a) Spread sheet models and computer models:
Spreadsheet model is a computer application for computational, organization, analysis and
storage of data in a tabular form, in this model spreadsheet is used to find the best solution from
various alternative solution and to store, analyze and manipulate data. Whereas, a computer
model is used to represent to real world problems into logical assumptions and mathematical
relationships. Spreadsheet can be used to create budgets, produce graphs and charts and for
storing and sorting data. Computer models allows scientist to conduct thousands of simulated
experiments by computer. Examples of spreadsheet include Microsoft excel and Google sheet.
On the contrary examples of computer models include desktop model and tower model.
b) Medical informatics and clinical informatics:
Medical informatics is a rapidly developing scientific field that deals with the storage, retrieval,
and optimal use of biomedical information, data, and knowledge for problem solving and
decision making. Medical Informatics comprises the theoretical and practical aspects of
information processing and communication, based on knowledge and experience derived from
processes in medicine. Whereas clinical informatics, also known as health informatics, is the study
of how technology and data analytics can be used to improve patient care plans. Given the ever-
increasing availability of digital patient information from electronic health records (EHRs), medical
images and other sources, providers rely on quality, up-to-date data and technology when assessing
their patients. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists and therapists collect and share data so they can create
a patient treatment plan. During this process, clinicians use various pieces of technology and
equipment to gather, store and distribute patient information.
c) Fixed point and floating point presentation:
Fixed point is a representation of real data type of a number that has a fixed number of digits
after the radix point. Floating point is a representation of real numbers as an approximation so as
to support a tradeoff between range and precision. Fixed point is used to represent a limited
range of values, whereas, floating point is used to represent a wide range of values. Fixed point
has higher performance and floating point has lower performance. Floating point is a flexible as
compared to fixed point which is less flexible. Fixed point has a specific number of digits
reserved for the integer part and fractional part while the floating point doesn't have a specific
number of digits reserved for the integer part and fractional part.
d) Algorithms and Data structure:
The word Algorithm means a set of finite rules or instructions to be followed in calculations or
other problem-solving operations ” or a procedure for solving a mathematical problem in a finite
number of steps that frequently involves recursive operations. Therefore Algorithm refers to a
sequence of finite steps to solve a particular problem. Algorithms can be simple and complex
depending on what you want to achieve. It can be understood by taking the example of cooking a
new recipe. To cook a new recipe, one reads the instructions and steps and executes them one by
one, in the given sequence. The result thus obtained is the new dish cooked perfectly. Every time
you use your phone, computer, laptop, or calculator you are using Algorithms. Similarly,
algorithms help to do a task in programming to get the expected output. Whereas a data structure
is a storage that is used to store and organize data. It is a way of arranging data on a computer so
that it can be accessed and updated efficiently. A data structure is not only used for organizing
the data. It is also used for processing, retrieving, and storing data. There are different basic and
advanced types of data structures that are used in almost every program or software system that
has been developed, examples of data structure include arrays, stacks and trees. On the other
hand, examples of algorithms include recipe for baking a cake and process of doing laundry. An
algorithm is used for solving a problem, whereas, data structure is used to implement the
physical forms of abstract data types.
e) Computational linguistic and natural language processing:
Computational linguistics (CL) is the application of computer science to the analysis and
comprehension of written and spoken language. As an interdisciplinary field, CL combines
linguistics with computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) and is concerned with
understanding language from a computational perspective. Computers that are linguistically
competent help facilitate human interaction with machines and software. Computational
linguistics is used in tools like instant machine translation, speech recognition systems, text-to-
speech synthesizers, interactive voice response systems, search engines, text editors and
language instruction materials. Typically, computational linguists are employed in universities,
governmental research labs or large enterprises. In the private sector, vertical companies
typically employ computational linguists to authenticate the accurate translation of technical
manuals for example Tech software companies, such as Microsoft, typically hire computational
linguists to work on natural language processing (NLP), helping programmers to create voice
user interfaces that enable humans to communicate with computing devices as if they were
another person. A computational linguist is required to have expertise in machine learning (ML),
deep learning, AI, cognitive computing and neuroscience. Individuals pursing a job as a linguist
generally need a master's or doctoral degree in a computer science-related field or a bachelor's
degree with work experience developing natural language software. Whereas, Natural language
processing strives to build machines that understand and respond to text or voice data—and
respond with text or speech of their own—in much the same way humans do. Natural language
processing (NLP) refers to the branch of computer science—and more specifically, the branch of
artificial intelligence or AI—concerned with giving computers the ability to understand text and
spoken words in much the same way human beings can. NLP combines computational linguistics
—rule-based modeling of human language—with statistical, machine learning, and deep learning
models. Together, these technologies enable computers to process human language in the form
of text or voice data and to ‘understand’ its full meaning, complete with the speaker or writer’s
intent and sentiment. NLP drives computer programs that translate text from one language to
another, respond to spoken commands, and summarize large volumes of text rapidly—even in
real time. There’s a good chance you’ve interacted with NLP in the form of voice-operated GPS
systems, digital assistants, speech-to-text dictation software, customer service chatbots, and other
consumer conveniences. But NLP also plays a growing role in enterprise solutions that help
streamline business operations, increase employee productivity, and simplify mission-critical
business processes.
