Big data, long data, and history

Advances in all fields of knowledge have lead to a massive bulk of collective information, incredibly apparent enough that we have come to call this time we live in as the Information Age. Much premium is given nowadays to  big data, which are basically massive collections of data sets. It is helpful in studying any field, in doing business, in solving crimes, and probably in any intellectual work. With advancements in technology, working with enormous amounts of data is made possible, and many are now taking advantage of this. 

"But no matter how big that data is or what insights we glean from it, it is still just a snapshot: a moment in time." wrote Samuel Arbesman in an article where he argues that people are focusing too much on big data and that we should give more attention to long data, datasets that have "massive historical sweep", cutting across a huge span of time. This way we choose not to ignore changes (both gradual and drastic) that inevitably occur leading to the current issues of concern. For example, if I wish to understand a certain community, I would not make conclusions about their way of life with just observations of their present circumstances and everyday activities. Peering deeper into their past in a long timescale would give me a clearer and much complete understanding, because I would have answers to 'why' and 'how' questions. In a much more recent article, Arbesman wrote about a return of history at long timescales. A recent trend has caused many historians to deal with big datasets in short timescales. He highlights the importance of long timescales in history, that it does not only help us see slow changes in history, but also the fast developments as well. A longer timescale does not imply ignorance to events of short spans of time, but rather, it provides a richer context to any event within it. Therefore, it is crucial for us not to turn a blind eye to events in the past, including the not-so-immediate past.

The bulk of data about the whole universe will continue to increase and bodies of knowledge will keep growing bigger, but time will only move forward and longer.    

I end this post with a quote from Arbesman's article:

"Because as beautiful as a snapshot is, how much richer is a moving picture, one that allows us to see how processes and interactions unfold over time?"

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Whenever the weather gets weird…

Image taken from http://img3.allvoices.com/thumbs/
image/609/480/70109512-cold-weather.jpg

It’s 6:30 AM: time to wake up for your class. As much as your mind tells you to get up, however, your body teases you to stay in bed.

“It’s cold; the weather’s perfect; just a few minutes more”…

…and before you know it, you’re a few minutes off schedule.

Very seldom do we experience this kind of cool air here in the Philippines. At temperatures dropping to as much as 18 degrees Celsius (8 degrees in Baguio), the weather sure is weird. We just don’t get that much chilliness here.

Whenever the weather gets weird, scientists make sense of this as looming signs that global warming is in the works. The case of the super typhoon Yolanda, the polar vortex in parts of the United States, and the extreme weather conditions we are experiencing right now are just a few of the evidences behind the claims of global warming.  

Reactions regarding these “symptoms”, though, are varied depending on the case. While the super typhoon Yolanda was dreadful, the cold January weather is enjoyed by some because of the rare breezy sensation that the weather brings to them.   

Nevertheless, we must bear in mind that this could all be a delusion. The enjoyable weather might be masking another weather phenomenon that is something bigger and catastrophic. We must be prepared.    

-by Juan Miguel C. dela Cruz, 2010-27633

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Not-So-Common Colds

These past couple of weeks, our country (and most of the other parts of the world) has been experiencing cold weather which is pretty late at this time of the year since we, Filipinos, usually experience cool temperatures from November to December. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has recorded the lowest temperature in Metro Manila for this season last January 17, 2014 to be 19.5 Celsius which is brought about by the Northeast Monsoon or Hanging Amihan (read more). It is during these types of weather that people are more prone to diseases and viral infections such as cough, colds, fever, and pneumonia. Regular intakes of the good old Vitamin C may be one's best form of defense against these diseases, especially common colds.

However, did you know that common colds are caused by 3 major rhinoviruses? And they are not cured or treated in the same way. Two of these viruses, rhinovirus A and B have already been studied and already have 3-D models in place which helped scientists develop antivirals specific for both. The third major rhinovirus though has been less focused on but it has been the major culprit in cases of common colds, and its 3-D model has just been developed by a biochemist in University of Wisconsin - Madison and her colleagues (read article here).

