Genetic Algorithm (GA) as Optimization Technique

Genetic Algorithm (GA) as Optimization Technique Preference learning (or preference elicitation) is a critical problem in many scientific fields, such as decision theory [1,2], economics [3,4], logistic [ref] and database [5]. When modeling user preference, researchers often model the preferences as a solution to an optimization problem which maximizes some utility function. In reality, however, we are not a-priori given a utility but have only access to a finite historical user choice data. Therefore, the passive preference learning problem, that is, how to learn user preferences using her historical choice data, has gained a lot of attention in recent years. When dealing with preference learning, it is often assumed that user preference over the values of each attribute is independent of the values of other attributes. However, this assumption is not a sound in many world scenarios. For example, as it is shown in Fig. 1 for cloth shopping problem, one might choose the color of her shoes depending on the color of dress she will buy, i.e. her preference over shoes color is conditioned by the available dresses. More formally, we say the preferences induced by the users behavior are intrinsically related to textit{conditional preferential independence}, a key notion in multi-attribute decision theory[20]. Conditional preference networks (CP-nets) have been proposed for such problems [4] and have received a great deal of attention due to the compact and natural representation of ordinal preferences in multi-attribute domains [8-12, 17-19,22]. Briefly, a CP-net, fig. 1, is a digraph, whose nodes correspond to alternative attributes and edges correspond to the dependency between nodes and each node is annotated with a conditional preference table which describe the preferences over that particular attribute (chapter 3). It is sometimes claimed that CP-nets are `easy to elicit [16]. That is, we first explain CP-nets to the user, and then ask her to write down the CP-net that best describes her decision-making process [18,30]. However, it has been shown that when facing the choices, people often act differently from what they described previously as their preferences [39,40,97,103]. As an example, Kamishima and Akaho [53] point out that when customers were asked to rank ten sushi items and then later to assign rating scores to the same items, in 68% of the cases, the ordering implied by the ratings did not agree with the ranking elicited directly only minutes before. Based on these experiments, several CP-net learning algorithms have been developed depend on the users choice data. Some algorithms work on the historical choice data [23,64], a process known as passive learning. Others actively offer solutions in an attempt to learn the users preferences as they choose [23,29,47,58].   The work of this paper falls into the category of passive learning, in which the learner uses the recorded users choices and then fits a CP-net model to the observed data. Formally, we collect the set of samples $S = {o_i succ o_i}$, where   $o_i succ o_i$ means that the user strictly prefers outcome $o_i$ over outcome $o_i$ and then find a model $N$ that can best describe $S$. Such set of samples may be gathered, for instance, by observing online users choices. Table1 shows the number of binary CP-nets up to 7 nodes, i.e. each outcome consists of 7 attributes [A250110]. From the values, it is evident that, even for a small number of attributes, finding the best CP-net is not a trivial task due to the huge size of the search space. textbf{inja np-completo begoo.} To the best of our knowledge, there is no existing approach that can perform well on problem with more than 7 attributes hence they are not practical when facing real world problems, in which the alternatives usually consist of tens or even hundreds of attributes. Another problem that rises when learning preferences from human subjects is the possibility of noise or comparison data that are ultimately inconsistent in the chose data-set $S$. While noise is results of the observation of the users behavior,   inconsistency is the result of randomicity of the users behaviors; that   is, the transitive closure of data-set may result in a cycle in which some outcome $o$ is seen to be preferred to itself. The objective of most CP-net learning techniques is to learn (i.e. rebuild) a CP-net that can describe the whole data-set[ref]. However, since the $S$ is not usually clean,   there is no possibility of finding such a CP-net, that is consistent with every example in $S$. This fact motivated us to frame the CP-net learning problem as an optimization problem that is, to identify a model that maximizes some objective function, $f$, with respect to choice data-set. In this work, we utilized the power of Genetic Algorithm (GA) as an optimization technique. GA is an optimization algorithm inspired from the mechanism of natural selection and natural genetics, which can work without any a-priori knowledge about the problem domain and have received a growing interest in solving the complex combinatorial optimization problems especially for their scalability as compared with the deterministic algorithms [1]. In this work, we investigate the feasibility of implementing the GA to solve the passive CP-net learning problem.

