Author Archives: Youry Khmelevsky

From Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to Intelligent Process Automation (IPA)

Sergii Baibara
Director of IBA Ukraine, part of IBA Group

From Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to Intelligent Process Automation (IPA)

Time & Date: 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 5th, 2023
Location: Room HS 102 and online in Zoom, Okanagan College, Kelowna, 1000 KLO Rd, Kelowna V1Y 4X8
Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/386898 

Abstract:

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate automation, the transition from Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) is critical nowadays. Integrating Machine Learning (ML) technologies and sophisticated Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) models reshape how financial institutions optimize their processes.

This presentation delves into Intelligent Process Automation, where traditional boundaries are surpassed, unlocking unprecedented possibilities. From the classification of tasks using ML algorithms to the revolutionary impact of GPT models, we explore each facet and unravel a narrative that underscores the transformative power of automation in the corporate sector.

During the talk, we will discuss the following topics:

  • The Shift from RPA to Intelligent Automation.
  • Classification Algorithms in Action — Illustrate how classification algorithms streamline corporate operations.
  • Information Extraction for Corporate Data — examine ML’s role in extracting data from unstructured corporate documents.
  • Signature Recognition for Enhanced Security — explore the role of ML in recognizing and authenticating signatures in various corporate documents.
  • Revolutionizing AI with GPT Models — uncover the latest advancements in Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) models, highlighting their impact on the corporate sector.
  • Delegating tasks to AI: Balancing Trust and Risk — emphasize the importance of understanding the cost of errors in each process.
  • Specialized Platforms for Corporate Automation — advocate for a balanced approach with a human-in-the-loop for continuous quality improvement.

Bio:

Sergii Baibara currently serves as the Director of IBA Ukraine, part of IBA Group, a position he has held since July 2012. IBA Group – 30 years in IT business, started as JV with IBM. He has 26 years of experience in the international IT software business, Including S&T AG and SAS Institute. Sergii has been developing RPA practices since 2016.

For further information, please get in touch with Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org
Pizza and Refreshments will be provided

IEEE Okanagan College Student Branch Annual General Meeting

Chair: Thais Santos Damasceno 
Vice Chair: Ashley Tumback
Tresure: Alexander Hopfner
Secretary: Alexander Ross

IEEE Okanagan College Student Branch Annual General Meeting
(supported by IEEE Okanagan Subsection)

Time & Date:  5 p.m., Wednesday, November 8th, 2023
Location: Room E 102, Okanagan College, Kelowna, 1000 KLO Rd, Kelowna V1Y 4X8 (Zoom: https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/65884995637?pwd=M2JqV25WMWNaYkJxK3kySGt3THplZz09)
Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/382340

Bios:

Thais Damasceno is a dynamic professional with 3+ years of work experience who is shifting from a legal career in Brazil to the world of technology in Canada. Following a year of legal practice, she relocated to Canada to enhance her English and discovered her passion for programming. Thais worked during a 9-month software developer internship at Willowglen Systems Inc, a pivotal experience that solidified her commitment to the industry. There, she worked mainly with JavaScript and C++. In Fall 2023, she embarked on her journey at Okanagan College, where she’s dedicated to advancing her technology expertise. This strives to bring innovative solutions to complex challenges, bridging her legal background with her technical knowledge.

Daniel Tumback has a background as a residential framer; however, his true passion is working on computers. After years of working in construction, he decided to go and get an undergraduate degree in computer information systems. He has a passion for building things, from assembling the components of a computer to building houses. He hopes to take that same passion into the computer science world and help build the future of computer components. He has a keen interest in the future of quantum computing and hopes to one day be on the front line of quantum development to truly help build the next generation of computing hardware.

Alexander Ross is a computer science enthusiast and aspiring professional. He is a 23-year-old Computer Science enthusiast with a strong foundation in programming and a dedication to innovation. His journey in the world of technology began at Okanagan College, where he is currently enrolled in the Computer Information Systems (CIS) program. As a third-year student, he has honed his skills in Java, C, C++, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, VB.NET, SQL, and SPARC while gaining expertise in Database Analysis and Design, micro-controllers, and circuitry design. In addition to his technical proficiency, he has had the opportunity to work in dynamic and high-stress environments. During his tenure at Kal Tire, he mastered adaptability and time management. Beyond his educational and work experiences, he is a quick learner with strong communication skills. He is excited about the possibilities and is eager to continue his journey in the world of technology.