The development of this 3-D structure would be helpful in understanding the mechanism of action of these rhinoviruses. This also explains why the treatments that work in the former 2 rhinoviruses do not necessarily work on rhinovirus C and having this model will allow scientists to have a better shot at coming up with the right cure.

Given our current temperature, which PAGASA predicts to last until the last week of February, it is easy to let our guards down and get sick. Prevention is always better than cure but discovering a cure for this strange type of rhinovirus seems promising doesn't it? Especially now that its 3-D model has been developed. It's better to be cautious, but don't let that stop you from enjoying this weather, because it's bound to get hotter in approximately 2 months.

Photo taken from: http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/b8/dd/5d/b8dd5d3b69fd9b8ac8107653c33419fb.jpg

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Spot the Jerk

Time and again we've heard that technology is going by leaps and bounds. Well, it simply is.

Apparently, a new "computerized content-analysis tool" developed by researchers in Binghamton University can reliably and validly measure narcissistic and psychopathic traits in leaders of Fortune 100 companies. Surely someone with a hefty load on his or her shoulders should be the opposite.

A report  describes the tool as having "a built-in dictionary of words, phrases and rules that can be used to help predict certain negative personality traits". From transcripts of interviews of prospective CEOs, the program looks for words denoting self-centeredness and different personality traits.

Photo from http://static.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/1338530814615_6040048.png

Photo from http://josephbray.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/bully.jpg

The Binghamton researchers are scheduled to present more on their study at the 29th annual conference of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology in Honolulu in May.

I thought that the report on this new tool ought to have touched on how its application can extend to hiring new employees in general. Self-centered people, be it CEOs or otherwise, create a toxic work atmosphere that is counterproductive.

But then again, do we really need this tool? I have not interviewed people for job hirings but as a student of journalism, I have had the chance to interview a number of people. Spotting people with a condescending air can be done while having a conversation with them. Non-verbal cues show a lot as well.

On the other hand, this new tool can serve as a supporting arm to what can be spotted in face-to-face interviews. Journalism school has also taught me that verification is vital and should never be discarded.  Thus, I have to concede that this is a useful tool. We will have to see how the attendee of the Honolulu conference think about it. Meanwhile, human resource and personnel officers will have to rely on their keen sense of perception when interviewing job candidates - especially CEOs.

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AUP - Ayala University of the Philippines?

Last January 10, 2014, the UP Economics towards Consciousness and the School of Economics Student Council held a forum with the title Kapekonomiya: Probing the UP Land Use. Former Vice President for Development, Prof. Ruperto Alonzo, and CSWCD professor Judy Taguiwalo are the main speakers of the said event. Also present as student reactors are USC Chairperson Alex Castro, SESC Chairperson Darrell Magsambol, and Student Regent Krista Melgarejo.

Based on the title of the forum, you probably already know that the main issue discussed in the talk is the establishment of commercial spaces on UP-owned land. During the event, professor Alonzo pointed out that commercialization in UP is nothing new – the private food concessionaires in our cafeterias, computer shops, photocopying services, books stores, etc – they were already there from a long time ago. It is actually a good thing, since the students’ access to school supplies, food, and other services is a lot easier.

However, according to the UP Charter (RA 9500), Section 22, letter (f):

“Any plan to generate revenues and other sources from land grants and other real properties entrusted to the national university shall be consistent with the academic mission and orientation of the national university as well as protect it from undue influence and control of commercial interests…”

Professor Taguiwalo said that the Ayala Land buildings in UP, specifically Technohub and Town Center, does not comply with this requirement. One building in Technohub is basically a call center, and another is a commercial establishment, like the recently opened UP Town Center. It seems that these buildings are not in any way 'consistent with the academic mission' of the university. Student regent Melgarejo even joked that the only thing that makes these establishments academics-related is the existence of the National Bookstore in the buildings. Taguiwalo said that the construction of these buildings by the private company is the beginning of privatization of education.