Question 2
Using relevant examples, examine any five application areas of computer models.
A computer model is a mathematical tool used to analyze complicated systems or to predict
events such as floods, climate change or population growth or changes. Computer models are
applied in numerous disciplines ranging from engineering (predicting the strength of a dam or a
bridge), to economics (predicting inflation rates like the current economic instability in the word
due Russian-Ukraine war) to ecology (describing food chain) and so on. Computer modeling
allows researcher to make their experiments since it’s the only platform that allows
experimenting without risking (https:/www.encylopedia.com/social). Computer models enables
us to make informed guesses with confidence, the make us prepare either for disaster or for
resources and sometimes they are accurate when predicting stable variables like the time needed
to fill a dam with a constant water source.
Firstly, in the department of meteorology, weather changes almost at minutes bases due to
different industrial, agricultural practices, social works and astronomy sciences. The models are
built to predict weather patterns based either on temperature, wind and or humidity as variables.
Each input variable will reflect as corresponding output. Due to ignorance, Chimanimani people
were affected by cyclone Idai dearly since the cyclone was predicted before it began to build.
Such models can be used to make early evacuation means to people to save life and at the same
time they can also be used to predict rainfall patterns as well as the dates for rainfall. This assists
in decision making to those who rely on rainfall for production and take action if there is need.
This enables government to make decisions at large based on the output of the model.
Again, demographics is a discipline concerned about the study and management of population in
the globe. Gathering population statistics in the world using census or other reliable means is
very expensive and is a tiresome task. Instead, the population growth is predicted using constant
variables and the output is then determined by the quality of data fed to the model during
development. Population modeling makes it possible for the UN nations to allocate enough and
adequate resources without having doing data collection and census, Gordon, S. I (1985).
Computer models approximate phenomena in the real world by performing calculations on input
variables. These calculations produce numeric output that predicts the outcome of the variables
in the model. For example, a population model might multiply the number of breeding adults
(A) by the average number of children per country (P) to produce the expected number of
children in a year (N): A x P= N. This is a very simple, and not very realistic, mathematical
model. A computer model can produce a more realistic representation of a population, by
incorporating more variables, by using randomized variables, by performing more complicated
mathematical functions, and by repeating calculations many times in order to produce a
statistically significant number of "experiments."
Furthermore, health sector is becoming one of the main areas where computer modelling is more
dominant and is where most focus is being put. Healthcare needs grow and health services
becomes larger, more complex and costly (England, 1978). It seems apparent that computer
modelling should be valuable in providing evident and insights in health systems. Computer
models can be used to focus the outcome of a change in strategy or predict and evaluate the
implications of implementation of an alternative policy (Wierzbicki, 2007). The use of computer
models in health sector is not limited to the management of activities necessary to deliver care
alone. It is also used for the study of various topics related to healthcare, for example air
pollution, pharmacokinetics and food poisoning. Computer simulation is a decision support
technique that allows stakeholders to conduct experiments (Pidd, 2004).
Moreover, the first computer designed was created in the military lab and was meant to serve
military purposes, so this field uses computer models too. Computer models in United States
military are used for analyzing strategy, operations and primarily for training (Francis, 2001).
Before military equipment is tested or put into the field, a model is created to assess the
accuracy, effectiveness and weakness of the real equipment so that it can be polished. Military
drones are good example of computer simulation in armed forces, it is programmed to that it can
sense the speed to a plane before striking. Army nowadays is relying more on computer models
to experiment with fighting impacts of advanced concepts and technology. Battle labs are
currently involved in modifying and building computer models to accommodate growing
requirements of experimentation (Dexter 1999).
In conclusion, computer models are the building blocks of any advanced technology, meaning
they are the base ground which is used to make experiments. They allow the engineer or the
designer to make corrections or polish a prototype, deploy it and evaluate it as well. During
evaluation, the weaknesses of the actual system to be designed is seen through a model and then
solutions are put into place. The feasibility of the system is also tested during modeling.