For further information, please get in touch with Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org
Pizza and Refreshments will be provided

Quantum computing with superconducting qubits

Dr. Josh Mutus
Director of Quantum Materials at Rigetti Computing

Quantum computing with superconducting qubits

Time & Date:  5 p.m., Wednesday, December 6th, 2023
Location: Room E 309, Okanagan College, Kelowna, 1000 KLO Rd, Kelowna V1Y 4X8
Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/382333

Abstract:

What is a quantum computer, and what might it be useful for? I’ll describe how a quantum computer, based on superconducting qubits, works. I’ll also describe fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC), and the applications where a quantum computer might vastly outperform even the largest high-performance computing facility. What might such a “utility-scale” quantum computer look like, and how big would it be to solve problems intractable on today’s machines?

Bio:

Dr. Josh Mutus currently serves as the Director of Quantum Materials at Rigetti Computing, a position he has held since April 2021. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Alberta and an undergraduate degree from the University of Windsor. Before joining Rigetti Computing, Josh was a member of the Google Quantum Hardware group as a Senior Research Scientist, where he worked for over six years from 2014 to 2021. Before Google, he did post-doctoral work at UC Santa Barbara.

For further information, please get in touch with Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org
Pizza and Refreshments will be provided

Unleashing Potential: Harnessing Foundation Models (Large Language Models) in Business and Research

Fatemeh Hendijani Fard, PhD
Assistant Professor
Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science| Computer Science
The University of British Columbia

Unleashing Potential: Harnessing Foundation Models (Large Language Models) in Business and Research
(IEEE-Okanagan_Chapter-Oct24th-2023)

Time & Date:  5 p.m., Tuesday, October 24th, 2023
Location: Room EME 1121, UBC Okanagan, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna BC, V1V 1V7 Canada
Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/tego_/event/manage/378215

Abstract:

Leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) has marked a significant milestone in recent months, notably with the introduction of ChatGPT in early 2023. These models have demonstrated remarkable potential in addressing straightforward queries and tasks. However, to fully exploit their capabilities in handling routine inquiries, adept prompt engineering is essential. Furthermore, the adaptability of LLMs to novel tasks and domains is pivotal. It is crucial to recognize that each company or research field possesses unique requirements, necessitating tailored adaptations of LLMs. The specificity of these needs often hinges on domain-specific data, demanding meticulous consideration. How can these models be tailored to classify your data effectively? What strategies can be employed when dealing with a limited dataset? Complex scenarios, such as querying vast repositories of textual files stored in directories, underscore the challenges. These files encompass diverse modalities, formats, and structures, ranging from structured to entirely unstructured content.

In this research presentation, we will delve into an exploration of LLM capabilities and pinpoint the areas where they encounter limitations. Subsequently, we will elucidate various techniques for fine-tuning these models, especially in scenarios where data availability is constrained. By addressing these challenges, we aim to provide valuable insights into harnessing the full potential of LLMs, ensuring their optimal performance in diverse and data-intensive applications.

Bio:

Dr. Fatemeh Hendijani Fard is an Assistant Professor at The University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Canada, where she leads the Data Science and Software Engineering lab. Her research interests lie at the intersection of Natural Language Processing and Software Engineering, with a focus on code representation learning and transfer learning for low-resource languages, as well as mining software repositories. She collaborates closely with industry partners and has contributed her expertise as a program committee member and reviewer for esteemed journals and conferences, including IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering, ACM International Conference on the Foundations of Software Engineering, and IEEE/ACM International Conference on Automated Software Engineering. Dr. Fard is an IEEE Senior member, and she actively gives back to the community by mentoring females interested in Artificial Intelligence.

For further information, please contact Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe for the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org)
Pizza and Refreshments will be provided

Creating Accurate Predictions in the Stock Market

Emilio Sagre, Gustavo Dutra, Niha Siddikha Sachin, Steven Whang 
Data Analytics, Langara College

Creating Accurate Predictions in the Stock Market

Time & Date:  5 p.m., Wednesday, December 14th, 2022
Location: Room HS301 and via Zoom (see an email and registration information)
Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/337514

Abstract:

Creating accurate predictions in the stock market has always been a great challenge in finance. With the rise of machine learning as the next level in the forecasting area, this research compares four machine learning models and their accuracy for forecasting three well-known stocks traded in the NYSE in the short term over the period from March 2020 to May 2022. We deploy, develop, and hypertune XGBoost, Random Forest, Multi-layer Perceptron, and Support Vector Regression models and report the models that produce the highest accuracies from our evaluation metrics: RMSE, MAPE, and MPE.