Mr. Magsanggol clearly stated in his speech that “privatization [of education] should not be done”, but he also said that, if it can’t be avoided, the utilization of the idled properties of UP can only be done if: (1) the assets will be preserved (will not be damaged); (2) there is transparency in the use of the income generated; (3) there is a student consultation before the project; and (4) the terms are in accordance with the UP Charter. Ms. Castro mentioned that the Technohub was constructed without student consultation.

In her presentation, professor Taguiwalo showed the picture below. It is the Land Use Plan of UP Diliman for the year 2011. Notice that 'science and technology park' and 'resource generation zone' (boxed in red) together occupies almost one third of the total land area of UP Diliman. Incidentally, these lands are where Technohub, Technopark and Town Center are located. Prof. Taguiwalo said that the projects failed to 'protect the university from undue influence and control of commercial interests.'

(Click to enlarge)
Source: Special Convocation with the Chancellor (iskwiki.upd.edu.ph)

Alex Castro said in her speech that President Noynoy's "Budget cut towards self-sufficiency" is the main culprit of the commercialization. The university will have to lease idle properties to private companies to generate it own funds that can't be provided by the government. However, she pointed out that the Town Center displaced UPIS which is obviously NOT an idled land. The Ayala paid P220 M for UPIS to be relocated somewhere else, but Castro noted that the amount is not enough.

Prof. Taguiwalo mentioned in her message that the government has no right to say "walang pera ang gobyerno", because after the pork barrel scam, she is certain that the government has the money to support UP and the other SUC's. She reiterated in her speech that we, as "iskolar ng bayan", should be part of the movements that are fighting for greater state subsidy. She said that even if we can afford to pay the increasing tuition fees, let us join these movements for our classmates and friends who are not capable of paying their education.

The three-hour talk can be summed up in the following words from Alex Castro: "Commercialization of education is NOT the solution."

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Inherited Memories?

"Memories are dangerous things. You turn them over and over, until you know every touch and corner, but still you'll find an edge to cut you."-Mark Lawrence, Prince of Thorns


There are a lot of things that we want to be stored in our memories, some we even dream of sharing with our future children, like (maybe) our love story with our future spouse or things like that but there are also stuff that we desperately try to throw out of our minds like phobias, trauma and other more negative things that we have experienced. Guess what?! According to an article posted last January 6, 2014 at themindunleashed.org, researchers from Emory University School of Medicine, in Atlanta found out that there is a great possibility for humans to be able to pass down memories to the next generation. They have discovered this through an experiment on rats wherein they conditioned the rats to fear the cherry blossom scent and after that, they tested if the rat's offspring, without conditioning it the same way as the parent rat, will also develop fear of the cherry blossom scent. The result? Yes, the baby rats also had the same fear even without conditioning them to do so. In the article, the scientists have only discovered the passing on of the more negative side of out memories like phobias, anxiety, etc. If that's the case, is this a good thing or is it bad? I guess being aware that our negative memories can be transferred to our children will be helpful for them because in the early years of their lives, maybe even before noticing that they have a phobia for example, they can already find a way of preventing it from being a greater problem for them in the future. I would also love it if one day, good memories can also be passed on and better if at our own want.

These findings are really promising and they show how far science has improved through the years. This is really something to look forward to, don't you think so?

Article from: http://themindunleashed.org/2014/01/scientists-found-memories-may-passed-generations-dna.html

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Attack of the Measles

                The Department of Health (DOH) recently declared an ‘outbreak’ of Measles in a number of districts in Metro Manila after recording 1,724 cases from January –December 2013. According to reports, the areas in Metro Manila that are now having measles outbreaks are Dagat-dagatan and Bagong Barrio in Caloocan City; Talong Singko, Talon Dos, and Pamplona 1 in Las Pinas; Longos and Tonsuya in Malabon; Quiapo, Sampaloc, Tondo, Sta. Cruz, Binondo, Sta. Mesa, and Port Area in Manila; Alabang and Putatan in Muntinlupa; North Bay Boulevard South in Navotas; Moonwalk and Don Bosco in Paranaque; Bagong Tanyag in Taguig and Ugong in Valenzuela.

