HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ITS SOFTWARES AND SMART ALGORITHMS WORK

Fernando Alcoforado*

This article aims to present how Artificial Intelligence, its software and its smart algorithms work, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of its use. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a computational technology or a set of technologies such as artificial neural networks, algorithms and learning systems whose objective is to imitate human mental capabilities, such as: reasoning, environmental perception and decision-making capacity. The technology is developed with the aim that machines can solve a series of problems, covering everything from great complexity of government and industry management to the daily tasks of modern men and women. To achieve this, AI uses sophisticated learning technology, allowing it to learn from a large set of data and act on its own [1]. The general objective of AI is to create machines that can operate with the same level of cognitive capacity as humans, or even surpass it. In recent years, AI has emerged as a transformative force across multiple industries, revolutionizing the way companies conduct business [2].

Artificial Intelligence is based on three technologies [1]:

1. Machine Learning is an application of Artificial Intelligence that provides the computer with the ability to learn and improve automatically from its own experience. Machine learning focuses on developing “software” that can access data and use it to learn from it. The learning process begins with observing data in order to look for statistical patterns and make good decisions based on the examples provided. In this way, the main objective is to make computers learn automatically without human intervention.

2. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning, essentially being a neural network with three or more layers. These neural networks attempt to simulate the behavior of the human brain – although far from matching its capacity – allowing the machine to “learn” from the abundance of data. While a single-layer neural network can still make approximate predictions, additional hidden layers can help optimize and refine accuracy. Deep learning drives many AI applications and services that improve automation by performing analytical and physical tasks without human intervention. Deep learning technology is behind everyday products and services (like digital assistants, voice-enabled TV remotes, and credit card fraud detection) as well as emerging technologies (like self-driving cars).

3. Natural language processing (NLP) is a branch of artificial intelligence that helps computers understand, interpret, and manipulate human language. NLP draws on many disciplines, including computer science and computational linguistics, in its quest to bridge the gap between human communication and computer understanding.

Algorithms are the essence of any artificial intelligence system that are fed with as much data as possible, as references, so that they can learn better. It is a tool that maps decisions within a system and their possible consequences. Intelligent algorithms have the ability and process to filter order and structure. Thus, they autonomously present content that may, according to the rules of the algorithms, have more or less influence, excluding other possible information. In general, an algorithm comprises a finite sequence of executable actions (steps) to solve a problem, or in the most common case in Computer Science, perform a task. The algorithm itself is not the program, but the sequence of actions and conditions that must be obeyed for the problem to be solved. Algorithms are finite sequences of instructions used to solve a problem. For example, when someone accesses a website, algorithms define the path for the page to open correctly. When someone interacts with a link, other algorithms are triggered, indicating what to do [2].

Algorithms are produced by specialized professionals, known as developers. Algorithms are written in a specific programming language, which makes the machine obey commands. It is as if developers were specialized in the language of computers, writing instructions on how they should act. All internet activities, for example, are mediated by algorithms. When someone clicks on a link, there is a specific algorithm that receives that click, performs processing to solve this task and solves it, redirecting them to a page. All digital life involves these logical sequences in order to solve problems, written by developers [3].

There are four most common types of representation of algorithms: 1) Narrative description; 2) Flowchart; 3) Pseudocode; 4) Programming language. In the narrative description, the algorithm is represented textually, listing the sequence of instructions in order to solve a problem. That is, the person writes it in their own words. The main disadvantage of this type of algorithm representation is the presence of ambiguities and communication noise. The text can be interpreted in different ways, making it difficult to solve the problem. In the Flowchart, graphic resources, such as geometric shapes and arrows, and text are used to represent the steps to solve a problem. Pseudocode is the way of representing the algorithm that comes closest to programming languages. Through it, the algorithm is written following a series of pre-established language rules. The Programming Language presents the solution to a problem based on the Narrative Description, Flowchart or Pseudocode to apply them in software [3].