Speakers Bio:

  • Emilio Sagre is a licensed Civil Engineer in the Philippines. He is a student at Langara College finishing his Post-Degree Diploma (PDD) in Data Analytics. His passion for machine learning and its practical applications led him to enter this field.
  • Gustavo Dutra has a Bachelor of Engineering and works in the Tech Industry, helping companies improve their data management and operations. Being passionate about business data, he’s also finishing his PDD in Data Analytics at Langara College.
  • Niha Siddikha Sachin In the 5 years that Niha spent crunching numbers for the e-commerce and retail industries as a lead and a product analyst in a trillion-dollar and a Fortune 500 company, respectively, she has solved problems for various categories, created reports to track PnL and maintained servers for the banking and finance domain. Having a Bachelor of Engineering degree in IT, she became interested in data interpretation and manipulation, where data alter the perception and when the perception alters output. Niha is currently finishing her PDD in Data Analytics at Langara college.
  • Steven Whang has a Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Economics. He is finishing a PDD in Data Analytics at Langara College. He aspires to be working in the data science field in the future.

For further information, please contact: Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe for the news at https://listserv.ieee.org/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=okanagan&A=1)
Pizza and Refreshments will be provided

An approach towards generating k-leaf powers for phylogenetic tree construction

Evan MacKinnon
Computer Science Department
Okanagan College

and

Dakota Joiner
Computer Science Department
Okanagan College

An approach towards generating k-leaf powers for phylogenetic tree construction

Time & Date:  4 p.m., Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Location: Room E102 and via Zoom (see email and registration information), Computer Science Department, Okanagan College
Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/312801

Abstract:

Phylogeny is the evolutionary history of a species or group of organisms. Evolutionary trees can be analogized to graph trees, thus determination of these structures aids in inferring the evolutionary history of groups of organisms, extant and extinct. K-leaf power graphs enhance the ability of researchers to map paralogous and xenologous speciation events in what is a considerably difficult area to correctly predict past relationships.

Forbidden subgraph characterization is a method by which to characterize a graph class with a set of graphs that do not belong to that class. Identification of minimal forbidden induced
subgraphs is one method of characterizing the k-leaf powers of graph trees. A tree is a k-leaf power if, and only if, the leaves are connected by at most distance k. Structures for 2-leaf, 3-leaf, and 4-leaf powers are well understood, however, there does not exist a published list of forbidden subgraph leaf powers for values of k ≥ 4. In service of cladistics, k-leaf powers are frequently edited by adding or removing nodes and edges to the closest “proper” representation of a pairwise comparison of groups of organisms.

We demonstrate a deterministic, reductionist approach to generating 4-leaf, 5-leaf, and 6-leaf powers using Python, the graph library Networkx, and the Nauty suite of graph generation and labelling programs. The list of non-k-leaf powers in this range has not been proven finite, so this approach does not cover all possible structures should the list be infinite.

Speakers Bio:

  • Evan MacKinnon is currently studying computer science at Okanagan College and will receive his bachelor’s degree in June 2022.
  • Dakota Joiner graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Biochemistry from the University of British Columbia in 2014. He is currently studying computer science and data science at Okanagan College.

For further information please contact: Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe for the news at https://listserv.ieee.org/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=okanagan&A=1)
Pizza and Refreshments will be provided

Algorithmic Trading and Short-term Forecast for Financial Time Series with Machine Learning Models

Albert Wong, Ph.D.
Math Department, Langara College
IEEE Member
and

Youry Khmelevsky, Ph.D.
Computer Science Department
Okanagan College

Algorithmic Trading and Short-term Forecast for Financial Time Series with Machine Learning Models

Time & Date:  4 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Location: Room L318 (up to 16 peoples), Langara College, 100 West 49th Avenue, Vancouver B.C., Canada V5Y 2Z6 and Online (Via email and Registration below)
Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/309786