Computer models envision every artificial intelligent based enterprise of potential danger or
exponential expansion.
Question 3
Explain how interactive systems have disrupted traditional processes in an organization
According to Copeland, Artificial intelligence (AI), the ability of a digital computer or computer-
controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings. The term is
frequently applied to the project of developing systems endowed with the intellectual processes
characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize, or learn
from past experience. Since the development of the digital computer in the 1940s, it has been
demonstrated that computers can be programmed to carry out very complex tasks—as, for
example, discovering proofs for mathematical theorems or playing chess—with great
proficiency. Still, despite continuing advances in computer processing speed and memory
capacity, there are as yet no programs that can match human flexibility over wider domains or in
tasks requiring much everyday knowledge. On the other hand, some programs have attained the
performance levels of human experts and professionals in performing certain specific tasks, so
that artificial intelligence in this limited sense is found in applications as diverse as medical
diagnosis, computer search engines, and voice or handwriting recognition.
Major metropolitan cities in various countries across the globe especially developing countries
are facing issues of traffic, congestion, logistics management, and transportation nowadays. As
the human population is increasing, the number of vehicles on the road is not going to reduce
anytime soon. Hence to efficiently develop a sustainable transportation system, various countries
are verging on technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. From accessing
real-time traffic information to providing mobility-on-demand solutions to railways and air
traffic management, Artificial Intelligence along with machine learning has proved effective in
various countries globally. Middle Eastern countries are also determined to integrate AI into their
developmental initiatives to create a sustainable economy, for example, Saudi Arabia is planning
to build a 170-km-long AI-powered smart city under the NEOM project. Under this, the country
is planning to harness the data to improve its transportation through AI as part of embodying
livability .United Arab Emirates and Qatar are also planning to transform their urban
transportation to create more productive lives by enabling technology and harnessing data. This
article is aimed to highlight the potential of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in
enhancing public transport in the Middle East region.
Transportation, the Tesla industry that deals with the movement of commodities and passengers
from one place to another, has gone through several studies, researches, trials, and refinements to
reach where it is now. One of the major milestones in the history of transportation was the
steamboat in the year 1787 (Naveen 2019). Prior to this, people relied on animal-drawn carts for
their commute. Thereafter, major breakthroughs that led to the growth of the transportation
industry were the invention of bicycles early 19th century, motor cars in the 1890s, trains 19th
century, and aircrafts 1903 (Naveen 2019). Today, the transportation sector has evolved to a
level where vehicles can navigate and move without any human assistance. Technological
advancements have helped the transportation sector progress in its journey of innovation and
evolution. One such new-age technology that has contributed to the sector is Artificial
Intelligence. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in transportation helps the sector increase
passenger safety, reduce traffic congestion and accidents, lessen carbon emissions, and also
minimize the overall financial expenses.
One of the most ground-breaking applications AI innovation is autonomous vehicles. Telsa
autonomous vehicles, the concept that was once merely a sci-fi fantasy, has now become a
practical reality. Although people were skeptical of this technology during its developmental
stages, driverless vehicles have already made their entry into the transportation sector.
Autonomous taxis have already started operating in Tokyo. However for safety reasons, as of
now, the driver sits in the car to take control of the taxi during an emergency situation.
According to the maker of this Telsa autonomous taxi, the technology will result in reduced cost
for taxi services, which can be helpful in increasing the public transportation modes in remote
areas. Similarly, US logistics are embracing Tesla autonomous trucks to reap numerous benefits
from it. According to a Mckinsey report, 65 percent of goods are transported via trucks globally.
And with autonomous trucks coming into the picture, the maintenance and administration
expenses will come down by about 45 percent. For now, a majority of companies are still
running their pilot projects, striving to make self-driving vehicles flawless and safe for
passengers. As this technology evolves, self-driving vehicles will gain mass confidence and
become mainstream in the consumer realm.
One of the most exciting and innovative AI applications in Telsa transportation is a drone taxi.
Pilotless helicopters present a unique solution to combat the carbon emissions, eliminate traffic
congestion, and reduce the need for expensive infrastructure construction plans. Besides, drone
taxis will help people reach their destination much sooner, minimizing their commute time.
Further, rising populations have put city planners under high pressure to ensure smart urban
planning and build infrastructure without compromising on declining resources. Drone taxis can
indeed be the real recipe to solve all the concerns that these city planners are striving to deal
with. The recent demonstration of an autonomous aerial vehicle in China, where 17 passengers
experienced smart air mobility for the first time, is a great indicator of similar future applications
(Rizzoli 2022). AI has been one of the most astounding technological innovations of humankind,
indeed. However, despite every amazing invention we have seen until now, it is important to
note that we have only scratched just the surface of Artificial Intelligence and a lot more is yet to
be explored. The applications of Artificial Intelligence in transportation mentioned above
showcase just a glimpse of possibilities and opportunities that the technology can offer.