It is important to note that unlike the algorithm, which is a type of process, procedure or set of rules that must be followed to solve any type of calculation, that is, step-by-step instructions that define how the work must be performed in order to obtain the desired outcome, software is a type of system that allows the user to interact with the computer and gives instructions to the computer to perform specific tasks as well as control the functioning of the hardware and its operations. Software is a set of instructions that must be followed and executed by a mechanism, be it a computer or an electromechanical device. Software is the term used to describe programs, apps, scripts, macros and directly embedded code instructions (firmware), in order to dictate what a machine should do. Every computer program, cell phone, tablet, smart TV, video game console, set-top box, etc. it is software, be it a text editor, a browser, an audio or video editor, a game, a streaming app, etc. [4].

Software can come in many forms, which is why they are divided into three main categories [4]:

1) Programming software are the tools used by the programmer to develop new software and programs. They use different programming languages (C, Java, Python, Swift, etc.) and house compilers, interpreters and debuggers, for example. Text editors, although they are application software, are also programming software as they can be used to write code.

2) System software are the programs responsible for communicating between the computer, which only understands machine language, and the user, being the basis on which other software, such as application and programming software, will run. In other words, they are platforms to make other software work. Operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, for example, are system software. Firmware, industrial automation software and game graphics engines are also examples of system software.

3. Application software are programs such as video and music players, games, text editors, calculators, browsers, social media apps, etc. Application software's function is to perform a wide range of tasks, which can be for individual or even global use, which requires them to be more robust and secure. In some cases, application software can take on the role of operating systems, such as Chrome OS, where the browser is both system and application software.

As we have seen, an algorithm is nothing more than a sequence of logical and structured steps in order to solve a problem. In addition to having the step-by-step solution to the problem well defined, it is necessary to be aware of the syntax of the programming language used, knowing how to express your algorithm through it [3].

How is an algorithm made? Its structure has three properties [3]:

Input: data provided by the user (example: what is typed or selected by the mouse);

Processing: step by step to carry out data processing

Output: data processed, problem solved.

Figure 1- Structure of the algorithms

Making an algorithm is nothing more than structuring this step by step to solve the problem, using, for example, a flowchart or pseudocode. Computer algorithms involve this same structure, but instructions are passed to a machine with the aim of having it perform a task. They are written in a specific programming language. The steps necessary to construct any algorithm are the following [3]:

? Analyze the problem

? Identify data inputs

? Determine what transformations should be made by the algorithm (processing)

? Identify the solutions (problem solution)

? Build the algorithm using the flowchart

?

The algorithms bring three advantages described below [3]:

? Automation

? Curation

?New technologies.

The first advantage of using algorithms is task automation. They can analyze a large volume of data, in less time than a person would, for example. Thus, they increase the efficiency of activities. All computer software is made up of algorithms. On the internet, everything involves them too. Used on social networks, algorithms carry out a type of curation, recommending content that the person will probably like because they take into account a series of aspects, such as the person's like profile, the type of posts the person views, their searches, between others. The evolution of algorithms allows the emergence of new technologies, such as smartphones, smart TVs, new applications and operating systems. With new command possibilities, the algorithms become more improved, and, consequently, new potential uses are developed. Transport and delivery applications, streaming services and movie and music recommendations are provided by systems that work based on algorithms.

Algorithms are, therefore, the essence of any artificial intelligence system that are fed with as much data as possible, as references, so that they can learn better. There are numerous advantages of using artificial intelligence: 1) Reduction of human error; 2) Takes risks instead of human beings; 3) Availability of use (24 hours in 7 days); 4) Help with repetitive work; 5) Offers digital assistance; 6) Provides faster decisions; 7) Provides daily applications; 8) Provides the boost for innovations [3].