Light and Dark in Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness Essays -- Heart Da

Light and Dark in Heart of Darkness   Ã‚   Every story has a plot, but not every story has a deeper meaning. When viewed superficially, Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness is a tragic tale of the white man's journey into the African jungle. When we peel away the layers, however, a different journey is revealed - we venture into the soul of man, complete with the warts as well as the wonderful. Conrad uses this theme of light and darkness to contrast the civilized European world with the savage African world in Heart of Darkness.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     In Heart of Darkness, Conrad uses light and dark to symbolize good and evil, respectively. "It is whiteness that is truly sinister and evil, for it symbolizes the immoral scramble for loot by the unscrupulous and unfeeling Belgian traders in ivory and human flesh; the whiteness of ivory is also contrasted with the blackness of the natives whose lives must be destroyed for its sake" (Gillon 25).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Two central themes occur in Conrad's Heart of Darkness. The first is the struggle between the white people and the native tribes, which plays in... ...ok and also provides its title. In Heart of Darkness, there is a real contrast between what is light and what is dark. These contrasts work within a reality of civilized and savage. It appears that light represents the civilized, and dark represents the uncivilized, but truly, white is evil, and the dark is innocent and virtuous. Works Cited Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. Middlesex, England: Penguin Publishers, 1983. Gillon, Adam. (1982). Joseph Conrad. Twayne's English Author Series: Number 333. Kinley E. Roby, ed. Boston: Twayne.  

Alliance Nissan & Renault Essay

Founded in 1999, the Renault-Nissan Alliance has become the longest-lasting cross-cultural combination among major carmakers. This unique partnership is a pragmatic, flexible business tool that can expand to accommodate new projects and partners worldwide. In the past half-decade, the Alliance has emerged as a buffer to protect partners during regional downturns, and it has accelerated Renault and Nissan’s momentum in some of the world’s fastest growing economies. Renault holds a 43.4% stake in Nissan. Nissan holds a 15% stake in Renault. The cross-shareholding model ensures that both partners have a mutual selfinterest and encourages each to pursue â€Å"win-win† strategies that benefit both. Formed on March 28, 2002, Renault-Nissan BV is a company incorporated under Dutch law and equally owned by Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., responsible for the strategic management of the Alliance. The Alliance has helped Renault and Nissan outperform historic regional rivals, elevating both companies into an elite tier. Together, Renault and Nissan rank in the top three car groups globally.  Based on cross-shareholding and mutual self-interest, the Alliance business platform maximizes synergies without destroying brand identity. In order to achieve competitive economies of scale, many automakers are embarking on collaborations similar to the groundbreaking partnership that Renault and Nissan established 13 years ago.