Abstract: A profitable algorithmic stock trading algorithm benefits from a forecasting system that can produce accurate short-term forecasts. Based on this premise, we proposed to build up our previous experience in building short-term forecasting models using machine learning models. The research project aims to develop effective algorithmic trading algorithms based on accurate short-term forecasts for financial time series using machine learning models. The project focuses on three research activities: (1) building a data warehouse containing the targeted financial time series and other time series considered valuable as input to the machine learning models. Data acquisition, processing, and staging routines that are required to feed the data warehouse dynamically are evaluated and developed. A data visualization and business intelligence layer is also built on top of the data warehouse; (2) a short-term forecasting model based on machine learning is developed using the various time-series data from the data warehouse. Machine learning algorithms such as neural network, random forecast, support vector regression, XGBoost, and long short-term memory (LSTM) are evaluated in conjunction with several performance criteria to identify the most accurate model from a short-term trading perspective; (3) an automated evaluation system is developing to assess the effectiveness of existing algorithmic short-term trading strategies. Novel algorithms are also developed and evaluated using the evaluation system and the short-term forecast machine learning model.

The current research project was motivated by 3 NSERC funded projects:

  • May 2021 – May 2023. NSERC CCI ARD2: Utilities, Smart metering, Data warehouse, Natural Language Processing, Speech-to-text. Industrial Client: Harris SmartWorks.
  • June 2020 – March 2021. A novel approach to COVID-19 Impact Analysis and Reporting for Utilities. Host institution: Langara College. Industrial Client: Harris SmartWorks.
  • 2016 – 2019. NSERC CCI ARD2 (477506-14): GPN-Perf2: Game private networks and game servers performance optimization. Industrial Client: WTFast.

Speakers Bio:

  • Albert Wong, Ph.D., teaches at the Post-degree Diploma Program in Data Analytics at Langara (the “DA Program”). Drawing on experience and skills developed over a long career in the field, Dr. Wong sets the technical direction for projects proposed within several applied research applications and liaise closely with the partners’ senior leadership teams to ensure that the projects align with each firm’s strategic and financial imperatives. Dr. Wong’s academic expertise includes sampling, multivariate statistical analysis, and ML. He has spent decades working and consulting with organizations of various sizes on the use of statistics, DA, and information technology to solve strategic and/or tactical problems.
  • Youry Khmelevsky received his Ph.D. degree in computer science. His current research interests include enterprise-wide DBMS systems, database warehousing; data mining; software engineering; cloud and high-performance computing; enterprise-wide information systems, no programming paradigm and blind computing. Dr. Khmelevsky had served as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University; was a Visiting Scientist in the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); was an Invited Researcher at Database Management and Machine Learning Department, Sorbonne University, Paris, France; held engineering and R&D positions in Industry in Europe and North America for about 15 years, including at Alberta Energy, Government of Alberta, Canada.

For further information please contact: Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe for the news at https://listserv.ieee.org/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=okanagan&A=1)
Refreshments will be provided

The need for a Corporate Endpoint Security System

Dennis Estacion, CET, CITP, MBA, CPA, CMA
Senior Endpoint Security Architect
IEEE Member

The need for a Corporate Endpoint Security System

Time & Date: Moved to 2022 (bad road conditions in BC).
Location: Room E207, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC (at Okanagan College) and Online (TBA via emails and vTools)
Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/294130

Abstract: Information security is to protect information from unauthorized use, disruption or destruction. There are three categories of control used to secure information: management, physical and operational security. Endpoint Security is the practice of securing endpoints or entry points of end-user devices, and falls under this operational security category, being one of the security topologies applied to a subset of systems like desktops, laptops or other mobile devices. The four common attack vectors of endpoint security are shadow IoT devices, BYOD/mobile devices, insider threat and insecure applications. Some consequences of endpoint security failure are theft and sale of the customer and member list to competitors, payroll data leaked to employees, private information of customers or employees leaked, and your data encrypted and held for ransom. Any of the resulting financial, regulatory and reputational impacts could undermine a company’s viability. Endpoint security is no longer optional for any size of the enterprise.