Artificial intelligence promotes the reduction of human error because computers do not make these errors if they are programmed correctly. With Artificial Intelligence, decisions are made based on information previously collected by applying a certain set of algorithms. Thus, errors are reduced and the possibility of achieving accuracy with a greater degree of precision is an achievable possibility. Artificial intelligence takes risks instead of humans. This is one of the biggest advantages of Artificial Intelligence because we can overcome many risk limitations involving human lives by developing an AI robot that can do risky things for us. Among the possibilities, we have: going to Mars, defusing a bomb, exploring the deepest parts of the oceans, mining coal and oil and many others. Artificial intelligence has greater availability of use than humans do because it is possible to make machines work 24 hours, 7 days a week, without interruptions [3].

Artificial intelligence helps with repetitive works in our day-to-day work like sending email, checking errors in documents and much more. With artificial intelligence, these tasks can be productively automated and even remove those that are “tiring” for humans and free them to be increasingly creative and productive. Artificial intelligence provides digital assistance to interact with users, which eliminates the need for human resources. Digital assistants are also used on many websites to provide what users want by talking to them about what they are looking for. Some chatbots are designed in such a way that it is difficult to determine whether we are talking to a robot or a human. Artificial intelligence provides faster decisions by making machines make decisions faster than humans. The AI-powered machine works as programmed and will provide results faster. Artificial intelligence provides the use of daily applications such as “Siri” from Apple, “Cortana” from Windows and “OK Google” from Google that are frequently used in our routine, whether to search for a location, take a selfie, make a call, reply to an email and much more. Artificial intelligence drives innovations in almost all areas that will help humans solve most complex problems [3].

Another advantage that could be provided by Artificial Intelligence concerns the possibility of contributing to scientific and technological advancement aiming to provide humanity with the necessary capacity for human beings to develop technologies capable of taking them to new habitats in the solar system and beyond. As a disadvantage, the use of artificial intelligence could cause machines to become so developed that humans will not be able to keep up with them and they will be able to continue on their own, redesigning themselves at an exponential rate [5]. Another disadvantage is that machines can invade people's privacy and even be turned into weapons. Artificial Intelligence could become a major threat that could lead to the extinction of the human race, according to scientist Stephen Hawking who published an article addressing this issue on May 1, 2014 in the newspaper The Independent. Hawking states that technologies are developing at such a dizzying pace that they will become uncontrollable to the point of putting humanity in danger. Hawking concludes: today, there would be time to stop; Tomorrow would be too late [5].

The immediate consequence of the progress of artificial intelligence is the increase in unemployment of both manual workers and intellectual workers because intelligent machines will become workers. Artificial intelligence is positive for the capitalist who makes use of it because it would begin to face its competitors in a more competitive way given that it would provide, among other advantages, an increase in productivity and a reduction in costs. However, it would also be extremely negative for the capitalist because it tends to reduce the income available to the mass of workers excluded from production, thus contributing to a drop in demand for products and services. Despite the benefits provided by algorithms in technological advancement, they suffer criticism that focuses, in particular, on the fact that several social media collect data regarding user behavior, with the aim of recommending content similar to their tastes, being the ultimate goal to make Internet users spend more time connected to the network, consuming not only pleasant posts, but also the advertisements that finance the platform. In this way, platforms encourage users to spend long periods of time connected to their screens, without considering the impacts on their health. Many authors attribute the recent phenomenon of political polarization to the way we consume news on networks that disseminate, through their algorithms, fake news or false news, which operate without the necessary social control. In any case, a series of movements, including within politics, have been demanding more transparency from social networks in the use of algorithms, to avoid their harmful use.

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1.???? ICMCJUNIOR. O que é?inteligência?artificial? Available on the website <https://icmcjunior.com.br/inteligencia-artificial/>.

2.???? INSIGHTS. O que é um algoritmo inteligente? Available on the website <https://www.portalinsights.com.br/perguntas-frequentes/o-que-e-um-algoritmo-inteligente>.