Image from:http://diyhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/measles-situation-in-philippines_64.jpg

            Out of the thousands of cases infected by the disease, 21 died after suffering complications, like Pneumonia. As the number of cases increased in the first week of 2014, the public are advised to take extra preventive measures to avoid acquiring the disease.

            Now, having said that there is a “Measles outbreak” in the metro, this essay aims to inform its readers about measles and address some of the misconceptions that we, Filipinos, know about the disease. Also, the essay will give some ways to prevent acquiring such disease.

What about measles?

            According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Measles is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus, specifically Paramyxovirus. In Filipino, measles is known as Tigdas.

Some Symptoms of Measles are:

 - High Fever (10-12 days after exposure with infected person)

Mataas na lagnat (10-12 araw pagkatapos mahawa sa taong may tigdas)

-       - Severe cough and runny nose  

Mantinding pag-ubo at Sipon

-       - Red watery eyes     

Pamumula at pagtutubig ng mga mata

-        - Skin rashes (usually occurs 14 days after the exposure to the disease)

Paglabas ng mga pulang butlig sa balat (14 araw pagkatapos mahawa sa taong may tigdas)

-        - Mouth sores

singaw    

    

            Now that we know some of the symptoms of Measles, the next section of this blog talks about some of the common misconceptions we have (at least, I have) with the disease. These misconceptions are based on my own experience about the disease. Yes, I got infected by the disease recently (August 2013- in the middle of the midterm exams week) and I hope to at least give other people, particularly students, correct information about the disease.  

 Five Common Misconceptions about Measles or Tigdas

Common Misconception #1: Measles or Tigdas is a skin disease.

Image from: http://kalusugan.ph/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/German_Measles-3.jpg

 Yes, I thought that tigdas is a skin disease because of its famous red rashes symptom, but it’s not. Measles or tigdas is a Respiratory infection. If not treated immediately, measles can lead to Pneumonia and other severe diseases such as diarrhea, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear).

Common Misconception #2: Measles or tigdas is not a deadly disease

image from: http://carlossantosmdpa.com/images/pnemonia.jpg

 Since its just skin rashes and fever, most of us assume that it’s not a serious disease after all. But as I mentioned in #1, it is deadly if not treated early. However, there are vaccines which are distributed for free by your nearby local government health centers.

Common Misconception #3: Measles or Tigdas is not contagious

image from :http://www.microbiologyonline.org.uk/themed/sgm/img/slideshows/3.3.4_transmission_1.png

            Measles is contagious and it can be transmitted or acquired easily. It can be transmitted by coughing or sneezing, or any close contact with the infected person. Usually, measles is contagious during cold weather seasons.I remember going to school and taking three exams and submitting a paper with rashes and high fever. Seriously, it is difficult to go to school and take exams when you have measles. Besides that you need to wear long sleeves, you are very conscious of every people around you because they might get infected. When you have measles, the best advice is not to go to school to avoid spreading the disease.

Common Misconception #4: the best cure for Measles or Tigdas is Kolantro

image from: http://www.harvesttotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/Cilantro-leaves-and-coriander-seeds.jpg

According to the statement of DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag, brewing and drinking Kolantro will not help cure the disease. It will just complicate the condition of the person infected with the virus and it can be dangerous if continuously consumed. There are no scientific studies that supporting the effectiveness of Kolantro in curing measles. However, when I got infected with measles, my mom asked me to bathe with a basin full of boiled water with kolantro. I must say that it is okay but it doesn’t guarantee an easy or faster recovery from Measles.  