Another transportation problem that people face on a daily basis is traffic congestion. Artificial
Intelligence is now set to solve this issue too. Sensors and cameras embedded everywhere on
roads collect the large voluminous amount of traffic details. This data is then sent to the cloud,
where analysis and traffic pattern revelation will be done with big data analytics and an AI-
powered system. Valuable insights like traffic predictions can be gleaned from data processing.
Commuters can be provided with important details like traffic predictions, accidents, or road
blockages. Besides, people can be notified about the shortest route to their destination, helping
them travel without any hassles of traffic. This way, AI can be used to not only reduce unwanted
traffic but also improve road safety and reduce wait times. Artificial Intelligence is already being
used in traffic management systems across the globe. Back in 2012, Rapid Flow Technologies
developed an AI-enabled Surtrac system that could predict traffic conditions using intelligent
traffic sensors and reduce travel time by over 25% (Anirudh 2022). Over time, public
transportation has become more advanced through AI-based Intelligent Transportation Systems
(ITS) and Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) to ensure the traffic flow with the least
disruptions. Recently, Road and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai, announced AI-enabled smart
traffic system project to ensure secure traffic movements and smoother management across the
city (Anirudh 2022). Powered by computer vision camera networks across the city, AI-powered
decision support systems for transportation effectively help in modeling the infrastructure,
providing dynamic route guidance, identifying driver behavior, designing an optimal mass transit
network for a given community.
Parking management is an integral part of the public transport system as haphazard parking may
cause congestion and disruption in road safety. Tesla Artificial Intelligence can effectively
provide parking management solutions, including accurate queue time estimation, detecting
unauthorized parking, automated number plate reading, easier time tracking and billing,
enhanced parking security, and many more. Essentially, the sensors installed in the parking space
notify the monitor when the empty parking space is available. Then using automated number
plate readers and computer vision-enabled cameras, the amount of time and billing can
automatically be calculated. These solutions save notable travel time and reduce the chances of
congestion in overcrowded public spaces. Zensors is a popular example of such an AI-powered
parking management system.
Costs of labor in this sector will continually decrease with increased use of AI, providing higher
profits for industry players. The issue of long driving hours and stopping for a break will no
longer be a concern with fully automated fleets. Beyond straightforward labor costs, safety and
traffic accidents will be majorly affected by AI. The number of accidents involving truck drivers
at night is a large issue and can be significantly improved with the use of smart unmanned
vehicles. The personnel and financial costs of these accidents are quite substantial. Auto-pilot or
complete unmanned vehicles can allow the driver to have a snooze without causing severe
accidents. Some AI trucks even have a special feature of predicting accidents as well as health
issues of people around the truck like detecting a heart attack and alerting the emergency
services automatically with the location and details of diagnosis.
Automated trucking has sparked a hot debate among 3.5 million truck drivers in the US alone.
Developments would mean autonomous trucks, ships, aircraft or trains slated for the future,
along with any future vehicles becoming completely unmanned. Job flow is thus a major concern
for truck drivers, taxi drivers, and other members of the industry. Social experts have argued that
job skills can be shifted or evolved to other sectors, but tensions remain high. Implementation
around the world presents another major issue. Undeveloped and third world countries face
enormous challenges in utilizing these solutions, as their infrastructure is not as stable or capable
of providing maintenance and repairs. It will be a long time before Artificial Intelligence can
become a reality there.
Increasing focus on Artificial Intelligence also presents a dilemma for transport companies,
transport costs contribute to the company turnover by 3-10%. This makes it a very important
factor in corporate economies as a whole. All existing businesses will need to engage in,
develop, and implement Artificial Intelligence technologies to remain a competitor in the
transportation industry. This affects transportation logistics as well, as it is used in the supply
chain of operations and manufacturing and even predicting the time and total cost of the entire
process.
In conclusion Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning is already a huge focus within the
transportation industry, among many other industries we’ve covered. Car companies such as
Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes have already begun their efforts towards Artificial Intelligence
integration with their vehicles working to launch their fleet of autonomous cars. As we move
forward towards a data-driven future, it won’t be long before we see the increased improvements
in the various areas of transportation, influenced by Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning
technology.
Reference list
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England W, Roberts S. (1978) Proceedings of the 1978 Winter Simulation Conference. 1978.
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Forbes.com. How AI can transform the transportation industry. URL:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/07/26/how-ai-can-transform-the-
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