3.???? THIBES, Victoria. Afinal, o que é um algoritmo e o que isso tem a ver com computa??o? Available on the website <https://canaltech.com.br/produtos/Afinal-o-que-e-um-algoritmo-e-o-que-isso-tem-a-ver-com-computacao/>. ?

4.???? GOGONI, Ronaldo. O que é software? Available on the website <https://tecnoblog.net/responde/o-que-e-software/>.

5.???? ALCOFORADO, Fernando. Mundo rumo à singularidade tecnológica. Available on the website <https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/mundo-rumo-%C3%A0-singularidade-tecnol%C3%B3gica-fernando-alcoforado/?originalSubdomain=pt>.

* Fernando Alcoforado, awarded the medal of Engineering Merit of the CONFEA / CREA System, member of the Bahia Academy of Education, of the SBPC- Brazilian Society for the Progress of Science and of IPB- Polytechnic Institute of Bahia, engineer from the UFBA Polytechnic School and doctor in Territorial Planning and Regional Development from the University of Barcelona, college professor (Engineering, Economy and Administration) and consultant in the areas of strategic planning, business planning, regional planning, urban planning and energy systems, was Advisor to the Vice President of Engineering and Technology at LIGHT S.A. Electric power distribution company from Rio de Janeiro, Strategic Planning Coordinator of CEPED- Bahia Research and Development Center, Undersecretary of Energy of the State of Bahia, Secretary of Planning of Salvador, is the author of the books Globaliza??o (Editora Nobel, S?o Paulo, 1997), De Collor a FHC- O Brasil e a Nova (Des)ordem Mundial (Editora Nobel, S?o Paulo, 1998), Um Projeto para o Brasil (Editora Nobel, S?o Paulo, 2000), Os condicionantes do desenvolvimento do Estado da Bahia (Tese de doutorado. Universidade de Barcelona,https://www.tesisenred.net/handle/10803/1944, 2003), Globaliza??o e Desenvolvimento (Editora Nobel, S?o Paulo, 2006), Bahia- Desenvolvimento do Século XVI ao Século XX e Objetivos Estratégicos na Era Contemporanea (EGBA, Salvador, 2008), The Necessary Conditions of the Economic and Social Development- The Case of the State of Bahia (VDM Verlag Dr. Müller Aktiengesellschaft & Co. KG, Saarbrücken, Germany, 2010), Aquecimento Global e Catástrofe Planetária (Viena- Editora e Gráfica, Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo, S?o Paulo, 2010), Amaz?nia Sustentável- Para o progresso do Brasil e combate ao aquecimento global (Viena- Editora e Gráfica, Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo, S?o Paulo, 2011), Os Fatores Condicionantes do Desenvolvimento Econ?mico e Social (Editora CRV, Curitiba, 2012), Energia no Mundo e no Brasil- Energia e Mudan?a Climática Catastrófica no Século XXI (Editora CRV, Curitiba, 2015), As Grandes Revolu??es Científicas, Econ?micas e Sociais que Mudaram o Mundo (Editora CRV, Curitiba, 2016), A Inven??o de um novo Brasil (Editora CRV, Curitiba, 2017),? Esquerda x Direita e a sua convergência (Associa??o Baiana de Imprensa, Salvador, 2018), Como inventar o futuro para mudar o mundo (Editora CRV, Curitiba, 2019), A humanidade amea?ada e as estratégias para sua sobrevivência (Editora Dialética, S?o Paulo, 2021), A escalada da ciência e da tecnologia e sua contribui??o ao progresso e à sobrevivência da humanidade (Editora CRV, Curitiba, 2022), a chapter in the book Flood Handbook (CRC Press,? Boca Raton, Florida United States, 2022), How to protect human beings from threats to their existence and avoid the extinction of humanity (Generis Publishing, Europe, Republic of Moldova, Chi?in?u, 2023) and A revolu??o da educa??o necessária ao Brasil na era contemporanea (Editora CRV, Curitiba, 2023).?