Speakers Bio:

Graduated: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, University of the Philippines
Graduated: MBA, Queen’s University

Current Designations: Certified Engineering Technologist (ASET); CITP (Certified I.T. Professional), American Institute of CPAs; Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) – granted this designation concurrently after the unification of Alberta accounting bodies in 2015; Certified Management Accountant (CMA), CMA Alberta

Information Technology Security Experience:

  •  Technical lead (research, architectural design, deployment and documentation) for the project to migrate Trend Micro OfficeScan XG to Apex One endpoint point security at Nova Scotia Power and CPA Alberta.
  • Currently working as Technical lead (business analysis, research, architectural design and deployment) for the Trend Micro Apex One security endpoint system upgrades in a large environment of 60,000 endpoints and assistant technical lead (business analysis, research, architectural design & deployment) for the Trend Micro Deep Security Management system. (Confidential Customer)
  • Managed McAfee EndPoint Security servers for Calgary Co-Op and Divestco customers, as well as supported McAfee endpoints for TELUS customers.
  • Technical lead for SCAP security compliance at CPA Alberta, deploying GPOs for remediation; as a baseline security review utilizing GPO Analyzer at Calfrac.
  • Technical lead (business analysis, research, architectural design, project management, deployment and documentation) for the Symantec High-Availability Server project at Western Financial.

For further information please contact: Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe for the news at https://listserv.ieee.org/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=okanagan&A=1)
Refreshments and Pizza will be provided

How technology megatrends affect the future of work

Clifford Smith
VP, CIO
Kal Tire
1540 Kalamalka Lk Rd
Vernon, BC, V1T 6V2

How technology megatrends affect the future of work

Time & Date: 5:00–6:00 pm, Thursday, November 25th, 2021
Location: Room E302 (E-Building), 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC (at Okanagan College)

Abstract: The world, our society and our lives are undergoing technology-fueled change at an ever-increasing pace. What implications do current technology megatrends hold for what you can expect in the workplace now and in the future? Cliff will discuss these megatrends and how they are fundamentally changing work and the business of Kal Tire.

Kal Tire is Canada’s largest independent tire dealer and one of North America’s largest commercial tire dealers and service providers with over 270 Kal Tire retail and commercial locations from coast to coast, 8 warehouse facilities and 10 retread manufacturing plants. In addition, Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group is the global leader in mining tire service and supply, servicing more than 150 mine sites across five continents.

Speakers Bio: Clifford Smith is currently a Vice President and the Chief Information Officer at Kal Tire. Clifford has worked in many different industries during his 30+ year career including telecommunications, banking, financial services, airlines and retail. As a career business technologist Clifford is passionate about the complex, ever-changing intersection of modern business and technology.

For further information please contact: Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org)
Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/290871
Refreshments and Pizza will be provided

Data Warehousing Workshop II (Part II)

                                       

Dr. Youry Khmelevsky and Keegan Pereira
SW Engineering and Database Research group
Computer Science Department
Okanagan College, Kelowna, BC, Canada

Data Warehousing Workshop II (Part II)

Time & Date: 8:00–11:00 am, Friday, October 29, 2021
Location: Online

Abstract:

This workshop was developed for the Computer Science students with Database Systems Option or with a similar specialization (BCIS program at OC: https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/bachelor-of-computer-information-systems-degree). It can be especially a subject of interest for the students involved in industrial applied research. This workshop can be useful for anybody interested in Data Warehousing and current trends in the industry with a minimal background in DBMS systems, especially if you are going to build your own data warehouse at your company or for learning purposes. The following materials will be used during the workshop: The Data Warehouse Toolkit: The Definitive Guide to Dimensional Modeling By: Ralph Kimball, Margy Ross (https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/the-data-warehouse/9781118530801/), Oracle® Database Data Warehousing Guide (https://docs.oracle.com/en/database/oracle/oracle-database/19/dwhsg/database-data-warehousing-guide.pdf) and some other additional sources.

In the Part II we continue discussion about Data Warehousing foundation and we are going to discuss specific Data Warehousing implementations from the “The Data Warehouse Toolkit: The Definitive Guide to Dimensional Modeling” book. We will have Q&A in the last hour.

Speakers Bio:

Youry Khmelevsky received his Ph.D. degree in computer science and MSc in Electrical Engineering. His current research interests include software engineering; cloud and high-performance computing; enterprise-wide information systems; no programming paradigm, blind computing; and interdisciplinary applied computer science research. Dr. Khmelevsky had served as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University; was a Visiting Scientist in the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); was an Invited Researcher at Database Management and Machine Learning Department, Sorbonne University, Paris, France; held engineering and R&D positions in Industry in Europe and North America for about 15 years, including at Alberta Energy, Government of Alberta, Canada.

Keegan Pereira is a student attending Okanagan College in his fourth year of the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems program. Taking an interest in databases, he has been pursuing it with a specialization on Database Systems.

For further information please contact: Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org)
Registration is opened now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/287607