Common Misconception #5: You cannot have Measles or Tigdas again once you are infected with the disease

           
 image from:http://www.wpro.who.int/philippines/areas/immunization/measles_rubella_pic1.jpg
This is not true. People who are usually at risk in acquiring the measles are those who are malnourished, dehydrated, lacks vitamin A, pregnant women and those who have immunodeficiency sickness.  Also, any direct contact from a person infected with measles will likely increase your chances of acquiring the disease. 

How to Prevent Measles?

 image from:http://www.who.int/immunization/philippines_vaccination_ts.jpg

            A Healthy lifestyle, regular consultation with your personal doctor and getting anti-measles vaccines will help reduce your chances of having measles.  These measles vaccines can be accessed for free in your nearby local government health centers. Lastly, a good rest is the best way to prevent having measles. Let us  remember that it is difficult and expensive to get sick these days- “Bawal magkasakit”.

Blogged by : Hilary Martinez

For the news regarding the "measles outbreak" see (http://www.interaksyon.com/article/78038/doh-probes-if-measles-virus-from-abroad-causing-rise-in-cases)

References:

World Health Organization (WHO) official website. "Measles" (http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs286/en/index.html)

"DOH: Measles outbreak in MM" by Jaymalin Mayen. January 6, 2014 http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/01/06/14/doh-measles-outbreak-mm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Measles

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Shed off Those Holiday Fat

Did you just step into a weighing scale on the first day of 2014 and made a shocking discovery? Well, here are some tips on how to turn those flabs into abs so that you can start the year by being healthy.

According to the article: "Losing Weight The Healthy Way" by the Philippine Star (link:http://www.philstar.com/science-and-technology/2013/12/19/1269587/losing-weight-healthy-way), doing these common weight loss practices can help you be in shape in no time:

* "Exercise 2-3 times a week with at least 20 minute strength training." - In my opinion, people tend to neglect the strength training and focus more on cardio such as jogging, sprinting etc. Yes it will help you burn those calories but by combining it with push ups, sit ups, planking and such will not only burn those fats but also boost your metabolism throughout the day. There were some studies shown that people who do strength training are fitter and stronger than those who do cardio alone.

* "Switch to better alternatives" - In the article, it said that try to to pass on soft drinks to water, butter to peanut butter and mayonnaise to mustard. In short, watch your calorie intake because proper diet has a huge factor on being healthy and in shape.

* "Chewing sugarless chewing gum can suppress your appetite" - studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum can help control your cravings but until now it's still debatable if it's just a myth or a fact.

* "Eat fruits for snack" - instead of eating junk foods such as potato chips and candies for your snack, eat variety of fruits such as mangoes, apples, grapes etc. Healthy yet equally delicious.

* "Lessen your sugar content" - Sugar consumption has a huge contribution to your weight gain so if you can avoid chocolates, ice cream, or any food that has a high sugar content, avoid it but if you have a sweet tooth, try to lessen it.

* "Go Lean" - nuts such as peanuts, cashew nuts and almonds are considered as fat burning foods.

* "Avoid fast foods" - fast foods have high salt content. Avoid it or eat occasionally.

* "Keep track of your diet success and make a goal" - By doing this, it will help you to become motivated and inspired so that you can continue your goal.

These simple practices cannot only make you go back into shape, but also to become healthy. Let's go for a healthier inside and out this 2014!!

By: Ralph Reizon A. Santisteban

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Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

The chemistry of fireworks:

Sodium produces yellow/gold colors. Barium creates green, copper compounds produce blue, strontium salts give you red and titanium metals give you silver coloured sparks. 

Other commonly used chemicals are carbon which provides the fuel, oxidizers which produce oxygen for burning, magnesium which increases the overall brilliance and brightness, antimony that gives you a "glitter" effect and calcium which deepens the colors.

Image via Intel

Taken from: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=731967500157597&set=a.456449604376056.98921.367116489976035&type=1&theater

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