Center850009088120 Essays - Family Law, Social Programs, Government

Center850009088120 Essays - Family Law, Social Programs, Government center850009088120 1000000 Task 1 - Awards Review Job: Legal Services - Clerical and Admin Condition Award Response Wages There are numerous levels which indicate the weekly wage of a Legal clerical and administrative employee. The weekly wages for an entry level employee (level 1) are; Level 1 = $733.00 Allowances (entry level employee) Meal allowance Uniform allowance Vehicle allowance T ransport of employees-overtime Living away from home allowance Protective clothing Adjustment of expense related allowances District allowances Ordinary Hours of Work Day workers/continuous workers/non-continuous workers: 38 hrs per week (Mon-Fri), however cannot exceed 152 hrs in 28 days Overtime Applies to any work done outside of ordinary hours (38hrs) on any day or shift, or in excess of 38hrs per week. Overtime Rate: -time and a half (first 3hrs) -double time (time after) Summary of a dditional Overtime Rates : Payment for working Saturdays and Sundays - double time for Sat (after 12pm) and Sun (all day) Payment for public holiday work - double time and a half for min. of 3hrs Meal breaks Each day employees are given a meal break of not less than 30 minutes , however no more tha n 60 minutes. This meal break may be taken no later than 5hrs after commencing work and after resumption of work from a previous meal break. Annual leave Prior to commencing a period of annual leave, employees are paid a sum equal to the wages they would have received from the ordinary time the employee would have worked, had the employee not been on leave. The e mployer can allow an employee to take annual leave before the leave has accrued E mployer may require an employee to take annu al leave by giving at least 4 wks notice in the following circumstances: - as part of a close-down of its operations, or part of its operations, where the request is reasonable; or - where more than 8 wks leave is accrued Sick leave An employee (except casual employee) is entitled to paid sick leave when they are unable to work because of a personal illness or injury. This can also include stress and pregnancy related illnesses. Employees may be required to give notice or evidence to be eligible for paid sick leave Full-time employees receive 10 days each year for paid sick leave Maternity leave (Parental leave) Maternity/Parental leave can be taken by employees when an employee gives birth, an employee's partner gives birth, or an employee adopts a child (16yrs and under). Entitlements include; -maternity leave -paternity and partner leave -adoption leave -special maternity leave -a safe job and no safe job leave -a right to return to old job Employees are entitled to 12 months of unpaid leave, they can also request an additional 12 months of leave if necessary Task 2 - Living Away from Home Budget (A) Overview of Excel Calculations: Figures Justification: Income Net Income: In order to calculate the net income, the gross income must first be calculated. Note: refer to Task 1 to see the weekly pay Gross income (fortnightly) = weekly pay x 2 = 733 x 2 = $1466 per fortnight 0302260 15382881824355 https://www.ato.gov.au/Calculators-and-tools/Tax-withheld-calculator/TWC-results.aspx Using the Tax Withheld Calculator' t he Net Income (Pay) per a fortnight was calculated to be $1286, when the Gross Income equals $1466. Expenses Note: some of the following expenses are divided by 3 as the costs are equally shared amongst the 3 people Rent: 324612015030450 https://www.realestate.com.au/neighbourhoods/coorparoo-4151-qld Using the average weekly cost from realestate.com for a 3-bedroom unit allowed the for tnightly rent to be calculated and divided amongst the three people. Calculation s : Fortnightly cost = Average weekly rent x 2 3 = 480 x 2 3 = 960 3 = $320 per fortnight 1 person Electricity: 998738518259 Using the average cost of an annual electricity bill in Australia from Bill Republic,' the for tnightly cost can be calculated and divided amongst the three people. Calculation s : Total Fortnigh t ly cost = yearly cost 26 = 1690 26 = $65 total per fortnight Fortnightly cost per person = total fortnightly cost 3 = 65 3 = $21.67 per fortnight (1 person) Water and Sewerage: -66261233004 urbanutilities.com.au/residential/accounts-and-billing/how-your-bill-is-calculated Using the total calculated from Urban Utilities'

America and the Cold War essays

America and the Cold War essays Americans have always wanted the "best" of things. Brand new cars, big houses, and flashy clothes have historically been an American way of life. Even in the face of extreme hardships, Americans being Americans, go to extreme measures to preserve their way of life. Of course, we Americans have our liberties, our freedom, and our democracy, but other Nations do as well, but our version of democracy has a certain allure to it. Rock and Roll, Hollywood, and muscle cars were not discovered by the French. That being said, with this "American" state of mind comes with a strong sense of paranoia that someone is going to take all these things away from you. In a post war America, paranoia was the new enemy. After suffering through the Great Depression, and winning the biggest war the world has ever seen, you would think we would have been caring free and relax. Not the case at all, Americans were first concerned about entering into another Depression with the return of millions of out of wor k soldiers. The economy boomed when our soldiers came back, and people had savings that they earned during the war and went shopping. So a quick summary of events in the United States, we enter a depression, come out of a depression and go to war, win the war, have the atomic bomb, and the economy is starting to boom. Life is good, but wait for a second, what about that communist? Thus begins a forty-five-year struggle of political ideals, Capitalism versus Communism, between two Nations, the United States versus the Soviet Union. This struggle is known as the Cold War. In 1945, the "Big Three" (Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin) met in the Yalta conference to discuss post war diplomacy and peace. One major issue between Roosevelt and Stalin was the state of Eastern Europe. To Stalin controlling Eastern Europe was important for Russia's national security. Roosevelt agreed that Poland and other Eastern European countries would fall under the Soviet "sphere...

'English Criminal law fails to deal with the drug supplier whose Essay

'English Criminal law fails to deal with the drug supplier whose client dies after voluntarily self-injecting or ingesting in a consistent and principled manner Discuss - Essay Example This is a question English criminal law seems to provide us with inconsistent answers. In some cases such as R v. Kennedy2this has been considered as unlawful act manslaughter, while in other cases, such as R v. Evans3this hasbeen considered as gross negligence manslaughter. It is however rare to have drug supplier charged with murder. According to Mitchel4, it is not possible to charge a drug supplier with murder because their actions do have the mensrea(guilty mind) needed to prove murder. The English criminal law are however clear on that the supply of drugs is unlawful act. The unlawfulness of supplying drugs is specified in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 specifies that it is an offence to be in possession of controlled drugs5; to have the controlled drugs with intention to supply it6; supplying unlawful drug7; and allowing your premise to be used for supplying drugs.8 Therefore, if someone dies from the drug supplier’s unlawful act of supplying drug, the drug supplier should be charged with unlawful act manslaughter. The criminal law on unlawful manslaughter or constructive manslaughter, requires sufficient prove of unintentionallinkbetween the supplier’s act and the death of the client for the supplier to be held liable9. Therefore, for the supplier to be held liable of manslaughter, it must be proved that the death of the drug user is attributed to the actions of the supplier10. The court needs to determine that were it not for the drug supplier’s act, the deceased could not have died (factual causation). Further to that, the court needs to prove that the act of the supplier was sufficiently significant in the death of the user(legal causation).English courts have failed to apply the principle of causation in a consistent and principled manner in most cases involving involuntary manslaughter11. It seems that, at

The Developing Child Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

The Developing Child - Essay Example An understanding of a child’s development is significant since it gives an insight into the cognitive, bodily, emotional, social, and educative development that a child undergoes. The major theories attempt to describe every aspect of development using models. The theory shares a school of thought that children are born with a hereditary aptitude to learn any human language. He further maintains that particular linguistic configurations, which children use so perfectly, are already embossed on the child’s intellect (Socha, 2010). Child A understands the use of different objects that he is familiar with. He even uses sound effects for his car during their play with Child B, mainly because he understood the particular configuration of a car including the sound it makes when in motion. It was evident that Child A went ahead to add two big pieces to his model and alerted Child B about his new model, the airplane. Clearly, Child A is so accurate in his design and uses previous experience to affirm his involvement. Secondly, Chomsky’s theory explains that there exists a language acquisition device or LAD in every child’s brain, which is responsible for encoding the major principles of a language, and its grammatical structures. Every child uses LAD to form simple sentences during a conversation (Saxton, 2014). In the context, it is evident that Child A can use simple sentences when speaking, and does use link words in his sentences. The ability to use simple sentences confirms that the child is already aware of the basic sentence construction, and therefore, uses it to instruct Child B to run away from the monsters. This confirms the child’s grammatical understanding. Thirdly, Chomsky informs that a child doesn’t probably learn a language through mimic only, because the language that people around them speak is extremely lopsided.